Metro East Sun

This was a significant week for the 114th district. Representative Schmidt provided updates on various activities, including community events, the State Fair, corrections, constituent surveys, employment data, and upcoming events.

Representative Schmidt hosted a Property Tax Appeal Seminar with over 150 attendees. Partnering with County Board Member Ed Cockrell, they provided guidance on the property tax appeal process. Schmidt also visited Station 1 of O’Fallon Fire Rescue to discuss needs with Chief Brad White and local firefighters.

A Tire Recycling Event saw the collection of over 300 tires for safe disposal. This initiative highlighted community efforts in environmental conservation.

The Illinois State Fair begins on August 8 in Springfield and runs until August 18. Special days include Ag Day (August 9), Kids Day (August 10), Veterans Day (August 11), and Senior Day (August 12). The fair will feature agricultural showings, concerts, races, rides, food, and novelty events.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections announced plans to rebuild two prisons: Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill and Logan Correctional Center outside Lincoln. The proposal to move the women’s prison from Lincoln to Crest Hill has raised concerns among nearly 500 workers at Logan Correctional Center about potential job losses. Representatives Bill Hauter and CD Davidsmeyer discussed these implications on the “Have All Voted Who Wish” podcast.

Schmidt gathered feedback from hundreds of constituents through a survey to align legislative priorities with their concerns.

Unemployment in Illinois rose slightly from May to June 2024 by 0.1 percent, reaching 5.0%. Despite this increase, Illinois created 10,400 net new jobs in June due to hiring in health services and government sectors. However, job losses continued in professional services and information technology.

Upcoming events include a Senior Fraud Protection Seminar on August 12 at Smithton Senior Center; a Coffee Talk co-hosted with Representative Charlie Meier on August 20 at New Baden Civic Center; and a job fair on August 23 at Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus.

For assistance with state issues, constituents can contact Representative Schmidt's office at 618-215-1050.

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