3/30/2026
House Bill 4243
I’m proud to see my bill, HB4243, pass through committee unanimously 13-0.
This bill will help community pharmacies by ensuring busier pharmacies always have a technician and pharmacist present to help customers. The purpose of the bill is to ensure all pharmacies have adequate staffing to ensure safe practice which will improve patient safety and workload management.
I look forward to having this bill called on the House floor for a vote!
Schmidt, Schweizer Hold Press Conference to Talk About Kindergarten Requirement
SPRINGFIELD, IL…State Representatives Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) and Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) held a press conference today, alongside Principal Darla Wall from Annette Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis to discuss their support for a Kindergarten requirement.
HB 4253, filed by Rep. Schmidt and co-sponsored by Rep. Schweizer, would require all students in Illinois to enroll in kindergarten to learn essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics before entering 1st grade. Currently, Illinois requires public schools to offer Kindergarten programs but does not mandate attendance.
“With my bill, students must have a Kindergarten education prior to entering 1st grade, and they can enter before the age of 6, but must begin Kindergarten no later than age 6,” said Schmidt. “Kindergarten is a crucial stage in education that supports independence, and this bill will strengthen our children’s future through a strong kindergarten experience.” Read more about this bill here.
During session last week I met with local Police Chiefs from my district, Principal Darla Wall for East St. Louis, Nurses and Miss Illinois County!
Pritzker Admits Illinois Immigration Policies Are Failing
Governor Pritzker briefly got one thing right when he admitted there have been “real failures” in immigration enforcement. But once again, he is trying to blame the federal government for problems his own policies helped create. Read more from the Caucus Blog.
New Career and Technical Education Facility Coming to East St. Louis
It was a great day in East St. Louis celebrating the ground breaking ceremony for a NEW Career and Technical Education Facility!
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity helped fund the expansion and it should be completed in June 2027.
National Doctors’ Day
This National Doctors’ Day we recognize the incredible work of the men and women who keep our communities healthy. The dedication and contributions of physicians across the country makes a positive difference.
Dr. Kevin Schmidt is a local small business owner who has been serving the Freeburg and Millstadt community as a chiropractor for the last 16 years. Over the past several years, he implemented a cost saving, fiscally conservative, streamlined, and consolidated business plan to allow him to offer the most affordable services he could. Dr. Schmidt finds every possible way to lower and maintain affordable costs that can be shared with his patients, and he will do the same in Springfield.
Thank you to our doctors for all that you do!
Illinois Headlines
Illinois ride-share union bill pushed through amid disagreement on new fee
More than half of Illinois counties suffer outmigration
Lawmakers seek measure to make small-scale plug-in solar panels available to renters
Illinois paying big price for high cost of leaving