Sangamon Sun

With energy prices increasing, Senate Republicans have proposed a legislative package to address rising electricity costs in Illinois. According to utility filings, Ameren customers could see their average monthly summer bills rise from $37.62 to $45.98, while ComEd customers might pay up to $118.60 per month, up from $108.

The package includes three bills aimed at improving energy reliability and affordability: Senate Bill 1234 creates the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force; Senate Bill 1235 repeals the forced 2045 closure date for coal and natural gas plants under CEJA; and Senate Bill 1236 cuts red tape at the Illinois EPA for new power plant permits.

State Senator Sally Turner stated that the plan would help prevent future rate hikes and ensure grid reliability by expanding access to dependable energy.

Separately, members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are urging Governor JB Pritzker to restore a proposed $32 million cut in Direct Support Professional service hours for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A letter sent to the Governor emphasizes prioritizing vulnerable Illinoisans' needs and warns that proposed cuts could impact staffing and care availability.

Governor Pritzker's budget crisis has sparked talks of tax hikes as Democrats seek solutions for a significant budget shortfall. Proposed taxes include those on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and an increase in estate taxes.

Meanwhile, the Illinois State Capitol hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance honoring fallen service members from Illinois. The digital display will be available for public viewing through June 6.

In other legislative developments, State Senator Sally Turner's bill supporting young farmers has passed both chambers unanimously. Senate Bill 2372 establishes the Farmland Transition Commission within the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Additionally, legislation ending discriminatory driving requirements for older drivers passed with unanimous support in the Senate. House Bill 1226 removes automatic behind-the-wheel tests for drivers aged 79-87 during license renewals but maintains vision test requirements.

Lastly, Senate Republicans passed House Bill 1754 addressing alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), led by Senator Darby Hills. The bill requires tracking AGS cases and training healthcare providers about this allergy caused by tick bites.