Senate Republicans Request Federal Guidance to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Republican Caucus sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 22 requesting federal guidance to ensure fairness in girls’ and women’s athletics in Illinois high schools.

State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says the letter follows conflicting guidance from state agencies and growing concerns about how to uphold the intent of Title IX in the wake of recent federal actions.

Recently, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) responded to a letter from Republican lawmakers who asked how the association plans to protect opportunities for female athletes. In its response, the IHSA revealed that both the Illinois Attorney General and the Department of Human Rights have directed the organization to permit athletes to compete based on gender identity—a stance the IHSA says could conflict with federal law.

Senate Republicans argue that this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s about protecting the progress generations of women have fought for and ensuring a level playing field for female athletes.

In their letter to Attorney General Bondi, Republican Senators asked for clarification on how Illinois schools and athletic associations should respond to the President’s Feb. 5 Executive Order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The order directs federal agencies to interpret Title IX consistent with its original intent—protecting single-sex athletic competition for biological females.

The lawmakers are seeking answers to the following:

• If Illinois’ current position permitting biological males to compete in girls’ sports violates federal law?
• If that position places the state at risk of losing federal education funding or facing legal action from the Department of Justice?
• What steps must Illinois take to align with both the Executive Order and Title IX?

A copy of the letter sent to Attorney General Bondi is available here.

Ease Regulations for Persons With Disabilities

Legislation aimed at making state law less burdensome for people with disabilities recently passed the Illinois Senate with unanimous support.

Under current rules, disabled individuals with disabilities (or their parents or guardians) are required to submit a letter from a doctor to the Secretary of State declaring that the individual suffers from a disability before they can be issued disability plates or parking decals.

Senate Bill 1256 is designed to reduce that burden by requiring the certification to be updated only once every five years, and it allows licensed physical therapists to be able to sign off on the applications, potentially saving individuals from an additional costly doctor’s visit.

Passed by the Senate on April 9, Senate Bill 1256 now awaits action in the House of Representatives.

Mayor Brandon Johnson Demands More State Dollars for Chicago

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is once again heading to Springfield next week, renewing his push for increased state funding for the city despite ongoing criticism from Republican lawmakers who say suburban and downstate taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill for the City’s poor fiscal decisions.

At a news conference last week, Johnson announced his plan to meet with Governor Pritzker, House Speaker Chris Welch, and Senate President Don Harmon. The Mayor is expected to continue lobbying the General Assembly for additional funding to support Chicago’s public schools, transit systems, and other city priorities.

Senate Republicans argue that Johnson’s return to Springfield is a political distraction from the real issues facing his city. Instead of tackling problems at home, they argue, the mayor is trying to shift the burden to the rest of the state.

Sen. Tracy says taxpayers should not be left to once again bail out Chicago for years of fiscal mismanagement. Rather, the Mayor should focus on implementing real reforms instead of asking overtaxed Illinoisans to take on additional burdens that benefit only Chicago.

Illinois Senators Return to Springfield as Final Weeks of Session Begin

After a two-week spring break, Illinois Senators are back in Springfield April 29 to begin reviewing and debating legislation recently passed by the House. With session scheduled each week through the end of May, lawmakers are now entering the final stretch of the spring legislative calendar.

Before the General Assembly adjourns on May 31, lawmakers must consider bills that have advanced from the opposite chamber. As in previous years, the most significant task will be the passage of the state’s budget for the next Fiscal Year.

In February, Gov. JB Pritzker proposed the largest budget in state history, spending more than $53 billion, despite a projected deficit.

Senate Republicans continue to call for fiscal responsibility that puts hardworking Illinois families first. Their priorities include cutting more than $1 billion in spending tied to the Governor’s programs for non-citizens.