Republicans Spotlight Illinois’ Struggles as Democrats Convene in Chicago

SPRINGFIELD – In the coming days, Democrats from across the nation will gather in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, an event that has drawn on local, state, and federal taxpayer resources to host and safeguard the thousands expected to flock to Illinois’ largest city.

As Democrats prepare to tout what they have “delivered” in Illinois, members of the Senate Republican Caucus held a Zoom press conference Aug. 16, to scrutinize the real impact of Democratic policies on the state.

As the cost of living continues to soar, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities such as groceries, childcare, and daily essentials. State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) pointed out that despite these challenges, the Pritzker Administration has raised taxes by $1 billion to fund $1 billion in spending on programs for non-citizens.

During the press conference, lawmakers highlighted Illinois’ reputation as one of the least tax-friendly states in the country. They expressed frustration that as families struggle to make ends meet, they face higher taxes rather than relief, making Illinois an increasingly difficult place to live and work. They also noted that Illinois now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation, yet state leadership continues to impose job-killing taxes, further compounding financial hardships.

Public safety was another major concern raised by legislators. Since 2019, major crimes in Chicago have surged nearly 60%, with an 18% increase in the past year alone. Legislators criticized Gov. JB Pritzker’s “catch and release” policies, which they say have led to the release of dangerous offenders, putting communities at risk.

Sen. Tracy also expressed disappointment over the recent decision not to extend the Invest in Kids scholarship program. This program provided thousands of students from low-income families with opportunities to attend schools that better meet their educational needs. The decision to end it, they argued, has left many families scrambling to find alternatives as the new school year begins.

Legislators called for a reevaluation of state priorities, urging the Pritzker Administration to focus on the needs of Illinois residents rather than on policies they believe are failing to address the state’s pressing issues.

New Law Provides Flexible Daycare Scheduling Options to Working Families

A new law sponsored by Sen. Tracy is providing increased flexibility for working parents by expanding daycare scheduling options for shift employees.

Senate Bill 3207 authorizes daycare centers to operate 24 hours a day and allows care for children for up to 12 hours if the parent works in a position requiring regularly scheduled shifts. A 10-hour break must occur between daycare visits.

This initiative was inspired by the need for a more adaptable childcare system to support shift workers. The law is not intended for children to be in daycare for 24 hours straight but rather to offer essential flexibility for caregivers and the working parents they serve.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is tasked with adopting the necessary rules to implement and administer this new system. The bill received unanimous support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Sami’s Law Signed by Governor

Individuals with severe disabilities and their caregivers will soon benefit from improved accessibility across the state, thanks to newly signed legislation.

Senate Bill 1089, also known as Sami’s Law, requires the installation of at least one publicly accessible adult changing station in the State Capitol building and all state rest stops.

This law, inspired by the needs of a 26-year-old woman with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is part of a growing movement to enhance accessibility for individuals with severe disabilities, with five states having already passed similar legislation and twelve more states considering related bills. The goal of Sami’s Law is to provide individuals with disabilities and their caregivers the means to participate more fully in public life and enjoy greater dignity and comfort in their daily experiences.

Sami’s Law passed unanimously in both chambers of the General Assembly and was signed into law on Aug. 9.

Pesticide Notification Legislation Signed into Law

A new law will now require government entities to notify residents when spraying pesticides near their homes. This legislation aims to help families plan and take necessary precautions, such as keeping children indoors or covering outdoor items like plants and pools, when pesticides are applied in their vicinity.

Senate Bill 3342 mandates that government applicators, or those contracted by the government, must provide public notice before applying pesticides on public rights-of-way within municipal borders. The notice will also include contact information for the applicators. The law specifically excludes farmers, private individuals spraying their own property (including businesses), and applicators working on private property from these requirements.

This law, designed to enhance government accountability and protect public health, was signed into law on Aug. 9.

New Law to Protect Local Motorcycle Dealerships from Costly Manufacturer Mandates

Legislation aimed at reducing burdens on local motorcycle dealerships and addressing costly manufacturer mandates has been signed into law.

House Bill 4925 amends the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act to prevent vehicle manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers from requiring motorcycle dealers to make costly improvements to their facilities.

The law is designed to protect smaller dealers from incurring significant expenses due to mandates from manufacturers, easing the financial pressure on small businesses in Illinois. Additionally, the legislation ensures that aspects of the manufacturer-dealer relationship are not contingent on the dealer complying with potentially unreasonable demands from manufacturers.

House Bill 4925, which supports the competitiveness of motorcycle dealers and their ability to serve the people of Illinois, was signed into law on Aug. 9 and takes effect immediately.