Homeschool Families’ Annual Cherry Pie Day Set for Thursday in Springfield
I have always been a strong advocate for homeschool families in this state. In fact, I recently published a guest editorial on the importance of maintaining homeschooling as a viable and affordable option for families who choose this method of schooling for their kids. You can read that editorial here.
This week, on Thursday, March 6, the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) will hold their 35th annual “Cherry Pie Day” at the Capitol. On this lobby day, hundreds of homeschool families from across the state travel to Springfield for a day of awareness to remind legislators that homeschooling continues to thrive in the State of Illinois. Those who attend are meeting at the State Capitol, 401 S. Second Street, Springfield, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to drop off pies that will be distributed to legislators later in the day.
If you plan to attend this year’s day of awareness, you can click here to register. I will join homeschool families during the morning session at the Illinois State Library (10:00 AM until 11:00 AM) to show my support of homeschooling as an option for all Illinois families, and to express my opposition to any legislative efforts that interfere with a family’s ability to make autonomous decisions regarding their children’s educations.
Click here to learn more about 2025 Cherry Pie Day.
New Audit Exposes Pritzker’s Major Failures in Undocumented Immigrant Healthcare
A new report from the Auditor General has revealed significant mismanagement in Governor JB Pritzker’s taxpayer-funded healthcare program for illegal immigrants, including thousands of ineligible enrollees and costs that ended up being nearly three times higher than what the Governor said they would be.
Auditors found more than 6,000 enrollees listed as “undocumented” who actually had Social Security Numbers, raising concerns about the state’s failure to properly verify eligibility. This lack of oversight undermines public trust and forces taxpayers to cover the costs of the Administration’s mismanagement.
The audit also uncovered massive cost overruns, with some age groups seeing expenditures nearly 300% higher than originally projected. The most extreme overrun occurred in the 42-54 age group, where costs nearly tripled the budgeted amount. These budget failures highlight a significant lapse in fiscal planning.
Republicans have long criticized Governor Pritzker’s decision to prioritize spending on illegal immigrants while Illinois families face rising property taxes, grocery bills, and healthcare costs. This program, marked by waste and mismanagement, has fueled further distrust in how taxpayer dollars are spent.
The audit’s findings have prompted renewed calls for legislative action to bring much-needed transparency so taxpayers can see where their money is going. Senate Bill 1699, for which I serve as a chief co-sponsor, would require detailed annual reports on all taxpayer-funded programs for migrants and illegal immigrants, including healthcare, housing, legal aid, and other services. These reports would provide transparency on expenditures, appropriations, recipients, and contracts, and would be made publicly available online.
IPASS on Demand Coming to Oregon on March 10
As a reminder, I have scheduled an IPASS on Demand event in Oregon for next week.
Monday, March 10
Nash Recreation Center (River Room)
304 South Fifth Street, Oregon
Co-Hosted by Oregon Mayor Ken Williams
As with previous IPASS on Demand events, a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology. There is no fee for making the switch, and IPASS balances will be forwarded to new accounts.
If you plan to attend, please bring your plastic IPASS transponders with you and jot down your license plate number(s) to ensure quick service. If you have any questions about this event, please call my legislative office at (815) 232-0774 or email Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
College Students Travel to Springfield for Lobby Day
Last week the halls of the Capitol were filled with young adults who traveled to their Capitol to talk with legislators about a variety of issues affecting higher education.
I always enjoy seeing young people engaged in their state government. I’m shown in this photo outside of the Senate Chambers with a group from Northern Illinois University.
Illinois Senators Demand Action: Property Tax Relief for Struggling Homeowners
Despite it being a top concern for Illinoisans, during Governor Pritzker’s recent budget address there was no mention property tax relief. Senate Republicans continue their push for immediate property tax relief for Illinois homeowners, especially seniors and low-income families, who are struggling with rising property taxes.
Members of the Senate Republican caucus held a press conference on February 27th, highlighting some of their legislative proposals. This year I am the leading Chief Co-Sponsor of Senate Bill 2086, which seeks to raise the income eligibility for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 and ties future increases to inflation.
Additionally, Senate Republicans filed Senate Bill 2093, which would make the Illinois Property Tax Credit refundable, providing more financial relief to lower-income homeowners. Also introduced last week by our caucus was Senate Bill 2246, which limits how much the assessed value of a home can increase during reassessment years, capping it at the rate of inflation.
These legislative efforts aim to protect vulnerable homeowners and help families stay in their homes.
IDNR Announces Grants to Strengthen Rural Fire Departments
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants from NOW to April 14. These grants help rural fire departments organize, train, and equip their teams to better combat fires, particularly in areas at risk of wildfires.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the VFA program provides matching funds, covering up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. Fire departments must make initial payments before receiving reimbursement.
In 2024, the program awarded $212,811 to support 30 Illinois projects, funding equipment like radios, hoses, protective gear, and chainsaws.
IDNR encourages all eligible fire departments to apply to strengthen their fire protection capabilities. Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on the IDNR grants website and the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.
