Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session
With just two weeks remaining before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers still have numerous major issues to resolve before the spring legislative session comes to a close.
The biggest task ahead will be passing the state’s next budget. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed FY 26-27 budget totals about $56 billion, and Senate Republicans have warned that the plan relies on more than $700 million in new taxes and gimmicks at a time when Illinois families are already facing an affordability crisis.
As budget negotiations continue, State Senator Terri Bryant says Senate Republicans are at the table fighting to protect taxpayers from another spending plan built on higher taxes, while pushing for a responsible budget that provides relief to hardworking families and businesses across Illinois.
Lawmakers are also expected to continue discussions on other high-profile proposals, including a megaprojects bill aimed at keeping the Bears football franchise in Illinois.
To follow legislative action during the final days of session, the public can visit ilga.gov.
Senate Republicans Highlight Property Tax Relief Package to Address Illinois’ Crippling Tax Burden
Illinois Senate Republicans are highlighting a package of legislation aimed at providing property tax relief, improving transparency, and helping seniors remain in their homes.
The proposals come as Illinois families continue to face one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, with rising property taxes placing increasing pressure on homeowners, seniors, farmers, and small businesses.
Senate Bill 2706, sponsored by Senator Turner, would update the outdated formula used to assess wind and solar energy projects for property tax purposes, helping ensure those projects are taxed based on current market realities.
Senate Bill 2701, sponsored by Senator Balkema, would eliminate annual renewal requirements for seniors already receiving the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, reducing unnecessary paperwork and red tape.
Senator Balkema also introduced Senate Bill 3243, which would allow counties to post property assessment rolls online in addition to traditional newspaper publication requirements, making information more accessible to taxpayers.
Senate Bill 3872, sponsored by Senator Wilcox, would create the “Free and Clear Senior Homestead Exemption Act,” fully exempting qualifying seniors age 75 and older from property taxes on their primary residence if they own their home free and clear and meet income requirements.
Senate Republicans say the package reflects their ongoing effort to address affordability, reduce the property tax burden, and make government work better for Illinois taxpayers.
2026 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
Firefighters from across the state were honored at the 33rd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 12.
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 Center in Springfield.
This year’s ceremony recognized firefighters for their courage, professionalism, and dedication to protecting communities across Illinois.
Thirteen firefighters received the Firefighter Excellence Award for acts of service in the line of duty, while three firefighters received the Medal of Valor for acts of heroism or bravery in the face of danger.
Two firefighters received the Medal of Honor, the highest award given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for outstanding bravery or heroism above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s Medal of Honor recipients were Firefighter/EMT Kevin McNicholas of the Chicago Fire Department and Firefighter/Paramedic Gino Casciola of the Addison Fire Protection District.
Senate Republicans noted that the annual ceremony serves as a reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication shown by the brave men and women who risk their lives in service to the people of Illinois.
Senate Passes Legislation to Help Patients Access Prescriptions
Illinois patients could soon have an easier time accessing needed medications under legislation recently passed by the Illinois Senate.
Senate Bill 3213, filed by Senator Steve McClure, addresses situations where a patient arrives at a pharmacy only to learn that their prescription cannot be filled because the medication is out of stock. Under current Illinois law, some prescriptions cannot be transferred to another pharmacy, even if that pharmacy has the medication available. As a result, patients may be forced to contact their doctor to request a new prescription.
The legislation allows more types of prescriptions to be electronically transferred from one pharmacy to another. The measure is designed to bring Illinois law more closely in line with federal law, which allows broader prescription transfer options.
State Senator Terri Bryant says the legislation is a practical step to help patients avoid unnecessary delays when trying to obtain important medications. She says allowing pharmacies to transfer eligible prescriptions can help reduce frustration for patients, families, doctors, and pharmacists.
The idea for the legislation was brought forward by a doctor who raised concerns about the challenges patients face when prescriptions cannot be filled at a particular pharmacy.
Senate Bill 3213 passed the Illinois Senate unanimously and now awaits action in the House.
IDNR awards biodiversity field trip grants to Illinois state parks, historic sites and museums
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation awarded more than $101,000 in Biodiversity Field Trip Grants to 108 schools across 34 Illinois counties.
The grants will allow nearly 7,000 students to visit state parks, museums, natural areas, and other natural resource sites to support classroom learning through hands-on experiences. Since the program began in 2001, it has provided more than $1.7 million in funding and helped over 146,000 students participate in educational field trips across Illinois.
State Senator Terri Bryant says these field trip grants are great for giving students opportunities to get outdoors. She adds that the next generation of kids deserve a chance to experience Illinois’ natural resources in person.
Teachers can apply online by Jan. 31 for the next round of field trip funding. For more information about the program, contact the IDNR Division of Education by emailing dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or calling 217-524-4126.
Safe Routes to School Grants Awarded
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced $12 million in grant awards through its Safe Routes to School program, supporting 68 projects across the state.
The program helps make walking, biking, and rolling to school safer for students through projects such as new sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and public education campaigns. The maximum award amount for each project is $250,000.
Senate Republicans noted that the funding helps communities make needed safety improvements near schools and gives families safer transportation options.
The following projects in the 58th Senate District received funding:
- Chester Elementary and High School – Sidewalks, Traffic Control Devices, Ped/Bike Crossing, and Secure Bike Parking – $250K
- Murphysboro High School – Sidewalks, Traffic Control Devices, and Ped/Bike Crossing – $250K
The grants are part of an ongoing effort to improve student safety and support local communities as they invest in safer routes to school.