HURRICANE FLORENCE

· Illinois prepared to assist states impacted by Hurricane Florence.  Governor Bruce Rauner announced Thursday that Illinois is prepared to provide personnel and other support to states that may be impacted by Hurricane Florence. 

Ten Illinois Army National Guard soldiers and two helicopters have deployed to support relief efforts in North Carolina. The crews left from Peoria's 238th Aviation Battalion and Kankakee's 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment. They will provide support for up to 10 days. All costs associated with the deployment will be paid for by the Tar Heel state.  

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

·        Mike Marron sworn in as 104^th District State Representative.  Vermilion County Board Chairman Mike Marron was sworn-in Friday to serve as the new 104^th District State Representative. Marron is succeeding retiring State Representative Chad Hays, who had served in office since 2010. Marron, who succeeds both Hays and legendary State Representative Bill Black, thanked both men for their leadership. 

NORTH AURORA – The Illinois Chamber of Commerce today named State Representative Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego, a “Champion of Free Enterprise” for his voting record during the 2017-2018 legislative session. The Illinois Chamber’s Legislative Ratings tracks votes important to the state’s business community and grades legislators based on their support of pro-business issues during the two-year legislative session.

Among bills included in the report are the 32% tax increase, proposed red tape for call center operators, an electricity rate increase, expensive regulations to internet website operators, a $15 an hour minimum wage, a gross receipts tax on investment management services, and fake workers’ compensation reform.  However, not all was bad.  The Chamber included votes on legislation that will bring Illinois to the forefront of 5G internet, state preemption of autonomous vehicles, comprehensive procurement reform, and renewing the state’s vital EDGE tax credit.

“I am proud to stand with the men and women of our state and local business community,” Representative Wheeler said. “They are the catalysts of growth and innovation here in the Fox Valley. Together we can create Illinois jobs for Illinois families in the midst of a strengthening economy.”

AGRICULTURE

·        Ag-boosting measures signed into law.  At the Du Quoin State Fair on Saturday, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the Industrial Hemp Act, Senate Bill 2298, adding Illinois to a growing number of states that permit growth of cannabis cultivated for non-drug uses such as paper- and fabric-making, biodegradable plastics, construction materials and health food. 

The governor also signed House Bill 5749, easing weight-limit restrictions on state highways during harvest time, improving the competitive outlook for Illinois farmers and agricultural commodities haulers. Both measures will enhance one of the state’s leading industries: farming.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

·        Rep. Helene Miller Walsh appointed to 51^st House District seat.  With her business experience, passion for public service, and commitment to fighting for her community, Representative Helene Miller Walsh brings a valued perspective and unique skill set to the governing process. Rep. Miller Walsh graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles with a B.A. in Diplomacy and World Affairs with an emphasis on Middle Eastern Affairs, and a minor in Economics.

Representative Miller Walsh was sworn in to office on Saturday August 18^th. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Leenie Productions, LLC, a multi-media production company. Helene has been involved with several successful philanthropic endeavors, and she has held leadership positions on several campaigns for Northwestern’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. 

State Rep. Keith Wheeler toured the Aurora Metals foundry in Montgomery on Thursday. Manufacturing is vital to families here in the Fox Valley. Rep. Wheeler is a strong advocate for manufacturers in the 50th District and appreciates the opportunity to tour their facilities in person.

State Rep. Keith Wheeler hosted a utility bill savings clinic with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) at Montgomery Village Hall on Thursday. CUB's consumer experts provided free one-on-one consultations with local residents to show them how to save money on their electric, natural gas, and telephone bills.