Last week, 379 bills (314-D & 65-R) passed through the House during session. While some bills are good for Illinois workers, we saw a lot of bad bills our state doesn’t need, such as banning certain school mascots. I pushed back against the Democrats who support banning mascots and will continue to follow legislation as it awaits in the Senate.
Here is what happened last week in Springfield:
I pushed back against the sponsor of HB3527, which bans the Freeburg Midgets mascot. I voted NO. This bill is heading to the Senate, so please contact Senator Chris Belt to express your opposition against state overreach! The bottom line is that high school mascot names should be determined by local school boards, not state politicians. Legislators on the other side of the aisle don’t understand the culture in Freeburg, yet they continue to act like they know what’s best for the 114th District. Senator Chris Belt can be contacted at his District office : (618) 875-1212
State Rep. Kevin Schmidt Co-Sponsored Bill That Helps Eliminate Food Deserts
I co-sponsored House Bill 1607 that creates the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts Act. The bill helps state-led efforts to eliminate food deserts in Illinois, specifically in underserved communities and rural areas across the state. I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation that will expand access to healthy food and daily essentials for families in Illinois, including the East St. Louis community.
“I support HB1607 because families should never have to struggle to find groceries and other daily essentials due to inadequate access to grocery stores. This bill will help fill the gap in food insecurities we continue to see around the state, and it will also help create healthier lifestyles for families by having access to fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods.”
Many factors contribute to causing a food desert, including transportation challenges, availability of convenience foods, income inequality, and business investment risks that contribute to stores not opening in the area.
“I’m very passionate about helping others who struggle with food insecurity which is why I donate my legislative pay raise to local food pantries each month. It’s one way I can help families in need with the support of dedicated volunteers.”
In 2024, $6.4 million in competitive grant funds were made available through the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) for projects to help strengthen the state’s food supply chain. The funding will help bring disinvested areas closer to being able to access fresh, nutrient-dense food. Additionally, resources and grant programs related to food deserts and food access can be found at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Boy Scouts from The Illini District Visit Capitol
I was honored to recognize the Boy Scouts in the Illini District from Greater St Louis Area Scouting America at the Capitol!
Schmidt Co-Sponsored Bill That Makes It Easier to Apply for Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Illinois targets all school mascots
I voted No to another government overreach of a school mascot ban that will have an impact on schools in the 114th District and statewide.
HB1237 passed through the House and is heading to the Senate. This bill will not only erase school history and culture, but will also have added costs to communities during tough financial times.
Senator Chris Belt can be contacted at his District office 
(618) 875-1212 to discuss the negative impact this bill will have on the 114th District.
Photos from last week!
Justin Allgaier
We are scheduled to be back in Springfield next week to resume Spring session. I will keep you updated as more bills move through the House chambers. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
District Office: 4041 Mississippi Ave. Cahokia Heights IL, 62206
Office Phone: 618-215-1050