Rock Island Today

Scam prevention seminars will be held next week in Monmouth and Alexis, organized by Representative Dan Swanson in partnership with Heather Calcara of the Illinois Attorney General’s office and local law enforcement. The events are free and open to the public, aiming to help residents recognize warning signs of financial scams and learn how to respond.

The first seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10 at the Warren County History Museum in Monmouth from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by another at the Alexis Community Center from 11 a.m. until noon on the same day. Swanson encouraged attendance, stating, “If you can, I hope you will stop by and pick up some helpful information on how to avoid being scammed and what to do if you think you or a loved one is being targeted by scammer.” He also thanked WRAM radio, Midwest Bank, and Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois for their assistance in organizing these events.

Swanson also expressed appreciation for Brenda Matherly of the Illinois Farm Bureau and others who participated in recent Farmland Assessment Seminars across his district. He noted strong community interest in understanding farmland assessments and learning how to challenge errors within them. More details about farmland assessments are available through the Illinois Department of Revenue.

House Republicans have introduced a legislative package aimed at providing relief for working families amid rising costs. The Relief for Working Families package includes measures such as an income tax deduction for employers offering educational assistance, elimination of certain startup fees for new businesses, tax credits for contributions to technical academy scholarship funds, creation of a Trades Retention and Development Encouragement grant program, and an increase in the education expense income tax credit from $750 to $1,500 annually.

Additionally, Swanson highlighted a new grant program announced by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) that offers funding for cemetery gravestone repairs. Units of local government and not-for-profit organizations can apply for one of ten Cemetery Relief Fund Grants issued each year, each valued at up to $20,000.

Other news items mentioned include Lyme disease advocacy efforts with state agencies, developments related to DCFS caseworker involvement in a foster child’s death investigation, potential taxpayer support through an Illinois tax amnesty program, and opportunities offered by Illinois Hunt Camp.

Swanson was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 71st House District in 2023 after Donald L. Moffitt retired from the position (https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3212).