Legislation Introduced to Establish “Charlie Kirk Day” in Illinois
Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Senate Republicans are pushing legislation to honor the life and legacy of the Turning Point USA founder.
Senate Bill 2694 would amend the State Commemorative Dates Act to recognize September 10 each year as “Charlie Kirk Day” in Illinois.
Kirk was shot on September 10, 2025, as he was preparing to address a crowd of college students at Utah Valley University. In the days after, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was caught and charged for his murder.
By establishing a day of recognition, Illinoisans will have a chance each year to reflect on Kirk’s values, his contributions to public discourse, and the continuing importance of protecting our constitutional rights.
SB 2694 is now filed with the Illinois General Assembly and awaits committee assignment.
IDOT Now Accepting Applications for Harvest Permits
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), a free, practical tool that helps farmers and agricultural haulers move crops more efficiently during the fall harvest season.
IHPs can be obtained by applying online through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Automated Permits website system. The permits allow farmers to haul 10 percent more weight, resulting in fewer trips, lower costs, and reduced delays.
As one of the leading producers of corn and soybeans, these permits enhance the efficiency of agricultural logistics across Illinois. They provide greater flexibility when loading near the vehicle’s capacity. This reduces the number of trips needed to transport the same amount of agricultural products, resulting in lower fuel costs, fewer drivers needed, and less wear and tear on vehicles. Additionally, these permits help prevent elevator backups, extra storage costs, and market delays.
The permits are only valid during the harvest season, from September 1 to December 31. In the fall, roads tend to be drier and firmer, which makes them less prone to damage. IDOT requires route authorization every 14 days to make sure vehicles avoid lower-grade bridges.
Questions about the Harvest Permit can be directed to the Department of Transportation Permit Office at dot.permitoffice@illinois.gov or by calling (217) 785-1477.
IPASS on Demand Coming to Galena on October 7
As a reminder, I am bringing a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway to Galena City Hall for an IPASS on Demand event on Tuesday, October 7, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Officials from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people transfer over to the new sticker technology and ensure people can make the switch without disruption to their IPASS account activity. Along with providing this service, the tollway officials can help people with questions they may have about their IPASS account and with ‘Pay by Plate’ issues.
Once activated, the sticker tag can be used on the Illinois tollway and on E-Z Pass roadways in other states within 24 hours of activation. There is no deposit required for the sticker and the $10 transponder deposit that was paid when a transponder was purchased will transfer to the new account when it is activated.
Those who plan to attend should bring their plastic transponders inside with them and also make note of their license plate numbers. This will help ensure quick service.
For additional information about this free event, please contact Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
My Illinois Senate Republican colleagues and I are once again hosting our annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13. This project provides families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served.
I would encourage friends and families to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by October 24, to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For additional information, please call (217) 782-1154.
