ROCKFORD, Ill. – The women’s self-defense seminar to be hosted by state Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26 has been cancelled. No make-up date is planned at this time.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, is teaming up with the Rockford Police Department to provide self-defense training for women on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Rockford Police Department’s District 2 station, located at 1410 Broadway in Rockford.

“Nobody wants to find themselves in a dangerous situation, but being prepared for the worst can make a difference in the event of an attack,” West said. “I encourage residents to attend this seminar which will be interactive and provide handy, beginner tips on how to protect yourself.”

Attendees will receive advice from a trained law enforcement officer who will provide introductory information on self-defense. Due to limited space, interested individuals are strongly encouraged to reach out to West’s office at 815-987-7433 or Assistance@StateRepWest.com to pre-register.

ROCKFORD, Ill. – State Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, is applauding the release of state dollars for a $14.7 million grant for a job-creating jet repair hub at the Chicago Rockford International Airport.

“I’m glad to see that a promise to this region has been finally kept,” West said. “This was a years-long effort from local stakeholders, airport officials, lawmakers and other officials to make this repair hub a reality, and our region will see the benefits of this investment for decades to come.”

The jet repair hub, which opened in 2016, was constructed with a combination of state and local dollars. When the $14.7 million state grant was held up by former Gov. Bruce Rauner during the budget impasse, the airport was forced to utilize loans to cover the cost of finishing construction and opening the facility. The development of the repair hub also lead to a partnership with Rock Valley College to build a new and larger aviation maintenance training school at the airport to provide a pipeline of skilled labor aviation industry labor.

“It’s critically important that we continue to invest in our infrastructure and develop our region’s economic assets,” West said. “This repair hub has had a positive impact in bringing business to our area, creating jobs and raising the profile of our airport.”

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Concerned that increasing property taxes are hurting local families, state Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, recently backed proposals to create a property tax relief fund and a property tax relief task force.

“I often hear from residents who are concerned about how they are going to be able to pay their property taxes,” West said. “We need a comprehensive approach to tackle rising property taxes. While a relief fund and task force do not fully resolve the issue, they are important first steps to bring real relief to families.”

West supported Senate Bill 39, which would create the Illinois Property Tax Relief Fund. This fund would allow for the creation of rebates for homeowners on the property taxes they pay. Additionally, West helped pass Senate Bill 1932, which would create the Property Tax Relief Task Force charged with reviewing best practices to create short and long-term property tax relief for homeowners. The task force will submit a report on suggested strategies to the governor and General Assembly by the end of the year.

“It’s important that we invest in and support our schools and local services, but we also need to be responsible with how we use property taxes and the impact they have on families,” West said. “Property tax relief is a priority for me, and I look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the task force so that we may effectively address this issue.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As the spring legislative session concluded, state Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, backed a responsible state spending plan that funds critical services like education, senior resources and health care, and highlighted his continuing effort in Springfield to address concerns facing Rockford families.

“After years of uncertainty, I am optimistic at the willingness to pass a responsible, balanced budget that invests in our community and prioritizes services that residents depend on,” West said. “This session emphasized our commitment to put Illinois back on track by working for the middle class and most vulnerable.”

The spending plan backed by West invests $375 million in new funding for public schools, while committing more than $1 billion to address old bills inherited by Bruce Rauner’s budget crisis. The budget also makes the state’s full scheduled pension payment, while protecting funding for lifesaving services such as breast cancer screenings and Meals on Wheels.

West also worked to pass a variety of pieces of legislation aimed at building a stronger Illinois by strengthening the middle class. He supported a Fair Tax amendment that would bring tax relief to 97% of Illinois taxpayers (SJRCA1, SB 687), voted to expand tax credits to provide access to career and apprenticeship training to prepare residents for high-wage jobs (SB 1591) and worked to ensure that all residents could receive affordable health care by stopping insurance companies from excessive rate increases (HB 471) while focusing on efforts to rein in prescription drug costs (HB 156).

“I hear regularly from families who are concerned by the rhetoric in Washington by those who are willing to slash health care protections for those who need it most,” West said. “I am encouraged by our vigilant action here in Illinois to make sure that protections are in place for our residents regardless of what happens in Washington.”

West also took action to address violence, supporting the “Fix the FOID” bill (SB 1966) that closes loopholes in the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system that allowed the Aurora factory shooter to obtain a gun they should not have had access to.

Personally, West worked to pass legislation to encourage state agencies to purchase food products grown locally (HB 2505), highlight how schools are providing workplace experience for students (HB 2822) and ensure that educators receive training to address mental health issues they notice students facing (SB 1731). 

“While we made significant progress on a number of issues, it will take more hard work and tough decisions to get our state back on track,” West said. “I look forward to having continued conversations with local residents and community leaders about how we can lift up the Rockford community and Illinois as a whole.”