05 Nov 2015

Smiddy Joins Local Elementary School for Civics Lesson During Visit

By Paul Ferrero

PORT BYRON, Ill. - On Wednesday, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale visited with several classes of fourth graders at George O. Barr elementary in Silvis, following their recent trip to the Illinois State Capitol in October, to discuss the legislature and the lawmaking process.

"I want to thank the administration, teachers and staff at George O. Barr elementary school for inviting me to visit, and I hope our conversation and their visit to the Illinois Capitol building inspires the student to remain interested in government," Smiddy said. "Even at a young age, it's important to begin to understand the role of government and current events."

Smiddy addressed three fourth grade classes during his visit to discuss how a bill becomes a law and Illinois current events and met with teachers and the school's superintendent. During the spring legislative session, Smiddy supported a measure to require Illinois high school student to take one semester of civics courses before graduation. The bill received bipartisan support and became law on August 21.
05 Nov 2015

Smiddy Promotes Healthy Living for Diabetes Awareness Month

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is highlighting diabetes risks and preventative measures during Diabetes Awareness Month, observed in November.
"The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that more than 827,000 adults in Illinois have been diagnosed with diabetes and each year more than 2,700 residents die from the disease," Smiddy said. "Diabetes claims lives through heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and can even cause blindness if left untreated and it's important to know the waning signs and ways to stay healthy.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes, and 79 million are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  One in three adults could develop some form of diabetes by 2050, if the current lifestyle and nutrition habits continue.
To combat the challenges facing the growing number of people with diabetes, Smiddy sponsored House Bill 1514, which would create a three-year diabetes prevention pilot program in Rock Island County through a partnership with local nonprofits and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).  If the bill becomes law, HFS will chooses a provider and that nonprofit will receive Medicaid reimbursement for their effort to prevent diabetes in the community.
"This pilot program would be responsible for working with community groups and area health departments to assist the community in prevention and best practices for diabetes." Smiddy said. "Getting regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, can help save lives, and it is crucial that we understand that the healthy lifestyle choices we make can prevent or control diabetes."
For more information, please contact Smiddy's constituent service office at (309)-848-9098.
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30 Oct 2015

Smiddy Urges Observation of Safety Tips this Halloween

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. -State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging residents to practice safe Halloween habits this year.
"Halloween is a great time to dress up and celebrate with friends, family and neighbors, but too often people are hurt during the festivities," Smiddy said. "You can help your family have a fun and safe Halloween by refreshing your memory about a few simple safety tips."
Smiddy offered the following safety advice for families this Halloween:
  • Ensure younger children are chaperoned during trick-or-treating and older children should go in groups.
  • Plan a route and an agreed- upon time for returning home.
  • Only visit well-lit houses and wait outside for candy.
  • Prepare for wet weather and take additional precautions for participants and drivers traveling during the celebration.
  • Ensure children wait to eat candy until after returning home and adults have inspected candy and wrappers. Any unwrapped or loosely wrapped candy should be discarded.
  • Trick-or-treat only during designated hours.
"With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, participation may be increased, and with so many people on the streets, it's important that motorists be especially careful to avoid collisions with pedestrians," Smiddy said. "As a father of two young boys, I know Halloween can be a great time, but for the celebration to be successful, it's important everyone contribute to a safe environment."
To learn about designated trick-or-treat hours, please contact your local police department's non-emergency number. For more safety tips this Halloween, please visit the Center for Disease Control's website at http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/. If you or someone you know may have consumed something harmful, call the American Association of Poison Control Center's hotline at 1-800-222-1222. For more information, call Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
28 Oct 2015

Smiddy Supports Vital Health and Safety Funding Threatened by Budget Uncertainty

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To stop damage to public health and safety due to the state's financial uncertainty, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, recently vote to send funds to fire fighter training programs, a program to help parents prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and screenings for breast and cervical cancer.
"It is devastating to me that women will not be able to receive life-saving cancer screenings, like the one that led to my wife's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment," Smiddy said. "Debates over policy and financial decisions are impacting Illinois families in irreversible and dangerous ways, and I will continue to speak out for these vital needs."
Without a final state budget, more programs and services in Illinois are facing shutdown. Smiddy voted to support an amendment to House Bill 4155 in order to provide funds to some state programs in the midst of this impasse. The proposal, which had enough support to advance but not to become law, would pay for local fire grants, Illinois Fire Service Institute fire fighters trainings, and emergency response equipment. Secondly, Smiddy backed the measure to continue the SIDS of Illinois Program, which provides counselling and support services to help families prevent the sudden and unexpected death of their infant. The amendment also included money for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, which offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and pap tests to eligible women.
"Illinois residents deserve to have programs available to keep them safe," Smiddy said. "I remain ready to work with all sides to reach a quick and complete resolution to our state's financial challenges."
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22 Oct 2015

Smiddy Sponsors Legislation Aimed at Dispersing Promised State Dollars to Local Communities

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help offset the damage of the state's budget crisis, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation to release state funds to local cities and prevent those communities from cutting critical services and raising property taxes.
"Local villages, cities and townships have many responsibilities to their residents, and they rely on state dollars when they budget every year," Smiddy said. "Residents in our communities need access to life-saving 911 services and proper maintenance of our infrastructure, and local governments don't have to wait for an end to the budget crisis for the support they were promised."
Smiddy is sponsoring House Bill 4305, which pays local communities their share of funds the state collects from its tax on motor fuels and gambling. These dollars are used by local governments to maintain roads, ensure public safety and emergency services are maintained and provide critical aid to the elderly. Illinois continues to collect money on these items, but Governor Rauner vetoed the state's budget that would have distributed these important dollars. Many communities are considering raising property taxes to offset the damage caused by Illinois' failure support local governments. Instead, this Smiddy backed legislation would release these critical dollars to local governments immediately.
"The residents in our communities already pay too much in taxes on their homes, and there is no reason they should be asked to shoulder a larger burden when the state has this money ready to spend right now," Smiddy said. "Illinois made a commitment to residents and their communities, and these funds should not be ransomed during the ongoing budget debate and give them the tools they rely on to serve their residents."
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17 Oct 2015

Smiddy Urges Home Inspection as Part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - To highlight the importance of reducing risks of lead poisoning, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging residents to join him in raising awareness of the consequences of lead poisoning in honor of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 25 through 31.
"As a state representative, anything I can do to help residents reduce their risk of serious health complications is important to me," Smiddy said. "Lead poisoning is a serious condition, and everyone should understand the risk factors and warning signs of dangerous exposure, especially for children."
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is observed every year during the last week in October. During this week, many states and communities offer free blood-lead testing and conduct various education and awareness events. This year's NLPPW theme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning's serious health effects. Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable.
According the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning can be difficult to detect, but initial signs in children include slow growth and development, irritability, weight loss, fatigue, vomiting and hearing loss. Adults experiencing lead sickness may notice high blood pressure; abdominal, join and muscle pain; numbness and tingling in the extremities; and memory loss. To reduce your family's risk of exposure to lead, clean and dust your home regularly, ensure painted surfaces are not deteriorated, address water damage quickly and flush water outlets used for drinking and food preparation.
"If we educate ourselves on the cause of lead poisoning and making a few lifestyle changes we can greatly reduce the risk of developing lead poisoning," Smiddy said. "Despite tremendous progress in eliminating the potential for lead poisoning, the risk remains a part of our lives, and it's important we all ensure our homes are safe."
For more information on lead poisoning and resources to keep your home safe, visit http://www2.epa.gov/lead/lead-. Talk with your doctor if you think you are suffering from lead poisoning or the Illinois Poison Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
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09 Oct 2015

Smiddy Bill Defines Attacks Against Soldiers and Veterans as Hate Crimes

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In response to tragic attacks, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation expanding the definition of hate crimes in Illinois to include crimes against  current or former military members.
"The attacks on July 16 in Chattanooga show us that military members are targeted, simply as a result of their service," Smiddy said. "This bill will honor the victims of the attack in Chattanooga by acting as a deterrent for those who would target the men and women who sacrifice just to keep us safe."
Smiddy is cosponsoring House Bill 4308 which designates crimes committed against uniformed members of the Armed Forces or veterans' organizations as potential hate crimes. Under current Illinois law, the 'hate crime' designation is a way to strengthen punishment when crimes are committed against individuals based on their actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin. The measure ensures that specifically trying to harm military personnel can result in increased penalties at the time of sentencing.
"Criminals who target military members who have sacrificed for our nation deserve strict punishment under the law, and this bill will strengthen the penalties they face," Smiddy said. "We have to continue to take steps to ensure veterans, military members and their families are safe here at home."
House Bill 4308 was filed on October 6 and will be sent to a House committee for consideration.
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07 Oct 2015

Smiddy Urges Community Action During Bullying Prevention Month

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging residents, local leaders and area schools to work together to prevent bullying as part of National Bullying Prevention Month, recognized in October.
"Too often, students feel unsafe or intimidated at school, keeping them from important experiences that will help them live up to their full potential," Smiddy said. "As a father, it's important to me that our schools are a place where all children can feel safe to learn and grow."
National Bullying Prevention Month encourages community members to partner with parents, teachers and students to reduce bullying in our schools. Participants are urged to reach out to isolated students, stand up for those who are being picked on and create positive messages and anti-bullying videos.
Last year, Smiddy sponsored a new law requiring schools to implement a comprehensive policy to prevent bullying. As more and more incidents occur on social media, Smiddy also pushed to require schools to include protocols for dealing with cyber-bullying.
"New legislation can help bring the issue of bullying to statewide attention, but addressing this challenge will require legislators, educators, parents and community members to work together," Smiddy said. "Everyone in our communities is responsible for the safety of our children, so if you see something that you find concerning, speak up. Together we can reduce bullying."
Bullying can affect people in very serious ways. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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06 Oct 2015

Smiddy Measure to Attract Trade Shows, Conventions Takes Effect

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, to promote local tourism and create jobs by helping local convention centers compete for conferences and trade shows is now law.
"Increased tourism means more dollars spent in our communities at the businesses that put middle-class families to work," Smiddy said. "Neighboring states are working to be attractive to conventions and shows that can be so helpful to the local economy, and it's important that our community be competitive."
Smiddy sponsored Senate Bill 508 in the House. The bill creates a special grant for public convention centers, like the iWireless Center in Moline, to help them attract more meetings, trade shows and conventions to the state and region. The bill reimburses convention centers for incentives, such as reduced room rates for attendees, they offer to organization considering hosting a convention in the region, with restrictions.
"I'm always looking for ways to make our communities competitive and help local business, and this legislation will help our region grow as a convention destination - funneling the capital that accompanies these shows into the regional economy," Smiddy said. "This new law serves as a reminder we can work together to help local economies and maintain Illinois' reputation as an excellent destination."
The new law received bipartisan support on its way through the General Assembly and was signed into law on August 27, 2015.
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30 Sep 2015

Smiddy Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging local women to ensure they are utilizing all resources available to prevent and treat breast cancer as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed each October.
"As a husband of a breast cancer survivor, I know how traumatic a breast cancer diagnosis can be, but science has shown how early detection can improve outcomes and survival rates," Smiddy said. "I encourage women everywhere to use Breast Cancer Awareness Month as an opportunity to get preventative screenings we know help save lives."
The state sponsors the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), a program which offsets the costs of preventative mammograms for Illinois women. Smiddy continues to fight for this program during the ongoing budget negotiations to ensure that income doesn't prevent women in Illinois from getting the testing they need. Additionally, Smiddy introduced legislation during the spring legislative session requiring all insurance plans in Illinois to cover preventative breast screenings as of this law's passage on August 21.
"The new law in Illinois will help more women have access to the preventative testing that we know that can be so important when fighting this disease," Smiddy said. "You don't have to be a woman or a cancer patient to participate and join the fight against breast cancer this October."
For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to learn how you can join the fight against breast cancer, please call Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 309-848-9098 or email at Repsmiddy@gmail.com. To speak to someone about breast health, breast cancer concerns or help finding local resources, please call Susan G. Komen Quad Cities at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).
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