NW Illinois News

Illinois State Senator Li Arellano Jr. attended the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Boston this month, where he met with lawmakers from across the country to discuss solutions to challenges facing their communities.

Arellano said that the most valuable part of the conference was participating in legislative learning sessions, which he selected based on feedback from constituents on his Facebook page. "One of the key sessions focused on housing and economic development. It is clearer than ever that Illinois faces a serious cost-of-living problem. It is simply too expensive to live here, with property taxes through the roof. We must pass legislation to make our state affordable again," Arellano stated.

He also attended sessions addressing agriculture and energy costs. "I learned about the growing impact of foreign influence on our food systems and the need for better management," Arellano said about agriculture discussions. On energy issues, he noted, "We discussed solutions, including nuclear energy, to help bring those costs down for families and businesses."

Reflecting on his experience at NCSL, Arellano commented, "This trip was not just informative, it was energizing. I returned home with fresh ideas and a clearer vision for how to address the challenges facing our district and state as I begin my sophomore year as a legislator."

Arellano, a Republican, was elected to represent Illinois' 37th Senate District in 2025 after succeeding Win Stoller.