Sangamon Sun

State Representative Joel Keicher provided an update on recent legislative activities in Illinois, highlighting key developments from the spring session. The Illinois General Assembly recently passed a $55.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, marking a $2 billion increase from the previous year and including $1 billion in tax hikes. Keicher criticized the spending growth under Governor Pritzker's administration, stating that "all that extra spending has done virtually nothing to improve services for the families, seniors and most vulnerable in our society."

In legal news, federal prosecutors are seeking a 12.5-year prison sentence and a $1.5 million fine for former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, convicted on corruption charges earlier this year. Prosecutors argue that "Madigan engaged in corrupt activity at the highest level of state government for nearly a decade."

Keicher also highlighted legislative successes, such as Senate Bill 71, aimed at improving school safety by developing emergency guidance plans following a hazardous material spill incident in Ohio. Another bill, House Bill 1226, is ready for the Governor's signature to raise the age requirement for mandatory road tests for senior drivers.

Additionally, Keicher warned of a new text message scam targeting Illinois residents with false claims from the "Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles." He emphasized that these messages are phishing attempts designed to steal personal information.

Concerns were raised about Senate Bill 246, which proposes creating a state-run investment pool for certain non-profits. Keicher argued it could lead to improper government endorsement of organizations engaged in political activism.

Keicher reiterated his stance on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reform, citing misuse of TIF districts as detrimental to taxpayers and school funding.

Further legislative updates include bills focused on student-athlete protection (House Bill 2521), school bus safety (Senate Bill 191), addressing absenteeism (Senate Bill 407), vocational education opportunities (Senate Bill 1605), and establishing a statewide Domestic Violence Hotline system (House Bill 2774).

The article also notes concerns about Senate Bill 26 regarding lawsuit jurisdiction expansion and Senate Bill 1950 on physician-assisted suicide.

Finally, Keicher announced an upcoming Kids Fair event co-hosted with Rep. Dan Ugaste on June 21 at Chapelstreet Church in Geneva. The family-oriented event will feature various activities and demonstrations.

Keicher concluded by expressing his commitment to making Illinois more attractive for job creators and reducing barriers to economic growth.