This week, I stood alongside law enforcement officers and concerned citizens across the country to applaud a major step forward in restoring public safety: President Trump’s executive order to revoke federal funding from jurisdictions that refuse to end cashless bail.
As someone who spent nearly 20 years in law enforcement before joining the legislature, I’ve seen the devastating consequences of Illinois’ decision to eliminate cash bail. We were the first state to do it, and we’ve paid the price. Violent offenders released within hours. Victims retraumatized. Officers re-arresting the same criminals over and over again. It’s chaos.
That’s why I’ve been sounding the alarm all week—on WGN, Fox32, Center Square, WAND, and more—calling out the dangers of the SAFE-T Act and urging leaders to reverse course. The President’s order is a wake-up call. It puts accountability back on the table and sends a clear message: public safety must come before politics.
Now, I’m calling on Governor Pritzker and House Democrats to sit down with our Caucus and start a real conversation. We have law enforcement officers, former prosecutors, and public safety advocates ready to offer solutions. We’re losing federal funding because of this reckless policy. It’s time to make it right.
I’ll keep fighting to protect our communities and I won’t stop until Illinois puts safety first again.
Watch some of the recent media coverage below.
HB2409 to Protect Firefighters Signed into Law
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals.” They build up in the body, linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Until now, far too many firefighters have been unknowingly exposed to them through their own protective gear.
That changes with HB2409. I co-sponsored this bipartisan bill, and I’m proud to share it was recently signed into law. Beginning in 2026, sellers must disclose when firefighting equipment contains PFAS. By 2027, it will be illegal to sell gear in Illinois that intentionally contains these dangerous chemicals.
This initiative will save so many firefighters lives. We’re protecting the men and women who run toward danger to keep us safe. Firefighters deserve gear that shields them from flames that doesn’t include chemicals that will harm their health and threaten their lives.
New Statewide Mental Health Screening Mandate
I have concerns about the new student mental health screening mandate and what it means for parents, children, and our schools. Mental health is an important issue, but the way to address it is not through blanket mandates that potentially sideline parents and force schools into a role they are not equipped to fill.
Decisions about children’s well-being belong first with their families in partnership with their local schools, not through a one-size-fits-all program.
Read more: Rep. Sheehan Comments on New Statewide Student Mental Health Screening Mandate – Patrick Sheehan
Heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they drive school buses! In Mokena, Mrs. Chris shows how much one person can impact a child’s day. Her care as a bus driver gives kids a safe, joyful ride to school. I’m grateful for her service to our community.
Thank you, Mrs. Chris, for the love and dedication you pour into the children of Mokena!
Read more at the Patch: Mokena Bus Driver Creates a Safe, Happy Ride For Young Students | Mokena, IL Patch
Looking to start a small business here in Illinois? I’ve got you covered!
I’m a proud supporter of our small businesses. I know that starting a small business can be exciting but challenging. That’s why I’ve put together a resource guide on my website to help you every step of the way. No matter what stage you are at in your journey of starting your business, you’ll find something that will help you along your way.
These resources are here to make the process smoother and more manageable. I believe that you can make your business dreams a reality, and I want to help. Read my how-to guide: Start a Small Business in Illinois – Patrick Sheehan
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