I hope you’re all staying warm as we deal with another snowy weather system moving in. I wanted to take time and update you on what’s been happening around the 109th District and the state. This week, we got a verdict in the Mike Madigan trial, got a ruling on the FOID Card Act, and I wanted to let you know where I’ve been around the district.
MADIGAN TRIAL
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was found GUILTY of bribery conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud charges after a lengthy court case that pinned his closest allies against him and truly revealed the depths of his corruption.
This verdict should send a message to the leaders in our state that something has to change, and the pattern of corruption Illinois is plagued with can no longer be tolerated. How many guilty verdicts is it going to take for Democrats to join Republicans and pass the tough, necessary, sweeping reforms to our ethics laws to clean up government and stamp out corruption for good? The time to act is now.
House Republicans have put forward sweeping ethics reform legislation that would strengthen Illinois ethics laws. This legislation includes stopping public officials from using campaign funds for legal defense, suspending pensions from retired lawmakers that face corruption charges, stopping the ‘revolving door’ practice of one day being a Member of the General Assembly and the next day becoming a lobbyist, and more.
I have not heard from a single Illinois resident who is satisfied with the current state of ethics in Illinois. We must do better, and House Republicans remain committed to putting forward legislation that will move this state forward.
Many have asked me about Madigan’s pension. I served on the pension board for many years and have seen many of Madigan’s allies take guilty pleas to lesser crimes to keep their pensions. Madigan did not take a deal, and because of his conviction his $158,000 per year pension is suspended.
SECOND AMENDMENT
Judge T. Scott Webb issued his order and finding in People of the State of Illinois v. Vivian Brown and found that certain elements of the FOID Card Act violated constitutional protections. In 2017, Vivian Brown grew concerned for her safety and decided to separate from her husband. During this period, she kept a single-shot .22 rifle for personal protection. Her estranged husband later filed a report, accusing her of discharging the rifle inside their home. Authorities investigated the claim and determined that the rifle had not been fired. However, despite this, the State’s Attorney charged Ms. Brown with possessing a firearm without a valid FOID card.
I have long been an outspoken advocate for the Second Amendment, and in light of this ruling, I am renewing my call for the complete repeal of the FOID Card Act law. I am a lifetime member of the NRA and have championed legislation to support your rights to bear arms for years.
This ruling is a victory for Illinoisans who believe in their constitutional right to bear arms without unnecessary government intervention. In this instance, the FOID Card Act was being used to disarm potential domestic violence victims. I believe all women should have the right to protect themselves from abusers.
The FOID card has been an ineffective and redundant requirement, and this decision further confirms its unconstitutionality. It’s time for Illinois lawmakers to Void the FOID once and for all. Our Second Amendment rights should not be encumbered by outdated and unjust regulations.
ATTACK ON HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES
Democrats in Illinois continue to push overreaching legislation and expansion of government, and the latest example comes in the form of HB 2827, filed last week in the House by a Cook County Democrat. Creation of the ‘Homeschool Act’ will impact thousands of Illinois families who have lawfully chosen to homeschool their children.
HB 2827 would allow public schools to mandate homeschool families to produce an educational portfolio which would then have to be approved. New regulations would also mandate homeschool families to surrender private information and sensitive data to the State Board of Education. In addition, families with special needs children or IEPs could be the most negatively impacted with this legislation.
Families who make the decision to homeschool their children invest thousands of hours and years of hard work in providing quality, non-public school education for their children. This legislation insinuates that homeschool families are not teaching their children correctly, and should instead follow the whatever the heavy hand of Illinois government deems important. I will be voting NO on this egregious overreaching homeschooling regulation bill. If you agree with me, please take a minute to sign my petition in opposition.
In the post-pandemic world, homeschooling is on the rise across the country. Families can choose to homeschool their children for a variety of reasons, including educational, social, emotional, or safety concerns. Representative Meier believes each family in Illinois has a right to choose their child’s educational path.
If you agree with me in opposition to HB 2827, I encourage you to sign this petition so we can show how many folks across Illinois are opposed.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I spent some time in the office for zoom meetings. The first one was to advance the limit on selling dressed poultry for our small farms so they can compete with neighboring states. This meeting included the IL Meat processors, IL Stewardship Alliance, Farm Bureau and the IL Dept. of Ag. The second meeting was with the Bond County Health Department. I have been beneficial in the past helping with grants and issues they have had. This meeting was on expanding sedated dental procedures for disabled patients in a multi county area.
I stopped by the Okawville Lions BBQ Fundraiser.
I got my Super Bowl wings from the Nashville Community Club.
I had a great breakfast at the Ashley Fireman’s Breakfast.
Nashville FFA had a BBQ fundraiser.
I always enjoy attending the Germantown Kernel Nut Club’s Euchre Tournament. The proceeds that are made off of their events is spent on the youth in the community. 184 players attended this year.
There must have been some great soup at the St. John’s fundraiser in Trenton, because they were sold out by 12:30pm
I was happy to meet with representatives from the Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization while in Springfield.
FFA WEEK
It’s National FFA Week! FFA is an incredible organization that celebrates the hard work, leadership, and determination of our future leaders in agriculture. From farms to classrooms, FFA members are building a better future for farmers across the country.
DOWN ON THE FARM
I had twin calves born a couple of weeks ago. Both are doing well with their momma.
Have a great week and stay warm!