This past week has been busy in Springfield with session, press conferences, and working with constituents. I’m working hard to fight for what is best for 114th District and supporting legislation that offers hard-working families relief. Progressive policies in Illinois have created high taxes and less opportunity for workers and businesses alike. The people of Illinois want change and Republican lawmakers have legislation on the table to get the work done.
This week I joined my colleagues to discuss House Republican’s “Relief for Working Families Legislative Package.” The mission is to strengthen the skilled trade workforce in Illinois and to offer relief to hard-working families. I filed House Bill 3807 which creates the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) Grant Program. The purpose of the bill is to promote a rewarding career in Illinois by specializing in a skilled trade. Rep. Schmidt says there is high demand for trade workers in Illinois and the state needs to invest more into growing our economy by supporting this legislation.
“Many students decide to attend a technical school after graduating high school and this bill promotes the skilled trade industry and helps eligible students receive scholarships funds to pursue a degree or certificate from a qualified technical school in Illinois. It’s important every student has the opportunity to excel in a career after graduating high school, and this bill is aimed to do just that.”
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission will award scholarships to eligible applicants who have graduated from high school or have received a State of Illinois High School Diploma, are pursuing or intending to pursue a qualifying degree or certificate at a qualified institution.
The ITRADE Grant Program will support scholarships for careers in several fields such as electrical work, plumbing, masonry, steel working, fabrication, and construction.
HB3807 is part of the House Republicans “Relief for Working Families Legislative Package.” The mission is to bring relief to hard-working families in Illinois while creating new jobs that help grow the economy. The bill package includes:
- HB 3812 – Davidsmeyer – Professional license fee waiver for people who make less than $50k the year prior to their renewal
- HB 1729 – Coffey – Tax credit for tech schools and community colleges that have tech programs
- HB 3807 – Schmidt – Creates the ITRADE Grant for community college students in trades-related job fields
- HB 1351 – Moore – Encourage the elimination of all first-year business fees related to licensure or registration of new business
- HB 1752 – Stephens – Creates tax credit for employers that help employees with tuition reimbursement
- HB 3821 – Spain – Increases education expense credit to $1,500 (from $750)
- HB 1383 – Spain – Income tax deduction for gratuities – “No tax on tips”
- HB 1112 – Davis – Allows skilled trade workers to teach courses in manufacturing, engineering, technology or trades (METT), even if they don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
STATE BUDGET
Pritzker proposes the largest budget in state history. Last year after the budget address, we reported Governor Pritzker had proposed the largest budget in the state’s history. This year, he has outdone himself – breaking last year’s record.
During his speech to the Illinois General Assembly this week, Governor Pritzker unveiled his priorities and spending plan, setting his total FY26 expenditures at $55.235 billion. The new proposal reflects a nearly $2 billion increase in spending over last year, resulting in a 3.7% increase overall. Moreover, the Governor plans to pay for the new spending with yet-to-be-realized revenue, based in part on aggressive projections that have not been confirmed by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), as well as increased taxes and other gimmicks that will require the legislature’s approval.
State spending under Governor Pritzker has grown exponentially since he took office in 2019. When he took over as Governor, state expenditures were $40.3 billion. Each year since we have seen state spending grow and we now have a budget that is $15 billion higher than when he took office.
“I stand firmly to support no tax hikes to supplement the proposed revenue hikes included in the largest proposed budget in Illinois history that is nearly a $ 2 billion dollar increase. Reckless spending and high taxes are driving Illinois citizens to other states and I’m ready to enact a budget that will grow our economy, cut government waste, lower taxes, and keep families in Illinois.”
Giving Back to the Community
I’m grateful to be in a position to help others in need of daily essentials. This past week, I donated needed items to the Smithton Food Pantry. I understand the cost of living in Illinois has directly impacted every family, especially ones that are less fortunate. Every small action we take to support our communities can make a big difference to a lot of people. Thank you, Mark Rodriguez, for volunteering your time with me!
The Smithton Food Pantry offers free food and personal hygiene items to those in need in the Smithton community. They continue to serve families in the community with the help from local volunteers to distribute donations.
Food and household goods are a fundamental need for families in our communities. Whether you’re facing temporary hardship or ongoing challenges, there are resources available to help.
Museum Resource Card Reservation
Individuals living in the 114th District can request the use of a free Museum Card through my office. The Card provides access for a group of 4 or fewer people to select museums, zoos and institutions in the Chicagoland area. Learn more…
REAL ID
I want to inform you about the federally mandated REAL ID initiative that is set to go into effect beginning May 7th, 2025. Currently, there is a bit of confusion regarding the deadline and what it means for you. The information below will enable you to develop a better understanding of who needs a REAL ID and how you may be impacted by the May 7th, 2025 deadline.
What is a REAL ID?
REAL IDs are federally mandated identification cards that can be obtained at Illinois Secretary of State DMV Facilities throughout the State of Illinois.
What do I need to obtain a REAL ID?
1. Proof of your identity, date of birth, and U.S Citizenship or lawful status
2. Proof of your full Social Security Number (SSN)
3. Two forms of proof of residency
4. Verification of your written signature
Starting May 7th, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID OR VALID PASSPORT to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities such as courthouses, military bases and prisons.
You DO NOT need a REAL ID to:
1. Vote or prove citizenship status
2. Operate a vehicle (if you have a Standard Driver’s License)
3. Open a bank account or apply for/receive federal benefits
3. Board a flight if you are under 18 years of age
4. Board a domestic flight if you have a valid passport
Can you get a REAL ID after the May 7th Deadline?
Yes, you can still get a REAL ID after the May 7th Deadline. If you are planning to fly later in the year, and you do not have a valid passport, you can still obtain one after May 7th so there definitely is time and no need to rush if this applies to you.
Are any other documents be accepted to fly domestically after the deadline?
Yes. A valid U.S. passport or passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry), U.S. military ID, permanent resident card, or a foreign government passport are alternative documents that may be used to fly. A full list of alternative documents can be found at Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint | Transportation Security Administration.
Please contact my office if you have any questions regarding the information above and my office will be happy to help you. Office Phone: 618-215-1050
Health Care
Health Alliance to exit insurance market at the end of 2025. Health Alliance, a provider of health insurance coverage to approximately 280,000 Illinoisans – mostly in Central Illinois – announced plans this week to wind down its coverage for working-age patients and their families and to withdraw from non-Medicare markets on January 1, 2026.
Health Alliance has approximately 600 employees in Illinois, mostly located in and around its Champaign-Urbana headquarters. The health care announcement was made on Wednesday, February 26.
East St. Louis School District 189
Congratulations to Pierre Walton, from East St. Louis School District 189 for his hard work, commitment, and “never give up” attitude to win the 2025 IHSA Class 2A Wrestling State Championship in the 165-weight class!
HBIS/HBIA Audit
We warned Democrats that their programs providing health benefits to illegal immigrants were unsustainable and unfair to the taxpayers of Illinois. Now we find out that not only did they egregiously overspend on these benefits, but there were also thousands of improper enrollments in the programs.
Find the full audit of the HBIS/HBIA programs here: https://www.auditor.illinois.gov/Audit-Reports/Performance-Special-Multi/Performance-Audits/2025_Releases/25-HFS-HBIS-HBIA-Perf-Full.pdf
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