Welcome to my March e-newsletter!
February has been a relatively slow month in the Illinois General Assembly. This time of year is when new bills get assigned to committees, voted on in hearings, and then sent to the House for floor action. Unfortunately, many committees have been canceled or rescheduled, with few bills moving through the process. Hopefully, we’ll get things in motion soon and start delivering real results for the people of Illinois.
We also heard Governor Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address, where he unveiled the largest budget in Illinois history and compared Republicans to Nazis. It was nothing more than a bizarre attempt to grab national media attention.
Even with the chamber at a standstill, I’ve been hard at work – finalizing my legislative agenda, meeting with colleagues and stakeholders to build support for key initiatives, and planning outreach events for constituents.
As always, if you have thoughts, ideas, or concerns, reach out anytime. I’m here to serve you!
Response to State of the State Address
On February 12th, Governor Pritzker gave his annual State of the State and Budget Address. Another year, another budget address filled with fiction. The Governor claims Illinois has a balanced budget, but the reality is we’re staring at a massive deficit – and taxpayers are once again left holding the bag for Springfield’s reckless spending. Words don’t balance budgets, responsible leadership does.
For too long, a select few have crafted the budget behind closed doors, shutting out the voices of taxpayers and their representatives. These antics must end. Every legislator should have a seat at the table so we may craft an accountable and transparent budget, working for all the people of Illinois.
But let’s be clear – the most alarming part of this address wasn’t just the bad math, it was the outright dangerous rhetoric. The Governor comparing everyday Americans concerned about border security to Nazis is appalling. It’s reckless, divisive, and frankly beneath the office he holds. Illinoisans deserve better.
Following this address, I spoke in a press conference condemning this out-of-control spending and advocating for a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Illinois. To watch my full remarks, please click here.
So here’s my challenge to the majority party: less political theater, more real solutions. We’re ready to work – are you?
Bill Package: Protecting Kids
The Protecting Kids Bill Package is a set of 12 bills focused on keeping kids safe, improving their well-being, and strengthening parental rights. We need to do more to support, protect, and care for the next generation, allowing them to thrive throughout life.
✔ HB 1097: Allows parents or guardians to record audio during meetings regarding their child’s individualized education program (IEP).
✔ HB 1103: Requires online platforms distributing adult content to verify ages before granting access.
✔ HB 1106: Lets school districts create volunteer Special Education Advisory Committees when parents request them.
✔ HB 1107: Requires school staff training to better understand and support students with disabilities.
✔ HB 1113: Allows schools to welcome certified chaplains as volunteers, helping broaden student support.
✔ HB 1140: Prevents individuals charged with sex trafficking minors from pleading down to lesser offenses and receiving less jail time.
✔ HB 1260: Requires human trafficking awareness training for cosmetologists, barbers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and teachers.
✔ HB 1346: Creates a grant program to fully fund School Resource Officers (SROs).
✔ HB 2511: Creates the State Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Program to provide awareness and education to lower rates of fetal alcohol disorders.
✔ HB 2512: Ensures informed parental consent before minors receive psychotropic medications.
✔ HB 2542: Updates child support calculations to be more accurate and fair, helping third-shift workers like firefighters, nurses, and police officers.
✔ HB 3008: Launches the Illinois Classroom Supply Assistance Program to reimburse teachers for out-of-pocket classroom expenses.
Keeping kids safe and helping them thrive should be a priority for everyone. I’m hopeful for strong bipartisan support on these common-sense bills putting kids first.
Help Support Homeschool Freedom!
In February, legislation designed to attack homeschooling was filed in the Illinois General Assembly. Join me in standing up to Springfield’s overreach – intrusive mandates and punitive measures against homeschooling families must stop. Parents have the right to make their own decisions regarding their children’s education.
Make your voice heard by signing the petition here!
Additionally, I recently wrote a letter to the sponsor of this bill to share my concerns and the incredible support we have already received on this petition. As of February 27th, over 2,669 people have signed my petition in support of homeschool freedom.
If you want to take further action, you can file a witness slip in opposition to House Bill 2827. For information on how to file, please click here.
Sign my Petition to Oppose Far-Left Legislation
Illinois Democrats just filed a bill to legalize prostitution. This reckless proposal would open the floodgates for human trafficking and further exploit the most vulnerable members of our society.
Perhaps this bill is an attempt to appease the radical far-left or a misguided effort to address our $3 billion budget deficit. Either way, it’s reckless. The people of Illinois deserve leaders who will protect them, not assist with their exploitation.
Let’s send a clear message: Illinois should be protecting its citizens – not enabling predators.
I’ve launched a petition opposing this dangerous idea, and I encourage you to add your name today at RepJedDavis.com or by clicking here.
2025 Legislative Survey
Good news: my 2025 Legislative Survey is now open, and your input is essential to shaping my legislative priorities. This nine-question survey covers key policy issues impacting Illinois. I want to hear from you!
To complete this survey, please click here.
Museum Pass Request Form
Are you looking to visit one of the incredible museums across the Chicagoland area? Utilize my office’s FREE museum pass, allowing admission to any participating museum for up to four people.
Reservations are required and must be done by completing our request form. You may access this form by clicking here.
Upcoming Outreach
March 19th: Traveling Office Hours – Seneca
Seneca Public Library | 210 N Main Street, Seneca | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Looking Forward
House Bill Committee Passage Deadline: March 21st
House Bill 3rd Reading Deadline: April 11th
Looking ahead to summer, I’m excited to announce our third annual Fishing Derby will return. Our summer reading program is also coming back from June to August. More details for both will follow in the coming months.
Keep Up to Date
For updates on my work in Springfield and our local communities, please visit my website at RepJedDavis.com or follow me on Facebook.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out at Davis@ilhousegop.org or by phone at (331) 867-8200.
Serving you is the honor of a lifetime, and I’m grateful for your support as we tackle the challenges ahead.
Talk soon,
Jed Davis
IL State Representative
District 75