24 May 2013

Rep. Smiddy-Sponsored Concealed Carry Bill Advances in Legislature

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) issued the following statement after the



House passed concealed carry legislation on Friday:



"Passing concealed carry legislation in the Illinois House today is a monumental step forward



after years of deadlock and inaction in Springfield have denied citizens their basic rights. For



too long, Illinois has been the only state in the nation to bar citizens from the free and proper



exercise of their Second Amendment Constitutional rights. After today's historic vote, Illinois is



finally within reach of becoming the last state in the nation to allow for the concealed carry of a



firearm and giving law-abiding, responsible gun owners the ability to defend themselves.



"Senate Bill 2193 is a 'shall issue' measure that protects the rights of law-abiding gun owners



to carry in the state of Illinois while preventing municipalities from enacting their own



burdensome restrictions. A disjointed state law not only would infringe on citizens' rights, but



also force the burden of learning 208 towns' guns laws on law-abiding, legally carrying citizens.



"The bill we passed today is an important step in the right direction to guarantee gun owners'



rights. Clearing the House with a veto-proof majority sends the message that my colleagues are



ready to respect the Second Amendment. I urge every Senator in this state to vote for this bill



and send it to the governor's desk immediately."



For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or



toll free at (855) 243-4988.



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24 May 2013

Smiddy Votes for Increased Boating Safety, Encourages Residents to Practice Safe Boating

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
PORT BYRON, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) encourages local residents to practice safe boating habits in recognition of Safe Boating Week.

"Enjoying the outdoors and spending recreational time with friends and family is a part of the summer culture for many families in our area," Smiddy said. "We should all take the necessary precautions to ensure that everyone using our waters this summer remains safe."

Continuing efforts to increase boating safety, the legislature recently unanimously approved a proposal aimed at preventing dangerous and avoidable accidents caused by boaters operating a boat under the influence of alcohol. Under Senate Bill 1479, boat operators involved in an accident causing injury or death would be required to complete a blood alcohol level test, similar to implied consent to a chemical test for drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents.

Several other states passed or are considering similar measures.

"Boating can be dangerous activity when inexperienced operators, rough waters, and quickly changing conditions are brought together," said Smiddy. "This initiative will help keep children, families, and friends safe by further discouraging boat operators from boating recklessly."

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reported 101boating-related accidents in 2012, including 17 deaths and 77 injuries. Wearing life vests, completing boating safety courses, and avoiding alcohol while operating a motorized boat help protect boaters from accidents and injury. IDNR offers free instructor-led safety education classes throughout the year in addition to online education programs. Information on these programs can be found at www.dnr.state.il.us/safety or by calling IDNR toll-free at (800) 832-2599.

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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20 May 2013

Smiddy-Backed Bill Encouraging Veterans to Choose Illinois for Higher Education Passes House

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, IL -A measure to increase educational opportunities for veterans in Illinois cosponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) passed out the Illinois House on Tuesday and now heads to the governor for further consideration.

"As a community, we should provide military personnel with the tools they need to encourage their success," said Smiddy. "This measure will help ensure our men and women in uniform are given every opportunity to succeed when they return from their service to our country. This is a positive step to encourage education and assist our proud servicemen and women."

House Bill 2353 allows veterans receiving benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 to receive in-state tuition rates at Illinois' public universities and colleges. Certain veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2011 are also eligible for in-state tuition under this bill.  

"This legislation was supported by our public universities because of its positive impact on veteran students and the entire state," Smiddy said. "Attracting quality, hardworking, and dedicated students to Illinois improves the quality of life for everyone. I was proud to cosponsor this bill and will continue supporting measures that encourage veterans to further their education here in Illinois."

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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03 May 2013

REP. SMIDDY HOSTING COMMUNITY SHRED DAY

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

PORT BYRON, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) is hosting a free community shred day andelectronics recycling drive on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Rock Island CountyFairgrounds located at 4200 Archer Dr. in East Moline.
"Destroying documents that contain personal or sensitive information is an easy way to prevent identitytheft," said Smiddy. "This event is a convenient way for residents to ensure that their documents are properlydisposed."

Residents can bring unneeded bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, receipts, credit card applications, oldbills and other documents that contain sensitive personal information to be safely shredded and disposed. Alldocuments should be free of paperclips, staples and other bindings. Electronics recycling is sponsored by theRock Island County Waste Management Agency and Vintage Tech Recyclers.

WHO:  71st District State Rep. Mike SmiddyRock Island County Waste Management Agency
WHAT:  Community Shred Day & Electronics Recycling
WHEN:  Saturday, May 49:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHERE:  Rock Island County Fairgrounds4200 Archer Dr., East Moline

For more information, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com,or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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01 May 2013

SMIDDY HOSTING SENIOR CITIZEN TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
PORT BYRON, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) is hosting a Senior Citizen Technology workshop in partnership with AT&T on Monday, May 6 at 11:00 am at the UAW Hall located at 630 19th Street (at Moline Drive) in East Moline.

"It can be difficult to keep up with the newest technology, especially for senior citizens," said Smiddy. "This workshop gives seniors an opportunity to learn about how technology can enhance their lives, instead of becoming a barrier."

At this event, which is free and open to the public, senior citizens can learn about using technology in daily life, ranging from cell phones to wireless pacemakers. The workshop is designed for seniors of all levels of technology literacy and awareness. Attendees may also bring their own devices to receive one-on-one assistance.

"In our increasingly high-tech world, embracing technology increases opportunities for seniors from staying in touch with friends and family to managing their finances," Smiddy said. "I encourage all local seniors to attend this workshop and learn practical ways to incorporate technology in their lives."

For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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30 Apr 2013

REP. SMIDDY HOSTING EDUCATION FORUM

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
PORT BYRON, IL - To gather feedback from the community on issues in education, state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) is hosting an education forum on Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. at West Carroll Primary School, located at 2215 Wacker Rd. in Savanna.

"As I continue to work in the state legislature to improve the quality of education, it is important that I come home and listen to local residents and educators on these issues," said Smiddy. "Understanding the concerns of this community and collaborating on innovative for education reform will help me make the best decisions on behalf our students and educators."

At this forum, which is free and open to the public, members of the community will have the opportunity to share their concerns and ideas for education policy with Smiddy. Residents are also encouraged to join Smiddy's Education Citizens Advisory Committee to more frequently meet with him and share ideas on education.

"Education and quality schools are vital to our community," Smiddy said. "I hope that local residents, teachers, and parents will continue to work with me to provide better opportunities for our children."

For more information, to RSVP, or to join Smiddy's Education Citizens Advisory Committee, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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23 Apr 2013

SMIDDY ANTI-SCAM MEASURE PASSES HOUSE

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy's (D-Hillsdale) proposal to prevent scam artists from escaping prosecution passed the House last week.

"Residents should not have to worry about fraud when they make investment decisions," said Smiddy. "The unfortunate reality is that there are scam artists and people looking to take advantage of someone's trust. When that happens, investors should have every tool at their disposal to seek justice and retribution from the scammer."

House Bill 2969 will help investors who do not realize they have been scammed until after the 5 year statute of limitations in current law expires by extending a two-year statute of limitations to begin at the time the investor discovers the scam.

This extension ensures that individuals making long term investments that may take longer to materialize, such as stocks or bonds, are able to pursue legal action if they become aware of the fraud more than 5 years after the investment takes place.

"This bill protects residents and the seniors who invest their savings with the hopes of one day being able to comfortably retire and provide for their families from falling victim to phony scams," Smiddy said. "Whether investment fraud was committed by a high-profile 'investor' who swindled celebrities and the rich or a small-time schemer, seniors deserve strong protections over their lifelong earnings."

For more information, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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22 Apr 2013

Smiddy-Supported Measure to Curb Medicaid Passes House

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Continuing his efforts to reduce fraudulent use of services and cut wasteful government spending, legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) to curb Medicaid fraud passed the House last week.

"Cutting spending due to fraud is important as the legislature looks to make needed cuts to get state government back on the right track," Smiddy said. "We have to make sure that only those residents who are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits and truly need it are receiving services."

Medicaid provides health care to over three million low-income Illinoisans each year. Other measures approved in recent years have helped to decrease abuse of the system and fraudulent Medicaid claims, but current law only provides for prosecution of the patient who receives the services.

House Bill 71 extends the same criminal penalties, which range from misdemeanors or felonies depending on the value of the fraudulent services received, to those who knowingly help someone else obtain ineligible benefits, conceal information, or provide false information.

"Individuals who enable others to take advantage of the system and abuse taxpayer dollars should be held accountable," said Smiddy. "These crimes are just as serious as those committed by those who fraudulently receive Medicaid benefits. This measure is a positive continuation of the legislature's work to eliminate fraud and cut wasteful government spending."

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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17 Apr 2013

REP. SMIDDY HOSTING COMMUNITY ELECTRONICS RECYCLING, SHRED DAY

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
PORT BYRON, IL - To help protect local residents and business owners from identity theft, state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) is hosting a free community shred day and electronics recycling drive on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds located at 4200 Archer Dr. in East Moline.

"Properly destroying documents that contain personal information is a smart way to protect against identity theft," said Smiddy. "Aside from the inconvenience, identity theft can threaten the financial security of an entire family. This community shred event makes it easy to get rid of these documents safely to help prevent any unwanted invasion of privacy."

Residents can bring old bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, receipts, credit card applications, old bills and other documents that contain sensitive personal information to be safely shredded and disposed. All documents should be free of paperclips, staples and other bindings.

Electronics recycling is available courtesy of the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency and Bi-State Regional Commission. Most electronic items are accepted, but residents should not bring household appliances, curling irons, terminals or batteries. All items should have any batteries removed before being recycled.

"I encourage area residents to take advantage of this free service," Smiddy said.

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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15 Apr 2013

REP. SMIDDY HOSTING CONCEALED CARRY CLASSES

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
PORT BYRON, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) is hosting two concealed carry permit class on Sunday, April 28. The first class will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Whiteside County Farm Bureau located at 100 E. Knox St. in Morrison and the second class will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Coe Township Building located at 9327 239 th St. N. in Port Byron.

"Supporting local gun owners and guaranteeing our right to own and carry firearms is very important to me," said Smiddy, who is sponsoring House Bill 997, concealed carry legislation supported by the NRA. "I am committed to fighting for the Second Amendment in Springfield, and am thrilled to have this opportunity to join local residents in obtaining our own concealed carry licenses through this course."

The class is taught by SAFE Gun Permits, LLC, who will also take the necessary photographs, fingerprint students, and mail the student applications. Students will then be eligible for a concealed carry license through the State of Utah, which is recognized in Utah and 30 other states, including every state bordering Illinois.

"Many students ask if this will suffice for the impending Illinois permit," said Craig Celia, owner of SAFE Gun Permits, LLC. "We will not know this answer until Illinois passes a concealed carry law. Once Illinois passes a law, Illinois residents will not be able to obtain a Utah non-resident permit until they obtain their home state permit first - so the time to apply for a Utah permit is now. Within the Illinois bill, House Bill 997, it does state that Illinois residents with an out of state permit can carry in Illinois for the first 180 days of the enactment of the Illinois law - this is subject to change before the enactment of the Illinois law."

The class fee is $100 plus a $51 processing fee to the State of Utah. Residents can sign up online at www.safegunpermits.com/classes. For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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