Dozens of high school students from across the 51st Senate District participated in a unique, hands-on experience in public policy, state government, and leadership and hear from local leaders on those issues as part of State Sen. Chapin Rose’s Youth Advisory Council.

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union.

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union.

The Governor has ordered United States and Illinois flags to fly at half-staff until Dec. 30, to honor former President, George H.W. Bush, who died on Nov. 30.

Illinois now has several new laws following the conclusion of the Fall Veto Session, where the General Assembly overrode measures vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Other measures fell short of the 3/5 majority needed in both the Senate and House of Representatives to override the Governor’s vetoes.

The protection of the local water supply will be strengthened under legislation sponsored by State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and passed by the Senate Nov. 28.

A section of roadway in Shelbyville in dire need of repair will soon get a facelift. Illinois 128 (N. Cedar St.) from Illinois Route 16 (West Main St.) to slightly north of North Sixth Street in Shelbyville will be resurfaced, State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) and State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) announced Nov. 29.

Lawmakers return to Springfield Nov. 27 for the final week of the Fall Veto Session to take further action on a number of pieces of legislation that were either vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner or amenditorily vetoed by him.

Hitting the road, the railway, or the airport this Thanksgiving week? Expect more vehicles and longer lines, according to AAA.

The 2018 Holiday Shopping Survey recently released by Wallet Hub shows 35 percent of Americans plan on spending more than $500 this holiday season, compared to 33 percent in 2017. Meanwhile, 15 percent say they will spend more than $1,001 and 19 percent say they will spend less than $100.

Landowners who own property adjacent to the previously planned State of Illinois recreational initiative known as the Prairie Wind Trail in Coles, Douglas, and Moultrie counties have until the end of the year to submit a formal request to the state to have that land deeded back to them.

Senate Republican caucus members voted this week to retain State Senator Bill Brady as Senate Republican Leader.

Deer hunters are reminded to focus on safety as the 2018 Illinois Firearm Deer Season opens this week. The seven-day firearm season begins this Friday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 18. A second round of firearm deer hunting will be held from Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

Unemployment insurance rates will be lower in 2019 for more than 92 percent of the state’s employers required to register and pay state Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). IDES said Illinois business owners are on target to pay $240 million less in UI taxes in 2019 compared to 2018. UI taxes paid by Illinois businesses this year topped $1.9 billion. Employers are expected to pay $1.66 billion in 2019.

The complexity of changes resulting from recent federal tax reform and the availability of guidance at the federal level has resulted in the deadline for abatement of penalties for late filing being extended to Nov. 15, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue.

First Lady Diana Rauner is leading an effort to provide holiday cheer for Illinois members of the military.

Dozens of bills will be up for debate and discussion when the scheduled fall “veto session” begins Nov. 13. Members of the General Assembly will return to Springfield to either accept or override measures vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner earlier this year.

With Medicare open enrollment continuing through Dec. 7, the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is reminding seniors of the free counseling assistance available to Medicare-eligible individuals and their caregivers.

As daylight-saving time comes to an end at 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 4, Illinois residents are reminded to set their clocks back an hour.

Election officials recently outlined steps they are taking to eliminate hacking risk and ensure voter information and votes aren’t compromised in the upcoming election. 

Recently, more than $14 million in capital improvement project funds were released by the Governor’s Office for the Department of Natural Resources’ state parks and recreation areas across the state.

This week, the Governor’s office announced 11 Illinois communities are to receive a total of nearly $1.6 million to be used for recreational trail development projects intended to improve trails and outdoor recreational facilities. 

To help remember veterans, tell their incredible stories, and honor their service on Veterans Day, State Sen. Chapin Rose is encouraging constituents to submit a tribute and photo of their loved ones who served our country to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois Capitol Nov. 5-16.

In recognition of State Sen. Chapin Rose’s “special contributions in the defense of free enterprise, and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans,” the Illinois Chamber of Commerce announced that Rose received their Champion of Free Enterprise Award for 2017-2018.

In just three years, the number of kindergarten through 12th grade school districts in Illinois able to access the internet at speeds of 100 kbps per student has improved by 25 percent—going from 71 percent to 96 percent. The report, done by EducationSuperHighway, tracks progress toward K-12 connectivity across the United State