With less than 3 weeks left in the Spring Session, there’s a lot going on. Here’s what you should know.
Welcoming Local Women to Capitol for Leadership Event
State Representative Charlie Meier welcomed two outstanding local leaders, Dr. India Johnson and Kayla Gentz, to the Illinois Capitol as part of the House Republicans’ annual Women to Watch Leadership Event. The event brings together women from across Illinois for a day of recognition, celebration, and networking. Each year, House Republican lawmakers nominate local leaders from their districts who are making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Dr. India Johnson, a Nurse Anesthesiologist and President of Rose MedSpa and Wellness, has built a career in personalized aesthetics and holistic wellness. A vibrant member of the Troy community, Dr. Johnson has also played an active role in revitalizing Downtown Troy and goes above and beyond to support her community.
Kayla Gentz, member of the New Baden Park Boosters 501c3, has led efforts to improve the village park. She was instrumental in securing hundreds of thousands of dollars to transform the New Baden Park, including the addition of new playground equipment and improved accessibility features to ensure all children can enjoy the space.
Continuing to Fight for “Dignity in Pay Act” Funding
After the mandates through “Dignity in Pay Act” took effect, only 15 CDS providers received $2,400,000 in funding to help offset the cost of immediately raising their wages by a drastic amount, leaving 80% of CDS providers without any financial support. Failure to provide any additional grant funding appropriations for 14c providers will result in loss of meaningful employment opportunities for many persons with developmental disabilities across the state.
Chicago Tribune: Central and Southern Illinois residents could face high electricity rates again this summer
Residents of central and southern Illinois could face another summer of brutally high electricity prices if the region gets hit by another heat wave.
That was the blunt warning recently from Ameren Illinois, which delivers power from LaSalle County in Chicago’s far southwest suburbs all the way to the Ohio River.
The utility based its warning on the latest capacity auction through which it reserves space for future electricity shipments on the grid run by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).
Along with neighboring grids like PJM Interconnection, which serves northern Illinois, the District of Columbia and 12 other states, MISO is scrambling to keep up with rising electricity demand from data centers.
In the wake of the MISO capacity auction, Ameren Illinois customers will pay 11 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity supply for the summer months beginning June 1.
This rate is lower than last year’s 12.2 cents, which was driven by record supply costs and a June heat wave. But it remains well above the 4.8 cents seen in 2021.
Supply costs make up about half of a typical residential bill.
Read more from the Chicago Tribune.
Roger Stieg’s Hall of Fame Recognition Honored by Rep. Charlie Meier
State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) passed House Resolution 865 to honor Roger Stieg’s induction to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
“Roger Stieg is a Southern Illinois basketball legend,” said Rep. Charlie Meier. “Our community is proud of all he has contributed, as a player, teacher and coach. I am pleased to recognize him with an official Illinois House Resolution, ensuring his legacy is preserved in Illinois history.”
Illinois families deserve the best opportunities for their children, and a new federal program makes that easier than ever.
The Educational Choice for Children Act offers up to $1,700 in federal tax credits to fund scholarships, tutoring, and educational support for K-12 students. All Governor Pritzker has to do is opt in.
Colorado’s Democratic Governor called it a “no-brainer”. Colorado, New York and 27 other states have already said yes. It’s time for Illinois to join them.
Rep. Meier’s Resolution Marks Unplug Illinois Day
HR 594 declares July 11, 2026 as Unplug Illinois Day to encourage Illinoisans to unplug from their devices, get outside, and enjoy the natural wonders of Illinois for the day.
Down on the Farm
