Weekly Update | October 10, 2020

Working to Boost Employment

This week I joined campus and community leaders at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) to celebrate a federal U.S. Department of Labor Employment Recovery grant to provide job training to dislocated workers and help them obtain new, good-paying jobs. We had record low unemployment before the Coronavirus pandemic hit. Congress and the administration have worked together to help bring jobs back through efforts like this one between SIUE, Madison, and St. Clair counties. I look forward to seeing the real and meaningful impact this grant will have on people’s lives.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis speaks at a federal grant announcement event at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020.

Announcing Millions for Distance Learning and Telemedicine in IL-13

This week I announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development office has awarded a total of $3,718,599 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants to five educational and medical institutions in Illinois' 13th Congressional District. Recipients include Blackburn College, HSHS St. John's Hospital, Jersey Community Hospital, Regional Office of Education #17, and Taylorville Community Unit School District #3. Details on these grants can be found here. I have worked continuously since taking office to expand access to broadband for our rural communities, especially schools and hospitals. These grants go hand-in-hand with those efforts by now using much of the broadband that is in place and putting it to good use. This funding will go a long way in these rural communities to expand distance learning and telemedicine. Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic with many students learning from home and patients opting for telemedicine visits these awards are very timely and necessary.

Constituent Service Spotlight

Helping Constituents Cut Through Red Tape

“My OPT EAD was hanging for more than 100 days. I contacted Congressman Davis' office, and Linda was dealing with my issue. She is super-efficient, she took immediate steps, and within less than 24 hours my issue (that has been hanging in the dark for more than 100 days!) was resolved. This is not the end; once the EAD got approved, she tracked my case and confirmed that I received the EAD in my hand. She took extensive care to resolve my issue, and I am really impressed.” -Shegufta, Champaign, IL

***Send me an e-mail or call my offices if you need assistance.***

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More Important Updates

Visiting Students, Teachers, and Administrators Across the District This Week This week I spent some time visiting with students, teachers, and administrators across the 13th District. On Monday I recorded a video for Ms. Giberson to share with her 3rd grade class at Decatur Public Schools Hope Academy. Appreciated the chance to talk about how a bill becomes a law and answer student questions. On Wednesday I had the chance to be "Principal for a Day" at the Capital Area Career Center in Springfield. CACC provides career exploration and training to over 890 high school juniors and seniors in 19 program areas. They serve students from 23 high schools representing Springfield and the surrounding areas. I've continually advocated for more career and technical education funding at the federal level and enjoy seeing programs like this thriving. Thanks to Principal Aymer and the Illinois Principals Association for organizing. I ended the week talking to U.S. History and Government students at Staunton High School. Always enjoy answering questions about my job from our future leaders. Also had the chance to speak to teachers and administrators about how the school year is going so far. I encouraged them to keep up the great work!

Davis records a video for Decatur Public Schools Hope Academy on in Decatur on Monday, October 5th.

Davis watches students work at Capital Area Career Center in Springfield on Wednesday, October 7th.

Davis speaks to students at Staunton High School in Staunton on Friday, October 9th.

Cutting Edge Research Taking Place at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center

I had a great and informative visit with students and researchers at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this week. They are doing some cutting edge work on fuel research. Proud to support their efforts as a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis tours the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 with Executive Director John Caupert and researchers.

Meeting with Ret. Colonel Dr. Robert Tyler with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)

Recently I met with Ret. Colonel Dr. Robert Tyler who is a member of the local chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). We had a good discussion on preserving military medical capacity and recruitment/retention issues. I thanked him for his service and continued advocacy!

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis meets with Ret. Colonel Dr. Robert Tyler in his Decatur office on Monday, October 5th, 2020.

Welcoming the New Presidents of Millikin University and Southern Illinois University System

This week I stopped by Millikin University in Decatur to meet the new president, Dr. James Reynolds. President Reynolds received his Ph.D. in Biology from another institution I have the honor to represent - Illinois State University. I also had the chance to sit down with the new Southern Illinois University System President Dr. Daniel Mahony. I wish them the best of luck in their new roles and look forward to working with them on higher education issues.

Davis meets with new Millikin University President Dr. James Reynolds on campus in Decatur on Monday, October 5th.

Davis meets with new Southern Illinois University President Dr. Daniel Mahony on SIUE's campus on Tuesday, October 6th.

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