The Illinois House of Representatives is back in session next week.
On Wednesday, lawmakers will receive Governor Pritzker’s budget address and State of the State. I would like to see a balanced budget without spending more than what is in the bank account, hence a budget that is based on valid revenue estimates. Stay tuned for more updates. In the meantime here are a few updates from around the district and State of Illinois.
Mobile Office Hours in Granite City Feb. 21
Since I will be in Springfield next week, my district office staff will be available on Wednesday, February 21 to meet with constituents who need help with issues concerning a State of Illinois agency.
Mobile office hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21 at Granite City Township, 2060 Delmar Avenue, Suite B in Granite City.
Traveling office hours are open to the public. Appointments are encouraged but not required, however scheduled meetings will take place in the order in which they were received. To schedule a meeting, please call my district office at 618-433-8046.
Valentines for Veterans Delivered
Emma from the district office and I delivered hundreds of Valentines to Veterans in local long-term care centers on Tuesday, February 13. From Granite City to Glen Carbon, Wood River to Alton, we made our deliveries and hope these bring some joy to our seniors on Valentine’s Day.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to make and drop off the cards!
Legislation Filed to Help Small Businesses
This week I teamed up with small business leaders by filing legislation to encourage small businesses to reinvest earnings in their communities.
The legislation—HB 4669 would create small-business savings accounts, allowing businesses to put aside up to $50,000 per year for future business investments.
I filed this bill to help small businesses save for their future investment in their business. When a small business invests in their business, not only is it a win for them, it’s a win for their employees and the community they serve.
If passed, funds contributed to these small-business savings accounts would be eligible for an income tax deduction in the year the small business contributed them. The business could then reinvest them later—as operational needs dictate—to build out its operations.
The legislation is supported by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Technology and Manufacturing Association, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois Trucking Association. Full story here.
Supporting Illinois Manufacturers’ Plan to Strengthen Workforce
Last week I joined the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) in support of its 2024 legislative agenda, by advocating for measures to strengthen the state’s manufacturing ecosystem by supporting students and families entering the workforce.
I’m proud to partner with the IMA on these important issues concerning career training education and increasing access to childcare. Our state must continue to explore ways to build career pathways for students and remove barriers that make it difficult for students and parents to enter the workforce.
A bipartisan measure (HB 3307) I sponsored would allow students to take two years of career training education in place of two years of foreign language study.
An additional measure I sponsored would create a pilot program (HB 4670) to allow 10 manufacturers to open on-site childcare centers at no cost to their employees. The employer is required to follow staffing, medication, background checks, and liability insurance requirements through an expedited approval process. The IMA is also seeking to bring grant dollars/incentives to employers who open childcare centers in designated childcare deserts.
The lack of available childcare is a hindrance to attracting and keeping people, especially women, in the workforce. We believe that this pilot program is very unique, but it will be a way for employers to provide a key benefit to their employees and to bring more people to the workforce, which will improve manufacturing in Illinois for decades to come. Full story here.
House Back in Session Feb. 20
The Illinois House of Representatives will reconvene on Tuesday, February 20. You may watch the session live here.
Office Closed on Monday in Honor of Presidents Day
Need Assistance with State Government?
If you have an issue or need help navigating state government. My office is here to help you. If my office may be of assistance, please contact my district office in Alton at 618-433-8046.