News

As the legislature gears up for the spring session, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) spent the week visiting local businesses and speaking with other elected officials about needs within the region.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) kicked off the start of a new year by visiting a number of Southern Illinois-based businesses.

As a new year begins, Illinois residents may be interested to learn about several notable new laws that take effect January 1. The new laws kicking off 2020 cover everything from recreational cannabis sales, to ensuring children are receiving adequate healthcare.

As people throughout Illinois prepare to ring in a new year, the Senate Republican Caucus is continuing to highlight new laws that will take effect as the clock strikes midnight on January 1. The new laws kicking off 2020 cover everything from protecting children under DCFS care to safeguarding individuals’ privacy and personal information.

As 2019 comes to a close and we prepare for a new year, several notable laws take effect January 1 that Illinois residents may want to know about. The new laws kicking off 2020 cover everything from transportation safety and increased traffic penalties, to supporting our military personnel.

After a holiday weekend spent giving thanks, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) continued work throughout the 59th District. This week, Sen. Fowler spoke on healthcare legislation, took part in a contracting workshop and attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for Centerstone.

Harrisburg, ILL—For in district news this week, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) toured a local business, continued recording new segments of his tourism series Southern Illinois Treasures and got in the giving spirit by taking part in a Thanksgiving donation drive.

The fall Veto Session came to a close during the week with the final days’ main focus firmly on combatting the ethics problems currently plaguing the state.

Before legislators return to the Capitol on Nov. 12 for the final week of the fall Veto Session, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) stayed busy in District.

The Senate Republican Caucus took action this week to restore public trust in an honest and ethical state government.

For news this week, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) recently represented Southern Illinois as part of a legislative delegation to visit China, toured a local business seeking to expand operations and hosted his annual Sportsmen and Outdoorsmen’s Caucus for residents.

With farmers headed back to the fields, Sen. Fowler spent time learning more about Southern Illinois’ agriculture by partnering with the Williamson County Farm Bureau to tour two locally-owned farms. Earlier in the week, Sen. Fowler visited Tom Miller’s farm and Gary Bundren’s Farm to check out their operations and learn more about their work in the industry.

On October 10, State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) welcomed dozens of high school students from across the 59th Senate District to his annual Youth Advisory Council, a unique, hands-on opportunity for area students to learn about and experience state government and public policy.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) spent time in district this week, welcoming veterans back from another Southern Illinois Honor Flight, presenting a check on behalf of the Illinois Senate Sportsmen’s Caucus and touring state facilities across the district undergoing improvement and renovations.

As Veterans Day approaches, and we look for ways to honor Illinois veterans and tell their incredible stories, State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is asking constituents to submit a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois State Capitol Nov. 4-15.

After a rough and delayed planting season, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is sharing some good news for Illinois’ agriculture industry.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is encouraging everyone to do their part to keep farmers safe as harvest season approaches by recognizing National Farm Safety and Health Week from September 15 through the 21.

School visitation law reminder, employers must provide leave for parents Students are back in school, and parent-teacher conferences are around the corner, which is why the State of Illinois is reminding parents of its school visitation law. Since 1993, Illinois has had a law providing for unpaid leave for employees to attend school conferences or classroom activities of their children when such events cannot be rescheduled during non-work hours. The School Visitation Rights Act stresses the importance of and promotes the involvement of parents in their children's schooling. A school visitation rights leave form is available on the Illinois Department of Labor's website: https://www2.illinois.gov/idol/forms/Documents/School%20Visitation%20Leave%20Form.PDF. September is National Preparedness Month in Illinois September is National Preparedness Month, which seeks to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and local emergency managers are encouraging Illinoisans to take time to prepare for potential emergencies at homes, at work, and in the community. Having a plan that includes where to go and how to communicate during disasters, building an emergency supply kit and learning lifesaving skills could help your family, friends, neighbors and employees during a disaster. Here are five steps your family can take to be prepared: • Save Early for a Disaster: Make sure you have financial savings should a disaster or emergency occur. • Learn Lifesaving Skills: Learn skills such as CPR and first aid techniques so that you can provide aid until help arrives. • Make a Plan for When a Disaster Strikes: Make a plan for your family, so you all know what to do when a disaster strikes. • Teach Youth how to Prepare for Disasters: Get kids involved in building their own emergency kit. Make sure to include your child's favorite stuffed animals, board games, books or music in their emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster. • Get Involved in Community Preparedness: Check in with your neighbors to see how you can help each other before, during and after a storm. You can also bolster your community's resiliency efforts by joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERTs train volunteers to prepare for various emergencies and disasters.

To celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) joined Thomason Express Trucking Company to learn more about the Southern Illinois-based business and raise awareness about the critical role of truck drivers.

In news for the 59th District, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) visited local businesses, surveyed flooding damage in Old Shawneetown and shared exciting news concerning the Tamms Correctional Center.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) hopes the Tamms Minimum Security Unit will see renewed purpose under his legislation that was signed in to law on Friday, August 23. House Bill 210 seeks to identify potential uses of the currently-unoccupied Tamms Correctional Center.

This week, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) joined a local business for an expansion announcement, spoke with representatives from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and attended the Marion Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) has been spending time in District, recently touring the Marion Wellness School Health Center, attending a ribbon cutting ceremony in Carbondale and meeting with constituents.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) welcomed local businesses and consumers to his second-annual Southern Illinois Expo over the weekend.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is partnering with several other state officials to host a free Senior Health Fair on July 24 at the Carbondale Civic Center.