South West Illinois News

State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) has provided an update to constituents as the Illinois General Assembly prepares for its upcoming veto session. Friess, who was elected in 2023 to represent the 115th House District, outlined his legislative priorities and recent activities in a district-wide communication.

Friess hosted a Fall Legislative Town Hall to address concerns about a scour hole threatening the Stringtown Levee near Prairie du Rocher. He was joined by officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, IEMA, Monroe County leaders, State Senator Terri Bryant, and others to discuss funding challenges and potential solutions. "To be frank, I am extremely frustrated in the Governor’s failure to work with us on this urgent issue. I personally spoke with Governor Pritzker in DuQuoin, where I was promised a direct phone call to discuss the scour hole. It has now been three weeks, and that call has yet to come. I wish I could say I was surprised. The Governor often says he’s 'a governor for all of Illinois,' yet Southern Illinois continues to be left behind," Friess said.

He noted ongoing efforts with state and federal agencies and discussions with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s team regarding possible Congressional Directed Spending support.

Friess also announced the reopening of St. Mary’s Covered Bridge after restoration efforts led by his office in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources. "The Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge is not just a piece of wood and nails; it’s a symbol of our community’s heritage," he stated.

Reflecting on two years since the SAFE-T Act's no cash bail provision took effect, Friess criticized its impact on public safety: "When Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law back in February 2021...it made sweeping changes that put criminals ahead of victims, imposed unfunded mandates on police and counties, and completely eliminated cash bail." He added that law enforcement warnings have materialized as courts face strain and repeat offenders cycle through custody.

Friess described recent visits to local schools as an opportunity to encourage civic engagement among students by sharing information about state government.

Addressing political rhetoric following the shooting death of Charlie Kirk last week, Friess called for restraint from public officials: "No one, no matter their political beliefs, deserves to be assassinated for speaking their opinions." He criticized Governor Pritzker's statements regarding past comparisons between Republicans and Nazis: "'No, I have not. That is completely false. I have never called Republicans Nazis.' ... 'If you think I’m overreacting and sounding the alarm too soon, consider this: It took the Nazis one month...'"

On energy assistance programs, Friess reported that Ameren Corporation is providing $4 million in aid for customers affected by high electricity prices in Missouri and Illinois this year—adding to nearly $58 million already distributed—to help families struggling due to extreme heat or increased costs.

Friess welcomed an emergency rule enacted by the Illinois Department of Corrections allowing prisons to scan physical mail before delivery as a measure against contraband: "I’ve spoken with countless DOC employees over the past few years who shared horror stories about drug-laced mail...This is a step in the right direction."

Looking ahead to next month's veto session at the Capitol, Friess reaffirmed his commitment: "My focus remains on standing up for the values that matter most to our district: fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, safer communities, and government transparency."

Friess succeeded Nathan Reitz as representative for Illinois’ 115th House District after winning election in 2023.