Dear Friend,
In this week’s edition of “Severin Says”, I want to focus on a few policy items before I get into some good news this week. In the last 10 days, Governor Pritzker has signed controversial gun legislation, and Executive Orders regarding abortion, man-made climate change, and illegal immigration. Last week I mentioned that Illinois politics will have a ‘left-lean’ to it for the foreseeable future. These actions by the Governor only serve to underscore what I meant by that statement. Read below for an in depth look. As always, thank you for reading!
Gun Dealer Licensing Bill and Assault Weapons Ban ReactionAs I mentioned above, one of Governor Pritzker’s first acts as Governor was to sign a law creating a new fee and additional licensing regulations for businesses that do the majority of their business selling guns and ammunition. The new law will require gun dealers to have a state license for the owner, a state license for the dealer, and possibly a local license in addition to the federal license that is already required. The law also allows for local governments to impose additional requirements on gun dealers. It is really an over-reach and a doubling of regulations on small businesses and law-abiding people.
YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO READ MY ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE ON THE GUN DEALER LICENSE BILL
Assault Weapons Ban Legislation – This week, suburban Chicago-based State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a bill she is calling an “Assault Weapons Ban.” As you probably know, liberal democrats like to use the English language to their advantage to frighten people into compliance with over-regulation. In this case, the vehicle being used to grab your guns is SB 107. This just one of many recently introduced gun-control measures. SB 107 includes a ban on most semi-automatic rifles, certain pistols, and shotguns with magazines that hold more than five rounds. I find these actions to be direct attacks on the 2nd Amendment and law-abiding gun owners, as well as a hindrance to doing business in the State. I will never support legislation that unfairly seeks to punish those who lawfully obtain and responsibly own firearms. Please know that I am firmly opposed to SB 107.
Abortion Executive Order – On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker and pro-abortion advocates joined forces at Planned Parenthood in Chicago to sign an Executive Order to celebrate the fact that Illinois will become, “the most progressive state in America when it comes to a woman’s right to choose.” Those words were the first quote attributed to our new governor in his press release. The Illinois governor last week gleefully signed an Executive Order demanding all state agencies to comply with implementing taxpayer funded abortions…just let that sink in for a moment.
Folks, I find abortion to be an evil and barbaric practice. I favor adoption over abortion. I also am disgusted to know that Illinois allows elective abortions (abortion on demand, any time, for any reason) to be paid for by your tax dollars. This policy was signed into law by Govenror Rauner, when he signed HB 40.
For my part, I am working hard to bring back the rights of the unborn in Illinois. I have joined on as a chief co-sponsor to HB 340 with Representatives Windhorst and Bryant in Southern Illinois. HB 340 would repeal the provisions in HB 40 and return Illinois to a place where taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for elective abortion services. I will also soon be joining on to legislation that bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Scientific research has shown that babies in the womb after 20 weeks can feel pain. I am a staunch pro-life advocate, and I will continue to fight against ghastly abortion policies like those contained in HB 40 and the Governor’s Executive Order.
Gov. Pritzker Joins Climate Alliance – In yet another “lean to the left” moment, Governor Pritzker made good on another promise he made during his Inaugural Address. This week he signed an Executive Order forcing Illinois to participate in the U.S. Climate Alliance. I vehemently disagree with the logic behind signing this order. President Trump pulled our country out of the Paris Climate Accords because of the harm that was being done to industry in the United States. In Southern Illinois, we have natural gas, coal, and oil reserves that could last for generations. This kind of radical leftist environmentalist action seriously threatens our ability to be energy independent as a State, and I fear will likely result in further job losses for the fossil fuels industry.
New District Office Open House As you may have known, this past Tuesday I officially opened my new district office location in Marion at 600 Halfway Road, Suite 103. I want to thank the folks that made the trip in the cold weather to come and visit with us to enjoy Pepsi products and cookies from Dixie Crème! I want to invite you to stop in to the office any time between 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday. My staff or I would love to give you the Grand Tour!
Meeting with SIU Carbondale Administrators and Local Legislators
I enjoyed a great meeting Wednesday morning between SIU-C area House members and SIU-C Administration. I was joined by Rep. Terri Bryant and Rep. Patrick Windhorst. I want to thank SIU System Interim President Kevin Dorsey for putting the meeting together!
SIU FFA Night – Future Farmers of AmericaI was at the SIU student center on Wednesday night to join hundred FFA students from throughout Southern Illinois, They students toured campus, met with faculty, and staff and enjoyed a Saluki basketball game. Go Dawgs!
Stay Connected!My office in Marion is open 8:30 to 4:30 pm every Monday through Friday. You may call 618-440-5090 or visit RepSeverin.com and click the contact button to send correspondence to me. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you! God Bless You and God Bless the State of Illinois!