No Room for Error When Protecting Children
One of the most important responsibilities we have as lawmakers is protecting children, especially those who have been victimized by sexual predators. That is why I was proud to help pass legislation this spring that strengthens important legal protections for child victims of sex crimes.
House Bill 3393 makes targeted updates to Illinois law governing the use of closed-circuit television testimony for child victims. These protections allow young victims to testify outside the traditional courtroom setting, helping reduce additional trauma while ensuring their voices can still be heard.
While these safeguards have been available in Illinois for several years, concerns were raised that portions of the law could face constitutional challenges in court. Rather than wait and risk seeing these protections weakened or overturned, we worked proactively to strengthen the statute and ensure it can withstand legal scrutiny.
I was proud to work alongside Representative Adam Niemerg and a broad coalition of stakeholders to advance this legislation after years of work. By reinforcing these protections now, we can help ensure young victims continue to have access to them when they need them most.
Celebrating a Great Illinois Tradition
Summer in Illinois means fair season, and I am encouraging everyone in the 45th District to get out and enjoy their local county fairs this year.
County fairs are one of the best opportunities we have to celebrate the people and industries that keep Illinois moving forward. They showcase the hard work of our farmers, young people involved in 4-H and FFA, local businesses, volunteers, and countless community organizations. From livestock shows and exhibit halls to grandstand entertainment and local food vendors, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Growing up, county fairs were always a reminder of what makes our communities special. They bring people together and provide an opportunity to support the small businesses and agricultural producers who play such an important role in our state’s economy.
Most importantly, county fairs remind us of the strong agricultural roots that continue to shape Illinois today. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to attend a fair this summer, support local exhibitors and vendors, and enjoy one of Illinois’ great traditions. I look forward to seeing many of you at county fairs across the 45th District in the months ahead.
For more information on your local 2026 County Fair Schedule visit Illinois Department of Agriculture 2026 County Fair Schedule.
Pritzker Opts Illinois Out of America’s 250th Celebration
As America begins celebrating its 250th birthday, communities across our nation are coming together to honor the history and achievements that make this country the best.
One of the signature events is the “Great American State Fair” in Washington, D.C., a showcase of all 50 states and U.S. territories on the National Mall. Unfortunately, Governor Pritzker chose not to have Illinois officially participate.
Once again, our governor is putting politics ahead of an opportunity to celebrate our state and our country.
Thankfully, the Peoria Riverfront Museum stepped up where state leadership would not. The museum is representing Illinois with a pavilion highlighting our state’s contributions to agriculture, architecture, sports, and the people who have helped shape our nation.
Illinois has a proud story to tell. We are the Land of Lincoln, the heart of America’s transportation network, an agricultural powerhouse, and home to generations of hardworking families who embody the American spirit.
As our nation approaches this historic milestone, we should be celebrating America’s success and proudly sharing Illinois’ contributions with the rest of the country. I’m grateful that organizations like the Peoria Riverfront Museum are willing to do what Governor Pritzker can’t: proudly represent the great state of Illinois.
