Illinois State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria)
Recent News About Illinois State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria)
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Illinois State Museum seeks oral histories for Route 66 centennial
With the Route 66 centennial approaching in 2026, the Illinois State Museum is seeking individuals who had interactions with the iconic highway before its decommissioning in 1985. By the 1980s, Route 66 had ceased to be a major trunk road due to the development of various Interstate highways connecting Chicago, Los Angeles, and intermediate points. U.S. Route 66 is now marked in Illinois as a “Historic Route,” with brown signs indicating its historical significance. Numerous state and local installations along the highway, including sites maintained by private entities,...
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Illinois professionals reminded to renew licenses by September 30
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is reminding individuals with certain professional licenses currently up for renewal to start the renewal process before their license expires. Several professions, such as accountants, physical therapists, psychologists, and others have licenses that will expire on September 30, 2024. For a complete list of professions currently up for renewal and more information about the renewal process, visit the IDFPR website.
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Illinois high school students to switch from SAT to ACT exams
When Illinois high school students sit down to take their annual state assessments next year, they will take a different exam than in recent years.
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Illinois celebrates Shark Week with educational exhibits
Shark Week, created by the Discovery Channel in 1988, has significantly grown in popularity over the years. Since 2010, Shark Week, held annually in July or August, has become the longest-running cable television programming event in history and is often referred to as a ‘cultural phenomenon.’ The 1975 film “Jaws” set the stage for increased awareness and popularity of sharks in the U.S.
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Illinois adopts first state flag on July 6, 1915
On this day in 1915, Illinois adopted its first official state flag. Learn more about the history of our flag on the Caucus Blog – Click Here.
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Illinois Department of Natural Resources opens applications for open space development grants
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept applications for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants from July 1 through September 13, closing at 5 p.m.
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Illinois State Fire Marshal issues summer grilling safety tips
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is urging residents to adhere to proper safety practices when using grills during the upcoming July 4th holiday and throughout the summer. According to officials, July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.
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National PTSD Awareness Day highlights invisible wounds
This National PTSD Awareness Day, let us remember that not all wounds are visible. Millions of Americans live with PTSD, and we can always do more to support them by learning more and raising awareness for those affected by this condition.
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House Republicans sponsor summer reading programs to combat learning loss
Studies have shown that when students are not engaged in educational activities during the summer break, they often experience learning loss, effectively erasing gains made during the school year.
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Former Alderman Ed Burke sentenced to two years for corruption
Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke was sentenced today to two years in prison and a $2 million fine after being convicted last December of 13 counts of extortion, bribery, and racketeering charges. Federal prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence for Burke, who is 80 years old.
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Rep. Spain announces traveling office hours in Albany and Cordova
State Representative Ryan Spain (R-73rd District) will host Traveling Office Hours on June 26 in Albany and Cordova to assist residents of the 73rd House District. Spain’s staff will be available to meet with constituents to discuss questions or concerns related to state issues.
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Judge blocks Illinois election law change amid legal challenge
Democrats introduced significant changes to Illinois election laws during the 2024 Spring Legislative Session in early May. The new legislation altered the process for candidates to appear on the ballot for the November 2024 election, effectively ending the practice of ‘slating’ immediately.
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Flag Day: A historical overview from colonial times to modern celebrations
The United States flag is celebrated each year on Flag Day, June 14, to commemorate the day the official flag act resolution was adopted in 1777.
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Illinois announces free fishing days for Father's Day weekend
Illinois Free Fishing Days are approaching. The 2024 celebration will occur from June 14 to June 17, coinciding with Father’s Day weekend. During this four-day period, anglers can fish without needing a fishing license, salmon stamp, or inland trout stamp.
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D-Day's 80th anniversary marks turning point in WWII
On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of German-occupied Normandy, France in what became the largest amphibious assault in world history, now known as "D-Day."
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Illinois passes historic $53B budget amid GOP opposition
In the early morning hours of Wednesday last week, Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly voted to implement a $53.1 billion spending plan, passing the largest budget in state history without Republican support. The Fiscal Year 2025 budget is $2.6 billion more than last year’s enacted budget and includes pay raises for politicians and $1 billion for non-citizens. Additionally, Democrats voted for $1 billion in tax hikes to fund their record-breaking spending.
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Guidelines for avoiding harmful algal blooms during summer activities
This summer, individuals are advised to exercise caution when engaging in activities on or in waterways due to the potential presence of harmful algal (cyanobacteria) blooms. These blooms can occur in any body of water and pose health risks.
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Rep. Spain launches annual summer reading program for grade school students
State Representative Ryan Spain has launched his eighth annual Summer Reading Club Program for grade school students (K-5th grade) residing within the 73rd House District. The program aims to encourage reading during the summer and promote lifelong literacy benefits.
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Efforts to preserve tallgrass prairies highlighted on National Prairie Day
On June 1, 2024, the significance of National Prairie Day was highlighted, emphasizing the need to preserve and restore tallgrass prairies in the United States. It is noted that only 1% of these prairies remain untouched.
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Illinois Democrats pass record-setting $53.1B state budget
On Wednesday morning, Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly voted to implement a $53.1 billion spending plan, marking the largest budget in state history without Republican support. The Fiscal Year 2025 budget is $2.6 billion more than last year’s and includes pay raises for politicians and $1 billion allocated for non-citizens. Additionally, Democrats approved $1 billion in tax hikes to fund the record-breaking spending.