Sangamon Sun

The Illinois General Assembly has officially begun its regular session for 2024. Lawmakers have been busy meeting with constituents, fellow lawmakers, and drafting legislation. One of the key issues that will be addressed during this session is the ongoing immigration crisis and its associated costs. Governor JB Pritzker has been using executive action to handle the crisis, which has raised concerns about transparency and the allocation of taxpayer dollars.

State Senator Sally Turner has called for more transparency from Governor Pritzker regarding the spending on immigration services and the impact on programs designed to help Illinois citizens. Senator Turner believes it is essential to have a clear understanding of how much money is being spent and how it affects the welfare of the state.

In addition to addressing the immigration crisis, Senator Turner has introduced new legislation to protect Illinois' agricultural land and national security. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit property ownership within the state by noncitizens from nations deemed hostile by the federal government. This measure is intended to safeguard the critical farmland that forms the backbone of the state's economy.

Senator Turner drew inspiration from successful bipartisan laws in California and Arkansas, where similar legislation has been passed to mitigate risks associated with the purchase of farmland by foreign entities that may compromise national security. She hopes that her legislation will spark a constructive discussion among lawmakers about the state's commitment to the agricultural industry and the overall security of the nation.

Another important development is the call from the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus for Governor Pritzker to reverse proposed cuts to funding for programs that support the developmentally disabled community. The cuts would significantly reduce the number of hours that Direct Support Professionals could provide services in group homes, affecting approximately 10,000 adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Senator Turner has joined her fellow Republicans in urging the Governor to rescind these cuts, pointing out that they come at a time when spending on immigrant services has increased significantly. She emphasizes the devastating impact these cuts would have on some of the most vulnerable members of society and highlights the Governor's failure to implement recommendations from an independent report that has already resulted in a shortfall of half a billion dollars for the I/DD community.

In other news, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking summer instructors for its 2024 Urban Fishing Program Clinics. The program, established in 1985, aims to teach people of all ages to fish, provide better local fishing opportunities, and promote an understanding and appreciation for natural resources. The IDNR is accepting applications for instructors who will be responsible for hosting free fishing clinics throughout communities in Illinois.

Finally, Senator Turner has relaunched her annual "Valentines for Seniors" card drive. She is encouraging students, scout groups, churches, and other organizations to create homemade cards that will be delivered to nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other long-term care facilities in the 44th Senate District. Cards can be mailed or dropped off at Senator Turner's district office until February 5th.

As the Illinois General Assembly continues its regular session, these developments highlight the importance of transparency, protecting vital industries, supporting vulnerable populations, and promoting community engagement. Senator Turner's initiatives and the concerns raised by the Republican Caucus reflect the ongoing commitment to the welfare of Illinois citizens and the prioritization of their needs.