Regional Media Podcast Network

State Representative Travis Weaver, representing the 93rd District in Illinois, was sworn in for his second term today in Springfield. Weaver emphasized his commitment to education, fiscal responsibility, job growth, and agriculture. He aims to address significant budget deficits while reducing taxes and regulations.

“It is the honor and privilege of a lifetime to represent the amazing people of the 93rd District in the Illinois House of Representatives,” said Rep. Weaver. “I look forward to continuing to bring effective, common-sense conservative reform to Springfield. My bipartisan legislative priorities continue to be Education, Fiscal Responsibility, Job Growth, and Agriculture. We are facing huge budget deficits this year, and in the future, if we don’t start enacting common-sense reforms and impactful legislation. Illinoisans are tired of being over-taxed and over-regulated, and I’ll continue to fight for the hard-working folks of the 93^rd District.”

Chris Balkema was sworn in as the new Senator for the state's 53rd District. As part of the 104th General Assembly, Balkema steps into the role with a promise to diligently serve and address the needs of his constituents. Before this, he built a robust political and professional background, notably serving as the Chairman of the Grundy County Board and holding leadership positions at Caterpillar. Balkema plans to collaborate closely with local leaders to foster positive change across the 13 counties within his district. His proactive engagement has already seen him meeting with numerous mayors to fully grasp district-wide priorities. His tenure is now eagerly anticipated as he advocates for growth and unity throughout Illinois. Senator Balkema has a Bachelor of Science in Business Systems from Taylor University and an MBA from Bradley University. He and his wife of 26 years reside in Channahon and are parents of two sons in college.

In a significant legislative move, the Illinois House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 867, which proposes returning portions of land in DeKalb County to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. This decision aims to honor an 1829 agreement between the federal government and the Potawatomi Nation involving land that includes present-day Shabbona Lake and State Park. Despite the bill's approval, concerns have been voiced by Republican State Representative Brad Fritts, who highlighted potential oversights, such as the lack of protections for current landowners and the absence of development regulations. The bill, sponsored by Senator Mark Walker, now awaits Governor J.B. Pritzker's signature.

“Senate Bill 867 does not include any protections for landowners who currently reside on land included in the land transfer agreement,” Fritts said in a news release sent to area media. “The bill does not include any regulations surrounding the type of development permitted. The bill also does not address that the State of Illinois is giving away a State Park, worth tens of millions of dollars, without regard for the taxpayer or the residents who utilize the park.”

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding domestic violence survivors, Illinois has passed Karina’s Law. This pivotal legislation, spearheaded by State Senator Celina Villanueva, mandates the immediate removal of firearms from individuals under emergency restraining orders. Named after Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela, who were tragically impacted by domestic violence, the law addresses urgent safety concerns by enforcing the confiscation of firearms within 96 hours following a judicial directive. Karina’s Law, or House Bill 4144, not only aims to prevent potential homicides but also reinforces the state's commitment to protecting the well-being and rights of domestic violence survivors.