Newsroom

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission has recognized more than 17,577 high school students from 726 schools in Illinois for their academic achievements...

The Attorney General’s office has released its annual Safe Shopping Guide highlighting hazardous toys, children’s products and household items that have been recalled during the past year to help Illinois families ensure a safe holiday shopping season...

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is offering holiday safety tips for shopping, travel, winter heating and more...

For many years, Senate Republicans have strongly advocated for creating a new, non-partisan system for drawing legislative boundaries. Earlier this year, the Caucus pledged support for the passage of a bipartisan Constitutional Amendment that would have allowed Illinois residents to have their say on the issue...

Watchdog group Truth in Accounting has issued a report that ranks Illinois among the least fiscally-transparent states in the nation...

As you prepare for the holiday season, the Illinois Department of Agriculture says a pass to the 2020 Illinois State Fair might just be the perfect gift for loved ones on your list...

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has its own recommendations for Thanksgiving celebrations to prepare your food and keep it healthy and safe...

If you’re planning to travel during the Thanksgiving weekend, you should expect to have plenty of company on the roads and in the skies...

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently issued a Regional Emergency Declaration due to a shortage of propane in Illinois. Illinois is one of seven states to receive this declaration, which makes it easier to transport and deliver propane to areas in short supply...

With sales of cannabis for recreational use set to begin on January 1, state and local governments, along with Illinois businesses, are continuing to prepare for the new law to take effect. During the just-completed fall veto session, the Illinois General Assembly approved follow-up legislation to clear up issues with the legalization process...

The fall Veto Session came to a close during the week with the final days’ main focus firmly on combating the ethics problems currently plaguing the state. Senate Republicans stood up for true bipartisanship in the composition of a committee to examine the state’s ethics laws, and several ethics-related proposals were introduced. Also during the week, a pension consolidation measure cleared the General Assembly....

The Senate Republican Caucus took action today to restore public trust in an honest and ethical state government. At a press conference in the Capitol’s blue room, members unveiled a legislative proposal to ensure independent investigations of members of the General Assembly...

$700 million dollars in much-needed road repairs and construction projects will soon be underway within the geographic boundaries of the 50th Senate District as part of IDOT’s multi-year construction plan, according to State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield). He estimates that the total projects in and around the 50th District probably include over a billion and a half dollars in work that will have a positive impact for the people of the district...

As Veterans Day approaches, and we look for ways to honor Illinois veterans and tell their incredible stories, State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is asking constituents to submit a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois State Capitol Nov. 4-15...

More than 60 students spent their day in Springfield learning about state and local government, debating issues, and proposing new laws, all as part of State Senator Steve McClure’s (R-Springfield) Youth Advisory Council program...

A program seeking to recover millions in unpaid state taxes is good news for delinquent taxpayers looking to make good with the state. The Illinois Department of Revenue recently announced a tax amnesty program for delinquent taxpayers.

This Thursday, State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer and I will host a free Senior Health and Information Fair in Godfrey. The fair will start at 9 AM at the United Methodist Village and run until 11 AM, on Thursday, September 19. Vendors will be on hand to discuss programs benefitting seniors and helping them live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Legislative brochures will also be available.

Never Forgotten. United We Stand!

I am proud to have sponsored legislation that protects victims of online harassment and provides legal tools to use against those who would post compromising private images online.

Following a spring that brought historic flooding to many parts of the state, an official request has been submitted for federal assistance to aid in recovery for communities still dealing with the aftermath. In all, 33 Illinois counties could be eligible for either public or individual assistance. Counties from the 50th District included in the request are Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Madison, Morgan, Pike and Scott.

On Thursday, August 15, Governor Pritzker signed SB 946 into law in honor of Jerseyville resident Jonny Wade, who passed away from cancer at the age of 8.

See what is happening in the 50th Senate District

Record floods have led to disaster proclamations being issued in 34 Illinois counties this year. On June 18, Illinois' Attorney General Kwame Raoul warned residents not to fall for flood damage scams and asked them to contact the Attorney General’s office to report fraudulent activities.

On July 1, stiffer penalties will be implemented as Illinois’ law regarding the use of hand-held devices behind the wheel takes effect. Passed by the General Assembly last year, House Bill 4846 will count first-time incidents of driving while operating a handheld mobile device as a “moving violation.” Prior to HB 4846, first offenses of distracted driving would be considered a “non-moving violation.”

With just three days remaining until the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn the spring legislative session on May 31st, several controversial issues remain unresolved.