Committee Deadline Heavily Favors Democrat Bills
Last week was “committee deadline week” in the House, when bills must pass out of House committees with recommendations to be heard on the House floor for discussion and debate. Thousands of bills are introduced in each General Assembly and only a fraction of them get a green light to move forward.
When the House adjourned on Friday, March 27, the committees had reported 500 bills to the House floor for further discussion and debate. Almost 90% of these 500 bills that were released from committees were filed by supermajority Democrats. Although Republicans represent millions of Illinoisans, only 56 of the 500 bills (11%) we will be debating were filed by Republicans. We continue to be denied the opportunity to have the issues most important to our constituents heard. There is no “equity” in the current system; a bill should get an up or down vote in committee if warranted – NOT just denied an opportunity to be heard.
Bears Stadium & Megaprojects
I am a lifelong Bears fan and want the team to stay in Illinois, but in the discussion of a mega project framework, the rules we establish must be a good deal for taxpayers. Like many others, I have concerns with the current proposal being floated. There is no reason we can’t use this moment to find a solution that leads to both a first-class stadium complex and protects taxpayers. If what develops is a framework that allows Illinois to succeed with other large-scale projects, too, and that helps property taxpayers, everyone wins. Illinois taxpayers have been disadvantaged too many times in the past; we need to earn their trust back by presenting a good plan.
My colleague, State Representative Dan Ugaste, and I submitted a piece to The Illinoize outlining some of our concerns with the current proposal. Click below to read the piece.
I also recently sat down for a detailed interview with policy experts Mark Batinick and Tom Demmer for a deeper dive on the issue for my Beyond the Headlines video series. Click below to watch the full discussion.
The Illinoize: Don’t Blame Republicans, Fix the Bears Deal
Beyond the Headlines with Rep. Keicher: Bears Stadium & Megaprojects
Addressing Higher Ed. Affordability and Competitiveness
Illinois cannot ignore the warning signs facing our higher education system. Enrollment has dropped dramatically, students are leaving the state for college, and demographic trends mean the challenges will only grow. We need a clear-eyed review of how our universities operate and how they are funded so we can protect students, taxpayers and the future of our workforce.
This is why I’ve filed House Bill 5037 to create the Fixing Illinois Higher Education Funding Act. Learn more about my legislation and the issue at the links below.
Keicher Proposes the Fixing Illinois Higher Education Funding Act
Illinois top 10 for highest in-state tuition, new bill to find out why
Illinois boosts universities losing students, punishes gainers
Eye On IL: Select lawmakers getting serious about higher ed reform options
Other Bill & Economic Policy News
▶️ House Bill 4472 – Illinois bill would create Blue Envelope Program for autistic drivers
▶️ House Bill 4663 – Illinois state bill would authorize pilot program for self-driving cars in Chicago
▶️ Mars plans to add 600 jobs as it expands Chicago headquarters
▶️ Phase One Construction Begins on Chicago Quantum Computing Facility
▶️ Edged Data Center Development
▶️ Rockford area eyed for data center could get new TIF District
🚨Fraud Alert🚨
Traffic violation and DMV scams are running rampant in Illinois right now. If you receive a text message like this image, it’s fraud.
Build Your Emergency Kit for Spring Storm Season
The recent storms are a good reminder of the importance of having an emergency kit ready to go as the spring storm season ramps up. Emergency kits help ensure you and your family have the basic survival items that are necessary during a disaster.
You can find more information about preparing an emergency kit at from Ready Illinois.
Helpful Resources and Tips for Tax Season
With the 2026 tax season upon us, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are both accepting tax returns.
Find free tax filing resources at the link below.
Upcoming Events
Please join me, State Sen. Dave Syverson and Kane County Supervisor of Assessments Mark Armstrong for an event to help you file for homestead exemptions in Kane County. This is a walk-in event; no appointment is necessary.
Please join me, State Rep. Joe Sosnowski and State Sen. Dave Syverson for a free paper shredding event in Huntley.
I hope you’ve found this update helpful. I’m honored to serve you as your State Representative. As always, please feel welcome to call or e-mail me with any questions, concerns, or feedback on these or any other issues.
Sincerely,
Jeff Keicher