Inside:
- Down to the closing hours of session
- House Republicans outline budget priorities
- Calling for use of safe, non-carcinogenic firefighting foam
- Megan Hewitt joins the House of Representatives as a Page for a Day
Down to the closing hours of session
There are only a couple of days remaining in the spring session, as we are scheduled to adjourn sometime on Sunday.
As is usually the case this time of year, there are still many issues yet to be resolved as the adjournment deadline approaches. We are still awaiting a final budget bill for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as action on other major pieces of legislation such as the bill for a new Chicago Bears stadium, also known as the megaprojects bill. Here is a rundown of where things stand as of Friday afternoon. Check back to repswanson.com and look for much more news and information in next week’s newsletter.
I hope you will take the time to reach out to my office with your questions and comments as we wrap up the spring session.
House Republicans outline budget priorities
With the adjournment deadline fast approaching, House Republicans outlined a series of budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. A balanced state budget must be passed by the end of session for the fiscal year which begins on July 1.
Fiscal pressures on the state have been intensified by the sharp increase in state spending by Governor Pritzker. In 2019 the state budget stood near $40 billion. The current budget is $55 billion, and the Governor has proposed that next year’s budget should spend in excess of $56 billion. The Governor has signed 57 different tax and fee increases into law in order to come up with more money to spend.
The state’s revenue estimates place the Governor’s proposed budget anywhere from $700 million to $900 million out of balance. House Republicans argue that the Illinois families cannot afford for state government to continue the ‘tax, spend, repeat’ budget plan.
House Republicans propose that the state focus on fiscal reform and cutting wasteful spending. State government should live within its means, with the starting point being a budget which does not include any more tax increases. The state should prioritize public safety, seniors, veterans, children with disabilities and families in crisis. Priorities should also include lowering costs, bringing down energy prices and restoring accountability and ethical leadership in state government.
It is time to produce a responsible budget, live within our means, and stop asking taxpayers to continue footing the bill.
Calling for use of safe, non-carcinogenic firefighting foam
This week I presented a resolution to the House calling on the Office of the State Fire Marshal and fire departments throughout the state to replace current firefighting foams with safe, non-carcinogenic SoyFoam made from soybeans.
SoyFoam is non-toxic and is free of fluorine, a toxic chemical which can cause pulmonary edema, a potentially deadly condition known to cause liver and kidney damage. SoyFoam also does not contain PFAS substances, which are found in other current firefighting foams. PFAS substances are hazardous to humans and wildlife and have been linked to thousands of cancers every year.
In addition to being a safer product, SoyFoam has been found to be just as effective in fighting fires. Illinois is one of the nation’s leading producers of soybeans, so adoption of this product would be good for our firefighters, good for the environment, and good for Illinois farmers.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Megan Hewitt joins the House of Representatives as a Page for a Day
This week I was glad to have Megan Hewitt, a rising senior at Quad Cities Christian School, with us on the House floor as my Page for the Day.
After graduation she plans to attend college to become a physical therapist. Her mom, Annie Hewitt, joined us in Springfield for the day. She is active in National Honor Society and the Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy, in addition to participating in student council, basketball, soccer team manager for three years and a newsletter designer and co-editor for two years. She volunteers at River City Church and at the John Deere Classic golf tournament every summer.
It was very nice to have Megan at the Capitol for the beginning of what promises to be a very busy and interesting week. She observed the annual Memorial Day ceremony, heard discussion of resolutions and got to see the inner workings of the House.
More news
Illinois, Iowa are seeing their worst tick activity in nearly 10 years
Illinois’ unemployment rate was stable in April
IEPA renews funding opportunity for local governments to conduct residential sharps collection
House GOP pushes Pritzker for local control
AI safety regulations advance in Springfield, despite industry concern