|
|
|
At the end of February, I was honored to be selected to serve the 37th Senate District as Dale Risinger’s successor.
Through an appointment process I was unanimously selected by the chairmen of the seven counties of the 37th district to fill this seat.
Since my appointment, I have hit the ground running traveling to all seven counties meeting with elected officials, business owners, farmers, teachers and other citizens.
This has allowed me to listen and learn about issues affecting my district and the people I represent. I’ve gotten my offices in Peoria, Galesburg, and Princeton up and running as well as my website (www.senatorlahood.com).
Since arriving in Springfield, I have received warm welcomes from new colleagues who are both Democrats and Republicans.
As a conservative Republican there are core principles that I am committed to.
These principles have a great deal to do with the priorities I have set as a legislator, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t still room to reach across the aisle to find common ground with my Democrat colleagues.
In the last month I have sponsored and co-sponsored my first pieces of legislation.
The very first bill I co-sponsored was Senate Bill 78 (SB 78), which, if passed, will roll back the recently passed income and corporate-tax increase passed at the end of the 96th General Assembly.
The new rate is too high, and it’s not good for families or for business in Illinois.
Rolling back this increase is an important part of relieving the burden on citizens.
It’s also an important part of creating a better, more attractive climate for businesses and helping to encourage those businesses to expand in Illinois.
Another legislative initiative I’m proud to be supporting will reduce pay for legislators and for state executive officers.
I am chief co-sponsor of SB 1834, and SB 1568, which if passed will cut legislator and state executive officer pay by 10 percent and prevent future cost of living adjustment increases.
It’s no secret that Illinois is in a precarious financial position, and difficult choices about spending, and about spending reductions are going to have to be made.
As legislators we can’t expect the people to OK cuts if we’re not willing to take them ourselves.
We have to do our part to help get the state back on the right path.
I have also signed on to co-sponsor a bill that will keep the names of FOID card holders private.
SB 27 challenges a recent ruling by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan that would release the names and addresses of FOID card holders to the public.
At the end of February, I was honored to be selected to serve the 37th Senate District as Dale Risinger’s successor.
Through an appointment process I was unanimously selected by the chairmen of the seven counties of the 37th district to fill this seat.
Since my appointment, I have hit the ground running traveling to all seven counties meeting with elected officials, business owners, farmers, teachers and other citizens.
This has allowed me to listen and learn about issues affecting my district and the people I represent. I’ve gotten my offices in Peoria, Galesburg, and Princeton up and running as well as my website (www.senatorlahood.com).
Since arriving in Springfield, I have received warm welcomes from new colleagues who are both Democrats and Republicans.
As a conservative Republican there are core principles that I am committed to.
These principles have a great deal to do with the priorities I have set as a legislator, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t still room to reach across the aisle to find common ground with my Democrat colleagues.
In the last month I have sponsored and co-sponsored my first pieces of legislation.
The very first bill I co-sponsored was Senate Bill 78 (SB 78), which, if passed, will roll back the recently passed income and corporate-tax increase passed at the end of the 96th General Assembly.
The new rate is too high, and it’s not good for families or for business in Illinois.
Rolling back this increase is an important part of relieving the burden on citizens.
It’s also an important part of creating a better, more attractive climate for businesses and helping to encourage those businesses to expand in Illinois.
Another legislative initiative I’m proud to be supporting will reduce pay for legislators and for state executive officers.
I am chief co-sponsor of SB 1834, and SB 1568, which if passed will cut legislator and state executive officer pay by 10 percent and prevent future cost of living adjustment increases.
It’s no secret that Illinois is in a precarious financial position, and difficult choices about spending, and about spending reductions are going to have to be made.
As legislators we can’t expect the people to OK cuts if we’re not willing to take them ourselves.
We have to do our part to help get the state back on the right path.
I have also signed on to co-sponsor a bill that will keep the names of FOID card holders private.
SB 27 challenges a recent ruling by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan that would release the names and addresses of FOID card holders to the public.
The Attorney General’s ruling has been met with opposition from state and local law enforcement, lawmakers and Illinois citizens.
I agree with the Illinois State Police and many law-abiding citizens in my district that releasing the names of FOID card holders is more than just an invasion of privacy, it’s a matter of public safety.
As the new Senator for the 37th district, I will bring my background as a state and federal prosecutor and a municipal attorney to the job.
I promise to bring passion and energy to my new position.
I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to serve, and look forward to working hard for the people of central Illinois.
Please visit my website to learn more about me and my positions on state issues. www.senatorlahood.com
Senator LaHood (R-37thDistrict) plans to write a monthly column which will appear in these pages.
