Sangamon Sun

State Senator Sally Turner has introduced new legislation aimed at helping Illinois families cope with rising utility costs. Senate Bill 2687, called the Home Utility Relief Act, proposes a rebate program for households earning between 100% and 500% of federal poverty guidelines. The initiative is designed to support those who do not qualify for traditional low-income assistance but are still affected by high energy prices.

The bill would create a $500 million Home Utility Rebate Relief Fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. After rebates are distributed to eligible households, leftover funds could be made available to certain first-time small business owners.

Turner commented on the need for such measures, stating that many working and middle-class families have limited access to programs that help manage increasing energy bills.

In other state news, Governor JB Pritzker recently appointed Timothy Nugent and Tracy Buckley to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB), drawing continued criticism from Senate Republicans over transparency concerns. Nugent previously served as mayor of Manteno and supported zoning efforts for a Chinese battery manufacturing company. Buckley held administrative roles during a period when the PRB faced scrutiny.

The PRB determines parole decisions for individuals convicted of serious crimes. Under Pritzker’s administration, more releases have been approved compared to previous administrations, including some involving high-profile cases. In June, Pritzker signed Senate Bill 19 into law, which extended PRB member terms from six to eight years.

Turner opposed SB 19, arguing that "supporters of the legislation were more interested in protecting appointees from accountability than in ensuring transparency." She said attention should focus on keeping violent offenders incarcerated rather than shielding board members from oversight.

A federal lawsuit was filed last week against Illinois over its policy granting financial aid and in-state tuition to undocumented students. The suit challenges House Bill 460, signed by Pritzker earlier this year, which expanded scholarships and grants starting next year. Federal officials claim the law violates statutes barring benefits for individuals in the country illegally if not equally provided to U.S. citizens and allege it discriminates against legal out-of-state students while increasing taxpayer burdens.

Turner addressed this issue: "this latest lawsuit is further proof that Democrat policies are putting the interests of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Illinois families." She maintains that taxpayer-funded aid should go only to U.S. citizens or legal residents.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced a new Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program offering up to ten annual grants of $20,000 each for restoring neglected or abandoned cemeteries. Eligible applicants include local governments and non-profit organizations meeting requirements under state law. Applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025; AmpliFund hosted an online training session now available via IDFPR’s YouTube page.

Recent dry weather across Central Illinois has heightened field fire risks as crops become more susceptible due to lack of rain. Firefighters report even minor sparks can quickly spread fires through dry fields—one incident covered six miles before containment was achieved. Farmers cite equipment malfunctions as common causes; experts stress preventative maintenance alongside hopes for rainfall soon.

Turner commented on these conditions: "the situation is a reminder of the challenges farmers face every year and the importance of supporting both agriculture and rural fire protection services as they work to keep our communities safe."

Turner was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 44th Senate District in 2021 after replacing former senator Bill Brady (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3222).