McLean County Times

Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is urging voters to elect candidates who will protect the Constitution.

“Our rights are more under attack today than at any time during our generation,” he wrote on Facebook. “We must elect leaders committed to protecting and preserving our constitutional rights.”

Caulkins has also discussed his constituents' problems with inflation.

“Every day I hear from people complaining about price increases and how it’s making such a dent in their incomes,” he said. “We can fix that, and we’ve called for a special session in Springfield for the governor to work with the EPA to lower certain costs, but I think he’s more interested in running for president than running Illinois.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) summary on July 13, which found that costs have risen 9.1% in the last year, marking a 40-year high. In the last month, the cost of energy increased by 7.5%, gas prices rose 11.2%, and the cost of food increased by 1%. In the last year, the cost of gas has risen by 59.9%, while food prices have increased by 10.4%.

The American Psychological Association (APA) noted that during economic recessions, anxiety about securing finances grows.

Caulkins has recently cheered the appointment of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White to the state's highest court. 

“Congratulations Holder White on your appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court! What a historic day for the state of Illinois!” Caulkins said.

The Chicago Sun-Times wrote retiring Justice Rita Garman selected Holder White to replace her.

Caulkins was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. His legislative experience includes serving on the Public Utilities and Prescription Drug Affordability committees.