Legislation Advances to Senate Floor to Help Local Governments Better Serve Communities
Last week, I testified before Executive Committee for my bill, SB 2044, that authorizes local governments to adopt best practices that will enhance efficiency, increase security, and improve their service to communities. My bill passed committee and now will be heard on the Senate Floor. SB 2044 gives counties, townships, and municipalities the option to accept secure web-based signatures on official documents. By allowing local governments to modernize their processes, the bill aims to reduce delays, increase efficiency, and improve service, especially in rural or time-sensitive situations, while maintaining the security and integrity of the signature process.
Senate Republicans Push to Strengthen Illinois’ Nuclear Energy Future
Three Senators are raising concerns about the stability of Illinois’ power supply and the urgent need to boost energy generation. At a Capitol press conference on Thursday, we highlighted the challenges facing the state’s power grid and the role that new nuclear developments should play in strengthening supply and keeping costs down for families and businesses.
I want to point to Senate Bill 1527, which repeals the state’s moratorium on building new nuclear reactors, as a key step toward meeting Illinois’ future energy needs. Lifting the moratorium would allow the state to explore advanced, next-generation nuclear technology that can deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy — helping ensure that Illinois families aren’t left paying more for less.
I also want to highlight Senate Bill 94, which would ensure that data centers owned by foreign adversaries do not put additional strain on Illinois’ already overburdened power grid. The legislation would require such centers to provide their own source of energy. With increasing energy demands from data centers, AI-driven technology, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing, the Senators stressed that Illinois must take proactive steps to protect energy reliability and affordability — while supporting job creation and economic growth here at home.
I am calling on the General Assembly to act swiftly on these bills to address Illinois’ growing energy needs and ensure the state remains a leader in nuclear innovation.
Senate Republicans Sponsor Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking
Senate Republicans are working to close loopholes and strengthen Illinois law to ensure that traffickers and those who exploit others — especially children — face real consequences.
Senate Bill 267 would require individuals who force others into sex work or exploit them for pornography to register as sex offenders.
Under current law, those who traffic children or coerce adults into sex work are not automatically required to register. SB 267 closes that loophole and ensures the people behind the scenes — the traffickers and facilitators — are held fully accountable for their actions and prevented from reoffending.
We must do more to close legal gaps and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, especially children.
OSFM Announces $4 Million in Grants for Essential Tools and Equipment
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. This program is designed to help fire departments, fire protection districts, and non-profit ambulance services across Illinois purchase essential equipment to safely carry out their duties.
This year, OSFM received over 300 applications. A total of 178 fire departments, fire protection districts, and EMS providers were awarded grants of up to $26,000. More than $4 million in funding was distributed statewide.
The following fire departments in the 53rd District received grants:
Coal City Fire Protection District
Gardner Fire Protection District
Watseka Fire Department
Gilman Fire Protection District
Crescent-Iroquois Fire Protection District
Emington-Campus Fire Protection District
Forrest-Strawn-Wing Fire Protection District
Tonica Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
Toluca – Rutland Fire Protection District
Metamora Fire Protection District