Schmidt’s Spotlight: Energy Bill Signed into Law

State Rep. Kevin Schmidt Issues Statement after Energy Bill Signed into Law

Springfield, IL…Gov. JB Pritzker signed a controversial energy bill into law yesterday. Critics say Senate Bill 25 will raise energy rates by $8 billion while leaving families and businesses with a less reliable energy supply. State Representative Kevin Schmidt said the legislation will create more burdens in his District which is why he voted no on SB25:

"Under the guise of 'green energy,' Illinoisans will see higher rates, less production, and a less reliable energy supply," said Rep. Schmidt. "While there is some good in this bill, such as the repeal of the nuclear construction ban, it's crammed between handouts for special interests and rate hikes for consumers. Instead of focusing on expensive and unattainable green energy pipe-dreams, we should focus on preserving our energy from sources like natural gas, coal, and fossil fuels that work and utilize a strong workforce."

Senate Bill 25 passed through the General Assembly during Fall veto session. Despite a new study by three state agencies sounding the alarm about electricity shortages in the near future with current policies, Governor JB Pritzker still signed the legislation into law.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

The first step in ending human trafficking is knowing the signs. We all have a role to play in stopping this horrific crime in our communities. Here are some tips for recognizing trafficking: Recognizing the Signs | National Human Trafficking Hotline

Report concerns: Human Trafficking Hotline - Call 1-888-373-7888 or Text 233733

Holding IL Democrats accountable

As we head into the new year and a new legislative session, I stand with my Republican colleagues to focus on affordability and accountability. We're prioritizing tax relief, public safety, job creation, and lowering the cost of living through meaningful legislation.

We must change the direction of our state today to get Illinois on the best path forward for families and businesses!

Upcoming District Office Event!

I have 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.

Resources for First Responders

Our first responders are the backbone to community safety and we want to provide them with helpful resources that benefits them and their families. Find out how who can take advantage of these resources by visting: repschmidt.com/resources-for-first-responders/

More agency mismanagement under the Pritzker administration

In a bombshell report, a major State agency has admitted exposing the health care-related names and addresses of 670,000 Illinois residents.

The names and addresses of thousands of patients of the Illinois Department of Human Services were incorrectly made publicly viewable for the last several years, the agency said Friday.

Several maps created to assist the agency with decisions - like where to open new offices and allocate certain resources - were made public through incorrect privacy settings between 2021 and 2025, the Department of Human Services said in a statement.

More than 32,000 customers with the IDHS division of rehabilitation services had information publicly viewable between April 2021 and September 2025. The information included names, addresses, case numbers, case status, referral source information, region and office information and status as Division of Rehabilitation Services recipients, the agency said.

Around 670,000 Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program recipients had their addresses, case numbers, demographic information and the name of medical assistance plans publicly viewable between January 2022 and September 2025, IDHS said.

Read more about this massive data breach from NBC-5 Chicago.

Finally, Illinois Seniors Receive Tax Relief

More seniors will now be eligible for property tax relief now that the income threshold has increased to $75,000.

The deadline to apply or renew for the Senior Tax Deferral Program is March 1, 2026

More info: New law expands property tax relief for seniors in Illinois

Illinois Headlines:

Pritzker signs energy omnibus with new charge for ratepayers in 2030

How Illinois has changed under Pritzker

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