Working for Illinois Caucus

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel (D-Ottawa) held a town hall Thursday addressing issues such as healthcare access, property taxes, data centers and hate group concerns in the Illinois Valley.

During the Q&A session, one constituent asked about recent hate group activity in the area, and if there is anything at the state level to protect people, because the activity was making her feel unsafe.

In response, Briel said she wasn’t aware of the activity and connected the recent white nationalist activity to opposition against an investment company’s purchase of the Fox River resort property in Sheridan.

“It is orchestrated from outside the area,” Briel said. “A small group of folks are very, very loud and that’s how they expect to get attention.”

She said she plans to reach out to the attorney general’s office about what recourse is available for communities targeted.

“You cannot allow them to create fear in the community,” Briel said. “You cannot allow them to impose their will in a threatening manner.”

The event was held at the Westclox Event Center in Peru and about 15 constituents showed up to talk with Briel.

Another constituent pressed Briel on taxes, saying they were tired of the state balancing the budget through taxation and money going to Chicago. Other comments from constituents included how people are leaving Illinois for better opportunities.

Briel also discussed the Power Act, which would require large electricity users like data centers to bring their own energy and pay for grid connections. She cited Meta as an example, and its data center revenue that helped build the new Mitchell Elementary School in DeKalb.

“Any data center that comes into the area should promise in writing to contribute to the communities,” Briel said.

Briel added that data centers should also enter into reclamation agreements to restore land when they leave.

Briel aso her personal connection to the issues she works on.

“I am autistic. I have ADHD, anxiety, and OCD. And guess what, all of my three sons also have all of that. And there were no services available when my sons were young,” Briel said.

She said that lack of services in the area when her children were young was part of why she entered public service.

Briel closed by talking about providing stability for constituents.

“When they are filled with chaos and anxiety and fear, the ground under them is not stable. How can anyone be expected to walk, run or jump if the ground underneath you is shaking?” Briel said.