News

Despite the May 31 adjournment of the regularly scheduled spring legislative session rapidly approaching, a great deal of work remains on controversial legislation, and the resolution of many major issues is unclear.

Controversy continues to swirl around Governor J.B. Pritzker’s plan to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults in Illinois, while a great deal of work remains on several other pressing issues that will also affect the state budget, with just two weeks left in the spring session.

Controversy surrounding Governor J.B. Pritzker’s plan to legalize recreational cannabis dominated the week, while a Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant expansion proposal that could cost current college students tuition assistance also generated headlines.

Residents of the 37th District can bring some of their unwanted household items to a free community recycling event being sponsored by Senator Chuck Weaver and Kuusakoski Recycling on May 11 in Peoria.

Senator Chuck Weaver talks with students from Knoxville Junior High School about their “Using CoSpaces and Sphero SPRK+ in Earth Science” project at TECH 2019, a demonstration of school technology May 7 in the State Capitol.

Senate Republican lawmakers stood with middle-income families during the week, voting against a $3.4 billion tax increase as Democrat legislative leaders pushed through a graduated income tax proposal with no protections for taxpayers.

Senator Chuck Weaver released the following statement May 1 after Senate Democrat leaders muscled through a constitutional amendment and legislation that sets rates for Gov. J. B. Pritzker’s controversial plan to fundamentally change the state’s income tax system and increase taxes by an additional $3.4 billion per year.

With the second half of the spring legislative session scheduled to begin April 30, a number of bills have been approved by the Senate so far, including legislation to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, fund pediatric cancer awareness, and ensure Illinois schools receive property tax money committed to them.

A blessed Easter to all.

State lawmakers are working back in their districts until April 30, when they return to Springfield to finish the spring legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn May 31.

Senator Chuck Weaver is hosting a Town Hall April 18 at the High School in Princeton.

Senator Chuck Weaver was one of four lawmakers who talked with Chicago leaders April 15 about the Constitutional Amendment proposed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to fundamentally change the state’s income tax system from a flat rate structure to a progressive rate structure.

A controversial graduated income tax plan was advanced during the week, with Democrat lawmakers and state officials claiming it is time to “let the people vote,” even though they will not allow similar votes on other issues such as term limits, pension reform and fair maps.

Citizens and advocacy groups from across the state crowded the Capitol during the week, voicing their support or opposition to hundreds of bills currently being considered by lawmakers.

Fifty students from 18 high schools in central Illinois came to Springfield April 3 to experience first-hand the workings of their state government, as part of Senator Chuck Weaver’s Youth Advisory Council.

Senator Weaver talks about the 50 students from 18 central Illinois high schools who came to Springfield April 3 to experience first-hand the workings of their state government.

Fifty students from 18 high schools in central Illinois came to Springfield April 3 to experience first-hand the workings of their state government, as part of State Sen. Chuck Weaver’s Youth Advisory Council.

Senate Republicans offered a constitutional amendment during the week to give Illinois residents a stronger voice in proposed tax increases, as lawmakers acted on legislation that will provide cost-savings measures, and resolve issues with out-of-date mandates.

Thousands of 2nd Amendment rights advocates march in the Illinois State Rifle Association’s annual lobby rally March 27 in Springfield.

Several important bills – some of them controversial – were among the measures considered by lawmakers during the week to meet a March 22 deadline to move Senate bills out of committees.

Senator Chuck Weaver is hosting Coffee & Conversation March 29 at The Coffee Hub, 318 5th St. in Lacon.

Thousands of people from across Illinois came to the Capitol March 20 to voice their strong opposition to controversial bills that would expand abortion rights and repeal the parental notification law.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Senate spent most of its day working on legislation in full schedule of committees during the week, with some floor action, and several controversial measures making news.

Senator Chuck Weaver talks with city officials from Galesburg March 13 in the Capitol.