Helping Drivers with I-PASS in Mount Carroll
It was great to see so many people at our I-PASS On-Demand event in Mount Carroll. Events like this are a simple but meaningful way to bring state services directly into our communities and make it easier for residents to get the help they need without traveling long distances or spending hours on the phone.
More than 150 people stopped by during the event, and we distributed 265 new I-PASS sticker tags while helping residents with everything from replacing old transponders to managing their accounts and answering questions. It was rewarding to see so many people leave with their issues resolved and ready to get back on the road.
I want to thank Mount Carroll Mayor Carl Bates for partnering with my office to make this event possible. I also appreciate everyone from the Mount Carroll community who took the time to stop by and visit with us. We look forward to hosting more events like this across the 45th District and continuing to provide convenient, accessible services for our residents.
Illinois Keeps Failing Taxpayers on SNAP
When government is entrusted with helping vulnerable families, it also has a responsibility to administer those programs correctly. Unfortunately, Illinois continues to fall short.
New federal data shows Illinois’ SNAP payment error rate has climbed to 14.6%, making our state one of the worst performers in the nation. These errors include both overpayments and underpayments, meaning eligible families can receive the wrong benefit amount while taxpayers are left footing the bill for costly administrative mistakes.
The problem is no longer just an embarrassment. Under new federal rules, states with persistently high error rates can be forced to repay a share of SNAP benefit costs, potentially leaving Illinois taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars if state leaders fail to fix the problem.
Families who rely on SNAP deserve a program that works as intended, and taxpayers deserve confidence that their dollars are being spent responsibly. Illinois can and must do better.
If you’d like to read more about another reform I believe would strengthen the program, I encourage you to check out my column on why SNAP benefits should be used to purchase nutritious food rather than junk food.
New Laws Taking Effect July 1
While most new Illinois laws take effect on January 1, some are scheduled to coincide with the start of the state’s new fiscal year on July 1.
This year, 19 new laws are taking effect on July 1, along with several additional provisions from previously passed legislation. Here’s a look at some of the more notable changes now taking effect:
104th General Assembly
SB 90 (P.A. 104-0450): Expands who may request debt offsets through the Comptroller.
HB 111 (P.A. 104-0464): Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.
SB 408 (P.A. 104-0356): Provides that “Student Permanent Record” shall include a summary of performance for students who received special-education services. The records will be confidential.
SB 618 (P.A. 104-0451): Liquor Omnibus Bill. Among other things, it makes the state’s temporary “cocktails-to-go” law permanent.
HB 862 (P.A. 104-0465): Encourages efficiency by dissolving and merging numerous state special funds.
HB 1226 (P.A. 104-0169): Changes the age for when senior drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test when renewing their driver’s license.
SB 1504 (P.A. 104-0107): Helps ensure that all youth leaving the care of the Department of Children and Family Services have been provided the life skills necessary to become successful adults.
SB 1701 (P.A. 104-0118): Clarifies state laws with regard to collective bargaining for police.
SB 1799 (P.A. 104-0393): Amends the School Code to clarify terms and definitions with regard to “emergency situations.”
HB 1863 (P.A. 104-0435): Cleans up the statutes with regard to non-active commissions and advisory boards.
SB 2201 (P.A. 104-0412): Increases transparency to help provide better insight into the challenges and efforts within correctional facilities to manage contraband, support rehabilitation, and address health emergencies.
HB 2386 (P.A. 104-0216): Provides for the issuance of special license plates designated as “Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.”
HB 2517 (P.A. 104-0061): Requires health care workers who provide maternal health care services to participate in a training course that addresses potential maternal health risk factors associated with individuals who are part of a marginalized racial or ethnic group with increased maternal mortality rates.
HB 2801 (P.A. 104-0249): Requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to post a public form on its website for organizations to submit science, technology, engineering, arts, and math opportunities. These opportunities can include internships, externships, and volunteer work.
HB 2949 (P.A. 104-0466): Budget Implementation Bill.
HB 2962 (P.A. 104-0256): Creates a new classification of driving permit for multifunction school activity buses that carry up to 15 passengers, including the driver.
SB 3019 (P.A. 104-0468): Revenue Omnibus to Fund the Budget.
HB 3363 (P.A. 104-0300): Establishes a comprehensive State Public Defender system in Illinois and creates an independent agency within the judicial branch of state government.
SB 3365 (P.A. 104-0470): Medicaid Omnibus.
HB 3851 (P.A. 104-0338): Establishes that “cyber-bullying” also includes the posting or distribution of an unauthorized digital replica by electronic means if the posting or distribution creates any of the effects provided in the definition of “bullying,” and provides that bullying may take the form of posting or distributing sexually explicit images.
103rd General Assembly
SB 1 (P.A. 103-0594): Creates the Department of Early Childhood.
