Schmidt’s Spotlight: Holding Democrats Accountable

Despite opposition from law enforcement, Pritzker approves expansion of Illinois' failed sanctuary state policies.

During the fall Veto Session, the Democrat supermajority acted against the federal government's effort to crack down on illegal immigration in Illinois. Democrats passed, and this week Gov. Pritzker signed into law, House Bill 1312 which further expands Illinois' failed sanctuary state policies. Due to the Biden Administration's disastrous open-border policy, there are now 550,000 illegal immigrants living in Illinois.

Illinois Democrats need to be held accountable for laws they enact that further drain state resources and make it harder for police officers to do their job.

HB1312 expands Illinois' failed sanctuary state policies by creating Immigration Enforcement-Free Zones in and around courthouses, daycare facilities, hospitals, and college campuses. The most troubling line in this bill, is it allows illegal immigrants to sue police and immigration agents, including allowing immigrants to recover punitive damages from law enforcement and immigration officials.

Holiday Food Drive!

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped donate food during my Holiday Food Drive this week!

Together, we will work to make this holiday season special for those in need.

In Need of Assistance? Find a Food Pantry in Your Area

Food and basic necessities are a fundamental need for everyone in our community. Whether you're facing temporary hardship or ongoing challenges, there are resources available to help. Learn more here.

Illinois' New Vaccine Guidelines

Illinois legislators passed House Bill 767 on a party-line vote this October during the annual fall veto session. The political undertones in this bill are concerning and it allows Illinois to issue its own vaccine guidelines over the FDA. I stood with my Republican colleagues and voted no to this bill.

The new law will allow the state to publish guidelines that differ from the CDC.

Read more about the controversial bill here.

Retirement Tax Coming Soon?

Since 2020, Illinois' annual general funds spending has increased by over $15 billion and is projected to grow another $7 billion by 2029. That would mark a 55% spending increase in just 10 years.

But Illinois lawmakers want more and hope to get it by amending the Illinois Constitution so they can potentially tax retirees and target income groups of their choosing. Read more from Illinois Policy.

Mayoral Luncheon at Prairie State Generating Co.

State Representative David Friess and myself attended a Mayoral Luncheon at Prairie State Generating Co. in Marissa, IL.

Illinois has some of the cleanest coal and we need to utilize the valuable energy resources we have to keep rates affordable!

New Laws That Go Into Effect January 1

Business of the Month

I encourage individuals or organizations to nominate their favorite business in the 114th District to be recognized as my Business of the Month! We will recognize the small business on his social media, website, and with local media. Call my office at 618-215-1050 or submit this online form.

IL Headlines

Pritzker decision looms for energy bill 'on ratepayers' backs'

Pritzker signs 'medical aid in dying' bill amid religious opposition

Gov. JB Pritzker signs bills protecting Illinois immigrants from federal immigration enforcement

Illinois winter disconnection rule in effect through March | South Central Illinois' News, Sports and Weather Station