12 May 2015

Smiddy Gathered Local Leaders, Parents and Teachers at Education Forum

By Paul Ferrero

HILLSDALE, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, held a Community Education Forum on Monday, May 4 at Moline High School to have a conversation with parents, educators, administrators and the community about education policy in Illinois.

"I want to thank Superintendent Dr. Dave Moyer, Superintend Scott Kuffel, Tammy Muerhoff of the Regional Office of Education and all the administrators, teachers, parents and concerned citizens who joined me to share their views and keep up the work to make sure our children get the education they deserve," Smiddy said. "Our schools are threatened in Illinois today, and I'm encouraged to see that many people are willing to fight for our children's future."

The free, open forum meeting held at Moline High School featured Smiddy, Dr. Moyer, Superintendent of Moline-Coal Valley School District, Tammy Muerhoff of the Regional Office of Education and Scott Kuffel, Superintendent of Geneseo School District, who made brief presentations about state and local education issues, discussed current and threatened budget cuts, and fielded questions and comments from attendees.

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11 May 2015

Smiddy Recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week

By Paul Ferrero
HILLSDALE, Ill. - As another school year comes to a close, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging residents to take a moment this week to thank local educators for their hard work and dedication in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.
"Too often, the commitment and inspiration that educators instill in young people goes unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life, and I ask everyone to show their appreciation this week for a teacher who's made an impact on their life," Smiddy said. "As the father of two young boys, I know how critical a quality education is to their success, and I'm thankful for the teachers that work each day to give children everywhere a great start."
Teacher Appreciation Week is recognized nationally during the first full week in May to highlight the devotion of educators as they equip students with the knowledge they'll need for the future. According to the National Education Association (NEA), Eleanor Roosevelt was the first to advocate for an official day celebrating the contributions of educators. In 1985, the NEA dedicated the entire first week of May to honoring teachers.  Highlighting his own appreciation and respect for their perspective, Smiddy hosted a Community Education Forum on May 4th to start a dialogue with educators, parents and administrators about the fight to preserve Illinois' great schools.
"As I talk with teachers at schools in my district, I'm struck by their dedication to helping students learn and succeed," Smiddy said. "To all the educators reading this, thank you for helping our children grow and inspiring them to be all they can be."
For more information or for ideas for thanking a teacher making a difference in your community, visit http://www.nea.org/grants/teacherday.html.
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04 May 2015

Smiddy to Host Community Education Forum

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, will hold a Community Education Forum to discuss a variety of issues regarding public schools on Monday, May 4, at Moline High School located at 3600 Avenue of the Cities in Moline from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
"I take the perspectives of my constituents very seriously when voting at the Capitol, and this event will give me a chance to better understand the local situation regarding education," Smiddy said. "As a father of two, I share all parents' passion for an education system that gives children a great start, and I'm looking forward to working with educators, parents and administrators to continue the fight for the resources our students and schools deserve."
Smiddy, the Regional Office of Education and several local superintendents will provide updates about the education climate in Springfield and the local area. The program will welcome questions from attendees and an open dialogue about how to strengthen Illinois schools.
The event is free and open to the public. For question, please call 309-848-9098 to speak with someone at Smiddy's full time constituent service office
29 Apr 2015

Smiddy Hosts Community Education Forum

By Paul Ferrero
HILLSDALE, Ill. - To continue his mission to keep constituents informed and fight for high-quality schools in the community, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is hosting a Community Education Forum on Monday, May 4, at Moline High School, 3600 Avenue of the Cities in Moline from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
"Education is critical to the success of our young people, and improving the resources and assistance for local school districts is one of my main priorities in Springfield," Smiddy said. "This event is designed to get parents, educators and administrators involved in the conversation about the direction of our schools."
Smiddy is hosting the event in partnership with the Regional Office of Education and several local superintendents. The program will feature a short update about current educational events in the Capitol from Smiddy, a short discussion of the local education environment from Tammy Muerhoff from the Regional Office of Education, and an open conversation with administrators, hosts and attendees.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to inform parents and educators about the education climate in Illinois, and the chance to hear their suggestions for how we can make our education system as strong as possible," Smiddy said. "Staying in close contact with local leaders, teachers, and parents on the educational issues that affect our classrooms and students is the best way for me to be an effective advocate in Springfield."
The forum is free and open to the public. For questions, please contact Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
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24 Apr 2015

Smiddy Bill Requiring Purchase of State Vehicles Assembled Only in U.S. and Canada Advances

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation that requires Illinois to purchase vehicles for its fleet that were assembled in the United States and Canada that passed the Illinois House this week.
"Illinois has a responsibility to spend our tax dollars in ways that will continue to benefit people here at home," Smiddy said. "This bill is designed to help the automotive industry return to its former strength and keep our tax dollars from helping companies overseas."
Smiddy introduced House Bill 3438 to ensure every vehicle the state buys or leases is assembled in the United States or Canada. The proposal is similar to a bill Smiddy passed in the House during the last legislative session which never received a vote in the Senate. The measure would not require the state to discard or discontinue the use of any vehicle that is currently in use. Smiddy's legislation simply requires that all future purchases of vehicles are assembled in the United States and Canada. The bill is a product of an agreement between Smiddy, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and the United Automobile Workers (UAW).
"Thousands of hardworking Illinois and Canadian automotive workers labor each day to bring us quality automobiles that can become valuable additions to the state's fleet of vehicles, and Illinois should lead the way in supporting businesses that keep jobs from moving overseas and supporting this skilled workforce," Smiddy said.
House Bill 3438 passed the House with bipartisan support and now awaits assignment in the Senate.
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22 Apr 2015

Smiddy Sponsors Bills Granting Tuition Waiver for Children of Wounded Veterans

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing his effort to support veterans, service members and their families, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is cosponsoring legislation that exempts the children of wounded veterans from paying portions of tuition at Illinois public universities.
"Illinois sends thousands of brave men and women to serve in the military, and each year too many return with wounds that will continue to affect their lives," Smiddy said. "Illinois should be certain that we stand behind the families that defend our nation."
Smiddy is sponsoring House Bill 3476 to grant a tuition waiver at public universities in Illinois for the sons or daughters of wounded veterans. The percent of tuition waived is based on the severity of injuries, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs' determination of disability. The tuition waiver is valid for 124 credit hours as long as the student remains in good academic standing at the state institution.
"Too often, veterans return from their service with injuries that can have a negative financial impact for their family, and these restrictions can reduce their ability to put their children through school," Smiddy said. "This bill will help honor the sacrifice of Illinois' veterans by helping them give their children the education they deserve."
House Bill 3476 passed the Illinois House with bipartisan support and now awaits consideration in the Senate.
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20 Apr 2015

Smiddy Measure Expanding Cancer Screening Coverage Passes House

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, guaranteeing preventative mammograms are covered under all insurance plans in Illinois passed the Illinois House this week.
"As the husband of a breast cancer survivor, I have seen the difference that early detection can make when treating this aggressive disease," Smiddy said. "Every woman in Illinois should have access to the preventative screenings and treatments that we know save lives."
Smiddy introduced House Bill 3673 to expand access to preventative breast cancer screening. The bill requires every insurance plan in Illinois to include coverage of these screenings for women 35 years and older. The bill requires every network of care in Illinois to provide access to at least one location certified by the American College of Radiology as a Center of Imaging Excellence to provide the access to the highest level of care for women across Illinois.
"This bill could offer women in Illinois the timely access to preventative testing that could mean the difference between life and death," Smiddy said. "I'd like to thank my colleagues in the House for supporting this important measure, and I hope this bill continues its momentum in the Senate to become law soon."
House Bill 3673 received bipartisan support before the full House, passing on a vote of 109-6, and will be considered in the Senate.
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17 Apr 2015

Smiddy Joins Service Project Benefitting Foodbank

By Paul Ferrero

HILLSDALE, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, attended a service project to benefit the River Bend Foodbank as part of the North American College and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference, a large agriculture convention and competition, hosted by Blackhawk College on April 10.

"I'd like to thank Blackhawk College and agriculture teachers for setting up this excellent service project benefitting the River Bend Foodbank," Smiddy said. "I enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many fine young leaders in agriculture and join their effort to feed our community."

The service project was held on April 10 at the iWireless Center Lobby in Moline. Smiddy and other volunteers worked in teams to package American made meals which were later delivered to Riverbend Foodbank. In total, volunteers at the service day packaged over 49,000 meals for donation.

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10 Apr 2015

Smiddy Bill Proposes Accommodations to Help Special Needs Families at the Dentist

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Understanding the difficulty of going to the dentist, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation to provide children with special needs the dental services they need.
"The developmental disabilities that many children in our community live with can often necessitate different accommodations for even routine medical procedures," Smiddy said. "This measure will help families save out-of-pocket costs they can face when taking special needs children to the dentist in order to ensure they receive the care they deserve."
Smiddy is co-sponsoring House Bill 235, which, if it becomes law, would require insurance companies to cover sedation during dental procedures for individuals aged 26 and younger who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Autistic patients often require sedation for regular dental exams and surgery, which can cost parents and guardians thousands of dollars. Under current law, insurance companies are only required to cover sedation for children under the age of six.
"Dental care is critical to the long-term health of our children, and it's important to help all families have access to the dentistry their children need," Smiddy said. "I'm committed to working with interested stakeholders, families and my colleagues in Springfield to find way to provide Illinois families with proper medical care."
House Bill 235 passed the House Special Needs Services Committee unanimously and now awaits consideration before the full House.
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09 Apr 2015

Smiddy Encourages Watchful Eye During Child Abuse Awareness Month

By Paul Ferrero
HILLSDALE, Ill. - To promote the safety of area children, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is reminding residents of Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed annually in April.
"Too often, the homes where children should feel safe and secure are abusive and unstable," Smiddy said. "I urge residents to come together this April to help stop child abuse in our community."
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) estimates that more than 100,000 instances of child abuse cases go unreported every year. Smiddy encourages residents to be aware of the warning signs of abuse, including sudden changes in behavior or school performance, nervousness in normal situations and wearing long or concealing clothing in warm weather. Residents should contact the DCFS abuse hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE, 1-800-252-2873, if they suspect abuse or neglect.
"Each child in our great state deserves a supportive and safe home, and it's the duty of each of us to look out for the children in our community and ensure they are cared for properly," Smiddy said. "Please call the DCFS hotline if you're concerned about a child in your community, and together we can stop child abuse in Illinois."
For any additional questions or concerns, please call DCFS informational number at 1-800-232-3798 or contact Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 618-875-9950.
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