As 2019 comes to a close and we prepare for a new year, several notable laws take effect January 1 that Illinois residents may want to know about. The new laws kicking off 2020 cover everything from recreational cannabis sales, to transportation safety and increased traffic penalties.

The Attorney General’s office has released its annual Safe Shopping Guide highlighting hazardous toys, children’s products and household items that have been recalled during the past year to help Illinois families ensure a safe holiday shopping season.

Approximately 50 high school students from across the 36th Senate District participated in a unique, hands-on experience in public policy, state government, and leadership on November 19 during State Senator Neil Anderson’s annual Youth Advisory Council.

As Veterans Day approaches, and we look for ways to honor Illinois veterans and tell their incredible stories, State Sen. Neil Anderson is asking constituents to submit a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois State Capitol Nov. 4-15.

This week, the Governor signed legislation, sponsored by State Senator Neil Anderson, allowing schools across the state to store an undesignated supply of glucagon to treat students with diabetes.

In an effort to best represent you and the people of the 36th district, I would like your feedback on some of timely topics. Please take a moment to complete this survey.

During the extended legislative session on Sunday, June 2, the Illinois Senate approved of a capital plan that will greatly benefit the residents of the 36th Senate District. State Senate Neil Anderson released the below statement following its passage.

“The step the General Assembly took this week shows an extreme lack of compassion for our most innocent. The massive expansion of abortions under this proposal is heart rending. Don’t trust rhetoric that tells you this legislation’s sole intent was to keep abortion legal in Illinois if Roe v. Wade is overturned. What it really does is expand legal abortion to allow late-term abortions for any reason, partial birth abortions, and sex-selective abortions. Life is sacred and this is wrong. I voted no.”

State Sen. Neil Anderson hosted the winners of his “My Inspirational Teacher” Essay Contest at the Capitol on Thursday, May 23. Students across the 36th Senate District were asked to write an essay about a teacher who has inspired them in a meaningful way. Five students were chosen as this year’s winners, and four of them made the trip to the Capitol to be honored along with the teachers they highlighted in their essays.

Legislation seeking to curb the number of jobs being outsourced to other states is now on its way to the Governor’s desk. House Bill 1554, sponsored by State Senator Neil Anderson, would create the Quad Cities Outsourcing Prevention Task Force.

Nearly 40 high school students from across State Sen. Neil Anderson’s 36th Senate District traveled to Springfield on Wednesday, May 1, to participate in his annual Youth Advisory Council (YAC). Sen. Anderson’s bi-annual YAC gives students a unique, up-close and hands-on perspective of what it would be like to work in various roles in state government.

State Senator Neil Anderson and State Representative Tony McCombie will be hosting a series of Coffee and Conversation events around the 36th Senate District and the 71st House District throughout the month of April. Anderson and McCombie invite all constituents to attend one of the events closest to them.

This spring, the 36th District Office of State Senator Neil Anderson will continue to host “Traveling Office Hours” throughout the district. Office staff will be on hand at different locations to answer questions and hear constituents’ concerns.

This week, State Senator Neil Anderson was elected to serve as the co-chair of the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, which is the General Assembly’s largest caucus. Sen. Anderson will serve alongside State Representative Jerry Costello.

State Senator Neil Anderson released a statement regarding Governor J.B. Pritzker’s State Budget Address.

State Senator Neil Anderson opposed legislation that would increase Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 statewide over the next six years. Senate Bill 1 passed the Senate Thursday despite Anderson’s call for further negotiations and regional protections.

State Senator Neil Anderson is backing a bipartisan proposal, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 4, which would place the question of fair maps on the ballot for the next statewide election. Anderson is also inviting the people in his district to sign his petition on the issue.

Voice your support for getting a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot to give you the chance to vote on a new system to draw our legislative maps.

Over the next two months, the 38th District Office of State Senator Neil Anderson will be hosting Traveling Office Hours throughout the district. Office staff will be on hand at different locations to answer questions and hear constituents’ concerns.

Sen. Anderson joined Gun Talk this weekend, where he discussed his newly filed legislation that would allow schools to add hunting and gun safety courses into their curriculum.

State Senator Neil Anderson filed legislation this week aimed at holding judges and prosecutors accountable for giving lesser charges or light sentences to those who commit gun crimes.

State Senator Neil Anderson has been appointed to serve as the Minority Spokesperson for the Senate’s committee on Licensed Activities during the 101st General Assembly.

State Senator Neil Anderson releases the below statement regarding Governor J.B. Pritzker’s decision to sign Senate Bill 337 into law. SB 337 is a controversial gun dealer licensing bill that was passed during the 100th General Assembly, but held for seven months by the sponsor under a procedural motion.

State Senator Neil Anderson was appointed to the Senate Republican Leadership team Tuesday, Jan. 15. Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) appointed Sen. Anderson to serve as Assistant Republican Leader.

State Sen. Neil Anderson joins the Capitol Report podcast this week to discuss the inauguration of the 101st General Assembly and his hopes for the upcoming session.