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.

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

The House voted along party lines during the week to increase Illinois’ minimum wage despite economic concerns by business and public groups.

Honoring our Presidents

We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. – Ronald Reagan

Celebrating Abraham Lincoln's Birthday!

The Senate voted 39-18 during the week to advance a Democrat plan to incrementally raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour – a plan that could have huge repercussions for employers across the board, including public universities, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations.

Senator Jim Oberweis released the following statement after the Senate voted increase the minimum wage incrementally to $15.00 per hour for standard and tipped employees over a six-year ramp.

Senator Jim Oberweis is urging Illinoisans to speak up and help put a fair maps amendment on the ballot for the next election, giving voters the power to pick their legislators instead of letting lawmakers pick their voters.

Voice your support for getting a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot to give you the chance to vote on a new system to draw our legislative maps.

Senate lawmakers braved the cold to return to the Capitol January 29-31, as the Governor issued a disaster proclamation for the entire state ahead of the severe winter storm that blanketed Illinois with life-threatening wind chills.

As the spring legislative session resumes January 29, more than 550 legislative proposals have already been filed for consideration by lawmakers.

Senator Jim Oberweis has been asked to serve as Republican spokesperson for the Labor Committee and for the Environment and Conservation Committee for the 101st General Assembly.

A new Administration transitioned into power during the week with Governor J.B. Pritzker being sworn into office on January 14.

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. !

Senator Jim Oberweis has been reappointed to the Senate Republican leadership team as the Illinois General Assembly begins its 101st biennial session.

Illinois lawmakers gathered in Springfield this week to convene the 101st General Assembly, Senator Bill Brady was re-elected as Senator Minority Leader, and Governor Bruce Rauner issued a progress report in the last week of his Administration.

Senator Jim Oberweis joins the Capitol Report podcast January 9 to discuss the inauguration of the 101st General Assembly, and what the challenges and opportunities are for lawmakers.

Senator Jim Oberweis says the convening of the 101st General Assembly Jan. 9 signals a renewed commitment to face the challenges and welcome the opportunities awaiting Illinois.