East Central Reporter

Illinois firearm owners are facing a looming deadline as the registration process for so-called "assault weapons" draws to a close. Mandated by the "Protect Illinois Communities Act," enacted by the Illinois General Assembly in January 2023, the registration process requires owners to fill out a form on the State Police website listing their name, address, and the weapons and firearm-related items being registered. The deadline for registration is midnight on December 31, 2023.

Failure to register these items could result in confiscation by law enforcement. However, many firearm owners are questioning the deadline and the overall process. There are still unanswered questions about which firearms and items must be registered, and firearm owner groups assert that the State Police have not provided clear answers.

Opposition to the mandatory registration of firearms with law enforcement remains strong among Illinois firearm owners. Many of these weapons have yet to be registered as the December 31 deadline approaches. The "Protect Illinois Communities Act" also prohibits Illinoisans from acquiring new banned firearms and related items after January 10, 2023. The State Police are preparing new rules to oversee these weapons starting from January 1, 2024.

In the job sector, the unemployment rate in Illinois increased to 4.7% in November 2023, up from 4.6% in October. This rate was 1.1% higher than the national average of 3.7%. Despite a slight growth in overall Illinois jobs, the increase in unemployment reflects the movement of adult Illinoisans back into the labor force.

In November 2023, Illinois created a net of 5,400 new manufacturing jobs, showing healthy growth in the sector. However, less than ten percent of Illinois' overall labor force is currently employed in factories and manufacturing. Other sectors, such as educational and health services, other services, and government, continue to add jobs. Conversely, the Professional and Business Services sector experienced a loss of 8,000 jobs in November 2023, reflecting changes in global sales and technology.

Former Chicago alderman Edward M. Burke, a long-standing figure of power and authority in the city, has been found guilty on federal corruption charges. Burke, who served as chairman of the Finance Committee, was indicted in January 2019 for personal and office corruption. After a lengthy trial, he was convicted of racketeering, attempted extortion, and other public corruption charges.

State Representative Chris Miller commented on Burke's conviction, stating, "His conviction is a conviction of the entire Illinois Democrat party. It is utterly embarrassing that Burke's wife sat as a supreme court justice during the entire time this corruption took place."

In the Illinois General Assembly, two new legislators have joined the House Republican Caucus. Nicole La Ha has become the State Representative of the 82nd District, while Brandun Schweizer has been sworn in as the State Representative of the 104th District. La Ha, a former member of the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees, is committed to lower property taxes and inclusive parks for children with disabilities. Schweizer, a retired United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant, brings his experience and background to serve his district in Vermilion and Champaign counties.

As the year comes to an end, Illinois is facing important developments in firearms registration, job growth, and the fight against corruption. The State Police registration deadline and the ongoing concerns of firearm owners highlight the need for clear guidelines and communication. Meanwhile, efforts to strengthen the job market and combat corruption continue to shape the future of Illinois.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repcmiller.com/2023/12/27/capitol-news-from-miller/