In District with Rep. Mike Coffey

State lawmakers don't just attend legislative sessions at the Capitol, cast votes on proposed laws and go home for the rest of the year. They actually spend a considerable amount of time assisting constituents, studying state issues and conducting outreach in their districts. What's more, these activities go on throughout the year and generally heighten during the summer months after the General Assembly finishes its work in May.

This summer, in addition to his regular office hours, Illinois State Representative Mike Coffey made it a point to get out into the 95th District to meet with constituents, community leaders and stakeholders to learn of needs and provide information about state services. 

“Community engagement builds understanding and trust which is why it’s my priority to visit and listen to constituents in the 95th District,” Rep. Coffey stated. “I hear concerns from people all the time in my district who really care about the future of our state, and their voices help me learn more about their perspective on legislation that impacts them and their families.”

Rep. Coffey engaged with families from the 95th District at his Social event and a Touch-A-Truck program. To make it easier for constituents and to provide expanded access, he held traveling office hours at the Rochester Estates Senior Living in Rochester and at City Hall in Edinburg. Rep. Coffey listened to constituents' concerns about taxes, education, healthcare and neighborhood safety. More important, he will keep those concerns at top of mind when representing them at the Capitol, whether its proposing a new law, casting a vote or working with community leaders on solutions.

Rep. Coffey also participated in ribbon cuttings for Fire Station 13, where he thanked first responders for their service, and 49th Annual Chatham Sweetcorn Festival. He also join the groundbreaking for Springfield High School renovations where he interacted with school officials.

He attended the Camp Compass Stakeholder Breakfast to learn about the needs of private schools and met with the President of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School to discuss ways to improve public safety in the surrounding neighborhood.

He toured the Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) to view plans for the new state of the art Springfield Sangamon County Transportation Hub and met with officials of City Water Light and Power (CWLP) to get a first hand look at vital city services and learn more about the future of energy and how it will impact Illinoians. 

Rounding out his summer activities is Rep. Coffey's annual trip to the State Fair and a planned pizza party for students who participated in his Summer Reading program.