Macon Reporter

Illinois state Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) recently hosted an Open Government Night with U.S. Rep Rodney Davis at Richland Community College in Decatur.

The forum covered both state and federal issues and is the first in a series Davis is planning to host with state representatives from across the area.

“It’ll be kind of like a town hall, but a little bit more structured,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “It’s an opportunity for people to come out and see us, speak with us and ask any questions they may have. Hopefully, we’ll learn what people are interested in and what their concerns are overall.”

Since landing in Springfield, Caulkins has made it a point of staying connected with those who paved the way for him to serve as their voice.

“I’ve had four town hall meetings so far over the last two months,” he said. “Lately, the issues people have had the most questions about are the gas tax doubling and all the other 21 taxes and fees that have been added this year. People are upset about it. They’re also asking plenty of questions about this recreational marijuana law. It’s not going over well and there just doesn’t seem to be much support. People are very concerned about the impact of recreational marijuana on their community.”