Rock Island Today

Representative Dan Swanson recently introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to honor twelve individuals from Galesburg who served in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. The regiment is well-known due to the film "Glory," featuring actors Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Matthew Broderick. Following President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Black troops were recruited for the Union Army. On April 26, 1863, twelve men from Galesburg enlisted in Company H of the 54th Massachusetts. Their involvement encouraged over 180,000 Black soldiers to join the Union forces.

Two of these soldiers were injured and captured at Fort Wagner in South Carolina but were released in 1865. Four others were wounded during the war, and Private Preston Williams died in an accident. Representative Swanson expressed his pride in presenting this resolution with support from Galesburg City Councilman Dwight White, Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Jim Jacobs, and Pastor Tony Franklin.

In another development, a federal judge declared Illinois' ban on assault weapons unconstitutional. The law was enacted swiftly during a legislative session in January 2023 and signed by Governor Pritzker. Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled that it violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments and has imposed a temporary stay on his ruling pending appeal.

Additionally, Illinois is conducting a survey to gather feedback on its Veterans programs. The state aims to improve services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs based on this input.

A report from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget projects a $3.2 billion deficit for Illinois in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. This forecast highlights increasing state spending pressures due to commitments like pensions and school funding.

In other news: A driver has been charged for violating Scott’s Law after hitting an Illinois State Police trooper on I-57; applications are open for utility assistance for low-income residents; Henry County has been issued a disaster declaration by USDA following a derecho event; and guidelines have been shared for mailing holiday packages.