Welcome!
I’m State Representative Jack D. Franks, and I want to welcome you to my Web site. I represent the 63rd District of the state of Illinois, which includes the North and Western part of McHenry County.
Since I took office more than a decade ago, the support of you, my constituents, has been invaluable. Together, we have accomplished much. From shining a bright light on corruption and government wrongdoing to voicing insightful ideas for smarter spending, your input has helped make a difference in how your government is run. But, there is still much to be done.
I am fighting to return control of state government to you, the people. We still need serious budget and ethics reforms in Illinois, and we must find a way for government to more efficiently function. In my next term, I will continue fighting for the things you and I both believe in: zero-based budgeting, government transparency, government accountability and more.
It is a privilege to represent the people of McHenry County in the General Assembly, and with your support I hope to keep fighting for your best interests. In this site, you will find information on policy issues, upcoming events and recent news. You can also follow me on Facebook and send us an email. Please let me know your ideas on how we can get Illinois back on track. Democracy works best when citizens participate in the process. I promise I hear you.
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LATEST NEWS
Legislation would ban ‘tax zappers’
April 24, 2012 - Northwest Herald
SPRINGFIELD – Legislation barring the use of tax-cheating software has been introduced by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo. The purpose of the bill is to crack down on a practice of falsifying cash register electronic records by skimming receipts, thereby lowering sales taxes owed. House Bill 6156 would make the sale or use of tax-cheating software a criminal offense. “The vast majority of Illinois businesses play by the rules and are put at a competitive disadvantage by this unlawful practice,” Franks said... READ MORE
Illinois mulling introduction of state park fees
April 22, 2012 - Daily Register
CLINTON — CLINTON (AP) — Melissa Blasen doesn't think twice about crossing into property owned and managed by the State of Illinois when she heads out for her usual two-mile loop walk. She's been coming to Weldon Springs State Park for years, to exercise or enjoy the outdoors with her two young grandchildren... READ MORE
Quinn plan: Pay more, retire later
April 21, 2012 - Northwest Herald
CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to shore up a massive pension shortfall is simple: pay more and retire later. For local lawmakers, the devil is in the details. Quinn announced a pension reform plan Friday that would raise the retirement age to 67 for public employees, shift pension obligations back to school districts, and cut cost-of-living increases for retirees. Illinois’ retirement systems are among the country’s most poorly funded and are roughly $85 billion short of what’s needed to pay pensions in the decades to come... READ MORE
Springfield scene includes Wisconsin governor, indicted pol
April 18, 2012 - Chicago Tribune
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers returned from spring break Tuesday to tackle the serious issues of an unresolved state budget and the rising costs of pensions and health care for the poor, but there were plenty of sideshows to distract them. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican facing a recall vote, criticized Illinois' state of affairs at a business forum only blocks from the Capitol as organized labor staged a rally telling... READ MORE
Indicted state Rep. Smith shows up for House session
April 17, 2012 - Chicago Sun-Times
SPRINGFIELD — Defying calls for his resignation, indicted state Rep. Derrick Smith finally showed up for work Tuesday in the Illinois House, where he strode onto the House floor, was greeted by several well-wishers and would say only “no comment” when asked about his legal troubles. His presence surprised House Speaker Michael Madigan’s staffers, who had predicted just an hour before the session opened Tuesday that the West Side Democrat would stay away from Springfield... READ MORE
Indicted Rep. Smith Visits Capitol For First Time Since Arrest
April 17, 2012 - CBS2 Chicago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) – On a day when Pro Football Hall of Famer Richard Dent was honored in the Illinois House, it seems the only person reporters wanted to talk to was indicted Illinois State Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago). Smith attended the Illinois House session in Springfield Tuesday, for the first time since his March arrest alleging he offered to write a letter of recommendation in exchange for a $7,000 bribe... READ MORE
Rep. Derrick Smith back to work in Springfield after bribery charges
April 17, 2012 - ABC 7 News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Illinois Representative Derrick Smith joined his fellow lawmakers at the state capitol in Springfield Tuesday in his first public appearance since the Chicago politician was arrested on bribery charges. Smith, who represents the 10th District, was indicted last week for allegedly accepting $7,000. The indicted lawmaker faces mounting pressure to resign his position because of the bribery charges... READ MORE
Former Bear, Richard Dent, honored by Illinois House
April 16, 2012 - The Republic
CHICAGO — A Chicago Bears defensive end who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 1985 Super Bowl is being honored by the Illinois state House. State Rep. Jack Franks on Tuesday planned to present a resolution recognizing Richard Dent's impact on Chicago sports and community service through the Make a Dent Foundation. The resolution spearheaded by the Marengo Democrat designates August 6, 2012 "Richard Dent Day" in Illinois... READ MORE
Sangamon County efficiency panel to study townships
April 14, 2012 - The State Journal-Register
Would Sangamon County be better off with half as many townships? Does it make sense that some Sangamon County residents pay one of their two annual property tax payments to a township tax collector instead of the Sangamon County treasurer’s office? Should township road commissioners have higher training requirements?... READ MORE
Ill. House OKs spending limits
March 30, 2012 - Northwest Herald
SPRINGFIELD – Virtually every part of state government would be forced to cut spending under a budget outline approved Thursday by the Illinois House, where even supporters called it a “painful, painful” decision. The spending plan calls for cutting the Medicaid health program by $2.7 billion, or about 14 percent of the total. Officials acknowledge that they don’t know how they will reach that target, but it’s likely to involve eliminating services such as dental care or prescription drug coverage for adults... READ MORE
House bill takes aim at unused commissions
March 30, 2012 - PJstar
SPRINGFIELD — State government boards and commissions that no longer meet - or have never met - are a step closer to abolition after an Illinois House vote this week. House Bill 3816, which was sent to the Senate on a 106-8 vote, would dissolve any board or commission if it has not met once in the last two years. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, said the idea is to clean up government waste... READ MORE
Disgraced politician’s farewell underwhelms lawmakers from county
March 15, 2012 - Northwest Herald
Outside of his Chicago home, prison-bound Rod Blagojevich rattled off his accomplishments in front of a throng of news media and supporters. But some local lawmakers say the ousted governor’s legacy is not worthy of boasting. Blagojevich, who didn’t answer questions after his remarks, insisted that he always did what he thought was right for Illinois... READ MORE
Township lobbying staff receiving public pensions
March 14, 2012 - Daily Herald
Though it's funded almost entirely by townships out of their tax collections, the lobbying association of the state's townships is not subject to public scrutiny of its finances. Yet, the four-member staff of Township Officials of Illinois receives public pensions — a fact that riles some suburban state and township leaders, and even some on the organization's own board of directors... READ MORE
House votes to ban talking on phone while driving
March 8, 2012 - Daily Herald
SPRINGFIELD — That long suburban commute in your car could soon get a little quieter after Illinois House lawmakers voted Thursday to ban talking on the phone while driving without a hands-free device. Supporters praised the House plan as one that would cut down on distracted drivers, and by extension, dangerous traffic accidents... READ MORE
Illinois lawmakers closing in on a shark fin ban
March 8, 2012 - Chicago Sun-Times
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois lawmakers are closing in on a shark fin ban after the state House easily passed a bill prohibiting the sale and distribution of fins on Thursday. With virtually no floor debate, House Bill 4119 sailed through the chamber by a tally of 81-33. “I think (the vote) was decisive, I would consider that a mandate,” said Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D–Chicago), the bill’s chief sponsor. “I’m delighted.”... READ MORE
‘Caylee’s Law’ Would Criminalize Failing To Report A Missing Child
March 8, 2012 - CBS2 Chicago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) — The Illinois House of Representatives has passed a bill that criminalizes failing to report a missing child, in the wake of the fallout from the Caylee Anthony tragedy. As WBBM Newsradio’s Brandis Friedman reports, Illinois State Rep. Jack Franks (D- Woodstock) says his bill, Caylee’s Law (HB 3804) aims to close holes in the criminal code... READ MORE
Illinois House approves two versions of 'Caylee's Law'
March 7, 2012 - The State Journal-Register
The Illinois House on Wednesday unanimously passed two versions of Caylee’s Law, which would criminalize the failure to report the death or disappearance of a child. House Bills 3801 and 3804 would require parents, guardians or caretakers to report these instances after a certain period of time. That period of time differs between the two bills... READ MORE
House passes ‘Caylee’s Law’
March 8, 2012 - Northwest Herald
A bill to criminalize failing to report a child missing unanimously passed the Illinois House on Wednesday. House Bill 3804, or “Caylee’s Law,” would make it illegal for a parent, guardian or caretaker of a child younger than 13 to fail to notify law enforcement within 24 hours of a child’s disappearance, if the individual knows or should know the child is in danger. The reporting requirement is one hour for children 2 years old or younger... READ MORE
Illinois House passes two missing-child bills in reaction to Caylee case
March 7, 2012 - STL Today
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. The Illinois House today passed two bills that would charge parents with felonies if they don't report when their children are missing or die. The bills both are in reaction to the Casey Anthony case that shocked the nation last year. Anthony is the Florida mother who allegedly waited a month to inform authorities that her young daughter, Caylee Anthony, was missing. Casey Anthony was ultimately acquitted of murder charges... READ MORE
Law inspired by Anthony case advances despite criticisms
March 7, 2012 - Pantagraph
SPRINGFIELD — Legislation inspired by a Florida jury’s acquittal in July of Casey Anthony advanced in the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday, but not without some harsh words about the proposal. One measure, which was approved unanimously in the House on Wednesday, would make it a Class 4 felony if a parent fails to notify officials in a timely manner if their child is missing or dead. In the case of Anthony, she waited a month to notify... READ MORE
McCaleb: Taxing bodies must stop overspending
March 4, 2012 - Northwest Herald
Taxpayers shouldn’t be surprised by the response from local government and school officials to legislation from state Rep. Jack Franks that would prevent taxing bodies such as school districts and municipalities from increasing taxing levies in years when property values decline. The taxing bodies don’t like it. And they’re lobbying hard against it... READ MORE
Wyss: Taxpayers are unlikely to see relief
March 2, 2012 - Northwest Herald
Were you among those who cheered the news of state Rep. Jack Franks’ property tax bill success last week? Franks amended a Senate bill on an unrelated tax issue to include a provision forbidding governments under the tax cap from collecting more in property taxes in years when their total assessments decrease – except by voter referendum... READ MORE
Senate needs to pass zero-cap law
February 29, 2012 - Northwest Herald
If the taxing mechanisms in Illinois were consistent and fair, the property tax zero-cap bill the House passed last week would not be necessary. But government officials viewed basing the biggest chunk of public spending on the local property tax as a perfect idea. It could go wrong only if a taxing district’s property value declined while the rate of inflation flatlined and stayed that way... READ MORE
Quinn lays out closures, budget cuts
February 23, 2012 - Northwest Herald
The governor who extolled an Illinois “moving forward” to state lawmakers three weeks ago told the same audience Wednesday that the state is in deep financial trouble. Saying “our rendezvous with reality has arrived,” Gov. Pat Quinn delivered a sobering 30-minute annual budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly in which he laid out plans to close 14 major state facilities, including two prisons, and close or... READ MORE
In Illinois House, Committee Roles Bring Extra Pay Even for Light Workload
February 23, 2012 - The New York Times
Lawmakers in the Illinois House earned an extra $661,000 last year for serving as committee officers, even though some committees met fewer than five times and a handful met once, a Chicago News Cooperative analysis found... READ MORE
Kadner: Property tax freeze bill sails out of state House
February 21, 2012 - Chicago Tribune
A bill that would freeze property tax levies during years when property values decline overwhelmingly passed the Illinois House of Representatives on Tuesday. I first wrote about the proposal, from state Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo), to freeze property taxes last year. Although that effort failed, Franks vowed the fight wasn’t over. “It passed this year because I didn’t seek any publicity before the vote,” Franks said... READ MORE
Bill takes 2nd stab at reining in tax cap
February 22, 2012 - Northwest Herald
A bill aimed at limiting property tax increases as home values decline passed the Illinois House on a second, stealthier try Tuesday. Senate Bill 2073, which passed on a 74-39 vote, forbids governments under the tax cap from collecting more in property taxes in years that their total assessments decrease, except by voter referendum. The bill, which came to the House in April on an unrelated tax issue, was amended by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo... READ MORE
State House OKs property tax cap for suburban homeowners
February 21, 2012 - Chicago Sun-Times
SPRINGFIELD — In a potential election-year gift to homeowners and businesses, the Illinois House Tuesday voted to block suburban governments from increasing property taxes when overall property values decline. By a 74-39 vote, the measure sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) moves to the Senate, where it is expected to encounter stiff resistance from teachers unions, the Illinois Municipal League and other local government advocates... READ MORE
Bill takes 2nd stab at reining in tax cap
February 6, 2012 - Northwest Herald
Two McHenry County state legislators are co-sponsoring a county-specific bill aimed at limiting property tax increases when home values decline. House Bill 4608, filed by Democratic Rep. Jack Franks and Republican Rep. Kent Gaffney, seeks to forbid governments in counties of between 300,000 and 400,000 residents from collecting more in property taxes in years that their total assessed values decrease... READ MORE
Franks: Ask voters if they want to elect chairman
February 3, 2012 - Northwest Herald
State Rep. Jack Franks offered a compromise to McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler’s opposition to a bill making the chairmanship popularly elected: Put the idea to the voters. In a letter dated Monday, Franks, D-Marengo, offered to withdraw the bill if the County Board puts a binding referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot asking voters whether they want to elect the chairman. The position currently is elected by the County Board’s 24 members... READ MORE
Lawmaker: Quinn A ‘Coward’ For His Handling Of DCFS Investigation
January 28, 2012 - CBS2 Chicago
lawmaker is accusing Gov. Quinn of cowardice for the way his administration handled a scandal at the state’s child-welfare agency. State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock, says Quinn knew in April that Erwin McEwen, then the head of the Department of Children and Family Services, was refusing to cooperate in a state inspector general’s investigation... READ MORE
State investigators say DCFS contract fraud could be worse than known
January 27, 2012 - Chicago Tribune
State ethics investigators say they may never know the full extent of an alleged contracting scheme that they say cost taxpayers at least $18 million and led to last year’s resignation of the head of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The comments came during a legislative hearing Friday examining a probe that found numerous violations by George E. Smith, who held various state contracts across a number of agencies, including DCFS... READ MORE
State Rep. Franks blasts Quinn’s office on alleged misconduct by ex-DCFS chief
January 27, 2012 - Northwest Herald
An attorney for Gov. Pat Quinn faced blistering questioning by legislators Friday on why the governor didn’t quickly fire the head of the state’s child-welfare agency last year after a report of fraudulent billing under his watch. At a hearing in Chicago, Rep. Jack Franks called it “cowardice” on the part of Quinn’s office to ask for Erwin McEwen’s resignation from his post as chief of the Department of Children and Family Services rather than fire him. State inspectors had found that a friend of the former director collected millions of dollars for shoddy or non-existent work... READ MORE
Bill aimed at allowing voters to elect County Board chairman
January 10, 2012 - Northwest Herald
A new bill in the House seeks to reverse the McHenry County Board's decision to continue appointing the board chairman themselves. House Bill 3953, filed Friday by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, would require counties with more than 300,000 residents to directly elect the county board chairman. McHenry County has 308,760 residents, according to the 2010 U.S. Census... READ MORE
State rep wants panel to review tax-break requests
December 22, 2011 - Crain's Chicago Business
A suburban legislator has introduced a bill to sharply cut Gov. Pat Quinn's power to hand out hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate tax breaks. Under a bill submitted this week by Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, Mr. Quinn no longer would be able to unilaterally approve payroll credits like those... READ MORE
State rep wants panel to review tax-break requests
December 22, 2011 - Chicago Tribune
Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) filed a bill this week that would create a five-member committee to review the contracts between companies seeking tax credits and the state before they are finalized. As it stands, the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reviews businesses' applications, negotiates and approves the deals... READ MORE
Bill seeks to ban those who owe child support from ballot
December 22, 2011 - Northwest Herald
A bill inspired by U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh’s child support issues would forbid people owing more than $10,000 in back child support from running for office in Illinois. House Bill 3932, filed Tuesday by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, would require statements of candidacy to include a statement that the person running for office is not delinquent by $10,000 or more... READ MORE
Sears Considers Leaving Illinois For Better Tax Deal
December 2, 2011 - NPR
Thousands of jobs are on the line in a competition between states over the corporate headquarters of Sears. Several states are offering tax incentive packages to try to lure the company away from Illinois, including one bid from Ohio that's worth up to $400 million... READ MORE
Quinn Says Sears Help is ‘More Than Adequate’ to Keep Headquarters in Illinois
December 2, 2011 - FOX NEWS
Chicago - Governor Quinn said there's no reason to get into a bidding war with the state of Ohio to try to keep Sears Holdings Corp. from leaving Illinois. He said a bill that offers tax breaks to Sears -- and to CME Group -- already passed the state Senate with bi-partisan support... READ MORE
Kadner: Property tax bill defeated but fight isn’t over
November 11, 2011 - Southtown Star
Jack Franks (D-63rd) said Friday he will reintroduce legislation in January to give homeowners relief. His bill to freeze property tax levies in communities where assessed values decline was resoundingly defeated 73 to 34 in the Illinois House last... READ MORE
Franks: No more taxes when property values dip
November 3, 2011 - Daily Herald
State Rep. Jack Franks is pushing legislation that would prohibit local governments like school districts from asking for more property taxes in years when property values go down. Franks’ plan targets a 1990s law that now caps how much more tax money school districts, villages and others can ask for in an effort to keep tax bills from spiking in a given year... READ MORE
Legislature can refresh PTELL’s effect
October 28, 2011 - Northwest Herald
The total amount they can collect in property taxes to 5 percent or the rate of inflation whichever is less excluding new growth but given current circumstances that s a facet we can pretty...
READ MORE
Rep. Jack Franks Pushes Property Tax Protection Bill
October 28, 2011 - FOX NEWS 9 pm
It has been a busy week in Springfield as lawmakers tackle everything from gambling to property taxes. Democratic State Rep Jack Franks joined us from Springfield to talk about his proposal to protect homeowners from soaring property taxes...
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Lobbyists fight Franks tax relief bill
October 28, 2011 - Northwest Herald
Local government lobbyists paid by your tax dollars are fighting hard to kill a bill aimed at limiting property tax increases in a declining housing market Interest groups representing...
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Quinn: Law barred me from disclosing DCFS trouble
October 18, 2011 - Chicago Tribune
Gov. Pat Quinn said Tuesday that an ethics law barred him from letting the public know seven weeks ago that he was dumping the director of the state's child-welfare agency over allegations of fraud and mismanagement. He said the law forced him to remain silent about the real reason for getting rid of Director Erwin McEwen until state inspectors finished their probe... READ MORE
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