Quincy Reporter

DCFS Director Marc Smith has announced his resignation, effective December 31st, in a move that has been welcomed by advocates for child safety. The resignation is seen as a step in the right direction, but many believe that more than just a new Director is needed to address the systemic issues at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Republican Legislators have been vocal about the need for comprehensive reforms to protect children in the State's care. They have introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the agency, supporting families, and ensuring the safety of children. These initiatives have been developed through consultations with stakeholders and experts.

Speaking on behalf of his Republican colleagues, a legislator stated, "My Republican colleagues and I have introduced many initiatives that will help this agency, help families, and help children be safe. We’ve put in the work by meeting with stakeholders and experts. It’s time for Speaker Welch to call our legislation for a vote. This is life and death, and we must take action."

Meanwhile, another issue that has garnered attention is the protection of gun owners' personal information. New legislation has been filed to safeguard the personal information of law-abiding gun owners, which they are required to submit under Democrats' new gun ban/registration law. House Bill 4150 proposes that if the gun ban law is found unconstitutional, the State Police must immediately destroy all personal information submitted by gun owners for registration.

Regarding the state's jobless rate, Illinois saw an increase to 4.1% in August 2023, indicating a departure from the "full employment" status. Several neighboring states, including Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin, currently have full employment rates lower than 4.0%. In specific metropolitan areas, unemployment rates varied, with the Quad Cities reporting a low of 4.6% and greater Rockford registering a high of 7.4%.

In other news, Senator Jil Tracy and a legislator are hosting a Senior Health Fair in Quincy on October 17th, in collaboration with the Kroc Center. This event aims to provide senior citizens with screenings, health information, and an opportunity for food, fun, and community engagement.

Lastly, trout season is set to open later this month in waterways across the state. However, due to warm water temperatures, IDNR officials have announced that stocking for the early catch-and-release season, scheduled for October 7th, will be delayed.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repfrese.com/2023/10/06/dcfs-gun-owners-personal-information-senior-health-fair-and-more/