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.”

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, championed legislation to guarantee student service members could return to higher education after military service or deployment. The Servicemember Education Rights Veneration Act (SERVE Act), which received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, is now law.

“Students who leave their education to serve in our military shouldn’t be penalized for their service,” said Stuart, “and this act ensures their educational pathway will continue when a student service member returns home.”

The SERVE Act creates several protections for student service members, including requiring institutions of higher education to grant accommodations and enrollment to students whose education is paused by military service. These accommodations will be unique to each student and their educational institution, and must all be documented for both the institution and student’s sake.

The SERVE Act also allows financial protections for students’ tuition, housing, textbooks, and other costs that will go unused due to military service through refund opportunities. Additionally, a student’s record and status at an educational institution will be preserved for up to five years after their service has ended, allowing students to return to their prior academic standing and progress.

“Veterans, those who risk their lives for our freedom and safety, are in dire need of support when their time in the service ends,” said Stuart. “Our veterans should be able to resume their education so they can bring their experience and perspective to the workplace.”

Senate Bill 3737 was signed into law last month and will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, championed legislation creating new guardrails against financial fraud and physical abuse, commonly experienced in tandem by seniors.

“Our seniors are one of our most vulnerable populations,” said Stuart. “Often, they are taken advantage of financially and physically. By creating more safeguards and protections, we’ll be able to protect cases of fraud and abuse earlier and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”

House Bill 4911 creates a handful of new safety nets against financial fraud and physical abuse, which are often paired when targeting seniors, allowing financial employees to step in when they notice suspicious and potentially fraudulent behavior.

This legislation was developed with the Illinois Department on Aging, who will develop a new web portal to report suspected financial abuse as part of this measure. While this legislation was designed with seniors in mind, these extra precautions will apply to all suspicious and potentially fraudulent transactions.

“The Department on Aging were excellent partners when working on this bill. I’m thankful for their drive to work to solve such a terrifying issue,” said Stuart. “I’m confident that these new protections will allow the Department to respond and prevent joint financial fraud and abuse with even more success.”

House Bill 4911 was signed into law last month and will go into effect on July 1, 2027.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is reminding constituents to take advantage of the upcoming Back-to-School State Tax Holiday. The tax reduction applies to school supplies ranging from stationery to shoes and clothing.

“I know how expensive it is to get school supplies for your kids, and how expensive it is for teachers to get their classrooms set up for the new year,” said Stuart. “This tax holiday applies to everything from crayons and rain jackets, making the new school year a little easier for working families and teachers.”

Items included in the state sales tax holiday includes:

• Clothes and school uniforms,
• Shoes, boots, and sandals,
• Seasonal apparel, including coats, rain jackets, swimwear, hats and gloves,
• School and office supplies, including paper, pens and pencils, calculators, writing tablets,
• Backpacks and lunchboxes, and more.

“Starting a new school year can be daunting for teachers and students alike, but it’s important to start strong and put your best foot forward,” said Stuart. “I’m wishing every student and educator, from pre-k to university, a great and successful school year.”

The Back-to-School State Tax Holiday begins on August 7 and continues through August 16