ROCKFORD – State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) will host his 2017 Ice Cream Social for local kindergarten through sixth grade students who participated in his ‘To the Library & Beyond! Summer Reading Program’ on Wednesday, July 26, from 5-7 p.m. at Peak Sports Club, located at 4401 Peak Drive in Loves Park. 

“This year’s summer reading program, “To the Library and Beyond!” featured the theme of space exploration as a way to illustrate to kids the unlimited paths of adventure they can discover through reading,” said Rep. Sosnowski. “We will be recognizing the readers who completed the program with ice cream, certificates and some great prizes.” 

Participants were allowed to choose their own books and were asked to complete and return a list of books read before attending the ice-cream party. At the celebration, the summer readers will enjoy ice cream, receive prizes for their achievement as a summer reader, and also be entered for the chance to win various gift cards to Barnes and Noble.

ROCKFORD – State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) issued the following statement today on Senate Bill 1, the education funding reform bill waiting to be transmitted to the Governor:

“Instead of looking for ways to ensure the best for our children and school districts, Democrats are holding school funding hostage in order to play politics and pay into a broken and unfair system. The fact is, South Beloit School District 320 would lose over $181,000 in new funding under Senate Bill 1 compared to our alternative education funding reform plan, Senate Bill 1124, which would provide an increase of $556,918 to South Beloit students and classrooms."

"Our kids’ education is too important not to get this right. We should reject Senate Bill 1 which shortchanges our local school districts at the expense of the Chicago Public Schools system. The idea of school funding reform is to help all children in Illinois prosper and South Beloit school children deserve fair funding. Senate Bill 1 diverts their resources and other Winnebago and Boone County schools to Chicago, a city that hasn't increased property taxes to fund schools like the rest of the state."

The Great Lakes Basin Transportation, Inc proposed rail line is a poorly constructed proposal. As a concerned citizen and legislator I signed onto Illinois House Resolution 437 (HR437), which opposes the Great Lakes Basin Transportation, Inc. proposed rail line that would run through Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This resolution passed the House with a vote of 103-0 on June 29, 2017.

This is a massive proposal that is very costly and has a significant number of moving parts. At this time no state or federal dollars are allocated for the project, it is a private investment.  I will continue to ensure accountability and transparency as this project develops.

- State Rep. Joe Sosnowski

Rep. Joe Sosnowski

ROCKFORD--- On July 6, 2017, the State House of Representatives overturned Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of a 32% permanent state income tax hike and $36.5 billion spending plan by a vote of 71-40. These bipartisan veto overrides were supported by 14 Republicans and 57 Democrats ending the more than 2-year budget impasse.

“It is very unfortunate that Springfield passed yet another massive tax increase, this time permanent, which will continue to drive businesses and taxpayers out of our state,” said State Representative Joe Sosnowski. He added, “In 2011 Illinois decided to temporarily raise its income tax to deal with its fiscal mismanagement rather than implement structural reforms and spending reductions. In response, outward migration skyrocketed. When people move they take their income and talent with them. This budget relies on the same broken policies that have destroyed our state for years.”

Budget Veto Override On July 4th, the day we celebrate our sovereignty and reaffirm our country's commitment to freedom and liberty a budget was passed that further protects an entrenched leadership, broken political system, and fiscal absurdity. Governor Rauner vetoed Senate Bill 42 (SB42) which implements a permanent 32% income tax increase, inadequately addresses our fiscal crisis, and does nothing to overhaul the root problems of our economic deficiencies. Illinois cannot continue a tax and spend approach. Furthermore, bond rating agencies have warned Illinois to quit the gamesmanship and address the festering problems that continue to plague our economic recovery. The people of Illinois, the social service providers in Illinois, businesses, and vendors of our great state deserve a budget that timely issues payment and is fiscally responsible. Illinois needs reforms. A tax increase only rewards our government for its heinous mismanagement and financial ineptitude.

ROCKFORD– State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) passed legislation on concurrence from the Senate today to allow for the creation of adult learning education centers to issue high school diplomas in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the bill. The bill, House Bill 2527, is important because it allows adults who have "aged out" (21 or older) of being able to obtain a high school diploma from a high school to obtain an actual diploma, not a GED.

“This provides a new opportunity to combat low educational attainment,” said Rep. Sosnowski. “I am pleased that the Senate has alleviated any concerns with funding for this legislation and it is on its way to becoming law.”

Furthermore, this bill does not appropriate any tax dollars from the state. Funds for these centers are through private donations or other financial resources. No state funding for current programs will be diverted to this new effort.

“This legislation will provide greater opportunities for residents of all ages to pursue not only their high school diploma, but additional college coursework and credentials that will positively change their employment and economic outlook.  We are grateful to Representative Sosnowski and all our local elected officials for their vision and leadership in this endeavor and look forward to the next step,” said Courtney Geiger, Mission Services Director for Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.

BELVIDERE – Local residents with questions or concerns on issues impacting the State of Illinois are invited to attend “Coffee Talk with Joe” hosted by State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) at Ned’s Restaurant in Belvidere on Friday, July 7.  The event is free and open to the public. Coffee will be provided courtesy of Representative Sosnowski:

Coffee Talk With Joe

Friday, July 7, 2017

8:00 am to 9:00 am

Ned’s Restaurant 

2132 Business Route 20

Belvidere, IL 61008

“Community coffees are a valuable opportunity for me to listen to the concerns of local residents firsthand,” Representative Sosnowski said. “We are at a critical juncture in state history in terms of the budget, state spending, taxes, and the investments we make in education, public safety and many other areas. I encourage everyone who has questions, comments or concerns to come make their voice heard at my coffee talk in Belvidere.”