State Representative Daniel Swanson (IL) | Representative Dan Swanson (R) 71st District
State Representative Daniel Swanson (IL) | Representative Dan Swanson (R) 71st District
A legislative update from Representative Dan Swanson includes news of two bills progressing through the Illinois House of Representatives. Both bills have moved past the House and are now awaiting attention in the Senate.
One proposed law focuses on providing educational materials about alpha-gal syndrome via the Department of Public Health's website. "Alpha-gal syndrome is spread by tick bites and presents as a red meat allergy," Swanson explained, noting its personal importance due to his mother's condition. House Bill 1754 saw unanimous support, passing 106-0.
Another piece of legislation, HB 1149, also secured a unanimous House vote at 115-0, seeking to grant academic credit to firefighters for their training. "This bill allows a career or volunteer firefighter to complete their fire training and then take that firefighter training to a local university or community college and apply for credit hours," Swanson elaborated. The concept originated from volunteer fire chiefs.
Attention was also directed to a persistent safety issue regarding Scott's Law. The law mandates drivers to move over and slow down for vehicles with emergency lights, but noncompliance remains a problem with severe consequences. "Sadly, there have been over 100 more [crashes] since [2019]," Swanson said, emphasizing the need for enhanced driver awareness. He noted collaboration with student Lucy Kuelper on reforms to the Illinois driver's test to address this.
The 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois National Guard recently held an open house. According to Swanson, attendees, including himself, received briefings and toured facilities, even flying in a C-130 Hercules transport. "Thank you COL Ballard and to those who serve in the 182nd Airlift Wing," he expressed.
Amid National Library Week, Swanson urged constituents to value their local libraries and previewed a summer reading program for young students. "Whether you’re borrowing a book, researching a new topic, or simply finding a quiet place to think, libraries are here to support curiosity and lifelong learning," he remarked.
Additional topics of interest include the impending trial of State Sen. Emil Jones III on bribery charges and the approaching Real ID deadline.ionato
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