The 104th General Assembly is now in session, and in the coming weeks, thousands of bills will be filed in both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. These bills will shape the future of our state, with many reaching the floor for votes after being reviewed in committees. In a state where legislation often favors special interest groups over everyday citizens, it’s more important than ever for residents to stay engaged and informed about the issues that matter most.
Here are several ways you can be proactive in staying informed and ensuring your voice is heard in Springfield:
1. Get to Know Your Legislators
Every Illinois resident is represented by both a State Senator and a State Representative. To easily find out who represents you, the Illinois Policy Institute has a user-friendly “Find Your Legislator” tool (available at ilinoispolicy.org/maps). This interactive tool uses your street address to identify your elected officials at both the state and national levels.
2. Bookmark Your Legislators’ Websites
Each Illinois legislator maintains their own legislative website, which is a valuable resource. On these sites, you can learn about their background, interests, and reasons for seeking office. You can also access a list of the bills they sponsor or co-sponsor, check their committee memberships, and find information about upcoming community events in your area. These sites also provide links for subscribing to newsletters and contact forms for submitting feedback on bills. My website can be found at SenatorChesney.com.
3. Follow Legislators on Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X offer a less formal, more personal glimpse into the daily work of your legislators. By following their accounts, you can stay updated on events they attend, initiatives they’re working on, and how they are advocating for their constituents both inside and outside the legislature.
4. Become Familiar with ilga.gov
The ilga.gov website is a one-stop shop for tracking legislative activity. It provides access to contact information for all Illinois legislators, session calendars, committee schedules, and bill tracking. If you want to follow a specific bill’s progress or learn more about the legislative process, ilga.gov is an invaluable resource.
5. Watch Committee Hearings and Floor Action
You can also stay engaged by watching committee hearings and floor action in real-time. If a bill you care about is scheduled for a hearing, you can listen to committee testimony and see how members vote. Similarly, when a bill reaches the floor of the Senate or House, audio and video links are available for you to watch the live session. This transparency helps you stay informed on key legislative developments.
6. File Witness Slips to Express Your Opinion
A powerful tool for engaging with the legislative process is filing witness slips when a bill is scheduled for a committee hearing. Witness slips allow you to express support or opposition to a bill, and they are read into the record during committee hearings. The number of witness slips filed is taken seriously by legislators, so it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity. I’ve provided a video tutorial on my website at the bottom of the homepage under “Quick Links,” to guide you through the process.
The democratic process is most effective when citizens actively participate. As the 2025 legislative session progresses, it’s crucial to track key bills, share your opinions, and engage with your elected officials. By staying informed and involved, you ensure that your voice is heard and that your concerns are included in policy discussions.
Your engagement is vital in shaping the future of Illinois. Make your voice count, stay proactive, and hold your legislators accountable for the decisions they make on your behalf.
