Red Flags in Springfield: Bills That Should Alarm Parents

Written by David E. Smith

Rather than strengthening families and reinforcing accountability, these proposals continue to sideline parents and replace parental authority with government control.… Continue Reading

Why Are Noncitizens Receiving Voter Registration Forms?

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois State Senator Steve McClure (R-Effingham) continues to sound the alarm over election integrity as it pertains to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the distribution of voter registration materials to illegal immigrants applying for state benefits.

In a January 7, 2025 press release, McClure revealed that IDHS had been sending packets to noncitizens that included “pre-filled” voter registration applications already addressed to county clerk offices. He warned that such practices create confusion and could open the door to unlawful voter registration.… Continue Reading

Dulce Quintero: “They/Them” Secretary of IDHS

Written by David E. Smith

JB Pritzker appointed Dulce Quintero in September 2023 as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), making Quintero the first gender-confused appointee to lead a statewide agency in Illinois. She was re-appointed and confirmed by Illinois Senate Democrats earlier this week.

Quintero is an LGBTQIA+ activist who was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of her advocacy and leadership on behalf of LGBTQIA+ youth in Chicago.… Continue Reading

The Affordability Crisis Fostered by Government Policies

Written by David E. Smith

Americans are feeling the squeeze. Housing costs, groceries, insurance, utilities, gasoline, and property taxes continue to rise while many families are scrambling to figure out how to pay all the bills. Young adults are delaying marriage, homeownership, and starting families because the American Dream feels increasingly out of reach.

A new report from The Heartland Institute argues that the affordability crisis devastating many American families is not primarily the result of “greedy corporations” or “market failure,” but rather years of destructive government policies, inflationary spending, overregulation, and economic mismanagement.… Continue Reading

The Gen Z Paradox: Rising Faith, Collapsing Worldview

Written by David E. Smith

A new survey from Arizona Christian University and researcher Dr. George Barna reveals a troubling contradiction within Generation Z: while more young people are identifying as Christians, very few actually hold a biblical worldview.

According to the study, Gen Z is showing increased interest in matters of faith. More young adults claim to be Christians, report a deeper commitment to practicing their beliefs, and say they are reading the Bible regularly.… Continue Reading

SCOTUS Redistricting Ruling Sparks Pushback from Pritzker

Written by David E. Smith

Governor JB Pritzker sharply criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on race-based redistricting, calling it “an attack on a crown jewel of our democracy.”

The Court ruled 6–3 that Louisiana’s addition of a second majority-black congressional district constituted an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The decision is expected to narrow how the Voting Rights Act is applied moving forward—particularly in cases involving race-based districting.

Speaking to Chicago media, Pritzker said,

“Illinois is the proud home of having sent more black members of Congress to Washington than any other state in the country.

SAFE-T Act Reform Urgently Needed

Written by David E. Smith

Christine Shanahan McGovern, a Republican candidate for Illinois Senate District 18, recently attended a press conference calling for major reforms in the Illinois SAFE-T Act. This legislation, enacted in 2021, represents the most significant overhaul of the criminal justice system.

One of the major controversial components was the elimination of cash bail. In the years since it has gone into effect, critics of this soft-on-crime legislation point out that the elimination of cash bail also limits a judges’ ability to detain individuals deemed dangerous, potentially releasing repeat or violent offenders back into communities and increasing the risk of re-offending.… Continue Reading

Illinois Democrats Push Redistricting. Again.

Written by David E. Smith

Rigging the Map 

On Monday, April 20, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch filed House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 (HJRCA 28), a proposal to amend the state constitution and redefine how legislative and congressional districts are drawn.

After suspending the rules to fast-track this legislation, House Democrats moved the measure out of committee on a partisan vote. It was quickly moved to the House floor where the Democrats voted 74 to 38 to pass it.… Continue Reading

Millionaire Tax Framed as “Relief” for High Property Tax Burden

Written by David E. Smith

Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently held a press conference at the State Capitol to push for property tax relief. And he’s right about one thing: Illinois property taxes are crushing families. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, our state has the second highest property tax in the nation. And yes, we agree that relief is needed.

But instead of addressing the root problem—out-of-control government spending—Democrats are proposing yet another tax.… Continue Reading

Muslim Lobby Day in Illinois

Written by David E. Smith and Kathy Valente

The 9th annual Illinois Muslim Action Day was held this past week at our state Capitol. Organized by The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), followers of Islam gathered to engage with state lawmakers. According to their website, the event aims to 

amplify the voices of the Muslim minority, build stronger relationships with civic and faith partners, and lobby for bills that impact the community and society at large.