Sangamon Sun

Illinois welcomed two new legislators this week, Nicole La Ha and Brandun Schweizer, who were appointed to fill vacancies in the House Republican Caucus. La Ha, the State Representative of the 82nd District, is known for her commitment to lower property taxes and financial responsibility, as well as her advocacy for community accessibility and inclusive parks for children with disabilities. Schweizer, the State Representative of the 104th District, is a retired United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant with a background in intelligence and code enforcement. Both legislators bring unique experiences and perspectives to their roles.

In other news, former Chicago alderman Edward M. Burke has been found guilty on federal corruption charges. Burke, who served as chairman of the powerful Finance Committee, was a symbol of power and authority in Chicago. Corruption allegations had surrounded Burke for decades, but it wasn't until the Federal Bureau of Investigation stepped in that he was indicted on numerous charges. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie expressed the need for significant ethics reforms in Illinois, stating, "Democrats' complacency with the status quo continues to cheat and take advantage of Illinois families."

The deadline for firearms registration in Illinois is approaching. Under the "Protect Illinois Communities Act," owners of so-called "assault weapons" are required to register their firearms by midnight, December 31, 2023. Failure to register could result in confiscation by law enforcement. However, there are still unanswered questions regarding which firearms and items must be registered, causing confusion among firearm owners. Many Illinois gun owners oppose the act of mandatory registration, and lawsuits have been filed challenging its constitutionality. The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to hear one of these cases in the future.

On the economic front, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has made $25 million in B2B NewBiz grant money available to small businesses that launched in Illinois in 2020 and 2021. This grant program aims to support businesses that faced challenges due to the ongoing pandemic and shutdown orders. Small business owners are encouraged to apply for these grants through community navigators, which provide assistance to minority-owned, rural, veteran, and woman-owned businesses. The application window for this grant cycle will close on January 11, 2024.

As Illinois wraps up the year, new legislators join the ranks, corruption convictions are handed down, firearms owners face registration deadlines, and small businesses have the opportunity to receive financial support. These developments shape the landscape of the state and set the stage for future endeavors.

To learn more, click on this link: https://reprosenthal.com/2023/12/27/recap-with-rosenthal-11/