SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Nearly $150 million in new funding for downstate communities will expand access to affordable, reliable public transit options under a major transportation reform law passed by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur.

“For too long, our transit system has been held back by inefficiency. This reform creates clear oversight, stronger coordination, and a long-term plan that finally puts riders first.” said Scherer “When transit works, our entire region works. This law strengthens service, supports workers, and helps businesses thrive by making it easier and more reliable for people to get where they need to go.”

The 54 transit agencies serving communities outside of the Chicago area offer an affordable way for people to get to work, get home, and go to the store—and people in downstate communities rely on these options more than 30 million times every year. While many have focused on the challenges facing Chicago transit, Scherer worked to call attention to the state’s chronic underfunding of downstate public transportation systems, including Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) and Decatur Public Transit System (DPTS)

Scherer passed Senate Bill 2111, which provides a historic level of new investment in downstate transit systems, delivering $129 million to improve operations and an additional $20 million to expand service and improve infrastructure—without new taxes or fees on downstate communities. Scherer’s law achieves this record funding using existing state funds and interest generated from the state’s Transportation Fund—not on higher fares or taxes on delivery services, event tickets, or rideshares.  

The new law also prioritizes efficiency, by creating an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transit Innovation, Integration, and Reform within the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to better integrate various downstate transit systems.

Senate Bill 2111 was signed into law Tuesday. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Springfield, announces that Molina Healthcare of Illinois is partnering with Clean Slate Advocates and All in One Laundry Center and Services
to provide free weekly laundry services for unhoused residents in Springfield.

“I am happy that something like this has come to my district to support people in even the slightest way,” Scherer said. “I don’t want anyone to feel left out, even those who may feel underrepresented. By meeting people where they are and offering practical support, we’re improving health outcomes in ways that matter every day.”

Running every Tuesday through December 2025, the initiative allows unhoused individuals to wash and dry their clothing free of charge at All in One Laundry Center and Services, located at 801 South Grand Avenue East in Springfield. No preregistration is required–participants can sign up on the All in One site anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with the last load accepted at 4:00 p.m.

“We are grateful for community partners who recognize that public health begins with fulfilling basic human needs,” Schere stated. “Allowing people to have clean clothes, which should be a basic human right, is just one example of the support I want my district to offer more frequently. Initiatives like this help build stronger community partnerships and ultimately strengthen the entire district.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill- State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is urging federal leaders to act as Illinois families prepare for SNAP benefits to stop on November 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Thousands of households in Springfield, Decatur, and across Central Illinois could lose food assistance if Washington fails to reach a deal.

“People in our community work every day to provide for their families, and many still need a little help to keep food on the table,” Scherer said. “They should not be punished because of congressional decisions. This isn’t about politics, it’s about real families, real kids, and real meals, so a shutdown shouldn’t mean hunger.”

SNAP is funded entirely by the federal government, so Illinois cannot step in to replace these benefits if the shutdown continues. If benefits stop, families may need to turn to local food pantries. Local providers are already preparing for more demand and asking the community for help with donations and volunteer support.

Additionally, Rep. Scherer recently helped create smart budget tools that are delivering $20 million in new funding for local food banks.

“Our food pantries do great work, but they shouldn’t be expected to carry the full weight of a national program,” Scherer said. “We can’t leave our neighbors to fend for themselves. Until federal leaders do their jobs, we’re asking our community to stand together and make sure no family is left without support.”

Current SNAP recipients should check in with their caseworker and stay alert for updates.

Scherer is highlighting the following local food assistance resources for local residents:

Springfield

● Central Illinois Foodbank — 1937 E Cook St | 217-522-4022
● Catholic Charities — Food Pantry — 647 W Washington St | 217-523-4551
● St John’s Breadline — 430 N 5th St | 217-528-6098 |

Decatur

● Good Samaritan Inn — 920 N Union St | Daily meals served
● Northeast Community Fund — 839 N MLK Jr Dr | 217-429-5846

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – New funding secured by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Springfield, will improve library services, literacy programs, and technology access within the community.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, and this funding provides a genuine chance for that,” Scherer stated. “It’s more than just financial assistance; it’s a means to empower individuals with the resources they need for learning, personal development, and flexibility.”

The fiscally and socially responsible budget Scherer helped pass provides funding for a number of local libraries and organizations that provide educational and literacy services, including:

Baby Talk (Family Literacy) – $52,000

Richland Community College (Adult Volunteer Literacy) – $93,600

Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans’ Home Libraries) – $50,000

These grants are designed to enhance fundamental literacy and numeracy skills in both adults and children. Additionally, the grants aim to improve access to technology and resources, while also establishing mentorship programs for students. The initiative further extends to providing resources for workplaces, enabling employees to strengthen their writing, reading, and math capacity.

“Having these opportunities to grow, open doors for better opportunities such as jobs, higher education, and personal development.” said Scherer. “This funding assures families of the availability of programs designed to support their personal and professional growth through advancements in literacy, technology, and math.”

Springfield, Ill. – New funding secured by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Springfield, will enhance roadways, bridges, and rail safety in Central Illinois communities, helping ensure stronger and safer transportation for residents, commuters, and local economies.

“Investments in our local infrastructure are investments in our future,” said Scherer. “From resurfacing neighborhood roads to rebuilding major thoroughfares and bridges, these projects will make travel safer and reduce long-term maintenance costs. These upgrades aren’t just about concrete; they’re about improving the quality of life. Whether it’s making daily commutes smoother, ensuring trains run safely through our city, or supporting rural communities with much-needed bridge repairs, these investments will deliver real results for families.”

The fiscally and socially responsible state budgets Scherer has passed have enabled investment in critical infrastructure projects for Sangamon and Macon Counties. The recently announced project includes:

● Cherry Road Improvements– Leland Grove ($264,116): Asphalt overlay to extend the life of the roadway, improve surface conditions, and enhance safety.

● Reas Bridge Gap Funding– City of Decatur ($3 million): Covers shortfall for critical bridge construction over Lake Decatur, ensuring safety and preserving local funding for other essential projects.

● Turnkey Microtransit Operations – City of Decatur Public Transit ($11.6 million): Enhances scalability and reduces operational burden, providing more flexible transit options.

● North Grand Avenue Reconstruction–Village of Grandview ($250,000): Major redesign to address failing pavement, stormwater issues, and safety concerns on one of the area’s busiest thoroughfares.

● Springfield Rail Improvements Project ($10 million): Expansion of the Springfield rail improvement project to enhance Amtrak performance, eliminate at-grade crossings, and support new development in the Medical District.

“These projects reflect the collaboration between local governments, the state, and federal partners to make sure our region has the modern infrastructure it needs” said Scherer “The improvements will benefit residents for decades to come.”

“I’m proud to help secure resources that will strengthen our communities. These grants specifically improve reliable infrastructure that keeps our neighborhoods connected and lays the foundation for economic growth in central Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Springfield, is celebrating a new round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grants coming to Illinois that will stimulate electric vehicle growth by funding several Electric Vehicle charging stations.

“Springfield emerging as a focal point for electric vehicle manufacturing will benefit the sustainability and efficiency of our economy for generations to come,” Scherer said. “Our ultimate goal is to support residents the best way we can and these grants allow them to have a place to charge their electric vehicles while also increasing job opportunities and good air quality for communities.” 

The implementation of $18.4 million, due to the second round of the NEVI program, will support 25 electric vehicle charging stations along interstate corridors, contributing to the ultimate goal of increasing electric vehicles in Illinois. 

A little over $850,000 will be allocated to the community, whose charging station location will have five ports and will be located at 3125 Wide Track Drive in Springfield. 

“We want all Illinoisans to lead healthy and prosperous lives,” Scherer said. “This grant gets us a step closer to that goal by providing charging stations for vehicles that reduce air pollution and cut costs, which improves the overall wellbeing of our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is helping residents dispose of old prescription eyeglasses and medicines in an effort to protect the environment and prevent harm to others.

“Old prescriptions in our possession can cause several problems,” Scherer said. “From dangerous chemicals ending up in our drinking water to putting our children, pets, and seniors susceptible to accidental poisoning, we want to avoid all possible scenarios.”

Residents have the ability to drop off their old prescriptions safely to select Walgreens and CVS pharmacies and old prescription eyeglasses to Goodwill stores, Walmart Vision Centers, and Lens Crafter locations.

“Ourselves and the people around us deserve to be protected from old prescription drugs,” Scherer said. “If everyone works together to take charge in disposing unused or expired medicines, we will be one step closer to reaping the benefits of public safety and environmental health.”

CVS drop-off locations: https://www.cvs.com/content/safer-communities-locate

Walgreens drop-off locations: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/safe-medication-disposal.jsp

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, recently welcomed her new intern and Maroa-native Kooper Mann, to Springfield to tour the Capitol and meet with legislative leaders including House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch.

“I’m very grateful to have a thoughtful, passionate young man like Kooper in our office. I’m proud to see that our area is still producing hardworking, bright young leaders,” said Scherer. “Young people like him truly are the leaders of our future, and it’s up to us to cultivate environments in which they can learn, thrive and grow.”

Scherer took Mann on a Capitol tour during the last week of legislative session where he met with legislative leaders, constitutional officers and other state officials. Mann is an incoming freshman at the University of Illinois Springfield. Mann plans on studying political science. In addition to his academic ability, Mann was featured in local newspapers for his standout performance as a member of the Maroa-Forsyth football team in 2024.

“As someone who is interested in Political Science, I am very familiar with the legislative process and the core functions of our government,” said Mann. “Still, that experience could not wholly prepare for the meaningful and dynamic work that I do every day with Rep. Scherer. I am honored to serve my fellow Illinoisans and work with an elected official who works just as hard to uplift the community.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is working to bring down the cost of prescription drugs and protect local pharmacies by passing new legislation that will crack down on big pharma middlemen who raise costs to simply pad their own profits.

“For far too long, patients have had to contend with artificial prescription drug price inflation because of runaway corporate greed,” said Scherer. “The United States has the highest prescription drug prices in the world, and bringing those costs under control is critical to helping working families and seniors on fixed incomes make ends meet.”

Scherer supported House Bill 1697, which is also known as the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, to curb abusive and uncompetitive practices pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) use to unjustly raise the price of the critical prescription drugs that patients across the state depend on. PBMs are companies that work with health insurance companies, hospitals and governments to negotiate prescription drug prices. PBMs compile lists of preferred drugs and pharmacies, and “steer” patients to preferred ones. Since the largest ones are owned by large corporations, these practices help to raise the price of prescription drugs and make it less attractive for independent pharmacies to stay in business.

The Scherer-backed bill makes sweeping changes including a ban on “steering” and artificially raising prices by classifying commonly used drugs as specialty. Additionally, PBMs will have to pay for the damage that decades of their monopolistic practices have wreaked on communities. Beginning in September of this year, PBMs’ registration fees will be allocated to the Prescription Drug Affordability Fund. The Fund will distribute $25 million in grants to underserved and rural pharmacies to further increase patients’ access to prescription drugs.

“I will never stop standing up, and fighting against the unchecked greed and lack of good conscious that poisons our healthcare system,” said Scherer. “I look forward to seeing more Central Illinoisans access the lifesaving medication they need without compromising their finances.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is empowering Springfield residents to choose Capital Township leaders through a measure that makes simple yet critical changes to an out- of-date section of state law that disenfranchises area residents in a unique manner.

“Springfield is the heart of Illinois – the Land of Lincoln, where equality and fairness should reign supreme yet its residents have not enjoyed the rights of others due to an archaic section of state law that gives the right to select township leaders to people who don’t even live there,” said Scherer. “This change will empower residents to have more control over their taxpayer-funded resources to address the issues that affect Springfieldians the most.”

Scherer supported the passage of Senate Bill 634, which deletes the section of state law that dampens Springfield residents’ power to elect Capital Township officers such as supervisor, clerk and collector. Capital Township shares its boundaries with the City of Springfield but current state law, which was established in the late 1870s, requires these roles to be filled by the Sangamon County Board’s Clerk and Treasurer. The current arrangement robs township residents of their ability to fill these critical roles through elections, which other township residents have throughout the state.

The bill is identical to Scherer’s Senate Bill 826 from the 102nd General Assembly. Scherer hopes that these changes will give Springfield residents more freedom to use their taxpayer-funded resources to better address Springfield’s challenges and uplift its working families.

“When this carve-out for Capital Township was drafted, the area looked a lot less urban and deference to the County Board was a practical measure to prevent government redundancy,” said Scherer. “That era is long gone, and it’s time to empower Springfield’s residents with the same rights that other Illinoisans have to elect township leadership that truly reflects their values.”