Reitz Begins 7th Term after Wednesday's Inauguration
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD - Following Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, state Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) announced a sweeping and significant legislative agenda for the 96th General Assembly to foster economic and agricultural development, improve access to health care, and pursue stronger ethics legislation in the state.
"I am grateful to all those I represent, who sent me back to Springfield to improve our community and our state," Reitz said. "As the new General Assembly begins, I am hopeful and eager to solve the growing problems facing our state."
Noting the harsh economic climate in Illinois, Reitz wants to pursue legislation encouraging businesses to come to the area, while punishing those that send valuable jobs overseas. Additionally, Reitz will continue his efforts to stand up for veterans, preserve wildlife and outdoor recreation in the region, and look out for sportsmen.
In an effort to end pay-to-play politics in Illinois, Reitz supported the toughest ethics legislation in state history by prohibiting anyone with a state contract worth more than $50,000 from making a campaign contribution to an officeholder who oversees awarding the contract. With controversy surrounding scandal-plagued Governor Rod Blagojevich, Reitz will support even tougher ethics laws to ensure lawmakers are working for the people they serve, not for themselves.
"The new General Assembly offers a new beginning, along with the opportunity to make some positive changes in Illinois," continued Reitz. "With many challenges facing our nation and state, I will work tirelessly to improve our region and restore a sense of faith in government."
Reitz represents all or parts of St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph and Perry counties. His constituent service office can be reached at (618) 443-5757 for any questions or concerns.
In other news from State Reoresentativve Dan Reitz
State Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) supported a supplemental appropriations bill on Monday to restore much-needed funding for various conservation programs.
Reitz voted to restore over $9 million in state funding to the Department of Natural Resources to continue the services of several fishing, hunting, and wildlife programs. Specifically, the Wildlife and Fish Fund would have $5 million restored, as well as the State Pheasant Fund, which would receive $250,000. Without this funding, these programs would be unable to continue valuable services for wildlife enthusiasts throughout the state.
"These programs are vital to the character and economic success of our region, and that is why it was important that we restore this funding," Reitz said. "I am pleased that the House worked in a bipartisan manner to keep Illinois' unique wildlife and other outdoor recreation programs preserved.
Senate Bill 1132 passed the both the House and Senate and now awaits the governor's signature.
Reitz represents all or parts of St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph and Perry counties. His constituent service office can be reached at (618) 443-5757 for any questions or concerns.