Carbondale Reporter

Throughout the upcoming week, Democrats from across the nation will gather in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, an event that has drawn on local, state, and federal taxpayer resources to host and safeguard the thousands expected to flock to Illinois’ largest city. As Democrats prepare to tout what they have “delivered” in Illinois, members of the Senate Republican Caucus held a Zoom press conference on Friday, August 16, to scrutinize the real impact of Democratic policies on the state.

As the cost of living continues to soar, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities such as groceries, childcare, and daily essentials. Lawmakers pointed out that despite these challenges, the administration has raised taxes by $1 billion to fund $1 billion in spending on programs for non-citizens.

Public safety was another major concern raised by legislators. Since 2019, major crimes in Chicago have surged nearly 60%, with an 18% increase in the past year alone. Legislators criticized Pritzker’s “catch and release” policies, which they say have led to the release of dangerous offenders, putting communities at risk.

Lawmakers also expressed disappointment over the recent decision not to extend the Invest in Kids scholarship program. This program provided thousands of students from low-income families with opportunities to attend schools that better meet their educational needs. The decision to end it, they argued, has left many families scrambling to find alternatives as the new school year begins.

Legislators called for a reevaluation of state priorities, urging the administration to focus on the needs of Illinois residents rather than on policies they believe are failing to address the state’s pressing issues.

A new law is providing increased flexibility for working parents by expanding daycare scheduling options for shift employees.

Senate Bill 3207 authorizes daycare centers to operate 24 hours a day and allows care for children for up to 12 hours if the parent works in a position requiring regularly scheduled shifts. A 10-hour break must occur between daycare visits.

This initiative was inspired by the need for a more adaptable childcare system to support shift workers. The law is not intended for children to be in daycare for 24 hours straight but rather to offer essential flexibility for caregivers and working parents they serve.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement and administer this new system. The bill received unanimous support in both the Senate and House of Representatives and is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

A new law will now require government entities to notify residents when spraying pesticides near their homes. This legislation aims to help families plan and take necessary precautions, such as keeping children indoors or covering outdoor items like plants and pools when pesticides are applied in their vicinity.

Senate Bill 3342 mandates that government applicators or those contracted by the government must provide public notice before applying pesticides on public rights-of-way within municipal borders. The notice will also include contact information for applicators. The law specifically excludes farmers, private individuals spraying their own property (including businesses), and applicators working on private property from these requirements.

This law designed to enhance government accountability and protect public health was signed into law on August 9th.

The second leg of State Senator Terri Bryant’s 2024 Small Town Tour is set to take place this week.