State Representative David Friess

08/14/2026

🚨FAKE NEWS FRIDAY | EP6🚨

JB Pritzker and the Democrats continue to oppose commonsense election laws like voter ID and proof of citizenship. They want you to believe that asking someone to prove they are eligible to vote somehow disenfranchises Americans.

The SAVE America Act does not take away anyone’s right to vote. It is commonsense legislation that puts basic safeguards in place to ensure that American elections are decided by American citizens.

If you are legally eligible to vote, you should have nothing to fear from proving it.

Watch below as I break it down.

08/13/2026

I’m pleased to announce that the Monroe-Randolph Regional Office of Education will receive more than $98,000 in Secretary of State Library Grants to support literacy programs in our communities!

$49,470 will support helping adults improve their reading, writing, math, and English skills with trained volunteer tutors.

$49,378 will help parents and children build literacy skills together through educational activities.

These grants will provide valuable educational resources and opportunities for families and adults across the 115th. I’m proud to see this investment strengthen literacy in our communities!

08/13/2026

Good morning! The Red Bud America 250 Festival is on August 29th. This all-day event offers fun for the whole family. Come out and enjoy a day filled with food, music, fireworks, and so much more!

08/12/2026

The Illinois Department of Transportation is set to hold a public meeting to discuss the Southwest Connector Planning and Environmental Linkages study, which is evaluating proposed improvements for Southern Illinois.

The meeting will be next Thursday, August 20, from 4–7pm at the World Shooting Complex in Sparta.

For those who have questions or comments about the connector study, I highly encourage you to attend.

Second public meeting Aug. 20 to present alternatives and gather input

08/11/2026

Today, my staff spent the day in rural St. Clair County at Laux Seed House, learning about advancements in technology and our local agriculture industry. They also visited Braeutigam’s Orchard and learned more about its family history.

It was great to hear directly from local farmers and learn how we can better support our agricultural community and small businesses.

08/11/2026

State Representative Kevin Schmidt and I will be hosting a Coffee Talk in New Athens next Tuesday, August 18. This is a great opportunity to speak directly with us legislators about issues that matter most to you.

Hope to see you there!

08/10/2026

A repeat illegal immigrant criminal was found with eight Molotov cocktails, arrested, and then released back onto our streets under the SAFE-T Act. Instead of notifying federal authorities, Illinois sanctuary policies allowed him to walk free.

Everyday, JB Pritzker’s soft-on-crime, sanctuary policies continue to put Illinois communities at risk.

Repeal the SAFE-T Act. Repeal the TRUST Act.

08/04/2026

ICYMI: Last week, the Legislative Inspector General's Office released its full report on allegations of sexual harassment against disgraced Rep. Harry Benton. The report shows his disturbing trend of harassing women in the workplace.

The real questions remain: Why did Speaker Welch spend more than $1.3 million helping reelect Benton in 2024? Why did he wait three years to take action? And why does Welch repeatedly claim he “stands with victims” while failing to protect the women who came forward?

Speaker Welch should answer for his actions.

08/04/2026

Check out the latest edition of my enewsletter, the “Friess Frame!”

Happy July, everyone! It is hard to believe summer is nearing its end, and I hope everyone is staying safe and cool as we move through these hot summer months. I’m grateful to be back focusing on issues across the district, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events. 

08/03/2026

Had a great turnout this morning at our Senior Fair with Senator Bryant! It was great connecting with so many of you and hearing directly how we can benefit our seniors.

Thank you to all of our vendors who took the time to join us to share information and resources with our community. We appreciate everyone who came out and helped make this a great morning.