East Central Reporter

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed SB 328 into law, a move that some critics say may deter businesses from operating in Illinois. Concerns have been raised about the state's economic policies and their impact on job creation.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal has opened applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program, which runs through November 14. The program is designed to help eligible fire departments and ambulance services purchase small firefighting and ambulance equipment they might not otherwise afford. A total of $6 million will be distributed among qualifying applicants, who must submit their requests online by the deadline.

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is accepting grant applications for its Safe Route to School Program until October 15. Funded with $12 million in federal money, this initiative supports projects that enhance safety and reduce traffic near schools serving students from kindergarten through high school. Awards can reach up to $250,000 per project and may include infrastructure improvements such as new sidewalks or measures to improve accessibility for those with disabilities. Preference will be given to schools with higher percentages of low-income students and students with disabilities.

State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) has introduced HB 4118, a bill aimed at restricting financial aid for undocumented immigrants if similar aid is not available to all U.S. citizens. This legislative action follows Governor Pritzker's recent approval of HB 460, which expanded financial aid eligibility to undocumented students—a decision Halbrook opposes due to concerns over limited resources.

Halbrook referenced a recent complaint by the Department of Justice against Governor Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul regarding the new law: “The Department of Justice made it clear: federal law prohibits giving benefits to illegal aliens that aren’t equally available to American citizens,” said Rep. Halbrook. “But here in Illinois, we’ve flipped that on its head—treating law-breaking noncitizens better than law-abiding citizens from neighboring states. Illinois has no business defying federal law just to win points in a so-called ‘race to the bottom’ for sanctuary status. That’s why I’ve filed HB 4118, to bring Illinois into compliance with federal law and restore fairness to our higher education system.”

On September 11th, Halbrook also marked the anniversary of the attacks in 2001 by honoring those who lost their lives.

Halbrook was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 107th House District in 2023 after succeeding Blaine Wilhour.