Working for Illinois Caucus

State Rep. Sharon Chung has introduced a bill she hopes will start a conversation between state lawmakers and insurance companies about regulatory oversight.

Chung is a Democrat who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal where State Farm and Country Financial have their headquarters. She filed the bill in response to a bill Gov. JB Pritzker backed last year that would have placed Illinois homeowners insurers under more strict pricing controls.

Chung said insurance companies were not part of the discussion when lawmakers crafted the bill that failed to pass during the recent veto session.

Chung’s bill would allow the Illinois Department of Insurance to approve or stop a rate change by an insurance company. Illinois does not currently have authority to regulate insurance rates.

The bill clarifies the requirements insurance companies need to meet to get approval on a rate change and does not require any reimbursement if the rate is denied.

Pritzker lobbied lawmakers last year for tougher regulations against insurers after State Farm increased property insurance rates by 27%. Illinois lawmakers introduced a bill to regulate and verify rate increases by insurance companies.

During the veto session, lawmakers added amendments requiring insurance companies to give rebates to customers if the Department of Insurance finds insurance companies overcharging customers. Insurance companies then turned against the bill and it stalled in the House.

Chung said Pritzker’s bill would make Illinois’ market less competitive and there needs to be more conversations with insurance companies to come to a compromise. She adds that part of the reason for the rate increase is because of climate change and extreme weather. Illinois saw a record number of tornadoes last year.

Chung said the bill she introduced, which is focused on homeowners insurance, is meant to start a conversation between the different interest groups and make it clear how insurance rates are supposed to be given to the Illinois Department of Insurance.

“It’s sort of some of the things that industry was willing to acquiesce on. They would be willing to sort of see those things more regulated,” said Chung, adding her bill does not get rid of every regulation, but is more of a compromise to start the negotiation process.

Chung said the Illinois legislature should look at other causes that are driving up rates like the “storm chasers” scam that could affect insurance rates.

“As soon as a big storm comes in, people come [shortly thereafter], knocking on your door promising you a new roof. Those are those people that we’re trying to, trying to regulate in a way, because, again, they’re the ones who are driving up costs," she said.

Chung said the Illinois legislature should try to regulate other industries as well to help lower insurance rates and not just focus on insurance companies.

State Farm pushed back against the insurance proposal the governor has endorsed, but spokesperson Gina Morss-Fischer said the insurance company would not oppose Chung’s proposal.

“Although State Farm does not believe additional homeowners rate regulation is needed in Illinois, State Farm would not oppose HB 5619 as it provides for reasonable rate regulation that aligns with the laws of many other states,” Morss-Fischer said in a statement.

Brooke Kelley, assistant vice president of state government relations at American Property Casualty Insurance Association [APCIA], spoke on behalf of Country Financial. She said Pritzker’s insurance bill would increase insurance rates in Illinois.

“While the industry continues to be concerned about the impact of a more aggressive regulatory system in Illinois, Rep. Chung’s proposal strikes a better balance,” Kelley said in a statement. “Rep. Chung has been a tremendous advocate for her constituents and all Illinoisans in this policy debate.”

Kelley and Morss-Fischer said they would continue to work with the Illinois government to lower insurance rates.

Chung said something is going to have to get passed this spring session, but Pritzker’s bill is a “non-starter."

PLANO, Ill. — Oswego 308 Board of Education member Jared Ploger is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the Illinois House in the 84th District.

Ploger says his main priority is making things more affordable for Illinois families.

"Watching my son, and he’s making good money, he’s busting his tail end. And and yet, they’re struggling. And so, I think that is a key piece as I go around door-to-door. I could tell you, having to watch my son struggle despite working his butt off and also dealing with my mom struggling with her health issues, that’s resonating with a lot of voters when I go door-to-door."

Ploger is a high school teacher in Valley View School District 365 and serves as president of the local union representing teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff in the district.

Ploger says his experience in education can help him advocate for schools in Springfield and find ways to fund education that reduce the property tax burden on local homeowners.

Another focus of his campaign is ending what he calls a “us-versus-them” mentality between different parts of Illinois. Ploger is from Somonauk and currently lives in Aurora. He says he values his hometown roots but will represent the entire 84th District and the broader state.

Ploger is facing Saba Haider for the Democratic nomination.

You can hear more from Ploger in an interview by clicking below:

PLANO, Ill. — DuPage County Board Member Saba Haider is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 84th District State Representative seat in the March primary election.

Haider lives in Aurora and immigrated to the United States 20 years ago from India to start a business.

She says her top priority is affordability for Illinois residents.

"The tariffs are affecting our grocery bills, they are affecting our small businesses," Haider said. "So, making sure affordability is something that is at the top of the mind of all our legislators at the state level. Making sure we keep our taxes low because the families are really struggling and if we can take that burden off of them that will help hugely in terms of how our families feel like they have a moment to breathe and just feel a little bit more at ease."

Haider also says she would like to see the state take on a larger share of school funding so property owners are less burdened by education costs.

At the state level, Haider says maintaining a balanced budget and ensuring steady state revenue are key priorities. She notes that state funding affects communities through healthcare and other human services.

Haider says she would bring her experience in local government to the Illinois Statehouse. She calls her time at the county a valuable learning experience, where she has worked across a wide range of functions.

Haider also teaches yoga and meditation and trains instructors in both.

She will run against Jared Ploger of Aurora for the Democratic nomination. Listen to WSPY news for a candidate profile on Ploger in the coming days.

You can hear more from Haider by clicking below:

On the 100th day of kindergarten, Katie Henkel lined up her 19 students at Holy Cross School in Mendota, decked out in their best 100-year-olds’ clothes, and sat down to try and name all of her students.

February 12, 2026 at 6:00 am CST