State Representative Scott Doody

08/19/2026

Join us on next Wednesday (Aug. 26) at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School to learn about the status of Choate and ask questions about your concerns. Please share this opportunity with your family, friends, and neighbors!

08/18/2026

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

The public is invited to attend an upcoming Choate Town Hall to discuss the future of the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna.

This is an opportunity for concerned Southern Illinois residents to come together, ask questions, share concerns, and make their voices heard.

Wednesday, August 26
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Anna-Jonesboro Community High School Auditorium
608 S. Main St., Anna

This town hall is open to the public, and we encourage everyone who cares about Choate and its future to attend.

08/17/2026

Save the date for a public meeting at Anna Jonesboro Community High School, to discuss the latest on Choate Mental Health. The date is August 26th at 7PM. The auditorium on the campus, is where the meeting will be held. You will hear from Sheriffs, States Attorneys, Choate workers, family members of residents and others about the CRITICAL need that Choate provides to southern Illinois. Thank you!

08/14/2026

Thank you to the over 500 concerned citizens who have signed our petition to KEEP CHOATE WORKING! If you have not signed yet, please join us to help change the Governor's decision!

Last month, the Illinois Department of Human Services revealed intentions to cut back operations and eliminate roughly 250 jobs at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, a critical source of employment in Southern Illinois and a key piece of the state’s support network for individuals with...

08/10/2026

The 2026 Du Quoin State Fair is fast approaching: August 28 through September 7 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds at 655 Executive Drive in Du Quoin, Illinois. This southern Illinois event features agricultural competitions, carnival rides, motorsports, and live grandstand entertainment. Fairgrounds open daily from 8:00 AM to Midnight; Admission: Free general admission; Twilight Parade is Friday, August 28 at 6:00 PM on the fairgrounds; Carnival Wristbands: Advance unlimited-ride wristbands cost $25 through August 27, 2026, and increase to $30 on weekdays / $35 on weekends during the fairhttps://dsf.illinois.gov/

08/07/2026

Congratulations to the Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) on being selected for a $2,008,800 grant for electric infrastructure improvements to serve the 125-acre industrial site in Marion. This will help strengthen our region’s competitive position and create new opportunities to attract capital investment, jobs, and long-term economic growth! Learn more about REDCO at this link (https://properties.illinoisedc.org/illinois/property/Redco-Drive-Marion-Illinois/286103FD-4DF1-4387-A29B-C4BF076D293A).

08/07/2026

Earlier this week I spent the day in Thebes down in Alexander County. They had an emergency with a sewer lift pump. Big thanks to Bruce and Joe with the Illinois EPA, along with Shawn Dakin with the Illinois Rural Water Association, with what would have been a major issue. Professional people one and all for quick action. Big thanks to Shawn with IRWA for some emergency funding. Also very thankful to my staff, that coordinated with Delta Reginal Authority on a Saturday. I sincerely appreciate DRA interaction with us on extremely short notice. Major thanks to C and C pump supply out of Marion as well. Another example of professional people getting the job done on short notice!!! Thank you!

08/07/2026

Ameren Illinois is hosting a community development workshop at The Pavilion in Marion on September 16th at 9AM. You may qualify for a $200 Ameren Illinois bill credit. Check out the flyer below for more information.

08/06/2026

Last month, the Illinois Department of Human Services revealed intentions to cut back operations and eliminate roughly 250 jobs at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, a critical source of employment in Southern Illinois and a key piece of the state’s support network for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness.

A state-commissioned study from SIU concluded that laying off committed staff is not the right path forward. The report recommended that jobs should be expanded, not eliminated.

We must continue to serve our most vulnerable and preserve local jobs. Sign your name to call on Governor Pritzker and DHS to reconsider this move.

Last month, the Illinois Department of Human Services revealed intentions to cut back operations and eliminate roughly 250 jobs at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, a critical source of employment in Southern Illinois and a key piece of the state’s support network for individuals with...