Schweizer’s Summary: June 24th-28th

IDEC, HAPPY 4TH, SUMMER READING, IN THE DISTRICT AND MORE

As June comes to a close, I am continuing to attend and host events. Through events and connections, I continue to learn even more about the district!

STATE GOVERNMENT- IDEC DEPARTMENT

New law creates new Springfield-based Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). The law creating the new Department, which will transition into existence over the next two State fiscal years, was signed on Tuesday, June 25. The new Department will administer programs that are currently housed at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Under the new law, the often-troubled DCFS will be required to give up its supervision of day care centers, day care homes, and group day care homes to the new Department. This could alleviate some of the burden DCFS currently faces. Additionally, the newly-created Department is slated to supervise early childhood education programs and care programs for at-risk children and families, including home visitations and intervention services. The transition of responsibilities over to the new Department will be phased in over a 24-month period concluding on July 1, 2026. A proclaimed policy goal of the new Department will be to prevent very young children from experiencing deprivations, often experienced within at-risk families, that appear to generate an increased risk of long-term effects upon human achievement levels and personalities. In a parallel budget bill, the General Assembly appropriated $14 million in the upcoming fiscal year for initial IDEC startup costs, including hiring executive staff and opening new office spaces.

House Republicans want good care for Illinois’ young children, but many members of our Caucus pointed to the almost complete lack of information provided to lawmakers by champions of the new Department as to how much the act of setting it up would cost and what the new Department’s overall impact on Illinois’ future budgets and tax bills would be. The House vote to enact the creation of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood was 93-18-0.

IN THE DISTRICT:

ILLINI-SALUKI CORRIDOR EVENT IN CHAMPAIGN

On Wednesday, my office attended the Illini-Saluki Corridor Meeting in Champaign to discuss the importance of rail and specifically the Amtrak track that runs along Interstate 57. The meeting was attended by local leaders in and around Champaign, as well as by fellow legislators at the state and federal level.

It was a great event to learn and hear about what the Amtrak that runs along I-57 brings to the surrounding areas.

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FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVERS CELEBRATION WITH SEN. FARACI AND CONGRESSWOMAN KELLY

Congratulations to the Danville High School Problem Solvers for being named the International Grand Champions of 2024! Way to represent!

Thank you to Senator Faraci for putting celebration together and to Congresswoman Kelly’s office for helping to celebrate these bright students!

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ILLINOIS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE SETTING THE TABLE EVENT IN CHAMPAIGN

Last week I was able to attend the 50th anniversary of the Setting the Table Event hosted by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance in Champaign!

It was a great turn out and excellent learning opportunity. Thank you for the invite!

“WHAT’S BREWING” COFFEE TOUR

I have announced the dates for my “What’s Brewing” coffee tour taking place in July!

I am encouraging all constituents in the 104^thDistrict to come to my coffee events to ask questions, share concerns, and receive a legislative update. I will be visiting the locations below:

Mad Goat Coffee (Gilbert St.) in Danville on July 8^th from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Red Wheel Restaurant in Rantoul on July 15^th from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Industrial Donut in Savoy on July 22^nd from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

No RSVPs are required. With questions, please contact my office at (217) 477-0104 or visit repschweizer.com.

SUMMER READING EXTENTION

Due to calls regarding the original deadline, I have decided to extend my Summer Reading Program until July 15!

Any students still wishing to participate may turn in forms online on my website or mail them in to my Danville office on or before July 15th. My office has additional flyers and I have a specific tab on my website for electronic submissions that can be found here.

Following the deadline, I will be inviting participating students to a special celebration to commemorate keeping their heads in the game this summer!

Keep reading, District 104!