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

Tell Your Lawmakers We Need Gas Tax Relief

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois families are constantly being squeezed by state lawmakers, and this is especially true at the gas pump.

State Representatives Regan Deering (R-Decatur), C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), and Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) are calling for immediate relief through House Bill 5738, which would suspend the state’s sales tax on gasoline for six months. At current prices, that would mean roughly 20 cents per gallon back in the pockets of Illinois families.

As gasoline prices climb above $4.00 per gallon in many parts of the state, Illinois drivers are paying not only for global energy pressures, but for one of the highest gas tax burdens in the nation.… Continue Reading

Taxpayer Freedom Caucus Formed by Illinois GOP House Members

Written by David E. Smith

Republicans may be in the super-minority in the Illinois General Assembly, but that isn’t stopping 20 Republican State House members from forming the “Illinois Taxpayer Freedom Caucus” to focus on structural and ethical reforms our state desperately needs.

Members include State Representatives John Cabello (Machesney Park), Joe Sosnowski (Rockford), Blaine Wilhour (Effingham), Dan Caulkins (Decatur), Brad Halbrook (Shelbyville), Chris Miller (Oakland), Allen Skillicorn (Crystal Lake), Darren Bailey (Xenia), Andrew Chesney (Freeport), David McSweeney (Barrington Hills), Amy Grant (Wheaton), Terri Bryant (Murphysboro), Randy Freese (Quincy), Dave Severin (Benton), Tom Morrison (Palatine), Tom Weber (Lake Villa), Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis), Dan Swanson (Alpha), Charlie Meier (Okawville), and Tony McCombie (Savanna).… Continue Reading