Happy Spring! It is an honor to serve and represent you in Springfield. There has been a lot going on, so I’m taking this opportunity to send an update on what’s been happening in state government and in the district:
Inauguration
On January 11, 2023, at the University of Illinois-Springfield, Travis Weaver took the oath of office and was officially sworn-in as State Representative for the new 93rd Illinois House District.
“It is the honor and privilege of a lifetime to represent the amazing people of the 93rd District in the Illinois House of Representatives.” said Weaver. “I look forward to bringing effective, common-sense conservative reform to Springfield, from lowering taxes and reducing crushing regulation, to tackling Illinois’ pension crisis and improving high school graduation rates. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I am thrilled to get started.”
Born and raised in Peoria County, he graduated from Dunlap High School before going on to receive his BA in Finance and Marketing from The University of Alabama. He then received my MBA from Northwestern University, worked in strategy at Caterpillar, and invests and plays an executive role in various local startup businesses. Additionally, he tutors GED students, is a substitute teacher, and is the Chairman of the Education Committee at Wildlife Prairie Park. I currently reside in Edwards, Illinois near his childhood family farm.
“I can’t express how thankful I am to the residents of the 93rd District for placing their trust in me to represent them in Springfield. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my office if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to discuss how we can work together to improve our communities.”
The 93rd House District encompasses portions of Peoria, Tazewell, Henry, Stark, Knox, and Fulton counties. All residents of the district are encouraged to go to repweaver.com, or the official Rep. Weaver Facebook page, for updates on legislation, events, and news out of Springfield and the District.
Advocating for Fiscal Responsibility
State Representative Travis Robert Weaver (R-Edwards) spent the morning advocating for tax and budget reforms during a news conference with House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (IL-89), and Deputy Leader and Chief Budgeteer Norine Hammond (IL-94).
“Illinois was one of three states in the nation in this past census to lose net population in the last decade and it was Illinois first census showing a net population loss.” said Weaver. “We need a whole new approach to chronic overspending and the taxes to pay for it. We must grow jobs and businesses here in Illinois. If we unleash Illinois’ immense potential by restraining state spending and taxes we can not only stop hemorrhaging population but be a powerful magnet to attract people and jobs.”
Weaver, the newly sworn-in State Representative serving Illinois’ 93rd House District, has extensive experience in the private sector, from working in strategy and finance at Caterpillar, to investing in and leading various small businesses and start-ups.
“Travis Weaver has impressive private sector experience that gives him a unique perspective on how to grow businesses, attract and create jobs, and ensure every Illinoisan can provide for their family with food on the table and a roof over their heads,” said Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie. “I’m excited to have his experience working with us to create real solutions.”
The press conference, held in Springfield, can be viewed here.
Receiving Our Committee Assignments
Rep. Weaver was also placed on several key committees for the 103rd General Assembly. These committees are:
- Appropriations: Elementary and Secondary Education
- Appropriations: Public Safety
- Energy and Environment
- Housing
- Immigration and Human Rights
- Personnel and Pensions
- Revenue and Finance
“Being assigned to these committees puts me in a strong position to advocate for conservative reform in Springfield. I’ll be able to provide common-sense solutions for a variety of issues Illinois is facing, from the pension crisis to the crafting of the budget. I’m excited to get to work, and I thank Leader McCombie for putting her trust in me with these assignments.”
Click here for more information on Rep. Weaver’s committees, bills, and legislation.
Touring Manufacturing Hubs in Illinois
Rep. Weaver had the opportunity to tour and learn about two Illinois manufacturers, ADM and Fuyao. The event, organized and facilitated by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, highlighted the importance of manufacturing to the United States and Illinois.
“I had a great time touring these ADM and Fuyao plants, and I want to thank the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association for making it happen,” said Weaver. “I was able to learn about what each company does, what they produce, and how they impact Central Illinois’ workforce and economy. Manufacturing is crucial to our region, and I’m excited to expand and grow these jobs throughout the 93rd District and Illinois.”
For more information on the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, please click here.
Meeting with Community and Professional Groups
Throughout the past few months, Rep. Weaver has had the pleasure of meeting with many constituents, community groups, and professional organizations throughout the 93rd District.
From firefighters to the Illinois Association of Pork Producers, he’s had a front row seat to the amazing men and women who provide our community with so much.
Check-out the photo below of Rep. Weaver, State Senator Neil Anderson, and the DeDecker family, who were celebrated as the Illinois Pork Producers Association Family of the Year. Rep. Weaver was able to present them with a Resolution from the House!
State of the State and Budget Address
Rep. Weaver issued the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address:
“Illinois is, and has been, on an unsustainable financial path, and the Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address today only highlighted why we’re in such a dire situation,” said Weaver. “We all want to help Illinoisans, their families, and the most vulnerable, but we can’t do that through unfunded programs and mandates, especially at a time when state revenues are expected to decrease by over $1 billion. Republicans are here to work, and we want to ensure we’re operating within our means, just like individuals and families have to do every single day across our state.”
Click here for Rep. Weaver’s video remarks about Gov. Pritzker’s proposals.
Had a Meeting with Major General (Ret.) Gary Dylewski, USAF, About the Important of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs
From Mission: Readiness’ national newsletter:
“At the end of February, Major General (Ret.) Gary Dylewski, U.S. Air Force, met with Illinois Representative Travis Weaver (R) at his district office in Pekin, Illinois. The Representative agreed with General Dylewski about the importance of high-quality early childhood programs, saying, “This is a difference between a cost and an investment, and kids are an investment.””
Conducted an Interview About His First Bill
The bill, HB2274, pertains to speech pathologists in Illinois. Click here to listen to the interview!
Black History Month & Women’s History Month
During Black History Month, Rep. Weaver’s Chief of Staff, Jorell Glass, highlighted noteworthy African American men and women who made an impact on, not only residents of the 93rd District, but African Americans around the country.
Similarly, throughout the month of March, Women’s History Month, his Agriculture & Education Outreach Director, Dr. Kristen Strom, highlighted important women from Illinois. From the founder of Bradley University to a suffragette and humanitarian, they are amazing stories that deserve to be heard.
Passed His First Bills Through the House
State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Edwards) was the chief sponsor of several pieces of legislation which advanced through the Illinois House of Representatives last week. In a statement, Minority Leader Tony McCombie said, “It’s great to have a freshman legislator pass two bills through the House in their first year. We appreciate Rep. Weaver’s contributions to the Caucus, and are looking forward to his continued leadership for his constituents.”
One of these bills, HB2274, expands pathways for citizens to become a speech-language pathology assistant. Previously, only those with an associate’s degree in the field could become speech pathology assistants. This legislation expands requirements to also allow those with a bachelor’s degree in the field to receive their license. In a statement, Weaver said, “I owe all the credit to Peoria County citizens Christian and Olivia Johnson. Olivia moved to Peoria from another state where the code is more inclusive. Once in Illinois, she found herself with more education and experience than what is required for her desired career, but she was unable to receive a license due to Illinois’s broken code. I’m so honored they reached out to me for help, and I’m excited to pass this legislation so people like Olivia can follow their dreams and help kids get the care they need.” HB2274 passed the House by a vote of 108-0.
The other bill, HB3590, advocates for hands-on apprenticeship and job training for high school and community college students. Currently, students are unable to receive this type of training, as the liabilities of allowing a student to operate machinery are too high. This bill creates the Student Career Development Liability Insurance Advisory Committee, which would make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on providing liability insurance to students and teachers to ensure they are receiving the training they need to succeed. HB3590 passed the House by a vote of 107-0.
Weaver went onto say, “I ran for State Representative so I could serve my home in Central Illinois and pass meaningful legislation that positively impacts the lives of Illinoisans. Despite Illinois’s dysfunction, these two bills are proof that when you work across the aisle and put citizens first, good things happen. I consider myself a ‘Citizen First Legislator’, which means many of my bills come from ideas received from local citizens. If anybody has an idea for a bill, I encourage them to call my personal phone number at (309) 645-5892 so we can get to work!”
The deadline to pass legislation through the House was Friday, March 24. You can find more information on HB2274 here, and on HB3590 here.
Advocated for the Second Amendment at the Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) Rally
In March, he had the honor and privilege of speaking at the Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) Rally in Springfield. Click here to listen to his remarks!
Toured the Spoon River Pregnancy Center
Visited Black Hawk College East Campus
Thank You!
If you need any assistance, come-up with any ideas, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Rep. Weaver or his Office! Additionally, you can find him on Facebook here, and his website can be found here.