Metro East Sun

Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia) recently met with two new mayors in the 114th District: Eric Van Hook of O’Fallon and Wally Battas of Mascoutah. During these meetings, they discussed state issues related to taxation in Illinois and city-specific concerns.

Schmidt also visited the O’Fallon Public Library, where he spoke with library director Ryan Johnson about the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program. The library is set to receive $47,626 to support its general operations. Johnson noted that plans are underway for a military section featuring books on historical military figures and resources for military families. The library also offers a quiet room and a resource wall with information about local services. Community resources can be accessed online at https://www.ofpl.info/community-resources.

Schmidt announced a free Tire Recycling and Food Drive Event in Cahokia Heights, which aims to provide residents with a safe way to dispose of old tires. There is a limit of five passenger vehicle tires per car, no rims or other types accepted, and attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for local pantries.

Addressing energy policy, Schmidt stated his support for using all available sources of energy, including coal and natural gas, to help keep costs down for Illinois residents. He expressed concern over current policies: "Energy policies pushed by Democrats have reduced Illinois’ generation capacity and it’s costing homeowners, renters, and businesses big time. I support using all available sources of energy to keep costs down for Illinois residents, including coal and natural gas. Elected officials in Illinois must take action on reforming energy policies now."

Several bills were highlighted:

- HB4087 would create the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force to monitor the reliability of the state's power grid.

- HB4088 proposes repealing several acts related to clean energy.

- HB1544 through HB1547 seek to extend deadlines for reduced or zero carbon dioxide emissions by five or ten years.

- HB4050 would restore previous provisions regarding greenhouse gases in the Environmental Protection Act.

- SB76 seeks to expand new nuclear power plants.

Schmidt was invited to speak at the TAKE (Teens Against Killing Everywhere) Training Facility in East St. Louis about future careers, education, and community advocacy. The organization’s mission is “to assist the residents of the Emerson Park neighborhood and its surrounding communities in achieving their full human potential by offering high quality programs.”

He also co-sponsored legislation aimed at raising the senior freeze income limit from $65,000 to $80,000. “I co-sponsored legislation that would raise the senior freeze income limit from $65,000 to $80,000. HB1746 gives senior citizens in Illinois relief they deserve. Our seniors have contributed so much to our communities and we need to support them!” The bill can be found at https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=1746…

Schmidt was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 114th House District in 2023 after replacing LaToya Greenwood.

Recent statewide news topics include changes in public education budgets amid declining enrollment and proficiency standards; actions by Governor Pritzker regarding trial lawyers; discussions on joining local book clubs; and commentary from Governor Pritzker on legislative maps.