Illinois Republicans say public safety, tax relief should be addressed
[March 13, 2025]
By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Now that the 104th General Assembly is back to
work in Springfield, the minority party is emphasizing public safety and
Illinois’ high taxes.
Republicans have expressed frustration over the Democrats’ lack of
public safety priorities and nonexistent support for law enforcement.
State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, one of only three active law
enforcement officers in the Illinois General Assembly, said Democrats
claim they support law enforcement, while their policies tell a
different story.
“The Democrats and this multi-billionaire governor have decimated our
law enforcement, morale is the lowest that I’ve ever seen, and we can’t
get police officers to do the job anymore,” said Cabello.
Cabello highlighted a bill currently being pushed by Democrats that
would create a loophole allowing someone who attacks an officer to claim
a legal defense if they say they were having a "mental health" episode.
“Excusing bad and violent behavior under the guise of mental health is
totally inappropriate,” said Cabello. “This idea puts officers at
greater risk, dismisses the seriousness of mental health, and makes law
enforcement’s job even tougher.”
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Inside the Illinois House chamber - Greg Bishop / The Center Square
Republicans also want to address Illinois’ high taxes. State Rep.
Jennifer Sanalitro, R-Hanover Park, said she constantly hears from
people in her district about their frustration with Illinois’ broken
tax system.
“But instead of addressing it, Democrat lawmakers continually spend
their time criticizing the new administrations’ federal trade
policies while ignoring the tax burden they created right here in
Illinois,” Sanalitro said Tuesday.
The GOP points to Democratic legislative bills that would legalize
prostitution and allow judges to reduce sentences for convicted
murderers.
"The Democrats’ supermajority needs to stop tripping on magic
mushrooms, and yes there is a bill for that, and they need to get
down to focusing on what helps Illinois families,” said state Rep.
C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville.
The spring session of the Illinois General Assembly runs through May
31.
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