Metro East Sun

State Representative Kevin Schmidt has announced a series of upcoming events and addressed several issues facing Illinois residents in his latest update.

Schmidt, who was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 as a Republican representing the 114th District, continues to engage with constituents through Mobile Office Hours Events. These gatherings are intended to provide community members an opportunity to discuss state legislation and share their concerns about legislative priorities in Illinois. More information about Schmidt’s election and district can be found at https://ballotpedia.org/Kevin_Schmidt_(Illinois).

In addition to office hours, Schmidt is hosting a free job fair on Thursday, November 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus Multipurpose Room, Building D, located at 601 James Thompson Blvd. in East St. Louis. The event is aimed at job seekers who are encouraged to bring resumes and be ready for interviews with hiring managers.

Schmidt criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker’s recent actions, listing what he described as policy failures since August 3rd:

● “He welcomed Texas Democrats protesting redistricting, only to showcase Illinois, home to the most gerrymandered map in the nation.”

● “When pressed about gerrymandered maps, his flippant response was,‘We let kindergartners draw them.’”

● “He signed SB 328, that will unleash a tidal wave of frivolous lawsuits that will hurt Illinois businesses.”

● “He signed HB 3125, allowing illegal immigrants to become driving instructors.”

● “He signed HB 460, giving illegal immigrants taxpayer-funded college aid while hardworking Illinois students are left behind.”

● “The Governor claimed his policies have made Illinois safer, but his record tells another story.”

● “After more than 50 people were shot over Labor Day weekend, he brushed it off, saying,'Look, big cities have crime.'”

● “His record on crime is so weak that even MSNBC called him out along with a Democratic Alderman in Chicago.”

● “He staged political theater by chastising the National Guard,yet had no problem deploying them for his liberal allies at the 2024 DNC.”

Schmidt also commented on education standards:

“Meanwhile,the Illinois State Board of Education lowered academic standards,making students seem more proficient despite the fact that in 2024 only 41% of 3rd–8th graders could read at grade level.”

On property taxes and public policy affecting homeowners statewide,S chmidt stated:

“Decades of poor public policy has led to Illinoisans paying the highest property tax rates in the nation.Our residents can’t afford it.Illinois needs structural reform today.”

During a recent visit to SIUE East St.Louis Center for a community event focused on stormwater and wastewater infrastructure issues in Metro East region,state municipal,and federal partners discussed collaborative solutions.Colonel Andy J.Pannier has been serving as Commander of St.Louis District since July 21st ,2023 .

Schmidt joined representatives from Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI) for a distributorship tour.Congratulating Matt Brown from Grey Eagle Distributors,Belleville,on receiving ABDI’s Key Distributor Member Award ,he noted:“Grey Eagle Distributors provide services to a great deal of the Metro East area.They also distribute snacks from Schubert’s Smokehouse in Millstadt.Congratulations Matt Brown and the whole Grey Eagle team!”

Reflecting on national events ,Schmidt marked Patriot Day as an occasion "to remember the lives lost in the terror attack on September11 ,2001.It’s also a day to honor courage of first responders and resilience of communities across nation."

Addressing free speech following Charlie Kirk's assassination ,he said:“Charlie Kirk was assassinated for free speech ,one of most powerful rights we have in America.The senseless act of violence is frightening and we must come together and respect one another even if we have opposing viewpoints.No life should be taken over difference in opinions.My prayers are with his family and friends as they grieve.May we all work toward world with less hate and more understanding .”

Lastly ,National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs September14-20 .“Truck drivers keep our nation moving by delivering goods we depend on every day.They work long hours and often face challenging conditions to ensure our shelves are stocked.We recognize their dedication and critical role they play in our economy .Thank you all truck drivers for your continued hard work !”