MURPHYSBORO, IL – The first half of September has been very productive for State Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo), as he resumes district-wide activities to learn more about the economic needs and drivers of the 58th Senate District move. 
The 58th District, consisting of part or all of eight different counties, is one of the largest geographic senate districts in Illinois. It contain a wide variety of diverse economic interests. Summer legislative sessions on the budget and education funding forced the cancellation of multiple facility tours and constituent appointments. As a result, Senator Schimpf is playing catch-up on previously scheduled events.
The Senator's focus has shifted from the budget and education funding negotiations to economic development in southwestern Illinois. On September 11, the Senator visited the Gateway FS facility on the Kaskaskia River at Red Bud. The facility is a crucial to interchange for the movement of agricultural products in the region and an example of the important role the Kaskaskia River plays in our local economy.
Mississippi River commerce and environmental stability was the focus of Senator Schimpf for two days during the past week, as he attended the inaugural Mississippi River Legislative Caucus. The caucus is a collaboration of Mississippi River state legislators.
The meeting addressed a range of issues and opportunities facing the region, such as: expanding container shipping and port developments along the river; strategies for smart community development along riverfronts; flood prevention; and ensuring safe drinking water. Senator Schimpf stated, "The Mississippi River is a tremendous natural resource for the 58th Senate District. I am committed to utilizing its full potential to help our economy grow."
The Senator also spent parts of his two weeks meeting with a variety of constituents in the Murphysboro, Sparta, and Mt. Vernon offices. Constituents are always encouraged to e-mail SenSchimpf58@gmail.com, if they would like to request a meeting with the Senator.