Rock Island Today

Scott’s Law education bill signed into law

Far too often, accidents on Illinois highways involve first responders who have stopped on the roadside being struck by another vehicle. To prevent these tragedies, Illinois enacted "Scott’s Law" several years ago, requiring motorists to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights of a police car, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck, emergency vehicle, pick-up or car. The law is named for a Chicago firefighter who was killed in a roadside accident.

Despite the law, such accidents continue to occur. Part of the solution lies in better educating Illinois drivers about the law and the actions they can take to keep first responders safe. A student from our district, Lucy Kuelper, approached Representative Dan Swanson with an idea for legislation aimed at this goal. This legislation has now been signed into law.

Every driver’s license exam includes a question about Scott’s Law. The new bill requires the Secretary of State testing facility to provide extra information about the law to individuals who miss this question. This measure aims to reinforce what actions should be taken when drivers see emergency lights on the roadside.

"Our bill passed both the House and Senate," said Swanson. "Last Friday it was officially signed into law. I am grateful to Lucy for her hard work in support of not just this legislation but to the cause of protecting those who protect us."

Boys and Girls Clubs on the farm

Representative Swanson recently hosted a group of students from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley at his farm. The visit included discussions about hogs, corn, soybeans used in feed production, and witnessing a turbine repairman at work following a lightning strike.

The group also explored soybean fields and discussed their uses before visiting cows and calves on the farm. The visit concluded with educational activities facilitated by Henry County and Rock Island Farm Bureau “Ag in The Classroom” coordinators.

Swanson then treated the students to ice cream floats and homemade brownies or cookies. "A fun time was had by all," he noted.

Scam prevention seminar coming up in August

To raise awareness about financial scams and how to avoid them, Representative Swanson will join Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois and the office of the Illinois Attorney General for a scam prevention seminar next month.

The event will provide updates on current types of scams targeting people of all ages. It is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Oxford American Legion in Alpha.

Busy time around the district

Representative Swanson highlighted various events across the 71st District:

- Celebrated Henry County Veterans Assistance Commission’s 30th Anniversary.

- Participated in Mental Health First Aid Training hosted by Bridgeway.

- Attended Change of Command ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal where Major General Wilson relinquished command to Brigadier General Hinson.

- Attended Rock Island County Fair's 4H auction.

- Visited Western Grain Marketing facility near Adair.

- Attended Taste of Galesburg and Warren County Agricultural Fair's Livestock Auction.

Further news includes popular state parks in Illinois, IRS data showing significant population outflow from Illinois, professional licensing assistance for servicemembers and their spouses, state agency contempt citation by a judge, and new data on Illinois' tax dependency.