Illinois District 71 State Representative Dan Swanson
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About Illinois District 71 State Representative Dan Swanson
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August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling, and walking.
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USDA offers assistance to Illinois farmers affected by severe weather
Farmers impacted by severe weather in Illinois may be eligible to receive help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Here’s what you should know.
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Scam prevention seminar scheduled for August
A scam prevention seminar is scheduled for August to address the increasing frequency of financial scams. Organized in collaboration with Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois and the office of the Illinois Attorney General, the event aims to raise awareness and educate attendees on how to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
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Illinois braces for extreme heat; residents urged to take precautions
We’re looking at some uncomfortable and potentially dangerous temperatures across Illinois over the next few days. Make sure you know how to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses: https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempshot.html
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Scott's Law education bill signed; Rep Swanson hosts Boys & Girls Club farm visit
Scott’s Law education bill signed into law
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Busy weekend activities highlight events in Illinois' 71st District
There is a lot going on around the 71st District this time of year.
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Henry County Veterans Assistance Commission marks 30th anniversary
Tammy and I celebrated the Henry County Veterans Assistance Commission’s 30th Anniversary. Two living founders, Andy Koehler and Ted Canellos, both of Kewanee, were recognized. Unfortunately, Andy was unable to attend. Former staff members, drivers, and council members were recognized.
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Boys & Girls Clubs students gain hands-on farm experience
Last week, a group of students from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley visited a local farm. The visit included educational activities about agriculture and farming practices.
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Farmers State Bank to host scam-prevention seminar with Illinois Attorney General's office
Friday morning, Shanie and I met with Kurt Robinson, Kim Goben, and Tory Garrett from Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois. We are teaming up to co-host a public event on “How to Avoid Being Scammed.”
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Mercer and Knox County Fairs draw crowds with successful events
It was a pleasant evening for the Mercer County Fair tractor pull and livestock auction over the weekend. Community members annually support the Mercer County Youth Livestock Auction, raising $72,000 this year, nearing an auction record. "I got to be a part of the fun as a ring man and I auctioned a couple beef," one participant noted. The youth work diligently with their animals daily to get them “show” ready, providing proper feed ratios to achieve optimal weight gain.
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Illinois forms Department of Early Childhood amid restructuring efforts
Legislation consolidating several state agencies and services into the new Department of Early Childhood has been signed into law. The department will take over existing programs currently managed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The transition is set to occur over the next two years.
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Illinois mandates influenza testing for dairy cattle at state fairs
To minimize the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced a new testing requirement for lactating dairy cattle being exhibited at county fairs, the Illinois State Fair, DuQuoin State Fair, and any other livestock exhibition held in Illinois. All lactating dairy cattle must have a negative Influenza A virus (IAV) test before arriving at a livestock exhibition in Illinois.
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Veteran/Senior Fair scheduled for September in Macomb
Last week, the first organizational meeting for an upcoming Veteran/Senior Fair was held at the Old Dairy in Macomb. The event is scheduled to take place on September 9th from 9 a.m. until noon at the Spoon River College Community Center, located at 2500 E. Jackson Street in Macomb.
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VA extends presumptions for three new cancer types under PACT Act
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the addition of three cancers to the list of presumptive diseases covered under the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-168). The newly included cancers are male breast cancer, urethral cancer, and cancer of the paraurethral glands. These conditions are now presumed to be service-connected disabilities due to toxic exposure.
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State Fire Marshal shares safety tips for National Grilling Month
July is National Grilling Month. This month, people are encouraged to get outside and fire up the grill to celebrate. It is important to remember safe grilling practices while enjoying this activity. The State Fire Marshal has provided some tips for staying safe around the grill.
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Senior homestead exemption fix blocked; various legislative updates
For more than 30 years, many seniors in Illinois have been eligible for a Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption on their taxes. To qualify, a person 65 or older must be the owner of record of the property (or have legal or equitable interest in it) and must be liable for paying the real estate taxes on the property. The law allows qualified seniors to have their home’s equalized assessed value (EAV) frozen to avoid significant increases in taxes due to inflation.
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Proposed fix for senior homestead exemption remains stalled
For more than 30 years, many seniors in Illinois have been eligible for a Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption on their taxes. To qualify, a person 65 or older must be the owner of record of the property (or have legal or equitable interest in it) and must be liable for paying the real estate taxes on the property. The law allows qualified seniors to have their home’s equalized assessed value (EAV) frozen to avoid significant increases in taxes due to inflation.
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Henry County Fair season underway
The Sons of the American Legion Post #1197 volunteered to collect admission fees at the Henry County Fair gates. Tammy and I volunteered to work the east gate near the livestock buildings and arena from 7 until 11 a.m. We greeted many young people who were showing pigs, calves, and bucket calves. We wished every one of them “good luck!” In addition to those special young people, I met the newly crowned Henry County Royalty. Congratulations to all!
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Juneteenth commemorates end of slavery in United States
Juneteenth is the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. This day honors the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas following the end of the Civil War. Learn more about the history of Juneteenth below and celebrate freedom today!
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Tips for staying safe in extreme heat across Illinois
High temperatures are expected across Illinois throughout the week. The following tips can help residents stay safe during extreme heat: