Happy Fall! Veto Session is coming up next month, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Capitol, though not to watch Democrats introduce more bad bills, and raise taxes. My focus remains on fighting for Southern Illinois values and keeping you informed about the issues that matter most.
In this edition of the Friess Frame, I’ll share updates from our recent Scour Hole Town Hall, celebrate the re-opening of St. Mary’s Covered Bridge, and reflect on the second anniversary of the SAFE-T Act and its impact on public safety. I’ll also touch on local school visits, energy bill assistance, and some long-awaited changes at IDOC.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your State Representative. As always, if my office can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to your continued engagement!
Providing Updates on Looming Scour Hole
This past month, I hosted a Fall Legislative Town Hall to address urgent updates about the scour hole threatening the Stringtown Levee near Prairie du Rocher. I was joined by local and state officials, including representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, IEMA, Monroe County leaders, State Senator Terri Bryant, and others, to review the status of the scour hole and discuss the stalled funding solutions needed to fix it.
During the Town Hall, constituents received critical updates on grant applications, the current condition of the scour hole, and the extensive efforts my office has led in coordination with state and federal agencies. Unfortunately, key programs such as the BRIC grants and other funding opportunities have been paused, creating a significant obstacle. My office remains in close contact with IEMA and FEMA as we explore every possible path forward.
To be frank, I am extremely frustrated in the Governor’s failure to work with us on this urgent issue. I personally spoke with Governor Pritzker in DuQuoin, where I was promised a direct phone call to discuss the scour hole. It has now been three weeks, and that call has yet to come. I wish I could say I was surprised. The Governor often says he’s “a governor for all of Illinois,” yet Southern Illinois continues to be left behind.
Since the town hall, my staff and I have continued working behind the scenes with multiple agencies and lawmakers, meeting regularly to push for solutions. We have also been in close contact with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s team about potential Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) support.
This issue remains one of my top priorities. We will not stop fighting for the families and communities who would be devastated by a levee failure. I promise to keep the public informed every step of the way. Don’t give up. Together, we will get this done.
See more coverage from Fox 2 here.
Sign our “Protect Our Communities” petition here.
St. Mary’s Covered Bridge Reopens
I’m proud to share that, after years of advocacy and collaboration, the Historic Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge has officially reopened to the public as of Monday, September 22! This reopening marks the successful completion of a major restoration project that I have championed for years, working alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to ensure that this treasured piece of Southern Illinois history was preserved for future generations.
The Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge is not just a piece of wood and nails; it’s a symbol of our community’s heritage. Built in the mid-1800s, this bridge is one of the last remaining covered bridges in Illinois and has been a beloved landmark for residents and visitors alike. When the bridge was closed due to a heavy storm in 2023, I knew we couldn’t let such an important part of our history fade away. Since then, I have been a consistent advocate for funding and repairs to ensure the bridge could once again be enjoyed safely by the public.
The restoration project involved extensive structural work to stabilize and preserve the bridge while maintaining its historic character. The result is a bridge that not only honors its original design but is now secure for years to come. The reopening represents a win for preservation, tourism, and the pride of our region.
I’m incredibly excited to see visitors walking through and taking pictures once more. Get out there and visit the newly updated & restored site!
Marking the Second Anniversary of SAFE-T Act
Last week marked the two-year anniversary of the SAFE-T Act’s “no cash bail” provision taking effect, and it’s not something to celebrate. When Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law back in February 2021, supporters claimed it would “modernize” Illinois’ criminal justice system and make incarceration practices more “fair.” But let’s be honest: the bill was rushed through by Democrats, without meaningful input from law enforcement or the public, and it made sweeping changes that put criminals ahead of victims, imposed unfunded mandates on police and counties, and completely eliminated cash bail.
Two years later, Illinoisans are living with the fallout. The courts are overwhelmed. Police departments are stretched thin and forced to comply with burdensome, unrealistic mandates. Meanwhile, repeat offenders are cycling in and out of custody faster than ever, supported by a system that no longer holds them accountable.
The warnings from law enforcement, prosecutors, and House Republicans have all come true, and the headlines speak for themselves:
- “Accused killer walks free under Illinois SAFE-T Act” – WIFR
- “Police chiefs warn criminals are emboldened after bail reform” – Daily Herald
- “Counties face mounting costs, confusion with SAFE-T Act mandates” – Capitol News Illinois
- “Repeat offender charged with burglary days after release” – Chicago Tribune
- “Victims’ families outraged after suspects released under new law” – ABC7 Chicago
These are not rare cases, they are happening every week, in communities just like ours. This is exactly what law enforcement leaders warned about, and exactly why House Republicans fought against this legislation from day one.
I also included my full video statements below, where I go into greater detail about the failures of this law and why we must fix it before more lives are put at risk.
See my full remarks here.
Visiting Local School Districts
I had a wonderful time visiting several 4th grade classrooms across the district recently! It’s always a pleasure to engage with students, answer their great questions, and share a little bit about how our state government works. During these visits I gifted each student a special edition state coloring book, a fun way to help them learn about Illinois’ history, symbols, and government.
Connecting with young people and encouraging them to take an interest in civics is one of my favorite parts of this job. The future of our state depends on the next generation, and I’m proud to play a small role in inspiring them to become active, informed citizens.
Governor Pritzker’s Dangerous Political Rhetoric
As we all know, Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed last week. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and supporters during this difficult time. No one, no matter their political beliefs, deserves to be assassinated for speaking their opinions. This should be a wake-up call that words have consequences and that political rhetoric matters.
Unfortunately, Governor J.B. Pritzker seems unwilling to acknowledge his own role in inflaming division. Last week, the Governor stood at the podium and claimed that accusations about his use of Nazi rhetoric were “completely false.” When pressed on whether he has ever compared Republicans to Nazis, he snapped back, saying:
“No, I have not. That is completely false. I have never called Republicans Nazis.”
The backtracking is stunning, as though the Governor forgot that his interviews and speeches are on tape. His own past remarks tell a very different story:
“If you think I’m overreacting and sounding the alarm too soon, consider this: It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours and 40 minutes to dismantle a constitutional republic.”
These are not off-the-cuff remarks, this was a prepared statement delivered during one of the most important speeches of the year, The State of the State address in 2025. When the Governor uses this kind of language to attack his political opponents, he further divides our state and fuels hostility at a time when we need leadership, not inflammatory rhetoric.
Illinoisans deserve a governor who will focus on solutions, not name-calling. We should be working to bring our state together, not comparing our neighbors to history’s most infamous villains.
Energy Assistance Headed Your Way
As you know, I’ve been pushing for updates and relief for families facing rising energy costs, and earlier this month, we finally got some good news. Ameren Corporation announced that it is providing $4 million to assistance agencies in Missouri and Illinois to help customers impacted by higher electricity supply prices and extreme summer heat.
This is in addition to nearly $58 million in bill assistance that Ameren Illinois customers have already received this year. These funds are meant to help those who have fallen behind on their energy bills due to this summer’s record heat and higher electricity prices.
Here’s what you need to know:
- One-Time Grant: Income-qualified customers can receive a one-time grant of $150 toward their energy bill.
- How to Apply: Contact your local LIHEAP agency, call 833-711-0374.
- Energy Efficiency Programs: Eligible households can receive upgrades like insulation, heating equipment, and ventilation improvements — often at little or no cost — through Ameren’s Home Energy Assessment.
- LIHEAP Season Opens Oct. 1: Low-income households can apply for additional financial help, which may include monthly gas bill credits and waived deposits or late fees.
- Community Development Workshops: Throughout September and October, Ameren will host events to connect customers with available funding and teach strategies to reduce energy use at home.
I know these price increases have been frustrating for many in our communities, so please hang in there and take advantage of these programs while funds are available. My office is always here to help connect you with resources or answer questions about eligibility.
See more Ameren options here.
IDOC Begins Withholding Physical Mail
FINALLY! I can’t believe it took this long, but the Illinois Department of Corrections has enacted an emergency rule allowing prisons to withhold and scan physical mail to keep dangerous contraband from reaching inmates.
I’ve spoken with countless DOC employees over the past few years who shared horror stories about drug-laced mail, fake legal letters, and even Bibles soaked in chemicals leading to overdoses and staff hospitalizations. This is a step in the right direction, and it should have happened long ago.
Under this new rule, IDOC can now electronically scan letters and provide inmates with safe digital or paper copies. Books, magazines, and other publications will also have to be sent directly from the publisher, closing another major loophole for contraband.
Earlier this year, I filed legislation to address this exact issue and give IDOC the tools it needs to stop dangerous contraband from getting inside our prisons. HB0050 does just that. I’m glad to finally see action, but this emergency rule is only temporary, it will expire after 150 days unless finalized.
My office will continue to advocate for this rule to be codified so we never return to the dangerous conditions that put so many lives at risk!
Moving Forward
Veto Session is coming up next month, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Capitol, though not to watch Democrats roll out more bad bills. My focus remains on standing up for the values that matter most to our district: fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, safer communities, and government transparency.
While we’ve made progress on several important fronts, there’s still much work to do. I will continue to oppose tax hikes, fight for common-sense policies in Springfield, and make sure the voices of Southern Illinois families are heard loud and clear. Whether it’s through legislation, community events, or just taking time to hear your concerns, I’m here to serve YOU, and I’m proud to represent this district every single day.
Thank you for your trust and engagement. Let’s keep working together to move Southern Illinois forward. Stay connected with me by subscribing to future updates and following me on social media for the latest news and events.