Rep. Mike Smiddy | Courtesy of the Ill. House Democrats
Rep. Mike Smiddy | Courtesy of the Ill. House Democrats
State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Port Byron) is under fire for playing video games on his cell phone during a debate on a bill to fund higher education last month.
After video was released of Smiddy playing video games on the House floor, the state representative released a statement that he was aware of what the bill being debated relating to higher education funding would do and how it impacted schools that are within the Port Byron area.
When asked about the incident by WCIA-TV, Smiddy did not apologize for his actions or express regret.
“Smiddy seems to be blissfully unaware that Illinois has gone nearly a full calendar-year without a budget, has an exploding unpaid bill backlog and unfunded pension liability, among other financial woes,” Aaron DeGroot, press secretary for the Illinois Republican Party, said. “Legislators like Smiddy must act before it’s game over for Illinois.”
Local radio station 1340 WJOL reported that the state Senate passed a bill that would provide $453 million for the state’s public universities and colleges on May 6. This followed approval of $600 million to support higher education institutions through the summer.
"Illinois has some of the highest taxes and unemployment rates in the Midwest," Tony McCombie, who is running for state representative in District 71, said in response to Smiddy's actions. "Communities and schools are struggling and families and businesses are fleeing for better opportunities. We have serious problems in Illinois. We need leaders representing us that are in touch and willing to do the hard work necessary to solve them."
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