McLean County Times

Join us at Heidecke Lake on Saturday, June 28, for a free fishing derby for kids aged 12 and under. The event will feature free rod and reel combos for the first 50 children, prizes, snacks, and water safety tips. It will take place in Morris, IL from 9 to 11:30 A.M. For more information, visit the "events" tab at senatorchrisbalkema.com.

In political news, Illinois Republicans have urged Governor Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328 and filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court. They claim that the bill benefits trial lawyers at the expense of jobs and economic growth. The lawsuit seeks to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three-Readings Rule, which requires bills to be read on three separate days. Republicans argue that Democrats have bypassed this rule to pass the bill quickly.

The legislation aims to overhaul Illinois’ judicial system by allowing out-of-state businesses to be sued in Illinois courts for incidents unrelated to the state. This includes holding foreign companies registered in Illinois liable for lawsuits. Similar legislation has been vetoed twice by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Business groups like the American Tort Reform Association and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association support a veto.

Additionally, momentum is building against Illinois' gun ban from 2023 on semi-automatic firearms. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) argues that it violates Second Amendment rights. A federal judge ruled it unconstitutional, but Illinois is appealing the decision. Thirty-five Illinois State’s Attorneys have also urged the court to strike down the ban.

Starting July 1, hotels in Illinois with over 50 rooms must comply with a new law banning small single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products from guest rooms. This law will extend to smaller hotels by January 1, 2026. Violations could result in fines up to $1,500 after an initial warning.

Lastly, Senator Balkema invites students entering grades 1 through 12 to join the Summer Reading Challenge by reading eight books before August 1st. Participants will receive an official certificate from the Illinois Senate and an invitation to an ice cream social celebration.

Questions about these events can be directed to senatorchrisbalkema.com under the "events" tab.