Hello everyone!
Things have been busy back home as we continue our harvest season and move into the fall. I hope everyone has been enjoying the cooler weather.
Next week, legislators head back to Springfield for week one of our annual veto session. This is a two-week session where legislators typically address bills that were vetoed by the Governor. Due to their supermajority status, Illinois Democrats almost never need to utilize this session for overriding or addressing vetoes.
Hopefully, we will instead focus on one of the many pressing issues facing our state. Skyrocketing energy costs, unsustainable property tax bills, a crime crisis, and a looming budget cliff for the CTA all need to be addressed urgently. I hope my colleagues across the aisle take this opportunity to work together on solutions that benefit everyone.
Stay tuned to my next enewsletter for updates on the first week of veto session.
Utility Bill Clinic
Want to find out ways to lower your utility bills? My office is teaming up with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) to host a Utility Bill Clinic! Join us for this informative event about ways to reduce your utility costs on Wednesday, October 15th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Sterling Public Library.
Appointments are preferred and can be made by calling my office at 815-561-3690 EXT. 2, or by clicking here.
September Local Business Spotlight
For my September 2025 local business highlight, I recognized Selmi’s Greenhouse, Farm, and Pumpkin Patch in Rock Falls. Selmi’s is a locally-owned family farm, apple orchard, greenhouse, and more that has been a household name in our region for generations. From supporting local schools to donating goods and services for fundraisers, they show what it means to be deeply rooted in the community.
The Selmi family business dates back four generations and has grown to become a regional staple. Today, Matt Selmi continues to expand its impact by hosting school groups from across the area, including the CEO program and students from Newman Central Catholic High School. The farm also regularly holds benefits and fundraisers to support local causes.
What really stands out about Selmi’s is their generosity and willingness to give back. Whether it’s supporting schools, hosting students, or lending a hand through fundraisers, they work hard to make our community stronger.
Community Outreach
Our annual Hunter Safety Course was a huge hit! These courses are always in high demand in our area, and help keep everyone safe while enjoying the hunting season. A special thank you to Chris Thiel and John Kaltenbach for making this event a reality!
My office attended an open house ceremony for the new Lee County Landfill Renewable Natural Gas Facility, hosted by Ameresco, U.S. Energy, and Republic Services. This facility captures and repurposes methane emissions from the landfill and turns them into renewable natural gas, which will help provide more energy for our area.
Museum Pass
Are you looking to visit one of the incredible museums across the Chicagoland area? Utilize my office’s FREE museum pass, allowing admission to any participating museum for up to four people.
Reservations are required and must be made by completing our request form, which can be completed by clicking here.
Community Calendar
The Community Calendar is a great resource to view upcoming events throughout our community in one streamlined location. To access this calendar, visit my website or click here.
Please note that as state ethics laws apply to this site, event restrictions apply. For-profit, political, or personal events will not be posted. Final decisions on which events are allowed are made at the discretion of the Office of Rep. Fritts.
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Bradley J. Fritts