Following the signing of the Fiscal Year 2026 Illinois budget by Gov. Pritzker, a $55.2 billion budget that increases State spending by $2 billion more than last year and includes $1 billion in tax hikes, Deputy House Minority Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) released the following statement. “The FY 26
Dr. Arthur C. Donart, Ph.D. submitted this essay. Recently I received a letter signed by Emily Seidel, Advisor, Americans for Prosperity Action. The “action” they wanted was, for me to send them some money. Americans for Prosperity sounds good; I would like to see all Americans prosper. As it
Congressman Eric Sorensen issued the following statement, in response to the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance press conference held today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. “Recent reports that the Army is considering cutting hundreds of jobs from the Rock Island Arsenal have been very concerning to me, which is why
Editor’s note: Pope Francis died Monday, April 21, 2025, from a stroke and cardiac arrest. He was 88. He was the 266th Roman Catholic Pope. Deacon Arthur C. Donart, PhD, SFO submitted the essay. I am six months older than Pope Francis. We share common memories of the death,
Editor’s note: Foundry workers with Rock Island Arsenal – Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center conduct a foundry pour into sand molds April 16, 2025, at Rock Island Arsenal, IL. Huntsville has signed off on a $67 million Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) contract, to provide Rock Island Arsenal
Congressman Eric Sorensen issued the following statement, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in response to President Donald Trump’s first 100 Days in office. “President Trump promised to lower costs for working families–but after 100 days, he has done the opposite. Prices are up, and families are feeling the squeeze.
Congressman Eric Sorensen has joined a bipartisan group of Lawmakers to reintroduce the Youth Lead Act. The bill is aimed at helping youth organizations like the Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, and the Scouts continue to grow and thrive. This Legislation highlights the importance of building leadership and
Editor’s note: The “Hands Off!” protest initiative began on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as the largest display of public resistance against the second administration of President Donald Trump. Organized under the “Hands Off!” banner, demonstrations voicing opposition to the administration’s policies occurred in over 1400 locations across all 50
Interested citizens are welcome to peacefully protest together, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. Gather in the pocket park at the intersection of N. Cherry Street and E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. Protest against the erosion of American values and Constitutional rights, at the hands of
The Illinois Supreme Court released its opinion to reject House Republicans’ lawsuit against Democrats’ gerrymandered legislative maps, based on the laches doctrine, or a lack of timeliness. Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain released the following statement. “This decision by the Illinois Supreme Court is infuriating. I think Leader
State Representative Ryan Spain was honored by three Statewide organizations, for his advocacy on behalf of Illinois citizens. ABATE of Illinois, the State’s leading motorcyclist advocacy organization, and the Illinois State Ambulance Association (ISAA) both named Spain a “2025 Legislator of the Year.” Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) named
Congressman Eric Sorensen issued the following statement, in response to House Republicans passing their budget proposal, which calls for giving massive tax breaks to billionaires, while cutting more than $880 billion from Medicaid. “The budget House Republicans passed would rip health care coverage away from neighbors with disabilities, women
Editor’s note: Further information from Sheriff Booker and the Consolidated Election count can be viewed here.. Last night, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the voters of Whiteside County made a critical decision to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our community, by approving the Public Safety Tax. As Sheriff,
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the U. S. Department of Education. “Education is the foundation of opportunity for every child. Eliminating the Department of Education would strip important funding from our public schools, weaken protections for
Editor’s note: This op-ed was written by a group of current and former employees of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who have asked to remain anonymous due to concerns about retaliation. “We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”