Illinois State Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield)
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About Illinois State Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield)
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Catching Up with Coffey: Illinois Faces Budget Deficits and Corruption Issues
The Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) has projected long-term budget deficits for the state of Illinois, citing increasing expenses in areas such as healthcare, pensions, and education. The projected deficits, which do not fully account for the possibility of an economic downturn, have raised concerns among House Republicans who warn that state spending has outpaced core revenue growth. The GOMB report also highlights the importance of Illinois' Budget Stabilization Fund in managing the state's finances, but cautions that it is only a partial solution....
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Important Tips on Driving in Illinois Winter Weather
Driving in Illinois during the winter months can be dangerous due to unpredictable weather conditions. In order to ensure the safety of yourself and others while traveling, it is crucial to be prepared and follow certain guidelines. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has provided some important winter driving tips to help drivers navigate the icy roads and reduce the risk of accidents.One of the most basic but essential tips is to always wear a seat belt. This is not only important in winter but is also the law in Illinois. Additionally, drivers should slow...
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Pearl Harbor Day and the Toll on Illinois Soldiers
December 7, 1941, will forever be remembered as a day of infamy in the United States. President Franklin Roosevelt's words, "The Date That Will Live in Infamy," echoed the sentiment felt across the nation after the devastating attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan. The surprise attack claimed the lives of 2,403 U.S. service personnel, including 50 brave servicemen from Illinois. Additionally, 1,178 people were injured, and among the deceased were 68 civilians.The magnitude of the Japanese strike force was immense. A total of 353...
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Vulnerable Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities Get Protections
Illinois Governor has signed into law HB2100, a bill aimed at providing protections for vulnerable long-term care residents. The legislation, which received strong support from lawmakers, enhances penalties and criminal charges for individuals who abuse residents in care facilities.One of the key provisions of the bill is the classification of financial exploitation of seniors aged 70 and over in a long-term care facility as a class 1 felony, with a minimum property value threshold of $15,000. This measure aims to address the issue of financial abuse, which has been a...
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How to Prepare your Home for Winter in Illinois
Living in Illinois means being prepared for the ever-changing weather conditions. With all four seasons in play, homeowners need to stay ahead of the game to avoid costly damages and challenges. While winter brings a beautiful snowy landscape, it can also bring arctic temperatures and potential risks to homes. To protect your home during the winter season, there are several simple steps that can be taken.One of the most significant risks during winter is water damage caused by frozen and burst pipes. To prevent this, Consumer Reports suggests wrapping pipes and keeping...
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Blood Donors Give From the Heart This Holiday Season
According to recent statistics, blood donation is a crucial act that can save up to three lives. However, despite the constant need for blood, only about three percent of eligible individuals in the United States choose to donate. This shortage becomes even more pronounced during the winter months, when illnesses are on the rise, weather conditions are unpredictable, and holiday travel limits accessibility to blood donation centers.Recognizing the urgency of the situation, members of the House Republican caucus have taken the initiative to organize blood drives in their...
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Popular Holiday Train Returning to Illinois
Canadian Pacific’s Holiday Train is set to make a return to Illinois this holiday season, with four stops scheduled. The much-loved holiday tradition, known for its bright light display, live music, and special appearance by Santa Claus, will bring joy and festive cheer to communities across the state.Starting its tour of Canada and the United States on November 20, the CPKC Holiday Train will continue spreading holiday spirit until December 19. The first stop in Illinois is scheduled for Saturday, November 25, in Bensenville. This will be followed by stops in Pingree...
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ISP Finalizing Rules for Registering Firearms as Deadline Approaches
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is working to provide answers to questions regarding the state's assault weapons ban as the December 31 deadline for registration approaches. Under the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), certain firearms have been deemed unsafe and citizens in possession of these firearms must register them by January 1, 2024, or potentially face criminal penalties.The law prohibits the sale and possession of over 170 semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns, as well as magazines with a capacity of over 15 rounds for handguns and over 10 rounds...
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Gettysburg Address Displayed at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is hosting a special exhibition featuring the iconic Gettysburg Address. This historic speech, written by President Abraham Lincoln himself, is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidential speeches in American history. From November 17 to November 29, visitors will have the unique opportunity to see the original document, making it the only place in the country where the public can regularly view this significant piece of history.The Gettysburg Address holds immense importance in American history, as it was...
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Republicans set priorities that benefit the people of Illinois
The veto session has come to a close, leaving a significant amount of work ahead for the residents of the 95th District and the state of Illinois. However, it appears that the supermajority party has chosen to ignore crucial issues that are affecting our state. Despite pleas from Republicans and students, the Speaker remained silent and refused to address the importance of the Invest in Kids school choice program. As a result, this popular program will come to an end, leaving thousands of low-income families struggling to find alternative ways to afford their children's...
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Thank You Veterans for Your Service
On this Veterans Day, it is important to take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have answered the call to protect the freedom of our nation. We express our gratitude to all veterans in the United States armed forces for their dedicated service to America.Throughout history, more than 41 million Americans have served in our nation's military. From the Revolutionary War to the present day, our veterans have played a vital role in defending and upholding the values and ideals of our founding fathers. The Continental Army, formed in 1775 under the...
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House Republicans Call for Increased Election Integrity in Illinois
House Republicans in Illinois have introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing election integrity in the state. These measures primarily focus on the State Board of Elections, with the goal of implementing stricter regulations and procedures.One important aspect of these initiatives is the requirement for voter identification. Republicans argue that this is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. According to one House Republican, "Election integrity is the only truth for our Democracy. Every state, Democrat or Republican, should have...
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Rep. Coffey Reacts to IL State Trooper Shot in Springfield
State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) has expressed his condolences and called for support for law enforcement following the shooting of an Illinois State Trooper in Springfield. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop on Toronto Road, when the suspect, believed to be wanted on murder charges in Chicago, opened fire and hit the trooper in the leg.In a statement, Rep. Coffey said, "It's very sad to see a man believed to be wanted on murder charges in Chicago, make his way to Springfield and shoot an Illinois State Trooper. This trooper is in serious...
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Animal Shelter Appreciation Week: Recognizing the Lifesaving Efforts of Animal Shelters
Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is a time dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable work carried out by animal shelters across the nation. These shelters play a vital role in providing care and support to millions of displaced animals every year. While their primary objective is to find loving homes for these animals, they also offer a range of other services, including reuniting lost pets with their owners, providing medical assistance, and offering behavioral training.One such shelter that deserves recognition is the Animal Protective League (APL)....
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ISP Hosting Firearms Ban and Endorsement Affidavit Rules Hearings
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is set to conduct three public hearings in early November to discuss the permanent rules for the implementation of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. This act, signed into law in January 2023 by Governor Pritzker, regulates the possession, sale, and transfer of certain firearms and attachments in Illinois.Under the Protect Illinois Communities Act, a category of firearms known as "assault weapons" and "assault weapon attachments" has been created. These firearms were chosen by the Democrats as being unsafe and are now subject to certain...
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Catching Up with Coffey
The first week of Veto Session concluded in the Illinois House with several key priorities still on the agenda for House Republicans. One of these priorities is Senate Bill 76, a bill that would lift the 36-year ban on new nuclear energy construction permits. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie expressed her hopes for the bill to be presented again and have another vote, as it was passed by both the House and the Senate with a strong majority.McCombie emphasized the importance of lifting the moratorium on nuclear power in order to provide affordable, reliable, and...
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AT&T's 'Ghosts of the Library' Holavision Show a top Springfield Attraction
AT&T's "Ghosts of the Library" exhibition at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in downtown Springfield has become a top attraction in the city. Since its debut in 2005, the purpose of this high-tech immersive exhibition has been to provide visitors with a glimpse into the world of a presidential library.In "Ghosts of the Library," visitors are welcomed into a theater by a live actor who guides them through the museum. As the actor shares information about strategically placed artifacts, ghostly holographic images appear, capturing the audience's...
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Rep. Coffey Reacts to IL State Trooper Shot in Springfield
Late Tuesday night, an Illinois State Trooper was shot in the leg during a routine traffic stop on Toronto Road in Springfield. The suspect, believed to be wanted on murder charges in Chicago, fired several shots at the trooper before fleeing the scene on foot. The trooper is currently in serious condition at a local hospital.State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) expressed his sadness and concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. Rep. Coffey stated,...
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SAFE-T Act Exacerbates Public Defender Shortage in Illinois
The implementation of the SAFE-T Act, which abolished cash bail in Illinois, is having significant effects on the state's public defender system. With the majority of counties in Illinois facing resource challenges, the impact of this controversial law is becoming more apparent.Under current law, only counties with 35,000 or more residents are required to have offices of public defenders, and even then, they are not required to be full-time. As a result, more than half of Illinois' counties do not have full-time public defenders. This disparity in resources has been...
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High School Trades and Apprenticeship Programs Taking Hold in Illinois
I had the privilege of speaking with Leadership Springfield, a program that aims to develop leadership skills and provide in-depth exposure to critical issues affecting the Springfield area. This week, I, along with my colleagues from the General Assembly, had the opportunity to engage with the participants of this great program.One of the key takeaways from our discussions was the increasing popularity and effectiveness of high school trades and apprenticeship programs in Illinois. These programs are offering multiple career pathway opportunities for high school...