Alexi Giannoulias

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Giannoulias Launches Disability Parking Placard Pilot as New Law Expands Access for Caregivers

New Law Provides Meter-Exempt Parking Relief for Parents and Guardians Transporting Individuals Unable to Drive

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a pilot program to make disability parking placards easier to obtain as a newly signed law expands accessible parking relief for families caring for children and individuals with disabilities. The law allows the Secretary of State’s office to issue meter-exempt disability parking placards to legal guardians who transport individuals with disabilities who are incapable of driving.

“Families caring for children and individuals with disabilities already face enough challenges – accessing parking while transporting a loved one to medical appointments, therapy, school or other essential services should not be an added burden,” Giannoulias said. “This legislation provides meaningful relief for caregivers while making it easier for eligible Illinoisans to obtain the parking placards they need. It’s another step toward delivering more accessible, customer-focused services across our state.”

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Giannoulias Insurance Reform Delivers Historic Consumer Protections for Illinois Drivers

Landmark Legislation Gives Illinois the Power to Challenge Excessive Insurance Rate Hikes, Strengthens Consumer Protections and Increases Transparency

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today joined Governor JB Pritzker as he signed landmark legislation, transforming how auto insurance rates are regulated in Illinois. The measure establishes long-overdue safeguards with the strongest consumer protections in decades and gives the state new authority to challenge excessive premium increases.

“For too long, Illinois drivers have been at the mercy of insurance companies – forced to accept steep insurance rate increases with virtually no oversight and no recourse,” Giannoulias said. “Today, we level the playing field for consumers. This victory belongs to the thousands of Illinoisans spoke out, shared their stories and demanded a fairer system. This law puts consumers first by giving Illinois the authority to challenge excessive rate hikes – increasing transparency in the insurance marketplace and ensuring drivers are no longer left paying the price.”

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Giannoulias Initiative Strengthens Oversight of Tow Truck Industry and Fights Fraud

Legislation Enhances Enforcement Authority to Protect Consumers, Revoke Registrations and Hold Bad Actors Accountable

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ initiative to crack down on rogue tow truck operators, strengthen oversight of tow truck registrations and combat fraud has been sent to Governor JB Pritzker.

“For too long, rogue tow-truck operators have exploited loopholes in the system, deceived consumers and undercut the honest businesses that play by the rules,” Giannoulias said. “This legislation gives us stronger enforcement tools to identify bad actors, revoke their registrations and remove them from Illinois roads.”

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Giannoulias Launches Statewide Summer Reading Challenge With Chance to Throw Out First Pitch at Wrigley Field

Illinois Literacy Foundation and Chicago Cubs Partner to Encourage Summer Reading Through Local Libraries

“Reading opens up doors for young people, but too many students miss out on valuable learning opportunities over the summer months,” said Giannoulias. “Illinois Reads Together is a fun way to keep kids engaged while supporting the outstanding summer reading programs already offered by public libraries across our state. We’re proud to partner with the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the Chicago Cubs to inspire more families to visit their local library this summer.”

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Giannoulias Warns Investors About New “Mr. Finance” Solicitations, Urges Clients to Come Forward

More Than 300 Investors Come Forward as State Expands Securities Enforcement Action

“More than 300 people have now been identified through our investigation, and the fact that Mr. Ellington is allegedly continuing to solicit new investors despite prior enforcement action makes these allegations even more alarming,” Giannoulias said. “Too many people have already lost retirement savings, taken out loans or put their financial futures at risk based on promises that never materialized. If Mr. Finance contacts you about investing your money, walk away and call our office. We want to stop anyone else from becoming a victim.”

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Giannoulias Marks Major Victory for Illinois Drivers Facing Skyrocketing Costs with Landmark Auto Insurance Reform

Four‑Year Effort to Address Insurance Inequities Culminates in Stronger Consumer Protections, Greater Transparency and Meaningful Rate Oversight

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias highlighted landmark auto insurance reform legislation that would, for the first time, give Illinois regulators the authority to review and challenge excessive insurance rate increases while strengthening oversight of insurance companies and delivering long-overdue transparency, accountability and consumer protections for Illinois drivers.

“For far too long, Illinois drivers have been left with little recourse as insurance companies imposed steep premium increases without meaningful oversight – answering to no one but their bottom line” said Giannoulias. “This legislation finally changes that. It gives Illinois the authority to challenge excessive and unfair increases while delivering the long-overdue transparency, accountability and consumer protections drivers need and deserve.”

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Secretary of State’s Office Earns National Recognition for Excellence

First Illinois State Agency Ever to Receive National Recognition for Procurement Excellence

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has become the first Illinois state agency to ever receive the national Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award from the National Procurement Institute. This marks a milestone for the office’s ongoing efforts to deliver more efficient, transparent and accountable government for Illinois taxpayers. The Secretary of State’s office was also the only Illinois government agency recognized with the award in 2026. Presented annually, the AEP Award recognized the office’s Procurement Division for excelling in five core areas: innovation, professional expertise, eProcurement technology, leadership and productivity. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office exceeded the total number of points to qualify for the award, reflecting its commitment to modernizing procurement operations and strengthening accountability. “Illinois taxpayers deserve a government that spends their dollars wisely, operates efficiently and earns the public’s trust,” Giannoulias said. “This national recognition reflects our commitment to modernizing government, strengthening accountability and ensuring every procurement decision is transparent and a good value for taxpayers. Being the first Illinois state agency to receive this honor is a testament to the outstanding work of our procurement team.” “We are proud to recognize the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office with the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award. Earning this distinction requires an extraordinary commitment to innovation, integrity and continuous improvement of standards that the Secretary of State’s Procurement Division has not only met, but exceeded," said Carrie Mathes, AEP Officer on the Board of Directors for the National Procurement Institute. "Their leadership in modernizing processes, advancing transparency and elevating professional practice sets a new benchmark for public procurement in Illinois.” The Secretary of State’s office received recognition for numerous initiatives that demonstrate procurement best practices, including:

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Giannoulias Unveils America 250 Celebration Highlighting Illinois’ Lasting Impact on the Nation

New Online Hub, State Archives Social Media Channels and Springfield Exhibits Invite Illinoisans to Explore the State’s History and Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting Illinoisans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the launch of a new America 250 website, Illinois State Archives social media channels and a series of exhibitions and events highlighting Illinois’ profound impact on the nation’s history.

“Illinois has helped shape the American story from the frontier days of Abraham Lincoln to the innovations, movements and leaders that continue to influence our nation today,” said Giannoulias, who also serves as the State Archivist and State Librarian. “As we commemorate this historic milestone, we invite Illinoisans to discover the people, places and moments that helped define our state and country. This is an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate how far we’ve come and inspire future generations to carry those ideals and values forward.”