This was a great week representing the great people of the 114th district. I want to give you an update on what I’ve been up to, the State Fair, corrections, my constituent survey, jobs, and what’s coming up.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I love getting around in our communities. This week, I hosted a very successful Property Tax Appeal Seminar. We had over 150 people in attendance, and I partnered with County Board Member Ed Cockrell to give advice on the property tax appeal process. I look forward to having another opportunity similar to this in the future.
I toured Station 1 of O’Fallon Fire Rescue. This was an opportunity to talk to Chief Brad White and other local firefighters about their needs. First responders need support in Springfield, and I will continue to fight for them.
We had a successful Tire Recycling Event last weekend! We received over 300 tires to safely dispose of. Since this was the first time we’ve done an event like this, I wasn’t sure how it would go. I continue to be amazed by our community and the way we come together to make our community better – even if it’s just keeping tires out of landfills. Our rural friends had a particular interest in this event, and we received many tires from them.
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR
The State Fair kicks off in Springfield on Thursday, August 8. Special days include Ag Day (August 9), Kids Day (August 10), Veterans Day (August 11), and Senior Day (August 12). During special days, designated State Fair visitors can get discounted or free admission to the Fair. Special group-oriented events are also offered on each day of the Fair, which will continue until Family Day on Sunday, August 18. The daily State Fair schedule is available here.
The Illinois State Fair will have a full schedule of agricultural showings, concerts, races, thrill rides, fair food, and novelty events throughout the week-and-a-half Fair experience. Nationally known singers and musical groups will perform at the historic Grandstand. First operated in 1853 and hosted by Springfield continuously since 1894, the Illinois State Fair is an opportunity for Illinoisans of all backgrounds to come together to celebrate all things Illinois.
CORRECTIONS
Have All Voted Who Wish: Saving Lincoln, Illinois. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) announced in March the state intended to tear down and rebuild two prisons in poor conditions: Stateville Correctional Center for men in Crest Hill outside of Joliet, and the Logan Correctional Center (LCC) for women outside of Lincoln.
The initial announcement did not immediately indicate what would become of LCC, stating only that Stateville would be rebuilt where it was and that plans for LCC were still being determined.
In April, a new IDOC report said the state’s preference is to move the women’s prison from outside of Lincoln to Crest Hill, effectively turning the Stateville prison into a multifunctional campus.
Now, close to 500 workers at Logan Correctional Center fear losing their jobs and a city of 13,000, already facing economic headwinds with both Lincoln Christian University and Lincoln College shutting down in the last two years, is looking at losing another major employer which would devastate the community,
On the “Have All Voted Who Wish” podcast, we talk with State Representative Bill Hauter of Morton, who represents the Lincoln area, and State Representative CD Davidsmeyer of Murrayville, co-chair of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, about the possibilities and the profound effect such a move will have on the community.
CONSTITUENT SURVEY
I received feedback from hundreds of constituents about what issues are important to them. This was just another step in my efforts to ensure that my legislative priorities accurately reflect my constituents’ priorities.
JOBS
Unemployment rose in Illinois in June. The 0.1 percent increase marked a rise in the jobless level from 4.9% in May to 5.0% in June 2024. While relatively minor, the increase appeared to mark an end to Illinois’ unemployment-level recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2022. Unemployment levels lower than 5.0% traditionally suggests economic recoveries and movements toward “full employment.”
Illinois payrolls rose with the creation of 10,400 net new jobs in June 2024, spurred by hiring in health services and government. Job losses continued in the key sectors of professional and business services and in information technology. Tech changes are affecting demand for traditional areas of Illinois strength, such as retail bookkeeping and print journalism. Although Illinois created net new jobs in June 2024, unemployment increased because the size of the Illinois labor force – defined as persons of job age who are actively seeking employment – rose faster than the number of new jobs created.
Neighboring states continue to have significantly lower jobless rates than Illinois (Indiana – 3.8%; Iowa – 2.8%; Missouri – 3.7%; Wisconsin – 2.9%.). The June figures are seasonally adjusted and are subject to future adjustments based on refined job reporting data.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
I’m excited to bring several events to you over the next several weeks!I’m hosting a Senior Fraud Protection Seminar on August 12 from 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM at the Smithton Senior Center. More information can be found here.
On August 20 at 9:00 AM, I’m teaming up with Representative Charlie Meier to co-host a Coffee Talk. This will be at the New Baden Civic Center, and more information on this can be found here.
My job fair is coming up! On August 23, I’ll be teaming up with businesses to host a job fair at the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus, Multipurpose Room D. For more information, please visit this website.
It continues to be such an honor to represent you. If you need any assistance with a state issue please contact my distract office at 618-215-1050.