Senate Republicans Push to Strengthen Illinois’ Nuclear Energy Future
Three Senators are raising concerns about the stability of Illinois’ power supply and the urgent need to boost energy generation. At a Capitol press conference on Thursday, State Senators Sue Rezin, Sally Turner, and Terri Bryant highlighted the challenges facing the state’s power grid and the role that new nuclear developments should play in strengthening supply and keeping costs down for families and businesses.
The lawmakers pointed to Senate Bill 1527, which repeals the state’s moratorium on building new nuclear reactors, as a key step toward meeting Illinois’ future energy needs. Lifting the moratorium would allow the state to explore advanced, next-generation nuclear technology that can deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy, helping ensure that Illinois families aren’t left paying more for less.
They also highlighted Senate Bill 94, which would ensure that data centers owned by foreign adversaries do not put additional strain on Illinois’ already overburdened power grid. The legislation would require such centers to provide their own source of energy. With increasing energy demands from data centers, AI-driven technology, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing, the Senators stressed that Illinois must take proactive steps to protect energy reliability and affordability, while supporting job creation and economic growth here at home.
The Senators are calling on the General Assembly to act swiftly on these bills to address Illinois’ growing energy needs and ensure the state remains a leader in nuclear innovation.
Senator Sally Turner’s Legislation to Support Veterans and Young Farmers Passes Senate
Two key pieces of legislation sponsored by State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) unanimously passed out of the Illinois Senate this week, moving one step closer to becoming law. Senate Bill 39, which ensures affordable housing for at-risk veterans, and Senate Bill 2372, which seeks to improve farmland access for young farmers.
Senate Bill 39 ensures that the electric vehicle charging requirements in the 2023 Electric Vehicle Charging Act do not apply to tiny homes built for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These homes, constructed and funded by nonprofit organizations such as the Central Illinois Veterans Commission (CIVC), provide critical support for those who have served the nation.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 2372 creates the Farmland Transition Commission, which will study the barriers individuals aged 25 through 40 face when trying to purchase or access farmland. The Commission will meet quarterly and submit annual recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to help improve farmland transfer opportunities.
Senator Sally Turner says that ensuring veterans have access to stable housing and young farmers have a pathway to land ownership strengthens our communities, supports our economy, and upholds the values that define Illinois.
With unanimous passage in the Senate, both bills will now move to the House for further consideration.
Senate Republicans Sponsor Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking
Senate Republicans are working to close loopholes and strengthen Illinois law to ensure that traffickers and those who exploit others, especially children, face real consequences.
Senate Bill 267 would require individuals who force others into sex work or exploit them for pornography to register as sex offenders.
Under current law, those who traffic children or coerce adults into sex work are not automatically required to register. SB 267 closes that loophole and ensures the people behind the scenes, the traffickers and facilitators, are held fully accountable for their actions and prevented from reoffending.
Senator Sally Turner says lawmakers must do more to close legal gaps and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, especially children.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and promote efforts to keep children safe. This year’s theme, Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention, emphasizes the importance of supporting families and communities to stop abuse before it happens.
State Senator Sally Turner says strong communities are essential to protecting children by ensuring families have access to vital resources like counseling, mental health services, and family advocacy programs.
Throughout April, awareness events will take place across Illinois, including press conferences, pinwheel plantings, and art exhibits featuring work by children in care.
OSFM Announces $4 Million in Grants for Essential Tools and Equipment
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. This program is designed to help fire departments, fire protection districts, and non-profit ambulance services across Illinois purchase essential equipment to safely carry out their duties.
This year, OSFM received over 300 applications. A total of 178 fire departments, fire protection districts, and EMS providers were awarded grants of up to $26,000. More than $4 million in funding was distributed statewide.
The following fire departments in the 44th District received grants:
- Kenney Fire Department
- Creve Coeur Fire Department
- Long Creek Fire Protection District
- Bellflower Fire Protection District
- Cisco Fire Protection District
- Hammond Fire Protection District
- Bement Fire Protection District
- Monticello Fire & Rescue Department