McLean County Times

Representative Dan Caulkins got an endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business as he runs uncontested in the November general election.

“Small business is the heartbeat of our economy,” he wrote on Facebook. “I will always stand up and fight for our small businesses.”

The Republican ran uncontested in the June general election.

Caulkins has been vocal about a variety of issues, including his view that the people of Illinois are living in a man-made crisis. In August, he spoke against the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), which was signed in 2021.

Vote Smart noted Caulkins has actively voted against access to safe abortions in Illinois. Medecins Sans Frontieres noted approximately 22,000 women and girls die from unsafe abortions in 2018.

“Contraception and safe abortion care go hand in hand in the strategy to reduce unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths,” the health organization wrote. “Increasing access to modern contraception is an essential component to reducing unintended or unwanted pregnancies, and the abortions or unplanned births that often follow. However, contraception alone is not sufficient as a solution.”

He also received a “Champion of Free Enterprise” award from the state chamber of commerce.

“I am honored to have received Illinois Chamber’s Highest Award," he said.

Vote Smart also noted he voted against the sale and use of recreational cannabis. Cannabis Business Times reported Illinois recreational cannabis sellers saw approximately $1 billion in August.

“Illinois is a pioneer, leading the way in cannabis legalization that is equity-centered,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a release. “With all 185 conditional licenses now in the hands of social equity applicants, we have reached a tremendous milestone. Now, we look forward to getting these businesses up and running, creating jobs in the communities most harmed by the failed drug war, and cementing ownership in Illinois’ cannabis industry as the most diverse in the nation.”

Caulkins was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. A Republican, their legislative experience includes serving on the Public Utilities and Prescription Drug Affordability. Caulkins is a state representative who resides in Decatur, according to the Illinois House.