I had the opportunity to meet two new mayors in the 114th District: Eric Van Hook from O’Fallon and Wally Battas from Mascoutah. Both meetings were productive as we discussed state issues affecting taxation in Illinois and concerns for the city.
I had nice visit at O’Fallon Public Library and had the opportunity to speak with library director Ryan Johnson about the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program. This library will receive $47,626 to help fund general operations.
Mr. Johnson said they are in the planning stages of a military section offering books on historical military figures, resources for military families, and more.
The library also has a quiet room and a resource wall with very informative information about local resources. Community Resources can be found online here: https://www.ofpl.info/community-resources
Tire Recycling Event in Cahokia Heights
State Representative Kevin Schmidt is excited to announce a FREE Tire Recycling and Food Drive Event.
This event provides residents with a safe and secure approach to disposing of old tires. There is a 5 passenger vehicle tires max per car and no rims or other types of tires accepted. Also, bring non-perishable food items for the local food pantries.
Schmidt Supports Energy Bills That Will Keep Costs Down
Energy policies pushed by Democrats have reduced Illinois’ generation capacity and it’s costing homeowners, renters, and businesses big time. I support using all available sources of energy to keep costs down for Illinois residents, including coal and natural gas. Elected officials in Illinois must take action on reforming energy policies now.
HB4087– Creates the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force. This bill requires the task force to monitor the reliability of the Illinois power grid.
HB4088– This bill repeals the Energy Transition Act, the Energy Community Reinvestment Act, the Community Energy, Climate, and Jobs Planning Act, and the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund Act.
HB1544– This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act and extends deadlines by 5 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions.
HB1545– This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act and extends deadlines by 10 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions.
HB1546– This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act and extends deadlines by 5 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions by certain electric generating units and large greenhouse gas-emitting units that use coal as a fuel.
HB1547– Extends deadlines for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions by 10 years for certain EGUs and large greenhouse gas-emitting units.
HB4050– This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act. Restores provisions in the Act regarding greenhouse gases to their form before Public Act 102-662. Repeals a provision defining “clean energy”.
SB76– Expands new nuclear power plants
TAKE (Teens Against Killing Everywhere) Training Facility
I was invited to speak to students at TAKE Training facility in East St. Louis about future careers, the importance of education, and community advocacy. The mission of TAKE (Teens Against Killing Everywhere) is to assist the residents of the Emerson Park neighborhood and its surrounding communities in achieving their full human potential by offering high quality programs.
Save the Dates!
This is a great opportunity to discuss state legislature and what you would like to see from legislators in Illinois.
I co-sponsored legislation that would raise the senior freeze income limit from $65,000 to $80,000. HB1746 gives senior citizens in Illinois relief they deserve. Our seniors have contributed so much to our communities and we need to support them!
The bill: https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=1746…
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