Quincy Reporter

Senate Republicans in Illinois have introduced new legislation aimed at closing gaps in state immigration policies. Senate Bill 1313 mandates that state law enforcement collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify, report, and deport undocumented individuals who commit serious offenses such as violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex crimes. This move is intended to enhance public safety by ensuring the removal of these individuals from Illinois.

The bill has sparked criticism of Governor JB Pritzker's stance on public safety. Despite his assertion that "violent criminals who are undocumented and convicted of violent crime should be deported," Republicans argue that the TRUST Act he supports restricts law enforcement from working with federal authorities to deport offenders. They claim this contradiction endangers public safety.

Additionally, Senate Republicans are advocating for the repeal of the TRUST Act, which limits cooperation between state and local police with federal immigration officials except under specific circumstances.

State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) expressed support for removing these restrictions, believing it will better equip law enforcement to remove undocumented felons and improve public safety.

In another legislative development, Senate Bill 98 addresses sexual assault in schools by requiring a minimum one-year expulsion for students found guilty of sexual assault or violence at school events. The bill was introduced following an incident in Taylorville where a young girl was assaulted, leading to legal action by the victim's mother after the attacker was moved to an alternative school.

The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault has endorsed this bill, emphasizing its potential to improve how schools handle sexual assault cases while supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

On a different note, Illinois ranks 38th nationally in education freedom according to a report by the American Legislative Exchange Council. The state's low ranking is attributed partly to the termination of the Invest in Kids program. However, Illinois received high marks for its homeschooling environment.

Senator Tracy advocates for launching a new program similar to Invest in Kids to offer students choices beyond failing schools.

Illinois also faces economic challenges with a 5.2% unemployment rate as of December, one of the highest in the nation. In 2024, Illinois added 56,000 jobs but lagged behind national growth rates. High taxes and rising housing costs contribute to sluggish economic performance.

Senator Tracy suggests comprehensive tax reform as key to reversing these trends by lowering taxes and simplifying regulations.