Representative Dan Swanson’s September 19 Capitol News Update

Inside:

• Universal mental health screenings coming to Illinois public schools
• This is Farm Safety Week
• Veterans scratch-off lottery ticket sales grant dollars available
• Busy weekend around the district

Universal mental health screenings coming to Illinois public schools

A newly signed Illinois law creates a planning process that is explicitly intended to move towards universal mental health screening in public schools. The new law creates statewide guidelines for local school districts to follow in implementing these screenings, including a mandate that they be administered annually to all students from third grade through high school graduation. The new law sets a 2027-2028 mandated target date for implementation.

I voted against the new law, which passed the House by a vote of 72-36. There were a lot of concerns raised about over-aggressive outreach, diminishing the ability of young people to grow up naturally with the support of their families and friends. Recently a mental health expert issued a nationwide warning against initiatives in the 50 states starting with Illinois' new law. He warns that caregivers are writing out and distributing well-meaning 'screens' that over-diagnose mental health challenges and sicknesses.

By utilizing an opt-out provision, parents can ask their public school to excuse their children from the mental health screenings mandated by this new Illinois law.

This is Farm Safety Week

September 15-21 is Farm Safety Week in Illinois. Farming is one of the most dangerous professions around. We deal with animals, chemicals, equipment and much more. Safety on the farm is the responsibility of each and every farmer and farm worker.

But farm safety doesn't end there. It also extends to every motorist on Illinois' highways this time of year. During harvest season, large farm implements will be moving along the roadways, and there are some important things for each driver to remember.

As years have gone on, the equipment has gotten bigger. When the driver is operating a combine or a tractor, there are a lot of blind spots. If you are following a tractor or combine, the driver probably cannot see you. Drivers should also remember that the farm equipment is most likely moving very slowly. When working with the equipment available today, it's dangerous: just a split second of inattention can cost you an arm, a leg or even a life. Please be patient and take your time.

We all want to get home safely. We all want to get home alive.

Veterans scratch-off lottery ticket sales grant dollars available

Veteran organizations or veteran service providers please see the following quarterly veterans scratch-off lottery ticket sales grant dollars available. You can follow the GATA process requests at this time.

The first U.S. lottery game, Winter Winnings, was launched in Illinois in 2006, allocating 100% of its net proceeds to veterans. The $2 specialty ticket was sold annually from November to February, with a new ticket designed, named and sold each year during that period.

Administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), the Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket Grant is a yearly competitive reimbursement grant offered quarterly to nonprofits, tax-exempt entities, and governmental organizations that assist veterans in need. These organizations can apply annually for amounts ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.

The Veterans Cash Grant Authorization Committee (GAC) reviews applications quarterly, contingent on available funding, and submits recommendations to the IDVA Director for final approval.

On July 1, 2024, the specialty ticket was replaced, and IDVA is now part of the Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off game. Proceeds are shared with nine other causes through the $5 7X's Bingo Multiplier scratch-off ticket, which is sold year-round.

Eligible applicants include government agencies, veterans' organizations, and nonprofit, tax-exempt entities focused on providing services for veterans in the areas of behavioral health, homelessness, health insurance costs, disability benefits, long-term care, employment and training, and emergency financial assistance.

If interested, please visit click here.

Busy weekend around the district

It was a busy weekend around the district recently, starting with the Lions pancake breakfast at the Stearman's hangar at the Galesburg airport. A large crowd and a number of Stearman aircraft and others. During the afternoon I congratulated Jeff Kirwan for his many years of service as IAA Director for District 3. Jeff did a great job representing his district members serving in his Director capacity.

In the evening, I attended the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regimental Ball. This is the Battalion I had the opportunity to Command. A great organization of dedicated men and women serving Illinois and our nation. Nita and Rick Cross were awarded the Molly Pitcher award, a prestigious recognition of their years of service. Nita is SFC Wherly's mother who was killed 3 Nov 05 while serving in Iraq with 2/123FA. It was nice getting caught up with the changes and missions. Thank you to LTC England, Command Sergeants Major Kwak and Unit members for your service.

There was a large turnout for the 33rd anniversary of the farmers recognition breakfast, which was courtesy of the Monmouth American Legion, G&M Distributors, Inc., M & E Catering, FS, Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau, and WRAM AM 1330.

Afterwards I participated in the 2025 FS AG Roundtable. An outstanding group of farm and business leaders participated. I always enjoy the opportunity to participate, and I learn from the experts. Thank you to everyone who had a role in putting the events together.

More news

Governor Pritzker is having a bad month

Illinois tax amnesty period starts October 1

Two Illinois State Troopers injured in bridge collision

Illinois awards millions in grants for library, literacy services

Western Illinois University's fall enrollment tops 5300