26 Jun 2015

Smiddy Stands with Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors in Race for the Cure

By Paul Ferrero
June 25, 2015 - PORT BYRON, Ill. - Joined by thousands of Quad City residents, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, participated in the Susan G. Komen Quad Cities, Race for the Cure on June 13.

"This organization provides the critical testing and treatment that saves lives right here in our community," Smiddy said. "I thank all that joined me in supporting this organization with their donations and by standing beside survivors and patients in the walk.

Smiddy participated in the event to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer treatment and care. 75 percent of the funds raised will remain in the Quad Cities area to support breast health education and cancer screening and treatment. The remaining 25 percent will go toward national breast cancer research grants. The Quad Cities Race for the Cure raised approximately $49,698.
26 Jun 2015

Smiddy Visits With Nursing Home Residents and Staff

By Paul Ferrero

HILLSDALE, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, visited the Rock River Gardens Nursing Home on June 15 as part of his effort to remain accessible to older adults and responsive to the needs of constituents with developmental disabilities.

"Spending time with seniors and those with disabilities is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as a public servant, and I'm committed to fighting for their needs as I represent this community in Springfield," Smiddy said. "I was happy to have a chance to visit with area residents with disabilities and understand their needs to more effectively fight for them in the Capitol." 

Smiddy met with residents and staff during the visit to discuss current events and suggestions for potential legislation to improve the state. Residents expressed concerns over Governor Rauner's proposed cuts to the state's Human Services budget and the impact of reductions in care. During the spring legislative session, Smiddy supported legislation requiring nursing homes and senior centers to allow residents to use an audio or video recording device to monitor for abuse. The bill passed both houses of the General Assembly with bipartisan support, and Smiddy hopes this will be another tool to make sure that those requiring care are as safe and comfortable as possible.

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24 Jun 2015

Smiddy-Backed Legislation Protecting Student Athletes from Brain Injuries Advances

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help preserve the safety of young people participating in sports, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation protecting student-athletes suffering from concussions from sustaining further injuries.
"Science has shown that multiple concussions have lasting negative health consequences," Smiddy said. "Sports are a great way to build character and discipline for students, but we must be certain that the long-term health of young people is not put at risk as a result of their participation."
That National Federation of State High School Associations estimates that at least 140,000 student-athletes sustain concussions annually through their participation in sports. Smiddy joined a bipartisan group of legislators in supporting Senate Bill 7, which would require physician evaluation and approval before a student athlete could return to regular academic or extracurricular athletic activity. Under the bill, schools would also create emergency plans for handling instances of traumatic brain injury and develop concussion training for coaches, trainers and school nurses. The implementation of these plans would be supervised by concussion oversight teams, made up of physicians, school athletic trainers and nurses. The measure is supported by the Illinois High School Association, Illinois Athletic Trainers Association, Illinois Advanced Practice Nurses Association, the University of Illinois and many Illinois hospitals.
"As a father of two young student-athletes, I'm extremely concerned with the prospect of sport-related concussions and the health consequences that can result if they go untreated," Smiddy said. "Providing a safe and productive education for young people is my first priority and this legislation will help to preserve the safety of our student-athletes."
Senate Bill 7 passed both houses of the General Assembly with bipartisan support and now awaits action from the governor.
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16 Jun 2015

Smiddy Offers State Assistance During Evening Appointments for Working Families

By Paul Ferrero
HILLSDALE, Ill -To accommodate working families with busy schedules who may have questions about state programs or suggestions for legislation , state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is offering working families evening appointments at his district office.
"Being accessible to my constituents is a priority for me, and I want all families to have the opportunity to share their thoughts on state government and access the state resources available through this office," Smiddy said. "Often, working families have many commitments that may prevent them from meeting during business hours, and I want the services of my office to available to all of my constituents."
Currently Smiddy's district office, located at 201 N. Main St., Unit 2 in Port Byron, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome during this time.  Smiddy regularly attends community events and his office provides services for residents including helping them access state programs and benefits and providing information about his policy positions.  To request an evening appointment, please call Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 309-848-9098 or email RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
"My office can be a resource to many people, and I hope the addition of these evening appointments will help make that resource more accessible to residents," Smiddy said. "I want everyone to know where to turn for help navigating the red tape of state bureaucracy and to find out about helpful state and local programs."
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12 Jun 2015

Smiddy Stands with Breast Cancer Patients in Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is joining thousands of area residents in the fight against breast cancer by participating in the Susan G. Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure this Saturday, June 13 at 8:00 a.m. in Moline benefitting breast cancer screenings, education, and research.
"As a husband to a breast cancer survivor, I know how important proper screening and treatment can be and Susan G. Komen Quad Cities is an unbelievable organization that helps provide critical support to thousands of local families," Smiddy said. "I urge area residents to join me in supporting the brave patients that battle this disease. Everyone should stand with this wonderful organization by participating in the run/walk or making a donation to help families receive the care they need."
The Susan G. Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure was first held in 1990 and was among the first races of its kind in the nation. The Quad Cities organization serves over 500,000 residents in the bi-state area and has funded over 13,000 mammograms since 1990. Access to breast health is a major priority for Smiddy in Springfield, where he has introduced legislation requiring all insurance plans to cover preventative breast cancer screening.
"Seventy-five percent of the funds raised through the Race go toward supporting local breast health services, so participation or donations will help our neighbors who are faced with breast cancer," said Christina McNamara-Schmidt, Marketing and Sponsorship Chair for the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure. "I'd like to thank Representative Smiddy for urging everyone to get involved in the fight against breast cancer and for the steps he's taking in Illinois to improve women's health."
To make a donation or to register for the race, visit http://komenquadcities.org/ or call 563-742-7465.
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04 Jun 2015

Smiddy Supports Bill Fighting Heroin Abuse

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To combat the state's growing heroin problem, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation establishing a comprehensive plan to reduce abuse of heroin.
"Thousands of Illinois families have been torn apart by heroin," Smiddy said. "Illinois must take unified, strong action if we are to halt the spread of this deadly drug and the havoc it creates in our communities."
Smiddy joined every member of the Illinois House in voting for the historic legislation. The bill, House Bill 1, includes prescription-return programs, expanded drug courts and additional treatment programs for low-level possession charges. Additionally, naloxone, a drug used to counteract heroin overdoses, will be carried by first responders, and the state will develop a heroin drug prevention program that can be implemented at any public school in the state.
"This plan combines an effort to stop the heroin-related deaths that are happening right now across the state, while attempting the change the culture around the drug and prevent its abuse long-term," Smiddy said. "I'll remain committed to making our communities safe and reducing the harm this drug can have on our children."
House Bill 1 received bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate and will await the signature of the governor to become law.
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03 Jun 2015

Smiddy Sponsors Measure to Help Domestic Violence Victims Afford to Escape

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation to give victims of domestic violence more time to pay their utility bill when relocating following abuse.
"The financial cost of moving from an abusive living arrangement can keep people in dangerous situations," Smiddy said. "As state leaders, we need to take steps to reduce the financial hardships of victims, and allowing additional time to establish initial payments is a great first step."
Smiddy is cosponsoring Senate Bill 1645 which lets victims of abuse have more time to make the initial deposit to set up utility services. The violence must be certified by medical personnel, a law enforcement agency, a State's Attorney, the Attorney General or a domestic violence shelter. The deposit must eventually be paid, but the measure allows people in stressful situations additional time to get out of abusive environments quickly and safely.
"Domestic violence and abuse is an unfortunate reality that affects many communities and many families," Smiddy said. "This bill can make escaping from abuse just a little easier, and I'll continue to support measures to support victims in their most desperate time."
Senate Bill 1645 passed both houses of the General Assembly unanimously and now awaits signature from the Governor.
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29 May 2015

Smiddy Supports Bill Reducing Tax Burden on Wounded Veterans

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In honor of Memorial Day, legislation supported by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, to reduce the tax burden on wounded veterans passed the House on Monday.
"Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to keep our country free," Smiddy said. "We honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by supporting the veterans who have returned with injuries that will never fully heal."
Smiddy voted in favor of Senate Bill 107 which provides property tax relief to veterans with service related disabilities of 30% or more. Additionally, the measure eliminates accessibility improvements to a residence from increasing the assessed property value for taxation. Service members with service related disabilities receive reductions in their property taxes based on the degree of disability they suffer from, as certified by the United States Department of Veteran's Affairs.
"We owe it to every veteran who has been wounded to ensure they are not threatened with losing their homes when they return to us," Smiddy said. "This measure will ease the financial strain that can accompany a major injury, and honors the veterans who have been injured keeping us safe."
Senate Bill 107 passed the House unanimously and now awaits final approval in the Senate.
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21 May 2015

Smiddy Supports Plan to Invest in Illinois Roadways

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is supporting a multi-year capital construction project proposed by the governor and the Illinois Department of Transportation to provide critical maintenance to Illinois roadways.
"A statewide infrastructure investment like the IDOT proposal will help keep all of us safer on the roads and will put hard-working men and women back on the job," Smiddy said. "I look forward to working with the governor on this issue to help restore critical infrastructure across the state."
Last week, IDOT released its multi-year construction plan to restore approximately 1,400 miles of roadways and 360 bridges across Illinois. Smiddy will work through his role on the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Bridges Committee to enact the plan to make our roadways safer and utilize local contractors to provide good, well-paying jobs to local residents. Smiddy's district would receive over $200 million dollars to restore over 22 miles of roadways over the life of the six year proposal if approved and carried out as planned.
"This investment is an area where we can work in a bipartisan way to improve our roads and bridges," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to look for partners in my mission to improve transportation accessibility across Illinois and jump-start the local economy."
The IDOT proposal includes ten projects in the 71st District that would begin in Fiscal Year 2016, which begins on July 1. The plan would still need a favorable vote in the General Assembly before projects can break ground.
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18 May 2015

Smiddy Votes for the Voice of Middle Class Families Against

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement following his vote today against legislation threatening the economic security of middle class families in Illinois.
"The governor's proposal to decrease collective bargaining rights in Illinois is nothing short of an attack on middle class families in this state. Having a voice in workplace decisions gives all workers the chance to make a living that can support a family, provide quality healthcare and a safe work environment.
"Despite arguments to the contrary, breaking organized labor does not create jobs and, instead, reduces workers' ability to provide for the ones they love. The middle class wages union workers earn allow them to support local businesses and drive economic growth in this state. I appreciate my colleagues in the House today joining me in standing up for working families and voting this down. I'll continue to fight for workers' rights to organize and advocate for their members wherever they are threatened and preserve the middle class in our great state."
The 71st District includes portions of Carroll, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside counties. For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
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