Dear Friend,
My wife Penny and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of fallen hero, Benton native, and Brandon Pinson.
Brandon Pinson was serving his country in the US Army on deployment in Iraq. He was killed last week while defusing an explosive device.
Brandon was only 31 years old and leaves behind his wife Samantha, and their two young boys. Words cannot properly express the sadness, gratitude, and admiration that I feel in the wake of Brandon’s tragic death. The men and women that wear the colors of the United States as members of our armed services are deserving of our respect, honor, and thanks. Those that make the ultimate sacrifice should be revered and remembered.
Please remember to keep this fallen hero’s family in your thoughts and prayers not only this week, but in the coming weeks, months, and years to come.
VETO SESSION coming up in October
As the end of summer inches closer comes the legislature is now just over one month away from returning to Springfield for Veto Session. The Veto Session this year is scheduled to begin on October 28th. Since the spring Session ended on June 1, Governor Pritzker has signed 591 bills and vetoed only 8.
Veto Session is traditionally supposed to provide the legislature an opportunity to override a Governor’s vetoes. However, there have been occasions in the past when the Veto Session has been used to pass new bills. As we move closer to the Veto Session, I will keep you updated on any new legislative measures that may be coming down the pike.
New Illinois St. Louis Cardinals license plates now available
Illinois fans of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team are invited to show their support with an “STL” Illinois license plate. A supplemental fee is charged for the loyalty plates, with part of the fee covering the cost of production of the nonstandard plate and part going to the Professional Sports Teams Education Fund. This Fund was set up by the General Assembly to use moneys raised by professional sports plates for Illinois school aid. Other motor vehicle license plates that raise money for this Fund include “Professional Sports Series” plates that honor the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago White Sox.
The Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Division has the Cardinal plates for sale online. As with other Illinois motor vehicle license plates, the Cardinals plates are designed for multi-year use, with owners invited to purchase annual renewal decals to maintain the registry of their vehicle in Illinois. The Cardinal plates were released on Tuesday, September 3.
Du Quoin State Fair Sees Ticket Sales Increase
Illinois Department of Agriculture officials are declaring the 2019 Du Quoin State Fair a major success following news that grandstand ticket sales increased 26% over the 2018 Fair.
This year’s grandstand events generated $356,795, which is $97,000 more than last year…a 37% increase! The Du Quoin State Fair can and should be a strong economic engine for SOuthern Illinois. Thank you to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the State Fair staff and administration, and to all the Southern Illinoisans that headed out to support the Du Quoin State Fair!
In and Around the 117th District!
There is always something going on in Southern Illinois! I must have the busiest district, with the busiest folks in the State! Love seeing all my friends at various events throughout the 117th District!
Whippoorwill Rodeo Barrel Racing 
Celebrating the West Monroe Apostolic Church’s 100 Year Anniversary in Herrin 
Southern Illinois Special Olympics
Ducky Derby Dash
Dave and Ducky 
Watching the car races at the Du Quoin State Fair
Stay Connected!
My office in Marion is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call any time at 618-440-5090 or email me at Severin@ILHouseGOP.org.