Happy March! This week, I’ll update you on what I’ve been up to around the district, legislation I’ve filed to protect your Second Amendment rights, the recent HBIA/HBIS audit report, and an update on my cancer treatment.
SECOND AMENDMENT
Your Second Amendment rights have been under attack for years from the Chicago Democrats. The Second Amendment Heritage Bill Package pushes back against those efforts and would restore the rights that the Democrats have been stripping from gun owners across the state. I’m committed to advancing and protecting the Second Amendment in Illinois.
The Second Amendment Preservation bill package includes the following bills:
HB56 – Allows for States Attorneys and judges to concealed carry into the courtrooms
HB1128 – Lowers the age to obtain a FOID card to 18
HB1131 – Lowers the price to obtain a replacement CCL from $75 to $5
HB1132 – Adjusts the cost of obtaining a firearm dealer permit based on the size of the business
HB1137 – Makes it easier for active-duty military personnel stationed and living in Illinois to get a CCL
In addition to my Second Amendment Heritage Bill Package, I am also cosponsoring legislation to repeal the unconstitutional gun ban and want to “Void the FOID” card.
It’s easy to talk a big game on these issues, but I’m doing the work to advance and protect your Second Amendment rights. I’m standing up for our Southern Illinois values every day.
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
The Illinois Auditor General’s report on the state-run HBIA/HBIS program for undocumented immigrants, which far exceeded enrollment and cost estimates, was released last week.
Last year, I warned the General Assembly that this program providing health benefits to illegal immigrants was unstainable and unfair to the taxpayers of Illinois. Now we find out that not only did they egregiously overspend on these benefits, but there were also thousands of improper enrollments in the programs. Shut it down now.
Read the full audit report here: 25-HFS-HBIS-HBIA-Perf-Digest.pdf.
UPDATE ON MY CANCER TREATMENT
I finished my final treatment of my first round of radiation for prostate cancer and am feeling great! Since announcing my prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this year, I have been totally overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, prayers, well wishes, and love from people across the country. Every text, call, and message were a bit of encouragement I needed to get over this bump in the road.
I spent the last month or so getting treatment in the morning, playing “Farmer Charlie,” travelling to-and-from Springfield, and travelling the corners of my district in between. As I said in my initial letter announcing my diagnosis, I expected to be able to continue doing all these things while receiving treatment. It was exhausting at times, but my resolve did not slow down.
I want to thank my doctors at St. Elizabeth’s in O’Fallon for their care. I believe wholeheartedly that I received the best care from the best doctors in the world. Every morning, I walked into a team of smiling faces, excited to help me with my treatment. Each worker at the hospital that I encountered went above and beyond to make my treatment comfortable.
My treatment would have been much different had I not caught my cancer early thanks to a routine PSA test. If you are a male over the age of 50 – please consider routinely checking your PSA levels. Early detection is vital for all cancers, so stay on top of your doctor visits because it could save your life.
I’ve experienced minor side effects, but nothing that has kept me down for too long. I look forward to regaining my energy and getting back to doing the things that I love: running my family farm and representing the 109th district.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Rep. Kevin Schmidt and his Legislative Assistant Monica Gard surprised me last Friday, dropping by for a meal. They had been thinking of me through my cancer treatments and wanted to do something nice. It was much appreciated and delicious. I was told the recipe came from the St. Libory Church ladies “Famous” Mostaccioli. Through this diagnosis and treatment, I have had heard from so many of you. It truly means a lot to me that so many people have shown me friendship and love!
I was happy to meet with representatives of Pharmacists Association while in Springfield this week. Our small independent pharmacies are facing many challenges right now and I hope to work with them help fix the issues.
A delicious Chicken Dinner from the Breese American Legion.
Celebrating 50 years with the Illinois Association of Meat Processors
Speaking on the floor to recognize Grain Bin Safety Week.
One of many committees last week. More to come this week!
DOWN ON THE FARM
Calves loved the warmer weather this past week!
Thank you for reading my Capitol Catch Up. I’ll update you again soon! Have a great week!