Annual Conference:

Every year the members of the John Ericsson Republican League gather to conduct the business of the organization, and rise in support of Republican Candidates throughout the state of Illinois. The Conference has attracted Presidents, Congressmen, Governors and other dignitaries throughout its long an illustrious history.

In previous years the Annual Conference would be held in the hometown of the current Organization President, but in recent years the JERL has found a more permanent home in the City of Elgin under the watchful eyes of past President retired Judge Donald T. Anderson, Sr and his loving wife Nancy.

116th Annual Conference Date:

Friday, March 18th - Saturday March 19, 2011
Holiday Inn - 495 Airport Road, Elgin, IL 60123

Friday's programs consist of regular business conducted by the officers, followed by a welcome reception held in the hotel lobby, hosted by Judge and Mrs. Anderson.

Saturday's programs consist of conclusion of regular business, followed by the event's dinner reception and program. Tickets are open to the public, $45 per person, or $400 per table of ten.

2011 Keynote Speaker:
IL State Senator Chris Lauzen

Chris Lauzen has served in the Illinois State Senate since his election in 1992. During his years of service, Senator Lauzen has championed the issues that matter to families and businesses. His vision for government is based on his abiding faith in the capacity of people to see good beyond the horizon and the discipline to make the journey.

Senator Lauzen brings to the Illinois Senate the leadership experience of owning and managing a successful accounting practice. As an accountant, Senator Lauzen managed the books for over 200 small businesses, so he understands how businesses are crippled by tax and fee increases. Since entering public service, he has brought his leadership skills to bear on some of the toughest challenges we face. He has been a leader on property tax reform, education funding, and has fought to lower gas prices by capping the gas tax.

When Senator Lauzen was elected, he joined what became known as the "Fab Five": a celebrated crop of young conservative senators: Peter Fitzgerald, Patrick O'Malley, Steve Rauschenberger, and Dave Syverson. Since the beginning, Senator Lauzen has had two main legislative priorities: to curb wasteful government spending and to create a business climate in Illinois where the private sector can maintain and create jobs paying higher wages. In 2002, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce honored him with the "Champion of Free Enterprise" award.

Senator Lauzen has authored three landmark pieces of legislation. "Truth in Budgeting" required the state to eliminate a second set of books, so that Illinois taxpayers can see the same numbers as the New York bankers do. In 1995, Senator Lauzen helped to lead the effort for Pension Funding Reform, which forced Illinois to keep its commitments and fully fund public pensions. Recently, Governor Blagojevich and the ruling Democrat majorities in the Senate and House changed the law to allow them to take more than $2 billion from teachers and other state pensioners.

The third piece of legislation stemmed from Senator Lauzen's belief that all innocent life is sacred and must be guarded by law and society. To that end, Senator Lauzen fought for and passed the ban on partial-birth abortion, which protects the most vulnerable among us and recognizes the basic rights of all children.

Senator Lauzen has led the fight to control government spending by replacing the practices of taxing, borrowing, and spending with instead long-term strategies that spur economic growth and prosperity. Senator Lauzen founded "Illinois Porkbusters", which has fought growth-stifling tax and fee increases, reckless borrowing, and seeks to cut $4 million from the state budget each year. He has a proven record in Springfield as a leader who fights for those who send their hard-earned tax dollars to Springfield and expect value in return.

Senator Lauzen has also played a significant role in efforts to elect other Republicans. Lauzen has raised thousands of dollars for Republicans across Illinois from Governor to Precinct Committeeman. He has been active in rebuilding the Republican Party in Illinois by focusing on the common sense values and issues that unite us. While the atmosphere in Springfield has been poisoned by pay-to-play politics, corruption and financial mismanagement, Senator Lauzen has fought to restore integrity and the people's trust and confidence in public office.

In the 94th General Assembly, Senator Lauzen serves on the Property Tax Reform Committee, Appropriations I, II, and III, and the Revenue Committee, where he is the ranking Republican Spokesman on tax and fiscal policies. As Spokesman, Senator Lauzen has pushed for pro-growth policies and fiscal discipline on budgetary decisions.

Senator Lauzen was raised on Pigeon Hill in Aurora, Illinois and earned his B.A., with honors, in Management Science and English from Duke University in 1974. Senator Lauzen continued his education at Harvard, graduating with an MBA degree in 1978. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which was awarded by the University of Illinois. While Senator Lauzen is proud of his accomplishments as a businessman and lawmaker, he is most proud of his role as a husband and father. Senator Lauzen and his wife of 27 years, Sarah, are the parents of four boys: Ted, Elliot, Hans, and Robbie.