SE Illinois News

Illinois State Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) was one of two legislators honored by the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association for efforts supporting municipal utilities and public power sources. 

Meier proudly shared with his constituents that he received the 2023 Public Service Award in a May 18 news release. 

“I am honored to receive the Public Service Award as it represents the ongoing support to advocate for creating jobs and providing the communities with affordable energy," Meier said in the release. "Our local public utilities help provide the services we need at the lowest cost possible.” 

The Illinois Municipal Utilities Association announced the award winners in a release on May 11. State Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) was the other recipient. The association noted that Breese and Highland, which are located in Meier's district, are public power towns. The association added, "Meier advocates for the Prairie State Energy Campus and the jobs it brings to the area and appreciates the reliability and the affordable energy the plant brings to the grid." It also pointed out that Meier is a member of the Energy and Environment Committee. 

According to Meier's release, the representative has been a staunch supporter of the Prairie State Energy Campus and the jobs it created for his district. The release stated Meier "believes in conservation and proper use of resources that generate job opportunities, economic stability, and a quality environment for the area."  

A day after announcing he'd received the award, Meier was focused in the House of Representatives and worked to protect part-time jobs for Illinoisans with developmental disabilities. "More work needs to be done to improve HB 793," he wrote in a Facebook post published at midnight on May 20. "I appreciate my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for giving us more time to make this bill better for everyone involved."

Under House Bill 793, employers would not be able to pay workers with developmental disabilities less than minimum wage. The bill text stated, "Requires the Department of Human Services, in partnership with other specified State agencies, to eliminate on July 1, 2027 the use of active or pending 14(c) certificates authorized under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as well as authorizations permitted under the Minimum Wage Law to pay an employee with a disability less than the minimum wage otherwise required for employees under the Minimum Wage Law. "