SE Illinois News

House Republicans in Illinois have introduced legislative proposals aimed at reforming ethics in the statehouse. State Representatives Patrick Windhorst, Dave Severin, and David Friess emphasized the need for these reforms due to a history of public corruption verdicts affecting the Illinois General Assembly. Windhorst, a former prosecutor, is sponsoring several bills including HB 2413 which seeks to prevent legislators and Constitutional officers from lobbying locally. "While Democrat politicians were arrested, indicted, charged, convicted, and incarcerated, we waited for action," Windhorst stated.

Friess criticized the lack of progress on ethics reform bills in committee discussions. "Today is our final day to pass house bills out of committee…and how many of our ethics reform bills have made it out of committee to even be considered on the House floor? Zero," he said.

Severin also highlighted ongoing issues despite changes since Michael Madigan's tenure as Speaker. He praised his colleagues' efforts toward cleaning up corruption: “I am proud of the work that my fellow Southern Illinois House Republicans have done to try to clean up this mess.”

In another development, House Bill 2827 or the "Homeschool Act" has passed committee despite opposition from families preferring non-public education options. Representative Amy Elik criticized the bill for overreaching into parental decisions: “Illinois should empower parents to place their children in education environments that help them learn and succeed.” Despite Republican opposition, it advanced for further consideration.

Following its passage through committee stages, Leader McCombie commented on its implications: “Today, the Democrat majority silenced over 50,000 advocates who oppose this misguided legislation—a blatant disservice to Illinois families that must not be ignored."

Separately, Rep. Windhorst honored Massac County’s Weaver Sisters for their contributions to women's professional baseball during Women’s History Month. His remarks celebrated their legacy within women’s sports.

Additionally, Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer and others spoke against Illinois’ "Sanctuary State" policy highlighting concerns over illegal immigration impacts under current policies. They proposed legislative changes like repealing the TRUST Act as solutions towards managing immigration challenges effectively.

The CGFA report forecasts a worsening fiscal outlook for Illinois through FY28 unless significant budgetary adjustments are implemented immediately. This report underscores an urgent call for financial restructuring amidst projected deficits exceeding $4 billion by FY28 without intervention.

Finally addressing political tensions within state proceedings concerning national figures such as President Trump; Republican Leader Tony McCombie urged focus back onto state matters stating: “Enough is Enough! Let’s Get to Work for Illinois.”