Stuart will meet voters, host veterans’ benefit fair

Collinsville, IL – State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) will hold two more public events this month, one a coffee shop meeting to talk to residents about state issues on Wednesday, Aug. 23, and the other a veterans’ benefit fair on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The coffee shop meeting to talk to residents about state issues from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Aug. 23, at Glazy Squares, 1833 Vandalia St., Collinsville.

“I will continue to host informal coffee meetings along with meeting people at their doors to make sure that I am listening to concerns and giving everyone an opportunity to share their opinions and ideas with me,” Stuart said.

With the General Assembly continuing to meet during the summer, Stuart’s community discussions at local coffee shops give residents the opportunity to meet with Stuart and enable them to learn more about ongoing budget-related matters, education funding and other legislation pending in Springfield. The event is free and open to the public.

VETERANS’ FAIR

The free veterans’ benefit fair will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 30, at American Legion Post 365 at 1022 Vandalia St., Collinsville.

The event is intended to help local veterans gain access to local, state and federal resources. More than 20 organizations are expected to attend, among them the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Joining Forces, Southwestern Illinois College, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Ameren, the Illinois State Treasurer’s office, Southern Illinois University, Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Madison County Transit.

Stuart will be collecting old and unneeded cell phones to donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers, which recycle them to provide calling cards for military personnel overseas. Phones can also be taken to her office at 2105 Vandalia, Suite 16, in Collinsville.

“We owe it to those who have served to care for them when they return home, whether that was two weeks ago or 50 years ago,” Stuart said. “What I love about our community is the willingness of local officials, not-for-profit organizations and businesses to step up and support our veterans.”