State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) spent the week between scheduled session back in the District, visiting classrooms, speaking with other elected officials and stopping by a local radio show to discuss gun legislation.
Sen. Fowler kicked off his weekend by joining the Benton Rotary Club for their 2nd Annual Rotary Pancake Breakfast on March 3. Rotary Clubs are in operation all across the globe, bringing together members who work in their communities to create change, collaborate and make a difference. More information on Rotary International can be found at rotary.org.
Bringing news back from the Capitol to the District, Sen. Fowler joined Tom Miller with the Morning Newswatch to discuss a legislative update from Springfield. The interview focused on recently proposed gun legislation being considered in the General Assembly, including a bump stock ban and a bill that would require some gun dealers to maintain a security system that alerts local law enforcement of a break-in. Sen. Fowler spoke about his ongoing concerns with overreaching gun legislation, the potential danger such legislation poses to citizens’ Second Amendment Rights and the possible consequences proposed legislation would have on small and local stores in the district. To hear more from this interview, visit http://www.wjpf.com/podcast/newswatch-podcast/.
In other news, Sen. Fowler met with Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel and U.S. Representative John Shimkus to discuss ongoing projects and concerns in the city, including efforts to encourage business development in the area.
Also happening in District, Senator Fowler is sharing exciting news about the expansion of Interstate 57 between Marion and Mount Vernon. The Illinois Department of Transportation revealed that the State of Illinois will be receiving a $7.6 million federal grant to widen I-57, adding lanes to the interstate in each direction. Sen. Fowler has actively supported the expansion of the interstate and is excited for the opportunities the project will have for both improved safety and economic development in the region.
Sen. Fowler went back to the classroom during the week, joining the pre-k students with the WADI Head Start program for a morning of reading. Sen. Fowler also joined the kindergartners from Herrin North Side Grade School for an afternoon of reading as part of their Read Across America program. The program is a national initiative from the National Education Association to encourage and motivate children to celebrate reading.
Southern Illinois Made Expo News
Sen. Fowler is reminding area businesses and local destinations that the Southern Illinois Made Expo is currently seeking vendors to participate in the July 28 and 29 event. Exhibitors from all over the region are invited to display and sell their innovative products and showcase their unique Southern-based destinations during the Expo, highlighting the business community of Southern Illinois. The deadline for registering as an exhibitor/vendor is Friday, July 13 at 4 p.m. More information on the Southern Illinois Made Expo can be found by visiting simade.org.
News from the Capitol
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Firearms held their first hearing on March 8 to focus on legislative initiatives involving gun sales and possession. The subject-matter hearing reviewed and heard testimony on five House Bills currently under consideration by the General Assembly. More information on the bills heard during this hearing can be found at senatorfowler.com.
Finally, before session concluded, Sen. Fowler welcomed Cynde Bunch, the owner of Walker’s Bluff based in Carterville, Illinois to the Capitol. The Southern-based destination owner was visiting the Capitol to promote ongoing efforts to expand the Walker’s Bluff Convention Center.