Lawmakers Call for Action Following Tragic Death in Chicago
Following the tragic killing of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, Senate Republicans are raising concerns about public safety and calling for policy changes.
Gorman, a college freshman, was killed last week in an incident that has drawn nationwide attention. Reports indicate the individual accused in the case was in the country illegally, had a documented criminal history, failed to appear in court, and remained the subject of an outstanding warrant for more than two years.
Critics say the case raises serious questions about Governor JB Pritzker’s policies and whether current laws are doing enough to protect Illinois families.
There are also renewed concerns about the TRUST Act, which was expanded under Governor Pritzker to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Critics argue that these restrictions create gaps in enforcement and make it more difficult to detain or remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
State Senator Terri Bryant says public safety must be the top priority and that Illinois families deserve policies that ensure dangerous individuals are held accountable.
She is supporting legislation, including Senate Bill 1316, which would repeal the TRUST Act and restore cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities in cases involving serious criminal offenses.
Supporters say the goal is to ensure Illinois policies prioritize safety, accountability, and the protection of communities across the state.
Senate Republicans Propose Legislative Package to Support Small Businesses and Workers
Senate Republicans have introduced a legislative package aimed at supporting small businesses, providing relief to workers, and improving Illinois’ economic competitiveness.
The proposal comes as Illinois continues to face economic challenges, including projected population loss, slow job growth, and rising costs for employers and families.
State Senator Terri Bryant says Illinois must take steps to become a more competitive and business-friendly state. The legislative package includes several proposals designed to reduce costs and support economic growth.
One measure, Senate Bill 3786, would create a Legacy Tax Credit for businesses headquartered in Illinois, rewarding companies for long-term investment and job creation.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 3792, would eliminate Illinois’ income tax on tipped wages, allowing workers to keep more of what they earn. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 137 would increase the retailer’s discount for small businesses, helping offset the cost of collecting and remitting sales taxes.
Finally, Senate Bill 2763 would allow individuals and small business owners to deduct health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state taxes.
Supporters say the package is designed to help businesses remain in Illinois, support workers, and strengthen the state’s economy.
FFA Members Gather for Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day
Each spring during the legislative session, farmers, FFA members, and agricultural leaders travel to Springfield for Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day to advocate for the future of agriculture and emphasize the industry’s role in the state’s economy.
The 56th annual event brought several hundred students, farmers, and farm organization leaders to the Illinois State Capitol for meetings with lawmakers on issues important to agriculture. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and swine and is a leader in agricultural exports.
State Senator Terri Bryant said Agriculture Legislative Day is an important opportunity for the agricultural community to connect directly with lawmakers and share their thoughts about the needs and issues facing the Illinois ag sector. She also welcomed seeing FFA students take to the Capitol, noting that these students represent the future of Illinois agriculture.
Illinois Trout Season Begins April 4th
The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open April 4 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams statewide, with an early catch-and-release period already underway at select locations. During the early season, anglers must release all trout caught, while the regular harvest season allows a daily limit of five trout per angler.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each spring, with additional stockings planned for the fall season. Funding for the program is supported through the sale of inland trout stamps purchased by anglers.
Several updates have been announced for 2026, including new or returning stocking locations in McHenry, Macon, Wayne, and Adams counties. Officials also remind anglers that harvesting trout before the April 4 opener is prohibited and may result in citations.
State Senator Terri Bryant says the spring trout season is a great way for families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy Illinois’ natural resources. She encourages residents to take advantage of local fishing opportunities while following regulations that help maintain healthy fish populations in the present and future.
Anglers are required to have a valid fishing license and trout stamp unless exempt. More information, including site-specific regulations, is available at https://ifishillinois.org/.
Lawmakers Wear Purple for Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day in Illinois
Lawmakers and advocates wore purple on March 25 to mark the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter’s 2026 Day of Action, an annual event focused on raising awareness and pushing for stronger dementia-related policies across the state.
The effort comes as Alzheimer’s disease continues to affect a growing number of families in Illinois. More than 250,000 Illinois residents are currently living with the disease, underscoring the need for policies that support patients, caregivers, and long-term planning.
By wearing purple, participants highlighted both the urgency of the issue and the importance of continued legislative action to improve the lives of people affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.