SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help give students every opportunity to receive a high school diploma, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation extending eligibility for completing high school from 21 to 23.

"In today's economy, it's very difficult to be competitive without at least a high school diploma," Smiddy said. "Without a completing school, young adult have reduced earning power and few options for their future, and we should let students who are committed to completing high school the chance to do so."

Currently, students who drop out of school can return to finish until they turn 21. Smiddy supported House Bill 3687, which increases this age to 23, allowing student additional time to overcome the developmental, environmental and social obstacles they face to complete their studies. Returning students over the age of 21 would not be able to go back to regular classrooms with traditional-aged high school students. Instead, they can utilize Truant Alternative and Optional Education Programs and the Illinois Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education program to achieve a diploma instead of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, as current law provides.

"Many intelligent, hard-working young adults still carry the stigma of not having a diploma when searching for a job," Smiddy said. "This measure will help young adults who want to improve themselves an opportunity to access the tools they need to finish school."

House Bill 3687 received bipartisan support to pass the Illinois House and now awaits a vote in the Senate.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement after he voted to provide funds for 9-1-1 operators, local governments to maintain the state's infrastructure, firefighter and police training and other critical services:

"Wednesday's vote would deliver critical funds that local cities and townships depend on to maintain roads, staff 9-1-1 centers and ensure local police and firefighters receive the crucial training they need to keep us safe. To let this budget impasse get in the way of these critical services would have been a terrible tragedy that could risk lives.

"Additionally, Wednesday's vote included funds to help local families offset the increased cost of winter utility bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) and the domestic violence shelters across our state. This support means that our neighbors who are most in-need would have extra help and a safe place to turn that can make all the difference when facing a crisis.

"After months of fighting for Illinois' working families, the most vulnerable in our community, and for Illinois to stand behind its word to our local communities, it was encouraging to see my Republican colleagues join me to take a stand for Illinois. I urge the governor to promptly sign this bill to get Illinois families the relief they need."

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - As a member of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is continuing his effort to offset the financial burden of higher education by sponsoring legislation to fund Illinois' Monetary Award Program (MAP) which awards grants to students with financial need to attend college.  The program is not currently being funded due to the governor's budget impasse.

"Thousands of Illinois students depend on MAP grant funding to continue their education," Smiddy said. "Students can't wait for this budget impasse to end to continue their studies, and it's critical that Illinois stand behind its commitment to our students and help them prepare for the future."

MAP grants are awarded to about 130,000 Illinois student each year and have helped students pay for higher education since 1967. The awards are based on financial need and allow students to attend an Illinois university or college of their choice. However, this year, the state's budget impasse is preventing thousands of Illinois students from receiving this award. Smiddy is sponsoring legislation funding the program in an effort to allow many of these students to continue their education.

"If we let this program's funding lapse, a whole class of Illinois' future leaders won't have access to the educational tools they need," Smiddy said. "I look at MAP grants as an investment in the future of our state, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and put our students ahead of our current political difficulties."

For more information, please contact Smiddy's constituent service office at (309)-848-9098.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing his effort to reduce harmful consequences of Illinois' budget stalemate, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted last week to pass legislation reopening the Illinois State Museum after Governor Rauner closed the facility earlier this year.

"Illinois' museums are an essential tool for education we can all be proud of, serving children and adults alike," Smiddy said. "While the state does face difficult financial challenges, abandoning the educational resources we provide the public is shortsighted and irresponsible."

After months of failed budget negotiations between the General Assembly and the governor, Rauner order the Illinois State Museum closed. He estimated that the closure could save Illinois $4.8 million. However, further investigation reveals that closing the facility could result in the loss of federal grant money and open the state up to potential lawsuits resulting from violations to several agreements specifying care and viewing access for Native American remains. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimates that the Illinois State Museum is responsible for $16 million in annual economic activity in Springfield alone. Smiddy is sponsoring Senate Bill 317, which would require five branches of the Illinois State Museum to reopen immediately.

"With the potential of returning federal dollars, possibility for litigation and loss of economic activity that may accompany closing the museum, I really don't understand how the governor can rationalize this as a cost-saving measure," Smiddy said. "This bill to reopen the museum was called for by thousands of Illinois residents and supported by Democrats and Republicans alike in the House, and I urge the governor to promptly sign the bill, reopen the museum and restore this excellent resource for the people of Illinois.

Senate Bill 317 received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, and now awaits action from the governor.

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