The streets of Springfield were filled with hundreds of supporters of the Second Amendment on April 18 as Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) took center stage. 

This annual event brings together gun owners, Second Amendment advocates, and lawmakers in a collective effort to uphold constitutional rights and safeguard the interests of law-abiding gun owners. 

The group began their day in downtown Springfield, hosting a rally at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center. They then marched a half-mile to the Capitol, heard from various speakers, and met with their local lawmakers to discuss legislative issues related to the Second Amendment. 

Senator Fowler said that this event is more important than ever considering the recent years of attempts to erode law-abiding constitutional rights by the Majority Party. 

Senate Republicans have advanced legislation to ensure that children taken into Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) custody don't have to change schools.

Currently, when a child is taken into DCFS custody, they often end up in a new home outside of their school district. Senate Bill 2824, filed by Senator Steve McClure, ensures that all children who have been removed from their homes by DCFS can stay in the same school if the agency determines it to be in the best interest of the child. This includes situations where a student is moving from elementary to middle school or from middle school to high school within a school district.

Senator Fowler said that allowing children to remain in their current school provides a measure of stability and familiarity for children who desperately need it.

Senate Bill 2824 passed the Senate and now awaits action in the Illinois House.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) recently welcomed nine new troopers from Cadet Class 146 into the ISP family. The graduation ceremony took place at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield on April 12.

Cadet Class 146 underwent a demanding 28-week program that covered various aspects of law enforcement, including cultural diversity, procedural justice, domestic violence, and firearms training. Additionally, they underwent a 14-week field training component with one-on-one mentoring.

Since 2019, the ISP has grown its numbers by adding 512 new troopers to its ranks. The fresh recruits will be assigned to the following Troops across the state:

• Troop 3 Chicago: 7 troopers
• Troop 4 Peoria: 1 trooper
• Troop 7 Champaign: 1 trooper

To encourage more individuals to join the force, the ISP has extended the application deadline for the next round of recruits to May 1, 2024. Aspiring candidates interested in joining the Illinois State Police are encouraged to visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board website at www.illinoistrooper.com for further application details.

Last week, we celebrated Administrative Professionals' Day, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of administrative professionals everywhere. For the team in the District office, it marked another opportunity to recognize the dedication of our remarkable staff, who ensure the smooth operation of our office day in and day out.

Their hard work, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail are fundamental to the mission of serving the constituents of the 59th Senate District. We extend a heartfelt appreciation and special shout-out to each member of our administrative team for their outstanding support and commitment to serving the people of Southern Illinois.