SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) was awarded the Vince Demuzio Legislator of the Year from the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) for 2025. Jessica Backs, Executive Director of BCMW Community Services, provided Meier his award. Meier was chosen for this award in part for his work in restoring funding for area Meals on Wheels programs, which was abruptly suspended late last year leaving thousands of residents without regular hot meals.
“Meier’s leadership was key in securing the funding needed to reopen BCMW’s senior meal sites, making sure our seniors didn’t continue to miss essential meals or the support they count on,” said Backs. “He shows us what it means to meet people where they are and take real steps to make life better for them.”
In his remarks accepting the award, Meier said helping those in need is nothing new.
“I’m a farmer, so when I see a problem, I don’t wait around for someone else to solve it. I roll up my sleeves and get to work,” Meier said. “When I got a call and heard that Meals on Wheels funding was being held up, I couldn’t sit idly by. I scratched and clawed until the funds our area senior groups were owed were released, and in the meantime, I cooked up a fresh hot meal myself and delivered them to area seniors.”
The IACAA is made up of organizations who provide community care, housing aid, and other programs to assist low-income individuals.
State Representative Charlie Meier represents the 109th District which includes portions of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, and Washington counties. For more information, please visit CharlieMeier.net or contact Rep. Meier’s district office at 618-651-0405.