During the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) Annual Meeting, held July 31-Aug. 1, three elected officials were named recipients of Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Public Service Award, which recognizes dedicated public service to Illinois citizens and outstanding contributions to the rural electrification program. This year’s recipients include State Representatives Sharon Chung and Adam Niemerg and State Senator Mike Halpin.
State Representative Sharon Chung
“Representative Chung has been a great friend and supporter of electric cooperatives,” said Nick Reitz, AIEC vice president of government relations. “She always has an open door. She’s eager to hear thoughts on energy legislation being debated and how it would impact the industry and electric cooperatives throughout the state.”
Chung is a Democrat and represents the 91st House District, which includes the service territory of Corn Belt Energy Corporation. She serves on the agriculture and conservation committee, as well as the economic opportunity & equity, healthcare licenses, veterans affairs and appropriations higher education committees. Chung is vice chair of the higher education committee.
“This award is a really great honor,” Chung said. “In my short time in the legislature … to be recognized for my service, and the sort of outreach I’ve been able to do for Illinois electric cooperatives is really, truly, a very huge honor. I’m just here to learn more and be able to advocate for the people in my district and people throughout Illinois. That’s behind everything that I do.”
State Representative Adam Niemerg
“Representative Niemerg is a strong advocate and voice on the issues impacting downstate and rural Illinois,” Reitz said. “As a member of the House Energy and Environment Committee, he is always eager to hear our thoughts on energy legislation being debated and how it would impact the industry and the electric cooperatives in his district. He [also] never misses a chance to visit and interact with students representing his co-ops.”
Niemerg is a Republican who represents the 102nd House District, which includes the service territories of Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, EnerStar Electric Cooperative and Norris Electric Cooperative. He serves on the energy and environment committee, as well as the appropriations general service, education policy, insurance, gun violence prevention, restorative justice and public safety committees. He is the Republican spokesperson on the immigration and human rights committee.
“This is amazing, and I’m so grateful for the recognition,” Niemerg said. “I want to thank everybody [who] is part of a co-op. … You do an outstanding job. You keep me informed on the issues. … When there’s an issue, you guys are on top of it. You’re here for your communities. You’re invested in your communities. … So, thank you very much. It is an honor.”
State Senator Mike Halpin
“Senator Halpin has been a great friend and supporter of electric cooperatives since taking office,” said Reitz. “He is a strong advocate and one of the leading voices on the issues impacting rural Illinois. We appreciate that his door is always open to discuss our thoughts on energy legislation being debated and how it would impact McDonough Power Cooperative and co-ops throughout Illinois.”
Halpin represents the 36th Senate District, which includes the service territory of McDonough Power Cooperative. He is a Democrat and served in the House from 2017 to 2023, prior to his election to the Senate in 2023. Halpin was unable to attend and will be presented with the award at a later date.
“Senator Mike Halpin has done a great job representing the 36th district,” said McDonough Power President/CEO Mike Smith. “He’s come by our cooperative, he’s talked to our employees, and he’s listened to those issues that are important to them. His ability to reach across the aisle and work with the other party has made a big difference. It’s important to have a friend like Mike Halpin in the State Senate.”
