Carbondale Reporter

Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Timothy Nugent and Tracy Buckley to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB), drawing renewed criticism from Senate Republicans who continue to question the board’s transparency and the qualifications of its members. Nugent, previously mayor of Manteno, had supported Pritzker’s efforts regarding zoning for a Chinese battery manufacturing company. Buckley, who formerly served as chief of operations and administrator for the PRB, was with the board during a period of significant public scrutiny.

The PRB is tasked with deciding on parole and release for individuals convicted of serious crimes. Under Governor Pritzker’s administration, the board has approved more releases than previous administrations, including several high-profile cases involving convicted murderers. Despite ongoing criticism from Senate Republicans over member qualifications and a lack of confirmation hearings before the General Assembly, these appointments proceed under gubernatorial authority.

In June, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 19 into law. The legislation extends PRB member terms from six to eight years and makes other changes to how the board operates.

State Senator Terri Bryant opposed SB 19. She stated: “The Governor is more interested in protecting his appointees from accountability than in ensuring transparency.” Bryant added that attention should be focused on public safety rather than shielding appointees from oversight.

Illinois also faces a federal lawsuit after expanding financial aid eligibility to undocumented students through House Bill 460, which Governor Pritzker signed earlier this summer. The U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul last week. The suit claims that offering taxpayer-funded financial aid and in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants violates federal statutes by providing benefits not equally available to all U.S. citizens.

Federal officials argue that this policy not only conflicts with federal law but could also increase costs for taxpayers while incentivizing further illegal immigration.

Senator Bryant commented: “This latest lawsuit is further proof that Governor Pritzker’s policies are putting the interests of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Illinois families.” She believes such aid should be reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents.

To address rising utility bills across Illinois, new Republican legislation known as Senate Bill 2687—the Home Utility Relief Act—has been introduced. The bill would create a rebate program through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for households earning between 100% and 500% of federal poverty guidelines. These families often do not qualify for existing low-income assistance programs but still face high energy costs.

The proposed measure establishes a $500 million Home Utility Rebate Relief Fund covering fiscal years 2026 and 2027; any leftover funds may be used to support first-time small business owners.

Senator Bryant said: “Families across the state are already struggling to keep up with higher costs of living and are now being hit with soaring electricity bills.” She noted that working- and middle-class families often lack access to programs designed to offset increasing energy prices.

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has launched a Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program aimed at restoring abandoned or neglected cemeteries in need of care. Ten grants up to $20,000 each will be awarded annually to eligible local governments or nonprofit organizations meeting specific requirements under state law. Applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025; additional guidance is available via IDFPR resources or direct contact with agency staff.

Bryant was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 58th District in 2021 after succeeding Paul Schimpf.

https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=102&MemberID=2970