Category: Illinois Politics

Illinois Democrats Put Illegal Immigrants Above Citizens Once Again

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Illinois State Representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) and State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) co-sponsored the bill, HB5093.

This bill would expand in-state tuition eligibility for students who are here illegally attending a public Illinois university. Lawmakers want to make sure that illegal immigrants receive the same tuition reduction perks as legal, law-abiding Illinois residents.

Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, this bill passed both Houses with Democrats in favor and Republicans in opposition.

Once again, Illinois Democrats prove that illegal immigrants are equal to legal, Illinois residents and deserve to be compensated with your hard-earned tax dollars.… Continue Reading

More Government, More Taxes, Less Relief for Illinois Families

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois families struggling with high property taxes, rising energy bills, and the increasing cost of living will receive little relief from Springfield’s newest spending plan.

In the early morning hours before adjournment — hours after the official end of regular session — Illinois Democrats passed Governor JB Pritzker’s largest budget yet: a massive $56 billion spending plan that continues the state’s trend of growing government while requiring taxpayers to pay even more.… Continue Reading

Praying for Our State and Nation

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This week’s episode of Illinois Family Spotlight features highlights from a Springfield prayer gathering that IFI was a part of.

Illinois is in a spiritual battle. Yes, our voices and our votes are important. But, the deeper issue is a lack of repentance and faith in God.

IFI’s Executive Director, David Smith, was able to give an address at this prayer gathering.

“Can we not see that God is beginning to curse our blessings?

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Senate Republicans Demand Transparency as Illinois Budget Deadline Nears

Written by David E. Smith

For the first time in years, lawmakers have been able to view a budget ahead of having to vote. The problem is that it’s not the final version. There’s just a slight discrepancy of over $2 billion.
With only days remaining before the scheduled May 31st adjournment of the Illinois General Assembly, Senate Republicans are warning taxpayers to expect another rushed state budget filled with record spending, possible tax hikes, and little transparency.
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Common Sense vs. Government Thinking in Springfield

Written by David E. Smith

During an Illinois Senate committee hearing this week, an interesting exchange took place between Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake) and Senator Craig Wilcox (R-Woodstock) that highlighted the differing approaches often seen between liberal and conservative thinking.

Senate Resolution 752, sponsored by Senator Edly-Allen, is a non-binding measure encouraging Illinois public school districts serving grades 6–12 to consider later school start times based on adolescent sleep research. The resolution argues that teenagers’ biological sleep cycles naturally shift later during puberty, making very early school schedules unhealthy and counterproductive.… Continue Reading

Rep. Niemerg Sounds Alarm Over Noncitizen Voter Registration Mailings

Written by David E. Smith

Last week, we reported on comments made by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Effingham) in which he raised serious concerns after discovering that the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) had sent voter registration materials to noncitizens applying for state assistance. That revelation alone sparked widespread concern and raised an obvious question: Why would a state agency be placing voter registration materials into the hands of individuals who are not legally eligible to vote?… Continue Reading

Red Flags in Springfield: Bills That Should Alarm Parents

Written by David E. Smith

As the Illinois General Assembly enters the final days of its regular session, several troubling bills have advanced, while another still awaits a vote in the Illinois Senate. Taken together, they reflect a clear trend: expanding government power, eroding parental rights, and advancing radical left-wing ideological policies. Thomas Hampson wrote about this recently in an article for IFI titled: The State is Not a Parent.

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

Stephanie Trussell: Fighting the Status Quo to Restore Illinois

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith sits down with Stephanie Trussell to discuss the political climate in Illinois.

Stephanie Trussell is a Christian, wife, mom, grandmother, radio host, and candidate for the 42nd House District who epmphatically says:

“I want to make it easier… for people to achieve the American Dream…

[Illinois is] the greatest state in the nation– we have the worst leaders.

In this conversation, Stephanie talks about the importance of standing on the biblical principles of faith, family, and life in the realm of politics.… Continue Reading