In the wake of federal indictments and raids, and elected official resignations, a special legislative panel heard testimony during the week addressing ethics and lobbying legal loopholes.

Teachers in Illinois are reminded that they can apply now through January 31 for the annual Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program.

The state’s population decline continues to be a cause for concern as Illinois enters a new decade with nearly 160,000 fewer residents.

As a new year begins, Illinois residents may be interested to learn about several notable new laws that take effect January 1.

As people throughout Illinois prepare to ring in the New Year, the Senate Republican Caucus is continuing to highlight new laws that will take effect on January 1.

As a New Year approaches, Illinois residents may want to know about several notable laws that take effect on Jan. 1.

A recent report ranks Illinois low in fiscal transparency, and as a new decade looms, lawmakers must commit to improving the state’s system of drawing legislative boundaries to limit undue influence from politicians and special interests.

November is a month of celebrating all that is good about our nation’s freedom and its democracy.

Illinois continues to move toward a brand-new industry launching statewide, as state government continues to prepare for the sale of recreational cannabis beginning January 1.

The fall Veto Session came to a close during the week with the final days’ main focus firmly on combatting the ethics problems currently plaguing the state.

Honoring all who served!

A full agenda awaits legislators when they return to the Capitol Nov. 12 for the final week of the fall Veto Session.

Senator Jim Oberweis will host a free community event in Batavia on Nov. 4 to help constituents better understand the federal Medicare program.

The Senate Republican Caucus took action during the week to restore public trust in an honest and ethical state government by introducing legislation to ensure independent investigations of members of the General Assembly.

A multi-year, multi-billion-dollar plan for road and bridge construction in Illinois was launched during the week, while the battle against opioid deaths continues, and the state improves educational opportunities for both students and teachers.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has allocated more than $21.5 million for construction projects in the 25th Senate District during Fiscal Year 2020, according to Senator Jim Oberweis.

Senator Jim Oberweis will host a free community event to help constituents learn more about preventing identity theft and consumer fraud.

During the upcoming fall veto session, during which they generally take action on bills vetoed by the Governor, Illinois lawmakers could also be asked to consider a proposal to consolidate suburban and downstate pension plans.

As Veterans Day approaches, Senator Jim Oberweis is asking constituents to share a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois State Capitol, November 4-15.

Personal finance publication Kiplinger has ranked all U.S. states to determine which is the most, and the least, tax-friendly, based on the tax burden placed on residents. Illinois takes the bottom spot least tax-friendly, primarily due to the property tax burden.

Senior citizens will have access to a wide variety of informational resources from local and state groups at a free Senior Health Fair October 2 in Yorkville hosted by Senator Jim Oberweis and Representative Keith Wheeler.

Springfield, IL…There are 59 Illinois State Senators. At times, there may be an incident that involves one senator, but which impacts all of us. Such an episode happened during the week, when a Chicago area Senator became the subject of a raid by federal authorities. Elsewhere, on a positive note, Illinois’ agriculture industry received some big news this week Taiwanese delegation committing to purchasing over $2 billion in Illinois soy and corn over the next two years. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Human Services launched a video campaign dedicated to raising awareness for the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances.

Springfield, IL. -- A one-time tax amnesty program is being offered to delinquent taxpayers beginning October 1. Also during the week, members of the Property Tax Relief Task Force continued to meet in hopes of addressing Illinois’ onerous property tax burden ...

Beginning January 1, 2020, recreational cannabis sales will be legal in Illinois. With less than four months to go before the new law takes effect, dispensaries have several regulations to abide by, such as taking part in health and safety training, before opening their doors.

The Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office will host a Military and Veterans Family Fun Festival Oct. 19 at Malcom X College. Check it out!