August 5, 2008

Dear Neighbors:

It is an honor to serve as your voice in Springfield.  Recently, I was invited by the Courier News to write a monthly Viewpoint column.  I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss what I have been working on in Springfield and here at home. 

As a lawmaker, I have worked hard to lower taxes for middle class families by sponsoring legislation to reduce taxes for families making under $250,000 per year. I fought against fiscal waste and excessive spending by introducing legislation to reject proposed pay raises for elected officials, and I expanded health care options by passing legislation that requires insurers to cover treatment costs associated with eating disorders. I reached across the aisle and successfully worked with both parties and chambers to create new laws that crack down on Internet predators and school violence. 

One of my top priorities as a legislator is to work with local educators and lawmakers to ensure that our community has the educational opportunities it needs to excel and prepare for the future. The 44th District is blessed to have hardworking, committed educators who dedicate their lives to our children.  Throughout the year, I tour schools in our community to meet with teachers, administrators, and students.  My most recent visit was to Gifford Street School in Elgin where I learned about the alternative programs U-46 offers. I supported local higher education opportunities by securing 150,000 dollars for Elgin Community College’s College Readiness Initiative, and I look forward to securing additional state dollars to expand important programs like preschool for all children.

To help me serve as an effective lawmaker and to keep me informed of local issues and concerns, I formed Citizen Advisory Committees on Education, Health Care, Small Business, Veterans Issues, Senior Citizen Issues and Women’s Issues.  The committees meet quarterly to discuss legislation, and they help me represent our community’s best interest in Springfield. 

If you would like to join an advisory committee, or need any assistance at all, please call my constituent service office at 630.372.3340. 

Sincerely,

Fred