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.

A controversial graduated income tax plan was advanced during the week, with Democrat lawmakers and state officials claiming it is time to “let the people vote,” even though they will not allow similar votes on other issues such as term limits, pension reform and fair maps.

Senator Jim Oberweis says voters should be allowed to voice their opinion on all the Constitutional Amendments pending before the General Assembly this spring.

After years of blocking Illinois voters from taking action on term limits and the independent, nonpartisan drawing of legislative districts maps, the Democrats controlling all three branches of government in Springfield are chirping in unison — “Let the people decide!”.

Senator Jim Oberweis released the following statement after the Senate Executive Committee voted along party lines April 10 to advance a proposed Constitutional Amendment that would cost taxpayers an additional $3.4 billion each year while fundamentally changing Illinois’ income tax structure.

Applications are due April 30 for the 2019-2020 Scholarship Award Program sponsored by the Illinois Conference of Women Legislators , a bipartisan, bicameral, nonprofit organization of women legislators in the Illinois General Assembly.

Citizens and advocacy groups from across the state crowded the Capitol during the week, voicing their support or opposition to hundreds of bills currently being considered by lawmakers.

Senate Republicans offered a constitutional amendment during the week to give Illinois residents a stronger voice in proposed tax increases, as lawmakers acted on legislation that will provide cost-savings measures, and resolve issues with out-of-date mandates.

Registration for the Students Ideas Competition at the Chicago Architecture Biennial is open now through April 19!

Several important bills – some of them controversial – were among the measures considered by lawmakers during the week to meet a March 22 deadline to move Senate bills out of committees.

The Senate spent most of its time during the week working on legislation in committees, with some floor action and several controversial measures making news.

Governor J.B. Pritzker took the next step during the week in advancing his controversial plan to change the state’s income tax from a flat rate to a graduated rate based on income.

A proposal by Senator Jim Oberweis to authorize Sunday car sales would allow dealers to run their businesses as they see fit, give consumers more shopping options, and ultimately increase tax revenues for Illinois.

Senator Jim Oberweis makes his case for legislation he is sponsoring to authorize car sales on Sunday.

Illinois’ new Governor outlined his spending plan for the coming year during the week, after signing a controversial minimum-wage measure into law.

LISTEN IN: Senator Oberweis discusses Governor Pritzker's Budget Address February 20

Senator Jim Oberweis is interviewed after Governor J. B. Pritzker delivered his first Budget Address February 20 to a joint session of legislators in the House of Representatives.