Metro East Sun

State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) released a statement following the signing of House Bill 57 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The legislation was among 124 bills signed into law last Friday.

“My bill closes the gap between community integrated living arrangements and other state-run facilities whose visitation rights were limited, and I’m happy to finally see HB57 become law,” said Rep. Schmidt. “This change to the Essential Support Person Act will have a positive impact on communities across the state of Illinois.”

Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 57 into law on August 1, 2025.

Schmidt, who has represented Illinois’ 114th House District since being elected in 2023, replaced former representative LaToya Greenwood. More information about his background can be found at https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3226.

In district news, Schmidt toured Kuna Foodservice in Dupo to learn more about its operations and expansion. Kuna is a fourth-generation company that employs over 400 people and distributes food across 15 states.

As the school year approaches, Schmidt noted that Illinois families face higher costs for school supplies without the benefit of a back-to-school sales tax holiday. Illinois ended such tax holidays in 2022 and will not offer one this year.

Schmidt also announced upcoming events for constituents, including a Coffee Talk with State Representative David Friess scheduled for August 12 in New Athens, as well as a free jobs fair on November 6 at the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus in East St. Louis.

He reported receiving feedback from his annual legislative survey, with over 360 submissions from residents throughout the district so far this year.

Additionally, Schmidt highlighted ongoing public feedback opportunities related to the proposed Southwest Connector project—a plan to construct a four-lane highway connecting Waterloo and Murphysboro through southern Illinois at an estimated cost of $1 billion.

The representative continues to encourage nominations for his Business of the Month recognition program and invites residents to stay informed via social media channels.

Other recent news items include reports of dissatisfaction among Illinoisans with Governor Pritzker’s administration, arrests made by Illinois State Police in Metro East, commentary on state politics, and sentencing developments in the ComEd bribery case.