In a recent session at the House, a total of 324 bills were passed, with a significant majority belonging to the Democrat party. Among them, five bills stood out for their positive impact and implications for various sectors.One of the bills, HB4412, focused on amending the Child Care Act of 1969 to enhance child care facility safety and streamline the process of completing criminal background investigations. Another noteworthy bill, HB4874, amended the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to ensure that pharmacists cannot refuse to fill a valid prescription simply because...
Senator Bennett, along with other Illinois Senate Republicans, recently raised concerns about a proposed funding formula for the state’s higher education system. During a press conference, they highlighted elements of the formula that base funding on a student’s race, which they believe could be unconstitutional. The Senators emphasized that such a plan could violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and jeopardize federal funding for schools. They pointed to the University of Illinois as an example of the potential consequences, with over $750 million in funding at stake....
Apr 18 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, IL – State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) expressed his satisfaction as his bill aimed at increasing access to college scholarships for children of U.S. military veterans successfully passed through the General Assembly with unanimous support. House Bill 4733, championed by Rep. Coffey, garnered a resounding roll call vote of 112-0.“This bill extends our respect to even more children of veterans, and I’m happy the General Assembly had bipartisan support on HB4733,” said Rep. Coffey. “I will always support and...
Illinois Representative Rosenthal expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to address the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) on important legislative matters concerning community college students and educational enhancements. Emphasizing the significance of a solid foundation for academic success, Rosenthal highlighted the importance of affordable tuition, accessible textbooks, and a resilient mindset for students striving to reach their educational aspirations."Community Colleges in Illinois are fantastic institutions for students who want a high quality...
In a recent development at the Capitol, State Rep. Mike Coffey has seen two of his sponsored bills pass through the General Assembly this week. Expressing his thoughts on the progress, Rep. Coffey stated, "Although I would like to see more Republican bills called to be voted on, we have made some progress that includes two more bills I sponsored being passed unanimously."The two bills in question, HB5465 and HB5128, address crucial issues in Illinois. Rep. Coffey emphasized the importance of these bills, saying, "I believe these two bills are important and I’m happy to...
In the Illinois House of Representatives, the deadline for bills originating in the House to be voted on by the chamber and sent to the State Senate is fast approaching. This Friday marks the 3rd reading deadline, a crucial point in the legislative process. Yesterday, a total of 63 bills made their way through the House, marking a significant moment in the state's legislative agenda. Of these, 55 bills belonged to the Democrat party, while only 8 bills were from the Republican party. This stark contrast in numbers highlights the dominance of Democrat bills in the House...
Illinois House Democrats have introduced new legislation that would eliminate single-family zoning areas in Illinois’ largest cities. Representative Kam Buckner (D -Chicago) introduced House Bill 4795, known as the Single-Family Zoning Ban Act, to the General Assembly. The bill aims to require townships, municipalities, and counties with populations over 100,000 residents to allow for the use of "middle housing" in areas currently zoned for single-family homes, such as duplexes and triplexes.The proposed legislation has raised concerns among residents who fear the impact...
Rep. Coffey announced with pride that House Bill 4733 has successfully passed the House unanimously, with a vote of 112-0. The bill, aimed at amending the University of Illinois Act, allows for the provision of honorary scholarships to the children of Veterans who served during the invasion of Panama between December 20, 1989, and January 31, 1990.In a statement following the bill's passage, Rep. Coffey expressed his satisfaction with the support received, stating, "I’m very proud to see House Bill 4733 pass the House unanimously, 112-0." He further elaborated on the...
In observance of National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is urging motorists to prioritize safety by moving over and slowing down when approaching work zones. The initiative aims to remind drivers to exercise caution and vigilance while navigating through construction areas to protect the workers and maintain road safety."Residents should know the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Multi-Year Program will have an impact on additional work zones being setup," emphasized IDOT, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance...
Springfield, IL – Legislation pending in the House of Representatives (HB 4270), would amend the Line of Duty Compensation Act. State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) filed legislation to include emergency medical services personnel."Our first responders put their lives on the line to save others and we must honor their families after tragic events that occur," said Rep. Rosenthal. "House Bill 4270 would financially assist families of first responders in times of need and also acknowledge their dedication to keeping our communities safe."The Line of Duty...
Last week in Springfield was a bustling one with various activities happening at the Capitol. Among the events were sessions, committee meetings, and visits that added excitement to the week.Representative Mike Coffey shared some highlights of the week, including the presence of two high school seniors who accompanied him for a day. He mentioned, "I had two Pages with me for a day: Harrison Gray is a Senior at Springfield High School and a student representative for District 186 school board. Ian Klockenga is a Senior at Rochester High School and helped the Rochester...
In a recent development, Illinois House Republicans have voiced their concerns over the diminished public safety in the state following the implementation of the cashless bail system under the Illinois SAFE-T Act. Representative Rosenthal highlighted the troubling trend where criminals seem to be treated more favorably than law-abiding citizens, emphasizing the need to prioritize community safety.Patrick Windhorst, the House Republican Floor Leader, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and preventing quick releases back...
Illinois residents are facing a significant challenge in maintaining public safety six months after the full implementation of the cashless bail and other provisions of the Illinois SAFE-T Act. House Republicans have been vocal about their opposition to the law, citing concerns about its impact on law enforcement and community safety.According to Rep. Coffey, tough laws against criminals need to be reestablished to ensure accountability for perpetrators of crimes. State Representative John Cabello expressed worry over criminals being treated better than law-abiding...
State Representative Mike Coffey has taken a stand against the proposed closure of the Springfield Regional Processing and Distribution Center by urging Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider the decision. In a recent statement, Coffey highlighted his efforts by filing House Resolution 691 to express the Illinois House of Representatives' disappointment with the USPS's plan.Coffey emphasized the importance of protecting workers in Illinois and finding alternative solutions to benefit both USPS operations and residents. He stated, "We must do more to protect workers...
Senator Bennett strongly opposes Senate Bill 771, a piece of legislation that would grant the state sweeping authority over private land in Illinois. The bill has faced opposition from various groups, including farmers, business organizations, home builders, and energy producers. Senator Bennett believes that the proposed legislation infringes on property rights and would impose burdensome regulatory processes on citizens, potentially harming Illinois’ agriculture, construction, and energy sectors in the long term.In contrast, Senator Bennett recently passed Senate Bill...
On April 12, 2024, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce was awarded a prestigious 5-Stars Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a testament to the chamber's sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities.In response to this achievement, Representative Coffey filed HR680 to congratulate the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Only 11 chambers of commerce across the nation were honored with this accreditation, highlighting the exceptional work done by the Greater Springfield Chamber of...