Democrats File Legislation to Tax Bags Used at Stores
Illinois Democrats are pushing a bag tax that would charge you every time you go to the store, with the fee increasing by five cents each year until it reaches 25 cents per bag by 2030. Families are struggling to afford groceries and this bill hurts low-income families trying to make ends meet.
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.
TAKE SURVEY ==> repschmidt.com/2026-legislative-survey/
Last Call!— Valentines for Veterans
“I believe the small things we do for the men and women who served our country makes a big difference in their lives,” said Schmidt. “The purpose of my Valentine’s for Veterans card drive is to let them know our community supports them and appreciates their sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. A simple card or drawing will bring a smile to someone’s face, and that is the goal we are working on together to achieve this Valentine’s Day in the 114th District.”
Rep. Schmidt is inviting everyone of all ages to create a Valentine’s card or drawing for our local heroes. Cards and drawings should be dropped off or mailed to Rep. Schmidt’s office by February 12. Please call before drop-off to ensure staff is available to collect. (618-215-1050)
The Valentine cards will be delivered to veterans residing in senior care facilities located within the 114th District in time for Valentine’s Day.
Rep. Schmidt Hosting Citizens Utility Board Event
About the event:
State Representative Kevin Schmidt, in partnership with the Citizens Utility Board, will host a FREE Utility Bill Clinic on Tuesday, March 3rd, from 10:00pm to 12:00pm at the Daugherty Public Library, located at 220 S. Fifth St. Dupo, Illinois
“Access to affordable utility services is crucial for every household,” Rep. Schmidt said. “This Utility Bill Clinic is designed to empower our community members with knowledge and resources to better manage their utility expenses. I’m grateful to the Citizens Utility Board for their partnership in making this event possible.”
The Utility Bill Clinic is a valuable opportunity for local residents to receive expert guidance on their utility bills. Attendees are encouraged to bring their gas, electric, phone, and TV bills for a one-on-one analysis with experts from the Citizens Utility Board. These experienced professionals will provide insights into bill details, potential cost-saving measures, and answer any questions attendees may have regarding their utility services.
The Illinois General Assembly created the Citizens Utility Board in 1983 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers throughout the state.
Space is limited! Please RSVP by calling 618-215-1050 or email at [email protected].
Community Engagement
It was a pleasure to join community leaders at the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce “Issues & Eggs” brunch to discuss policy, development initiatives, and economic development in the 114th District.
Thank you Maribeth Benedick, for inviting me to this important meeting to have community discussions about our priorities!
Veterans Assistance Commission
It was a privilege to join the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) to honor David Von Der Heide with the Ambassador of Peace Medal.
This commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to United States service men and women who served in the Korean War.
Rep. Schmidt rejects the idea of taxing retirement income
Illinois residents already live with some of the nation’s biggest tax burdens, but that doesn’t stop Democrats from proposing legislation that would tax retirement income. READ MORE
“I reject the idea of a progressive income tax in Illinois because we need to support legislation that keeps retirees in our state who contribute to our economy,” said Schmidt. “We need to focus on working together to make Illinois more affordable so everyone is better off, or we will continue to see families exit Illinois to more friendly states with lower taxes.”
In Case You Missed It!
Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver
Waste watch: Illinois gives $1.5M to ICE opponents
State looks to expand manufacturing training at community colleges
With Bag Tax, Democrats Keep Raising the Cost of Living
Illinois drivers may be required to install speed-limiting devices
Illinois proposes over $470 annual fee for electric vehicle owners
Please contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (618)-215-1050 with any questions.
Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114th District, which includes a portion of St. Clair County.
