The State of Illinois has potential to grow in areas that would benefit families and businesses. House Republicans support legislation that offers relief for working families, improved public safety, lower taxes, affordable energy, and fiscal responsibility. I have been working hard with my colleagues to turn Illinois around and create sound policy reforms that residents deserve. Families and businesses alike are tired of just “getting by”, they want to get ahead, but are tied down by burdensome taxes and overregulation.
Legislation I have filed and support, will create good-paying jobs, lower property taxes, and create long-term opportunities for economic growth.
Energy
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity demands are on track to grow upwards to 50% by 2030. As of now, Illinois has no plan to meet the demands of energy and the concerns from both parties continue to grow.
Illinois has an energy crisis looming. The nuclear industry has made significant advancements over the years including safety measures, and is a sustainable source of energy, yet Illinois has banned new nuclear construction for decades. The current administration is only hurting businesses and residents by closing coal-fired powered plants and rejecting nuclear energy. Instead of creating job growth and supporting sustainable energy, the governor continues to please his progressive base with a soft approach to addressing our energy crisis and implementing solutions to a growing demand.
An electricity crisis is looming for Illinois. Is anybody paying attention in Springfield?
I support House Bill 5898 that extends deadlines by 10 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide equivalent and copollutant emissions by certain electric generating units and large greenhouse gas-emitting units.
Trade Workers
I’m an advocate of skilled trade workers in Illinois and I’m taking action to create more jobs that would boost the economy. House Bill 1729 creates the Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act. Taxpayers who make contributions to scholarships that help students excel in technical schools would be eligible for income tax credits.
The purpose of this bill is to entice individuals to learn a skilled trade so they can have a good paying job in Illinois and help contribute to growing our economy. Contractors in Illinois are struggling due to the lack of qualified specialized trade workers to fill the pool in a major industry, and this bill would help fill the gaps between the state-mandated labor requirements and workforce availability.
This bill requires the Department of Revenue to award income tax credits to taxpayers who make contributions to scholarships for eligible students who attend technical academies, including LLCC. The program will be administered by both the State Board of Education and Department of Revenue.
Earlier this year, I met with Mike O’Shea from O’Shea Builders to discuss the construction business and legislation that impacts his company. One challenge his company has, is finding qualified tradesmen for employment. Mr. O’Shea said they have several rewarding positions available to individuals with valid certifications from trade schools. Additionally, O’Shea Builders has partnered with Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) in an effort to attract good-paying jobs right here in Illinois.
Government Transparency
HB2813 creates the 72-Hour Budget Review Act which prohibits a hearing or vote on any appropriation bill or revenue bill for at least 72 hours after the bill is made publicly available.
This bill is a step towards more transparency and gives legislators ample time to review and analyze legislation.
No Tax Increases
I joined my Republican colleagues to support HR95 which encourages the General Assembly not to implement any new tax increases to balance the state budget. Illinois currently has a $3.2 billion deficit for FY26 and its obvious changes need to be made. The state must cut wasteful spending and generate stable revenue to move Illinois in the right direction. Mismanagement of funds is only costing taxpayers more, and it’s not fair to working families. I want to see some accountability for the mistakes of overspending and overtaxing that have driven residents and businesses out of Illinois
It is my honor to serve you as state representative. Significant challenges face our state, and as your voice in Springfield, it is critically important I hear from you on the issues most relevant to you and your family.
Take my Constituent Survey and share your voice with me about state issues you think should be a priority for legislators to address.