In this issue:
- Thank you for remembering those in need
- Discussing education and energy
- New laws in 2025
- Talking economic development and local government
Thank you for remembering those in need
Over the past few weeks my office has been collecting donations of food, as well as winter hats and gloves for those in need in our area. Once again, the people of the 106th district came through for our neighbors.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our food and clothing drive! We are very thankful for the generosity of our constituents!
Discussing education and energy
I met with my Education Advisory Committee last week. We discussed many concerns and issues which school districts are facing such as staffing, Vision2030, and transfer limits.
During the meeting I was able to present Superintendent Paula Crane of Prairie Central CUSD #8 Upper Elementary with the award for their Exemplary Rating on the School Report Card. I am also very proud of Coal City Elementary School, Coal City Intermediate School, Cissna Park Junior High School, GCMS High School and Tri-Point Junior High on earning the Exemplary rating as well!
My Energy Advisory Committee was able to get together both in person and via zoom to discuss projects and expansions, artificial intelligence, the bill package to reform the Clean Energy and Jobs Act (CEJA), and legislative ideas. It’s always great to meet with this group!
Thank you to Eastern Illini Electric Co-op, Incobrasa Industries, Nicor Gas, Constellation, Ameren Illinois, Heritage FS, Inc., Enbridge Gas, and CPV Three Rivers for your participation!
I want to thank these folks again for taking the time out of their busy schedules to meet with me and be open about these issues.
New laws in 2025
Almost 300 new laws will take effect on January 1. Here are a couple of important changes that will occur with the arrival of the new year.
A new law will mean Illinois motorists will have to make fewer trips to the driver services facility in the future, as drivers licenses will be eligible for renewal every eight years, rather than four. The new law takes effect January 1, and the Secretary of State will then have two years to implement the change, meaning the first eight-year licenses can be issued in 2027. Those who have safe driving records will now have the option of waiting up to eight years before renewing their license. Not only will this mean fewer trips to the driver’s license office and less waiting in line for license renewals, but it will also mean that those who need to visit the office for other purposes will find it less crowded and will be less likely to have to wait for services.
Illinoisans who work outside the traditional 9-to-5 work day could find it easier to access child care during the work hours thanks to another new law taking effect on January 1. The new law allows a day care center to operate around the clock, providing care for a child for up to 12 consecutive hours if the child’s parent has regularly scheduled shifts at work. The new law will make it easier for parents to find care for their kids during their work hours and will reduce the chance of someone having to quit a job simply because their work hours don’t conform to traditional day care schedules.
I was proud to support both of these new laws.
Talking economic development and local government
I met with my Economic Development Advisory Committee this week and WOW what a turnout! We spoke on topics such as new businesses and jobs being created around the district, current projects, grants, JRB Tours Around the District, and legislative discussion. We are excited for the opportunity of growth in our district!
I met with my local officials group this week as well. We covered a lot of information in two short hours. Local control of wind and solar, transportation, child care, struggles with the Safe-T Act, grants and property tax levies were all discussed. This group gave me a lot to work on and educate others on in Springfield.
Thank you all again for meeting with me!
Our current bill backlog
When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state’s checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $2,305,889,386. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $1.8 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state’s pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.
Wishing you a happy holiday season and a great 2025!
I hope that everyone has a very happy holiday season with friends and family, and a great new year. However you celebrate, I wish you a safe and joyous season.
I’m excited about getting started on another year in Springfield as your state representative, and I look forward to hearing from you if there is any way I can be of help.
Illinois headlines
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Most of the nation’s horseradish is grown in southwest Illinois. What makes area special?