AROUND THE DISTRICT
Work on Illinois 89 Bridge over Illinois River
IDOT has announced that work to wash the Illinois 89 bridge crossing the Illinois River south of Spring Valley will begin Tuesday, September 2. There will be daytime lane closures controlled by flaggers during the project, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of October. Please allow for extra time and be prepared for delays and slow or stopped traffic.
Grain Bin Safety
Two recent grain bin accidents in Illinois highlight the need to promote safety and share vital information that can save lives. Grain entrapments pose a significant danger, and we must work to do everything we can to keep our farmers and workers safe.
Please visit these links below for important information:
Handling Out-of-Condition Grain – Effective Strategies and Techniques
Congratulations to Illinois Valley Community College, which broke ground on the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center last week. This incredible, state of the art facility is expected to be completed in 2027. My Chief of Staff, Deb, was in attendance for the groundbreaking ceremony. Learn more about the project here: IVCC Breaks Ground on the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center
DRUG SAFETY
Governor Pritzker has signed another unbelievable Democrat measure (HB 3637) into law. This new law requires Illinois to follow foreign-controlled WHO drug approvals over our nation’s own FDA guidance. This move not only sets a dangerous precedent, it puts the health and safety of all Illinoisans at risk.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human trafficking is unfortunately happening in every community across our state. This is why we continue to put forward legislation to support victims, bolster public safety, and hold perpetrators accountable. Thank you to the Illinois State Police and all the law enforcement agencies fighting this terrible crime in our state. Illinois State Police arrest five in human trafficking operation
ENERGY POLICIES
Democrats’ failed energy policies have reduced our power generation capacity in Illinois and caused prices to soar for our residents. We are fighting for affordability with improved energy strategies. Illinois families simply cannot afford to pay the bill for Democrats’ green energy fantasies.
CWD PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host public meetings throughout northern and west-central Illinois to provide area residents with information on the status of chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on free-ranging deer populations, and the department’s ongoing efforts to manage the disease.
TAXES
Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats have made our state #1 in the worst ways. Illinoisans already pay the highest combined state and local tax rates in the nation. This hasn’t stopped Dems from looking for even more ways to grab money from hardworking families including taxes on deliveries and other everyday services Illinoisans rely on. We are taxed out in Illinois. It’s time to provide some relief.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
The tradition of Friday Night Lights and community celebrations at high school football games remains as strong as ever across Illinois, including our local communities. The 2025 regular season begins this weekend! The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: Friday Night Lights: A tradition for many Illinois hometowns
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Have a safe and happy long Labor Day weekend! Please be safe and extra cautious on the roads as there will be additional traffic and allow extra time to reach your destination. Also, please always remember to plan ahead, celebrate responsibly, and never drink and drive.
Looking ahead to Monday, Labor Day honors the contributions of working men and women who have shaped our nation. We celebrate the dedication, skill, and perseverance that keeps our country moving forward.