I voted Yes to (SB642) that will give seniors the relief they deserve. This bill increases the maximum income limitation for the Senior Freeze Homestead Exemption.
Beginning in 2026, limitations will increase from $65,000 to $75,000, allowing more seniors to take advantage of the exemption. The senior citizen’s property’s equalized assessed value (EAV) will not increase as long as the qualification for the exemption continues. This is a bill that will make a difference by reducing property taxes and I’m proud to have supported legislation that helps our seniors in Illinois!
More info on the bill: https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=642…
Photos from Job Fair in East St. Louis
Giannoulias Awards Archives Grants to Preserve Illinois History
The Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB), overseen by Illinois Secretary of State and State Archivist Alexi Giannoulias, has awarded grants to enable 11 historical records repositories across the state to digitize, preserve and expand access to archival materials that document Illinois’ cultural heritage. Two grants will be going to Millstadt & Mascoutah in the 114th District.
The grants support projects that make historically significant records – from rare photographs and correspondence to community bulletins, board proceedings and film collections – more accessible to the public through online platforms.
Funding for the grants was provided through a State Board Programming Grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). Since 2010, the ISHRAB has awarded 144 grants through the NHPRC to archives and cultural institutions in 34 Illinois counties.
Millstadt & Mascoutah received grants for their historical records projects during the 2025-2026 grant cycle:
Mascoutah: Mascoutah Public Library
Mascoutah Local History & Genealogy Digitization: $1,755 to digitize community history records and make them accessible online.
Millstadt: Millstadt Historical Society
Preserving Millstadt’s Liederkranz Legacy: $1,162 to digitize deteriorating records documenting the cultural impact of Liederkranz, a 19th-century community organization.
Transit Funding will Hit Hard in Southern Illinois
Democrats’ Chicago mass transit bailout takes crucial funding away from downstate road and bridge projects. Why should the rest of the state pay for the city’s mismanaged transit system? Well, they shouldn’t but progressive Democrats keep taxing and keep spending!
I met with veterinarian Michelle Gundlach to discuss legislation on veterinary care.
Mobile DMV Sign Up!
Don’t miss out- sign up now before slots fill up! https://repschmidt.com/event/mobile-dmv/
Residents in need of basic vehicle services provided by the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can take advantage of the Mobile Services Event.
The following drivers services will be available:
- Real ID Applications
- Renewal/Correction of Driver’s License
- New/Renewal/Correction of State ID
- Vehicle Sticker Sales (License Plate)
- Organ/Tissue Donor Information and Registration (at time of DL/ID Renewal)
- Motor Voter Registration with Driver’s License/ID Renewal
Veterans Day
Let us remember and honor all those who have served in America’s Armed Forces this Veterans Day.
Resources for Veterans
The State of Illinois offers a variety of programs and resources for veterans and their families. Here you will find a collection of federal, state, and local services available to veterans on a wide variety of issues. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to give my office a call at (618)-215-1050 and a member of my constituent service team will be ready to assist you.
On behalf of all of us, thank you for your service to our country. Our community is grateful for your sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. Please feel welcome to let us know any way in which we can assist you or your family…LEARN MORE