Senate Republicans Call Out Pritzker’s Redistricting Record
As Governor JB Pritzker once again tries to raise his national profile by weighing in on political debates in other states, his latest comments on redistricting are drawing sharp criticism back home. Senate Republicans say the governor has no credibility on the issue after breaking a major campaign promise and rigging Illinois’ elections to protect his party’s power.
On the campaign trail, Pritzker pledged to support independent redistricting and veto gerrymandered maps, but once in office, he reversed course. In 2021, he signed partisan maps drawn in secret by Democratic lawmakers. Republicans say the maps were designed to protect Democratic control, not ensure fair representation.
Critics say Pritzker is now faking outrage over fairness while inserting himself into redistricting debates out of state. After setting the standard for partisan manipulation in Illinois, they say his calls for fairness ring hollow and appear more focused on political advantage than principle.
Republicans argue that if the rules only matter when his party benefits, it was never about voters or fairness. Instead of correcting the damage already done, Pritzker appears ready to double down. They say Illinois families deserve a transparent redistricting process, not more political games from Springfield.
New Measure Signed into Law Targeting Gun Owners
Last week, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 8 into law, a measure that Senate Republicans say targets responsible gun owners instead of addressing violent crime.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the deadline to report a lost or stolen firearm will be shortened from 72 hours to just 48 hours. Anyone who misses that window could face heavy fines and even lose their FOID card, with repeat violations leading to more severe penalties.
Senate Republicans say this new law punishes people for being the victim of a crime. Many gun owners securely store firearms in safes, cabins, or vehicles that are not checked daily, making a 48-hour rule unrealistic.
State Senator Terri Bryant argues that this new law is just another one-size-fits-all mandate that turns law-abiding citizens into offenders while failing to crack down on actual criminals.
Illinois Ranked Highest for Property Taxes in the Nation
Illinois has taken the top spot for the highest property tax rate in the country.
According to the Tax Foundation, Illinois homeowners paid an average effective property tax rate of 1.83% in 2023. By comparison, residents in neighboring states face significantly lower property tax rates, one of many factors driving people to leave Illinois.
This ranking comes just weeks after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the largest state budget in Illinois history, which included nearly $1 billion in new tax hikes, fees, and one-time gimmicks.
State Senator Terri Bryant said the Governor’s agenda is crushing working families, piling even more taxes onto Illinoisans. Instead of making life more affordable, Pritzker and his allies are choosing to spend more, tax more, and ignore real reforms that could actually bring relief to homeowners.
August is Emergency Management Awareness Month
August is Emergency Management Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the important work of emergency managers who help keep communities safe before, during, and after disasters. These professionals play a critical role in preparing for emergencies, coordinating disaster responses, and supporting recovery efforts.
According to the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), local and county emergency management teams work to ensure that residents are informed, protected, and supported in times of crisis.
For more information about emergency management, visit IAEM’s website.
Energy Assistance Resources Available to Illinois Families
As Illinois residents continue to face rising energy costs this summer, many may be struggling to keep up with their electric bills. With the recent rate hikes announced by Ameren Illinois, which have already begun to impact customer bills, it’s more important than ever to explore available assistance programs.
State Senator Terri Bryant encourages all Illinoisans to take advantage of the various programs designed to help reduce the financial burden.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers monetary relief to eligible households. Additionally, Ameren Illinois has introduced the Supplemental Arrearage Reduction Program (SARP), providing up to $1,000 in relief per year for qualified customers.
For those seeking a more predictable bill, budget billing programs are also available. These programs spread out energy costs evenly over the year, helping customers avoid spikes in their bills during high-usage months.
If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy usage, practical tips like adjusting your thermostat, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, and keeping your air conditioning vents clean can make a difference. For more details on energy assistance and money-saving tips, visit our Energy Savings FAQ.