ENERGY COST CRISIS
Soaring summer electric bills in much of Illinois
This summer, many Illinois families have seen their electric bills double. That’s no accident, it’s the direct result of bad energy policy. With coal plants forced to shut down and the majority party chasing one-sided “green only” mandates, Illinois is now importing power from other states at sky-high rates. Instead of being an energy exporter, we’re now dependent on outside markets like PJM and MISO, leaving Illinoisans vulnerable to price spikes, brownouts, and blackouts.
House Republicans saw this crisis coming. In May, we warned of record-breaking prices in the MISO capacity auction, jumping from just $30 last year to $666.50 per Megawatt-day this summer. We called for hearings and action to protect consumers, but Springfield Democrats ignored the alarm bells.
I have taken action. While I voted for CEJA years ago in the interest of nuclear production, I have always recognized its serious flaws. I have supported and sponsored bills to roll back the damaging provisions of CEJA and protect affordable, reliable energy for Illinois families and businesses.
✅ HB 4050 – Restores provisions in the Act regarding greenhouse gases to their form before CEJA and repeals the “clean energy” redefinition.
✅ HB 1544–1547 – Extends unrealistic emission deadlines by 5 to 10 years for Illinois power plants, keeping energy production and jobs here at home.
I also proudly voted with the Byron and Cordova nuclear stations to keep Illinois nuclear power online and ensure their continued role in PJM markets. Nuclear is clean, reliable, and critical to our energy independence.
Where I stand is simple:
Illinois must pursue an “all of the above” energy strategy. Coal, natural gas, nuclear, renewables, we need them all if we want reliable, affordable power. One-sided policies that force closures put families, jobs, and our economy at risk.
It’s time to get ahead of the curve, push back against reckless policies, and make Illinois a leading energy exporter again.
AGRICULTURE
Nation’s largest outdoor farm show returns to Illinois next week
The Farm Progress Show is an Illinois/Iowa-based trade show that specializes in farmer-to-farmer demonstrations of agriculture craft and technology. Exhibitors show farm tools, machinery, seeds, chemicals, practices, farm software, trading opportunities, and financing opportunities. The Farm Progress Show will be returning to Decatur on August 26 – 28.
Preparations for the 2025 Farm Progress Show included the sowing of 80 acres of demonstration and exhibit fields. Nearly six hundred exhibitors have signed up to participate in the 2025 Show. The Show is highly attuned to the needs of professional agricultural operators, with many participants oriented towards the sale, sign-up, and education of attendees in financial essentials such as machinery and equipment financing, crop insurance, crop financing, new trends in crop risk management, and new trends in land leasing and enjoyment.
My statement on the issue: “Illinois farmers feed the world, fuel our economy, and now, more than ever, they are part of the solution to our state’s energy and food security challenges. The Farm Progress Show is a showcase of innovation and resilience, and it’s proof that agriculture continues to be the backbone of Illinois’ future.”
EDUCATION
School Choice
I have introduced two bills aimed at expanding school choice for students in Illinois. The legislation would help Illinois taxpayers seamlessly access federal tax credit opportunities for donating to Illinois-based organizations providing scholarships.
The Education Choice Act was filed in two versions this week in the Illinois House of Representatives:
- HB4098: requires the State Board of Education to create a list of scholarship organizations that meet the requirements of Section 70411 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to facilitate opting the State of Illinois into the school choice tax credit provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- HB4099: requires the State Board to create a list of scholarship organizations and grants the State Board the authority to transmit the list to the federal government to opt Illinois organizations into the federal tax credit.
“It is important that we continue exploring ways to make school choice a reality for students across our state so they can access the best education possible,” said McCombie.
While Governor JB Pritzker has continued to wage battles at the federal level, I have made strides to advocate for Illinois families and work with the federal government to get the job done.
This summer, I wrote a letter to congressional leadership in support of the federal Educational Choice for Children Act saying, “I believe our best foot forward is to empower parents to choose the learning environments that best meets their children’s individual needs. Regardless of funding debates, we must recognize that traditional public schools cannot be the only option available to families, particularly in underserved communities.”
The Educational Choice for Children Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 2, 2025, creates a federal tax credit for donations to approved scholarship organizations that fund K–12 student scholarships.
Higher Education: Putting Illinois Students First
Governor Pritzker and Illinois Democrats continue to expand benefits for non-citizens—free health care, driver’s licenses, and now student financial aid. These policies put the needs of non-citizens ahead of hardworking Illinois families who are already struggling with the rising cost of college.
To push back, State Representative Regan Deering filed HB 4097, legislation I am proud to cosponsor. This bill will ensure that no non-citizen receives better tuition rates or financial-aid benefits than U.S. citizens in our public higher education system.
Leader McCombie said: “Illinois families are already stretched thin by high taxes and the rising cost of higher education. Taxpayer-funded aid should go to the students and families who are here legally and playing by the rules. HB 4097 restores fairness by putting U.S. citizens first in line, not last.”
House Republicans are committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring fairness, and putting Illinois students first.
Learn more about HB 4097 here.
IBHE Announces New Statewide Direct College Admissions Program
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), and Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) have launched One Click College Admit, a statewide direct admissions program for Illinois public universities and community colleges.
Through this program, high school seniors and community college transfer students can be automatically admitted to Illinois public universities by meeting one simple requirement: grade point average (GPA). Applications, fees, essays, and recommendation letters are waived.
- High School Seniors (Class of 2026): Students can receive automatic acceptances starting now by creating a Common App account and entering basic information and their GPA.
- Future Classes (Class of 2027+): Students may opt in during junior year, allowing their GPA to be shared with ISAC for direct admission offers from partner universities.
- Community Colleges: While open enrollment continues, One Click highlights local community colleges as an option for high school seniors. Starting in January 2026, community college students with 30 transferable credit hours can opt in for direct admission offers to Illinois public universities.
For full details and instructions, visit the One Click College Admit
JOBS
Pritzker Delivers Windfall to Trial Lawyers at Expense of Job Creators
While working families across Illinois are tightening their belts, Governor JB Pritzker has made sure one group won’t go without this holiday season: his trial lawyer friends. With the signing of Senate Bill 328, the Governor delivered a gift-wrapped windfall to politically connected attorneys at the expense of Illinois businesses, taxpayers, and job seekers.
SB 328 allows Illinois courts to claim jurisdiction over out-of-state companies even when the alleged injury has no connection to Illinois. If a business is registered or briefly transacts here, it is considered to have “consented” to being sued for 180 days. That’s not justice, it’s a legal trap designed to enrich trial lawyers.
This bill opens the floodgates for toxic tort claims that belong elsewhere, clogging our courts and driving up the cost of doing business. Critics, including the Illinois Manufacturers Association, warn that companies will be forced to reassess their presence here. Many will leave—and when businesses leave, jobs go with them.
The law’s scope is broader than advertised. Illinois’ definition of “toxic substances” is so sweeping it could apply to countless everyday products, exposing even routine commercial activity to massive liability. The result? Fewer jobs, slower growth, and a legal climate that rewards insiders while punishing working families.
If the Governor truly cared about protecting Illinoisans, he’d strengthen oversight—not rewrite jurisdictional rules to benefit donors. Instead, SB 328 erodes constitutional protections, burdens our courts, and signals that Illinois is no longer a safe or predictable place to invest.
My Response:
“At a time when Illinois should be focused on growth and opportunity, Democrats have once again chosen to reward trial lawyers at the expense of job creators. Our state already ranks at the top in all the wrong categories, and with Governor Pritzker signing SB 328, he’s turning up the heat on an already hostile business climate.”
John Deere announces layoffs of 167 Illinois workers
The layoffs are taking place at the Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois (115 jobs) and the Seeding and Cylinder plant in Moline (52 jobs). The Illinois jobs cuts are part of a John Deere announcement made on Friday, August 15.
The global manufacturer of farm production machinery stated that decreased farmer demand had led to a comprehensive downturn from dealers from many categories of its equipment line. Deere’s reported third-quarter earnings (2025-3Q) were down sharply. Relatively low prices for corn, beans, and many other cash crops have affected John Deere’s customer base. The 167 additional layoffs announced by John Deere in August 2025 come on top of 1,000 jobs cut at the East Moline Harvester Works since 2023.
SENIORS
House Republicans Fighting for Seniors
Older adults contribute immeasurably to our communities in a variety of ways. They raised their families, earned a living whether it be by starting a business or pursuing their dreams in one or more career pathways, coached their kids’ sports teams and volunteered in one or more civic, charitable, or faith-based causes. They donated their time, their income, and their individual talents to lift up and enrich the lives of their neighbors and families. Now, they should be able to afford to enjoy their retirement years in Illinois – close to family and celebrating life’s next milestones in the community they call home.
Illinois House Republicans are working to protect seniors’ financial security, health, and independence. Whether you hail from Chicago, the suburbs, one of our bustling Downstate cities, or beautiful rural Illinois, House Republicans believe state government should make life more affordable for you. We have introduced and sponsored legislation this year that puts seniors first:
• Feed Illinois Seniors (HB 1541)
No one should go hungry, especially seniors on fixed incomes. This bill expands access to nutritious food for older adults across Illinois.
• No Tax on Retirement Income (HR 112)
Retirement income should be off-limits for taxation. House Republicans support ending the “add-on” death tax and protecting seniors’ savings.
• Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB 1697)
Seniors shouldn’t have to choose between medicine and groceries. This act helps lower the cost of prescription drugs statewide.
• Property Tax Relief (HB 1789 & HB 1746)
Seniors should be able to afford to stay in the home they’ve worked so hard for. These bills would expand property tax exemptions and raise the senior freeze income limit from $65,000 to $80,000 – providing meaningful relief for those on fixed incomes.
House Republicans are fighting for older adults in other ways, too. Legislation backed by State Representative Jeff Keicher to curb an ageist state policy against senior citizen drivers passed the General Assembly this spring and is on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature to become law. House Bill 1226, introduced in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, raises the age for mandatory road tests for older drivers renewing a driver’s license. The bipartisan effort builds upon a proposal Keicher introduced in 2024 to end the discriminatory practice of requiring behind-the-wheel tests for seniors based on age as the sole factor.
IDNR TO HOST PUBLIC FORUMS ON CWD
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host public meetings throughout northern and west-central Illinois to provide area residents with information on the status of chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on free-ranging deer populations, and the department’s ongoing efforts to manage the disease.
I encourage landowners, hunters and concerned citizens to attend to learn more from IDNR staff who will be available to discuss current management strategies and answer questions about CWD. I have worked to address CWD, and appreciate the feedback I heard from constituents on the best step forward. Those conversations resulted in two pieces of legislation that were signed into law earlier this summer to address local concerns with sharpshooting to manage Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
IDNR will start hosting public forums in September. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a 45 to 60-minute presentation and discussion to follow on the below dates:
- Winnebago County: Wednesday, Sept. 24, Winnebago County Forest Preserve; 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford
- Carroll County: Thursday, Sept. 25, Ingersoll Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson
- Jo Daviess County: Friday, Sept. 26, Stockton Public Library, 140 W. Benton St., Stockton
- Lee County: Monday, Sept. 29, 5:30-7 p.m., Winifred Knox Memorial Library, 112 S. Elm St., Franklin Grove
- Ogle County: Tuesday, Sept. 30, Oregon VFW Post 8739, 1310 W. Washington St., Oregon