I hope your 2025 is off to a good start! I’ve been busy at work for the hardworking people of the 109th district and wanted to share an update with you on what I’ve been up to.
Inauguration
On Wednesday, January 8th I took the oath of office and was sworn in to continue to represent the 109th district. I am humbled and grateful for the trust that the people of the 109th District have placed in me. One-party, Democratic rule has left Illinois a mess. I vow to be a leader who steps up to fight for the needs of my constituents. I’m working every day to make sure that Southern Illinois has a fighter in the ring.
Honoring Trooper Carns
On the evening of December 23, Illinois State Trooper Clay M. Carns observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 near Channahon. He put on his emergency lights, pulled over to the shoulder, and was going to remove the debris when he was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle violated Scott’s Law, which the House passed to prevent incidents like this from happening. Scott’s Law requires vehicles to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights. Trooper Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where he passed away due to his injuries.
Trooper Carns was born and raised in Nashville, Illinois area and has served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years. His job as a Trooper took one of Southern Illinois’ finest up north to Orland Park with his wife and children.
I rose to honor his life and service on the House floor. You can watch those remarks by clicking here.
Meals on Wheels
Late last year, I was shocked to hear that BCMW’s funding for their Meals on Wheels program was not being processed by the government. I’ve been working with local, state, and federal leaders to figure out how we can move forward. So far, some of the funding has been released. A long-term solution has not yet been reached, and the work continues on.
A week before Christmas, I took matters into my own hands and cooked a hot meal to be delivered to the seniors whose regular meals were halted. I saw firsthand how important these services are to our seniors and am still working every day to find a solution. I’ve proposed an immediate solution that would divert 50,000,000 dollars from illegal migrant welcome centers directly to meals on wheels programs that are underfunded. We need to get this program up and running immediately.
Murray Center
I’ve enjoyed several visits to the Murray Center over the last couple of months. There are many great things happening there, and I visit as much as I can. We’re addressing issues like better dental care, staffing, and much more.
Taxes
I’ve been hearing from constituents all across the district about their taxes going up. This issue especially hurts our seniors and folks on a fixed income. Illinois property taxes are already the highest in the nation. Illinois House Republicans put forward legislation to lower property taxes on seniors and lower the taxes on groceries and home-delivered meals.
Many of you have seen your energy bills skyrocket over the past year or two. Much of this is attributed to the passing of the Clean Energy Jobs Act. During Veto session, the Democrats rammed through another energy bill that could cause those energy rates to go up even father. I debated the Democrats on the floor – see what I had to say by clicking here.
House Rules
Mere hours before we were expected to vote on them, the House Democrats once again proved that they are more focused on preserving their own power than serving the people of Illinois. Once again, a rules package was pushed through that will allow for the same old tactics that will be used that were used by former House Speaker Michael Madigan, who currently is standing trial in a federal court for corruption charges. This is not the fresh start that the people of Illinois deserve. I stand with House Republicans in building a future where Illinois thrives – not through backroom deals, but through a transparent legislation process that allows for all of Illinois to be represented.
January is National Blood Donor Month
January is National Blood Donor Month. I’ve been a lifelong blood donor, and to date have donated 142 pints of blood. I encourage everyone to give blood this January, or any time this year. You can find blood donation sites here.
Down on the Farm
I enjoyed Christmas on the farm with my family. I was joined by my sisters, their children and grandchildren. On this day my brother-in-law Sam Roethemeyer was the preacher at St. Peter’s in Okawville. Our family church.
As more winter weather is in the forecast, stay safe and warm out there. If you’re having any issues with a state agency, my office is here to help. Give us a call!