Dear Friend,
At this very difficult time, I want to extend my most sincere condolences and prayers to the people and businesses impacted by Friday night’s extreme tornadoes. My wife Holly and I and the entire region of Southern Illinois are so thankful to the men and women of law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, doctors, nurses, and other emergency service personnel that have been working throughout the hours that have followed these tragedies to rescue as many people as quickly as possible. God bless all those that have lost loved ones, and please pray for extra comfort as we approach the Christmas season.
Stuff the Bus for Tornado Victims
Donate Blood
The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade and needs donors now. If you want to ensure those needing a transfusion get the blood they need, make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or going to https://www.redcrossblood.org
Traveling the 118th District!
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Wabash Area Development, Inc. office in Harrisburg to hear about the programs they offer. I also enjoyed the chance to read to one of the Head Start classes at the facility. Thank you to the hard-working folks at WADI for the tour and the warm welcome!
CRIMINAL LAW – Republican lawmakers call for more support for law enforcement
The call came in the context of the new Illinois House Public Safety and Violence Prevention Task Force, which held a summit meeting on Monday, December 6. Although Illinois’ overall population is declining, criminal acts tabulated by the FBI showed sharp expansions in calendar year 2020. In Illinois, murders were up 38% in 2020, and overall violent crime was up 4%. Preliminary numbers indicate that these figures are worsening further in calendar year 2021.
This trend line is sharply different from other U.S. states that have expanding populations and decreasing crime rates. It comes in the context of a significant criminal justice “reform” bill, pushed toward passage in January 2021 by the Illinois Democrat majority, which turned its back on law enforcement recommendations made by officials throughout the state. Illinois law enforcement officials continue to call for rational, targeted bail bond policies to ensure oversight for persons accused of violent criminal acts. In direct violation of this call, the criminal justice “reform” measure eliminated cash bail.
House Republicans intend to use the new Task Force to renew their demand that politicians listen to street-level law enforcement officers when rewriting the criminal laws of the state. Illinois must increase its support for day-to-day law enforcement, and must move away from “reform” measures crafted in circles that are hostile to law enforcement.
Rep. Windhorst Sponsors Bill Banning Discrimination Based on COVID-19 Vaccine Status
I have signed on to sponsor legislation that creates the COVID-19 Religious Exemption Act.
The legislation makes it unlawful for any person, public or private institution, or public official to discriminate against any person in any manner because of such person’s refusal to obtain, receive, or accept a COVID-19 vaccination contrary to his or her belief.
This proposal would protect Illinoisans who receive public assistance through unemployment and LINK card food assistance could not be cut off from support or discriminated against based on their COVID-19 vaccine status. HB 4239 would make it illegal to refuse any form of aid, assistance, or benefits, or to condition the reception in any way otherwise entitled to such aid.
Stay Connected!
My office in Harrisburg can be reached at 618-294-8703 or you can reach me by email at Windhorst@ILHouseGOP.org.
I am always interested in hearing your opinions on these and other major issues facing the State of Illinois. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Springfield. May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season and may He continue to bless the United States of America.