Here is an update on what occurred in state government over the last week and what’s ahead.
Two major announcements occurred last Friday. The Governor vetoed the nuclear expansion bill that would help lower the cost of energy prices and the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the gun ban. I released the following statements after these two announcements.
Statement on Pritzker’s Veto of the Nuclear Expansion Bill
Illinois desperately needs to have more options to produce enough energy to meet the demands in our state. Our utility rates are going through the roof and the construction of new nuclear power plants is one solution to lower these costs. I co-sponsored the bill to lift the nuclear power plant ban as I believe this will allow our state to explore all the options to meet our energy demands, produce low-cost energy, and help boost our economy and provide more good-paying jobs.
Statement on Supreme Court Upholding the Gun Ban 4-3
I’m disappointed but not surprised in the ruling made by the Democrat majority on the Illinois Supreme Court. I appreciate the dissent by Justice Holder-White citing language concerning the constitutional requirement that a bill be read three days before its adoption. I voted against the firearm ban earlier this year because I support the Constitution. In the meantime, law-abiding gun owners including myself look forward to an opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court because our nation’s highest court will have the ultimate decision.
Investments in America’s Central Port located in Granite City
Yesterday my office and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that America’s Central Port is one of nine recipients of the Megasites Investment Program in the amount of $5 million. The program is funded through Rebuild Illinois Capital Funds.
I am thrilled that America’s Central Port in Granite City was selected to receive funding to continue providing world-class service for our transportation network which includes access to the Mississippi River, our railways, and roads. The investments being made will help grow the economy and bring more jobs to the region.
Megasites are large, developed sites ready for occupancy for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more. Investing in megasites develops underutilized areas and former industrial sites, while making the State more competitive for large-scale industrial investments.
Mobile Office Hours
My staff and I will be holding office hours in Glen Carbon, East Alton, Roxana, Granite City, and Alton on the following dates and locations:
MONDAY, AUGUST 21
10:30 A.M. – 12 NOON
Glen Carbon Centennial Library
198 S. Main Street in Glen Carbon
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
East Alton Village Hall
119 W. Main Street in East Alton
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Roxana Village Hall 310 N. Central Avenue in Roxana
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23
2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Granite City Township
2060 Delmar Avenue, Suite B in Granite City
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24
4:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Rep. Elik’s District Office
192 Alton Square Mall Dr., Suite C in Alton
Staff will be available to help with issues you’re having with a State of Illinois agency. Mobile office hours are open to the public. Appointments are encouraged but not required.
Scheduled meetings will take place in the order in which they were received. If you need assistance with state agency, please don’t hesitate to call my office at 618-433-8046, we are ready to help.
St. Louis Freightway Tour
I learned more about the freight operations and infrastructure improvements in Illinois and Missouri on Thursday, August 10. The tour was hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway and Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis.
Alton Market
While attending the Alton Main Street Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market last Saturday, I got a chance to check out the cab of a John Deere sprayer. It gives you an appreciation for the safety that farmers have to take into account when they are transporting this type of machine and the work that they do every day. It’s high-tech and scientific these days and much different than it used to be. Thank you Madison County Farm Bureau for bringing farm equipment to the market!
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.