South Central Reporter

Senator Plummer has extended wishes for a safe and enjoyable Independence Day, emphasizing the importance of safety during celebrations. According to the Red Cross, attending public fireworks displays is the safest option. For those setting off their own fireworks, they advise never giving them to small children, avoiding throwing or pointing them at people or animals, following packaging instructions, keeping water nearby, wearing eye protection, lighting one firework at a time, and storing them safely.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported 15 fatal crashes during the 2023 Independence Day weekend. To enhance road safety this year, Illinois State Police and local departments are increasing enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with traffic laws.

In other news, Democrat Ed Burke, Chicago’s longest-serving alderman and an ally of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, has been sentenced to two years in prison on charges of bribery, racketeering, and extortion. Senate Republicans have cited this conviction as evidence for the need for tougher ethics reforms in Illinois politics.

Several new laws took effect on July 1. Public Act 103-0210 allows undocumented immigrants to obtain standard driver’s licenses. Public Act 103-0556 mandates that social media influencers set up trust funds for income earned from their child’s likeness. Public Act 103-0393 requires school boards to publicly vote before approving district-administered assessments. Public Act 103-0417 establishes protections for independent contractors under the Freelance Worker Protection Act.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has partnered with the Texas Department of Public Safety for training aimed at protecting at-risk children through the Interdiction for the Protection of Children program. This initiative seeks to help officers identify signs of child exploitation and abduction.

IDOT has released its Multi-Year Improvement Plan (MYP) for fiscal years 2025-2030—the largest in state history—investing $41.42 billion in transportation projects across Illinois as part of the Rebuild Illinois Program. The plan allocates $29.65 billion for roads and bridges and $11.77 billion for public transit and rail projects.

For more information about IDOT's plan visit their website.