Happy Presidents’ Day! Here in Illinois, we are proud to be the Land of Lincoln and Reagan. In Northwest Illinois we also honor General and President Ulysses Grant who proudly called Galena home. Thank you to all the folks at the Grant Home for the wonderful tours they offer throughout the year and for sharing their knowledge and passion for President Grant’s legacy with families, students, and visitors from around the world.
*Note: Representative McCombie’s district office is closed today – Monday, February 20 – in observance of Presidents’ Day*
Please scroll below for updates from another full week of legislative activity in Springfield and upcoming events here in the 89th District.
BUDGET
House Republicans react to Gov. Pritzker’s budget plan. Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield on February 15.
The Governor’s introduced Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes a $49.64 billion proposed spending plan, which is a net $2.75 billion increase over FY23 and represents a 7.9% spending increase.
Despite Gov. Pritzker’s rosy outlook and new program proposals, House Republicans remained skeptical about Pritzker’s large spending hike and expressed concerns about declining revenues.
“Today we heard a long list of expensive promises totaling $2.7 billion in new spending, when the Governor himself projects revenue to be down $1.42 billion. This will require future tax increases or cuts to vital programs serving our most vulnerable,” said House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.
Click here to watch the video of Representative McCombie’s reaction to the Governor’s Budget Address.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
McCombie unveils House Republican legislative priorities. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie was joined by several members of the House Republican caucus at a Capitol press conference Tuesday to unveil legislative priorities for the 103rd General Assembly. Leader McCombie announced the creation of five working groups to produce actionable solutions to some of Illinois’ most pressing issues. The five Republican working groups include the following:
- Sustaining & Protecting At-Risk Kids: to protect children in the state’s care from abuse and neglect
- Supporting Women and Families: to make Illinois a place where families can move and grow for generations
- Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy: to improve Illinois’ business climate, while still protecting workers and using our strengths – geography, workforce, and resources – to bring job creators and opportunity home
- Literacy Improves Future Endeavors: to address learning loss, improve reading literacy, and restore Illinois students to a place where they are competitive in today’s world
- Improving Public Safety: to make our neighborhoods safe again, protect law-abiding citizens, and respect law enforcement
The working groups are each chaired by House Republican members, which include State Representatives Tom Weber, Jackie Haas, Dan Ugaste, Dave Severin and Patrick Windhorst. The working group chairs will spearhead the progress of these top issue areas with input from policy experts and residents across the state.
“Republicans are here to work and these groups reflect not only that commitment but also our governing priorities,” said Leader McCombie. “We are ready to be part of the solution to some of our state’s biggest challenges. These working groups are our first steps toward solving the problems impacting residents throughout Illinois.”
McCombie unveiled these priorities ahead of the Governor’s annual State of the State and Budget Address to outline issues House Republicans believe are some of the most imperative to solve.
GET TO KNOW JASON BUNTING, JOHN EGOFSKE
Welcome new representatives, Jason Bunting and John Egofske. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie welcomed two new Republican legislators who took the oath of office last weekend. Joining the ranks of the Illinois House of Representatives are State Representatives Jason Bunting and John Egofske. Both were in Springfield this week to take up their legislative duties.
On Saturday, February 4th, Livingston County Board Member and family farmer Jason Bunting was sworn-in as the new State Representative of the 106th Illinois House District, replacing Tom Bennett, who was recently appointed to the Illinois State Senate. Bunting’s district covers portions of Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, McLean, and Will Counties. Learn more about Rep. Jason Bunting.
Rep. John Egofske took the oath of office on Sunday, February 5th, and will fill the vacancy left by former House Republican leader Jim Durkin. Egofske will continue to serve as the unpaid Mayor of Lemont a position he has held for six years. Egofske serves the residents of the 82nd District which includes parts of Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties. Learn more about Rep. John Egofske.
JOBS
Illinois ranked high for regional workforce development. Illinois’ No. 1 status among states in the East North Central region of the U.S. was bestowed by Site Selection, a magazine and website oriented towards professional challenges related to workforce development. Illinois’ high score across a variety of career-readiness metrics was attributed to statewide economic development efforts oriented towards workplace-ready training. Illinois replaced Indiana, the previous No. 1 Midwestern state, in the multistate ranking.
Illinois’ orientation towards workforce development includes strong institutional ties between community colleges and local employers. House Republicans have championed the creation of employment advisory boards within the Illinois community college system. Illinois manufacturers and other employers have pioneered new ways to use the concept of registered apprenticeship programs as a tool for regional workforce development.
HERE TO SERVE YOU
McCombie announces office locations & traveling office hours, introduces staff
State Representative Tony McCombie announced her Savanna Office has re-opened and traveling office hours will be scheduled regularly around the 89th District. Recent reorganization has been completed to better serve the 89th legislative district, which includes all of Carroll & Jo Daviess counties, as well as parts of Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and DeKalb counties.
“Constituent services and getting around my legislative district has been my top priority over the last six years. My team and I are ready to help you navigate issues and/or concerns with state agencies, to provide updates on state legislative issues, and to hear feedback from you,” said Representative McCombie.
The Savanna office is located at 9317B IL Route 84 and will have regular Wednesday office hours from 10am-5pm. Residents are invited to stop by and meet District Director Connie Marney. She is located centrally in the 89th District and has joined our team following the retirement of Senator Brian Stewart (Freeport), who she staffed previously. You can reach Connie at mccombie@ilhousegop.org or by calling the office’s telephone number at 815-291-8989.
Additional staff assistance to Representative McCombie, in her role as the House Minority Leader, will be provided by Liz Buckwalter. Liz serves as Executive Scheduler and will also serve as a District Director to Representative Ryan Spain. Liz has been with Rep. McCombie’s office for several years and has extensive experience as my legislative assistant. It is best to email lbuckwalter@ilhousegop.org for all scheduling requests.
For constituents who have an opportunity to visit Representative McCombie’s Capitol Office in Springfield, they will be greeted by Springfield Executive Assistant, Amanda Daley. The phone number for Representative McCombie’s Springfield office, located in Room 316 of the State Capitol, is 217-782-3992.
Representative McCombie and her team look forward to the opportunity to meet and assist constituents in all parts of the 89th district.
To e-mail Representative McCombie or any of the team, please e-mail mccombie@ilhousegop.org. An 89th district map can be found on Rep. McCombie’s website, repmccombie.com
Traveling Office Hours
Do you need help with a state agency or program? Have questions or concerns on state issues or an idea for legislation? Come meet a helpful member of my constituent services team at a location near you! We are bringing our office to local communities throughout the 89th District this year to help serve you better. Our upcoming Traveling Office Hours include:
Tuesday, February 21 in Byron, Stillman Valley and Genoa:
10:00am – 11:00am
Byron City Hall – Community Room
232 W 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Stillman Valley Village Hall
120 N Walnut St, Stillman Valley, IL 61084
3:00pm – 4:00pm
City of Genoa Municipal Building
333 E 1st St, Genoa, IL 60135
Thursday, February 23 in Oregon, Mt. Morris and Forreston:
10:30am – 11:30am
Oregon City Hall
115 N Third St, Oregon, IL
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Mt. Morris Village Hall
105 W Lincoln St, Mt. Morris
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Forreston Public Library
204 1st Ave, Forreston, IL
Save the Date: Secretary of State’s Mobile DMV Coming to the 89th District
Renew your driver’s license/State ID card and/or your vehicle sticker at a convenient location near you! Mark your calendar for the following dates when the Secretary of State’s Mobile Services Unit will be in our area this spring.
Note: REAL ID driver’s license/State ID Card are NOT offered at Mobile Services Unit events. Seniors age 75 and up need to visit a permanent DMV location to renew a driver’s license.
Tuesday, May 2
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
City of Genoa Municipal Building
333 E 1st St
Genoa, IL 60135
Tuesday, May 9
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
City Hall Community Room
232 W Second St
Byron, IL 61010
Tuesday, June 6
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Warren Community Building
110 W Main St
Warren, IL 61087
Local business visits
Representative McCombie wants to learn more about the many unique and exceptional businesses here in the 89th District! If you or someone you know owns a local business, please contact mccombie@ilhousegop.org to schedule a time for Representative McCombie to stop by, meet you and your employees, and get a firsthand look at what products or services you provide to our community.
Speaking of business visits, the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) hosted Representative McCombie and other legislators two weeks ago for a visit to ADM in Decatur and Fuyao Glass Illinois in Mt Zion! McCombie was able to see how glass is made…along a 3/4-mile-long production line! Legislators vote on issues that affect our state as a whole so it is important to visit and learn as much as we can!