Working to Save Choate
For years, the Illinois Department of Human Services promised families, employees, legislators, and taxpayers that it was committed to improving Choate. Tens of millions of taxpayer dollars were invested to renovate the facility and strengthen care. Now, the very agency that made those promises is walking away from them.
My first concern is for the residents of Choate and their families. These are some of Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens, and they deserve stability, quality care, and the assurance that their loved ones will continue receiving safe, compassionate services. Families deserve answers about why IDHS believes reducing services and relocating residents is a better solution than following through on its commitment to improve Choate.
IDHS also owes taxpayers and legislators an explanation for their lies. After investing millions of public dollars into Choate and promising a stronger future for the facility, the agency is now abandoning that investment while leaving hundreds of dedicated employees and Southern Illinois communities to deal with the consequences. That is not responsible government, and it is unacceptable.
I am calling on IDHS to immediately halt these reductions, meet with residents’ families, employees, local officials, and legislators, and present a transparent plan that protects Choate’s residents, honors the commitments made to Southern Illinois, and respects the taxpayers who paid for these improvements.
We are working with many stakeholders to collaborate on how we can save Choate. More to come on this soon.
My colleague State Rep. Scott Doody began a petition drive that he is going to send to the Governor. Add your name here.
Illinois House begins investigation into indicted Rep. Carol Ammons
Illinois lawmakers on Thursday began investigating alleged misconduct by Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, that was outlined in a federal indictment.
Ammons pleaded not guilty on July 16 to 10 felony charges, including wire fraud, lying to the FBI and conspiring to obstruct justice. Her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, also faces a conspiracy charge. Their daughter, Titianna Ammons, was not charged in the case despite being a key figure at the center of it, though she is facing separate federal unemployment fraud charges.
The House Special Investigating Committee was triggered by a Republican petition that largely mirrored the indictment, alleging Ammons engaged in inappropriate and illegal behavior. While the committee will decide whether the 11-year state representative engaged in conduct unbecoming of a legislator, it’s just the first step in a long process that could ultimately lead to her punishment.
And after introducing the House Republicans’ charges against Ammons, the committee voted unanimously to consult with the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois to find out if the committee’s action would interfere with the federal investigation. The committee will not meet again or conduct a deeper investigation until the U.S. attorney responds. […]
Eleven Republicans signed a slimmed down petition that tasks the committee with investigating five counts that Ammons abused state funds. Their initial petition contained nine charges, which included campaign finance law violations.
Davidsmeyer said the GOP decided to focus on violations related to state tax dollars, believing issues surrounding campaign contributions and lying to federal agents could be explored another time.
Read more from Capitol News Illinois.
Just More Excuses from Speaker Welch
In an effort to preserve his power, Speaker Chris Welch launched a media tour this week to defend his handling of the Harry Benton scandal. But with each interview, he offers a different explanation with more excuses. First, it was due process. Then it was respecting the survivor’s wishes. Now it’s reported that he just dismisses complaints that come into his office. The excuses keep changing, but the outcome stayed the same: Speaker Welch covered up sexual harassment allegations.
First, It Was “Due Process”
Speaker Welch continues to hide behind “due process,” but where was the process? If due process simply means asking a lawmaker whether the allegations are true and accepting “no” as the final answer, then any member accused of misconduct can deny it, avoid meaningful scrutiny, and continue receiving support. That’s not accountability.
Then It Was “Respecting the Survivor’s Wishes”
“The guiding principle in 2023 was following the wishes of the survivor.”
Now Speaker Welch says he was simply honoring the survivor’s wishes. But that explanation is harder to square with the timeline. Why did Speaker Welch wait until 2026 and take action when a lobbyist came forward instead of protecting a young staffer in 2023?
Now It’s “I Get a Lot of Complaints”
According to the Chicago Tribune, Welch told members of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus he didn’t initially take the 2023 complaint seriously because he “gets a lot of complaints against members.”
If that’s the standard, Illinoisans deserve to know: how many complaints were received, how many were investigated, and how many were dismissed?
Speaker Welch’s explanations may keep changing, but the facts don’t. His office knew about the allegations in 2023. Harry Benton remained in office. More allegations surfaced. Only then did Speaker Welch finally act and no amount of cover-up will change that.
Amid the ongoing turmoil in the Speaker’s Office, House Republicans are continuing to work on stronger ethics reforms such as HB 1382, to bring more accountability to Springfield.
School Supply Sales Tax Holiday Begins
Illinois’ temporary sales tax reduction on school supplies runs through August 16. During this period, the state sales tax rate will be reduced on qualifying school supplies, clothing, and footwear priced under $125.
The tax exemption will exempt sales from the so-called “State share” of the sales tax for the entire holiday period. This “State share” is 5% of the total cost of the item being sold. After that date, the full sales tax will once again be charged on school supplies and clothing that cost less than $125 per item.
State Fair
The 11-day Illinois State Fair kicks off Thursday. On the slate of events are grandstand concerts, smaller-stage concerts, agricultural prize contests, festival food trucks and booths, the Illinois Natural Areas space on the northwest sector of the fairgrounds, and many special events. An online calendar of events will be updated daily.
Tire Recycling
It’s that time of year again – my FREE tire recycling events.
My first of the year is coming up:
August 25, 2026
Bond County Fairgrounds
1224 Midway Dr., Greenville
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
For more dates, click here.
Breese Resident Wins President’s Cup Cybersecurity Competition
Lieutenant Commander Lucas Foppe from Breese, IL won the President’s Cup Cybersecurity Competition. He is currently serving in the US Navy, and received accolades from President Trump on his accomplishment.
Down on the Farm
The sign reads, “Trooper Clay M. Carns Memorial Overpass” and will be posted near I-55 at Mile Marker 243 to 244.
