I hope you’ve been enjoying some of this weather as the season turns to fall. I wanted to give you an update on what I’ve been working on over the past couple of weeks, as well as some stuff you may find interesting from around the state.
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO
I’ve been crisscrossing the district every day, it seems. Here’s some of the highlights:
I attended the IL Mine Subsidence Insurnace Fund Open House in Caseyville. Very informational.
It was an honor for me to speak at the Annual Grange Meeting in Collinsville. I enjoyed the displays and being able to talk with members. A little history on the Grange: It is a social organization in the United States that encourages families to band together to promote the economic well-being of the community and agriculture. The Grange was founded in 1867 and is the oldest American agricultural advocacy group with a national scope.
I walked in the Community Link Buddy Walk, which was established by the National Down Syndrome Society to raise awareness and support programs for those with Down Syndrome.
I was happy to stop in and celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Carlyle Mason Lodge. Quite an accomplishment to keep an organization going for this many years. Congratulations to all the past and present members.
I was invited to attend the ribbon cutting for the new solar project at the Troy Township Building.
Those are a few highlights from the past few weeks.
IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced the doubling of bobcat hunting permits for the upcoming season. This decision shows the successful recovery of the bobcat population and teaches the importance of effective wildlife management in our state.
Bobcats have a storied history in Illinois. Once nearly eradicated from the state due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, these elusive animals have made a remarkable comeback over the past few decades. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of IDNR and various conservation organizations, bobcats have rebounded significantly, reclaiming their rightful place in Illinois’ ecosystems.
State Representative Charlie Meier commented on this development, stating, “The doubling of bobcat permits is a testament to the successful conservation efforts and responsible management of our natural resources. It shows that with careful regulation, we can support both our wildlife populations and the interests of our local communities.”
Balance must be maintained between conservation efforts and the recreational activities of hunting and trapping. Responsible hunting not only contributes to wildlife management but also provides economic benefits to local communities. The sale of hunting permits, as well as the associated spending on equipment, lodging, and food, supports local economies significantly.
“It’s important that we continue to educate our communities about wildlife management,” Rep. Meier continued. “By working together, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the beauty and diversity of our state’s wildlife.”
Rep. Meier also noted that doubling the permits for bobcats is a great step, but the work is not done. He noted that deer permits should go up, too.
Read more about this on the Caucus Blog here.
ROUTE 161
Two weeks ago, I announced that Route 161 between Albers and New Baden is open after more than 2 years of roadwork. The roadwork began in 2022, following significant damage to the road due to mine subsidence.
After significant buckling, I worked with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Village of Albers, and mine owner ExxonMobil to come up with solutions. The solutions included a multi-year project to smooth the road and improve drainage.
I’ve been hearing for years from constituents that this stretch of road needed fixed, It’s been a long process, but I am happy to report that the road is smooth, safe, and open
This was a group effort, and I want to thank Albers Mayor Steve Schomaker and IDOT Operations Engineer Joe Monroe for their hard work and working to ensure that this road was fixed.
MADIGAN
Mike Madigan, once Illinois’ most influential powerbroker, now faces federal corruption trial. The former Illinois house speaker quietly wielded power in Springfield for decades while developing a reputation as a reclusive political wizard, well-schooled in the playbook of the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. His trial began Tuesday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
The FBI’s decadelong pursuit of one of the most dominant politicians in Illinois history led to bombshell indictments and shocking betrayals. It toppled the untouchable and changed the course of Chicago history.
But prosecutors still have one crucial task ahead of them: proving former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan guilty of a racketeering conspiracy.
That work finally began Tuesday, in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge John Blakey, where the once-powerful Southwest Side Democrat faced a jury of fellow Illinois residents whose lives have all been affected by Madigan — whether they know it or not. […]
Facing trial alongside Madigan will be Michael McClain, Madigan’s longtime friend and confidant, who was among those convicted last year of scheming to bribe the speaker.
Madigan spent a record 36 years leading the Illinois House of Representatives, where he controlled legislation that shaped every facet of life across the state until he resigned in 2021.
The feds now say he led a criminal enterprise over nearly a decade, enhancing his political power and generating income for his allies and associates. McClain allegedly acted as an agent of the so-called “Madigan Enterprise,” making unlawful demands on the speaker’s behalf while trying to shield the speaker from criminal liability.
Read the rest of the Chicago Sun-Times article.
ENERGY
LIHEAP program applications available now. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for income qualified households. This energy bill assistance program can assist with natural gas, propane, electricity bills and furnace assistance. Applications are open now through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 333,000 households received LIHEAP with an average of over $724 per household.
Residents in need are urged to visit helpillinoisfamilies.com to get started or to visit their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
FALL IN ILLINOIS
Illinois is the top pumpkin-producing state in the nation. When fall arrives and homes across America start filling with pumpkin pies and jack-o’-lanterns, chances are those pumpkins came from Illinois. Known as the nation’s pumpkin powerhouse, Illinois leads by a wide margin, producing over 650 million pounds of pumpkins annually. This accounts for nearly 40% of the entire U.S. pumpkin production, which is more than the next five states combined!
Much of this dominance is due to the rich soil and ideal growing conditions in central Illinois. The region boasts two major pumpkin processing plants, Nestle Libby in Morton—often called the “Pumpkin Capital of the World“—and Seneca Foods in Princeville. These plants process over 85% of the pumpkins used for canning across the U.S.
Beyond the well-known canned pumpkins, Illinois also produces plenty of decorative jack-o’-lantern pumpkins and sugar pumpkins, a sweeter variety commonly used in pies. Pumpkin patches across the state also offer visitors the chance to pick their own pumpkins directly from the fields, creating a fun fall tradition for many Illinois residents.
Morton, Illinois, home to the Libby’s plant, processes more than 90% of the nation’s canned pumpkins. These products end up in everything from pies to soups and even trendy pumpkin-flavored beverages. During peak season, the small town of Morton celebrates its annual Morton Pumpkin Festival, a tradition that dates back to 1967. With Illinois continuing to dominate this industry, its reputation as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World” remains well earned.
IDOC
I’ve heard from many constituents regarding the concerns at Corrections Facilities across Illinois, as drugs are seemingly pouring in. I am working diligently to call for solutions. More on this to come very soon.
DOWN ON THE FARM
Harvest is in full swing, so that means a lot of long days. Despite a couple hiccups on the farm, this year’s harvest is going great.
The young chickens have started laying. I’ve lost most of my chickens because of a weasel problem and had to start over, but I’m still getting between 10-12 eggs a day.
Thank you for taking time to read my update. As always, if you have any other questions or concerns about a state-related issue, please contact my office and we’ll assist you.