Rock Island Today

Representative Dan Swanson has provided an update on recent activities and events in his August 23 Capitol News Update.

Swanson expressed gratitude to the Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois, the Illinois Attorney General’s office, and local sheriffs for their collaboration in educating residents about scam prevention. An event was held earlier this week in Alpha to raise awareness about various scams targeting individuals, including seniors. Swanson emphasized that scams range from local frauds to international schemes, with financial losses varying significantly.

"The best defense against being scammed is awareness: know what to be on the lookout for so that you don’t fall victim to a scammer," Swanson stated. He advised taking simple precautions such as not answering unknown calls or texts and being cautious about sharing personal information online.

In other news, Sheriff John Booker of Whiteside County raised concerns regarding the SAFE-T Act, a 2021 law eliminating cash bail in Illinois. Booker warned that this change has led to individuals being released from jail before receiving necessary drug treatment, potentially exacerbating addiction issues and related crimes.

Additionally, Swanson announced an upcoming senior and veterans fair scheduled for September 9 in Macomb. The event will be hosted in collaboration with State Representative Norine Hammond, Western Illinois Home Health Care, and McDonough District Hospital at Spoon River College Community Center. It will feature free health screenings and information from various senior service agencies.

Swanson also highlighted that Illinois fire departments and ambulance services can now apply for up to $26,000 in funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program offered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The application deadline is October 1.

Other notable updates include ongoing legal proceedings involving Madigan and McClain's racketeering trials, potential resolutions to licensing delays in Illinois, successful results from the "We are the 96%" campaign supporting farm families, safety tips for children returning to school, and cost-saving strategies for families during the new school year.