Senate Republicans Push to Strengthen Illinois’ Nuclear Energy Future

SPRINGFIELD – Concerns are being raised by Senate Republican lawmakers about the stability of Illinois’ power supply and the urgent need to boost energy generation.

At a Capitol press conference on April 3, State Senators Sue Rezin, Sally Turner, and Terri Bryant highlighted the challenges facing the state’s power grid and the role that new nuclear developments should play in strengthening supply and keeping costs down for families and businesses.

The lawmakers pointed to Senate Bill 1527, which repeals the state’s moratorium on building new nuclear reactors, as a key step toward meeting Illinois’ future energy needs. Lifting the moratorium would allow the state to explore advanced, next-generation nuclear technology that can deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy — helping ensure that Illinois families aren’t left paying more for less.

They also highlighted Senate Bill 94, which would ensure that data centers owned by foreign adversaries do not put additional strain on Illinois’ already overburdened power grid. The legislation would require such centers to provide their own source of energy. With increasing energy demands from data centers, AI-driven technology, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing, the Senators stressed that Illinois must take proactive steps to protect energy reliability and affordability — while supporting job creation and economic growth here at home.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says the General Assembly should act swiftly on these bills to address Illinois’ growing energy needs and ensure the state remains a leader in nuclear innovation.

Senate Republicans Sponsor Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking  

Senate Republicans are working to close loopholes and strengthen Illinois law to ensure that traffickers and those who exploit others — especially children — face real consequences.

Senate Bill 267 would require individuals who force others into sex work or exploit them for pornography to register as sex offenders.

Under current law, those who traffic children or coerce adults into sex work are not automatically required to register. Senate Bill 267 closes that loophole and ensures the people behind the scenes — the traffickers and facilitators — are held fully accountable for their actions and prevented from reoffending.

Sen. Tracy says lawmakers must do more to close legal gaps and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, especially children.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness and promote efforts to keep children safe. This year’s theme, Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention, emphasizes the importance of supporting families and communities to stop abuse before it happens.

Sen. Tracy says strong communities are essential to protecting children by ensuring families have access to vital resources like counseling, mental health services, and family advocacy programs.

Throughout April, awareness events will take place across Illinois, including press conferences, pinwheel plantings, and art exhibits featuring work by children in care.