March 25th is the deadline for bills to be passed through committee and Republicans still have their bills sitting on the table. On Thursday, 84 bills passed in committee and just 5 were Republican bills. Working together makes a difference, but we seem to have a partisan approach to drafting policies that impact Illinois citizens and businesses. Although we have an uphill battle in Illinois, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make our state more affordable and to steer policies in a direction that grows our economy.
Governor JB Pritzker’s policies over the past seven years have significantly burdened Illinois families, with a 43% increase in state spending, property taxes are now #1 in the nation, and billions of dollars have been spent subsidizing illegal immigration. Is your family better off?
Let Me Know With This One Question Survey
In The District!
Members from The East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ΔΣΘ hosted a “Pumps & Politics” meeting at the East St. Louis City Hall. Community leaders and residents joined the meeting to have conversations about expanding affordable housing, improving education for the next generation, and economic development in the community.
I appreciate the invite and enjoyed the conversations with everyone who attended the meeting. Working together always makes a positive difference!
Meet Marcella Klein from Smithton! We were thrilled to see her turn 106 this week and gave here a certificate of recognition! She is vocal about the importance of Meals on Wheels and said she is grateful to have meals delivered to her.
It was a pleasure to meet with Marcella, her daughter Mary Lou Whitworth, and granddaughter Teresa Fehrenz.
Happy 106th Birthday Marcella!!
The Governor’s proposed budget is already the largest in Illinois history
The Governor’s proposed budget is already the largest in Illinois history- but House Republicans are keeping a close eye on any new additional spending that could grow the budget even more.
The reckless spending habits by Chicago politicians have hurt all Illinois families who want a brighter future. We need to bring sanity back to our state, cut spending, and focus on lowering the cost of living through common sense policies!
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s tenure as governor suggests that his proposed record-high $56 billion budget for fiscal 2027 is likely to grow before it’s enacted.
Since 2019, final budgets have averaged $939 million higher than Pritzker’s proposals, driven by tax hikes added to the initial proposal and more generous revenue assumptions…read more.
2026 Legislative Survey
To be YOUR voice in Springfield, I need to know what issues matter to YOU! Your responses to these survey questions will be taken with me to Springfield and will be my guide when voting for you. Please take a couple of minutes to complete my legislative survey.
Rep. Kevin Schmidt Donates his March Pay Raise to The CESNA Food Pantry
New Athens, IL…State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has been donating his legislative pay raise to different local organizations throughout his district for three years. He voted against politician pay raises and chose to give it back to the community to help families in need. This month he donated various items to CESNA Food Pantry in New Athens to support “Blessings in a Backpack”- a mission to feed school children across the state.
“Working together makes a difference, and I’m thankful to partner with food pantries across the 114th District to help families in need,” Schmidt said. “The CESNA food pantry operates within the St. John United Church of Christ and is full of wonderful staff who always do their best to support families in our community.”
The CESNA food pantry is located at 301 S. Market St. in New Athens and is open to the public for anyone who wants to donate non-perishable food items.
Visit Rep. Schmidt’s website to learn more about food pantries in the 114th District: https://repschmidt.com/in-need-of-assistance-find-a-food…/
St. Clair County – Illinois 177 Project
In the link below you will find information about the Illinois 177 project in Mascoutah. The Illinois Department of Transportation created a page to share information about the project, provide updates as work progresses and encourage public involvement.
To submit comments or questions or to sign up for the project mailing list, visit the Get Involved section here.
DCFS Continues to Fail Children
Governor Pritzker refuses to accept accountability for the mismanagement of DCFS and the harm it has caused to children in state care. Denying the issues won’t solve anything. House Republicans have raised concerns, filed legislation, and continue to talk about the safety of children in our communities. We have a duty to protect these children and we must take action to ensure their safety.
Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114th District, which includes a portion of St. Clair County.
For more information, please contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (618)-215-1050
