AROUND THE DISTRICT
Valentines for Seniors
My office partnered with Senator Balkema’s office to deliver Valentine’s cards to Seniors in District 105 earlier this week. We are proud to celebrate these special moments with our seniors and thank them for everything they have done for their families and communities. We had tremendous support for this year’s program and thank you to everyone who participated!
Food Assistance
Food insecurity is not just a national issue; it’s something we must help address in our local communities as well. There are local resources we can donate to and also access to help our neighbors, including young children, in need. Feeding Illinois and the Eastern Illinois Foodbank are among those resources. Please learn more at the links below.
Foodmobile Schedule : Find Help : Eastern Illinois Foodbank
Farm to Food Bank
Attention Illinois Farmers! If you grow, raise, or process food in Illinois, you may be eligible for up to $100,000 in funding to help you store, process, or transport your local products to families who need it the most. This initiative is part of the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Capacity-Building Grant. Applications are due March 8.
Learn more at these links:
Capacity-Building Grant — Feeding Illinois
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EKuPsm9RT
Childcare Opportunities
The Livingston County Childcare Coalition is seeking individuals interested in becoming a childcare provider or learning more about the childcare field. This is a great opportunity to be your own boss, work from home, and help support the needs of the Livingston community.
Please utilize the resources in the graphics above, or fill out the survey at this link to get started. Livingston County Childcare Provide Interest Survey
AFFORDABILITY
Democrats say they want to lower the cost of living, yet they continue to push policies that make life more expensive for Illinois families.
Last year, Democrats passed the largest budget in state history, an $8 billion energy rate hike, and opened the door for massive toll increases on residents who are already struggling with rising costs.
Now, after claiming they’re focused on affordability, the majority party has proposed bills to charge people for campfires (HB 4459) and even brought back the bag tax (HB 5112) which would make Illinoisans pay for paper, plastic, and even reusable bags.
Illinoisans are taxed out. It’s time for Dems to stop these ridiculous cash grabs and learn to live within their means.
STATE BUDGET ADDRESS
Both the House and Senate are back in Springfield next week, and the Governor’s Budget and State of the State Address will be held on Wednesday at noon. You can follow along and watch the address here: Illinois General Assembly – Live Audio & Video
PROPERTY TAXES
Illinoisans pay the highest effective property tax rates in the nation, and yet the system continues to fail them. If we want to make Illinois a more affordable place to call home, we need to tackle this major issue.
Over the years, we’ve seen task force after task force on property taxes, but no action from the majority party. We need to come together to find real relief for Illinois families or we will continue to see people leave the state.
Learn more: Opinion: Illinois’ property tax system is failing
ETHICS REFORMS
The Michael Madigan playbook is still largely in place in the Statehouse. One year after Madigan’s conviction, House Republicans have introduced numerous anti-corruption measures, but Democrats continue to drag their feet on ethics reform.
Illinoisans deserve better accountability and transparency from their state government. It’s time to reject the “Madigan way” and start earning back the trust of the people.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
I want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and please enjoy the long weekend ahead! I hope you get to spend quality time with your family and friends you love the most.