In a letter to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Wednesday, State Senator Jil Tracy called on the Governor to take immediate action to ease skyrocketing utility costs that are devastating families and small businesses across downstate Illinois.

In the letter, Senator Tracy highlighted the urgent need for relief, as residents throughout her district report power bills that have doubled or even tripled in recent months.

“Families in my district are being forced to make impossible choices just to keep the lights on,” Tracy said. “Energy affordability is the single biggest concern I hear from constituents, and the State must act quickly to bring meaningful relief.”

Earlier this year, Senator Tracy introduced Senate Bills 1234, 1235, and 1236, measures designed to provide cost savings and ease some of the most harmful provisions of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Her office also collected more than 600 petition signatures from residents demanding immediate assistance.

Additionally, Senator Tracy is a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 2687, the Home Utility Relief Act, which would establish a rebate program through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The program would target families whose incomes fall between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines—households often ineligible for traditional programs but still burdened by soaring utility bills.

“As Chicago lawmakers focus on priorities like the transit system, downstate legislators are demanding the same recognition for our residents’ struggles with unaffordable energy costs,” Tracy said. “We need Governor Pritzker’s partnership to deliver both immediate and long-term relief.”

Senator Tracy is urging the Governor to prioritize energy affordability during the upcoming Veto Session, emphasizing that the issue is vital for the well-being of working families and the survival of small businesses across downstate Illinois.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar confirmed that their office received Senator Tracy’s letter.