One candidate for the area’s state senate seat says it’s time for Illinois to change their fireworks laws. As Illinoisans celebrated with fireworks either this past weekend, yesterday, or this coming weekend, many are driving long distances and out of state to purchase fireworks. And, that is because Illinois has one of the strictest laws against fireworks in the country. State Senate candidate Jason Plummer says the fireworks laws in Illinois need to be replaces and he will push to make that change if elected. Plummer says that in 46 other states a person can buy fireworks, and that includes all of the states that surround Illinois. Plummer points out with people leaving to go to other states, it’s a loss of business and tax revenue for Illinois. According to Plummer, people who are in possession of illegal fireworks in the state can be subject to criminal penalties, including fines and jail time. But, many law enforcement jurisdictions have not enforced the ban. Plummer says, if elected, he would support a change to the law in Illinois. Plummer will face Democrat candidate Brian Stout in the November General Election.