Senate Republicans Urge Governor Pritzker to Protect Care for Vulnerable Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate Republican Caucus is calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to protect critical funding that provides care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Illinois.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says Republican Senators sent a letter to the Governor, urging him to fully restore a proposed $32 million cut to Direct Support Professional (DSP) service hours in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), where nearly 10,000 Illinois residents with IDD receive care.

“There will be lean years and there will be tight years, but every year – the state budget is a list of priorities. It is our duty as legislators to represent not just our constituents but all vulnerable Illinoisans who need our state’s help and protection,” the letter reads. “The IDD community has been pushed aside for far too long. This year, you have the chance to prioritize them and make promised investments that help bring dignity and quality of life to these valued and vulnerable citizens.”

While the Governor’s proposed budget includes a 50-cent wage increase for DSPs, the Senate Republicans point out that the impact is undercut by the planned reduction of 900,000 service hours — the impact of which could eliminate an estimated 430 positions and result in a net loss of $32 million to the community-based care system.

The letter also highlights that thousands of Illinois residents remain on the state’s PUNS waiting list for services, and many more are living with aging caregivers who fear for their loved ones’ future. Additionally, they argue that the proposed cuts would disproportionately impact downstate and rural areas, which already struggle to meet staffing needs and lack nearby facilities.

Senate Republicans say the proposed rollback threatens the state’s progress toward meeting federal requirements under the Ligas Decree and increases the risk of institutionalization for individuals with disabilities — a path many families have worked for decades to avoid.

The Senate Republican Caucus is urging the Governor to restore the full $32 million in service hours and recommit to building a fair, inclusive, and compassionate system of care for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Governor Pritzker’s Budget Crisis Sparks Last-Minute Tax Hike Talks

With just one week left until the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn, state Democrat leaders are scrambling to fix a budget shortfall caused by years of unchecked spending.

Since Gov. Pritzker took office, the state budget will have grown by nearly 40 percent, and now, with a major deficit looming, Democrats are reviewing a menu of more than $6 billion in possible new tax hikes.

Proposals reportedly include new taxes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and an increase in the estate tax/death tax. Meanwhile, Illinois families are already struggling with the nation’s highest overall tax burden.

Instead of cutting waste or making responsible choices, Democrats continue to prioritize expensive spending, including free healthcare for undocumented immigrants, and expect taxpayers to foot the bill.

Senate Republicans are standing firm, calling for fiscal responsibility and opposing efforts to make life even harder for working families and small businesses.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance at Capitol

Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus gathered at the Illinois State Capitol May 22 to unveil the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance, a tribute to the brave men and women from Illinois who gave their lives in service to their nation.

Located in the South Hall of the Capitol Rotunda, the digital Wall of Remembrance features a continuously looping display of photos and stories of fallen service members from across Illinois. It will remain on display for public viewing through Friday, June 6.

Since 2015, the Senate Republican Caucus has proudly hosted the Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance to ensure that the stories of Illinois’ fallen heroes are honored and remembered. The display is open to the public during normal Capitol hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The public is also invited to leave a personal message of thanks at the Wall of Remembrance inside the Capitol. Together, these gestures ensure that Illinois’ fallen heroes are remembered with the dignity and gratitude they deserve.

Legislation to Support Young Farmers Passes General Assembly

Legislation to help support the next generation of Illinois farmers has now officially passed out of the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 2372 establishes the Farmland Transition Commission, a new body within the Illinois Department of Agriculture tasked with studying and addressing the challenges faced by individuals aged 25 to 40 who are seeking to purchase or access farmland. The Commission will meet quarterly and submit annual policy recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly through 2031.

The Farmland Transition Commission will be made up of agricultural leaders, policymakers, and young farmers from across the state. The group will evaluate current programs and incentives and provide recommendations to improve land access, ease generational farm transfers, and support long-term success for new and aspiring farmers.

Senate Bill 2372 passed both chambers with unanimous support and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

Legislation to End Discriminatory Driving Requirements

Legislation that ends a discriminatory driving test requirement for older Illinois drivers passed with unanimous support in the Senate during the week.

House Bill 1226 will eliminate the automatic behind-the-wheel driving test rule for drivers aged 79-87 in Illinois. Currently, drivers aged 79 and 80 must take a driving test whenever their four-year license is due for renewal. For drivers aged 81-86, they must retake the driving test every two years, and after the age of 87, driving tests are required annually.

The new measure would bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with senior driving regulations in other states. It includes the following provisions:

• Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
• Drivers between the ages of 81-86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years and would have to take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
• Rules for drivers aged 87 and older would remain the same, with a behind-the-wheel driving test and vision test required annually.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Senate Republicans Pass Law to Strengthen Public Health and Protect Families

Senate Republicans passed the TICK Act to address the rise of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) — a potentially life-threatening allergy caused by tick bites.

Alpha-gal syndrome can cause life-threatening reactions to red meat and other animal products. Despite its growing presence in Illinois, the condition remains underdiagnosed, with many physicians unfamiliar with the symptoms. In 2024 alone, more than 250 cases were reported across the state, yet no official guidance exists on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.

House Bill 1754 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to begin tracking AGS cases, train healthcare providers, and launch a statewide public awareness campaign.

The measure passed with bipartisan support and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.