Schmidt’s Spotlight: Session and Democrat’s Promise to Make IL More Affordable

Spring session begins next week and House Republicans will be focused on lowering the cost of living and holding Democrats accountable for high taxes, high energy rates, and affordability. Illinois residents deserve tax relief, and they deserve to live in a state that doesn't pinch every penny out of their pocket. We must focus on policies that drive costs down and give people an opportunity to get ahead. I will continue supporting legislation that lowers the cost of living in Illinois and helps families and businesses thrive.

One Question Survey

I want to hear from you!

Governor JB Pritzker's policies over the past seven years have significantly burdened Illinois families, with a 43% increase in state spending, property taxes are now #1 in the nation, and billions of dollars have been spent subsidizing illegal immigration. Is your family better off?

Rep. Schmidt Wants Democrats Held Accountable

WE CARE Clinic

Last week, I visited the WE CARE Clinic on the SIUE East St. Louis Higher Education Campus to learn more about the team and their mission. Dr. Myjal Garner and her team are doing tremendous work for communities in the Metro East.

The mission is clear: provide comprehensive evidence-based primary care services to people in the Metro East area while working with health care providers and agencies to identify health needs, and to develop and implement plans to meet those needs.

Plus, they accept Medicaid!

Learn more and see photos: https://repschmidt.com/…/schmidt-visits-siue-we-care…/

The Future of Illinois' Energy Raises Red Flags

Pritzker signs CRGA energy bill, costing consumers billions in higher energy rates. Governor JB Pritzker signed a controversial battery storage and energy omnibus bill into law last Thursday. Senate Bill 25, also known as CRGA, is another example of flawed green energy policies that Illinois ratepayers are already all too familiar with…read more.

Upcoming Events

State Representative Kevin Schmidt has teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer's Office to host an ICASH event Monday, February 9, 2026, at the O'Fallon Public Library.

Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed money or property and receive assistance filing a claim.

ICASH Event Details

Who: State Representative Kevin Schmidt with the Illinois State Treasurer's Office
When: Monday, February 9, 2026, from 10AM-1PM
Where: O'Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza, O'Fallon, IL 62269

Other Events: https://repschmidt.com/events/

Valentines for Veterans

All ages are invited to create a Valentine's card or drawing for our local heroes. Cards and drawings should be dropped off or mailed to Rep. Schmidt's office by February 12. Please call before drop-off to ensure staff is available to collect. (618-215-1050)

The Valentine cards will be delivered to veterans residing in senior care facilities located within the 114th District in time for Valentine's Day.

DROP-OFF OR MAIL TO

Rep. Kevin Schmidt's District Office

4041 Mississippi Ave. Cahokia Heights, IL 62206

Budget

Spring session overshadowed by $2.2 billion budget deficit. One of the largest issues currently facing the Illinois General Assembly is the unsustainable trend of record State spending. Governor Pritzker's own Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) has generated a fiscal projection that estimates an approaching deficit, based on estimated revenues and expenditures, of $2.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2027, which begins on July 1, 2026.

When Gov. Pritzker releases his proposed FY27 budget on February 18th, he may project a smaller FY27 deficit than GOMB projected last October. A downward-revised projected deficit could be projected based on increased revenues into the state coffers. Democrats have "decoupled" Illinois from some pro-growth tax reforms in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted last year. Furthermore, the President Trump-led U.S. economy appears to be more resilient than experts and economists predicted; and this nationwide resiliency could help all the states, including Illinois.

Illinois Headlines

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Illinois expands hours to obtain REAL ID before TSA deadline for $45 fee

Waste watch: Illinois lawmakers hand $740K to 'Floating Museum'

ICE hiring ban bill reignites SAFE-T Act fight at Illinois Capitol