Metro East Sun

Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt voted against Senate Bill 25, an energy bill recently passed in the Illinois House. Schmidt criticized the legislation, saying it would lead to guaranteed rate increases for consumers and called it “the Illinois Democrats’ Green New Giveaway.” He argued that the bill does not address the state’s current energy challenges.

Schmidt stated that a stable and affordable energy supply requires using all available resources, including coal and nuclear power. He said House Republicans are advocating for a comprehensive approach to meet demand reliably without increasing costs for consumers.

He expressed concern that SB25 would add further financial pressure on families already facing high energy bills. “This bill is bad for families and small-businesses across the state of Illinois who are already struggling,” Schmidt said. “We are going down the wrong path and SB25 does nothing to help with immediate relief. This bill does not help generate the power supply we need, it’s only going to make energy rates increase even more, and that’s the last thing my constituents need, especially in East St. Louis.”

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