EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, supports Gov. JB Pritzker’s swift and meaningful action to address outrageous diesel fuel prices as farmers close out harvest season through an executive order and disaster proclamation.

“One year ago, the average gallon of diesel fuel cost $3.75 in the Metro East. Now, the average is $6.63. Diesel costs hit our area’s all-time high last month at $6.80 on average,” said Stuart. “Fuel and oil prices are hitting historic highs because of the negligence of the federal government, and our farmers are paying the price.”

Declaring a diesel fuel crisis through a 30-day disaster proclamation allows state and local agencies to take swift, necessary action to respond to the current diesel shortage and exuberant costs. The proclamation removes state penalties from using dyed diesel on roads and highways, an extension of the Illinois Harvest Permit program, and increased opportunity of various state agencies to instate necessary measures to offset the crisis.

The governor’s executive order allows dyed diesel for use in farm vehicles on highways. Dyed and regular diesel are chemically identical, but the former is dyed red to mark it as off-road fuel for tractors, irrigation pumps and other machines. Allowing the use of dyed diesel on highways will allow farmers to use fuel they already possess in vehicles transporting their crops rather than just for off-road machines.

“These measures cannot fix the entire problem; this is a state’s solution to a problem created and prolonged by the federal government,” said Stuart. “The numbers show our increased gas prices are directly linked to this president’s unconstitutional and nonsensical ‘war in Iran,’ so we have to do what we can to support farmers across Illinois as their livelihood hangs in the balance.”

The penalty for using dyed diesel on roadways has been waived, effective immediately through Dec. 31, 2026. The disaster proclamation is effective immediately through Nov. 5, 2026.

​

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, releases the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Education reinstating Title IX protections implemented in 2020:

“Despite an illegal war raging, prices skyrocketing and national dissatisfaction growing, the current federal administration has decided to focus on dismantling Title IX protections for women and people in the LGBTQ+ community.

“This federal administration is claiming they’re protecting ‘women’s safety, dignity, and educational opportunities.’ Restricting access and opportunity to reporting cases of sexual assault and misconduct doesn’t protect survivors, it puts them at a bigger risk for fallout and a lower chance of justice. They initiated these changes with no opportunity for public comment or input from interest groups or experts in these fields.

“Illinois college students are protected by the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, which has been in effect since 2015. Just last year, I proudly sponsored legislation to update the act, updating the base surveys institutions have to complete and allowing for them to be closely reviewed and address any issues found. Despite federal restrictions, college students will still have protections against sexual assault and abuse in state of Illinois.

“Title IX was designed to prohibit sex-based discrimination, and the current administration is interpreting this literally to allow gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination. This regression adds to the administration’s long list of examples of protecting perpetrators of sexual misconduct and silencing survivors.

“I will continue my efforts to ensure that all college students are afforded the safety and opportunity to report their abuse, seek assistance from medical professionals or other survivors and for justice to be served.”

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement in response to proposed cuts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aimed at “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,” but will effectively reduce the quality of care and support for Head Start programs nationwide:

“Head Start provides multi-generational support, giving every child the opportunity to begin school on a footing equal to their peers who are fortunate to come from more resourced families. I strongly oppose the changes being considered because of the harm it will cause for our most vulnerable children and their families. The changes are not simple administrative measures; these proposed changes oppose the foundational values of the Head Start Program.

“Removing student-to-teacher ratio requirements and maximum classroom sizes will make learning harder for students and education unmanageable for teachers. Removing age appropriate home-language development assistance and eliminating language support in classrooms makes language unattainable for students. These aren’t ‘cost saving initiatives,’ these are initiatives to undermine and dismantle Head Start programs.

“America should strive to be a country where every child— regardless of where they live, the language spoken in their home, the structure of the family that is raising them, or the amount of money the family has— can access high-quality early education opportunities in order to thrive and succeed. The attempts to change this are cruel and seem designed to maintain children, especially poor children or those with special needs, in a cycle of poverty. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the proposed changes to Head Start regulations are not enacted.”

You can leave a public comment on the proposed changes to Head Start here.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – State Representative Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville releases a statement supporting the federal Combating Illicit Xylazine Act and calls on the Illinois House to pass Senate Bill 1773:

“Earlier this month, we watched the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act unanimously pass the federal House of Representatives. Their bill would list xylazine as a Class III controlled substance while still allowing professionals, like veterinarians and biologists, access explicitly for work needs. 

“Xylazine is being used as a low-cost cutting agent, leading to the fentanyl crisis becoming increasingly more deadly. This drug has harmful side effects, like lowering a person’s heart rate and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. It does not respond to opioid reversal medications used when treating fentanyl overdoses, making it difficult to treat. 

“If their act passes the Senate and is signed into law, it will be a clear signal that the drug crisis cannot continue, and it’s time to hold those who profit from these drugs accountable. It’s a clear step in the right direction, and I hope that Illinois will follow the same path.   

“Over the most recent session period, the Illinois Senate passed my legislation, Senate Bill 1773, which would classify xylazine as a Class III controlled substance, while still allowing professionals access. It’s time that the Illinois House of Representatives also passed this bill, so we can send it to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. With this classification, we would be taking an important step towards saving lives, strengthening public safety, and providing law enforcement with the tools they need to protect our communities.”

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement supporting The Alestle, the student newspaper at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and its student journalists:

“Over the last few months, tensions have risen between student journalists and their institution’s administration over disagreements on what topic can or cannot be approached in The Alestle— a student-run newspaper that is operated by funds generated from student fees. Student journalists’ work is crucial when analyzing a university’s function or understanding the youth’s perspective of a current event.

“Everyone in the United States is covered by the First Amendment, offering us the freedoms of speech and press. In Illinois, we have additional protections specifically for our student journalists. The College Campus Press Act states that campus media is not subject to prior review by public officials of those institutions. I supported an effort this spring to strengthen these protections, and House Bill 4420 will go into effect on January 1. The only exception would be if the content is unconstitutional or harmful, and neither is the case for the student journalists of The Alestle.

“I stand with the students and staff behind The Alestle in their commitment to free press and free speech, and refusing to be silenced. I sincerely hope they are allowed to return to their high-quality and extremely important journalistic duties, without unjust institutional oversight and censoring.”

​

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement reflecting on the 25th anniversary since the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001:

“We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001; we remember how time stood still, watching the unimaginable unfold before our eyes. The impact of that attack has reverberated in our country’s DNA ever since, from creating the Department of Homeland Security to bolstering TSA procedures.

“The heroes on September 11 still deserve our recognition and praise, from the first responders who risked life and limb in New York to the passengers who disrupted their hijackers, paying the ultimate sacrifice to redirect their plane. It’s impossible to say how many Americans lost their lives between plane passengers, building occupants, first responders in the moment or years later due to health complications, family members succumbing to grief and mental illness, and everyone in between.

“I send my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all of the families who continue to be impacted by this horrific attack. I’m reminded never to take my family and friends for granted, and of my appreciation of the men and women who put on their uniform and keep our community safe day in and day out.

“When I think back to the devastation of September 11th, I also remember the unification and patriotism of September 12th and every day after as we tried to navigate American life in a new world. We all united, despite all odds and all our differences, in a devastating moment to support our fellow Americans. That deep sense of patriotism still lives in us, and I hope this anniversary reminds us of the connection we once felt.

“We will not soon forget the lives lost and sacrifices made 25 years ago. It’s our duty as Americans to remember the fallen, and to take every action possible to keep our nation safe and secure in their honor.”

​

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is joining U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski’s demands for transparency regardingGateway Regional Medical Center’s delayed payments to over 600 employees and subpar patient care.

“Medical professionals are the backbone of our community, keeping us safe and supporting us in life’s hardest moments. Healthcare workers—from nurses to receptionists to janitors— deserve respect, transparency and their paycheck for the physical and mental labor they do day in and day out.

“Several issues have come to our attention at Gateway Regional Medical Center and American Healthcare Systems, a Los Angeles-based company who owns the facilities. Staff and patients are alleging the facility has delayed employee payment, is experiencing staffing issues in a medical hub, and patients are receiving unacceptable levels of care, which is particularly affecting critically ill patients. This is absolutely unacceptable on every level. Our healthcare professionals should go to work knowing they will be equitably compensated, and patients need to know that they’re going to receive the help they need at this facility. 

“This news reinforces an alarming pattern of healthcare becoming scarcer, less accessible, or prohibitively costly for downstate families like ours. With the federal administration persistently cutting back on local, affordable care, the closure of Gateway would mark a critical turning point that deprives even more families of a crucial medical hub. 

“I call on American Healthcare Systems to provide full transparency to the hundreds of healthcare professionals and patients impacted, and to clearly outline the actions being taken so that patients continue to receive the vital care they deserve.”

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is congratulating Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) on securing millions of dollars of state funding to allow the organization to provide more resources readily available and free to many Illinois residents.

“Libraries are essential resources that provide more than books,” said Stuart. “In the digital age, you can borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library through an app on your phone. You can go to a library to use wifi, print out a document, and at some libraries, use a shared sewing machine, Cricut or other crafting supplies. Libraries are the heart and soul of our communities, and I am so happy the Illinois Heartland Library System can expand their reach and impact with these new grants.

IHLS serves central and southern Illinois, providing internal and external resources for ⅔ of the state. Libraries utilizing IHLS services can borrow and exchange books between libraries, expanding resources accessible in each community, and advocates for the library and librarians’ best interests. 

IHLS received three categories of grant funding: Technology, Library Services and Technology Act, and System Area and Per Capita. Technology grants allow libraries to expand their digital capabilities, offering a higher number of books, magazines, TV shows and movies through accessible providers. Library Services and Technology Act funding is specifically allocated for library events and community engagement. System Area and Per Capita funding allows IHLS to invest more resources to their related facilities based on population.

“Across the country, we’re facing a real literacy crisis. Young people, especially those who missed formative years of education because of the COVID pandemic, are not reading at the rates previous generations have,” said Stuart. “IHLS will be able to do so much with this new funding, and we all should take advantage of the opportunity for more free resources, from books to printers to community gathering spaces.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, former teacher and lifelong advocate for higher education, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is creating the Higher Education Student Support and Academic Freedom Act, protecting the rights and freedoms of college and university students.

“Higher education is under attack from the current federal administration, and we cannot let the opportunity and access to education be taken from us,” said Stuart. “This act protects the rights of students while ensuring the transparency, resources and protections they deserve.”

House Bill 4304 creates the Higher Education Student Support and Academic Freedom Act, guaranteeing students that their safety on campus will be a priority, their academic freedom and ability to speak freely will be protected, and their financial interests will be maintained.

As the cost of a college education becomes more and more of a challenge, universities and colleges will be required to disclose tuition, fees, and any other material financial obligations to students for true cost clarity. The act responds to federal attacks on higher education funding and students’ freedom of speech, ensuring that Illinois students of higher education can exercise their freedom of speech and opportunity.

“HB 4304 represents a thoughtful approach to addressing key challenges facing higher education while reinforcing the principles that underpin academic excellence, institutional independence, and student access,” said Southern Illinois University President Dan Mahony. “The legislation supports students in their pursuit of learning, critical inquiry, and career readiness for the workforce. We were pleased to help shape this measure and appreciate Leader Stuart’s continued leadership and commitment to Illinois’ colleges and universities.”

House Bill 4304 was signed into law earlier this month and will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement supporting a coalition of teachers unions and their lawsuit against the Department of Education for a controversial ‘professional degree’ rule change, which excludes a range of graduate programs from federal student loan opportunities:

“Despite the invaluable role that learning plays in our children’s lives, schools are facing federal funding cuts, public education infrastructure is being dismantled, and now, Department of Education policy changes threaten to saddle future teachers with greater student debt. This disastrous and insulting reversal will undoubtedly discourage many talented people from going into education, even as communities across Illinois and this country deal with teacher shortages.

“If that’s not enough, the same rejection of financial aid applies to nurses, social workers, public health experts and many other undervalued professionals, further undermining opportunities for working- and middle-class students to excel.

“I’ve fought to pass legislation supporting education in Illinois for the same reason I’m putting my full support behind this legal action. Education builds a better future, not just for students learning new skills, but for every person in our community who benefits from the expertise of another generation of talented professionals.”