Regan for Illinois

Thanks to the leadership team at Illinois Federation of Republican Women for a great conference this weekend full of education and action. Loved visiting with passionate women from across the state who stand together to work for a better Illinois.

Grateful for an invitation to learn more about the work being done by Community Health Care Clinic in support of under-insured residents in McLean County.

So excited for this family fun community event Saturday May 2nd! Being a former science teacher, I know how important it is to expose our kids to the magic of science all around them.

Almost 1hr15 mins into session and we have had prayer & pledge, Speaker Welch introduced the General Counsel of Germany who gave a speech, we had a few points of personal privelage and now we are waiting around for action. Rumor has it we’re waiting for bills to be posted to committee so then we can vote to waive the posting requirements. Finally, Dems will go to caucus. Maybe committees will be assigned to hear a bill.
This Chamber is a mess under super majority rule.

Monitoring reports of downed trees, power lines, and damage from strong storms throughout the 88th district. Please check on your neighbors and connect with local authorities as needed.

Total disfunction at the Capitol today during the Energy and Environment committee. After waiting over an hour for the majority party to gather members into the committee room, we began the business of hearing bills. To note: it is a deadline week, so there is tremendous pressure to pass bills with amendments before Friday, EVEN if they aren't admittedly ready or still face major opposition. HB3596 creates the Wetlands Act and was entertaining several questions about opposition but was then abruptly ended due to time remaining before members were supposed to report to the floor. Republican members objected but were denied their questions. The Chair proceeded to a roll call vote, which ended 14-9. We were asked to stand at ease, which meant the majority had go find one more member to be a yes vote. Note, several Dem. members who would have been a no vote were already replaced with agreeable members. Due to demand, Republicans were then allowed to continue questions while we waited, which was over 20 mins. Once the majority found the 15th member, we learned there was a convenient "computer glitch" which led to re-running the vote. The majority party runs the show around here and it is a major disappointment when they make the rules, suspend the rules and break the rules.

Heads up local leaders…this is a great opportunity to learn about state funding and how you can apply for your community needs.

Attention municipal leaders and economic development agencies! Join Team RED for an upcoming webinar to discuss what’s new and what’s next in Community Development Programming, with specific focus on a new CDBG program to empower communities and help advance local priorities.

📅April 16 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Register – https://bit.ly/4lZHmXy

Rep. Schmidt is my seat mate. I 💯 approve this message. This past week a total of 81 bills passed the House, with breakdown of 71D and 10R. Multiple bills received not a single Republican vote, including legislation creating an Abortion Access Fund to pay for more abortions around the state, providing tuition assistance to non-citizens, removing multiple guardrails around adult education programs and their funding, and tying the hands of landlords to collect fees. Despite our efforts to ask questions on the floor and raise concerns, the majority party continues to vote in lock step to pass bad bills. We ask that you continue to stay engaged by calling and emailing our offices with your concerns.

Running several bills today in the House- the red button is getting worn out.

The House of Representatives returns to the Capitol for 3 days of work this week. The focus will be on committee hearings, where many bills were passed along to meet a deadline, but will likely include amendments and “gut and replace” language. It’s more important than ever that you pay attention and complete witness slips (instructions link in comments). If you’d like to come provide oral testimony (can be done via zoom also) please let me know. I can connect you with a Representative on any committee. The people of Illinois need to speak up!

Wishing the 88th District a Happy Easter!

I L L 🧡💙🏀