Landmark sexual harassment and discrimination reforms, and a measure aimed at reducing property taxes by allowing for some government consolidation have recently been signed into law.

A new state task force will look for ways to provide property tax relief to beleaguered homeowners and report its findings by the end of the year. In other news, the headlines continue to be dominated by media reports of state leaders who continue to take advantage of the people they purport to serve.

New laws that received the Governor’s signature during the week include legislation aimed at promoting Scott’s Law and a measure promoting hunting education and safety.

Millions of Illinoisans impacted by the 2017 Equifax breach could soon be in line for a cash payment, as the credit monitoring company announced during the week a federal lawsuit settlement that includes restitution for consumers impacted by the breach.

In the wake of a recent federal Supreme Court ruling, Senate Republicans are renewing their call to pass a state Constitutional Amendment to allow voters to decide who draws legislative boundary maps.

Recent strong earthquakes in California are prompting calls for earthquake awareness from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), which is also focusing this month on young people learning how to prepare for all emergency situations.

The Fourth of July is a celebration of independence, a time to pay tribute to our nation, its founders and the men and women who in so many ways have made her great.

The United States Supreme Court ruled during the week that courts have no role in deciding partisan gerrymandering claims, a decision that Senate Republicans say further underscores the need for a fair maps redistricting process in Illinois.

‘Texting While Driving’ law takes effect July 1Motorists who text while driving will face stiffer penalties as Illinois’ law regarding the use of hand-held devices behind the wheel takes effect on July 1.

As summer nears, bills from the spring legislative session are now being signed into law – beginning with a controversial measure to expand abortion in Illinois, and a reinstatement of the five-hour school day minimum.

The Illinois General Assembly adjourned for the summer on June 2, two days after the regularly scheduled adjournment, after addressing a number of high-profile issues.

Senior citizens will have access to a wide variety of informational resources from local and state groups at a free Senior Health Fair June 6 in West Chicago being hosted by Senator Jim Oberweis.

This is a letter I sent to the media today.

Senator Jim Oberweis released the following statement about his vote against a $40 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2020 that was presented to the Senate just minutes before the General Assembly was scheduled to adjourn on May 31.

Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Despite the May 31 adjournment of the regularly scheduled spring legislative session rapidly approaching, a great deal of work remains on controversial legislation and the resolution of many major issues is unclear.

Controversy continues to swirl around Governor J.B. Pritzker’s plan to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults in Illinois, while a great deal of work remains on several other pressing issues that will also affect the state budget, with just two weeks left in the spring session.

Controversy surrounding Governor J.B. Pritzker’s plan to legalize recreational cannabis dominated the week, while a Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant expansion proposal that could cost current college students tuition assistance also generated headlines.

Senator Jim Oberweis says a controversial expansion of eligibility for the state’s Monetary Award Program grants will mean fewer higher education dollars than ever for Illinois families and students looking for help to make college more affordable.

Senate Republican lawmakers stood with middle-income families during the week, voting against a $3.4 billion tax increase as Democrat legislative leaders pushed through a graduated income tax proposal with no protections for taxpayers.

Senator Jim Oberweis and Representative Keith Wheeler of Oswego are teaming with the Yorkville Public Library to host a free seminar May 6 to provide consumers with important information about fraud prevention.

Senator Jim Oberweis released the following statement May 1 after Senate Democrat leaders muscled through a constitutional amendment and legislation that sets rates for Governor J. B. Pritzker’s controversial plan to fundamentally change the state’s income tax system and increase taxes by an additional $3.4 billion per year.

Senator Jim Oberweis released the following statement after the Senate Executive Committee voted along party lines April 30 to advance legislation that sets rates for a proposed Constitutional Amendment that would fundamentally change Illinois’ income tax structure and cost taxpayers an additional $3 billion each year.

With the second half of the spring legislative session scheduled to begin April 30, dozens of bills have been approved by the Senate so far, including legislation to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, fund pediatric cancer awareness, and ensure Illinois schools receive property tax money committed to them.

State lawmakers are working back in their districts until April 30, when they return to Springfield to finish the spring legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn May 31.