Dear Friends,
As the spring session moves along, I’ve been keeping my focus on the things that really matter to families in our district—like rising property taxes, the cost of everyday essentials, and making sure people aren’t hit with more fees at the checkout line.
This week, I’ve been working on legislation to bring relief to seniors, support working families, and make sure girls have a fair shot in sports. Whether it’s pushing back on new costs like the bag tax or protecting homeowners, I’m doing my best to make your voice heard in Springfield.
If there’s ever anything you need or have a question about, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can always call my office at 224-662-4544 — I’m here for you.
Bag Fees Add Up—And Families Pay the Price
Have you heard about Senate Bill 1872? It would ban plastic bags and require shoppers to pay at least 10 cents for every paper bag at checkout.
For families already stretched thin by high prices on groceries, gas, and everyday essentials, those extra costs can add up quickly. The last thing working families need right now is another expense every time they shop.
We should be focused on providing relief—not making life more expensive.
Standing Up for Women’s Sports
Sports have opened so many doors for young women—building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and teaching the value of hard work and perseverance. For decades, we’ve worked to ensure that girls have the same chance as boys to compete and succeed. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to protect what they’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Federal guidance is now clear: to keep competition fair, participation in girls’ and women’s sports should be based on biological sex. That’s why I joined my colleagues in urging the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to update its policies to reflect that guidance and provide clarity for families, coaches, and athletes. This is about supporting the girls who show up every day—training hard, making sacrifices, and giving their all. They deserve to know they’re competing on a level playing field, and that their dedication is respected and protected.
Protecting Seniors from Rising Property Taxes
Too many seniors are struggling to keep up with rising property taxes, especially those living on fixed incomes. That’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor SB 2086 — a bill that offers real relief by raising the income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 for the 2025 tax year.
This change means more seniors will qualify for the exemption and get the help they need to stay in their homes. It’s a simple, meaningful step to ease the financial pressure on older Illinoisans and help them stay in the communities they’ve built their lives in.
Have a great week!
If you ever need anything, please contact my office here.
