Working for Illinois Caucus

Continuing to be accessible to residents during the COVID-19 crisis, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, an Oswego Democrat, announced she will move her "Coffee with Kifowit" events to Facebook Live.

Until recently, Kifowit held weekly constituent meetings at local coffee shops to discuss issues dealing with the state, give up-to-date information to constituents and answer residents’ questions. She will continue her virtual "Coffee with Kifowit" on her new state Facebook page "Illinois House District 84" or you can find the page @ILDistrict84 on Facebook. The virtual events will begin at 9 a.m. and go until 10:30 a.m. every Monday.

For details, contact Kifowit by email at stephanie.kifowit@att.net, visit her website at ILDistict84.com or connect through her new Facebook page at "Illinois House District 84."

QUINCY — A Quincy native and Navy veteran has launched her campaign for the Illinois House in the 94th District.

Democrat Angel Smith is challenging state Rep. Randy Frese, R-Paloma, in the Nov. 3 general election. Both ran unopposed in the March 17 primary election.

A Navy veteran, Smith is a secretary at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy and a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1787.

"I am running to give a greater voice to workers, veterans, and union members in the 94th District and across Illinois," Smith said in a release. "The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on our economy has shown that many of our most essential workers are also the most vulnerable. A crisis response that sees the rich getting richer and workers left behind is neither a humane nor a just response that serves the greater good. We must join together to provide a strong safety net for everyone."

Smith served in the Navy for more than 12 years and achieved the rank of petty officer first class.

She worked as a Russian linguist and held a top secret security clearance while being stationed at intelligence collections facilities in Hawaii and England.

Upon her honorable discharge, she returned to Quincy, where she earned a master’s degree in counseling at Quincy University.

"Having worked in a variety of minimum-wage jobs in hospitality, retail and printing, I understand the day-to-day economic struggles working people face," Smith said. "I’m campaigning to increase the political and economic power of workers, and to create and maintain a robust culture of transparency and accountability in all government functions."

A two-term Adams County circuit clerk, Frese was first elected to the 94th District seat in 2014. He was re-elected in 2016, and in 2018, he defeated Democratic candidate Rich Cramsey, receiving nearly 72% of the vote.

State Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) is highlighting senior shopping hours at grocery stores during the COVID-19 outbreak. Senior shopping hours provide for an opportunity for seniors and at-risk populations to pick up their groceries with less risk for exposure. 

“Vulnerable populations like seniors and those with pre-existing or underlying conditions are the most at risk during this outbreak,” Bristow said. “Thankfully, many local grocery stores are providing services like curbside grocery pickup and senior shopping hours for vulnerable groups to safely shop for essentials.”

Bristow is highlighting these stores that are offering hours set aside for only senior and/or customers with underlying health conditions that may be more at risk:

Schnucks 6-7 a.m. will be dedicated for the needs of seniors and vulnerable customers. Locations at:

2811 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton

1721 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton

634 Berkshire Blvd., East Alton

2712 Godfrey Road, Godfrey

72 Airport Plaza, Bethalto

1900 E. Edwardsville Road, Wood River

3100 Madison Ave., Granite City

Save A Lot 

8-9 a.m. will be dedicated daily for seniors. Locations at:

2980 Homer Adams Pkwy, Alton

3254 Nameoki Road, Granite City

Walgreens

8-9 a.m. Tuesdays will be dedicated for seniors. Locations at:

705 S. State St., Jerseyville

2610 State St., Alton

1650 Washington Ave., Alton

172 E. McArthur Drive and Bellwood, Bethalto

1122 Vaughn Road, Wood River

3732 Nameoki Road, Granite City

2001 Madison Ave., Granite City

Walmart 

Through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hourlong senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers age 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Locations at:

1316 S. State St., Jerseyville

6660 Godfrey Road, Godfrey

610 Wesley Drive, Wood River

379 W. Pontoon Road, Granite City

Target

8-9 a.m. Wednesdays will be dedicated for seniors and vulnerable customers. Locations at:

300 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton

Dollar General

The first hour of shopping each day will be dedicated for seniors and vulnerable customers. Locations at:

939 S. State St., Jerseyville

56 Airport Plaza, Bethalto

405 Broadway Ave., South Roxana

4101 Pontoon Road, Pontoon Beach

Aldi

8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be dedicated for seniors and vulnerable customers. This includes senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health concerns. Locations at:

2822 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton

399 Wesley Drive, Wood River

1412 Schaeffer Road, Granite City

“I encourage seniors and those with preexisting or underlying conditions that make them vulnerable to COVID-19 to take advantage of these shopping hours to keep themselves safe. Shoppers should also limit their trips to every one or two weeks and shop alone if possible,” Bristow said. “Everyone should continue following the health and safety guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control to help protect themselves, their loved ones and those around them, and be sure to check in on those in vulnerable populations.”

irma.org/covid-19-senior-shopping

coronavirus.illinois.gov

1-800-889-3931

Quincy native Angel Smith seeks to serve Illinois’ 94th Legislative District as its Representative in the General Assembly. Smith ran uncontested on the Democratic ballot in the March 17th primary and now will stand for election on November 3, 2020.

“I am running to give a greater voice to workers, veterans, and union members in the 94th District and across Illinois,” says Smith. “The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on our economy has shown that many of our most essential workers are also the most vulnerable. A crisis response that sees the rich getting richer and workers left behind is neither a humane nor a just response that serves the greater good. We must join together to provide a strong safety net for everyone. One way we can help vulnerable workers is to eliminate current barriers to union membership as unions provide workers the opportunity to not just survive, but thrive economically. We can also support small farms and small businesses by reducing unnecessary state regulations that stifle the creation and operations of these vital parts of our rural communities.”

Smith served active-duty enlisted in the U.S. Navy for more than 12 years, and achieved the rank of E-6 (Petty Officer First Class). She worked as a Russian linguist and held a top-secret security clearance while being stationed at intelligence collections facilities in Hawaii and England. Upon her honorable discharge she returned to Quincy, where she earned a master’s degree in counseling at Quincy University. Smith is currently employed as a secretary at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Quincy and is a proud member of AFSCME Local 1787 union.

“Having worked in a variety of minimum-wage jobs in hospitality, retail and printing, I understand the day-to-day economic struggles working people face,” says Smith. “I’m campaigning to increase the political and economic power of workers, and to create and maintain a robust culture of transparency and accountability in all government functions.”

Smith is a member of the Unitarian Church of Quincy, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She is a founding member of Indivisible of Adams County, and is a member of the Adams County Democratic Party.

For more information on Angel Smith’s campaign and policy positions, please visit http://www.AngelSmithforIL94.com.

***Report Courtesy of the Angel Smith Campaign***

COLLINSVILLE – To alleviate the financial burden many families are feeling during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COIVD-19) pandemic, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is highlighting the governor’s recent decision to extend the state tax filing deadline to July 15.

“As businesses temporarily closing to help address the COVID-19 pandemic, many local workers are facing uncertainty with their employment and pay,” said Stuart. “The decision to bring the Illinois state tax filing deadline in line with the federal government’s extended deadline was a smart move and will give residents more time to plan during this stressful time.”

Stuart is applauding Gov J.B. Pritzker’s decision to extend Illinois’ tax filing deadline to match the federal government’s filing deadline of July 15. During the pandemic, Stuart has continually worked to share vital information with residents to help ease the burden that is being caused by COVID-19. Highlighting the new tax filing deadline is just one way that she is working to bring relevant information to community residents.

“Extending the tax filing deadline will help alleviate the financial stress that many families are feeling during this unprecedented time,” continued Stuart. “This decision will also ensure that families do not have to scramble to pay their tax bill while wondering where their next paycheck is coming from while they are out of work.”

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