South West Illinois News

Thank you for reading “Friess Frame.” As summer concludes, I am grateful for the opportunity to share updates from our District and across the state.

Du Quoin State Fair

I had a great time at the Du Quoin State Fair this past weekend. The fair is a highlight of the year, bringing families together to enjoy rides, games, food, and live entertainment. It also significantly boosts our local economy by attracting visitors to southern Illinois and supporting small businesses.

Exciting Developments in Red Bud

Red Bud is currently experiencing several exciting projects that reflect the town's creativity and community spirit. Local artist Kenzie Wolk has been commissioned to create a mural on the Moekoff Building in downtown Red Bud, funded by the Red Bud Community Foundation. Additionally, the City of Red Bud is finalizing the Ratz Park Splash Pad, set to open in late September. The Community Garden continues to thrive with 52 raised garden beds available for families to grow produce.

Task Force Appointment

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has appointed me to serve on the Task Force to Review Eligibility to Hold Public Office. This group will examine conduct that disqualifies individuals from seeking or holding public office in Illinois and review related policy rationales based on criminal behavior.

“I am honored to be appointed to this Task Force,” Rep. Friess said. “I am committed to working diligently to ensure that the criteria for holding public office in Illinois reflect our collective values of integrity and honesty.”

Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)

The General Assembly has made changes to BIPA, initially enacted in 2008 to protect biometric information privacy. House Republicans have sponsored bills aiming for reform due to concerns about job creation threats posed by BIPA misuse. In 2024, SB 2979 was passed, which allows firms collecting biometric data multiple times from one individual without explicit permission only one act of alleged damage.

Despite these changes, BIPA remains a contentious issue affecting job creation and retention in Illinois compared with other states.

IDFPR Updates

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is expanding its pilot program allowing online payments for paper applications and introducing services for license restoration or reinstatement for certain professionals.

Learn more here: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/epay.html

Additionally, IDFPR has launched a new process enabling active-duty service members and their spouses stationed in Illinois with an active professional license from another state and recent work experience within two years.

Learn more here: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/mili…/military-portability.html

Ways for Families to Save Money as School Year Begins

With inflation impacting costs such as food, gasoline, interest rates, rent, and living expenses, families can utilize various strategies to save money as the school year begins:

- Build a family budget.

- Eat meals at home; pack lunches.

- Plan ahead for special occasions.

- Opt for at-home entertainment.

- Declutter and hold garage sales.

- Bargain shop for school supplies.

- Buy items in bulk.

- Search for coupons.

- Avoid unnecessary purchases.

- Follow community sites for deals.

- Reduce energy usage at home.

- Check subscription services fees.

- Seek free or low-cost family activities.

- Develop meal plans before grocery shopping.

Families can still enjoy their lives while finding ways to save money during back-to-school preparations.

Free Shred Event in Sparta

I’m hosting a FREE Shred Event on Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 am to Noon at Sparta City Hall (114 W. Jackson Street). This drive-up event offers safe shredding of confidential documents.

Thank you for reading "Friess Frame." I’ll be back soon with another edition!