It’s been a busy time, but I wanted to take a moment to update you on some happenings across the 114th District, including what I’ve been up to, constitutional challenges, and what’s going on around the district.
WHERE’S KEVIN?
I was so glad to celebrate the State Champion East St. Louis Flyers football team today! The whole team got certificates and a pizza lunch. Congrats Flyers!
Special shoutout to Head Coach Darren Sunkett, who has been coaching here for 24 years. He is the Chicago Bears 2024 High School Coach of the Year!
I met with Salah Wilson from Harambee International Inc., a volunteer driven group that helps youth 7-17 typically from public housing. Their goal is to serve youth, build leadership skills and emotional intelligence to create a brighter future for themselves and their community. They offer a weeklong summer camp to build these skills. Harambee International Inc. is a 501c3 organization and relies on donations to continue their mission.
Salah is from East St. Louis and learned to serve the community through her father’s work as a pastor.
I attended the Discover Downstate Illinois event. We have so much to offer in Downstate Illinois!
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
I am launching a Business of the Month program to highlight local businesses through the 114th legislative district. Each month, I will select a business and recognize them on his social media, website, and local media and present them with a certificate to display.
The 114th district is home to so many outstanding small businesses. I chose to start this program so we can bring more attention to some of these businesses. These businesses are truly the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to support them with this program.
Submissions are now open, and you can nominate any business using this form or by going to RepSchmidt.com. One applicant will be selected per month.
CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES
Illinois Supreme Court to decide on law limiting where people can sue state. It’s now up to the Illinois Supreme Court to decide if a recently enacted state law limiting where people can file constitutional challenges against the state to Sangamon and Cook counties, not any of the other 100 counties.
The case Piasa Armory vs. Kwame Raoul out of Madison County challenges the Illinois Firearm Industry Responsibility Act. But that’s not what the Illinois Supreme Court heard about Wednesday. The lawsuit included a challenge to a recently enacted measure to limit where the lawsuit could be heard to Sangamon County.
The circuit court granted plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment on the venue limiting law, concluding that the venue statute violates the due-process rights of those not residing in or injured in Sangamon and/or Cook Counties. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul appealed directly to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Deputy Solicitor General Alex Hemmer told the Illinois Supreme Court Wednesday that judges in Sangamon and Cook counties have more experience with such cases. Justice David Overstreet pressed the issue.
“A judge in Sangamon County or Cook County instead of one of the judges that citizens of one of these circuits have elected,” Overstreet said. “Why is that not unreasonable, why is that not blatant forum shopping?”
Read more from The Center Square.
GRANTS
DCEO just announced OE3’s $10 million grant program to support small business capital improvement projects. Learn more and see if you’re eligible here.
T-Mobile is offering up to $50,000 grants to help small towns fund community projects. Community leaders can apply online at the link here.
VALENTINE’S FOR VETERANS
All ages are invited to create a valentine’s card or drawing. Cards should be delivered to Rep. Schmidt’s office, located at 4041 Mississippi Ave in Cahokia Heights by February 12. Please schedule a time to deliver the valentines by calling Rep. Schmidt’s office at 618-215-1050 or e-mail [email protected]. The valentine cards will be delivered to veterans residing in senior care facilities located within the 114th District in time for Valentine’s Day.
I’m heading back to Springfield next week to represent you! I’ll update you as the legislative session rolls on.
Stay warm and safe, 114th District!
Kevin Schmidt, State Representative