SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, issued the following statement Wednesday after the governor’s annual budget address to the General Assembly:

“I look forward to reviewing the governor’s budget plan in detail to ensure this upcoming budget invests in the needs of all Illinoisans in a fiscally-responsible manner that does not place unnecessary burdens on our constituents.

“As the chair of the House Public Utilities Committee, I want to express my gratitude to the governor for his dedication to cheap and reliable power generation via new nuclear facilities.

“Governor Pritzker has put forward a plan that can solve our long-term problems and will strengthen Illinois for generations to come. In the meantime, there are things we can do to bring energy prices down in the short term while new reactors are being planned, constructed and linked into our grid.

“In addition to new facilities, I will be working with my colleagues in the legislature and the governor’s team to address our immediate need for enhanced reliable base load generation. If we are able to deal with both our long-term and short-term energy needs, Illinois residents will see relief in their monthly energy bills.

“Reasonable and effective ideas have been presented to us by the governor on how to address our growing energy needs. It is now time for the legislature to begin the hard work of negotiating exactly how to accomplish those lofty goals.”

For more information, please contact statereplarrywalshjr@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – On Monday, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 0642, a property tax relief bill, into law. This bill will improve the current Illinois Senior Property Tax Freeze Program. The bill increases the income cap from $65,000 to $75,000 for 2026, $77,000 for 2027, and $79,000 for 2028.

Representative Larry Walsh Jr. issued the following statement after the signing:

“Thank you to all of my colleagues who have worked so hard on this issue. I especially wish to offer my thanks to my neighbor to the north, Rep. Dagmara Avelar of the 85th District. For the past several years, I have been the chief co-sponsor on her bills to address this issue.

“So many constituents have brought me story after story of receiving a cost-of-living increase from Social Security, only to end up losing money after being pushed just above the income cap and seeing their property taxes skyrocket.

“To those individuals who spent their lives helping to improve Illinois, devoting themselves to their neighbors, and who now want to enjoy their golden years in the community they helped build, your Will County Legislative Delegation has delivered. This is a policy that will help make life just a little easier during a time when pinching pennies has become the norm.

“I will continue to work toward these types of solutions for the people of the 86th District. The government can do better, and with efforts like these, it will.”

For more information, please contact Representative Walsh’s district office at 815-730-8600.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), advanced a plan to modernize road test requirements through the House chamber Wednesday afternoon, raising the age in
which older adults must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from age 79 to age 87.

“Raising the in-person renewal age from 75 to 79 and eliminating the driving test for those between 79 and 86 years of age acknowledges that many older adults are capable of operating a vehicle longer than ever before. This bill helps protect road users of all ages while still respecting the dignity of older adults.”

The legislation is an initiative in collaboration with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. According to the Secretary of State, Illinois is the only state in the country that requires a behind- the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age. Walsh Chief Co-sponsored House Bill 1226 to eliminate the age-based driving test requirement for drivers age 79-86, as well as establish a process for immediate family members to report when they believe a loved one is no longer safe to drive.

Under this legislation, drivers aged 87 or older, as well as those who possess a commercial driver’s license aged 75 or older, would be required to do a driving demonstration in order to maintain their license.

“According to state crash data, the rate for drivers to have an accident when over 75 years of age is lower than any other age range of drivers,” Walsh said. “It’s time our law reflects that. Instead of imposing unnecessary testing requirements on older adults, this bill makes our standards responsibly align with the rest of the country.”

House Bill 1226 received unanimous support and awaits bicameral action.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), advanced a plan to modernize road test requirements through the House chamber Wednesday afternoon, raising the age in which older adults must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from age 79 to age 87.

“Raising the in-person renewal age from 75 to 79 and eliminating the driving test for those between 79 and 86 years of age acknowledges that many older adults are capable of operating a vehicle longer than ever before. This bill helps protect road users of all ages while still respecting the dignity of older adults.”

The legislation is an initiative in collaboration with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

According to the Secretary of State, Illinois is the only state in the country that requires a behind-the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age. Walsh Chief Co-sponsored House Bill 1226 to eliminate the age-based driving test requirement for drivers age 79-86, as well as establish a process for immediate family members to report when they believe a loved one is no longer safe to drive.

Under this legislation, drivers aged 87 or older, as well as those who possess a commercial driver’s license aged 75 or older, would be required to do a driving demonstration in order to maintain their license.

“According to state crash data, the rate for drivers to have an accident when over 75 years of age is lower than any other age range of drivers,” Walsh said. “It’s time our law reflects that. Instead of imposing unnecessary testing requirements on older adults, this bill makes our standards responsibly align with the rest of the country.”

House Bill 1226 received unanimous support and awaits bicameral action.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood, issued the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s annual budget address:

“Today, Governor Pritzker offered a realistic look at the problems that Illinois faces and made it clear that tightening our belt doesn’t require us to lose sight of our duty to the people we serve. However, it does mean we need to make hard choices. In the face of uncertainty and budget shortfalls, we must offer practical solutions to the problems that our constituents face. I look forward to engaging with the Governor, the members of the General Assembly, and our partners at the county and township level as we move forward together,” said Walsh.

JOLIET, Ill. – Reducing costs for families and improving critical resources are among the top priorities this legislative session for state Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), who will work toward propelling policy that alleviates everyday struggles, including his key sponsorship to remove the senior driving test requirement.

“This session, I’ll continue my focus on fueling growth and making our communities more livable,” said Walsh. “Rising costs in Illinois and across the country are making everyday life harder for our families. We must think ahead by prioritizing workable solutions that will pour more back into our communities — initiatives that focus on creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and expanding services.”

During his tenure, Walsh has supported slashing costs and holding government spending accountable to ensure funding and resources to help those in need, especially working families and seniors living on fixed incomes. Last year, Walsh pushed for essential property tax relief for seniors and also led initiatives to expand affordable housing, improve critical resources for first responders, and protect workplace rights.

“Economic opportunity is the foundation of a thriving community. By making smart investments and working across the aisle, we can support working families and build a stronger future for everyone,” said Walsh.

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), issued the following statement in response to the recent Teamsters Local 710 strike at Moheny Environmental:

“On Wednesday, December 18th, more than 40 members of Teamsters Local 710 went on strike at Mahoney Environmental. I want to offer my support to every effort pushing labor and management back to the negotiating table so this disagreement can be resolved in a way that serves all sides.

A contract negotiation reaching this point is the worst possible outcome for both labor and management. It slows down growth, causes uncertainty in the workers, and has ripple effects across the community.

I encourage everyone to remember that we are at our strongest when labor and management come together respectfully, openly, and honestly. But, no worker should be forced to sell their time, labor, and expertise for unfair wages and benefits. I stand with the members of Teamsters Local 710.”

JOLIET, Ill. – Steps to help reduce costs for families and seniors and expand workers’ rights, including smart provisions to improve public safety, are among the achievements state Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), is highlighting from this spring legislative session.

“I’m honored to bring real results to my community,” said Walsh. “These past few months, I’ve been fighting for fair legislation down in Springfield to benefit folks not just in my corner, but statewide. I look forward to continuing this important work and taking the tough stuff head-on as we weigh policy options for the next legislative session.”

Working to alleviate the strain of inflation and rising costs put on families and seniors on fixed incomes, Walsh pushed for major reforms to bring down costs and help make ends meet. Walsh was integral in demanding property tax relief for seniors by sponsoring legislation (House Bill 2529, House Bill 3511) to increase the senior exemption cap and address incentive hindrances by removing application deadlines.

“It’s time we do more for those in our community that have contributed to the livelihood and longevity of this state for decades,” said Walsh. “I pledge to keep fighting for legislation that encapsulates this. Although we did not receive the support necessary to move this critical legislation forward, I plan on continuing to advocate for fair and inclusive policy that helps our seniors living on fixed incomes lead fulfilling lives.”

Additionally, Walsh worked to pass Senate Bill 1289, establishing the regulatory framework needed to bring “carbon capture” to Illinois — a significant job creation effort that will help reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

“We’re taking a smart approach to environmental concerns by regulating carbon capture and storage while still protecting landowner rights,” said Walsh. “We’re promoting a balanced approach with this bill, which seeks to cut harmful emissions, emphasize community safety, and ensure fair compensation for property owners across the state.”

In efforts to modernize and enforce safety and regulatory standards for excavation near underground facilities, Walsh’s House Bill 5546 will require a JULIE membership for owners or operators of underground facilities, which clarifies responsibilities and accountability standards to prevent accidental damage in this critical industry.

“By requiring compliance with JULIE, we’re ensuring safer and more efficient excavation practices,” said Walsh. “This bill, which received support from both chambers, will help prevent damage to essential underground facilities, protect public safety, and enhance accountability and transparency in utility management here in Illinois.”

In tandem with enhancing worker’s protections, Walsh led Senate Bill 3649 to create the Worker Freedom of Speech Act, which protects workers from being penalized for foregoing employer-sponsored meetings or listening to communications about the employer’s political or religious opinions.

“This key piece of legislation is foundational to workers’ rights. Employees should feel empowered to make their own decisions regarding political or religious matters without fear of retribution,” said Walsh. “This bill will protect employees from being forced into inappropriate political or religious discussions at work, ensuring their rights and fostering a fair, respectful workplace.”

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), has pushed back on a recent request to increase truck traffic on Illinois Route 53 (IL 53) made to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) by the City of Joliet and “Northpoint,” the developer of the Third Coast Intermodal Hub project. Walsh opposed the request for change in a letter sent to IDOT on May 3rd.

“If IDOT is considering granting this modification to the permit, it cannot and should not do so without a full and complete traffic study,” said Walsh. “Increasing truck traffic on IL 53 will have consequences that will ripple far beyond this ‘temporary access’ point. This decision cannot be made without a full investigation of how a new access point to the Northpoint project will impact traffic flow in the area.”

The Northpoint development was originally planned to exist within the Village of Elwood, but after the project was rejected, developers instead worked with the previous administration of the City of Joliet to annex land from unincorporated Jackson Township. The permit that the city has asked to modify severely limited the amount of truck traffic that could flow through IL 53. The requested change would lift those limits.

“Up until this point, the developers have not offered any concrete solutions or plans to deal with the increased truck traffic the project would bring to communities across the 86th District,” said Walsh.

Walsh’s letter to IDOT is attached. For more information, please contact Rep. Walsh’s district office at 815-730-8600.

SHOREWOOD, Ill. – To protect Shorewood and its surrounding communities from identity theft and prevent paper waste, State Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood, is hosting a free shred day on Thursday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Shorewood Village Hall.

“Identity thieves often pick through people’s trash to find bank statements, receipts and other documents that contain personal information,” said Walsh “While there are other avenues criminals can use to gain access to one’s identity, it is crucial that we do what we can to limit our personal information’s potential exposure.”
Walsh will partner with local community leaders to provide free shredding services to local residents. Please note that no electronics will be accepted, and participants are limited to two boxes. In addition, Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs will have I-Cash staff at the event to help members of the community file for unclaimed property.

For more information, please contact Walsh’s district office at 815-730-8600.