SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law led by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is targeting telecommunications wire thieves by restricting who can sell and purchase the wire, as well as banning cash purchases of $100 or more at recyclable metal dealers.

“Telecommunications wire can contain copper, and unfortunately thieves see it as an easy opportunity to make a quick buck,” Hoffman said. “This can cause disruptions for telecommunications providers and their customers, so we’re taking action.”

Hoffman’s House Bill 4943 updates the state’s Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law by making it a violation to sell or purchase telecommunications wire unless the seller is an authorized agent of a licensed contractor of a public utility or telecommunications service.

It also updates existing law that prohibited recyclable metal dealers from paying cash for copper, including copper tubing or wiring, that has a value of $100 or more. House Bill 4943 clarifies that this prohibition also applies to telecommunications wire.

“We want to eliminate the financial incentives driving this behavior from bad actors,” Hoffman said. “I appreciate the strong bipartisan support this legislation received, it’s important that we continue to look at ways to deter these thieves.”

House Bill 4943 will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Residents asked to serve on a jury will continue to be compensated by their employer at their normal rate under a new law spearheaded by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.

“Jury duty shouldn’t create economic barriers that prevent people from participating,” Hoffman said. “In some places, it was costing jurors more to park their car than what they were being paid for their service. We want our juries to be representative of all demographic and economic backgrounds, and this measure better enables us to allow everyone to participate.”

Under Hoffman’s House Bill 4844, employees that serve on jury duty will continue to be compensated by their employer at their normal rate. The measure applies to businesses of 26 or more workers, and updates existing practice under which employers were not obligated to compensate employees for time taken off for jury duty.

Hoffman’s plan builds on current protections. Residents summoned to serve on a jury must be given time off from employment to attend, and employers cannot discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce employees from attending their service.

“Right now, there’s a patchwork of ways in which jurisdictions compensate jurors, and the amount of compensation is inadequate,” Hoffman said. “This law reaffirms the importance of jury service, and addresses real concerns facing individuals as they look to perform their civic duty.”

House Bill 4844 will be effective Jan. 1, 2027.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – As part of efforts to address regional flooding challenges for at-risk communities, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and state Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, have secured $3 million in state funds to support Southern Illinois University’s (SIU) Office of Community Engagement as it develops a regional plan to identify and prioritize relevant infrastructure projects.

“Handling area flooding issues will require a unified effort with leaders on the state, local and federal level,” Hoffman said. “SIU’s work will strengthen our approach, enabling us to maximize resources and develop a regional framework that prioritizes projects based on feasibility, measurable outcomes and regional impact for residents.”

“The Metro East has a unique geographic setup that leaves us vulnerable to dangerous flooding,” Belt said. “Just in the last few years we have had to endure some of the worst flooding in the entire state. In July 2022 and July 2024, the Metro East was hit with devastating floods that damaged thousands of homes, businesses and vehicles. Thanks to this new funding, we are combining our efforts, resources and knowledge with Southern Illinois University in order to protect our neighborhoods.”

Hoffman and Belt helped secure a $3 million appropriation in this year’s state budget to support SIU’s regional plan to address flooding challenges in the American Bottom – a flood plain of the Mississippi River that affects communities including Brooklyn, Cahokia Heights, Caseyville, East St. Louis, Fairmont City, Granite City, Madison, Pontoon Beach, Venice and Washington Park.

SIU’s Office of Community Engagement will work with federal agencies, congressional offices and local stakeholders to review and merge existing, fragmented ideas into a master regional plan. Solutions to increasing stormwater storage capacity will be a focus, aiming to alleviate neighborhood flooding concerns and improve residents’ quality of life.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Residents will be able to join a virtual utility bill clinic and learn tips on how to save on their bills at an online event hosted by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Wednesday, July 15 at noon.

“Every dollar matters for families, and this program can provide helpful information to save money moving forward,” Hoffman said. “Following the presentation, residents can submit their utility bills and a CUB staffer will reach out at a later date to set up a one-on-one appointment over the phone or video call to review the bills submitted.”

The now virtual event will be available over Zoom, and will focus on spotting unnecessary charges, efficiency strategies and financial assistance programs. Attendees can access the link and passcode by visiting bit.ly/bellevilleubc. A reservation is not required.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com. Additional information about CUB, including online resources, can be found at https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/.

Who: State Rep. Jay Hoffman, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
What: Free Virtual Utility Bill Clinic
When: Wednesday, July 15; presentation begins at noon
Where: Online via Zoom, link and passcode can be accessed at bit.ly/bellevilleubc

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting a series of Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Grants that will support local organizations and help uplift communities.

“These are great local organizations that support people in crisis, provide stability and offer programs that strengthen the community,” Hoffman said. “R3 Grants are an opportunity to invest in people and create a better future for our area, and I want to congratulate our local organizations and leaders who have been awarded this funding.”

Administered through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), the R3 Program was created under Illinois’ cannabis legalization efforts in 2019. Under the law, 25% of all cannabis tax revenue is directed to support communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. R3 Grants prioritize civil legal aid, reentry, economic development, violence prevention and youth development.

Local awardees include:

• MAC Institute of Beauty LLC: $266,533
• Journey of Hope Home: $184,500
• Good Samaritan Ministries of the Metro East: $123,408

More information on this year’s awards and a full list of grantees can be viewed at https://icjia.illinois.gov/news/icjia-invests-nearly-51-million-in-fourth-round-restore-reinvest-and-renew-grants/.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – A plan led by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, to reinforce the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund by updating decades-old statutes to better align with current needs and better serve Metro East property owners is now law.

“Mine subsidence is a frustrating challenge for homeowners in our area, and the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund plays a critical role,” Hoffman said. “This is a needed measure that updates our state law governing the fund so that it can operate effectively for homeowners across our state.”

Hoffman worked on House Bill 5376 in conjunction with the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund, which is a taxable, private reinsurer created by state statute to ensure financial resources are available to owners of property damaged by mine subsidence. The insurance fund effectively fills a gap in the insurance market for the benefit of Illinois property owners at risk of experiencing mine subsidence damage.

Mine subsidence can occur when the roof of underground mines collapse, causing the ground above to sink or subside. The issue is a concern in the Metro East region, which is home to numerous old mines dating back to the 1800s that can cause above ground issues, such as cracked foundations.

Prior to the creation of the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund in the late 1970s, homeowners did not have recourse because property insurance did not cover the issue. The fund has played an important role for homeowners since, and Hoffman’s House Bill 5376 modernizes the decades-old state statute to better reflect the needs of today.

His measure adjusts definitions to reflect operational practices and industry standards, updates the fund’s governance, improves transparency for homeowners, further empowers research programs and removes a deductible for policies issued on or after Jan. 1, 2027.

House Bill 5376 received bipartisan support in the General Assembly, and was signed into law last Friday by the governor.

Additional information on the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund can be found at https://www.imsif.com/.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

SHILOH, Ill. – Working to ensure our law enforcement has the resources they need to do their job safely and effectively, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, joined local leaders, police and community members Monday for the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new police station in Shiloh.

“This new station is a significant investment in public safety, delivering our officers a modern facility that will better support their mission and better serve this community,” Hoffman said. “It reflects the needs of a growing area, and I want to thank Mayor Bob Weilmuenster, his team, Senator Christopher Belt and all the local leaders who stepped up to champion this project and helped to secure funding.”

Hoffman and Belt helped secure $4 million in state funding to support the project, which is expected to be completed and open in about a year. The new building will be located near Church St. and Oak St. in Shiloh, and will replace the existing station that the department has outgrown.

“I also want to thank Chief Rich Wittenauer and the members of the Shiloh Police Department for their advocacy and continued service to this community,” Hoffman said. “This project isn’t an endpoint. It’s an opportunity to further strengthen and build a quality police department to serve this community and its residents. I’m excited to see this project move forward, and can’t wait to see it open and running.”

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. – In recognition of the life of Lt. Gregory Jonas, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and state Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, joined family, friends and colleagues Monday to officially designate Bond Ave. in Cahokia Heights from S. 43rd St. to S. 47th St. as the “Lt. Gregory Jonas Memorial Avenue.”

“Lt. Jonas is a man who was committed to our community, someone who helped countless people through decades of impactful work,” Hoffman said. “In talking with his wife Viola and other family members, I’m touched by his story and of their commitment to keep his memory alive. I hope that this designation and sign can provide a meaningful moment of reflection for those who view it.”

Lt. Jonas served in the Alorton and Centreville Police Departments, tragically losing his life in the line of duty on patrol in 2009. In honor of Lt. Jonas, Hoffman and Belt passed House Joint Resolution 1, designating a portion of Bond Ave. in Cahokia Heights as the “Lt. Gregory Jonas Memorial Avenue” and further directing the Illinois Department of Transportation to place a sign in recognition.

For more information on Monday’s remembrance, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is applauding a new round of local fire and EMS department grants that will support the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“We’re fortunate to have outstanding fire and EMS services throughout the Metro East, and we need to ensure our first responders have the tools they need to do their job safely and effectively,” Hoffman said. “This funding provides a boost that will strengthen capabilities and make our communities safer.”

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is awarding $6 million across 260 fire departments and EMS providers statewide as part of the 2026 Small Equipment Grant Program. This funding will support purchases of small equipment that otherwise would not have been bought.

Madison County awardees:

• City of Highland: $26,000
• Village of East Alton Fire Department: $14,634
• Olive Fire Protection District: $19,599
• Alton Fire Department: $18,452
• Granite City Fire Department: $25,988.38
• Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department: $25,827.48
• Marine Community Fire Protection District: $26,000
• Roxana Fire Department: $26,000
• Village of Maryville: $26,000
• Meadowbrook Fire Department: $20,046.92
• Hamel Fire Protection District: $25,000
• City of Wood River: $25,000
• Godfrey Fire Protection District: $20,260
• St. Jacob Township Fire Protection District: $11,955.43
• Glen Carbon Fire Protection District: $23,622
• Troy Fire Protection District: $25,272.56
• Village of Bethalto Fire Department: $16,244

St. Clair County awardees:

• O’Fallon Fire Department; $26,000
• Fairview Caseyville Township Fire Protection District: $24,000
• Village of Sauget: $20,335
• Prairie Du Pont Fire Department: $26,000
• Village of Fairmont City: $26,000
• New Athens Fire Protection District: $25,913.86
• Cahokia Volunteer Fire Department: $25,999.72
  

Additional information about the grant and a full listing of awardees can be viewed at https://sfm.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32586.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is teaming up with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) to help residents save money on their utility bills at a clinic scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Southwestern Illinois Justice and Workforce Development Campus in Belleville.

“CUB does a great job of helping people access savings, and I’m excited to welcome them to the Metro East,” Hoffman said. “As we enter the hottest months of the year, now is a good time to review your utility costs and consider ways you can save.” Expert counselors from CUB will meet with participants one-on-one to look through their utility bills, identify savings opportunities and offer guidance on energy choices. Space is limited, and interested residents must reserve a slot in advance by visiting bit.ly/bellevilleubc or calling Hoffman’s office at 618-416-7407. Attendees should bring physical copies of any utility bills they wish to discuss.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com. Additional information about CUB, including online resources, can be found at https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/.

Who: State Rep. Jay Hoffman, Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
What: Free Utility Bill Clinic
When: Wednesday, July 15; noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Southwestern Illinois Justice and Workforce Development Campus Auditorium/Welcome
Center; 2300 W. Main St., Belleville