Metro East Sun

Thank you for staying informed and reading Schmidt’s Spotlight. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect and keep you updated on all the latest, both in Springfield and back here in-district. Now that the 2024 Spring Legislative Session is over, my summer events will really be ramping up. Events for the rest of June are listed below. I’ll also update you on how I’ve been representing you in Springfield with details on important legislation I am supporting.

Upcoming Events

I would love to meet you at one of my upcoming events! All events are free and open to the public. Call 618-215-1050 with any questions.

Lowering Cost for Families

I am continuing my commitment to lowering costs for families across Illinois. I am supporting important legislation to prevent tax hikes, lower energy and healthcare costs, and promote fiscal responsibility.

"I am committed to ensuring that working families and seniors in Illinois are not burdened with unnecessary tax hikes," said Rep. Schmidt. "By supporting legislation to lower energy and healthcare costs, and promote fiscal responsibility, we can make a positive impact on the lives of all Illinoisans."

Stopping Tax Hikes on Working Families and Seniors

"I am advocating against wasteful spending and have consistently opposed misplaced priorities, such as taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants," stated Rep. Schmidt. "I have been consistently fighting proposed taxes on retirement income, ensuring that Illinois seniors can enjoy their hard-earned retirement savings without additional financial strain."

Additionally, Rep. Schmidt has co-sponsored several pieces of legislation seeking to reduce the tax burden on essential items like groceries and medications.

Notable bills include:

- HR 24 Supporting no taxing of retirement income.

- HB 2336 Seeing that certain food and medications were no longer taxed.

- HB 1074 Raising the income limitation on the property tax senior freeze.

Cutting Energy Costs

To protect low-income residents from soaring energy costs, Rep. Schmidt is fighting to extend crucial energy relief programs when they were at risk of expiring. His legislative efforts include:

- SB 76 – Supporting high-energy sources and reliability.

- HB 4471 – Extending energy relief programs for low-income residents.

Lowering Healthcare Costs

In a bid to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, Rep. Schmidt has supported numerous bills aimed at reducing costs for essential health services.

Key healthcare-related bills include:

- HB 3202 – Increasing access to cancer screenings.

- HB 2189 – Capping insulin costs.

- HB 3639 – Expanding availability of epi-pens.

- HB 5395 – Insurance reform bill.

FY25 Budget Statement with Video

"I stand firmly against the proposed budget for its egregious allocation of funds prioritizing illegal immigrants over hardworking Illinois citizens," said Rep. Schmidt. "This budget is not only unbalanced but also reflects a clear disregard for the needs of our communities."

The proposed budget sets a record high of more than $53 billion in spending—a 32% increase over the last five years—and includes nearly $1 billion in tax increases and another $1 billion in spending on services for non-citizens.

"I refuse to idly stand by while our state’s resources are mismanaged and misallocated," continued Rep. Schmidt.

Rep. Schmidt is sponsoring or co-sponsoring over thirteen different bills aimed at combating inflation effects and ensuring that Illinois’ citizens' priorities are at the forefront of legislative action.

Click the link below to watch his statement on the state budget.

Rep. Schmidt FY25 Budget Statement

Speaking Out Against Pay Raises in the FY25 State Budget with Video

"In the early hours of the morning, while most of Illinois’ citizens were fast asleep, the majority party pulled smoke-and-mirror tactics to pass a budget that does not serve the needs of the people," said Rep. Schmidt.

Around 2am, while debating the budget, he spoke out about legislative pay raises included in the bill: "I donate my legislative pay raise monthly to different food pantries in his district."

Food is a basic necessity for every person, and Rep. Schmidt is committed to fighting food insecurity.

Rep. Schmidt Speaks Out Against Legislative Pay Raises in FY25 State Budget

Thank you again for staying informed. It’s an honor to be your State Representative.