Introducing the Illinois Public Corruption Transparency Act
I have introduced the Illinois Public Corruption Transparency Act to create a no-hiding, no-spin public corruption registry that exposes finalized corruption cases involving Illinois government insiders.
For too long, corrupt politicians in Illinois have been able to hide behind a system that protects insiders and keeps taxpayers in the dark. Illinois has become synonymous with public corruption, and the people deserve a clear record of who betrayed the public trust.
My legislation, Senate Bill 3840, would end the culture of secrecy and protection enabled by one-party Democratic control in Springfield and give taxpayers a clear, searchable record of misconduct, including cases involving Democrats such as Michael Madigan, Rod Blagojevich, and Martin Sandoval.
This registry would make sure corruption cannot be buried or forgotten. When public officials abuse their power, the public deserves permanent transparency. Illinois taxpayers should never have to wonder who was convicted of betraying them.
While serving in the House of Representatives, I helped push for the creation of the committee to investigate former House Speaker Michael Madigan. At a time when many in Springfield were reluctant to confront corruption at the highest levels of state government, I supported efforts to bring greater scrutiny and accountability to the office of the powerful longtime speaker.
That experience only reinforced my belief that Illinois needs stronger transparency and accountability. The Illinois Public Corruption Transparency Act is about making sure corruption is exposed and that the public has a permanent record of those who abused their positions of power.
Senate Bill 3840 is currently in the Assignments Committee.
Springfield Democrats Are Coming for Your Guns Again
As we move through this year’s legislative session, it is my duty to inform you when the far-left politicians who run Springfield attempt to chip away at your constitutional rights, especially your Second Amendment rights.
Once again, radical anti-gun activists are pushing a slate of legislation that targets law-abiding gun owners instead of the criminals responsible for violent crime. These bills could gain traction this year, and every Illinois resident who values the Constitution should be paying attention.
SB 2279 and HB 3220 – Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act
These bills would force firearm manufacturers to obtain a state license and pay into a special government fund tied to crimes involving firearms. The result would be higher prices and fewer retailers, effectively pushing the firearms industry out of Illinois while punishing lawful businesses for the actions of criminals.
SB 2652 and HB 4471 – Responsible Gun Manufacturing Act (“Glock ban”)
This legislation targets commonly owned semiautomatic pistols with Glock-style triggers, claiming they could be converted into machine guns. In reality, it is a backdoor ban on some of the most widely owned handguns in America. Converting firearms into machine guns is already illegal under state and federal law, but instead of enforcing the laws on the books, Springfield politicians want to ban more guns.
HB 43 – Mandatory firearms insurance
This proposal would begin the process of forcing gun owners to carry liability insurance simply for exercising their Second Amendment rights. Imagine being required to buy insurance to exercise any other constitutional right. It is a clear attempt to price everyday Americans out of gun ownership.
HB 1177 – Guns and ammunition tax
This bill would impose a 3.75 percent surcharge on firearms and firearm parts. It is nothing more than a tax on the Second Amendment designed to make gun ownership more expensive for law-abiding citizens.
HB 1398 – Government intrusion into your home
This legislation would require pediatricians to question children about whether their parents own firearms. Critics, including medical professionals, warn that it violates privacy and injects politics into the doctor-patient relationship. Parents should be raising their children, not government bureaucrats.
The obsession some politicians in Springfield have with taking away your guns is deeply disturbing. Instead of cracking down on violent criminals, they continue to target responsible gun owners who follow the law.
Let me be clear: I will not stand by while radical politicians attempt to dismantle the Second Amendment in Illinois. I will fight these bills and any other effort that threatens your constitutional rights.
I encourage you, your family, and your friends to stay engaged and make your voices heard. The people of Illinois must stand together to protect our freedoms.
Applications now open for Illinois Police K-9 Memorial License Plate
Police K-9s serve on the front lines alongside our law enforcement officers, helping track suspects, locate missing people, and keep our communities safe. After years of dedicated service, these incredible dogs deserve to be taken care of in retirement.
That is why I want to make you aware of a new opportunity for Illinois residents to support retired police dogs across our state.
Applications are now open for the Illinois Police K-9 Memorial License Plate, which will help fund the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program. This program will provide financial assistance to handlers and adoptive families who are responsible for covering veterinary costs once a K-9 retires from active duty.
Under the program, eligible veterinary expenses can be reimbursed for up to $1,500 per year. To qualify, a K-9 must have served at least five years, or at least three years if the dog was injured in the line of duty.
Importantly, this program will be funded entirely through the sale of the specialty license plate, meaning it will not cost Illinois taxpayers a dime. To ensure the program is sustainable, it will launch once 2,000 license plate applications are received by January 2028.
If you would like to help support retired police K-9s, you can apply for the new specialty plate by selecting “Illinois Police K-9 Memorial License Plate” under the specialty plate options at this link. A $25 fee will go directly toward the fund that supports the grant program.
These dogs spend their careers protecting our communities. Supporting them in retirement is a small way we can give back for the service they have provided.
For more information, I encourage you to contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office or visit their website to apply.
