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| Inauguration of the 104th General Assembly The start of a new General Assembly signals the beginning of a fresh chapter for state government, with new members joining both the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives. Senator Plummer once again took the oath of office in the Senate Chambers on January 8. Over the next five months, Illinois legislators will face the critical task of addressing a $3 billion budget deficit and making decisions that will impact residents statewide. These challenges underscore the importance of their role as they propose, debate, and pass laws to tackle the state’s most pressing issues while planning for long-term prosperity. From investing in education and addressing social challenges to supporting small businesses and holding the line on government spending, lawmakers will shape the state’s trajectory and, hopefully foster an environment where Illinois can succeed and thrive in the years ahead. |
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| New Year, Same “Lame Duck” Democrats After a snowy four-day “Lame Duck” session, Illinois lawmakers convened the 104th General Assembly with Inauguration Ceremonies on January 8. Senator Plummer expressed the concern that, with many Illinoisans struggling to make ends meet, the recent session could have been used to address these challenges. Instead, Governor Pritzker and his allies focused on measures that prioritize noncitizens and criminals over hardworking residents. One such measure, House Bill 5164, commonly referred to as the “Name Change Bill,” passed the Senate on January 5 without any Republican support and passed the House of Representatives on January 7 along strict partisan lines. Proponents of the bill argue it enables non-citizens to change their names through an expedited and confidential process, provided they’ve lived in Illinois for at least three months. However, critics point out that the legislation merely requires individuals to claim eligibility without offering proof, which they fear could allow illegal immigrants, criminals, and others to exploit the system to evade authorities. The bill also allows judges to seal name change records, which Senator Plummer believes creates a loophole that undermines the legal process and could benefit individuals with malicious intent. Opponents contend this measure exacerbates the challenges posed by illegal immigration under Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, further endangering community safety. | |
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| Legislation Proposed to Protect Election Integrity Following his discovery that the Pritzker Administration is sending voter registration forms to noncitizens, potentially leading to voter fraud, State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is filing new legislation to protect the integrity of Illinois elections. The Senator was notified by an immigrant rights advocate that when noncitizens apply for state aid, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) is sending packets to them that include voter registration forms already addressed to local county clerks’ offices. The department includes an electronic version of the packet on its website, including a voting application, here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/forms/il444-2378b.pdf Concerns arose that recipients may feel pressured to fill out all of the forms in their packet in their entirety, and that, because they may not be fluent in the same language as the forms are written, they may incorrectly apply to vote. Making the situation worse, recent legislation signed into law by Governor Pritzker created a new system of driver’s licenses, where noncitizens, even those who are here illegally, are given the same licenses as citizens. Previously, the licenses were marked if they were issued to noncitizens. County clerks have no way to verify if someone is a citizen based on their driver’s license. Legislation passed in 2017 authorizes DHS to use applications for aid in a dual role, where the information from the aid application can be used to register someone to vote. However, in that situation, the law instructs DHS to verify that the individual is authorized to vote before the application reaches the county election officials. That law does not authorize the use of paper applications to be sent straight from the applicant to county clerks, who, unlike DHS, are unable to verify citizenship status. If noncitizens do apply to vote, not only would they be jeopardizing the legitimacy of Illinois elections, but they would be committing a crime, which would ruin any chance they have to become citizens. In response, legislation is being filed that will require the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to create a database for all noncitizens who have Illinois driver’s licenses, so that county clerks can verify that voting applicants are indeed citizens who are legally authorized to vote. |
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| A Call for Reform and Accountability As Illinois enters 2025, the state finds itself at a critical crossroads. Senator Plummer says the best path will focus on meaningful reforms and accountability in Illinois’ government, which continues to be plagued by a series of deeply ingrained issues, from fiscal mismanagement to regulatory overreach, high taxes, illegal immigration issues, and a lack of transparency. Illinois has long struggled with a ballooning state budget, unfunded pensions, and a growing exodus of residents seeking better opportunities in states with lower taxes and more pro-business environments. Despite these challenges, the current Democratic-led government remains resistant to necessary reforms and continues to impose policies that hinder economic growth and job creation. Senator Plummer says 2025 will be a year of continued work and progress in Springfield to support the daily lives of every Illinoisan. | |
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| Senator Plummer Hosting Valentine Card Drive for Seniors With Valentine’s Day just over a month away, State Senator Jason Plummer (Edwardsville) is once again working to make sure that senior citizens aren’t forgotten, with his annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive. Senator Plummer is asking students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations and other groups to create homemade cards that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 55th District. Cards, poems, and other well-wishes will be collected between now and Feb. 7 at Senator Plummer’s office, located at 310 W. Gallatin St., Vandalia, Il. The office is open 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday. Cards can also be mailed. |