From George O’ Connor, Communications Director, Congressman Mike Bost  

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost issued the following statement after the House passed a $7.85 billion disaster relief funding package for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts:

“The sheer size and scope of devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey is difficult to comprehend. First responders, volunteer organizations, and federal, state, and local agencies have been working tirelessly to help those in need through search and rescue efforts, staffing emergency shelters, providing meals, and offering comfort. I am pleased that both parties in Congress acted quickly to provide Americans along the Gulf Coast the federal resources they need to begin a long recovery and help ensure that the federal response to Hurricane Irma is adequately prepared.”

Note: The bill contains the full amount requested by the Administration – totaling $7.85 billion in emergency funding, including $7.4 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). This will ensure FEMA can meet all current needs for response and recovery efforts, while also being prepared for any additional disasters that may arise. It also includes $450 million to support the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program to assist small businesses and homeowners begin to rebuild.om George O’ Connor, Communications Director, Congressman Mike Bost

Southern Illinois University News Service

CARBONDALE, IL – Official fall 2017 enrollment at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 14,554, a decline of 8.96 percent over 2016.

New chancellor Carlo Montemagno, who started August 15, said the anticipated decline comes as the university is undertaking a comprehensive review of programs and processes with the goal of increasing future enrollment.

Montemagno said he sees positive signs in a continuing increase in ACT scores for new freshmen and ongoing growth in freshman retention rates.

“These increases signal that we can continue to build on our efforts to attract outstanding students to SIU,” he said. “I am confident that we can rebuild enrollment by clearly identifying ourselves as a comprehensive doctoral research university – the only one of our kind in our region. As the flagship of the SIU system, we will reassert our position as a leader in research, an innovator in education and an enabler of prosperity.”

In addition to increasing enrollment, the university will continue to build the quality of the student body while maintaining its longstanding commitment to diversity, Montemagno said.
“Growing enrollment must be a collaborative effort,” he added. “It will take several years to manifest our success.”

Montemagno said there are multiple reasons for recent enrollment declines, including the state budget impasse, but he added that “reasons cannot become excuses.”

“Instead, they should motivate us to work together to make the changes necessary to go forward,” he said. “In my few weeks here, I have been impressed by the positive energy I find at SIU. Our faculty, staff, alumni, friends and community are committed to SIU’s success.  We need to harness that energy and commitment around a shared vision for our future.”

A first step is the restructuring of recruitment and retention initiatives to build an enrollment management unit that will work across campus and report directly to the chancellor, Montemagno said. A review of academic programs and enhanced outreach and marketing efforts are also underway.

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) issued the following statement following the Trump administration’s announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

Policies are only as durable as the process through which they are created. The confusion and uncertainty regarding the legal status of individuals affected by DACA is due in large part to the Obama administration’s insistence on sidestepping congressional authority. The House has already taken steps to make America safer, secure our borders and end sanctuary cities, but serious work remains. It is my sincere hope that the House and Senate, in coordination with the president, will find a just and reasonable solution for those affected by the DACA program, while also underscoring the importance of the rule of law.

http://www.wfgazette.com/news/mayor-seeks-to-limit-number-of-executive-sessions/article_7657f4dc-9000-11e7-9dab-d7851837ad9a.html

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (West Frankfort Gazette.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

West Frankfort Mayor Tom Jordan says he wants to limit the number of executive sessions going forward at city council meetings.

“We’ve been trying to conduct our business without going into executive session,” Jordan said at the close of last week’s council meeting. “I’m not going to say there aren’t times when we won’t ever go into executive session,” Jordan said at an August City Council meeting during his Mayor’s report.