This week in Springfield, not much was done is Session to help Illinois families. We are four weeks away from passing a massive budget and legislators need to provide taxpayers with relief. The latest MISO report showed constrained energy capacity for the summer months resulting in a 22-fold increase in capacity prices over last summer’s prices. As a result in this change, beginning June 1 and ending September 30, the supply price from Ameren will increase by almost 50 percent. This increase is going to affect the families who need relief the most, and it’s simply not fair to Illinois residents. Shutting down coal plants and pulling back on nuclear with no guarantee of reliable energy has caused the energy crisis in Illinois. We must address the energy crisis now and find a solution to keep rates affordable and energy dependable. I will continue to work closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Illinois energy rates are fair, because we have a big problem brewing if we don’t take action.
The Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony
Yesterday we paid tribute to Illinois police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the last year. The Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony is a somber event that reminds us of the bravery and strength of our men and women who wear the badge. We were honored to stand beside law enforcement officers from across Illinois this morning to honor our fallen heroes and their families.
May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
National Military Appreciation Month
National Military Appreciation Month honors those who have, and continue to, serve our nation. Their sacrifice, courage, and commitment deserve to be recognized. Thank you to all of the brave men and women of our military!
Pritzker’s Dangerous Rhetoric
Governor Pritzker crossed a dangerous line in calling for mass disruption against Republicans. Even going so far as to say, “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.”
My two pages at the Capitol this week!- Carl Berndes and Cindy Ou
Carl Berndes is here from Brandenburg, Germany and is in the United States on a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship program. Carl attends Lebanon High School and is interested in agriculture, aviation, technology and politics and is also a member of Future Farmers of America.
Cindy Ou is here from Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Cindy is an honor student at Lebanon High School who excels in English, science, and art. Cindy is a cheerleader, a soccer player, and enjoys playing music in the school band. She is a member of the Future Farmers of America and Interact Club.
Great kids!
“Save Our Mascots” Rally
I joined a few of my colleagues last Sunday at Collinsville High School for the “Save Our Mascots” Rally! It was a great turnout with plenty of support from the community.
We are fighting back against state overreach from HB3257 & HB1237!!
It was a pleasure to meet with these bright college students from McKendree University!
Thanks for visiting me today in Springfield!
Museum Resource Card Reservation
Individuals living in the 114th District can request the use of a free Museum Card through Rep. Schmidt’s office. The Card provides access for a group of 4 or fewer people to select museums, zoos and institutions in the Chicagoland area. Learn more here.
Illinois Democrats File Bill to Ban Glock Handguns
Illinois Democrats are ramping up their war on gunmaker Glock with a new bill that would ban the sale of some of the most popular handguns in the country.
HB 4045 and its companion bill in the Senate would allow anyone who knowingly manufactures, sells, offers to sell, purchases, receives, manufactures, imports, or transfers a “convertible pistol” to be charged with unlawful possession of a weapon; a class 4 felony in the state punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and up to three years behind bars and a $25,000 fine. If the bill becomes law, gun dealers in Illinois could still sell Glocks to law enforcement and the military (as well as private security protecting nuclear sites), but selling some of the most popular pistols in the country to we the people would be a criminal offense…read more from BEARING ARMS.
Business of the Month
Rep. Schmidt encourages individuals or organizations to nominate their favorite business in the 114th District to be recognized as the Business of the Month. Rep. Schmidt will recognize the small business on his social media, website, and with local media. You can find a form to submit here.
Individuals can nominate a 114th District business at any time and can call 618-215-1050 with questions.
Digital Spring Cleaning!
With Spring ushering in a time of revitalization and new beginnings, now is the perfect time to refresh not only your home, but your digital life as well. Consider these suggestions!
Illinois Headlines
West Coast gas prices for Rust Belt Illinoisans.
Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it
Audit findings reveal late payments, poor internal controls at IL higher ed board