Around the district

Friday morning Sens. Anderson, Halpin, Arellano, Rep. Johnson and I participated in the Quad Cities Chamber 2025 Legislative Event at Bally’s. It was great to see local leaders, business owners, school officials and others attending the breakfast event. Overregulation, high property taxes, lack of housing and a level playing field seemed to be a common theme.

In the evening, Tammy and I attended the Knox County Pork Producers annual banquet at Lake Storey’s Pavilion. Congratulations to Pete Holmes as he was inducted into the Knox County Pork Producers Hall of Fame. Pete started farming on his own in 1972, farrowing and finishing hogs in the field.  He grew up showing pigs and cattle at many 4-H and FFA shows. Pete and his wife Diane are longtime leaders of the Warangal Trailblazers 4-H Club and helped numerous 4-H members with their projects. Congratulations Pete and Diane.

Saturday was the 107th Annual Knox County Farm Bureau meeting. I always enjoy visiting with local farmers, business owners and FFA students in attendance. Leader Hammond and I shared some thoughts on the upcoming legislative session. Thank you KCFB!