28 Sep 2015

Smiddy Helps Provide Meals and Resources for Homeless Vets

By Paul Ferrero

PORT BYRON, Ill. -State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, joined local volunteers and community leaders to provide meals and resources at the 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event, held September 17 through 19 at the Q.C.C.A. Expo Center in Rock Island.

"We owe our freedom to those who have served, and I'm proud that our community stands behind them and embraces the 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event and to help veterans get the support they deserve," Smiddy said. "I'd like to thank 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' for their commitment to serving homeless veterans in our community, and for allowing me to join them for this important event. I invite everyone in our community to look for ways to help those who have served our country."

'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' is a local not-for-profit dedicated to serving veterans in the community, and connecting services at a variety of levels. The 13th annual 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event offered food, clothing, grooming, medical testing, support programs, legal assistance and employment counseling. 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' partnered with other local non-profits to host the event, and Smiddy attended the event to serve hot meals to local homeless veterans. Residents who wish to contribute to the organization or volunteer should contact Mike Malmstrom, co-director of 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' at 309-269-2012.
28 Sep 2015

Smiddy Decries Blocked Funding for Law Enforcement Crisis Training

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Pointing out the potentially devastating effects of police officers entering crisis situations without training, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to release funds for critical law enforcement training that are currently available but being blocked by the governor's budget veto.
"These training programs prepare officers for the most dangerous parts of their jobs and helps keep them and the public as safe as possible," Smiddy said. "It is irresponsible to send officers into crisis situations without the tools to safely diffuse the risks, especially when the funds to help are ready and waiting."
Smiddy voted to advance the funding for training grants to local law enforcement which are financed through statewide traffic ticket fees and would not be funded at the expense of other critical services. When the governor vetoed the budget, his action blocked funding for training programs which include specialized instruction on crisis interventions, information on safe interactions with the public, firearm safety, narcotics detection, interacting with people facing mental health challenges, updates on new laws and other important information. This measure still needs approval by the full House and Senate to be considered by the governor.
"The governor has taken an ideological view that harms middle-class families in Illinois, and now may even jeopardize the lives of officers who keep us safe," Smiddy said. "I find it unacceptable that the money to begin these training sessions is available, and yet not released. We must simply authorize its use and help Illinois officers be as prepared as possible while they protect us."
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23 Sep 2015

Smiddy Urges Safe Disposal of Prescription Drugs

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging residents to safely dispose of old prescription medication at local drop-off sites as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Sept. 26.
"Old medications left in the medicine cabinet too often become dangerous in the hands of young people," Smiddy said. "To ensure everyone has a safe place to dispose of old prescriptions, local law enforcement is providing free locations in our community to dispose of unused medications as part of this nation-wide event."
Smiddy is encouraging constituents to bring unused or leftover medications to any of the area locations listed in the table below. The collection drives are being held as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The goal is to provide locations across the country for the safe and responsible disposal of prescription medication. For information on other collection sites, visit dea.gov or contact the DEA's Office of Diversion Control at 800-882-9539.
Smiddy is promoting the take-back day as part of his effort to reduce dangerous drugs in the community. During the spring legislative session, Smiddy supported a comprehensive approach to preventing drug abuse by expanding access to life-saving treatments, monitoring the distribution of commonly abused prescription medications and promoting drug take-back programs throughout the state.
"Many medications that are critical to healing and recovery in medical settings are dangerous and habit-forming when not disposed of correctly," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to work in Springfield to prevent the spread of dangerous drug, but I also want to ensure people in the community have access to the all the resources at their disposal to keep us safe."
18 Sep 2015

Smiddy Joins AT&T to Honor Tri-County Opportunity Council

By Paul Ferrero

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, joined officials from AT&T Monday to recognize the Tri-County Opportunities Council, a Rock Falls-based community service provider, and present a grant that will help the organization continue working to expand access to job training, educational opportunities and assistance for working families.

"The Tri-County Opportunities Council provides thousands of local families with resources to help them make ends meet during difficult times, and I'm thankful AT&T values their contributions to our community as much as I do," Smiddy said. "The governor's budget veto has threatened a number of important services, but we're fortunate that dedicated organizations like The Tri-County Opportunities Council are continuing to put the needs of local families first. This award is in recognition of the important role they play in our community."

The Tri-County Opportunities Council provides a number of services to families in Whiteside County, Carroll County and the surrounding area, including job training, home energy assistance and scholarships. AT&T and Rep. Smiddy selected Tri-Counties for the Investing in Illinois Award and presented the group with a $2,000 grant to recognize and continue their important work on behalf of local families.
15 Sep 2015

Smiddy-backed Bill Increasing Numbers of Conservation Police Passes Committee

By Paul Ferrero

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Working to preserve the viability and safety of Illinois' outdoor spaces, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, introduced and helped advance legislation to increase the number of conservation officers in the state last week.

"Conservation officers help protect and secure Illinois' natural resources for everyone to enjoy," Smiddy said. "The security of our outdoor spaces must not be recklessly sacrificed if we want these resources to be available for our children to appreciate."

As of September 2015, Illinois had retained only 115 conservation police officers. However, 33 officers will be laid off effective September 30, leaving only 82 officers for the state. Smiddy introduced House Bill 4104 instructing the Illinois Department of Natural resources to begin the hiring process for more officers and maintain the recommended 175 sworn officers for their force.

The bill passed the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
11 Sep 2015

Smiddy Grateful Jobs Will Remain at Exelon Plant

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement on Exelon's decision to continue operations at its Quad Cities Nuclear Plant until May of 2018:
"The Quad Cities nuclear plant is a critical employer and economic engine for our communities, and it's hard to overstate its importance to the region.
"The decision to keep the plant running will mean hundreds of families will have continued access to reliable, affordable energy while workers stay on in good, well-paying jobs. The investment will reap benefits throughout area communities and local economies.
"This continuation, however, is not a permanent solution for the plant or the region.
"I look forward to using the time to work with Exelon and other state leaders to attempt to find a way to preserve these jobs and the billions of dollars in economic benefits this plant bring to the state."
09 Sep 2015

Smiddy Votes to Maintain Care for Elderly and Disabled

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement after his vote Wednesday to block Governor Rauner's attempt to reduce care for the disabled and the elderly by raising the Determination of Need (DON) score; a measurement used to decide eligibility for in-home services:
"The governor took it upon himself to raise the DON score and I believe that's an irresponsible, shortsighted strategy for fixing our state's finances. This rule change tries to save money at the expense of people who are in serious need of help.
"I've had a chance to meet with senior citizens and people with disabilities who would lose their care if this rule took effect. 38,000 people will lose services they rely on if the governor's rule change takes are adopted. To abruptly end their access to this critical aid is cruel. Additionally, the modest care many of these people rely on is crucial to their ability to live a life with dignity. If they lose services, many will be forced into nursing homes which will cost the state more money.
"The fact is that the change in the DON score eligibility requirements would cost hardworking people in Illinois their health and their livelihood and would fail to provide savings to the state. This legislation will stop these devastating changes from taking effect and allow the federal government time to develop a new assessment tool."
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02 Sep 2015

Smiddy-Backed Legislation Aimed at Stopping Sexual Assault on College Campuses Becomes Law

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Students starting college this fall will have more support and security to combat sexual assault thanks to a new law supported by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale.
"A college education can be a great resource, and no one should have their safety at risk while they gain an education," Smiddy said. "Sexual violence affects far too many young people on campuses right here in Illinois, and by incorporating the ideas of organizations and advocates across the state, students will have more resources and help."
The new law that Smiddy backed, Public Act 99-0426, requires institutions of higher learning to offer victims and witnesses of sexual assault more options to report incidents confidentially. Schools must make confidential advisors available, have better systems in place to make students aware of their options, train students and employees to improve responsiveness to allegations, and adopt a uniform process for addressing and adjudicating sexual violence.
"As a father, I want my kids to have a safe, secure place to learn and grow," Smiddy. "This new law will help colleges create a community where sexual violence is not tolerated, and students feel protected, listened to, and supported."
Public Act 99-0426 was signed into law and took effect on August 21.
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02 Sep 2015

Breast Cancer Screenings Coverage Required as Smiddy Bill Becomes Law

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–To prevent instances of insurance companies excluding preventative breast cancer screenings, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, spearheaded a new law requiring all insurance plans to cover preventative testing which became law on August 21.
"As the husband of a breast cancer survivor, I know how important it is to detect this aggressive disease as early as possible, and I don't want any woman in Illinois to go without the testing they deserve," Smiddy said. "This new law makes sure insurance companies can't say no to proven life-saving screening."
Smiddy credits his wife's survival over breast cancer in large part due to early detection. He introduced House Bill 3673 to ensure all Illinois women in Illinois have access to the same resources. The bill requires every insurance plan in Illinois to include breast cancer screening for all women 35 years and older. Under the previous law, breast cancer screening was available for low-income families through the state. However, women not meeting the income requirements could have their testing left of their private plans. The new law requires preventative testing be available under every insurance plan serving Illinois residents. Additionally, a grant program is created to increase testing centers in rural, medically underserved areas.
"This law is an important step in the ongoing fight against breast cancer, and will help thousands of women across Illinois receive the testing they need," Smiddy said. "Our family had to face an enormous challenge when my wife was diagnosed, and no family should be without the lifesaving testing that we know saves lives because insurance companies want to save money."
House Bill 3673 received bipartisan support in both houses of the General Assembly and was signed by the governor on August 21. The legislation has an immediate effective date but residents are urged to contact their insurance providers to ensure their plans have been updated and include the new regulations.
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14 Aug 2015

Smiddy Votes to Pass Federal Funds to Those in Need

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To reduce the pain resulting from the absence of a full year's state budget, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation on Wednesday passing over $4 billion of federal money to Illinois' most vulnerable residents.
"Much of the aid that many families need is available as a result of our partnerships with the federal government, and this funding shouldn't be held up due to Illinois' current budgeting problems," Smiddy said. "There is more work to be done to craft a fiscally responsible budget that helps those in need, but passing these federal dollars on to our most vulnerable will help reduce the suffering caused by the current budget dispute."
Smiddy voted to pass Senate Bill 2042, which spends $4.8 billion of federal funds on services in Illinois, including disaster relief, school funding grants, elder abuse prevention, community services for developmental disabilities, and domestic violence victim services. This bill is expected to receive the support of the Senate and the governor to become law.
Smiddy also approved an amendment that contained additional dollars to support heating and cooling assistance for low income families, home delivered meals for seniors, breast and cervical cancer screenings, support for veteran's homes and other vital services. Many of these programs have not been able to serve those in need as a result of Illinois' lack of a state budget. However, the governor and House republican members refused to support this money, and the final bill did not include it.
"The first step to any compromise is finding common ground, and I appreciate the collaboration we reached to release billions of dollars in federal money that many people depend on," Smiddy said. "In the process, however, many Illinoisans were still left by the wayside. People are in desperate need, and I will continue working to meet the basic needs of children, homebound seniors, cancer survivors and working families even if not everyone agrees they are a priority."
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