Inside:
- Another corruption scandal at the Capitol
- JEEP bill signed into law
- Senior and Veterans Fair coming up July 29
- Summer reading program deadline coming up soon!
Another corruption scandal at the Capitol
Just as state government started to move on from the conviction and sentencing of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on federal corruption charges, the statehouse has now been hit by not one, but two scandals involving Democrat state legislators.
Earlier this month Representative Harry Benton resigned after an investigation by the Legislative Inspector General accused him of behavior which was “outrageous, unethical, and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House.”
Then just last week Representative Carol Ammons was indicted on federal charges of wire fraud, making false statements and obstruction of justice. The indictment alleges a kickback scheme which involved inflating payments to third parties who then gave some of that money back to her, as well as converting campaign contributions for personal use and financially benefitting from state grant funds in violation of the state’s conflict-of-interest rules, all the while trying to conceal the scheme from investigators by filing false campaign finance reports.
I had hoped that the Madigan conviction would cause a reckoning in Springfield and finally make clear the need for stronger ethics laws to clean up corruption. House Republicans even filed a series of reform bills. Unfortunately, the moment passed without any action, and now we are seeing yet another corruption scandal at the Capitol.
The time for ethics reform is now!
JEEP bill signed into law
This week I was proud to see one of the bills I sponsored get signed into law.
Senate Bill 3818 establishes the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP) and authorizes the Department of Military Affairs to make grants for the purpose of incentivizing recruitment into the Illinois National Guard.
JEEP would increase recruitment through peer-to-peer referrals. The grants would go to current members of the Guard who are not assigned as recruiters who serve as JEEP lead generators by supporting or facilitating the enlistment or accession of soldiers or airmen into the Guard. The Department would establish eligibility criteria, grant conditions and administrative requirements.
The bill passed both houses unanimously and was signed by Governor Pritzker on Wednesday.
Senior and Veterans Fair coming up July 29
I am partnering with Heritage Woods of Moline to host a Veterans & Senior Fair on Wednesday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Rock, located at 302 1st Street in Coal Valley.
The free event is open to the public and will provide valuable resources, information, and services for veterans, seniors, and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local organizations and vendors while learning about programs and services available throughout the community.
Highlights of the event include vision screenings provided by the Illinois Lions Club, free haircuts for veterans courtesy of Rayz Barber Shop, and a retired flag drop-off location. Free blood pressure checks, refreshments, giveaways, prizes, and vendor information will also be available throughout the morning.
For more information, contact Heritage Woods of Moline at (309) 736-5655. I hope to see you there!
Summer reading program deadline coming up soon!
We are having another great summer encouraging local students to read as part of my Read All About It: America 250 summer reading program! But the deadline to turn in your submissions is coming up soon.
Any 71st district student between kindergarten and 5th grade who reads eight books by July 31 can submit their reading list to my office and earn an official Illinois House of Representatives certificate and an invitation to an ice cream party at the end of the summer. This year, in honor of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, there will be a special, extra prize for any student who reads at least one book about American history.
Readers make leaders!
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