Tazewell County Treasurer Mary Burress is the latest Republican to announce a bid in Illinois’ new 87th District, setting up a Republican lead challenge for the open seat.
Burress joins Dr. Bill Hauter, a physician and Tazewell County Board member from Morton, in the race to represent parts of DeWitt, Logan, Macon, McLean, Sangamon, Tazewell and Woodford counties.
“I have worked with elected officials on both sides of the aisle at the county and municipal levels to hold government accountable to its citizens,” Burress said in a press release. “My good judgment will result in the General Assembly.”
Burress touted his “fiscal responsibility” in his campaign ad. Tazewell County has balanced its budget every year of her three terms as treasurer, she said. She vowed to reject any pay raises and the state legislator’s pension plan.
Burress said she also plans to support law enforcement and increase transparency in education policy if elected.
“For too long politicians in Illinois have used budget gimmicks and bad accounting to get by,” she said. “Our state just doesn’t work.”
The home race will not be Burress’s first bid for the Illinois General Assembly. She first ran in Illinois State Senate District 46, winning the Republican nomination but ultimately losing to incumbent David Koehler, D-Peoria, in the general election.
The new 87th House District covers much of the area currently represented by State Representative Keith Sommer, R-Morton. Sommer represents the 88th District, which includes many rural areas between Peoria and Bloomington-Normal.
The Illinois primary elections are scheduled for June 28 and the general election for November 8.
9 New Illinois Laws That Started Jan. 1
Vehicle taxes
SB58 increases the private vehicle tax, which is a sales tax paid on the purchase of vehicles, by $75 for each model year where the purchase price is less than $15,000 and by $100 for vehicles whose price is higher than this amount. However, the registration fee for trailers under 3,000 pounds will increase to $36 from $118.
College Admissions
HB226establishing the law of fair admissions to higher education, prohibits public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit SAT, ACT, or other test scores as part of the admissions process, although students potential can choose to submit them if they wish.
Drug prices
SB1682 requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they can request current retail pharmacy prices at the point of sale.
FOID Map Changes
HB562 enacts several amendments to the Firearms Owner’s Identity Card Act. Among other things, it provides a streamlined renewal process for FOID cards and concealed carry licenses for people who voluntarily submit fingerprint records. It also allows the Illinois State Police to issue a combined FOID card and concealed carry license to qualified applicants, and it establishes a new Violent Crimes Intelligence Task Force to take corrective action. enforcement against persons whose FOID cards have been revoked.
Student Mental Health
HB576 and SB1577 allow Illinois students up to five excused absences to address their mental or behavioral health without providing a medical note. These students will have the opportunity to catch up on any work missed during the first absence and, after using a second mental health day, can be referred to the appropriate school support staff.
Brian Cassel
Official flags
HB605 requires state agencies and institutions to purchase Illinois and United States flags made in the United States.
hair styles
SB817 prohibits discrimination in schools against individuals on the grounds of wearing natural or ethnic hairstyles, which include dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros.
Lemonade stands
SB119 prohibits public health authorities from regulating or closing lemonade stands or similar operations that are operated by children under the age of 16. closed by local authorities.
June 19
HB3922 recognizes June 19, or “Junnineteenth”, as an official holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. In June, President Joe Biden also signed a bill designating June 19 as a federal holiday.
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