Senator Bryant Named Champion of Free Enterprise by Illinois Chamber of Commerce
State Senator Terri Bryant has been honored as a Champion of Free Enterprise by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. This recognition underscores Senator Bryant’s ongoing commitment to pro-growth legislation that fosters a better climate for job creators in Illinois.
Senator Bryant says that small businesses are the bedrock of Illinois’ economy, and that it is essential for lawmakers to put into place policies that create an environment where they can thrive.
When job creators succeed, they provide opportunity for Illinoisans, making it easier for families to thrive. The Champion of Free Enterprise Award, recognizes legislators who drive economic development, create jobs, and reduce regulatory burdens.
“Senator Terri Bryant is a steadfast supporter of business who consistently looks for opportunities to grow the economy in her district,” said Illinois Chamber President and CEO Lou Sandoval. “She has been a staunch pro-growth ally for business in her almost 10 years in the House and Senate and we are pleased to once again honor Senator Bryant for her efforts. We look forward to the continued work of Senator Bryant, all of the business community will be the better for it.”
Legislators who earned an average Illinois Chamber rating of 85% or higher over the last two General Assemblies demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing legislation that supports Illinois’ business community and strengthens the state’s economy. Those meeting these criteria qualified for the Champion of Free Enterprise Award.
Click here to view the list of award winners and a summary of the bills that were used in the ranking process.
Concerns Growing Following Recently Reported Exposure Incidents at Illinois Prisons
Recent news coverage has inflamed concerns over potential exposures to dangerous substances in prisons operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections. Additionally, several Senators have received similar reports from constituents who work in the facilities, regarding prison staff and inmates becoming ill and receiving medical treatment.
A common theme in these reports involves mail sent to inmates that may contain papers soaked with drugs and/or other harmful substances. Following news coverage of an incident at the Menard Correctional Center, IDOC officials confirmed that preliminary testing indicated samples of paper had tested positive for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids.
According to news reports from KFVS, multiple individuals from the Shawnee Correctional Center received medical treatment in recent weeks, and hazmat crews were on scene at the facility on September 20th and 25th.
Senator Bryant says the trend is concerning and she urges the Department of Corrections to work with the legislature to put into place safety protocols to prevent staff and inmates from being exposed to harmful substances.
Girls Lead Program Now Accepting Applications
For the second consecutive year, the Illinois Council on Women and Girls is inviting girls in grades 5 through 12 to apply for the Illinois Girls Lead Program, a job shadowing and mentoring opportunity designed to connect students with women leaders in state government.
The Illinois Girls Lead Program offers a chance for young students to witness firsthand the impact women have on shaping Illinois. Participating mentors come from different areas of state government and serve in various leadership roles, including elected General Assembly women, policy directors, general counsels, chiefs of staff, agency directors, and more.
The shadowing opportunities are tailored by grade level, as follows:
- 5th Grade: One day of shadowing a female leader in state government, followed by a short reflection on what each participant learned.
- 6th-8th Grade: One day of shadowing a female leader, accompanied by an essay written by each participant on their mentor’s role, the office shadowed observed, and key leadership lessons.
- 9th-12th Grade: A minimum of three days shadowing a female leader and learning from her team. Participants will select an ongoing policy topic and write a research paper offering personal recommendations for solutions.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong desire to learn about the inner workings of state government. Applications are due by the end of the day on October 20th. To apply, visit the State Board of Education’s application page.
Submit Nominations for Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) wants to know more about outstanding educators, administrators, or school professionals who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.
ISBE will be accepting applications until October 15th for the 2025 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards.
Awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators (teachers 1-4 years), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams.
All awardees are honored at an annual banquet in the spring. To submit a nomination, click here.
New Changes to Illinois CDL Testing
New changes to the Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test went into effect on September 1st. These updates impact both CDL and non-CDL drivers with a J51 restriction. Notably, the parallel parking requirement has been removed from the test.
The basic control skills portion has been streamlined to focus on four steps: forward stop, straight-line backing, forward offset tracking, and reverse offset backing. Additionally, pre-trip testing requirements have returned to the pre-2015 rules.
Under the new update, drivers can now use a checklist during the pre-trip inspection, and test administrators are permitted to prompt drivers during examinations.
The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) has released an updated section of the CDL study guide, found here.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which promotes screening, education, and prevention of a disease that impacts over 300,000 women and almost 3,000 men each year.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 42,250 American women will die in 2024 from the disease. When caught early, however, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. There are currently 4 million breast cancer survivors in the country.
For more information on breast cancer, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website.