NW Illinois News

Li Arellano Jr., senator for Illinois' 37th District, announced the passage of two bills out of Senate committees. One is a Veterans Affairs cleanup bill, and the other permits residents who have received the Air Medal from the U.S. Armed Forces to obtain special license plates.

"We have wrapped up our legislative work for the week in Springfield," said Arellano, State Senator 37th District (R), according to Facebook. "This week was a deadline week to advance House Bills out of Senate committees. I passed House Bill 2362, which would allow residents of our state who have been awarded the Air Medal by the United States Armed Forces to receive special license plates in recognition of their service. I also passed House Bill 2547, a Veterans Affairs cleanup bill sponsored by IL Rep Dan Swanson."

According to Arellano, House Bill 2547 amends more than 100 acts by replacing references to the "Department of Veterans’ Affairs" with "Department of Veterans Affairs." The bill removes statutory provisions that do not include amendatory changes and has an immediate effective date. It was first filed by Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit on February 4, 2025, with Representative Dan Swanson later becoming the chief sponsor on April 1.

Screenshot of State Sen. Li Arellano Jr.'s May 8 Facebook post | State Senator Li Arellano Jr.'s Facebook page

The other bill passed by Arellano was House Bill 2362, which would allow Illinois residents who qualify to obtain special registration plates called Air Medal plates. These plates would be available in 2027 and only to Illinoisans who have received the Air Medal from the U.S. Armed Forces. Filed by State Representative Travis Weaver on January 30, the bill passed through the House on April 10 and moved to the Senate on April 14 when Arellano signed on as the chief Senate sponsor.

Arellano previously served as mayor of Dixon starting in 2015. During his two-term tenure as mayor, he focused on restoring fiscal integrity, enhancing local infrastructure, and fostering economic development. According to his website, after fulfilling his objectives as mayor, Arellano adhered to his pledged term limits and did not seek reelection for a third term. He returned to the private sector where he now owns two Jimmy John’s franchises, a frozen yogurt shop—the Frosted Spoon—and a commercial property leasing company.