Hello everyone and happy Monday!
It has been a very busy two weeks down in Springfield as more bills continued to move through the legislative process. In this e-newsletter, I will update you on where we are in the legislative process, give you some updates about my legislation, and discuss the controversial ‘Homeschool Act’ that recently passed through committee.
I will continue working hard in Springfield and at home to bring results to the people of our community. As always, please feel free to contact my office with questions, comments, or concerns at any time.
I am here to serve you!
Legislative Updates
As last week was a committee deadline week, we were busy at work getting bills further through our legislative process.
I was able to pass multiple bills through committee over the last two weeks:
- House Bill 3148 passed the Consumer Protection Committee with a unanimous vote of 9-0. This bill will save consumers money by getting rid of additional fees for individuals who choose not to utilize autopay services.
- House Bill 3233 passed the Healthcare Availability & Access Committee with a unanimous vote of 14-0. This bill creates a task force to find solutions to dangerously slow EMS response times, especially in rural areas of Illinois.
- House Bill 3238 passed the Transportation: Regulations, Road, and Bridges Committee with a vote of 19-0. This is a local initiative that will allow more flexibility in paying highway commissioners’ salaries, making it easier for our local township officials.
All three of these bills, as well as all of the other bills that have passed committee this year, now await action on the House floor.
Updates on the Homeschool Act
I know many of my constituents are immensely concerned about the passage of the ‘Homeschool Act’ through the education policy committee last week. For anyone who has not heard of House Bill 2827, this bill would require non-public elementary and secondary schools to register annually with the Illinois State Board of Education and homeschool families to fill out a Homeschool Declaration Form. Non-compliance can lead to fines and even imprisonment. It further requires administrators to submit personal information about themselves and their students to state and local authorities.
To the families who choose non-public education for their children in the 74th District, I want you to know that I stand beside you in your fight for freedom from government overreach. With a list about ten miles long of issues we face in Illinois, homeschooling is just not one of them.
I believe that as legislators, we should support all forms of education. Public, private, and homeschooling must all remain readily available for Illinois parents to make the best choice for their children.
This bill now waits for action on the House floor. Stay tuned to this e-newsletter for updates as this bill continues moving through the legislative process.
March Local Business Spotlight
For my March 2025 local business highlight, I chose to highlight B’lush Salon in Sterling. B’lush Salon is a locally owned and operated salon that provides incredible service to their customers. They are also very involved with efforts to support and improve our local community.
B’lush Salon has been owned and operated by Janette and Chris Garza for 8 years. Janette attended Educators of Beauty in Sterling and has been doing hair for 28 years.
One thing that struck me when touring this business is how much it feels like family. The 7 stylists who work here foster an incredible environment and community and I think their hard work deserves to be recognized.
B’lush Salon is located at 806 E. 3rd Street in Sterling. For more information or to book an appointment, you can find B’lush Salon on Facebook or by clicking here.
To nominate a local business in District 74 for a future highlight, click here.
Rx Drop-Off Drive
In partnership with the Sterling Police Department and Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, join us for a prescription drop-off drive on Saturday, April 12th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The event will take place in the parking lot of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 211 Locust Street in Sterling.
I encourage all constituents to attend and utilize this opportunity to safely discard unwanted or expired medications!
Participants should remain in their vehicles and follow the marked lanes when entering and exiting the parking lot for safety reasons. Accepted medications include tablets, capsules, patches, vaping devices and cartridges (lithium batteries removed), and pet medications. Restricted items include liquids, syringes, and needles.
Community Outreach
Congratulations to Rouse Consulting Group on officially joining the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce! Rouse Consulting Group is a technology provider based in Moline but has recently expanded to the Sauk Valley Area. Welcome to the community!
The Canal Caucus recently had a great meeting! This bipartisan caucus is made up of legislators who represent portions of the Hennepin Canal and members of the organization Friends of the Hennepin Canal. We were happy to discuss the recent announcement of $10.2 million in state funding for critical infrastructure improvements on this canal.
I attended the Ogle County Farm Bureau legislative lunch, alongside my colleagues Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, State Senator Li Arellano, Jr, and State Senator Andrew Chesney. We spoke about how we can work together to support our farmers in Illinois. Thank you for having us!
Jefferson Elementary School in Dixon recently welcomed me for a visit! I spoke with Principal Thorpe as she showed me around the school and visited with 2nd and 3rd-grade students during their free time.
I enjoyed another school tour at Madison Elementary School in Dixon. Thank you for speaking with me and showing me the important work you are doing to educate the next generation!
Great day at the Lee County Pheasants Forever event! This is a great organization that is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants and other wildlife
If You Are in Springfield…
If you plan to visit Springfield in the coming months, please reach out! I am always available for my constituents and would be happy to meet with you during your visit. It is crucial that the government operates with transparency, and I encourage you to hold me, and my colleagues, accountable!
Keep Up to Date
Click here to visit my website. There you can contact my office, see what legislation I am working on, and more.
Click here to “like” me on Facebook for more frequent updates.
I will continue to update you via this e-newsletter to keep you up to date on my efforts to pass bills in Springfield and serve you in the district.
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Bradley J. Fritts
District 74