State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement after his “no” vote on Senate Bill 1300: "Illinois has some of the worst funded pensions in the nation. In 2011, reforms were put into law to slow the growth of the unfunded liability. While I believe pension consolidation is a good idea, this legislation includes irresponsible proposals which reverse key aspects of those 2011 reforms and increase pension benefits...

State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) is continuing his efforts to clean up ethics issues in state government by co-sponsoring new legislation that targets potential conflicts of interest with the state board of elections...

Update after the first week of the fall veto session...

The Senate Republican Caucus took action today to restore public trust in an honest and ethical state government. At a press conference in the Capitol’s blue room, members unveiled a legislative proposal to ensure independent investigations of members of the General Assembly...

An ambitious multi-year, multi-billion-dollar plan for road and bridge construction was launched during the week, while the battle against opioid deaths continues, and the state improves educational opportunities for both students and teachers. Meanwhile, final preparations are being made for the fall Veto Session that starts Oct. 28...

During the upcoming fall veto session, during which they generally take actions on bills vetoed by the Governor, Illinois lawmakers could also be asked to consider a proposal to consolidate suburban and downstate pension plans, and new bills being filed by lawmakers. The fall veto session is scheduled for Oct. 28-30, and Nov. 12-14. As Veterans Day approaches, Senator Barickman is asking his constituents to share a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed in the Capitol. And an Illinois-based company is taking steps to fight the nation’s opioid crisis...

This week is Fire Prevention Week, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal is offering safety tips to keep your family safe this fall. In other news, the Illinois State Police is warning residents about a phone scam, and proceeds from a new lottery game will go to help the homeless. ..

As Veterans Day approaches, and we look for ways to honor Illinois veterans and tell their incredible stories, State Sen Jason Barickman is asking constituents to submit a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois State Capitol Nov. 4-15...

Illinois has been ranked the least tax-friendly state in a new study and a new law bars employers from asking about individuals’ salary history,. Meanwhile...

After a rough and delayed planting season, Illinois’ agriculture industry received good news this week with a Taiwanese delegation committing to purchasing over $2 billion in Illinois soy and corn over the next two years. Meanwhile, Illinois motorists are encouraged to do their part to keep farmers safe as they head back into the fields and hit the roadways for the 2019 harvest season. Also happening this week...

A one-time tax amnesty program is being offered to delinquent taxpayers beginning October 1. Also during the week, members of the Property Tax Relief Task Force continued to meet in hopes of addressing Illinois’ onerous property tax burden. In other news...

New laws protecting children from secondhand smoke and allowing allow craft distilleries to deliver and sell their products directly to merchants have recently become law. In other news, an estimated $69 million in federal aid is being sought for flood damages across the state, and new reports give mixed reviews on Illinois’ economic outlook...

River conservancy districts will now be able to update their official names to more accurately represent the purpose they have evolved to serve, thanks to legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) that was signed into law on August 23....

Motorists who drive dangerously in a crosswalk will now be facing a one-year suspension of their licenses, now that “Mason’s Law” is officially on the books. The new law was the result of legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and filed by State Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee)...

Landmark anti-sexual harassment and discrimination reforms, and a measure aimed at reducing property taxes by allowing for some government consolidation have recently been signed into law. Also during the week, two new task forces aimed at supporting veterans and targeting elder abuse prepared to begin their work...

A new state task force will look for ways to provide property tax relief to homeowners and report its findings by the end of the year. Another state task force has presented its recommendations for the futures of two major Southern Illinois facilities, and new laws are on the books to protect pets that are staying in kennels, and to prevent coal ash pollution. In the Capital City, the 2019 Illinois State Fair is now fully under way...

Counties should soon have a better idea of whether tax bills are up to date for mobile homes, thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and signed into law recently by the Governor...

The millions of Illinoisans who were impacted by the 2017 Equifax breach could soon be in line for a cash payment... Farmers are still facing the effects of the cold, wet spring. Crops continue to remain significantly behind schedule... The Illinois State Fairgrounds is prepping for the 2019 Illinois State Fair, which is just around the corner. This yearly tradition kicks off Aug. 8...

Illinois schools now have more options for long-term student records that could save taxpayer funds, due to legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and signed into law on July 27. “This is a common-sense answer to a problem that many schools face, that could potentially save the districts money...

New protections for sexual assault victims are signed into law, Senators again push to let the voters decide on redistricting, and...

Victims of sexual assault now have new protections when reporting the crime to police or receiving treatment at a hospital, due to legislation sponsored by State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and signed into law by Governor Pritzker. “Victims of sexual assault shouldn’t fear being arrested when reporting the crime to police, even if they have had minor legal issues in the past...

Update on what's happening in state government...

Route 45 through the town of Ashkum is now officially the “Firefighter Dana Schoolman Memorial Highway” in honor of the fallen firefighter’s sacrifice for his community. The highway was formally dedicated as such at a ceremony on June 29th at the Ashkum firehouse.

State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement after his “no” vote on Senate Bill 25: “Advocates of Senate Bill 25 have inaccurately described the legislation as little more than a technical clean-up of existing laws regulating abortions in Illinois. However, this proposal represents a radical shift in public policy...

Drivers who violate right of way rules and injure pedestrians in crosswalks could soon receive a 1 year driver’s license suspension, due to legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) in the Senate and filed by Representative Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee) in the Illinois House. “First and foremost this about creating a deterrent to careless driving and keeping pedestrians safe, especially those in school zones...