Weekly Newsletter 10-7-24
Harvest Time
Farmers Are Frustrated
Since the last farm bill was enacted in 2018, international wars and a pandemic have disrupted supply chains, and inflation has skyrocketed. Consumer grocery prices rose 25% between 2019 and 2023, but this hasn’t translated to farmers.
Nonetheless, harvest season is in full swing in Illinois.
The 2018 Farm Bill (which was set to expire September 30, 2024) is supposed to be updated every five years, but congressional lawmakers can’t come to an agreement:
https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_b5a17c64-801f-11ef-b553-1736a0975e03.html
Power Costs Are Going Up 800% In Some States
Yes, you read that correctly.
WHY?
- Deactivating coal, gas and nuclear energy
- Shifting too quickly to unreliable ‘renewable’ energy
The auction is ON for purchasing electric power from the grid:
https://committeetounleashprosperity.com/hotlines/in-some-states-power-costs-skyrocket-by-800-2
Democrat Taxes Catapult Illinois to 2nd Highest Gas Prices In The Nation
Illinois drivers are paying more than twice what they spent before Governor J.B. Pritzker took office and proceeded to double the state’s gas tax. Because of Pritzker and his Supermajority Democrats’ legislation, gas prices will only continue to climb in the years ahead.
The Illinois gas tax structure is complex, but state and local taxes further compound the problem. Illinois is one of the few states that applies a sales tax to gasoline AFTER the motor fuel tax, effectively taxing drivers on the taxes they already paid for the gas.
This analysis from the Illinois Policy Institute explains everything in more detail:
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/pritzkers-gas-tax-hike-doubles-yearly-take-to-nearly-2b
Competent Leadership Produces Successful Results
Burning through money is the Illinois Democrat Party’s answer to everything.
But their colossal failures on every level prove that this ‘solution’ doesn’t work. In fact, endlessly and indiscriminately spending money creates even more serious problems.
Illinois’ painful reality of Democrats’ misguided fiscal policies = residents and businesses fleeing the state in record numbers.
https://wirepoints.org/dont-look-now-but-here-come-the-tax-hikes-on-illinoisans-wirepoints
Another glaring example of Illinois’ gross fiscal negligence and mismanagement is the Democrat-run agency of the IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Security). Their ‘leader’, Auditor General Frank Mautino, has admitted that the agency lacks data to back $6+ million in unemployment claims during the COVID pandemic. This ‘assistance money’ was distributed through June 30, 2023.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/state-agency-lacks-data-back-231800489.html
Who Knew?
Actually, plenty of people not only knew but vehemently fought to stop the dangerous consequences of the SAFE-T Act that Governor Pritzker signed into law in 2021.
Under this Act, most criminal defendants are failing to appear in court.
NO DUH.
Listen to this interview with Wirepoints’ Ted Dabrowski. He delves further into the detrimental impact that Illinois Supermajority Democrat policies have had on our citizens:
Resources for Veterans
The State of Illinois offers a variety of programs and resources for veterans and their families. Here you will find a collection of federal, state, and local services available to veterans on a wide variety of issues. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please feel welcome to give my office a call at 217-508-4108 and a member of my constituent service team will be ready to assist you. Learn more…
OUTDOOR SPORTS
Fall trout season set for cold open on Saturday, October 5, and full open on Saturday, October 19. The first trout season window, which will be open from October 5 through October 18, is for catch-and-release at selected sites only. The standard trout season, with a five-trout limit, will open at 5 a.m. on October 19. An Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) fishing license, including a $6.50 trout stamp, will be required for both types of fishing activities.
The full trout fishing season will be enjoyed on 60 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state that have been stocked by IDNR. This list includes Highland Old City Lake, in Madison County, which has been remediated and returned to the trout list. The trout list includes waters in Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois.
IDNR doubles bobcat permits for season; application deadline is Monday, Sept. 30. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced the doubling of bobcat hunting permits for the upcoming season. This decision shows the successful recovery of the bobcat population and teaches the importance of effective wildlife management in our state.
Bobcats have a storied history in Illinois. Once nearly eradicated from the state due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, these elusive animals have made a remarkable comeback over the past few decades. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of IDNR and various conservation organizations, bobcats have rebounded significantly, reclaiming their rightful place in Illinois’ ecosystems.
According to IDNR, the estimated bobcat population in Illinois has been growing steadily. In fact, recent surveys indicate that there are now around 5,000 bobcats in the state, a remarkable increase from previous years. This growth is attributed to improved habitat conditions and the implementation of regulated hunting and trapping practices that ensure sustainable population levels.
Managed hunting plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations. IDNR has carefully evaluated the bobcat population dynamics and determined that increasing permits from 1,000 to 2,000 is both a responsible and necessary step. By allowing regulated hunting, IDNR can manage the population effectively, preventing overpopulation and associated ecological issues.
Balance must be maintained between conservation efforts and the recreational activities of hunting and trapping. Responsible hunting not only contributes to wildlife management but also provides economic benefits to local communities. The sale of hunting permits, as well as the associated spending on equipment, lodging, and food, supports local economies significantly.
So Many Fun Things To Do This Fall!
Plan your seasonal adventures with this guide that includes everything from pumpkin patches, ziplines, corn mazes & trails to a full Fall food & drink menu! It even has a Fall colors trip planner.
Enjoy, Illinois!
https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/seasonal-adventures/fall-in-illinois
Here is a map of the new 101st House District. Use this link for a clearer picture and to enter your address to see if you live in the district: https://repcmiller.com/district/
As your state representative, my office is available to assist you with any issues you may have when interacting with a state agency.
Please call our office at 217.508.4108 to get help or schedule an appointment to see me.
The office is located at 1113 Lincoln Ave, Charleston and is open Mon-Fri from 9am- 4 pm.