What do you do about liars?
- Jen McMillin
- Jun 6
- 6 min read
Hey there, and welcome back to Sunshine Strategies Radio — your trusted source for family-friendly news and community updates here in Central Illinois. I'm so glad you're here with us. Every week, we shine a light on the stories that matter most to families, neighbors, and everyday folks making things happen in our towns.
Today, we’re talking about summer fun, school funding, and what this wild weather means for our local farmers. Let’s jump right in.
Friends,
I’m struggling to find the right place to start today—because honestly, I don’t know the kindest or most productive way to call out people who lie and twist the truth on purpose.
If this were my daughter—Elizabeth, or even Lizzo—I’d gently correct her. I’d point her to the facts. No judgment, just a reminder of the truth. She might double down, sure. But I’d understand why—she wants to win, and she thinks she needs to lie to do it. Still, I’d hold the line. And I’d hope that, with time, she’d learn that truth matters even when it’s inconvenient.
But here’s the problem: we don’t live in a world where consistency and patience are rewarded. We live in a world where people like Donald Trump and Joni Ernst have made lying a political strategy—and they get away with it.
Let’s be clear: the Trump regime lies constantly. It’s not even shocking anymore. And when they talk about tax cuts for the wealthy, they pretend that money comes from nowhere. It doesn’t. It comes from us—from Medicare, from Medicaid, from programs we built as a nation because we believed we should care for one another. Government isn’t a business. It’s a public service. Taxes are how we protect each other.
And when we cut those programs, people die. That’s not hysterical. That’s reality.
At a recent town hall, when my friend India May said exactly that—people will die—Senator Ernst heard her loud and clear. And instead of grappling with the weight of that truth, Ernst twisted it. She mocked it. She used her power not to lead, but to belittle the very real fears of the people she’s supposed to represent. Over 600,000 Iowans rely on Medicare and Medicaid. That’s who she works for.
So how do you kindly tell people like Ernst and Trump that their words matter? That when they lie to justify cruelty, they’re not just being “political”—they’re betraying the public trust?
I wish I had a softer answer. But here’s what I do know: pretending not to see what’s happening isn’t kindness. It’s complicity. And while some Americans are out there sounding the alarm—protesting, organizing, showing up at capitols and courthouses—others are trying to Keep Calm and Carry On, convinced this will all right itself.
But friends—this is normal now. Unless we act, this is what we get.
So I’ve made a choice. I’m doubling down. If you’re ready to wake up and fight for the country we believe in, come join me. If you live in Macon, Logan, Christian, Piatt, DeWitt, or Montgomery County, join our Indivisible group.
As for the liars? I’m done pretending not to know better. I’ll call it out when I see it—whether it’s Trump, Ernst, or anyone else trying to gaslight the public. I can’t put them in timeout like I would Elizabeth, but I can stop listening—and I can help fire them, like the overpaid federal employees they are.
Never forget: they work for us.
🧸 What is the Big Beautiful Bill?
Okay, imagine you’re playing with your toys at home. You and your friends have always been allowed to play with any of the toys, talk about your feelings, and include everyone—no matter what they look like or who they are.
But now, someone’s trying to make a new “playground rule” called the Big Beautiful Bill.
And that rule says:
“Only certain toys are allowed.”
“You can’t talk about some of your friends or their families.”
“And if your teacher tries to help everyone feel safe and included? Uh-oh! That might get them in trouble.”
So instead of being about freedom, fairness, or fun, this bill is basically: 👉 “Be quiet, sit down, and only play how we say you can.”
Not so beautiful after all, huh?
🧨 What’s really going on?
The name “Big Beautiful Bill” is misleading (like calling broccoli a cookie). It’s likely pushing a conservative agenda under the feel-good branding of “protecting children” or “parental rights.” But what it usually actually does is:
Limit what schools can teach about race, gender, or history.
Punish teachers for acknowledging LGBTQ+ families or students.
Ban books or curriculum that don’t fit one group’s narrow view of the world.
Try to scare communities into silence.
Basically, it’s censorship and control disguised as care
🛑 How do I stand up against it?
Oh, I’m so glad you asked, because here’s your little toolbox of resistance:
1. Speak Up Loudly (and Smartly)
Write a letter to your local paper or a heartfelt social post.
Show up at school board meetings and say, “Hey! This doesn’t reflect our values.”
2. Organize Your Playground Posse
Create a local group (formal or informal) to track and oppose this stuff.
Team up with librarians, educators, and parents who know what’s at stake.
3. Call Out the Politicians
Find out who’s supporting this bill and let their constituents know.
Ask your rep: “Do you support the Big Beautiful Bill? Because my vote’s not going to.”
4. Protect the Helpers
If you know teachers, librarians, or school counselors who feel silenced, support them. Boost their voices. Make sure they’re not standing alone.
5. Teach the Truth Anyway
Start community education sessions, book clubs, or podcasts (👀) that cover banned or ignored topics.
Share stories, not just stats—because hearts move before heads do.
Summer in Full Swing
But back in the real world, it’s finally starting to feel like summer out there — and all across Central Illinois, parks, libraries, and local groups are opening up their doors for camps, concerts, and community programs.
In Decatur, the Park District has rolled out a full lineup of summer camps for kids — everything from outdoor adventures to dance and soccer. Over in Springfield, families are setting up lawn chairs and picnic blankets for the Levitt AMP Music Series downtown. Free live music, food trucks, and a whole lot of good vibes.
Don’t forget about your local library, either. Macon County and surrounding areas have some awesome summer reading challenges, complete with prizes and special programs for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for something affordable and enriching to keep your kids busy, check in with your local park district or library — they’ve got you covered.
What’s New with Schools?
If you’ve been following education news, you might’ve heard that Illinois lawmakers made some updates to the state’s education funding formula this spring. That might sound dry — but it’s going to have real effects in our local school districts.
Some districts like Maroa-Forsyth and Mt. Zion are adjusting their budgets. That could mean changes to class sizes, extracurricular programs, or support staff. In some places, it might help ease the strain. And other schools are still facing tight belts.
We talked to a couple of local teachers and parents who say they’re hopeful, but cautious. Everyone wants to know: will our schools have what they need this fall? We’ll keep following this story — and if you’ve got a question or insight to share, shoot us an email.
Farmers & the Forecast
Let’s talk about the weather — and no, not just because it's small talk. For our farmers, this year’s weather has been a big deal.
After a cold snap in May and some soggy fields, soybean planting is running behind in parts of Central Illinois. A few farmers are worried about reduced yields if the rain keeps up or the heat hits too hard later in the season.
We checked in with a couple of folks at the Decatur Farmers Market, who told us it might mean slightly higher prices at markets and grocery stores later this summer, especially for sweet corn, melons, and soy-based products.
But as always, our farmers are resilient. They’re watching the skies, adjusting their schedules, and doing what they can to make the most of the season.
What’s Happening Around Town?
June 8th – Head to the Levitt AMP Music Series in Springfield for a free, family-friendly concert
June 10th–14th – The STEAM Camp at Decatur Public Library is perfect for curious kids who love science and storytelling
June 15th – Join the community for the Macon County Juneteenth Celebration at Fairview Park
If you’ve got an event you want us to shout out, send it our way at jen@jenmcmillin.com or through social media. We love highlighting the good stuff happening close to home.
That’s it for this week on Sunshine Strategies Radio. Whether you’re heading to a local park, getting ready for back-to-school planning, or just keeping an eye on the garden, we’re here to keep you informed and connected.
Thanks for listening — and don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you tune in. Until next time, keep looking out for one another.
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