Metro East Sun

The fall veto session of the Illinois General Assembly ended with limited progress on tax relief for residents, according to State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia). Schmidt expressed concern over recent legislative actions, particularly Senate Bill 25, an energy bill that he and other Republicans opposed.

"I stood with my colleagues and voted NO to Senate Bill 25, an energy bill loaded with guaranteed rate increases. The Illinois Democrats’ Green New Giveaway is not the answer for our state’s energy crisis," Schmidt said. He argued that a more stable and affordable energy supply would require using all available resources, including coal and nuclear power. "SB25 will only add additional burdens on Illinois families who are already contending with massive energy bills," he added.

Schmidt also criticized a provision in the bill that allocates $435 million from downstate taxpayers to support the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). "Downstate taxpayers are on the hook for $435 million to fund CTA through this bill- it’s not right and I voted NO," he stated.

The session adjourned at 4:00 AM after what Schmidt described as a rapid passage of several controversial bills by Democratic lawmakers. "Illinois deserves better and I’m disappointed about how business was conducted this week in Springfield. Our constituents need relief from tax burdens, but they were delivered more taxes from Democrats," Schmidt said.

In addition to his legislative work, Schmidt hosted a Veterans Roundtable at the Dupo American Legion Post #485. He thanked attendees for their participation: "Your voices matter to me and I appreciate our proactive conversations about how we can improve services for our veterans here in Illinois."

Schmidt also promoted upcoming community events, including a job fair focused on careers with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) scheduled for November 6 in East St. Louis. The event aims to inform job seekers about career opportunities and the state hiring process.

A mobile DMV services event is planned in Freeburg to help residents access basic vehicle services provided by the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.

Schmidt was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 114th House District in 2023, succeeding LaToya Greenwood. More information about recent legislative developments can be found at https://www.thecentersquare.com/…/article_2a5280b9-43d3….

Recent headlines from Illinois include debates over energy costs, new legislation allowing public officials to conceal personal information, passage of physician-assisted suicide laws, and statements from Governor Pritzker regarding federal immigration enforcement actions.