Metro East Sun

Yesterday, State Representative Kevin Schmidt met with residents in Freeburg to discuss legislative updates at a taxpayers organization meeting. The topics included the FY26 budget and the impact of politics on the community. Rep. Schmidt explained his opposition to the $55.2 billion budget passed early Sunday morning, citing $1 billion in new taxes for Illinois residents and additional pay raises for politicians as reasons for his 'no' vote.

Rep. Schmidt expressed concern over the struggles faced by working families due to rising living costs and stated that the current budget does not address the needs of Illinois citizens seeking relief. He emphasized the importance of engaging with constituents to understand their concerns and how legislation affects their lives, pledging continued efforts to support beneficial legislation for families in District 114.

In other legislative news, Rep. Schmidt shared updates on mascot-related bills which were halted in the Senate, preventing further increases in property taxes:

- HB3527 requires schools to ban discriminatory disability mascots, impacting schools like Freeburg Midgets.

- HB1237 mandates school boards prohibit native names, logos, or mascots.

Additionally, Rep. Schmidt's bill aimed at improving Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) has passed both houses. House Bill 57 seeks to include CILAs under the Essential Support Person Act of 2023, ensuring residents have visitation rights similar to those in other facilities.