As Illinois’ unfriendly business climate has pushed large companies to leave the state or significantly reduce their corporate presence, members of the Senate Republican Caucus shared a package of business advocacy initiatives to help Illinois better compete, create jobs, and boost its economy.

“Illinois is rich with potential, an educated workforce, and a long history of innovation,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grover). “Unfortunately, in 2021, in response to the defeat of the Progressive Income Tax Amendment, the Governor and the Democratic Majority passed a series of tax increases on Illinois businesses that continue to hold our job creators and job seekers back. We are here to advocate for policy solutions to help Illinois attract and retain businesses and invest in our communities.”

In response to continued high inflation and increased cost of living, several members of the Senate Republican Caucus came together at a Capitol press conference to advocate for solutions to the economic issues facing Illinoisans.

• Senate Bill 1150: Makes the one-year state sales tax exemption for groceries permanent and also exempts prescription drugs and other medical devices from state sales tax beginning July 1, 2023.
• Senate Bill 1151: Provides parents with a state tax credit equal to 25% of the federal tax credit for each qualifying child. Qualifying families would receive a tax credit of up to $500 per qualifying child on state income taxes.
• Senate Bill 2200: Appropriates $200 million in energy rebates for Ameren customers through an already established program. Qualifying households would receive about $170 in credits toward their power bills.
• Senate Bill 1152: Increases Illinois’ income tax exemption for seniors from $1,000 to $2,000.

Illinois’ three-decade-old ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants is one step closer to being lifted. Following a bipartisan roll call, the Illinois Senate passed State Senator Sue Rezin’s legislation, Senate Bill 76, which would finally end the state’s moratorium, which she says would create jobs, lower utility costs, and provide more reliable, clean energy.

“Illinois is just one of twelve states in the entire nation to still have a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power facilities. In the past few years, other states, including our neighbor Indiana, have recognized just how arbitrary and archaic these types of bans are and moved to remove them,” said Sen. Rezin. “My legislation is a bipartisan, pro-jobs bill that will help ensure that Illinois is able to effectively compete with other states who are beginning to understand the pivotal role nuclear energy can play in relieving growing energy grid reliability and resiliency pressures.”

Senator Lewis grew up in a family where strong morals, integrity, volunteerism, and public service were instilled as core values, and he brings that foundation to his role as a state legislator.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Iowa and previously served as Vice President of Operations for a small manufacturing business in Melrose Park. In addition to his current work in the Senate, he is an independent business owner and agent with State Farm Insurance. 

Welcome to the Senate Republican Caucus, Senator Lewis!

Despite the many good ideas, proposals, and legislation that have been introduced to help make Illinois a better state to live, work, and raise a family, there are some bills that seem to miss the mark when it comes to what Illinois’ priorities should be. Here are some “not-so-good” bills to keep an eye on during the last few weeks of session. 

Senate Bill 182: Seeks to limit local control by permitting the Illinois Department of Public Health to control local health departments during a pandemic in which the Governor has issued a Disaster Declaration.

Senate Bill 1483: Allows inmates of a correctional facility, including those convicted of a felony, the ability to vote in elections despite the Illinois Constitution stating, “A person convicted of a felony, or otherwise under sentence in a correctional institution or jail, shall lose their right to vote, which right shall be restored not later than upon completion of his sentence.”

Senate Bill 1556: Sets Illinois up for a ban on gas cars by allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to establish rules to reduce carbon intensity from on-road transportation.

Throughout the Spring, Illinois Senate Republicans hosted hundreds of high school students from around their districts for their spring Youth Advisory Councils. Students came together to hear from various speakers, learn more about the legislative process, and participate in a mock committee hearing.

The Youth Advisory Councils are a great way for young people to get involved in government. They help foster a deeper understanding of Illinois' governmental process and can even lead to new and important legislation.