Sangamon Sun

State Representative Charlie Meier’s (R-Okawville) bill, HB 2196, has become law. The legislation aims to reduce state regulations on small poultry farmers, making it easier for them to farm and sell poultry.

“Our small-scale farmers oftentimes find themselves knee deep in red tape,” said Rep. Meier. “This law eases the burden on them and will give our communities farm-fresh poultry at our farmers markets and farm stands. I’m sick of seeing small farms and processing facilities shut their doors because they can’t keep up with Illinois regulations.”

Meier also recognized volunteers who participated in a recent community effort. “I want to recognize all the volunteerswho came out to help load the tires,” Meier continued. “Thank you to the City of Greenville and volunteers from the Greenville FFA who helped make this event possible.”

In addition, Rep. Meier is collaborating with the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce & ImpactLife to host a blood drive. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling ImpactLife at 800-747-5401.

Amid rising electricity costs in southern Illinois, Meier is sponsoring two bills that would repeal Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and examine how power plants might be brought back online to address affordability and reliability issues. As a senior member of the House’s Energy & Environment Committee, he pointed to data from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), noting that prices rose from $30 per Megawatt-day last year to $666.50 this summer.

“In May, my House Republican colleagues and I demanded hearings into the coming summer energy cost crisis, and our calls were flat-out ignored by the Democrats,” Meier said. “Now people and businesses are getting their electricity bills and are finding out just how costly and unworkable the Governor’s Green New Deal policies are. It’s a crisis that was a self-inflicted wound, and people and businesses are suffering great financial hardship because of it.”

Tracey Glenn with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will hold local office hours on Tuesday, September 9 at The SMART Center for interested businesses.

Rep. Meier is also organizing a free Senior Fair, inviting vendors to sign up for participation.

Meier was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 109th House District in 2023, succeeding David Reis.

Recently marking National Dog Day, Meier shared that his dog Bertie brings joy to his farm.