Illinois State Senate District 59 issued the following announcement on Feb. 14.
Before returning to Springfield for the annual Budget Address on Feb. 19, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) spent time in District meeting with constituents, touring local businesses and reaching out fellow elected officials about community needs.
On Feb. 13, Sen. Fowler toured STC Electronics, a McLeansboro-based company which provides manufacturing and engineering services for a wide range of electronic applications. The local manufacturer provides services to several industries, including aerospace, military, renewable energy, smart grid technology, medical and broadcast communications.
Sen. Fowler also made a stop to the Chocolate Factory, a local treasure found in Golconda. The Chocolate Factory has been making gourmet chocolates and tasty handmade treats for consumers since 1977.
“I’m constantly learning about the many innovative businesses found here in Southern Illinois,” said Sen. Fowler. “What I think a lot of people don’t realize is that Southern Illinois is home to so many impressive businesses who are leaders in their industries. It’s for that reason that I enjoy doing these business tours. Not only do I hear first-hand from local employers, but I can use my platform to highlight what’s found right in our own backyard.
While in McLeansboro, Sen. Fowler also met with Mayor Dick Deitz for a discussion about local issues. Seeking to be a strong voice for communities in the 59th District in state government, Sen. Fowler is traveling around the region to meet with fellow elected officials to speak one-on-one about community needs and issues.
In other news, Sen. Fowler is once again partnering with Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce to host the Third Annual Southern Illinois Made Expo. The Expo is a premier opportunity for the business community of Southern Illinois to showcase Southern Illinois made products, speak with consumers and sell their goods. Beginning in March, the Expo will begin accepting new vendor submissions at simade.org. This year, the event is scheduled to take place July 25 and 26.
State News:
Senate Republican lawmakers join bipartisan push to pass Fair Maps amendment
This week, Senate Republicans joined a group of bipartisan lawmakers announcing the filing of a new constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 18, which would take sitting legislators out of Illinois’ legislative map-drawing process and prevent them from drawing their own districts.
SJRCA 18 includes the following provisions:
Establishes an independent, 17-member commission appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, who is charged with drawing the Congressional and General Assembly maps.
Seven commission members will be nominated from each political party and three commission members will not be affiliated with either political party.
Allows the public to provide comment and submit maps during the map drawing process for consideration by the Commission.
Senate Republican lawmakers said passing this proposal is the first step in rooting out government corruption and would send a strong message to Illinoisans that the status quo in Springfield is no longer acceptable.
In order for SJRCA 18 to be placed on the ballot this General Election, the full General Assembly must pass it no later than May 3, 2020.
Illinois sites added to National Register of Historic Places
A dozen sites in Illinois have been added to the National Register of Historic Places of 2019 based on recommendations from the State Historic Preservation Office.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of properties that merit special attention and preservation. Every Illinois county has at least one property or historic district listed in the National Register. To be eligible, properties must be more than 50 years old.
The 2019 additions are:
Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium District, Chicago, Cook County
Copley Hospital, Aurora, Kane County
First Congregational Church, Des Plaines, Des Plaines, Cook County
Louis Fredrick House Barrington Hills, Lake County
The Forum, Chicago, Cook County
Leaning Tower of Niles, Niles, Cook County
Lilacia Park Historic District, Lombard, Du Page County
Alton Gas and Electric Powerhouse, Alton, Madison County
Downtown Urbana Historic District, Urbana, Champaign County
Hunziker Winery Site, Warsaw, Hancock County
Paris High School and Gymnasium, Paris, Edgar County
Rollo Congregational United Church of Christ, Earlville vicinity, De Kalb County
Nominations open for Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame awards hosted by the Illinois Department on Aging.
The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame was created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1994 to honor Illinois residents ages 65 and older for their personal achievements in four separate categories; Community Service, Education, Labor Force and Performance & Graphic Arts.
The Illinois Department on Aging will be accepting nominations now through May 31.
OSFM stresses importance of fire safety for older Illinoisans
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding older Illinoisans about the importance of fire safety.
People over the age of 65 face the greatest risk of dying in a fire. In 2018, 44% out of the 118 fire deaths in Illinois were people over the age of 60. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), on average, over 1,000 Americans 65 and older die in home fires with the leading cause of these deaths is careless smoking.
OSFM says to keep these tips in mind to create a fire safe home:
Know two ways out of every room. Practice using both ways.
Remove any items that may block your way out of the room or your home.
Discuss your fire escape plan with family and neighbors. Contact your building manager or fire department to discuss your plan if you need extra help escaping.
Keep eyeglasses, keys, hearing aids and a phone within reaching next to your bed.
Practice your home fire escape drill twice a year.
Original source can be found here.
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