I’m back in Springfield this week for another busy deadline week in the House. This week is the deadline to pass Senate Bills through House Committees. I wanted to take a minute to update you on what’s been going on around the Capitol and around the 109th, and some other things you may find interesting.
DHS
I have been fighting alongside the parents of Gregory Dorsey as they try to retain control of their disabled son’s care. Gregory was diagnosed with autism, anxiety and ADHD and currently resides not far from his family at Warren G. Murray Developmental Center, a state facility in Centralia run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). But, the state agency wants to move Gregory to another State-Operated Developmental Center (SODC) hundreds of miles away in Waukegan. The family is opposed to the move, certain their son needs stability and to be near family, not moved to yet another facility too far away for frequent visits.
The Dorsey’s says IDHS is pressuring them to give up guardianship and hand over control of their son’s medical decisions to the state, something they are not willing to do. The parents are preparing for a sixth court hearing to prevent the state from sending their son nearly four hours away.
“We don’t feel like we should have to give up guardianship to get help for our son,” said Gregory Dorsey’s father, William.
I agree.
Repeatedly, for many years, I have gone to ask DHS for help and this is what we get, we get six court cases for this family and poor Greg to have to go through. The agencies seem more focused on proving a point than actually helping the people under their supervision.
Gregory’s father said they couldn’t have gotten this far without help.
“[Rep. Charlie Meier] has gone above and beyond,” said William Dorsey. “We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for that man.”
Watch the fill video of Mr. Dorsey’s interview here.
I will continue to be a strong voice for individuals with disabilities within the Illinois General Assembly, particularly those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I have been a vocal advocate for their rights and needs, including protecting their employment opportunities within 14(c) workshops, holding the state accountable for mismanagement calling for increased oversight and investigation into emergency incidents and alleged abuse and ensuring the Murray Developmental Center remained viable in Central Illinois so families could be near their loved ones who are in the care of the state.
POLICE
We paid tribute to Illinois police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the last year.
In moments of uncertainty, they stood tall— Guardians of justice. They gave their all, and though their voices have fallen quiet and still, Their spirit remains, unbroken. To those we have lost, but never forget, We honor your courage with deepest respect. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
ENERGY
Electric bills set to soar again this summer
Here we go again. There is a new MISO report out that is bad news for Southern Illinois. This summer, rural residents in Illinois could see an 18-22% rate increase. CEJA is gobbling up our tax dollars and our rates will keep going up unless something is done. We’re running coal and gas out of Illinois with over-regulation, and it’s clear that we need to make serious changes to keep the lights on in Southern Illinois.
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the interstate grid operator that posts prices for peak-load electrical supplies bought by utilities and end-users throughout central and southern Illinois, has reported a massive increase in summer capacity prices.
These are the price levels charged by peak-load electrical generation suppliers that operate and supply electricity online during times of peak summer demand. In some cases, these peak-load electrical supply prices, which electric utilities are legally empowered to pass on to their customers, are 22 times higher than last summer’s prices. These price levels reflect the continued withdrawal of coal-fired and other carbon-based electric generation from the supply picture of the central U.S. states, coupled with improved use of mathematical algorithms by the remaining suppliers to maximize their prices and profits.
The largest utility serving central and southern Illinois, Ameren, warned customers this week that the utility expects to pay approximately 50% more this summer for the electricity it purchases. Ameren expects the overall prices will increase from 8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) last summer to 12 cents/kWh this summer. After these supply prices are passed on to customers as allowed by law, the average summer 2025 consumer electric bill will be 18% to 22% higher in summer 2025 than during the comparable months of 2024. This price increase will apply to the four-month period beginning June 1, 2025, and ending on September 30, 2025.
Starting on October 1, 2025, and in line with expected end of summer temperatures and air-conditioning-related peak demand loads, the summer 2025 capacity price structure posted by MISO will expire, and the billing surcharges to be charged by Ameren and other Downstate Illinois electrical utility suppliers may be partly reduced. The Downstate Illinois summer 2025 electrical pricing picture was described to members of the General Assembly on Wednesday, April 30.
PRITZKER
Last weekend, Governor Pritzker crossed a dangerous line in calling for violence and mass disruption against Republicans. Even going so far as to say, “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.”
There are many issues here in Illinois that we need to work together to solve. The Governor’s vitriol toward Republicans only sows more division in an already hostile political environment. Instead of trying to garner national attention for his presidential ambitions, Governor Pritzker should focus his efforts on unifying our state so we can make Illinois a better place for ALL our residents.
LOCAL HEROES
I honored two local young men who saw smoke billowing out of the windows at the senior apartments in Nashville late Wednesday night. They called emergency services, but instead of waiting for them to arrive they jumped into action and ran into the burning building to alert and evacuate the senior residents. These young men will be honored in Springfield soon, and I thanked the young men and the first responders who prevented what could have been a terrible tragedy.
Watch my video here, and stay tuned as we are planning a visit for them in Springfield.
WOMEN TO WATCH
I honored Ann Schroeder, Jennifer Rick, and Stacey Pace to the Illinois Capitol to honor them as ‘Women to Watch’ at the annual Women’s Leadership Conference.
Jennifer Rick is a small business owner from Bond County who has spent the last several years working to revitalize Pocohontas. She and her husband have purchased and revitalized several buildings in the Pocohontas village square, as she has helped bring life back to the community. Rick’s renovations include an antique shop, sweet shoppe, hotel, and event center.
Ann Schroeder is a real estate developer and broker-owner from Germantown who dedicates much of her time to her community. A member of the Clinton County Board, Schroeder focuses on making the county a better place to live. While being a big supporter of her community, Ann is also a wife, mom, and animal lover, but her most important role is grandma.
Stacey Pace of Troy is the Director of Madison County Community Development. Pace previously served on the Madison County Board and has been active in her community for decades. She has worked in community relations and as educator with various financial institutions as well as a substitute teacher for the Triad School District of Troy. Now, Pace spends her time bringing economic opportunity to the Metro East.
These women believe in our community. It’s amazing to see all of their work and efforts in making our region better. These women all have put their hearts into work that is impactful and important. I’m honored to recognize them and look forward to seeing them make our community thrive.
In its fourth year, Women to Watch was designed to recognize accomplishments from up-and-coming women leaders across Illinois. Each year, legislators identify and invite rising stars from their districts to attend the conference, where their efforts are applauded, and their suggestions are heard during a day of empowering programming.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Highland / Pierron Fire Department Auxiliary Breakfast Fundraiser. Great Job and always happy to support.
I was happy to support the Highland Jaycees at their BBQ this past Saturday. The BBQ was delicious and the proceeds benefit the Heartland Community Chorus.
Had a productive meeting with Breese Mayor Kevin Timmerman, Congressman Mike Bost, and other local officials to discuss important projects for the city, including water and sewer improvements and opportunities for economic development.
I visited Murray Center and met their new director Bob Mason.
PHOTOS FROM SPRINGFIELD
I attended the SPARC Legislative meeting in Springfield last week. SPARC’s goal is to assist with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to restore humanity to their daily lives.
So many great groups of advocates stopped by my office to talk about issues important to them.
WHAT’S COMING UP
I’m excited to offer several constituent services this summer, including a tele-town hall, blood drive, mobile office hours, and tire recycling. Stay tuned as we announce the dates for these events!
DOWN ON THE FARM
I attended my great nephew Lincoln’s confirmation.
We’ve been getting a lot of rain in the 109th District, be careful out there while trying to mow.
I’ll keep you all in the loop as session roars into the final month. We are set to adjourn on May 31, and there’s still much work to be done. It’s an honor to serve you!