As a proud resident of Rockford and the 67th district, I strongly believe in the importance that we work together to make our community thrive. Through years of supporting our community and being fortunate enough to work in workforce and career development, I've learned how to listen, comprehend, and gain a clear understanding of our needs as a community.
I have been focused on bringing opportunities and progress to the communities that I serve. Whether you live on the Southside of Rockford, or whether you live in Loves Park, Cherry Valley, or New Milford, the focus is opportunities everywhere for everyone!
Below is a list of accomplishments that I'm most proud of! My success as your State Representative, comes from me listening to you - thus, majority of my proud moments came from me following your ideas!
CONSTITUENTAL SERVICE
The most important resource that my office prioritizes is Constituental Service. I have over 108,000 bosses, who are the residents of the 67th district - every one of you. No matter your party affiliation or whether or not you will ever vote for me - you call, we answer.
Here are the numbers from since taking office in January 2019:
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Approximately 3,000 constituent issues solved, recommendations made, or resources provided.
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Approximately 5,000 constituent advocacy calls and emails taken.
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We host and sponsor over a dozen events each year that has connected us to thousands of people throughout the community! These events have helped us connect people with healthcare resources, food for the holidays, warm articles of clothing and so much more!
LEGISLASTION FILED & PASSED
Since January 2023, I've filed 94 bills and 16 resolutions, and I look forward to continuing the fight on these bills next term. To view the bills and resolutions that I filed, click here.
Overall, 23 of them were signed into law by the Governor:
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HB1197: Charitable Organization Audit Threshold
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HB1633: Native American History
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HB2471: Healthy School Meals for All
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HB2898: For Profit Map Grant
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SB90: Racism-Free Schools
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SB1446: Dress Code Policy
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SB2034: Zachary’s Parent Protection Act
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SB2390: Combat Teacher Shortage
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HB4118: Termination Grace Period
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HB4271: Blood Typing-17 Years Old
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HB4488: Election Omnibus
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HB5530: Pharmacy Practice-Injections
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SB694: County Recorder Fee
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SB1400: Student Discipline
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SB2933: Medical Debt Reporting
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SB2976: Historic Preservation Board
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SB3151: Driver Ed-Worker Safety
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SB3297: Housing is Recovery
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SB3429: Sanitary District Disconnection
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SB3434: IEMA-OHS Grant Program
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SB3475: Hotel Operation Tax
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SB3713: Crime Victims Compensation Act
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SB3779: Social Work-Opioid Antagonist
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
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Workforce Equity Initiative: Over $4 Million in grants awarded to Rock Valley College to serve our community helps to address disparities specifically by requiring that 60% of the participants have to be African American.
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Park and Recreation Grants: Over $4 Million to improve our parks! When you can, go check out Victory Park in New Milford, Harmon Park in the Rolling Green neighborhood, the Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park, Sinnissippi Park, Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden and Baumann Park in Cherry Valley (coming soon!).
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Winnebago County Restaurant Grant: A $1.5 Million grant awarded to restaurants throughout the county who closed down in 2021, which caused their unemployment insurance to sky rocket.
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Home Modification Grant Program: A $7.5 Million grant awarded to the Illinois Centers of Independent Living that aids people with disabilities, including seniors and veterans, who are in need of home modifications such as ramps and railings to live full and productive lives in their own homes.
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Talent Retention: $1 Million to Go Rockford to assist in retaining our talent and to decrease Rockford's brain drain.
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Resume Services: My district office offers resume writing service free to constituents.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Priority #1 as I strive to be accessible to constituents is to SHOW UP. Doing this is the biggest way to support great causes that are happening in the 67th District. That part is easy and fun. When you invite me, I will show up if my schedule allows - no matter who you are and what the topic is. I've accepted invitations to groups that I know disagrees with my stance - but if you call, I show up.
However, another way to show up and support is to give not just my time, but financial support. Since January 2019 my political organization has contributed over $80,000 to community organizations, non profit organizations, drives and fundraisers within our community. My team raises money so that we can spend money within our community. From providing funding for 501(c)3 applications, to helping those in need, Maurice West for Illinois is for and by the citizens.
BIPARTISANSHIP
Democrats have a super-majority in the House of Representatives. Naturally, seating is limited on the Democratic side of the aisle. My seat is deep on the Republican side of the aisle - ON PURPOSE. I chose to sit on that side to build relationships with Republican colleagues to work together on a united front for the State of Illinois. Politics is already polarizing - and I REFUSE to play part in that polarization.
ACCOUNTABILTY & TRANSPARENCY
Since 2023 I have held 12 town halls throughout the 67th district to ensure that you know what I've done, what I'm doing, and what I plan to do. I am proud that we held the town halls not only in Rockford, but in Loves Park and Cherry Valley and all across our district!