Schmidt Says Senate Bill 328 is Bad for Illinois’ Business Climate
Springfield, IL…Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 328 into law, legislation that will greatly increase frivolous lawsuits, into law. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) says the bill is not good for the business climate in Illinois.
“Illinois is struggling with population loss and job growth, and this law will impede economic development even more,” Schmidt said. “This bill was passed despite not following the procedures outlined in the House Rules. This bill penalizes businesses, stifles investment, and fuels a legal climate that welcomes frivolous lawsuits. I stand with the job creators in our state who have taken a strong position against this bill.”
SB328 is being challenged by House Republicans in the Sangamon County Circuit Court following a lawsuit. They claim the “gut-and-replace” maneuver was used to push the bill forward on the last day of the spring 2025 Legislative Session which violates the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule.
The new law requires companies registered to do business in Illinois to consent to the state’s “general jurisdiction.” Under this law, companies could be sued in Illinois courts even if the plaintiffs were not from Illinois and even if the harm did not occur in the state. In short, any company registered to do business in Illinois would be opening itself up to a higher-than-normal level of litigation.
Schmidt Working with Colleagues to offer Relief for Working Families
As the price of everything in Illinois from groceries to utilities seems to be on the rise, a group of House Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to help working families meet these ever-rising costs. The bills introduced by this group of legislators, including State Rep. Kevin Schmidt, collectively known as the Relief for Working Families legislative package, would encourage entrepreneurship, help tipped employees keep all of their gratuities, and create opportunities for technical skill-building that can lead to high-paying jobs. Rep. Schmidt knows working families and small-business owners need help and knows legislation passed in Springfield impacts everyone in our state.
Rep. Kevin Schmidt’s HB 3807 establishes the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) grant program to help students gain a degree or certification in the fields related to the trades like electrical, plumbing, masonry, steel working and construction.
“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 scholarship funds to pursue a degree or certificate from a qualified technical school in Illinois,” Schmidt said. “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.”
Monthly Food Donation
This week, I made my monthly food donation to Gordon Bush Alternative Center in East. St. Louis and had the opportunity to meet with Principal Darnell Spencer and social worker Catrice Johnson. They have provided leadership and support to students needing additional assistance to complete their high school education.
Principal Spencer is active in community outreach to serve those in need with pantry items and students help with distributions across the East. St. Louis area.
Energy
Democrats’ failed energy policies have reduced our power generation capacity in Illinois and caused prices to soar for our residents. We are fighting for affordability with improved energy strategies. Illinois families simply cannot afford to pay the bill for Democrats’ green energy fantasies.
Applications open for Ameren bill payment assistance
Income-qualified customers who have fallen behind on their energy bills can apply for payment assistance from Ameren through their local Illinois LIHEAP agency, thanks to a new program offering an additional $150 in support.
This support comes from an Ameren program announced earlier this month that is providing $4 million to assistance agencies to help customers who have been impacted by rising electricity supply prices and extreme summer temperatures.
This new program is on top of nearly $58 million in assistance Ameren Illinois customers have benefited from this year.
For general information on energy assistance, customers in Illinois can call 800.755.5000
https://www.wgil.com/2025/08/27/applications-open-for-ameren-bill-payment-assistance
Certificate presentation to honor Lebanon Lions Club on their 75th Anniversary!
Thank you Mayor Dawn Keys, for meeting with me in Dupo to talk about the 255 project in St. Clair County.
Business of the Month
Rep. Schmidt encourages individuals or organizations to nominate their favorite business in the 114th District to be recognized as the Business of the Month. Rep. Schmidt will recognize the small business on his social media, website, and with local media.
Individuals can nominate a 114th District business at any time by submitting this form or by calling 618-215-1050 with questions.
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