Since 1938, the United States Department of Labor has provided opportunities through Section 14(c) certificates to provide every American with a chance to work. These certificates allow employers to hire intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals at wages below the federal minimum and set up “workshops” to provide support for these workers. Despite the incredible strides our nation has made to promote inclusivity and dignity in the workplace for Americans with disabilities, new legislation in Illinois threatens to eliminate these programs entirely.In the 2023...
National Work Zone Awareness Week is currently underway, emphasizing the importance of safety for construction workers on the job. As stated by an official source, "This National Work Zone Awareness Week, remember to move over and slow down when approaching work zones."As the summer construction season approaches, it is crucial for all drivers to be vigilant and cautious when driving through work zones. The source also highlighted the need for responsible driving to ensure the safety of construction workers, stating, "With the summer construction season right around the...
Illinois Representative Charlie Meier is pushing for legislation aimed at increasing funding for ambulance services in rural areas of the state. The bill, known as House Bill 4179, would allow for a voter referendum to raise the maximum levy for emergency service districts. Meier highlighted the challenges faced by rural areas, stating, "Our rural areas don’t have the funds to do the ambulance service... That is why this bill is so huge to us as we move forward with it."The proposed legislation serves as a follow-up to House Bill 1740, which passed in the 2023 spring...
Springfield, IL – Yesterday, the Illinois House of Representatives passed HB 4350, the Child Abuse Notice Act, co-sponsored by State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia Heights). The legislation aims to raise awareness about child abuse and provide resources for reporting such abuse."As a father and a legislator, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is paramount to me," expressed Rep. Schmidt. He added, "HB 4350 is an important step in empowering children to recognize and report abuse. The bill also supports businesses and establishments by giving them...
Representative Schmidt is inviting the public to join him for a Coffee and Conversation event scheduled for Thursday, April 25th at Billie’s Pastries in East St. Louis. The event, aimed at fostering communication between the representative and the community, will provide attendees with the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns in a casual setting.The event announcement states, "Join Rep. Schmidt at Billie’s Pastries in East St. Louis on Thursday, April 25th for Coffee and Conversation!" This initiative highlights the importance of direct engagement between...
Today, April 15, 2024, marks Tax Day in the United States. As a crucial deadline for taxpayers, individuals are reminded to file their taxes before the end of the day.The reminder comes as taxpayers across the country prepare to meet their obligations to the Internal Revenue Service. As stated by an unspecified source, "Just a reminder that today is Tax Day. Be sure to file your taxes by the end of the day."Failing to file taxes on time can result in penalties and interest on any unpaid taxes owed. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to ensure their tax returns...
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on an Indiana bribery case has the potential to have significant implications on corruption trials in Illinois. The Chicago Sun-Times highlighted the importance of understanding where the line is drawn in public corruption cases, indicating that the Supreme Court's ruling could directly impact similar cases in Chicago.The article raises questions about the threshold for what constitutes public corruption and how the Supreme Court's interpretation could influence ongoing and future corruption trials within the state. The implications of...
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) is calling on constituents to support his petition aimed at safeguarding jobs for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Illinois.In a statement, Rep. Meier expressed his concerns about pending legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives, specifically HB 793, which he believes could have detrimental effects on the employment opportunities of individuals with developmental disabilities. He highlighted the potential impact of the bill, stating, "HB 793 would put individuals...
In a recent legislative update, State Representative Meier shared insights on his recent activities and legislative developments. Reflecting on his community engagements, Meier expressed gratitude for the support received during events such as the Highland FFA Banquet and the Washington County Backstoppers event. He also highlighted his commitment to supporting community organizations by attending various gatherings and making donations, such as Blues Hockey tickets and a meal for 12 at his farm.Acknowledging the contributions of his communications staffer, Chris Guy,...
State Senator Erica Harriss passed legislation on April 10, 2024, to potentially help save lives by requiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at all school locations and events."While AEDs are already required under state law to be accessible at any physical fitness facility on public and private school premises, it only made sense to further extend the protection provided by AEDs to all extracurricular activities," said Senator Harriss.Senate Bill 3571, which was championed by Senator Harriss, mandates that automated external defibrillators...
State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has expressed concerns over the increasing costs borne by Illinois taxpayers due to services provided to undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. Schmidt highlighted that these costs have amounted to an estimated $2.84 billion since July 1, 2022, excluding education expenses and other state and local services. He emphasized the need for the state's resources to prioritize essential programs benefiting all citizens, particularly the elderly and economically vulnerable.The expenditure breakdown for estimated Illinois...
State Senator Erica Harriss has kicked off her 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Diaper Drive in the 56th District, following the success of last year's initiative. Senator Harriss expressed her excitement for the ongoing drive, stating, "After seeing how supportive the community was last year for my first Mother’s Day Diaper Drive, I am looking forward to partnering with Safe Families for Children Metro East Chapter to help area families once again."Acceptable donations for the drive include a variety of items such as diapers, pull-ups, underwear, socks, bottles, sippy cups,...