Joined by community leaders, family and friends, Sycamore businessman Jeff Keicher took the oath of office at Dayton Farms on Tuesday to become the new State Representative for Illinois’ 70th District, encompassing portions of Boone, DeKalb, and Kane Counties. Keicher replaces former Representative Bob Pritchard, who resigned July 1 to accept an appointment to the Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University.
Following through on a commitment he made previously, Representative Keicher will sign official paperwork declining state health insurance benefits, as well as opting out of the pension system for state legislators.
“I am deeply humbled and excited to begin this new opportunity to serve my community and our state,” Representative Keicher said. “My first act as state representative is to decline a pension and taxpayer-funded health insurance benefits. I am focused solely on my commitment to serve the families and taxpayers of the 70th District, making sure their voices are heard in Springfield and being an advocate for NIU and growing jobs throughout the DeKalb region.”
Representative Keicher was appointed to serve out the remainder of former Representative Pritchard’s term, which expires in January 2019. Until further notice, Keicher will maintain Pritchard’s former district office, located at 2600 DeKalb Avenue, Suite C in Sycamore. Representative Keicher is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with over 20 years of professional experience in the insurance industry. In 2006, he opened his own State Farm Insurance Agency in Sycamore.
“Born and raised in the 70th district, Northern Illinois University graduate Jeff Keicher knows the needs and priorities of his constituents and will represent their best interests in Springfield,” said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs). “I look forward to working with him on reforms to help the district’s key industries such as higher education, small business and agriculture that will help our state thrive once again.”
For questions or more information, please contact Representative Keicher’s District Office at (815) 748-3494.