Governor Pritzker Announces Intent to Seek Third Term
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker announced June 26 that he intends to run for a third term in office. Illinois does not place term limits on Governors, and Pritzker will be the first to pursue a third term since the 1980s.
First elected in 2018, Pritzker has served as Governor since 2019. Since that time, state spending has increased by nearly $15 billion, marking an approximate 40 percent rise over six years.
Under Gov. Pritzker’s watch, Illinois currently has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, one of the highest rates of unemployment in the Midwest, and he has directed billions of dollars in funding for illegal immigrants.
Controversial Prisoner Review Board Legislation Signed into Law
State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says she and her Senate Republican colleagues are pushing back against newly signed legislation that they say weakens oversight of the Prisoner Review Board (PRB) and puts public safety at risk.
Senate Bill 19, signed recently by Gov. Pritzker, makes sweeping changes to the PRB, including extending member terms from six to eight years. Republicans warn this move shields gubernatorial appointees from accountability at a time when the PRB should be facing more thorough vetting.
The PRB is responsible for determining whether specific individuals, often found guilty of serious offenses, should be granted release. During Gov. Pritzker’s Administration, the PRB approved a significantly higher number of releases compared to previous Governors, including several notable cases involving convicted murderers.
Just last year, a parolee released by the PRB stabbed his ex-girlfriend and killed an 11-year-old boy less than 24 hours after his release, an incident that sparked outrage from Republican lawmakers who had repeatedly tried to warn about issues with the PRB.
Sen. Tracy says Senate Bill 19 makes it more difficult for the PRB to keep violent criminals off the streets and shields PRB members from being held accountable by the Senate.
The law takes effect immediately.
IDNR, Fire Marshal Urge Fireworks Safety Ahead of July 4th
With the Fourth of July fast approaching, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the State Fire Marshal’s office are reminding Illinoisans to prioritize fireworks safety and follow state regulations.
Licensed professionals are the only ones authorized to handle display fireworks under the Illinois Explosives Act. The IDNR oversees licensing and storage certification for these explosives, while the Office of the State Fire Marshal regulates approved consumer fireworks that are only allowed in communities that permit them by ordinance.
Officials stressed the dangers associated with fireworks, citing 156 injuries and one death during the most recent reporting period. Mortars, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and sparklers accounted for most injuries.
Residents are encouraged to attend licensed public displays rather than attempt their own.
For emergencies or to report violations, contact IDNR at 217-782-9976 or OSFM at 217-785-0969.
