SPRINGFIELD – To protect vulnerable older adults from abuse, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, sponsored a measure to increase reporting and investigation on elder abuse as a culmination of her work on the Illinois Elder Abuse Task Force. The governor signed Stuart’s measure into law on July 26.

“Over the last two years, I have worked with a variety of stakeholders to understand the cause of elder abuse and what we can do to better protect seniors in our communities,” said Stuart. “I want to thank everyone who worked on the task force and everyone who was involved in crafting this landmark legislation.”

Stuart sponsored Senate Bill 701, which makes several changes to the Adult Protective Services Act. The measure designates abandonment as a form of abuse, extends the statutes of limitations for financial fraud, creates a risk assessment tool to identify individuals at risk for abuse, adds friend or acquaintances as a person of trust for financial exploitation and increases trauma-informed training for caregivers. 

 “The work on the Elder Abuse Taskforce, along with improvements realized through this legislation, will improve identification and reporting to prevent cases of underreporting and help keep our seniors safe,” continued Stuart. “I look forward to continued work to fight elder abuse and neglect within our community.”

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is informing residents that the Secretary of State has extended the expiration dates for driver’s licenses and state ID cards to Jan. 1, 2022. 

 “This extension helps individuals who do not want to rush to the DMV, especially as facilities face a high volume of customers as offices reopen,” said Stuart. “This extension helps to create a safer environment at driver facilities for both visitors and staff.”

 Stuart backed Senate Bill 2232, which authorized the Secretary of State to extend driver’s licenses and ID card renewals to Jan. 1, 2022. The extension covers expiration dates up until December of this year, but does not cover commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits. The Secretary of State strongly encourages residents to consider using their online services for basic needs, including the purchase of license plate stickers or for renewing a license. The driver services website can be accessed at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

“I encourage everyone to visit the Secretary of State’s website to see if they can avoid making a trip to the DMV,” said Stuart. “Our state offers a number of convenient services online nowadays, and I hope residents are able to take advantage of them not just during the pandemic, but down the road as well.”

GRANITE CITY, Ill. – Granite City residents looking to receive assistance with state services can stop by city hall between 1 and 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 29 for state Rep. Katie Stuart’s, D-Edwardsville, monthly satellite office hours.

 “I like to bring the services of my office to different locations throughout the community, so residents don’t have to travel out of their way to meet with me,” said Stuart. “Satellite office hours provide an opportunity for residents to have a conversation with me about anything that’s on their minds.”

Stuart regularly hosts satellite office hours at the Granite City—City Hall, located at 2000 Edison Ave., on the last Thursday of the month. Any residents who live in her district are invited to attend and ask questions about states issues or get help from Stuart’s office.

 “While my office in Collinsville is always a resource, mobile office hours allow me to speak with community members closer to where they live,” said Stuart. “Whether you need help resolving an issue with a state agency or just want to share your thoughts, I hope to see you there.”

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is inviting area business owners and other community stakeholders to a virtual meeting of her Economic Development Advisory Committee on Tuesday, July 27 at 6 p.m. Those interested in attending can RSVP to repkatiestuart@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.

“The past year was incredibly difficult for the business community as they had to adapt to pandemic-related restrictions,” said Stuart. “Even though the state has reopened, it will take time for our economy to recover. By receiving feedback from local business leaders and economic development organizations, I’m better able to advocate for their needs moving forward.”

Stuart’s Economic Development Advisory Committee brings together small business owners, members of labor organizations, interested residents and other stakeholders to discuss economic development efforts in the Metro East. In the aftermath of the pandemic, it provides an opportunity for business owners to share the challenges they are facing and for Stuart to set priorities to help the regional economy flourish.

“I encourage local business owners to attend this meeting and bring any questions or thoughts they have,” said Stuart. “I’m excited for our conversation and about the opportunities ahead to ensure downstate Illinois remains a priority for economic investment.”

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To provide an accessible setting for residents to voice their concerns about state and local issues, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will be hosting a virtual “Coffee with Katie” on Tuesday, July 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. A Zoom link will be provided upon RSVP to repkatiestuart@gmail.com.

“My coffee hour events are a great opportunity for me to connect with community members in a small group setting,” said Stuart. “This allows me to open a conversation about my legislative priorities and how we can work together to build a stronger Illinois.”

Stuart regularly hosts “Coffee with Katie” as an opportunity for residents to talk with her about the issues that matter most to them. During July’s event, Stuart will give an update about legislation that’s been sent to the governor and seek feedback on bill ideas for next year. Residents are encouraged to attend the event to share their thoughts about local and state issues and get to know Stuart better. 

“At Coffee with Katie, there isn’t a structured agenda, we can talk about any issues that attendees are experiencing or concerns they have,” said Stuart. “These conversations are some of the most helpful to me in informing the legislation I introduce and sponsor, and making sure it addresses the needs of our entire community.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A proposal to reduce the license plate fee for small trailers is set to become law after months of advocacy by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville.

“I’ve heard from so many folks who are frustrated that the trailer registration fee increased dramatically, from a once reasonable rate of $18 all the way to $118,” said Stuart. “I opposed this increase at the time, and I immediately filed legislation to repeal it and alleviate the financial burden on working families and small business owners.”

Stuart introduced bipartisan legislation, House Bill 36, to bring the current $118 fee back down to $18. She also provided testimony to the House Revenue & Finance Committee recently on how the sticker shock has impacted residents’ willingness to even consider using a trailer in Illinois. According to the Secretary of State, there were 150,000 fewer trailer license applicants last year compared to the year previous.

Due in part to Stuart’s efforts, lawmakers came together in the final days of the spring session to work out a compromise. The Stuart-backed Senate Bill 58, which was approved by both chambers over the weekend, reduces the trailer fee to $36.

“At $118, the current trailer fee is just not an amount people and small businesses in my district can reasonably afford,” said Stuart. “I’m happy we were able to come together in a bipartisan way and pass a bill that returns it to something more appropriate.”

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is inviting teachers, parents and anyone with an interest in education issues to a virtual advisory committee meeting on Monday, April 26 at 6 p.m. to discuss her work in Springfield this session on education-focused bills. Local residents will also have an opportunity to express their thoughts, questions and concerns about school issues.  

“Advisory committees are helpful to me in gathering feedback from Metro East residents about legislation being considered in Springfield,” said Stuart. “I regularly host these meetings on different topics each month to make sure individuals have an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to them and that impact their day-to-day lives.”

Stuart’s Education Advisory Committee meets quarterly throughout the year to discuss relevant issues and receive feedback on legislation. All residents, organization members and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend on April 26. Please RSVP to repkatiestuart@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.

“As schools districts across the state emerge from the pandemic, I want to make sure educators, parents and other stakeholders have a voice in conversations about retaining teachers and continuing to provide our students with a high-quality education,” said Stuart. “I encourage all residents to attend this upcoming meeting and share their questions and ideas about education and learning.”

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will be hosting a virtual “Coffee with Katie” on Saturday, April 10 from 10 to 11 a.m. to discuss her work in Springfield and answer questions from residents about state and local issues.

“This event is an opportunity for residents to share anything on their mind about policies that impact our community,” said Stuart. “As we prepare for a busy couple of months in session, feedback from community members is especially helpful in guiding my legislative work.”

Stuart regularly hosts “Coffee with Katie” throughout the year to give residents an informal opportunity to talk with her about the issues that matter most to them. During the event, Stuart will give an update about the status of legislation she has introduced and then open the conversation to attendees to share their questions and concerns about state or local issues. To register and receive the Zoom link, please email RepKatieStuart@gmail.com. 

“Hearing directly from residents allows me to focus my efforts and better represent our community in Springfield,” continued Stuart. “No matter your politics, I encourage everyone to attend this event and share your thoughts with me over a cup of coffee.”

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To combat the opioid crisis and misuse of prescription drugs, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is encouraging residents to take advantage of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 26. Various locations around Stuart’s district will be taking back prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Earlier this year, I fought for the Illinois Department of Public Health to adopt new guidelines for prescribing painkillers to curb prescription drug and opioid abuse,” Stuart said. “Over prescribing painkillers and other medicine has contributed to prescription drug abuse, and events like the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are essential to combat prescription drug abuse across Illinois.”

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency in order to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. The drop off locations throughout Stuart’s district include the Maryville Police Department at 2500 N. Center Street in Maryville, the O’Fallon Police Department at 287 N. 7 Hills Road in O’Fallon, the Edwardsville Police Department at 333 S. Main Street in Edwardsville, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department at 405 Randle Street in Edwardsville. Residents can visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/ to find additional drop off locations.

“A majority of abused prescription drugs come from the medicine cabinets of family members or friends,” continued Stuart. “To decrease drug misuse among the nearly 10 million Americans that have reported this issue, I encourage residents to be proactive and take advantage of opportunities like this to safely dispose of their prescription drugs.”

For more information, contact Rep. Stuart’s Constituent Services Office in Collinsville at 618-365-6650 or at RepKatieStuart@gmail.com.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – To remain accessible to constituents, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will hold Satellite Office Hours on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Granite City – City Hall, located at 2000 Edison Ave. in Granite City.

“I know it’s not always easy for constituents to make the time to stop by my office and take advantage of the services my office provides,” Stuart said. “By hosting Satellite Office Hours in Granite City, I hope to bring my office services, like getting help with a FOID card or professional license, to them.”

Stuart typically holds Satellite Office Hours for constituents that may not be able to make it to her Collinsville office during normal business hours. This is a great way to connect with constituents from around Granite City and in different areas of the 112th District. This event is meant to give the community an opportunity to talk with Rep. Stuart’s office about issues they may have. This event is free and open to the public.

“I encourage anyone who has questions about what I do as a state representative to attend the Satellite Office Hours,” continued Stuart. “My office is readily available to help individuals who need assistance with state or local agencies. I would encourage anyone who needs further assistance to please stop by or contact my office.”

For more information, contact Rep. Stuart’s Constituent Services Office in Collinsville at 618-365-6650 or at RepKatieStuart@gmail.com.