East Central Reporter

On Pearl Harbor Day We Honor our Fearless Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines

December 7, 1941, will forever be remembered as 'The Date That Will Live in Infamy' in the United States. It marks the day when the Empire of Japan launched a heinous and deliberate attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack claimed the lives of 2,403 U.S. service personnel, including 50 servicemen from Illinois, and injured 1,178 people. Among the deceased were also 68 civilians.

"The sacrifices made by our patriots to protect our country and our freedoms will never be forgotten," stated Rep. Miller. Today, we honor all the fearless soldiers as we remember the Pearl Harbor attack that changed the world on Dec. 7th in 1941.

The Japanese strike force consisted of 353 aircraft and a fleet of ships, including battleships, cruisers, submarines, and destroyers. The attacks destroyed or damaged 19 U.S. Navy ships, including the battleship USS Arizona, which remains sunken in Pearl Harbor. The attacks also had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans, as the nation was thrust into the heart of World War II.

"Most Americans had hoped to avoid direct involvement in World War II, but Pearl Harbor changed everything," the article explains. President Roosevelt received approval from all but one member of Congress to declare war on Japan, and three days later, war was also declared against Germany and Italy. The United States became a full participant in the Allied cause against the Axis powers.

The article pays tribute to the servicemen from Illinois who perished at Pearl Harbor, mentioning their names and their hometowns. It also highlights the recent identification and return of the remains of several deceased servicemen, allowing them to be buried in Illinois.

In addition to the Pearl Harbor remembrance, the newsletter includes updates on various issues affecting Illinois. It reports that U.S. Steel is idling its Granite City Plant, putting 1,450 jobs at risk. The article questions the decision, especially in light of Governor Pritzker's tax credits to a Chinese company, stating, "Why are taxpayers subsidizing our number one political, economic, and military adversary while letting a good American company essential to our national security shut down?"

The newsletter also mentions a case challenging Illinois' gun and magazine ban that is currently docketed at the United States Supreme Court. It highlights the ethical issues raised by the failure of two Illinois Supreme Court justices to recuse themselves from the case, despite significant campaign support from the defendants.

Furthermore, the article discusses the influence of government unions in Illinois politics, with Democrats receiving the majority of campaign funds from these unions. It highlights specific examples, such as the Chicago Mayor and the Illinois House Speaker, and raises concerns about the fairness of the judicial system in Illinois, citing a lawsuit filed by State Rep. Dan Caulkins.

The newsletter also mentions Illinois' massive investment in electric vehicles and the potential consequences of this policy. It questions the effectiveness of these subsidies and their impact on taxpayers and utility ratepayers.

Additionally, the newsletter touches on the potential construction of small modular reactors in Illinois and the decision that Governor Pritzker must make regarding the legislation. The article acknowledges both the enthusiasm and concerns surrounding this development.

The newsletter ends with information about a new online form created by the Illinois State Police for reporting criminal misconduct by elected officials and government employees. The form aims to combat public corruption and provides a way for citizens to report incidents anonymously.

As the newsletter concludes, Rep. Miller reminds constituents that his office is available to assist with any issues they may have when interacting with state agencies. Contact information for the office is provided, along with the address and office hours.

Overall, the newsletter provides a comprehensive update on various issues, including the Pearl Harbor remembrance, Illinois' economic challenges, legal cases, and government transparency efforts. It delivers the information in a clear and concise manner, keeping constituents informed about important matters affecting their state.

Click this link to access more information: https://repcmiller.com/2023/12/13/weekly-newsletter-from-rep-miller-2/