Press Release:  Vote ‘No,’ Take The Dough: Illinois Republicans Block Funds for Parks And Public Spaces, Shamelessly Take Credit After

Chicago, IL — Illinois House and Senate Republicans attempted to block legislation that provided funding for vital community spaces, including parks and public lands, in their own districts. Ten Illinois Republican legislators celebrated receiving over $14 million in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants for their districts despite voting against funding for the program.

“Illinois families deserve public spaces where they can thrive and connect with their community,” said Democratic Party of Illinois spokesperson Gwen Pepin. “Illinois Republicans disagree. They vote against these investments every time, but when Democrats secure the funding, suddenly they’re first in line to take credit. Shameless.”

Here’s the ILGOP’s record of celebrating funding for public parks and lands, despite voting against them:

• Since January 2024, at least 10 Illinois Republican legislators publicly celebrated receiving a combined $14.4 million in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants for their districts despite voting against funding for the program.

  • In April 2026, Sen. John Curran celebrated the ribbon cutting for Athens Park in Lemont despite voting against the bill that allocated the OSLAD grants, from which the park received $400,000.

  • In July 2025, Rep. Patrick Windhorst publicly celebrated his district receiving OSLAD Grants, despite voting against them.

  • In January 2025, Rep. Tom Weber publicly celebrated his district receiving $600,000 in OSLAD grants, despite voting against them.

  • In January 2024, Rep. Jackie Haas celebrated $1.7 million of OSLAD grants being allocated to her district, despite voting against them.

  • In December 2024, Rep. Adam Niemerg celebrated a combined $3.5 million in OSLAD grants being allocated to Champaign and Vermillion counties, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In January 2025, Rep. Nicole La Ha celebrated $385,000 in OSLAD grants being allocated to the Village of Indian Head Park, despite voting against funding for them.

  • In February 2024, Sen. Chesney took credit for nearly $2.3 million in OSLAD grants being allocated to his district, despite voting against them.

  • In February 2024, Sen. Rezin celebrated $1.5 million in OSLAD grants being allocated to her district, despite voting against them.

  • In January 2024, Sen. Harriss took credit for $1 million in OSLAD grants being allocated to her district, despite voting against them.

  • In January 2024, Sen. Anderson celebrated for $3 million in OSLAD grants being allocated to his district, despite voting against them.

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