Remembering Former-Governor Jim Edgar
Jim Edgar, 38th Governor of Illinois from 1991-1999, died on September 14, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
State Terri Bryant said that she joins people across Illinois in mourning the loss of Governor Jim Edgar. His wife Brenda, an Anna native, made their partnership especially meaningful to us here in Southern Illinois. Together, they represented integrity, service, and a deep love for our state. My thoughts are with Brenda and the entire Edgar family.
Edgar, 79, was a titan of Illinois and Republican politics who dedicated his life to public service. Governor Jim Edgar is heralded for his notable achievements and dedication to bipartisanship. Tackling the state budget deficit, reforms in education, welfare, child protection, and strong leadership during the Great Flood of 1993 are part of his enduring public service legacy.
Beginning as a legislative intern for the Illinois General Assembly, Edgar worked his way through the state government as an Illinois State Representative and Illinois Secretary of State prior to becoming governor in 1990.
After public service, Governor Edgar was involved in public advocacy with programs such as The Jim Edgar Fellow Program, a fellowship that trains emerging public policy leaders to work beyond boundaries to solve the state’s major challenges.
Visitation services honoring the former governor were held on Friday, September 19, at the Illinois State Capitol, followed by memorial services on Saturday.
Legislation Introduced to Establish “Charlie Kirk Day” in Illinois
Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Republican State Senator Neil Anderson introduced legislation to honor the life and legacy of the Turning Point USA founder.
Senate Bill 2694 would amend the State Commemorative Dates Act to recognize September 10 each year as “Charlie Kirk Day” in Illinois.
Kirk was shot on September 10, 2025, as he was preparing to address a crowd of college students at Utah Valley University. In the days after, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was caught and charged for his murder.
State Senator Terri Bryant says that by establishing a day of recognition, Illinoisans will have a chance each year to reflect on Kirk’s values, his contributions to public discourse, and the continuing importance of protecting our constitutional rights.
Senate Bill 2694 is now filed with the Illinois General Assembly and awaits committee assignment.
Harvest Season Safety: Watch for Farm Equipment
As harvest season moves into full swing, farmers across Illinois are back in the fields working long hours to bring in their crops. With more large equipment on the move, drivers are reminded to use extra caution on rural roads. Slow-moving tractors and combines are common this time of year, and a little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
According to a University of Illinois-Chicago study, from 2018 to 2023, an average of nearly 530 crashes per year involving agricultural vehicles were reported as taking place on Illinois roadways.
State Senator Terri Bryant says harvest season is a time to recognize the hard work of our farmers, but also a moment to increase caution on rural roads. She urges motorists to slow down, give large equipment plenty of space, and for farmers to use visible lights and signals so everyone can stay safe during this harvest season.
Limited Time, Eliminate Tax Debt and Pay Zero Interest
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is offering Illinois taxpayers reprieve this fall.
Those with outstanding tax liabilities from qualifying dates will get late penalties and interest forgiven. Penalties and interest on unpaid taxes from the period between June 30, 2018, and July 1, 2024, are eligible for the amnesty.
Eligible tax liabilities and returns must be paid and filed in full between October 1 and November 17 to qualify for the waiver of penalty and interest. IDOR does not collect property taxes. Estate, franchise, and insurance taxes also do not fall under IDOR and do not qualify for forgiveness. Illinois taxpayers have the right to appeal IDOR decisions.
IDOR’s last tax amnesty was in October and November of 2019. No future amnesty periods are currently planned in the Illinois Tax Delinquency Amnesty Act. Amendments to the act with additional dates require action from the Illinois General Assembly.
Visit tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty for full instructions and further resources.
Celebrating Surgical Technologists
National Surgical Technologists Week takes place during the third week of September and celebrates the dedicated professionals who help keep patients safe during surgery. This awareness week not only recognizes the contributions of surgical technicians but also helps educate the public about the vital role surgical technologists play behind the scenes in the operating room.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 108,000 surgical technologists working in the United States. Over the next 10 years, the field is expected to grow by about 12 percent. This increase is largely due to advancements in medical technology, which have made surgeries safer and more efficient, as well as the growing number of surgical procedures being performed to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries.
Surgical technologists are responsible for preparing patients before surgery, which includes tasks like disinfecting incision sites, transporting patients to the operating room, and properly draping them. During the procedure, they assist by passing instruments to the surgeon, counting supplies, cutting sutures, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Whatever the surgeon needs, surgical technologists are there to help.
To learn more about National Surgical Technologists Week, visit AST.org.
Safety First: Haunted Houses Inspected Ahead of Halloween
With the spooky season right around the corner, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Office of Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are working together to ensure haunted houses in Illinois are safe for citizens to enjoy.
Fires in the ‘70s and ‘80s led to stricter safety rules and regulations for haunted house operators throughout the state. In Illinois, most must have smoke alarms, sprinklers, and meet state and local safety codes. Home rule towns follow local authority unless OSFM is asked to help. Workers of the haunted houses need background checks, sex offender registry screenings, and must perform drug tests.
There are exemptions from the IDOL inspections for not-for-profit religious, educational, or charitable haunted houses. For locally owned haunted houses, those owners/operators should reach out to local authorities to see what requirements apply to them, as the local authorities provide the inspections.
With safety checks complete, Illinois families can look forward to a fun and frightful Halloween. There are many haunted houses to choose from across the state that are safe and exciting.