Metro East Sun

Hartmann Turf & Tractor has been named the October “Business of the Month” by Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt. The family-owned company, which has operated in Millstadt since 1938, serves the local farming community with agricultural equipment and outdoor power tools. Schmidt acknowledged the staff's efforts, saying, “The whole team here deserves recognition for their hard work and I especially would like to thank Mike Hartmann and Cheryl Hartmann Young for all that they do to keep customers happy and providing them with quality services!” More information about the business can be found at www.hartmannturf.com/.

Schmidt also thanked participants who attended his recent Mobile Office Hours event.

As part of his community outreach, Schmidt spent a day as principal at Annette Officer Elementary School. He expressed gratitude to Principal Darla Wall and Assistant Principal Nina McLean for the invitation: “I really enjoyed meeting all of the bright students here and engaging in classroom activities.”

Schmidt will host a Veterans Roundtable on October 27 at American Legion Post 485 in Dupo. The event is open to veterans from the 114th district to discuss policy issues impacting veterans. He stated, “If you’re a veteran and would like to join, I would be honored to hear from you about the challenges you and your families are facing as well as the things the state is doing well and not so well.” Interested individuals can RSVP by calling 618-215-1050 or attend without an appointment.

On property taxes, Schmidt criticized current policies, stating that Illinois residents pay some of the highest property tax rates in the country. He noted that this particularly affects lower-income communities such as East St. Louis, where residents face repeated increases due to business closures and improper home assessments.

Schmidt commented on Governor JB Pritzker’s latest executive order concerning federal deployments in Illinois, noting Pritzker’s frequent use of such orders during his administration. Additional details can be found via NBC Chicago.

He reminded constituents about an upcoming Mobile DMV sign-up event in O’Fallon, encouraging early registration due to limited availability.

Looking ahead to legislative matters, Schmidt discussed concerns over possible tax increases during the upcoming veto session scheduled from October 28–30. Among topics under consideration are an energy bill (SB25) that could raise utility rates and a potential tax hike aimed at funding Chicago Transit System operations.

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

Other statewide headlines referenced include GOP criticism of Pritzker’s accountability commission, errors in SNAP benefits potentially costing taxpayers up to $700 million in penalties, a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for retirees set at 2.8% for 2026, new waterfowl hunting zones announced for future seasons, and an elections board deadlock regarding a fine for Senate President Don Harmon.