Senate Committees met throughout the week, considering a wide variety of legislation ahead of the March 22 deadline to move Senate Bills out of committees. From controversial measures...

The Senate had a full schedule of committees during the week and some floor action with several controversial measures making news. Other notes of interest include new reports on job creation, and our state and local tax burden...

New bipartisan legislation filed to improve ballot access, a Senate subcommittee holds hearings on infrastructure needs, new gun control bills are creating controversy, and abridged standardized testing will soon be implemented...

Springfield – Two state senators are embarking on a bipartisan effort to level the playing field for new political parties and independent candidates in Illinois. State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) have introduced a plan that lowers the number of signatures required for new political parties and independent candidates to be on the ballot...

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) has filed legislation designed to reduce the some of the costs associated with hiring employees, with the goal of helping businesses to add more jobs.. “Everyone knows Illinois has a bad reputation for businesses, which makes it hard to grow jobs,” said Sen. Barickman. “When it costs more to hire people, it discourages businesses from adding employees..."

Illinois’ new Governor outlined his spending plan for the coming year, and a controversial minimum-wage measure has been signed into law. Also during the week, two environmentally-minded legislative packages, which have gained bipartisan support, would offer communities greater protections from ethylene oxide, and help protect the primary water source for Central Illinois....

“Illinois’ financial situation has been critically wounded by years of reckless taxing, spending and borrowing. We should learn from past mistakes, not repeat them in the manner proposed by Gov. Pritzker. I encourage the Governor to moderate his approach so that Democrats and Republicans can come together to craft a more reasonable approach to a budget...

People are invited to add their name to the call for a better redistricting process, the Senate passes a controversial minimum wage hike, Barickman advances legislation to help schools cut costs, and...

The Illinois Senate jammed through a partisan minimum wage hike despite the need for further negotiations and regional protections, according to State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). “This isn’t about whether or not the minimum wage should be increased, it’s about how much, how fast, and what we can do to minimize the loss of jobs, especially downstate,” said Barickman. “Unfortunately this legislation doesn’t really do much of anything on any of those fronts..."

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) is asking people to help show support for a fair maps effort that would give the voters the power to decide the issue during the next election. “People should be picking their representatives instead of politicians picking their voters,” said Sen. Barickman. “We have the opportunity to make that happen, by letting the voters decide during the next election..."

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) has officially been tapped to continue his role as the lead Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with being assigned to once again serve on the Executive and Education Committees...

Barickman appointed to Senate leadership role, JB Pritzker was sworn in as governor, and the Red Cross offer winter preparedness tips...

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) will once again take on extra responsibilities as a part of the Senate Republican leadership team. He was appointed to the role of Assistant Republican Leader...

Illinois State University will soon receive a major influx of cash for maintenance work at the Center for the Fine Arts, according to State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and Deputy House Republican Leader Dan Brady (R-Normal)...

“It’s an absolute honor to have the opportunity to continue serving the people of the 53rd Senate District,” said Sen. Barickman. “I’m hopeful that we can build upon the recent bipartisan successes we’ve had with historic education funding reform and passing a balanced budget...

A number of new laws took effect in the state of Illinois on January 1st. New laws run the gamut from fighting the opioid crisis and promoting car-seat safety to allowing blaze pink hunting gear...

State Sen. Jason Barickman’s (R-Bloomington) has been recognized for work on education funding reform, while also being honored for his support of manufacturing businesses...

As citizens throughout Illinois toast the New Year and sing Auld Lang Syne, 253 new laws will take effect. From controversial gun-control laws to fighting human trafficking and celebrating our state’s rich history, these new laws cover a wide range of topics...

December 1st, 2018 will now be known as “Blake Kinnett Day” in the state of Illinois, in honor of a teenager from Alvin who was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). “Blake Kinnett has been an inspiration to those around him through his courage and determination...

A section of Illinois Route 116 will soon be renamed to honor the memory and sacrifice of SPC Phillip Pannier, according to State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). “SPC Pannier gave his life in service to his country...

The Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation to honor fallen Ashkum firefighter Dana Schoolman, 30 years after he lost his life in the line of duty. "Dana Schoolman is a hero who gave his life while trying to save the lives of others...

A section of I-55 near Towanda will soon be renamed in honor of a local fallen soldier, Sgt. Anthony Maddox. “We are free because today because of the sacrifice of brave men and women like Sgt. Maddox...

The Illinois General Assembly is in recess this week for Thanksgiving before gearing up for the final week of the Fall Veto Session next week. Meanwhile, in less than two months, the new General Assembly and Governor will take office. If you’re traveling this week, expect more delays and crowds, as it’s shaping up to be one of the busiest travel weeks in years. Also, how much money do you plan on spending this holiday season? See where you fall with the release of the 2018 Holiday Shopping Survey...

The Illinois Senate just wrapped up the first few days of the annual fall veto session...

Responding to concerns over allegations that the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation paid millions for a stovepipe hat that may not have actually belonged to President Abraham Lincoln, State Senator and Legislative Audit Commission Co-Chair Jason Barickman and State Representative Tim Butler (R-Springfield) are calling for an audit to review the financial relationship between the foundation and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM)...