Happy 2025, District 37! I’m writing you all to give an update on what took place during the end of the 103rd General Assembly, what has been happening since the start of the 104th General Assembly, and a few other topics as well.
INAUGURATION
January 8th was an important day for our state as Illinois’ 104th General Assembly was sworn in. The inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter in our State legislature’s history and the lives of Illinoisans. I am incredibly grateful to my constituents here in the 37th District for their continued trust in me as their advocate over the next two years. I am humbled and honored to continue working on your behalf, both in Springfield and back home, to fight for the changes that matter most to folks in our District.
DRIVER’S LICENSE RENEWALS
I am happy to be a sponsor of a new bill designed to reduce unnecessary restrictions placed on many drivers here in Illinois. House Bill 1226, which has gained bipartisan support, would raise the age for mandatory behind-the-wheel tests for older drivers renewing their licenses from 79 to 87.
Today, Illinois requires drivers aged 79 or 80 to take behind-the-wheel tests in order to renew their licenses. Drivers aged 81 to 86 are required to take behind-the-wheel tests every other year and, at age 87, must take the test each year. If signed into law, House Bill 1226 would no longer require road tests for those renewing their licenses at age 79 or 80, only vision exams taken at the DMV. The same standard would also apply to motorists aged 81 to 86 completing their biyearly license renewals.
This change is long overdue. As of right now, Illinois is the only state to require driving tests based on age alone despite previous efforts to do away with such a requirement. If signed into law, HB1226 would align us with the rest of the country and hold our seniors to the same standard as any other driver. By doing so, drivers aged 79 to 86 will no longer have to pay extra for behind-the-wheel tests and DMVs can divert their resources elsewhere. I truly appreciate the Secretary of State and my colleagues in the House for their hard work on this bill.
House Bill 1226 awaits further discussion in the House Rules Committee. You can track House Bill 1226 here.
COMMUNITY BASED CORRECTIONS TASK FORCE
I am honored to have been appointed to the new Community-Based Corrections Task Force established during the 103rd General Assembly. The Task Force is an important component in assessing the efficacy of community-based alternatives to detention and specialty courts for rehabilitation based on both research and community engagement.
The Task Force will suggest changes to statutes relevant to the topic, present its findings, and make recommendations on the development and implementation of a new community-based correction program by the end of the year. I am confident the new Task Force will allow my colleagues and I to determine how the state can further refine its justice system and ensure we are doing everything we can to build a more prosperous Illinois.
I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to Leader McCombie for the opportunity to serve as a member on the Task Force. I’m looking forward to it!
CHAT WITH THE CHIEFS ROUNDTABLE
I recently had the privilege of hosting my Chat with the Chiefs law enforcement roundtable at the Mokena Police Department. The event brought together law enforcement officials from the 37th District to discuss important areas of policy such as the SAFE-T Act, Karina’s Bill, Tier II Pensions, and school resource officers.
Hearing directly from those who serve our communities on the front lines was an invaluable opportunity to learn how I can best address Illinois’ public safety issues and support our first responders in Springfield.
Thank you to all who attended for sharing your unique insights and experiences. I look forward to meeting with you all again soon!
PROPERTY TAXES
I also had the pleasure of meeting with Mayor Steven Streit to address the concerns of Lockport residents when it comes to high property taxes, especially for those in senior living communities.
I am committed to learning about ways that we can lessen financial burdens when it comes to high taxes and the rising cost of living!
FLAG OF ILLINOIS
Voting has begun on ten potential new State of Illinois flag designs. The ten designs are the finalists from nearly 5,000 designs submitted by the public. From these submissions, the Illinois Flag Commission selected ten finalists. This week, the ten winning designs were posted for advisory public vote. Illinoisans can also look at, and vote for, three existing flag designs: the current flag of Illinois, the 1918 Centennial flag of Illinois, and the 1968 Sesquicentennial flag of Illinois.
The public vote for a new Illinois flag is purely advisory. Participants in this voting procedure can cast multiple votes on the website of the Flag Commission, but they must sign in and can cast only one vote per day. The public vote will continue until February 14, 2025.
After compiling and scrutinizing the vote, the Illinois Flag Commission will, on a date not later than April 1, 2025, submit a report to the General Assembly. The report will include the finalist flag designs and will include a recommendation (which will be advisory and will not have force of law) as to which design ought to be selected. The General Assembly will make the final decision on whether Illinois should enact a new flag design or should keep our existing flag design.
The existing Illinois flag is a white banner with a complex, patriotic motif that includes an eagle, a motto on a scroll, the Star-Spangled shield of the United States, a rising sun, and the state’s name, “Illinois.” The ten Illinois State Flag finalists were announced on Tuesday, December 10.
MUSEUMS IN THE PARK
I also wanted to remind you all about our office’s Museums in the Park program which is a great way to spend some family time in the colder months. Through the program, we offer general admission passes for constituents and three guests to use at 18 of Chicagoland’s renowned museums, zoos, gardens, and other educational institutions, free of charge.
If you are interested, follow the link below to fill out the request form. If our office is able to fulfill your request, we will send you your resource card along with a signed letter from myself to present at the time of admittance.
I hope you take advantage of this resource to see all that Illinois has to offer. Have fun!
Museum Resource Card Reservations – Patrick Sheehan
I’M HERE TO HELP!
As your State Representative, my foremost priority is serving members of our community, both in Springfield and here in the 37th District. My District Office offers a variety of services and is here to help by:
• Connecting with state agencies
• Assisting with application processes
• Navigating ICash claims
• Finding local resources
• Providing flags for veterans
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact one of my offices or visit RepSheehan.com.
STAY IN TOUCH!
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Cheers!
Patrick Sheehan
State Representative, District 37