Inside:
- House and Senate Republicans sue to stop unconstitutional tactic
- Visit to Quincy Veterans Home
- Six bills headed to the Governor
- Happy Independence Day!
House and Senate Republicans sue to stop unconstitutional tactic
Members of the House and Senate Republican caucuses are calling on Governor Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, a bill which would enrich trial lawyers at the expense of economic growth in Illinois. We have also filed a lawsuit because of the unconstitutional manner in which the legislation was hurried through the General Assembly.
The major flaw with this bill is that it would allow out-of-state businesses to be sued by out-of-state plaintiffs in Illinois courts, even if the incident in question has no connection to Illinois. Any out-of-state business could be sued in Illinois as long as the company is licensed to operate here. This would encourage businesses not to expand to Illinois, thus costing jobs.
The controversial language was added to the bill at the last minute and then it was quickly passed, even though the Illinois Constitution requires bills to be read three times on three separate days before voting – a move designed to add some transparency to the legislative process. But that transparency was bypassed so that this special interest legislation could be rushed through.
The lawsuit is pending in a court in Springfield.
Visit to Quincy Veterans Home
Last week I visited the new Veterans Affairs housing and administration offices at the Quincy Veterans Home.
It is a beautiful building built with the needs of the member first. There are four “neighborhoods” designed for 15 veterans, with a dining area. Veterans can dine in the dining room or have hot meals delivered to the veteran’s room. Each neighborhood has a larger community visitor room with TV and soft chairs. Additionally, a smaller family room is available.
After the tour, we met with a few resident veterans and spouses.
Six bills headed to the Governor
Six bills which I sponsored this spring have now been officially sent to the Governor for his signature.
Once a bill passes both houses, the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate has 30 days to formally send that bill to the Governor’s office. The Governor then has 60 days to decide whether to sign the bill, veto it, or issue an “amendatory veto” in which he recommends changes to the bill and sends it back to the General Assembly for further consideration.
My six bills, which dealt with everything from health care to fire department vehicles to online auctions, are now all pending the Governor’s approval. In all, more than 400 bills passed both the House and the Senate this spring. The Governor will have until late August to act upon them.
Happy Independence Day
Have a very happy and safe Independence Day!
This year’s celebration of the 4th of July has a special significance, as it kicks off the year-long commemoration of our great nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. There are a series of events planned in Illinois and all across the country over the next 365 days. Click here to find out about upcoming America 250 events.
Please also remember to be safe around fireworks or when grilling over this holiday weekend. Both are the source of too many injuries this time of year, and nobody wants to spend the holiday in the emergency room.
The State Fire Marshal’s office has some information on fireworks safety, which you can find here. They have also compiled some helpful safety tips around the grill.
Have a wonderful holiday!
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