Illinois legislators will be returning to Springfield for two weeks this month. Veto session will be occurring October 14th–October 16th, and October 28th–October 30th.
Typically, veto session is a time for the General Assembly to override any vetoes made on bills passed in the Spring. Due to the supermajority status of Illinois Democrats, that is almost never necessary. Instead, we typically focus on a few pertinent issues.
While now is the perfect time to address property tax relief, the energy crisis, and agency reform, it’s unlikely any substantive legislation will be passed.
Learn more about the ways to get involved in the process here.
Stay tuned to next month’s newsletter for updates on what occurred during this session.
Rep. Davis Demands Accountability After Discovery of Uncertified Interns Conducting Investigations for DCFS
Last month, I uncovered a systemic failure inside the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Interns — uncertified and unqualified under Illinois law — have been allowed to investigate families, leading to the removal of children from their homes. Families are paying the price.
Illinois statute leaves no room for differing interpretation. The Child Protective Investigator and Child Welfare Specialist Certification Act of 1987 (225 ILCS 420/), along with (20 ILCS 505/21(d)), requires certification before employment in any official investigative capacity. These safeguards exist to protect children, preserve family rights, and ensure only trained, legally certified professionals handle life-altering decisions.
DCFS does not have the power to rewrite the law for convenience. For years, the agency has allowed uncertified interns to conduct and carry out abuse and neglect investigations, file legal findings, and initiate family separations. This disregard for the law is both dangerous and unacceptable.
I am calling on the Pritzker administration to act immediately by:
- Stop using uncertified interns in official investigative roles.
- Review every case involving intern-led investigations and vacate or reinvestigate findings issued outside the law.
- Hold DCFS leadership accountable for these ongoing violations of Illinois statute and parents’ rights.
- Restore lawful, transparent practices across the agency.
I recently had the chance to sit down and discuss this issue with CBS Chicago. To watch my full interview, click here.
No family should be traumatized due to an inexperienced intern inappropriately removing a child from the home. Stay tuned to future newsletters as I discuss the legislation I plan to file in response to this discovery–ensuring no families face this situation in Illinois ever again.
Rep. Davis Files Bill to Create School Choice Program in Illinois
Last week, I filed a bill to bring school choice programs back to the state of Illinois. House Bill 4148 would require Illinois to participate in the federal tax credit school choice program established under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and identify scholarship-granting organizations located in Illinois.
House Bill 4148 gives every Illinois student a real chance at success by opening the door to the school fitting them best—no matter their zip code. Right now, school choice exists only for families who can afford it. Opportunity shouldn’t depend on income. Every student and family who desires a better education should have access to one.
The last school choice program in Illinois, titled the Invest in Kids Act, had a sunset date of January 1st, 2024. Despite bipartisan support for this program, a bill to extend this program was never called for a vote in the Illinois General Assembly.
Every child has different needs. School choice programs enable families to make the best choice for their individual children, whether through public, private, or homeschooling opportunities. Let’s come together to empower families, promote strong educational programs, and lift up youth from every corner of Illinois.
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 made by completing our request form. You may access this form by clicking here.
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 [email protected] 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