Last week, I continued my calls for a balanced budget during the week, seeking to ensure that K-12 education funding is not held hostage by a costly income tax.  

In other news, Senate Republicans are asking questions following concerns raised this week by the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association about a recent policy change within the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Meanwhile, it was an honor to be recognized for my support of our manufacturing industry on the 2019 Legislative Scorecard released by the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA).

Education funding held hostage

 During the week, Sen. Righter continued to raise concerns about a component of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget that puts K-12 funding at risk unless the Governor’s tax hike is approved.

Since the new school-funding formula was enacted in 2018, Illinois has increased school funding by at least $350 million every year – as required by state law. However, if Gov. Pritzker’s costly tax increase is not approved by voters this fall, the formula will be underfunded by $150 million.

Senator Righter argued that education funding should not be held hostage by the Governor, noting that schools should receive their necessary increase to education regardless of whether the tax increase is approved.
 

Sen. Righter places DOC policy change under scrutiny

During the week, members of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association sounded the alarm about a recent policy change in which non-citizen felons are being released from prison back into Illinois communities following their prison sentences without federal immigration authorities being notified. 

Previously, policy required the Department of Corrections to coordinate with ICE to transfer felons with this designation to Pontiac where they would begin the deportation process instead of releasing them into our communities.

“In my opinion, this policy change is a shocking disregard for public safety,” said Righter. “It is inexcusable that the Pritzker Administration is placing political pandering over the safety of Illinois residents.” 

In light of the Sheriffs’ Association’s concerns and noting the potential dangers to public safety, Senate Republicans are calling upon the Illinois Department of Corrections to answer the following questions:

·         Why was this policy changed?
·         Whose decision was it to change this policy?
·         Why weren’t lawmakers informed?

Republicans lawmakers have called upon the Senate President and the Chairman of the Senate Criminal Law Committee to call a special hearing on this matter.  

 

Righter scores high with manufacturing

Several Senate Republican lawmakers have been recognized for their support of Illinois job creators in on the 2019 Legislative Scorecard released by the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA).

The annual scorecard recognizes how lawmakers in the General Assembly voted on bills important to the state’s manufacturers.

Sen. Righter was proud to be one of only nine state legislators with a 90 percent voting record or higher on the 2019 Legislative Scorecard.

Manufacturing is one of Illinois’ leading industries and plays a critical role in the success of our state’s economy, employing ten percent of the workforce. Senate Republicans argue that lawmakers should be working harder to advocate on behalf of Illinois’ job-creators, striving to not only retain current manufacturers but also do more to attract new businesses to the state.