Rockford Sun

Senate Republicans are urging Governor JB Pritzker to prioritize the issues plaguing his own administration, rather than focusing on his national initiative, "Think Big America." At a press conference, State Senator Dave Syverson highlighted the mismanagement and failures within multiple state agencies under the Pritzker Administration.

One of the major concerns raised by Senate Republicans is the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), where recent news reports revealed high-profile resignations and terminations, along with exorbitant taxpayer-funded salaries. Syverson pointed out that one assistant was being paid up to $60,000 per month.

Another agency facing criticism is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which has been experiencing long delays in license renewals, negatively impacting skilled professionals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has also come under scrutiny due to ongoing issues of mismanagement and neglect for the state's most vulnerable children. The agency's director recently resigned after being found in contempt of court multiple times.

Furthermore, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) has been facing financial challenges. Despite Governor Pritzker's assurance that the DHS Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors program would stay within a $550 million budget, analyses suggest that the program's costs could exceed $800 million. This raises concerns about the state's ability to manage its budget effectively.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has also faced criticism. An audit conducted by Senate Republicans revealed that IDES made over $5 billion in improper payments during the pandemic, while many Illinoisans struggled to receive the benefits they were entitled to. The audit also suggested that the Pritzker Administration instructed employees to disregard fraud red flags and federal guidelines.

Senator Syverson emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, stating that they are just a few examples of the problems facing Illinois taxpayers. Senate Republicans are calling on Governor Pritzker to prioritize the state's needs and take significant action to reform the agencies that have been struggling under his leadership.

In addition to addressing the mismanagement issues, the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC) will hold a hearing to review the audit covering IDES and the Administration's handling of the state's unemployment system during the pandemic. Senate Republicans will also be filing a resolution for a similar audit to investigate the staffing issues at IEMA.

In other news, the Illinois State Police (ISP) are conducting public hearings to address the confusion surrounding the state's new "assault weapon" ban. The law prohibits the possession of certain firearms and attachments, but allows current owners to keep them if they were purchased before January 23, 2023, and if they fill out an endorsement affidavit.

The hearings aim to address the conflicting and confusing language within the law, particularly regarding the affected models of firearms and accessories. Many individuals expressed their concerns and submitted questions, but were asked to submit their inquiries in writing for later responses.

Senator Syverson, a supporter of Second Amendment rights, opposed the ban and hopes that federal courts will rule it unconstitutional, as several court lawsuits are still pending.

As the annual Fall Veto Session continues, lawmakers are preparing for the final three days of legislative action. Senate Republicans are focused on saving the Invest in Kids scholarship program, which provides tax credits for scholarships given to low-income families, and finding a legislative solution to the Governor's veto of a bill that would end the moratorium on nuclear power plant construction.

The Veto Session presents an opportunity for lawmakers to address important issues and make meaningful progress for the people of Illinois.

To find out more, go to this link: https://senatordavesyverson.com/2023/11/03/senate-week-in-review-oct-30-nov-3-2023/