Friend,
In the final hours of the fall Veto Session, long after most Illinoisans were asleep, lawmakers in Springfield stayed up until nearly 4:30 a.m. to push through a series of costly measures that will make life even more expensive for suburban families already working hard to keep up with the rising cost of everyday life. In one night, Illinois got hit with ten billion dollars in new tax hikes, higher tolls, and increased energy costs. I voted against every one of these bills because families simply cannot afford them.
Topics below include:
- Transit Legislation – Sales Tax Hike for Working Families
- Energy – New Energy Bill Will Drive Up Costs for Families
- Decoupling Bill – Raises Taxes
- Darby in the District – Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in Barrington, Nov. 4
- Pancreatic Cancer Month – Filed a Senate Resolution
- Find Food Illinois – Community Food Map
- Free Veteran Appreciation Luncheon & Expo – Lake Zurich, Nov. 15
- Wauconda HS – Welcomed Wauconda High School on the Senate Floor
- Medicare 101 Seminar – Algonquin Township Office, Nov. 10
As always, my office is here to help if you have questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Controversial Transit Legislation Passes General Assembly
One of the most controversial bills was a transit proposal that raises taxes and tolls to bail out Chicago’s struggling transit system. The plan includes higher tolls and a sales tax hike that take more money from families already struggling to get by. It virtually guarantees higher sales taxes on groceries and essential goods families depend on, while driving up the cost of getting to work, school, or a doctor’s appointment. Even worse, the new board structure gives Chicago politicians more control over fare decisions that affect the entire region, which means suburban riders could face higher costs without a real say. This plan is not about fairness or affordability. It is about taking money away from suburban communities to bail out Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
New Energy Bill Will Drive Up Costs for Families
Lawmakers also approved a massive energy bill that removes limits on how much utilities can raise electric rates, giving more power to the Illinois Commerce Commission and paving the way for up to eight billion dollars in new utility fees. I voted no because families already struggling with inflation should not have to pay more just to keep the lights on.
Tax Hike on Job Creators
To top it off, Democrats advanced Senate Bill 1911, a so-called “decoupling” measure that amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax hikes on Illinois businesses by cutting them off from federal relief meant to help them recover and grow. I voted no on this bill too because it makes Illinois even less competitive compared to neighboring states that are cutting taxes and attracting new jobs.
Darby in the District – Moretti’s in Barrington!
Join me for the next Darby in the District on Tuesday, November 4, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in Barrington! Come enjoy good conversation, connect with neighbors, and share what’s on your mind. (Bingo starts at 7:30, and pizzas are half-price!)
Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria is located at 128 S Wool St, Barrington, IL 60010. Hope to see you there!
Raising Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer Recently, I filed Senate Resolution 494 to declare November 2025 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Illinois. This effort is about shining a light on one of the deadliest cancers and encouraging early detection. With a five-year survival rate below 13 percent, it is so important to raise awareness about the warning signs, risk factors, and the importance of screening, especially for families with a history of the disease. My hope is that this resolution helps more Illinois families catch the disease earlier and shows support for those fighting it.
Find Food Illinois – Community Food Map
No one should ever have to wonder where their next meal will come from. Our office is here to help connect you to local resources and make sure you have the support you need.
The Find Food IL Map includes thousands of food access points across the state — with details on locations, hours, and contact information — to help you find assistance close to home. You can even submit new resources in your area using the “add/edit site” button.
Use the Find Food IL Map to locate a pantry near you — or donate to your regional food bank today. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry.
Find my food map: https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/#food-finder
Free Veteran Appreciation Luncheon & Expo
Join me and State Senator Craig Wilcox for a special afternoon of food, fellowship, and gratitude. Veterans and their families are invited to a complimentary luncheon and resource expo honoring those who have served our nation.
Come connect with fellow veterans, enjoy a hearty meal, and learn more about the programs and services available to support you and your loved ones.
RSVP is required – please contact Barb at bomalleywest@sgop.ilga.gov or 224-662-4544 to reserve your spot.
Welcomed Wauconda High School on the Senate Floor
It was a pleasure to welcome students from Wauconda High School to the Capitol during the veto session! I enjoyed welcoming them from the Senate Floor, speaking with them up in the Senate Gallery, and seeing their excitement to learn more about the legislative process! It’s always inspiring to see such enthusiasm from the next generation of leaders.
Medicare 101 Seminar – Algonquin Township Office
I am hosting a Medicare 101 Seminar with a representative from the Illinois Department on Aging to help residents learn the ins and outs of coverage options and get their questions answered.
What: Medicare 101 Seminar
Where: Algonquin Township Office – 3702 US HWY-14, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
When: Monday, November 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Medicare can be a complex and confusing program. This seminar offers a great opportunity for individuals to better understand their options and receive reliable information directly from experts. For more information, please contact Kim at kjohnson@sgop.ilga.gov
or call the district office at (224) 662-4544.