Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Freedom Caucus has announced on X that the first hearing is scheduled for its lawsuit against Democratic leaders, alleging abuse of power, lack of transparency, and constitutional violations.

According to MyRadioLink, members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County Circuit Court against Democratic legislative leaders. The caucus claims that the passage of the 2025 state budget violated constitutional procedures, as it was pushed through with last-minute amendments, leaving little opportunity for lawmakers and the public to review or debate its contents. This lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about transparency, accountability, and constitutional safeguards in the Illinois legislative process.

The Illinois State Bar Association’s Daily Legal News reports that the lawsuit specifically names Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Chris Welch as defendants. The plaintiffs argue that they violated the Illinois Constitution’s "three-readings" rule for legislation by making significant amendments to the budget at the last minute. The suit asserts that this process undermines checks and balances designed to protect taxpayers and ensure open governance in Illinois.

MyRadioLink indicates that the first hearing for the lawsuit was set for July 3, 2025. Members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus have publicly said their intent to take the case to the Illinois Supreme Court if necessary. Caucus leaders, including State Senator Andrew Chesney and Representative Adam Niemerg, emphasize that the lawsuit aims to "do right by the taxpayers of Illinois" by challenging what they describe as a pattern of abuse and lack of transparency in budget proceedings. They frame the case as a defense of constitutional order and responsible government spending for state residents.

According to its official Facebook page, the Illinois Freedom Caucus is a coalition of conservative Republican legislators within the Illinois General Assembly advocating for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional integrity. The group is known for issuing public statements, organizing grassroots activism, and initiating legal action on state legislative issues. It regularly communicates its efforts to promote transparency and accountability in state government through its official social media channels.