Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt announced on March 30 that his bill, House Bill 4243, passed through committee with unanimous support. The legislation aims to help community pharmacies by ensuring that busier locations always have both a technician and a pharmacist present to assist customers. Schmidt said the purpose of the bill is “to ensure all pharmacies have adequate staffing to ensure safe practice which will improve patient safety and workload management.” He added, “I look forward to having this bill called on the House floor for a vote!”
The topic of early childhood education was also addressed during a press conference held by Schmidt and fellow State Representative Brandun Schweizer. They were joined by Principal Darla Wall from Annette Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis to discuss their support for a kindergarten attendance requirement in Illinois. Currently, state law requires public schools to offer kindergarten programs but does not mandate student attendance.
House Bill 4253, filed by Schmidt and co-sponsored by Schweizer, would require all students in Illinois to enroll in kindergarten before entering first grade. “With my bill, students must have a Kindergarten education prior to entering 1st grade, and they can enter before the age of 6, but must begin Kindergarten no later than age 6,” said Schmidt. “Kindergarten is a crucial stage in education that supports independence, and this bill will strengthen our children’s future through a strong kindergarten experience.”
Schmidt also met recently with local police chiefs from his district as well as Principal Wall and other community members during session last week.
Schmidt was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 114th House District in 2023 after replacing LaToya Greenwood according to Ballotpedia.
Looking ahead, construction has begun on a new Career and Technical Education Facility in East St. Louis with funding assistance from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; completion is expected by June 2027.
