Happy Tuesday! I hope you’ve been enjoying this crisp fall weather, as the leaves are starting to fall. I wanted to give you an update on what I’ve been up to and what’s been going on around the state. Since my last update, I’ve been busy attending various events throughout the 111th district.
WHERE’S AMY?
I’ve been keeping busy! Recently, I visited Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills, where I was given a tour of the facility and met with staff to hear about their priorities.
October 4th was National Manufacturing Day, and I celebrated the day attending SWIC’s Manufacturing Day event. Over 1500 high school students from 45 schools in the region attended today to learn about the programs and facilities at SWIC that can get them into good-paying and rewarding careers quickly.
On Saturday, I hosted a Shred Day in Granite City! The turnout was fantastic, and it was awesome to see so many come out to safely dispose of documents they’ve been holding on to.
LIHEAP
LIHEAP program applications available now. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for income qualified households. This energy bill assistance program can assist with natural gas, propane, electricity bills and furnace assistance. Applications are open now through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 333,000 households received LIHEAP with an average of over $724 per household.
Residents in need are urged to visit helpillinoisfamilies.com to get started or to visit their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
MADIGAN
Mike Madigan, once Illinois’ most influential powerbroker, now faces federal corruption trial. The former Illinois house speaker quietly wielded power in Springfield for decades while developing a reputation as a reclusive political wizard, well-schooled in the playbook of the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. His trial begins today at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
The FBI’s decadelong pursuit of one of the most dominant politicians in Illinois history led to bombshell indictments and shocking betrayals. It toppled the untouchable and changed the course of Chicago history.
But prosecutors still have one crucial task ahead of them: proving former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan guilty of a racketeering conspiracy.
That work finally begins today, in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge John Blakey, where the once-powerful Southwest Side Democrat is expected to face a jury of fellow Illinois residents whose lives have all been affected by Madigan — whether they know it or not. […]
Facing trial alongside Madigan will be Michael McClain, Madigan’s longtime friend and confidant, who was among those convicted last year of scheming to bribe the speaker.
Madigan spent a record 36 years leading the Illinois House of Representatives, where he controlled legislation that shaped every facet of life across the state until he resigned in 2021.
The feds now say he led a criminal enterprise over nearly a decade, enhancing his political power and generating income for his allies and associates. McClain allegedly acted as an agent of the so-called “Madigan Enterprise,” making unlawful demands on the speaker’s behalf while trying to shield the speaker from criminal liability.
Read the rest of the Chicago Sun-Times article.
FALL
As the leaves continue to turn, here’s an interactive map that will help you plan your trips so you can see the leaves at their peak. Check it out here!
AROUND THE DISTRICT
The Bethalto DMV is being temporarily relocated to the Bethalto Village Hall while the Secretary of State’s office is renovating the Bethalto DMV and converting it to a One-Stop-Shop where customers can get their transactions done at one counter more efficiently.
For the remodel, the DMV will be temporarily closed from October 7-18 and the facility will reopen on Monday, October 21.
This upgraded DMV design will help our residents get the services they need in a more efficient manner and enable them to get back to their busy lives more quickly. Introducing new technology and cross-training employees decreases wait times to better serve residents.
It’s Fire Prevention Week. This Fire Prevention Week let’s all take concrete action towards eliminating the threat of fires in our homes and communities. Every small action is a step towards saving lives and keeping people safe.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to shine a light on the fight against breast cancer and to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. This month we honor those who have bravely fought against breast cancer and continue our search for a cure.
Of course, if you’re having an issue with a state agency, please give my district office a call at 618-433-8946. We’re here to serve you!
I’ll provide another update soon. Until then, enjoy this weather and stay safe!