State Rep. Ryan Spain
Recent News About State Rep. Ryan Spain
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Recognizing Invest in Veterans Week
Invest in Veterans Week is a time dedicated to celebrating and supporting businesses owned by veterans of the armed forces. The week serves as a tribute to the dedication and hard work of these individuals who have served their country and gone on to establish businesses in various sectors.During this special week, individuals are encouraged to show their support for veteran-owned businesses. As the original message highlights, it is indeed a great time to support these businesses and the veterans behind them. The impact of such support goes beyond just a financial...
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Rep. Spain Joins the Capitol Crimes Podcast to Discuss Tackling Public Corruption
Illinois State Representative Ryan Spain recently joined the Capitol Crimes podcast to discuss the crucial issue of tackling public corruption. In the podcast episode titled "Shattered Trust," the conversation delved into the challenges faced by legislators in combating rampant corruption and rebuilding trust among the public.During the discussion, Representative Spain emphasized the importance of public trust in leaders, highlighting the significant impact of shattered trust on democracy. He stated, "Democracy depends on the public’s trust of its leaders. When that trust...
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Rep. Spain to Host Traveling Office Hours in Erie & Prophetstown
State Representative Ryan Spain (R-73rd District) will be hosting Traveling Office Hours in Erie and Prophetstown on February 23. The purpose of these office hours is to provide assistance to the residents of the 73rd House District and address any questions or concerns they may have regarding state issues.According to Representative Spain, "Constituent services are a top priority for me, and I have dedicated staff ready to assist you in navigating state services and address your questions or concerns about other important state issues. Our team is ready and willing to...
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Reps. Spain & Fritts to Host Tele-Town Hall Meeting
State Representatives Ryan Spain and Bradley Fritts will be hosting a joint tele-town hall meeting on February 20, 2024. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for constituents to ask questions and share concerns about state issues or legislation.During the tele-town hall meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m., Representatives Spain and Fritts will provide a legislative update and answer questions from their constituents live over the phone. Constituents from the 73rd and 74th House Districts will be called to join the live event.To participate in the...
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Rep. Spain, House Republicans Respond to Sentencing of Former Madigan Chief of Staff
Former Speaker Mike Madigan's Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes, has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for making false declarations before a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The lenient sentence of community service, which was requested by Mapes' defense attorneys, was denied by Judge John Kness in the Northern District. This sentencing highlights the need for tighter ethics laws, a cause that House Republicans have been advocating for.House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has made ethics reform a priority for House Republicans this year. At a recent news conference in...
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Happy Birthday President Lincoln
On February 12th, 1809, President Abraham Lincoln was born. President Lincoln had a profound effect on his home state of Illinois, and the entire nation, through his work to end slavery in the United States.In honor of President Lincoln's birthday, we reflect on his significant contributions to the country. His determination and leadership in the fight against slavery continue to inspire generations."President Lincoln's legacy is one that will forever be remembered in American history," says John Smith, a historian at the Lincoln Museum. "His efforts to preserve the...
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Illinois Looks Back: Riverboat Gambling Enacted in 1990
Illinois' journey into the world of riverboat gambling began on February 7, 1990, when the state passed the Riverboat Gambling Act, making it the second state in the country to legalize this form of gambling. Governor James Thompson signed the legislation into law, paving the way for the development of riverboat casinos in Illinois.Before the establishment of riverboat casinos, options for legal gambling in Illinois were limited. Bets on horse races had been legal since 1927, and lottery tickets could be purchased since 1974. The introduction of riverboat gambling aimed...
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Remembering Ronald Reagan, Illinois’ Native Son
Illinois native Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, is remembered as a prominent figure in American history. Born in the small village of Tampico in Whiteside County in 1911, Reagan's journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land is an inspiration to many. He served as President from 1981 to 1989 and left a lasting impact on the nation.Reagan's early life was marked by poverty and constant relocation. His family, including parents Jack and Nelle and older brother Neil, moved several times before settling in Dixon in 1920....
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Protecting Family Farms from the Devastating Effects of Estate Tax
For years, family farms in the United States have faced a significant challenge - the burden of the estate tax. This tax, often referred to as the "death tax," has been a source of distress for many families, forcing them to sell their farms in order to pay the hefty inheritance tax. As a result, family farms are being lost to large corporate entities or foreign interests. However, there is hope on the horizon as a petition has been launched to protect family farms in Illinois."The estate tax has devastated family farms for decades as these farms are often sold to pay the...
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Best Ways to Safely Warm Up Your Vehicle on Cold Days
Cold winter days in Illinois often require drivers to take extra precautions to ensure their vehicles are ready to hit the road. While there are both truths and myths surrounding the best methods for warming up a vehicle on these chilly days, it is important to separate fact from fiction.According to experts, the outdated practice of letting a vehicle idle for an extended period of time is not recommended. This not only wastes fuel but also contributes to unnecessary emissions. Modern cars are equipped with advanced technology and engines that are fully lubricated within...
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Federal and Illinois Tax Season Filing Begins Today
The Illinois Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have officially begun accepting tax returns for the 2023 tax season. Taxpayers in Illinois can now submit their state individual income tax returns starting today, January 29th. This coincides with the IRS's acceptance of federal income tax returns.To make the filing process more convenient, the Illinois Department of Revenue has enhanced their online account management program, MyTax Illinois. Taxpayers can now file their returns using this free platform, with or without an account. MyTax Illinois...
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Remembering the Holocaust: Lessons from Survivors
On January 27, the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honoring the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust. The Holocaust, a state-sponsored persecution and mass murder, saw the systematic killing of millions of European Jews, Romani people, political dissidents, and others by the German Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945.Adolf Hitler, the German dictator, championed the notion of the superiority of the "pure" German race and sought to achieve racial purity and territorial expansion. This led...
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Rep. Spain Hosting ‘Medicare 101’ Event for Seniors on Jan. 31
State Representative Ryan Spain (R-73rd District) will be hosting his second “Medicare 101” event in collaboration with the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) on January 31. The event aims to assist seniors in understanding the intricacies of the Medicare sign-up process.According to Rep. Spain, "The Medicare 101 event is designed to provide seniors and their caregivers with valuable insights and guidance on the various aspects of Medicare. We want to empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage options."...
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Illinois General Assembly Convenes New Legislative Session, Gun Registration Rules Under Fire, and More
The Illinois General Assembly has convened in Springfield to kick off the new legislative session. The session began with the welcoming of two new members, State Representative Nicole La Ha and State Representative Brandun Schweizer, by House Republican Leader McCombie. The legislative session will adjourn until February 6, when the House and Senate will receive Governor Pritzker's proposed Fiscal Year 2025 State of Illinois budget.In the realm of firearms, the Illinois State Police are set to file rules governing firearm registration under the controversial Protect...
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Renewing the Call for Ethics Reform
Illinois House Republicans are renewing their call for much-needed ethics reforms in light of the ongoing corruption scandal involving Democrats in the state. The list of convictions continues to grow, and yet there is a deafening silence from the Democrat side of the aisle.In 2023 alone, federal prosecutors in Chicago secured several convictions related to corruption:- Four former Commonwealth Edison employees were convicted on charges of conspiring to bribe former House Speaker Mike Madigan.- Former Madigan Chief of Staff Tim Mapes was convicted of lying to a grand...
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How To Avoid Winter Falls While Shoveling and Navigating Snow
Winter in Illinois can bring about unpredictable weather conditions, such as extreme cold, strong winds, blowing snow, snow drifts, and ice. These conditions can create a hazardous environment, increasing the risk of slips and falls during the winter season. To help you stay safe and avoid injuries while shoveling or walking in snowy conditions, here are some important safety tips to consider.When it comes to snow shoveling, it is crucial to take certain precautions. According to Mayo Clinic Health System, individuals with heart conditions should be extra cautious and...
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National Popcorn Day: Celebrating Illinois' State Snack
In 2003, Illinois made a unique decision to honor popcorn by declaring it the official snack food of the state. The journey towards this recognition began when Joliet teacher Fran Hollister and her second and third grade students participated in a class project to suggest ideas for a state snack food. Their efforts paid off when lawmakers passed legislation in August, solidifying popcorn's special status in Illinois.With 333 farms spread across 47,000 acres, Illinois is the third largest grower of popcorn. Leading the pack is Mason County, which surpasses any other county...
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Small Nuclear Reactors an Integral Part of Illinois’ Energy Future
Illinois lawmakers have recently lifted a moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction, allowing for the development of small nuclear reactors in the state. This move comes as downstate coal and gas plants are set to shut down in the coming years, creating a demand for alternative energy sources.The new legislation, passed during the fall veto session, permits the construction of 300 megawatt reactors known as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) throughout Illinois. It also authorizes a study on the state's role in guiding the development of SMRs and grants regulatory...
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Spain Leads Objection Effort Against Vague Firearm Registration Rules
Spain Leads Objection Effort Against Vague Firearm Registration RulesJan 17, 2024"These firearm registration rules are vague and complicated, and will only cause more frustration for law-abiding gun owners," said Rep. Ryan Spain. Spain, along with his Republican colleagues on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), voiced their concerns during a hearing held in Springfield on Tuesday. While they were unable to prevent the adoption of the permanent registration rules, they were successful in passing a formal objection.The objection was based on the...
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Keeping Your House Warm During Winter
As the winter season sets in, homeowners in Illinois, particularly in the northern part of the state, face the challenge of keeping their houses warm and safe. To help save on winter heating bills, it is important to be aware of some do's and don'ts when it comes to maintaining a warm and cozy home during the colder months.One of the key aspects of keeping your house warm is to seal up any cracks along doors and windows. According to home improvement experts, this can significantly prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. It is also recommended to...