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!

An estimated $69 million in federal aid is being sought for flood damages across the state, and new reports give mixed reviews on Illinois’ economic outlook.

Happy Labor Day!

A number of bills sponsored by Senate Republican lawmakers have been signed into law during the week, including measures expanding youth hunting, shining light on ADA violations, seeking to repurpose a state facility, and increasing safety.

Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican lawmakers has recently been signed into law, including measures to provide sexual assault victims with more transparency on the status of rape kit processing, and to authorize special license plate decals to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer treatment and research.

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.