New Energy Law Removes Rate Protections for Families
In a sweeping change to Illinois energy policy, Governor Pritzker has signed a law that eliminates long-standing limits on how much utilities can raise electric rates.
The law opens the door to significant increases in future bills and directs large sums of money toward experimental energy programs that may offer little relief to consumers.
The law also weakens local control by allowing large battery storage facilities to be placed as close as 150 feet from homes and farms. Many families and community leaders are concerned about safety, property values, and the lack of local input.
“Governor Pritzker just signed an $8 billion rate hike into law and tried to call it an energy plan,” said State Senator Terri Bryant. “This bill guarantees higher electric bills for families and small businesses while delivering nothing to improve reliability in the near term. This is not an energy plan. It is bigger government, higher costs, and less control for the people of Illinois.”
Senate Republicans warn that the new mandates, higher costs, and reduced oversight will make energy less affordable and reliable. Families already struggling with high utility bills may face even greater financial pressure as a result of this law.
Lawmaker Set to Return to the Capitol for Spring Session
With lawmakers set to return to the Capitol on January 13 for the start of the spring legislative session, Senate Republicans are renewing calls for a change in direction following actions taken during the fall Veto Session that they say have made life more expensive and more difficult for Illinois families and businesses.
During Veto Session, Democrat lawmakers finalized and advanced several controversial measures despite ongoing concerns about affordability and the rising cost of living. Those measures included a sweeping transit bailout for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago, a major tax increase on Illinois businesses and manufacturers, and a new energy omnibus package expected to drive up utility rates statewide.
As the spring session approaches, State Senator Terri Bryant says that the General Assembly needs to shift the focus toward policies that provide real relief for working families and job creators throughout the state. She says addressing the affordability crisis here in Illinois must be a top priority as lawmakers return to Springfield.
Spring session kicks off this week and is scheduled to run through the end of May.
DCEO Announces Manufacturing Training Academy Expansion
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced this month that $24 million in grant funding is available to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies at community colleges in downstate Illinois.
The capital grants are aimed at strengthening the manufacturing workforce and supporting economic growth in downstate communities.
The funding will be awarded through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process and is intended to expand training opportunities for high-demand manufacturing jobs. Grants will support facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and the development of advanced workforce training spaces focused on modern manufacturing needs.
Eligible applicants include community colleges located outside Cook County and the collar counties that have not previously received Manufacturing Training Academy funding. Qualified institutions may apply for grants ranging from $3 million to $6 million.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through April 30, 2026, or until funds run out.
Senate Republicans Kick Off Valentines Card Drive
With Valentine’s Day approaching, members of the Senate Republican Caucus are once again spreading kindness through their annual Valentines for Seniors card drive.
The initiative encourages residents to create and donate Valentine’s cards for seniors living in retirement communities, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across Illinois. The goal is to remind seniors that they are valued and not forgotten, especially during the winter months when isolation can be more common.
Cards may be dropped off or mailed to participating Senate district offices now through February 6. Each Senate Republican office is serving as a collection point before cards are delivered to facilities within local communities.
Last year, members of the Senate Republican Caucus collected and delivered more than 60,000 Valentine’s cards statewide, helping brighten the day for thousands of seniors.
For more information, residents can contact Senator Terri Bryant’s district office at (618) 684-1100.
