Connecting With Local Ag Leaders and Students
I stopped by the Northwest Illinois Ag Industry Expo at Highland Community College and had a great time talking with the ag businesses, organizations, and students there. A lot of high school and college students came out to learn more about careers in agriculture, and it was clear how excited many of them are about their future in the field.
I also had the chance to meet with local ag leaders who are working every day to support and grow this industry. Seeing everyone together in one place, from longtime professionals to students just getting started, was a good reminder of how strong our ag community is. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we foster growth in our ag sector and help prepare the next generation of ag professionals.
Democrats Kill Relief for Tipped Workers
Despite Illinoisans being crushed by rising costs, Governor Pritzker and his far-left Democrat legislators again turned their backs on working people. They refused to consider tax relief for tipped workers, choosing politics over the people who keep our restaurants, bars, and small businesses running.
Senate Bill 140 would have exempted tip income from state taxes, yet Democrat leaders would not even grant a hearing. Their silence shows that helping working families is not a priority for a party more focused on growing government than protecting paychecks.
Because lawmakers failed to act, workers now face conflicting tax rules and more paperwork, leaving them with less money in their pockets. This choice will drive away investment, slow wage growth, and make life harder for families across Illinois.
The working people of Illinois are tired of being lectured by Democrats who show up only when it benefits them. They need leaders who defend their paychecks and push back against Pritzker’s liberal political machine that keeps taking more while giving nothing in return. I am calling on Democrat leaders to hold a hearing on SB 140 and give real consideration to relief for tipped workers across the state.
Democrats Push Illinois into Dangerous New Vaccine Experiment
Last week, Governor Pritzker and Springfield Democrats took one of their most reckless steps yet in reshaping Illinois public health policy to fit their political agenda. Pritzker signed a bill that lets the Illinois Department of Public Health create its own vaccine rulebook separate from the CDC.
House Bill 767 forces state-regulated insurance plans to cover whatever vaccines IDPH recommends even if those recommendations contradict federal experts. It will also allow children as young as three to receive vaccines without a prescription and removed requirements that IDPH rely on CDC-affiliated experts. They traded long-standing scientific guardrails for a system run by political appointees.
I have been clear that I do not support expanding government-driven vaccine recommendations. These decisions belong between families and their personal doctors, not bureaucrats acting under political pressure.
Illinoisans deserve clarity and stability, not ideological experiments from a governor more focused on control than public confidence.
Illegals Taking Your Scholarship Money
Back in August, the governor signed a bill that hands locally-funded scholarships, grants, and tuition aid to illegal immigrants and other noncitizens.
House Bill 460, which goes into effect January 1, rewrites the RISE Act so individuals who aren’t eligible for federal aid can now tap into your locally-funded financial aid. And it is all paid for by Illinois families who are already drowning under some of the highest taxes in the nation.
This law is a sucker punch to the face of every hardworking Illinois student and parent. It’s the latest example of our governor throwing you under the bus to score political points.
Federal law makes it very clear: illegal immigrants are not supposed to receive taxpayer-funded student aid. But instead of respecting that, the governor created a loophole and stuck you with this bill. HB 460 is not a policy; it is a raid on your wallet.
President Trump’s administration quickly sued the state in September, arguing that this policy treats actual Illinois residents as “second-class citizens.” They’re right.
While the lawsuit moves forward, Illinoisans should take this moment to speak up. Once again, the governor and his radical Democrat allies are putting illegals ahead of the very people who pay taxes and follow the rules. They’re taking money meant for your kids, your family, your future.
Pet Adoption Fair Scheduled for December 13 in Freeport
I have a Pet Adoption Fair scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport. I will be partnering with the Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport for this popular annual event. As has been done in the past, I will help highlight animals that are available for adoption with hopes of connecting people with new pets from the shelter.
Those who attend the event will be able to meet dogs and cats that are looking for forever homes and begin the adoption process. The Friends Forever Humane Society is located at 966 A. Rudy Road in Freeport, and the adoption fair will be held from Noon until 2:30 PM. Those with questions about this event are encouraged to call my district office at (815) 232-0774.
