A central Illinois lawmaker says small businesses will be a priority for conservatives in the general assembly in the new legislative year.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, State Sen. Sally Turner told Regional Radio there are several bills focused on small businesses in Illinois.

According to the Lincoln Republican, there's also a measure she is watching closely that deals with reporting small businesses are going to have to do through the Secretary of State. She notes this is a federal mandate. 

Sen. Turner says there are over 8,000 bills that are expected to be filed in the new legislative year. One of interest for those in the ag community is a bill for estate taxes.

While over 8,000 bills sound like a lot, Sen. Turner notes many are crossover bills where they are the same legislation being pushed in the House and the Senate. She adds they are anxiously awaiting to see what the Governor is going to have to say in his State of the State and budget address next week.