Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant outlined several legislative initiatives and community updates on March 31. The bulletin addresses recent public safety concerns, economic proposals, agricultural advocacy, the upcoming trout fishing season, and Alzheimer’s awareness efforts.
The update comes after the death of Sheridan Gorman in Chicago. Reports say the accused had a criminal history, was in the country illegally, missed court dates, and had an outstanding warrant for over two years. Critics are questioning whether current state policies under Governor JB Pritzker are effective at protecting families. Concerns have also been raised about the expanded TRUST Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Bryant said public safety must be prioritized to ensure dangerous individuals are held accountable. She is supporting Senate Bill 1316 to repeal the TRUST Act and restore cooperation with federal authorities for serious criminal offenses. Supporters say these changes would prioritize safety and accountability across Illinois communities.
The bulletin also describes a new legislative package aimed at helping small businesses and workers as Illinois faces economic challenges such as population loss and slow job growth. Proposals include a Legacy Tax Credit (Senate Bill 3786) for companies headquartered in Illinois, eliminating income tax on tipped wages (Senate Bill 3792), increasing retailer discounts for small businesses (Senate Bill 137), and allowing deductions for health insurance premiums (Senate Bill 2763). These measures aim to make Illinois more business-friendly while supporting workers.
Bryant highlighted Agriculture Legislative Day at the Capitol where students from FFA joined farmers to discuss key issues with lawmakers. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, swine, and exports agricultural products nationally.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Bryant announced that spring trout season opens April 4 at dozens of locations statewide with new stocking sites this year. The Department of Natural Resources stocks over 80,000 rainbow trout each spring through funding from inland trout stamp sales by anglers.
Lawmakers wore purple on March 25 during Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day to support patients affected by dementia-related diseases across Illinois—a disease affecting more than 250,000 residents according to advocates.
Bryant was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 58th District in 2021 after replacing Paul Schimpf.
