Senators Bryant and Plummer Call for New Leadership at Department of Corrections
Illinois State Senators Terri Bryant and Jason Plummer are calling for the immediate withdrawal of Latoya Hughes’ nomination as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), citing ongoing safety failures, staff endangerment, and a lack of leadership qualifications.
At a press conference last week, the lawmakers detailed systemic issues plaguing the state’s prison system, including confirmed drug-related inmate deaths, rising staff assaults, and unscanned contraband entering through inmate mail. Despite repeated warnings from correctional staff, the administration has failed to implement reforms. Gov. Pritzker has seemingly decided to put politics over common-sense public policy that protects Illinoisans across the state.
The senators also criticized the lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities and the early release of violent offenders, arguing that these decisions have jeopardized public safety across Illinois.
State Senator Terri Bryant says Illinois has had enough. The people of this state deserve accountability from leadership and safety in their communities.
Pritzker’s $6 Billion Mistake: Tax Hikes That Threaten Illinois’ Families & Future
At a time when Illinois families are struggling with inflation, high grocery bills, and rising utility costs, Democrats in Springfield are pushing a $6 billion tax hike to support Gov. JB Pritzker’s record-breaking state budget. The Governor’s proposed budget would represent an increase in state spending of 37% since he took office, an increase of roughly $15 billion.
With a large projected budget deficit, Democrats are doubling down on new taxes rather than adjusting spending. The tax hike plan includes sweeping new taxes on digital advertising, capital gains, corporate income, and an increase in the estate tax — all of which threaten small businesses, family farms, and investment in the state’s economy. These so-called “targeted” taxes would ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices and fewer job opportunities.
Illinois already suffers from the highest overall tax burden in the country. Rather than offering working families a break, Democrat leaders are demanding more, including benefits for illegal immigrants. The estate tax hike makes it harder for generational family businesses to stay afloat, while taxes on business and investment risk driving employers out of Illinois entirely.
According to State Senator Terri Bryant, this isn’t a plan to fix Illinois’ economy; it’s a blueprint for more government dependency, fewer jobs, and continued outmigration.
Senate Democrats’ SNAP Bill Sparks Cost Concerns for Illinois Taxpayers
Senate Republicans opposed newly passed legislation that expands access to SNAP (food stamp) benefits for college students, warning it creates a backdoor way to end the work requirement for college students.
Senate Bill 1298 reclassifies all programs at public colleges as equivalent to SNAP Employment and Training programs, beginning March 1, 2028. This change would allow students enrolled in those programs to qualify for SNAP benefits, even if their course of study isn’t directly tied to immediate employment.
State Senator Terri Bryant argues the move overextends SNAP’s original intent, increases state spending without a funding mechanism, and imposes new reporting burdens on universities and state agencies. The bill also requires annual data collection and publication, adding layers of bureaucracy and cost.
At a time when Illinois faces ongoing budget pressures, Republican lawmakers believe the state should prioritize fiscal responsibility and targeted support tied to actual job training, not broadened entitlements.
2025 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
Firefighters from across the state were honored at the 32nd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 13.
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service was held at the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Illinois State Capitol to honor Illinois firefighters lost in the line of duty. Following the ceremony at the Capitol, the Medal of Honor Ceremony took place at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center.
The ceremonies brought scores of firefighters from across Illinois to Springfield to honor, recognize, and remember firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. State Senator Terri Bryant noted that the event was a powerful reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication that these brave men and women demonstrate in their service to the people of Illinois.
$400 Million in State Funding Aims to Improve Transportation in Local Communities
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is making $400 million available to support local transportation projects across the state. The funding will help communities move forward with projects that improve roads, transit, and pedestrian access.
Cities, counties, and other local agencies can apply now for funding by submitting proposals through IDOT’s online form. Applications are due by June 1, 2025. Full details are outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.
To assist with the application process, IDOT is hosting Special Programs Assistance Conferences (SPAC) around Illinois. These events will provide guidance on available funding programs, including the Economic Development Program, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), and Safe Routes to School. IDOT staff will also be available for one-on-one project consultations.
IDOT is also offering $33 million in funding through its Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). This program supports projects that reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, with a focus on rural roads and bike/pedestrian safety, helping advance the state’s Vision Zero goals.
More information on all programs, deadlines, and support resources can be found here.
Illinois Gun Owners Send a Clear Message: Don’t Tread on Our Rights
Last week, Illinoisans marched on the State Capitol for Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD), standing up for the constitutional rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Organized by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), IGOLD has become one of the leading 2nd Amendment rights events in the nation.
Supporters from across the state sent a clear message that they will not stand by as Democrats seek to chip away at their freedoms. The group began their day in downtown Springfield, hosting a rally at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center. They then marched a half mile to the Capitol, heard from various speakers, and met with their local lawmakers to discuss legislative issues related to the Second Amendment.
State Senator Terri Bryant said that given repeated attempts by the Majority Party to undermine Second Amendment freedoms, this event is more important than ever.