Thank you for reading these E-News Updates. It’s important to stay informed, and I’m grateful for the chance to update you on the latest happenings in our District and across the state. I’ve got a lot to share with you today!
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Fighting for Public Safety
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As a police officer, I’ve looked victims and their families in the eye. I’ve seen the aftermath of violent crime up close. That’s why I couldn’t stay silent about what happened in Springfield a few weeks ago.
House Democrats tried to pass HB3332, a bill that would’ve allowed violent offenders, including murderers, rapists, and those who committed crimes against children, to be resentenced and potentially walk free.
Thankfully the bill failed. But the fact that this even made it to a floor vote should concern every law-abiding citizen in Illinois.
Justice must mean something. Families who’ve suffered unthinkable loss shouldn’t have to relive it in court years later just because lawmakers want to soften consequences for criminals.
Every Republican stood firm. I was proud to vote no.
We should be strengthening our justice system instead of weakening it. I’ll always back the blue, back victims, and stand for public safety in our communities.
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Standing Against Corruption
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In April, my colleagues and I held a press conference to discuss chaos happening in multiple state agencies. Now, another example of state agency dysfunction under the Pritzker administration has come to light. The Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG) has revealed a significant conflict of interest within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The investigation centers on Daniel Thomas, the former Deputy Director of the Tourism Office, and his ties to a business he previously owned, which also happens to be a DCEO vendor.
From the OEIG:
“The OEIG determined that DCEO committed mismanagement by placing Mr. Thomas in charge of the Tourism Office, despite knowing about his prior relationship with TimeZoneOne, but not taking reasonable steps to determine if there was an actual or perceived conflict, as well, allowing contractual payments to be made with state funds without ensuring reconciliations were performed to support such payments. In addition, it was clear to DCEO management that TimeZoneOne was paying for at least some of Mr. Thomas’s and his subordinates’ travel, yet no action was taken to ensure such payments were appropriate and that the travel rules were followed.”
If the Governor and supermajority Democrats won’t take corruption seriously, we are only going to see more mismanagement and bad behavior at our agencies. This has to stop, and it has to stop now.
Learn more about the investigation: https://oeig.illinois.gov/…/Newsletter_April_21_2025.pdf
Read the full report: https://oeig.illinois.gov/…/24-00353-thomas-d–summary
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Remembering Mongo
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I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Steve McMichael, a true hometown hero and legend. Steve was a Chicago Bears icon, a Super Bowl champion, and someone who embodied the best of Homer Glen with his humor, strength, and determination. His fight against ALS showed incredible courage and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew his story.
Our community feels this loss deeply, and our thoughts are with Steve’s family, friends, and everyone who admired him. His legacy of resilience and inspiration will never be forgotten.
Listen below to my remarks about Steve “Mongo” McMichael on the House Floor.
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HR40 Passes Committee
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I’m excited to announce that HR0040 has passed committee. If adopted, this resolution would recognize May 2025 as Law Enforcement Mental Health Awareness Month. It also urges the FBI to effectively keep information on the prevalence of suicide among law enforcement through the Law Enforcement Officers Suicide Data Collection Program (LEOSDCP) in order to help reduce the rate of suicide in law enforcement in the U.S. It likewise encourages the State of Illinois to establish its own LEOSDCP to keep statistics on suicide in law enforcement to reduce the profession’s suicide rate statewide.
We must protect those who protect us. This resolution is an important step in making sure we raise awareness of the unique mental health struggles our law enforcement faces. Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort.
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The Safe-T Act Must Be Repealed
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Comptroller Susana Mendoza spoke at the Illinois Fallen Peace Officers Memorial last week, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. She recognized the dangers officers face every day and called out the Safe-T Act as bad policy. I couldn’t agree more. We must fix this broken law and stand with our law enforcement. Our officers deserve better, and our communities deserve safety.
I applaud her boldness in speaking up, and I did the same on the House Floor. We cannot continue to allow policy that is literally putting people’s lives at risk every day. I will continue to stand against the Safe-T Act because we CAN change this dangerous law and we MUST do it for the safety of our community and our law enforcement.
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No More Taxes!
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I’m standing up against $6 billion in proposed tax hikes that would burden hardworking Illinois families and businesses.
Last week, progressive special interest groups ramped up their push for massive tax increases, including a graduated income tax hike, despite Illinois voters rejecting that plan in 2020. Now, they’re back with more proposals that would drive up costs, hurt family farms, and make it even harder for businesses to thrive.
I’ve heard from constituents across my district, and the message is clear: The people of Illinois are tapped out. Property taxes are crushing our seniors. Young families are struggling to afford housing, daycare, and utilities. The LAST thing we need is more taxes.
Instead of working toward practical solutions that ease financial pressures for Illinoisans, Governor Pritzker is focused on national politics, even using dangerous rhetoric that divides instead of unites. But I demand that Illinois be put FIRST over the Governor’s national ambitions.
I remain committed to fighting for lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, and a stronger economy for our state. I will keep you updated on this issue as it develops and know I will continue fighting for you.
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In Closing
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Thanks for reading! We’re heading into the last few weeks of the Spring Legislative Session where things are about to get very busy. Stay tuned for more updates on everything that’s about to go down! Cheers!
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