State Rep. Evans Looks To 2026 Legislative Session
State Rep. Evans Looks To 2026 Legislative Session
By Tia Carol Jones
Going into the new legislative session on Jan. 20th, Illinois State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., D. Dist. 33 and President of the National Conference of State Legislatures, is looking to pass legislation that benefits the community. Evans has met with organizations that focus on violence prevention and mental health and ways to maintain funding for programs. He said that he wants the community to be healthy.
Rep. Evans said that because of the instability in the federal government, it has resulted in a decrease in the amount of money the state receives. The Illinois State Legislature passed the state budget that reflected cuts due to the federal administration cutting programs that were vital for those in Illinois who receive SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare, as well as cuts for mental health programs implemented by the U.S. Department of Education.
Evans’ focus legislatively last year included laws that benefitted his community and the greater state of Illinois. Legislation that was passed during the 2025 legislative session included laws that helped with utility bills and laws that affect criminal justice.
Rep. Evans said he is looking to pass legislation that makes sense. When it comes to what makes sense and results in impactful benefits to the community, Evans said he starts with his constituents in his district, then zooms out to what will make the most impact for the state.
“For me being Black and working class, I’m always going to go toward legislation that benefits them. My litmus test is how is it going to affect Black and working-class people,” he said.
In regard to legislation introduced by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, that would take the tax burden off homeowners. Evans acknowledged that property tax increases are a problem but said there is no easy solution to the property tax issues.
He said what has been going on in the Southland and on the South and West sides relating to property tax increases is a problem that needs a solution and he is open to hearing options to decrease those property taxes.
The 33rd District includes Burnham, Calumet City, Lansing and Lynwood. To assist his constituents in the Southland, Evans said he is constantly engaging in conversations with the Mayors and administrators there. He has been trying to funnel more state resources to the Southland, the local school districts and local municipalities.
“Getting as many dollars as we can, because the municipalities are not rich municipalities. So, anyway we can help alleviate the stresses of the Mayor of Lansing, Mayor of Lynwood, for example, that’s kind of my focus,” he said.
Evans said that it is his hope that getting more resources and funding to municipalities in the Southland from the state will result in them having the resources they need for infrastructure and other improvements. He said he is considering any options that would increase development in the Southland.
“As the State Rep. I’m very busy trying to help make the South Suburbs a better place to live,” he said. He added that he supports the South Suburban Airport.
For more information about Illinois State Representative Marcus Evans, visit www.repevans.com.
Latest Stories
- Commissioner Donna Miller Convenes First Meeting of Chicago–Cook County Task Force to Reduce Violence Against Women
- Cook County Clerk and Chicago Bears Launch Historic High School Early Voting Program
- OWN ANNOUNCES MAXXED OUT: A BOLD NEW FINANCIAL INTERVENTION SERIES PREMIERING JANUARY 10, 2026
- More than 1,500 seniors walk the red carpet at 42nd annual CHA Senior Gala
- Hanna Andersson and Oeuf Launch a Pajama Collaboration Inspired by Quality and Whimsical Design
Latest Podcast
Wendy Thompson-Friend Health
