Senate Republicans Request Federal Guidance to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting federal guidance to ensure fairness in girls’ and women’s athletics in Illinois high schools. The letter follows conflicting guidance from state agencies and growing concerns about how to uphold the intent of Title IX in the wake of recent federal actions.
Recently, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) responded to a letter from Republican lawmakers who asked how the association plans to protect opportunities for female athletes. In its response, the IHSA revealed that both the Illinois Attorney General and the Department of Human Rights have directed the organization to permit athletes to compete based on gender identity—a stance the IHSA says could conflict with federal law.
Senate Republicans argue that this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s about protecting the progress generations of women have fought for and ensuring a level playing field for female athletes.
In their letter to Attorney General Bondi, Republican senators asked for clarification on how Illinois schools and athletic associations should respond to President Trump’s February 5 Executive Order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The order directs federal agencies to interpret Title IX consistent with its original intent—protecting single-sex athletic competition for biological females.
The lawmakers are seeking answers to the following:
- Whether Illinois’ current position permitting biological males to compete in girls’ sports violates federal law;
- If that position places the state at risk of losing federal education funding or facing legal action from the Department of Justice;
- What steps Illinois must take to align with both the Executive Order and Title IX.
A copy of the letter sent to Attorney General Bondi is available here.
Legislation Passes to Ease Regulations for Disabled People
Legislation aimed at making state law less burdensome for people with disabilities recently passed the Illinois Senate with unanimous support.
Under current rules, disabled individuals (or their parents or guardians) are required to submit a letter from a doctor to the Secretary of State declaring that the individual suffers from a disability before they can be issued disability plates or parking decals.
Senate Bill 1256 is designed to reduce that burden by requiring the certification to be updated only once every 5 years, and it allows licensed physical therapists to be able to sign off on the applications, potentially saving individuals from an additional costly doctor’s visit.
The Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 1256 on April 9,2025, and it now awaits action in the House.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Returns to Springfield, Demands More State Dollars for Chicago
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is once again heading to Springfield this week, renewing his push for increased state funding for the city despite ongoing criticism from Republican lawmakers who say suburban and downstate taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill for the City’s poor financial decisions.
At a recent news conference, Johnson announced his plan to meet with Governor Pritzker, House Speaker Chris Welch, and Senate President Don Harmon. He is expected to continue lobbying the General Assembly for additional funding to support Chicago’s public schools, transit systems, and other city priorities.
Senate Republicans argue that Johnson’s return to Springfield is a political distraction from the real issues facing his city. Instead of tackling problems at home, they argue, the mayor is trying to shift the burden to the rest of the state.
State Senator Terri Bryant says that taxpayers should not be left to once again bail out Chicago for years of financial mismanagement. Rather, the Mayor should focus on implementing real reforms instead of asking overtaxed Illinoisans to take on additional burdens that benefit only Chicago.
Public Libraries Awarded $1.3 Million in State Grants
State Senator Terri Bryant is proud to announce that nearly $10K in state-sponsored library grants have been awarded to public schools throughout her district. The annual grants, administered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, are aimed at supporting school libraries serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Senator Bryant says these grants are an important investment in students’ education, helping school libraries provide the resources and technology needed to support learning and growth.
The library grants can be used for purchasing books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, updated technology, and educational programming.
The following school districts in the 58th District have received funding:
- Edwards County CUSD 1
- Allendale CCSD 17
- Opdyke-Belle Rive CCSD 5
- Benton CHSD 103
- Trico CUSD 176
- Carmi-White County CUSD 5
- Grand Prairie School District 6
- Chester CUSD 139
- Christopher Unit School District 99
- Rome CCSD 2
- DuQuoin CUD 300
Illinois Senators Return to Springfield as the Final Weeks of Session Begin
After a two-week spring break, Illinois Senators are back in Springfield this week to begin reviewing and debating legislation recently passed by the House. With session scheduled each week through the end of May, lawmakers are now entering the final stretch of the spring legislative calendar.
Before the General Assembly adjourns on May 31, lawmakers must consider bills that have advanced from the opposite chamber. As in previous years, the most significant task will be the passage of the state’s next Fiscal Year budget.
In February, Governor Pritzker proposed the largest budget in state history, spending more than $53 billion, despite a projected deficit.
Senate Republicans continue to call for fiscal responsibility that puts hardworking Illinois families first. Their priorities include cutting more than $1 billion in spending tied to the Governor’s programs for non-citizens.
Illinois Farmers Back on the Roadways for Planting Season
As spring gets into full swing, Illinois farmers are hitting the fields for the start of planting season. With tractors, planters, and other large equipment on the move, drivers across the state are reminded to slow down, stay alert, and share the road.
Farmers across Illinois are working long hours to prepare and plant their fields, which means increased farm equipment on the roadways. This equipment often travels at much slower speeds and may take up more space than a typical vehicle. In many rural areas, narrow roads and limited visibility can create added risks during this busy time of year.
The American Farm Bureau Federation offers the following tips to help keep the roadways safe for everyone:
- Be alert and cautious. Give large farm equipment and other slow-moving vehicles space.
- Do not pass if you are in a space designated as a “No Passing Zone” or in any area where it is not safe to do so—intersections, bridges and railroad crossings, among others.
- Make sure the tractor isn’t trying to make a left turn before you pass on the left.
- Don’t tailgate.
- Be careful when you do get the chance to pass. Farmers will often move their equipment over when it is safe to do so.