DeKalb Times

The 2024 spring legislative session is well underway in Illinois, with House members introducing new legislation and committees reviewing bills for consideration. State Representative Jeff Keicher has outlined his top priorities for this session, including addressing abuse of Tax Increment Financing Districts, tackling roadside trash problems, and ending a burdensome requirement on senior citizen drivers.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Keicher has been selected to serve on the Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force. This task force was established to improve safety and access to emergency resources following the collapse of an Amazon warehouse during a tornado in 2021.

Keicher is also hosting a Tele-Town Hall meeting tonight, along with State Representative Steve Reick. This virtual meeting will provide an opportunity for constituents to ask questions and share concerns about state issues and legislation. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., and participants can join by answering the phone call or dialing in at 1-217-727-6958 if they miss the initial call.

Another initiative that Keicher is involved in is the Annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive. He is partnering with Senator Dave Syverson to collect Valentine's Day cards for seniors in long-term care facilities. Last year, over 10,000 valentines were collected from community members, churches, schools, businesses, and other groups in the 35th Senate District and 70th House District. Cards can be mailed or dropped off at designated offices until February 7.

One pressing issue that Keicher is determined to address is the problem of roadside trash. He has been frustrated with the litter caused by waste haulers, which poses safety hazards and damages local farmers' fields and equipment. Keicher has filed two pieces of legislation to incentivize waste hauling companies to transport trash more securely and support communities in cleanup efforts.

Furthermore, Keicher is advocating for the elimination of an onerous requirement on senior citizen drivers. Despite data showing that drivers aged 75 and older are involved in fewer fatal crashes than any other age group, Illinois is the only state that requires them to retake a driving test to renew their licenses. Keicher believes it is time to remove this unnecessary hurdle for seniors.

In recognition of his expertise in the insurance industry, Keicher has been appointed to the Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force. He will contribute to the development of proposals to improve safety standards in warehouse facilities, which play a crucial role in the delivery of goods and services to consumers.

Lastly, Keicher highlights the lifting of a moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction in Illinois. This bipartisan legislation allows for the construction of small nuclear reactors, known as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), after January 1, 2026. The move is aimed at addressing the future energy demand as coal and gas plants in downstate Illinois are scheduled to shut down.

As the legislative session continues, Keicher remains committed to serving the constituents of the 70th District. He encourages residents to reach out with any questions, concerns, or feedback on these or other issues.