Rock Island Today

Representative Dan Swanson has announced a scam prevention seminar in collaboration with Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois and the Illinois Attorney General’s office. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 20, at the Oxford American Legion in Alpha from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. "To raise awareness of these scams and how to avoid them," Swanson stated, "I will be joining with Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois and the office of the Illinois Attorney General to present a scam prevention seminar next month." The seminar aims to educate attendees on various financial scams and provide updates on current scam trends.

In other news, unemployment in Illinois rose to 5% in June, signaling potential setbacks in the state's economic recovery post-pandemic. Although there were job gains in health services and government sectors, losses were noted in professional and business services as well as information technology. Neighboring states such as Iowa (2.8%), Indiana (3.8%), and Wisconsin (2.9%) reported lower unemployment rates.

Swanson also attended the 2024 Hemp Research Open House at the University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. He discussed legislation that has revitalized hemp farming in Illinois and shared personal anecdotes about his family's historical involvement in hemp production during World War II. The event featured crop tours and discussions on the commercial potential of hemp.

Additionally, August is recognized as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month. SMA is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. Swanson highlighted House Resolution 159 passed earlier this year to increase awareness about SMA.

Further announcements include upcoming events such as the fall 2024 grazing school by the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition in Macomb, the end of Illinois grocery tax set for 2026, USDA assistance for farmers affected by severe weather, consequences following the end of cash bail, and encouragement to support local farmers' markets during National Farmers’ Market Week.