Luechtefeld seeks re-election
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[In announcing his bid for re-election in the 58th Senate District, State Senator Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) renewed his commitment Wednesday to serve the citizens of Southern Illinois with dedication, integrity and hard work.
"I look forward to continue working in a bipartisan manner to find solutions to the challenges we face," Luechtefeld said. "It's important to reach across party lines and work together to create jobs, improve our schools and protect our families."
With a long list of legislative accomplishments, Luechtefeld is particularly proud of his successful efforts to enact a comprehensive jobs program that will repair and build roads, bridges and schools throughout the region.
"It's a multi-billion dollar plan that addresses our crumbling infrastructure. But just as importantly - the capital plan will create thousands of jobs in Southern Illinois. They're jobs we desperately need," Luechtefeld said. Luechtefeld worked alongside Glenn Poshard, Southern Illinois University President, to craft the plan that will boost the area's jobs climate. Luechtefeld believes Illinois must do more to attract and retain jobs.
Improving Southern Illinois' jobs climate - and opportunities for young people - have been a hallmark of Luechtefeld's years of public service. As a former teacher and well-respected coach, Luechtefeld has fought to ensure Southern Illinois schools get their fair share of education funding. "Our children need every opportunity to get a good education," Luechtefeld said.
Luechtefeld has been a proven leader on the Senate's Education and Higher Education Committees. He sponsored the historic education funding reform law that ensures a base level of funding for every child in Illinois public schools.
As a champion for the Southern Illinois University system, Luechtefeld has helped maintain the university's priority in the state's higher education community. He also helped secure funding for its new Transportation Education Center, Morris Library and Communications Building. The capital plan will also begin to address the University's long list of deferred maintenance projects.
Luechtefeld also successfully fought for medical malpractice reform that is keeping doctors in Southern Illinois. "The health and safety of our citizens was on the line every day," Luechtefeld said. "I'm proud that with strong grassroots support, we were able to force changes that keep doctors practicing in our communities here."
Luechtefeld said the malpractice reform law has made a difference to the citizens of Southern Illinois - the part he likes best about being a public servant.
"Whether it is a senior citizen who has been turned away from a nursing home of the backlog of bills to care providers or a local government that is forced to overextend its budget because state agencies are not paying on time, it is our responsibility to help resolve these matters," Luechtefeld said. "I like helping people."
Luechtefeld said the recent budget crisis and the corrupt government run by former Governor Rod Blagojevich have shaken citizens' faith. "The citizens of Illinois deserve elected officials who are honest and sincere. I believe I have earned their trust with hard work and a record of dedicated public service," stated Luechtefeld.
"It's been my distinct honor and pleasure to serve my fellow citizens. I hope that I can continue to work for the people of Southern Illinois with the same honesty, integrity and hard work," Luechtefeld said.
Senator Luechtefeld has served in the Illinois Senate since 1995 and was chosen as an Assistant Republican Leader in 2003. He sits on the Senate's Education, Higher Education, Consumer Protection, Elections, Commerce and Executive Appointments committees.
Luechtefeld was born in Lively Grove and received his bachelor's degree from St. Louis University and master's degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He and his wife Flo, also a retired school teacher, live in Okawville. They have four children and nine grandchildren.