I wanted to start by expressing my sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support following my announcement of prostate cancer. I’m now about two weeks into treatment and still going strong. I’ll update you as I continue on this journey.
Here’s an update on what I’ve been doing for the 109th District.
WELCOME BACK, PRESIDENT TRUMP
I am so excited to have President Trump back in the White House! I look forward to working with his administration to make our state and nation stronger and more united!
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I spoke at the Washington County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting to meet with farmers and local agri-business leaders.
I spoke at the Clinton County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and gave a legislative update.
Germantown Fire Department held their breakfast to support GFD Fire Cadets and Backstoppers.
I attended the breakfast for the Youth League Sports benefit in St. Rose.
St. Jacob Fire Department Auxiliary breakfast was next. This breakfast supports the Lady’s Auxiliary, who in turn support the St. Jacob Fireman and the community.
I attended the Discover Downstate Dinner in Vandalia. It was a great meeting and wonderful to hear about everything going on in this area.
SUBMINIMUM WAGE
Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 793, which eliminates the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities. I voted in favor of the bill, but acknowledged that it is not perfect. Here’s my official statement:
“This bill is not perfect, but it’s better than some other bills that were proposed. There has been a push on a national level to shut down the minimum wage program for people with disabilities. We fought for as much as we could. We got Southern Illinois workshops on the committee that will help in the planning stages. However, I am worried that in rural Illinois there are not enough jobs for these individuals that can be justified to pay $15 an hour. I am in the process of filing a bill that will help create jobs for the workshop clients while benefitting our senior citizens. I, with the help of my colleagues, will be closely monitoring this to ensure that all these individuals will have a job if they want one, since it was promised to them from House Democrats and Governor Pritzker. We will be holding them accountable at every turn to ensure that their promises are not empty. This bill is a start. We can do a lot better.”
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
T-Mobile is offering up to $50,000 grants to help small towns fund community projects. Community leaders can apply online at the link here.
DCEO just announced OE3’s $10 million grant program to support small business capital improvement projects. Learn more and apply here.
DOWN ON THE FARM
Beautiful sunrise from the farm.
No matter the weather, farm animals have to be cared for. Here I am moving hay to the herd.
