Quincy Reporter

Senate Republicans in Illinois have intensified their efforts to save the Invest in Kids Scholarship program, which provides low-income children access to better schools. State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) expressed her support for the program, stating that it has made a significant impact on the lives of nearly 10,000 children. Tracy criticized Gov. JB Pritzker for not prioritizing the program and instead focusing on national issues. The program, which has received over $308 million in private donations since 2017, is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2024. Senate Republicans are determined to fight for its continuation during the upcoming Spring Session.

In other news, lawmakers in Illinois have passed a bill that paves the way for the construction of new nuclear reactors as a source of clean and reliable energy. House Bill 2473 lifts the moratorium on next-generation nuclear reactors and allows for the development of Small Modular Reactors. The legislation also directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security to establish rules for reactor decommissioning and emergency preparedness. The bill passed with overwhelming support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and will now be sent to the Governor for consideration.

Meanwhile, the Senate voted to extend a criminal penalty enhancement aimed at keeping repeat gun offenders behind bars. However, the House of Representatives has failed to take action on the legislation, leading to uncertainty regarding the future of the enhancement. State Sen. Tracy expressed her concern over the partisan games being played, stating that allowing violent gun criminals to be back on the streets sooner will make the state less safe.

On a different note, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield will be hosting an original edition of the Gettysburg Address. The historic document, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, will be on display for 12 days. Admission to the museum will be free on the 160th anniversary of Lincoln's delivery of the speech. Visitors will also have the option to view the document for a fee of $5.

The efforts to save the Invest in Kids Scholarship program, the passage of the bill for new nuclear reactors, the stalemate over the criminal penalty enhancement, and the upcoming display of the Gettysburg Address at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum are all significant developments in Illinois. These events highlight the ongoing political and cultural landscape in the state, as well as the dedication to education, clean energy, public safety, and historical preservation.

Click this link to access more information: https://senatorjiltracy.com/2023/11/13/senate-week-in-review-nov-6-10-2023/