Happy April! The past few weeks in Springfield have been busy as we continue through the 2026 legislative session. With committee hearings held each day and more legislation considered weekly, this is a crucial time to shape policies that will impact families, businesses, and communities across our district.
In this edition of Friess Frame, I’ll share an update from the Spring Legislative Session, highlight key proposals including HJRCA 21, HJRCA 28, and HB 910, and recap time spent out in the district. I’ll also reflect on this year’s Women to Watch event, discuss ongoing efforts to deliver meaningful property tax relief, and provide information on upcoming events and what’s ahead in the weeks to come.
The weeks ahead will be especially important as session continues. I truly appreciate everyone who has reached out to my office to share their input on the work being done in Springfield. As always, it is an honor to serve the 115th District.
The Latest From Springfield
It has been a busy few months in Springfield. April marks our fourth month into the Spring Session, and with just one month remaining, the majority party has passed little to no meaningful reform that provides relief to Illinois families. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, the process has remained lopsided. So far this year, 339 bills have passed the House, and only 37 of those have been Republican-led.
The past two weeks have been especially busy as we worked to move House bills ahead of the April 17 deadline. These days were filled with long hours of floor debate and committee hearings. I also appreciated the opportunity to meet with many visitors and stakeholders who traveled to the Capitol to engage in the legislative process.
When we returned to Springfield last week, our caucus anticipated debating Senate bills that had been sent over to the House. Instead, we were informed that two constitutional amendments had been filed by Speaker Welch, along with an upcoming debate on the “megaproject” bill related to keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois. You can read more about these below.
As we head into May, I expect an even busier schedule as we approach deadlines for Senate bills and begin debate on the FY27 state budget. I remain committed to opposing legislation that negatively impacts the 115th District and communities across Illinois. As always, I encourage you to continue sharing your input with my office.
House Votes on Chicago Bears Megaproject Bill
Last week, House Democrats pushed through HB910, the so-called “megaproject” bill, which includes a proposed deal involving a new Chicago Bears stadium. This is one of the most incomplete and concerning property tax proposals I have seen during my time in the General Assembly, and I was a strong “NO” vote on this bill.
HB 910 provides hundreds of millions of dollars in property tax breaks to large corporations and megaproject developers, ultimately shifting that burden onto local property owners. When tax breaks are handed out at the top, the cost does not disappear; it is passed down to homeowners, small businesses, and working families.
This does nothing to benefit the constituents of the 115th District and risks pricing people out of their homes while putting additional strain on middle-class families.
This legislation also fails to deliver any meaningful, broad-based tax relief for everyday Illinoisans. Instead of addressing the affordability crisis facing our state, it prioritizes select developments over taxpayers. It also raises serious concerns about fairness and the potential for unequal taxation under the law.
I want to be clear, I support keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois and encourage responsible economic development. However, I will not support a plan that bails out billion-dollar corporations on the backs of working families and taxpayers. While some members on both sides of the aisle supported this bill, I believe we must remain focused on policies that provide real relief and long-term stability.
House Democrats File Two Constitutional Amendments
Along with the “megaproject” bill that was rammed through, House Democratic leadership filed two constitutional amendments last week: HJRCA 21 and HJRCA 28. One amendment would reopen the income tax section to allow higher taxes on higher earners, while the other would rob Illinois voters of having a voice.
HJRCA 21 is a proposed constitutional amendment often referred to as a “millionaires tax.” While it’s framed as targeting only the wealthy, policies like this have broader economic consequences for our state. Illinois continues to struggle with outmigration, and in 2023 alone, we saw billions of dollars in income leave the state. I’ve said this before: when high earners relocate, the lost revenue doesn’t simply disappear; it creates increased pressure on those in the middle class who are already struggling with affordability.
For years, Springfield has relied on the idea that we can tax our way out of financial challenges. The reality is far more complicated. Many of the individuals targeted by these policies have the flexibility to move elsewhere, taking jobs, investment, and economic growth with them. That leaves middle-class families and small businesses carrying more of the burden.
While this amendment was ultimately not brought to the floor due to a lack of support, it reflects a continued push for policies that fail to address the root causes of Illinois’ affordability challenges.
HJRCA 28 is another proposed constitutional amendment by Speaker Chris Welch and top Democrats that would further rig Illinois’ election maps in favor of their party. Specifically, this proposed amendment requires district maps to be based, in part, on racial coalitions or influence. As written, the Democrats want districts to be drawn based on race, which is clearly unconstitutional.
For years, Illinois has been cited as one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. District lines are too often drawn to favor one party over another, limiting competition and reducing voters’ ability to truly choose their representatives. Even Governor J. B. Pritzker once joked, “We handed it over to a kindergarten class and let them decide.”
Despite the Governor’s ongoing claims of supporting fair maps, the current system continues to allow politicians to pick their voters rather than the other way around. That’s not how our system should work. When maps are drawn behind closed doors with political advantage in mind, it weakens trust in government and discourages civic engagement.
I casted a strong “NO” vote on this amendment because I believe gerrymandering, by either party, is wrong. Illinoisans deserve a fair process that prioritizes voters, encourages competition, and restores confidence in our elections.
House Republicans have also put forward an alternative approach. HJRCA 5 would take redistricting out of politicians’ hands and place it in the hands of a bipartisan 16-member commission tasked with drawing fair maps. Unfortunately, that proposal has been blocked from consideration.
If these constitutional amendments pass through the Senate, they will be placed on the ballot in the upcoming General Election.
Out Across the District
In between the busy weeks in Springfield, my staff and I have had the opportunity to attend several events and visit schools across the district.
I visited Evansville Attendance Center, where I had the honor of congratulating the 2026 volleyball team on an outstanding season, culminating in a Regional Championship. It was a privilege to present the team with an official House certificate recognizing their achievement.
I also visited Trico High School to speak with the senior class about the legislative process, state government, and the importance of staying engaged. I appreciated the thoughtful questions and the opportunity to connect with students preparing for their next steps.
In addition, my staff attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Southwestern Illinois College’s new CTE building at the Red Bud Campus. This facility will play an important role in preparing students for careers in the trades and strengthening our local workforce.
Finally, my staff and members of the Women’s Leadership Initiative volunteered with the Randolph County Humane Society in Steeleville. Since opening its new facility just over a year ago, RCHS has helped facilitate more than 75 adoptions. I’m grateful for the work they do every day to care for animals and support our communities.
Annual Women to Watch Event
Each year, I have the honor of nominating two local leaders on the rise to attend Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie’s Women to Watch event. This annual event highlights and uplifts emerging female leaders from across Illinois, bringing them to the Capitol for a day focused on leadership development, networking, and recognizing the impact they are making in their communities.
This year, I was proud to nominate Ashley Stellhorn and Katelin Uffelmann. Ashley serves as a School Resource Officer, working closely with students and helping maintain a safe environment for everyone. Katelin works with special education students, helping them develop job skills and prepare for success beyond the classroom. On the morning of April 22, I attended the reception with both nominees, where we heard leadership insights from Leader McCombie and the Lieutenant Governor of Iowa. It was a great day filled with meaningful conversations, and both nominees represented our district exceptionally well.
Calling for Property Tax Reform
Illinois families are feeling the strain of some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and a new report from the Tax Foundation confirms it. This isn’t new news to homeowners across our state, but it underscores just how urgent this issue has become.
Last year on the House floor, I raised concerns about rising property taxes and called for meaningful relief. Unfortunately, those calls have gone unanswered. We cannot continue to ignore the financial pressure this places on working families, seniors, and small business owners.
That’s why I’ve joined my Republican colleagues in supporting legislation aimed at delivering real property tax relief. I’m proud to co-sponsor measures like HB1496 and HB1497, which are designed to provide meaningful support and help ease the burden on Illinois taxpayers.
Earlier this month, I also stood with my colleagues in urging Governor Pritzker and the majority party to take action on comprehensive property tax reform. While affordability is often discussed by the Majority Party, it’s time to move beyond conversation and deliver real solutions.
Illinois families deserve relief, and they deserve it now.
Read our tax relief letter here.
Upcoming Events
In the coming months, my office has several upcoming events planned throughout the district. I’d like to invite you to review the opportunities listed above and join us.
For additional details, updates, and future event announcements, please visit repfriess.com. I hope to see you there!
Looking Ahead
As we move further into the 2026 legislative session, our attention is quickly turning to the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. We have just over a month left to get work done in the General Assembly before the closing of this year’s Spring Legislative Session.
In the coming weeks, lawmakers will be making critical decisions that will impact families, businesses, and communities across Illinois. I remain committed to supporting a responsible, balanced budget, and I will not support tax increases or budget gimmicks that place a greater burden on hardworking Illinoisans.
As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office with any questions, concerns, or input. Whether you need assistance with state agencies, have questions about legislation, or want to share your thoughts, my team is here to help. Your input is invaluable, and I am proud to serve as your voice in Springfield.