News

Lawmakers returned to Springfield this week, returning to the Capitol for a full schedule of committees.

After last year’s impressive turnout, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is partnering with the Harrisburg and Southern Illinois Regional Chambers of Commerce to host the Second Annual Southern Illinois Made Expo on July 27 and 28.

On March 6, more than four dozen students from the 59th District traveled to the Capitol to participate in the spring meeting of State Senator Dale Fowler’s (R-Harrisburg) Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

Senate lawmakers will return to the Capitol on March 5 to continue to resume spring session. In the meantime, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) returned to District to host another round of Mobile Office Hours in Benton.

Lawmakers returned to Springfield last week, gathering on Feb. 20 for a joint session of the General Assembly to listen as Illinois’ new Governor outlined his spending plan for the coming year.

On Feb. 23, newly-elected Governor JB Pritzker delivered his first-ever budget address before members of the General Assembly.

Before preparing to return to Springfield to hear the Governor’s annual Budget Address be delivered on Feb. 20, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) spent the week in District hosting mobile office hours, visiting with local organizations and exploring business development opportunities in Southern Illinois.

Just weeks into the start of spring Legislative Session, the Senate voted on a Democrat initiative to incrementally increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour – a plan that could have huge repercussions for employers across the board, including public universities, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations.

On February 7, a costly 15 dollar minimum wage increase to be phased in over the next 6 years was passed out of the Senate.

Seeking to provide a voice to the people, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is sponsoring Senate Joint Resolution-Constitutional Amendment 4 (SJR-CA 4), which allows voters to weigh in on a Constitutional Amendment to create a new, non-partisan system for drawing maps.

Before returning to Springfield for the second week of session starting Jan. 29, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) attended a local Red Carpet Gala. The annual event was hosted in Marion, benefiting the Hospice of Southern Illinois. The regional not-for-profit offers services to communities throughout the region and is certified by both Medicare and Medicaid.

Senate Republican Committee assignments were announced for the new 101st General Assembly, warming centers can provide help managing the predicted bitterly cold weather across the state and its tax filing season.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) will continue to serve as the Minority Spokesperson for the Commerce and Economic Development Committee in the 101st General Assembly.

A new Administration took control of the Governor’s office this week with recently-elected Democrat Governor taking the Oath of Office on Jan. 14 and beginning his term in public office.

Newly-elected Governor Pritzker signed the controversial gun licensing bill, Senate Bill 337, on Jan. 17. Opponents to the measure argue that the bill places a hard financial burden on smaller gun stores—demanding high licensing fees, containing high fines and mandating electronic based record keeping.

Illinois lawmakers gathered in Springfield last week for the final days of the 100th General Assembly, with State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) taking the Oath of Office and turning his attention to a new General Assembly.

Ongoing efforts to reopen the Hardin County Work Camp saw progress this week under recently signed legislation sponsored by State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).

On January 9, newly-elected members of the 101 General Assembly were inaugurated into office.

When the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2019, 253 new laws will take effect in the state of Illinois. New laws run the gamut from fighting the opioid crisis and promoting car-seat safety to allowing blaze pink hunting gear.

As everyone prepares to celebrate the holiday season, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is wishing everyone throughout his district a bright and merry Christmas holiday and a very happy New Year.

This holiday season, the Secretary of State has allowed for a Satanic statue to be placed among other religious displays in the Capitol Rotunda.

Senator Fowler started the week out in Chicago, attending the first meeting of Governor-elect Pritzker's Job Creation and Economic Opportunity Committee.

With the end of scheduled veto session, many lawmakers are turning their attention to the new General Assembly and focusing on their priorities for the upcoming spring legislative session.

On December 3, it was announced that State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) would be joining Governor-elect Pritzker’s Job Creation and Economic Opportunity Committee, representing Southern Illinois as a new Administration prepares for the upcoming General Assembly.

Legislators were in Springfield for the final week of the Fall Veto Session, taking action on measures vetoed or amendatorily vetoed by the Governor.