Hello everyone, and welcome to my April E-Newsletter!
Spring session is in full swing down in Springfield and we’re finally getting to work, although not all work is good work. One example from last week: a bill providing in-state tuition at our public universities to illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, families are struggling to send their own kids to college. Talk about backward priorities! This bill passed the House with no Republican support and now awaits a vote in the Senate.
This week is the House Bill 3rd Reading Deadline – which means long nights and a flood of legislation moving through the chamber. Expect hundreds of bills to be voted on in a very short window.
I’ll continue sharing updates on Facebook and my website, along with a full recap in next month’s newsletter.
Or, if you really want to see how this works firsthand, you can always tune in and watch the process unfold yourself.
Upcoming Session Dates:
- April 14-17 (House Bill 3rd Reading Deadline)
- April 21-23
To view our session schedule and committee hearings, click here.
To watch or listen to session live, click here.
Rep. Davis Calls for Suspension of Gas Tax
Illinoisans across the state are facing sticker shock at the gas pump right now. Thankfully, my colleagues across the aisle have recently taken a vested interest in our high gas prices here in Illinois.
Instead of utilizing this situation as an opportunity for political rhetoric, we should come together and work on real solutions. I am calling on Governor Pritzker and Illinois Democrats to suspend the gas tax, providing immediate relief for Illinois residents.
Condemning the federal government won’t lower gas prices – suspending the gas tax will.
Watch my floor remarks calling for this suspension here:
Property Tax Relief Bill Package
Illinois has the highest property taxes in the nation. Time and time again, I hear from constituents their number one issue is property taxes. This problem has gone unaddressed for far too long – which is why I am committed to working across the aisle to provide real solutions to the people of Illinois.
This bill package includes:
- House Bill 4290: Increases transparency for taxpayers by requiring property tax bills to clearly show who is responsible for the taxes being levied and where tax dollars are going. The bill also includes tools, such as a QR code, allowing residents to quickly access contact information and tax bill history.
- House Bill 4299: Creates the School Spending Efficiency and Relief Act to create more budgetary efficiency and transparency when school districts hire administrators.
- House Bill 4317: Keeps property taxes stable by limiting how much a taxing district can raise property tax assessments.
- House Bill 4320: Keeps property taxes stable by limiting how much a taxing district can raise property tax levies.
Property tax relief should be bipartisan. I am hopeful my colleagues across the aisle will come to the table and work together on this legislation to address the top issue in our state.
Career Opportunities and Educational Affordability Bill Package
Too many young people are being pushed toward expensive degrees while good-paying career paths go unfilled. As a father, I’ve watched education costs climb while opportunities become harder to access. We need to change this dynamic.
The package includes:
- House Bill 1112: Brings real-world experts into the classroom to teach in-demand skills like manufacturing, engineering, and the trades – so students learn from people who’ve actually done the work.
- House Bill 4295: Creates a direct path for high school students into careers like law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency response – so those called to serve can start preparing early.
- House Bill 4296: Expands access to training for high-demand, good-paying careers – so students can step into real opportunities right after graduation.
- House Bill 4386: Establishes a streamlined, affordable online bachelor’s degree program – giving students and working adults a flexible path to earn a degree without putting life on hold.
This package is about common sense – more opportunity, less bureaucracy. We can strengthen our workforce, fill critical shortages, and give the next generation a clearer, more affordable path forward.
Mark Your Calendar – 4th Annual Fishing Derby Returns!
My office is excited to host our fourth annual Fishing Derby again this year! Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, June 20th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. More details to come in next month’s newsletter.
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