Opponents argue the legislation could exacerbate issues tied to illegal immigration, as traffickers exploit weakened laws to expand their networks in Illinois communities. They view the move as prioritizing fringe special interests over public safety and the well-being of families. Rather than normalizing sex work, critics believe the state should prioritize enhancing anti-trafficking efforts, providing support for victims, and strengthening laws that protect individuals from exploitation.

As frustration grows among families across the state over what they see as misplaced priorities from Democrat lawmakers, many are calling for leadership to address pressing challenges, such as affordability and safety, rather than pursuing radical experiments.

The Senate Republicans emphasized the importance of focusing on policies that directly improve the lives of Illinois residents and remain committed to supporting strong families and safer communities, urging Democrat lawmakers to reject proposals that put ideological agendas above practical solutions.

The state cannot afford to divert resources to a flag redesign when more pressing issues, such as financial instability, struggling schools, and the need to attract businesses, remain unaddressed. In a state already grappling with significant budget challenges, the flag redesign as emblematic of misplaced priorities, especially at a time when Illinois residents are looking for solutions to everyday problems.

The Illinois Flag Commission selected its top 10 finalists from nearly 5,000 submissions for the state flag redesign contest. These designs are available for public viewing and voting on the Secretary of State’s website. Residents have the opportunity to vote for one of the new designs, select from historical flag designs, or reject a redesign entirely by voting to retain the current flag. Individuals can cast their votes once every 24 hours, but once a vote is submitted, it cannot be changed.

After the public voting concludes, the Illinois Flag Commission will tally the votes and submit its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1. At that time, members of the General Assembly will vote on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous design, or retain the current flag.

Illinois has long struggled with a ballooning state budget, unfunded pensions, and a growing exodus of residents seeking better opportunities in states with lower taxes and more pro-business environments. Despite these challenges, the current Democratic-led government remains resistant to necessary reforms and continues to impose policies that hinder economic growth and job creation.

Senate Republicans say 2025 will be a year of continued work and progress in Springfield to support the daily lives of every Illinoisan.

The Senator was notified by an immigrant rights advocate that when noncitizens apply for state aid, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) is sending packets to them that include voter registration forms already addressed to local county clerks’ offices. The department includes an electronic version of the packet on its website, including a voting application, here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/forms/il444-2378b.pdf

Concerns arose that recipients may feel pressured to fill out all of the forms in their packet in their entirety, and that, because they may not be fluent in the same language as the forms are written, they may incorrectly apply to vote.

Making the situation worse, recent legislation signed into law by Governor Pritzker created a new system of driver’s licenses, where noncitizens, even those who are here illegally, are given the same licenses as citizens. Previously, the licenses were marked if they were issued to noncitizens. County clerks have no way to verify if someone is a citizen based on their driver’s license.

Legislation passed in 2017 authorizes DHS to use applications for aid in a dual role, where the information from the aid application can be used to register someone to vote. However, in that situation, the law instructs DHS to verify that the individual is authorized to vote before the application reaches the county election officials. That law does not authorize the use of paper applications to be sent straight from the applicant to county clerks, who, unlike DHS, are unable to verify citizenship status. 

If noncitizens do file to vote, not only would they be jeopardizing the legitimacy of Illinois elections, but they would be committing a crime, which would ruin any chance they have to become citizens.

In response, legislation is being filed that will require the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to create a database for all noncitizens who have Illinois driver’s licenses, so that County Clerks can verify that voting applicants are indeed citizens who are legally authorized to vote.

Over the next five months, Illinois legislators will face the critical task of addressing a $3 billion budget deficit and making decisions that will impact residents statewide. These challenges underscore the importance of their role as they propose, debate, and pass laws to tackle the state’s most pressing issues while planning for long-term prosperity.

From investing in education and addressing social challenges to supporting small businesses and holding the line on government spending, lawmakers will shape the state’s trajectory and, hopefully foster an environment where Illinois can succeed and thrive in the years ahead.

Senate Republicans expressed concern that, with many Illinoisans struggling to make ends meet, the recent session could have been used to address these challenges. Instead, Governor Pritzker and his allies focused on measures that prioritize noncitizens and criminals over hardworking residents.

One such measure, House Bill 5164, commonly referred to as the “Name Change Bill,” passed the Senate on January 5 without any Republican support and passed the House of Representatives on January 7 along strict partisan lines.

Proponents of the bill argue it enables non-citizens to change their names through an expedited and confidential process, provided they’ve lived in Illinois for at least three months. However, critics point out that the legislation merely requires individuals to claim eligibility without offering proof, which they fear could allow illegal immigrants, criminals, and others to exploit the system to evade authorities.

The bill also allows judges to seal name change records, which the Senate Republicans believe creates a loophole that undermines the legal process and could benefit individuals with malicious intent. Opponents contend this measure exacerbates the challenges posed by illegal immigration under Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, further endangering community safety.

The laws include workplace protections, insurance protection expansions, public safety measures, environmental initiatives, and issues impacting schools and students. Other new laws focus on supporting veterans, environmental changes, and updated workplace requirements across Illinois. Additionally, the final phase of Illinois’ minimum wage increase will bring wages up to $15 per hour for workers aged 18 and older.

State reports showed Illinois companies announced 1,176 layoffs in November. October’s unemployment rate of 5.3% was the third highest in the nation, with job reports indicating an estimated 346,000 Illinoisans were seeking work. Meanwhile, Illinois ranked 37th in the nation for business tax climate, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2024 State Business Tax Climate report.

Senate Republicans stated that fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and common-sense economic growth initiatives are opportunities that could help boost jobs and restore prosperity to Illinois communities.

The convening of a new two-year General Assembly is a time for lawmakers to reflect on the lessons of the past, renew their commitment to finding solutions for current challenges, and embrace new opportunities for Illinois. Senate Republicans say the state faces significant challenges, making it critical for Senate members to focus on collaboration rather than getting mired in partisan bickering.

The Illinois state budget faces a projected deficit of more than $3 billion in the next fiscal year, due in part to a significant increase in state spending fueled by temporary federal funds. Spending growth has been further driven by Governor JB Pritzker’s initiatives, including programs for noncitizens, such as free healthcare, which cost Illinois taxpayers over $1 billion annually. To support these programs, the Governor recently enacted $1 billion in tax increases.  

Senate Republicans are urging Governor Pritzker to balance the upcoming budget without raising taxes, as struggling Illinoisans cannot afford to cover the cost of the Governor’s self-made budget crisis.

In years when they occur, lame-duck sessions are held after the election and the Fall Veto Session, and before newly elected lawmakers are sworn into office. Senate Republicans say it’s widely seen as a time when outgoing legislators may be more likely to vote in favor of controversial legislation without fear of political repercussions.

The most recent lame-duck session took place in January 2023 and saw the passage of a weapons ban and an expansion of abortion services. The 2021 lame-duck session led to the passage of the controversial SAFE-T Act. Back in 2011, the lame-duck session led to the passage of a 67% increase in the state’s income tax.