Illinois House Republicans

A circuit court judge in Sangamon County threatened to begin imposing daily fines on Governor Pritzker’s Department of Children and Family Services for their continued failure to appear in court and comply with orders to hand over documents related to the death of a teenager who was in the agency’s care. DCFS has been at the forefront of multiple cases of neglect surrounding children in care, despite the Governor’s promise of reform.

Judge orders DCFS director to answer for repeated failures to release public documents in child death A judge ordered DCFS Director Heidi Mueller to appear in court after the agency repeatedly failed to release records.

Speaker Welch created the Workplace Culture and Accountability Working Group in an attempt to save face, but the group is already falling apart before it even gets off the ground. Two Democratic lawmakers whose names were floated for the group have declined to participate. While Speaker Welch focuses on damage control, House Republicans have consistently pushed for meaningful ethics reforms.

https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2026/08/even-democrats-arent-buying-welchs.html

A second House Democrat has declined to participate in Speaker Welch’s working group to address harassment in the workplace. Rep. Johnson claimed he never officially agreed to the working group and was “uncomfortable” participating with members who had publicly “defended Welch’s handling of complaints”. It’s time for action, not more private working groups.

https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/second-house-democrat-declines-to-participate-in-welchs-harassment-working-group/

The annual Illinois State Fair is almost here, with gates opening on Thursday, August 13th. This year’s theme, "Miles of Smiles,” celebrates the 100th anniversary of Route 66. To help make the fair more affordable for families, children 12 and under receive free admission and seniors can enter for just $3.

Illinois State Fair brings big changes and new theme for 2026 The Illinois State Fair is one of the most anticipated events in the state — and this year's celebration is bringing some big changes to Springfield.

According to the 2026 Best Overall States Ranking, published by U.S. News & World Report, Illinois ranks last in the nation for fiscal stability. Years of fiscal mismanagement have left taxpayers footing the bill while working families continue to feel the squeeze. We need a government that lives within its means and puts Illinois back on the right track.

U.S. News Ranks the 50 States All states aren't equal.

Sanctuary state policies continue to put our communities at risk. On Thursday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained an illegal immigrant who was allegedly found with eight Molotov cocktails after he had previously been granted pretrial release under the SAFE-T Act. Illinois policies should put the safety of our citizens first—not make it easier for dangerous individuals to return to our communities.

Jordanian man arrested by ICE in Illinois after being found with 8 Molotov cocktails WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVO) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a Jordanian man on pretrial release in Illinois after he was allegedly caught with 8 molotov cocktails, looking for…

Illinois’ temporary sales tax reduction on school supplies begins today and runs through August 16. During this period, the state sales tax rate will be reduced on qualifying school supplies, clothing, and footwear priced under $125.

https://www.nbcchicago.com/consumer/illinois-back-to-school-tax-holiday-starts-friday-heres-how-it-works/3971866/

May we never forget the sacrifice of our service members who have been killed or wounded in combat. This Purple Heart Day, we honor these heroes and all they have done for our nation.