Schweizer’s Summary: September 2nd-13th

HIGHER EDUCATION

University of Illinois enrolls a record number of students. Reporting on the 2024 fall term, the University of Illinois announced that they had enrolled 97,772 students. This enrollment total encompassed the University’s three campuses in Chicago, Springfield, and Urbana-Champaign, as well as a wide variety of ancillary locations and online student groupings that are part of the U of I’s overall system. The reported number marked a 3.2% increase over the corresponding 2023 fall term, a growth rate that sharply exceeded overall Illinois population trends among college-aged residents.

The University of Illinois’ enrollment announcement included the enrollment of 9,008 freshmen at its flagship Urbana-Champaign campus, a record number. More than two-thirds (71%) of the freshmen are from Illinois, continuing their higher education in-state. They became part of the 59,228 total student body at Urbana-Champaign. As a research university campus, the UI-UC’s enrollment far exceeds the number of undergraduates in its system. Urbana-Champaign enrollment totals also included 20,765 graduate students, itself a record.

FLAG OF ILLINOIS

Process begins to accept public suggestions for possible new Illinois state flag. The Flag of Illinois, which is the State seal on a white background (“field”) with the name “Illinois” under the seal, has bene in place since 1970. A key element of the flag, the State seal, was adopted in 1869. This 1869 state seal is an old-fashioned emblem, influence by the heraldic tradition of European aristocracy, which was adopted after the successful end of America’s Civil War. The seal draws a complicated picture that includes a triumphant eagle with an American shield, the State motto, a rising sun, key dates of Illinois history, and other symbolic images.

A national U.S. movement exists to persuade most or all of the states with heraldic or State-seal flags to adopt new banners. Many states with old-fashioned flags, such as Minnesota, Mississippi, and Utah, have done so. House Republicans in Illinois universally opposed the legislation to create a new Illinois State Flag but were outnumbered in both chambers of the General Assembly by a Democratic Supermajority. With their legislative action, the General Assembly has asked the Secretary of State’s office to operate and staff the Illinois Flag Commission, a panel that has begun taking in proposals for a new State banner. The deadline for the public to submit a proposed new Illinois flag design will be October 18.

The Flag Commission will examine these submissions and create a short list of 10 finalists. These 10 finalists will be posted before January 1, 2025, for public advisory voting. The voting window will open on January 1, and will close in mid-February. It is important to note that the public may also submit their preference to keep the existing Illinois Flag, as is.

After counting and considering the public votes, the Flag Commission has been instructed to make a choice for submission to the 104^th Illinois General Assembly. The lawmakers may then pass a law to adopt the new design as the future flag of Illinois.

FALL IN ILLINOIS

Illinois’ apple orchards provide family fun. Illinois is home to an array of apple orchards that offer a delicious harvest and fun-filled adventures for the whole family. Across the state, orchards open their gates to visitors eager to enjoy crisp autumn days filled with apple picking, hayrides, and tasty treats.

Illinois’ apple orchards are a significant part of the state’s agricultural landscape. With over 1,000 acres dedicated to apple orchards, Illinois ranks among the top 25 apple-producing states in the country. Popular varieties grown across the state include Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonathan, which thrive in the state’s fertile soil and temperate climate.

Starting in northern Illinois, Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard is a standout. Boasting over 17,000 apple trees with more than 30 varieties, this orchard is known for its expansive grounds and unique features like the Apple Tree Maze. With activities like a carousel and fresh cider donuts, it’s an ideal destination for families looking for a full day of fun.

Heading to central Illinois, Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch in Champaign is a must-visit. Known for its free admission, this orchard lets visitors enjoy apple picking alongside homemade meals at the Flying Monkey Cafe. From late August through December, families can take in the orchard’s charm, complete with a pumpkin patch and delicious apple treats.

In southern Illinois, Rendleman Orchards in Alto Pass offers an unforgettable experience nestled in the Shawnee National Forest. Known for its picturesque setting, this orchard allows families to pick apples while exploring the beauty of the region. Rendleman also features farm-fresh products like jams, jellies, and cider, making it a perfect spot to stock up on fall favorites.

For those in the western part of the state, Tanners Orchard in Speer has been a family tradition since 1947. This orchard spans over 80 acres and offers 11,000 apple trees to pick from. Families can enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze, and the ever-popular Apple Bin Bakery, famous for its apple cider donuts and freshly baked pies.

CONSTRUCTION ON I-72/ I-57 INTERCHANGE

Construction on the Interstate 72/ Interstate 57 Interchange began on Monday, September 9th. The construction involves building crossover pavement to be used during next year’s reconstruction of the I-72 bridges over I-57 and will require closures of the left lane in both directions of I-72.

To read more about what to expect, please see the below press release from Gov. Pritzker and IDOT.

MEDICARE 101 EVENTS

MEDICARE LUNCH AND LEARN HOSTED BY HEALTH ALLIANCE

Thank you to Health Alliance for hosting a Medicare Lunch and Learn event for constituents of the 104th District!

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MEDICARE 101 WITH REP. NIEMERG AND THE IL DEPT. ON AGING’S SHIP PROGRAM

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Medicare 101 event that Rep. Niemerg and I hosted with the Illinois Department on Aging’s SHIP Program! It was a great event!

If you missed the presentation, I have some extra copies of handouts from the Dept. on Aging. Please reach out to my office at (217) 477-0104 if you would like one.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE

Beginning on September 16th and spanning through October 11th, I am hosting my first annual Halloween Drive with the Boys and Girls Club of Danville, the Rantoul Youth Center, and the Rantoul Recreation Department.

Gently used and new costumes of any size are welcome and can be dropped off at Rep. Schweizer’s District office at 3821 N. Vermilion, Ste. 5, in Danville, at the Boys and Girls Club of Danville at Garfield Park, 850 N. Griffin St., in Danville, at the Rantoul Youth Center at 1306 Country Club Ln, in Rantoul, or at the Rantoul Recreation Department at 100 W. Flessner Ave., in Rantoul during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

“I am proud to partner with local community organizations to provide costumes to children who otherwise would not be able to dress up this Halloween season,” said Rep. Schweizer. “As a parent, I understand how important dressing up for Halloween is to children and how expensive it can be, so I am encouraging everyone who is able, to visit one of the collection sites and drop off costumes so that they can be distributed to children throughout the 104th District.”

Following the collection period, a distribution night will be held to invite families to come and pick out costumes ahead of the Halloween festivities. More information regarding the distribution will follow closer to the end of the drive.

With questions or for more information, please contact my office at (217) 477-0104 or visit RepSchweizer.com.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

This National Suicide Prevention Month, let’s come together to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.