NW Illinois News

Today, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill with a vote of 63-42-1 to cede parts of Shabbona State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. State Representative Brad Fritts (R-Dixon) issued a statement expressing his concerns over Senate Bill 867.

“I am deeply concerned with the passage of Senate Bill 867,” stated Rep. Fritts. He noted that while he is not opposed to discussions about honoring an agreement from 1829, there are several issues with the current legislation that have not been addressed by its sponsor.

Rep. Fritts highlighted his frustration that the bill's sponsor did not consider input from local residents, despite living three counties away from Shabbona State Park. “As the State Representative for this area, I had many in-depth conversations with Shabbona residents and released a survey for my constituents on this issue. The response is clear: residents have many concerns about this legislation as it is written.”

He pointed out that Senate Bill 867 lacks protections for current landowners within the proposed land transfer and does not specify regulations on permissible developments. Additionally, he criticized the decision to give away a state park valued at tens of millions without considering taxpayers or park users.

Rep. Fritts accused the majority party in Springfield of prioritizing political gains over sound public policy in what he described as potentially one of the most critical legislative pieces ever considered by this Assembly. He expressed concern for local residents, Illinois taxpayers, and landowners who now face uncertainty regarding their property rights.

For more details about Representative Fritts, visit RepFritts.com.