Education
[{"year": 1979, "degree": "High School Diploma", "institution": "Murphysboro High School"}, {"year": 1993, "degree": "Certified Firefighter II", "institution": "University of Illinois Certified Firefighter II Academy"}]
Career History
U.S. Marine Corps Corporal
United States Marine Corps
1979 - 1982
Electronic specialist and radar repairman, honorable discharge as Corporal E-4
Jackson County Board Member
Jackson County, Illinois
1984 - 1988
Elected member of the Jackson County Board
Murphysboro Township Treasurer
Murphysboro Township, Illinois
1989 - 1992
Elected treasurer of Murphysboro Township
Murphysboro Township Trustee
Murphysboro Township, Illinois
1993 - 1995
Elected trustee of Murphysboro Township
Truck Manager
Bost Trucking Service
Worked 13 years at Bost Trucking Service, first as driver then 10 years as truck manager
Firefighter
Murphysboro Fire Department
1993 - 2015
Served as firefighter concurrent with state legislative service
State Representative, 115th District
Illinois House of Representatives
1995 - 2015
Served 10 terms representing the 115th District in the Illinois General Assembly
Recent Legislation
H.R. 705
· Sponsor
Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act
Sep 16, 2024
H.R. 9427
· Sponsor
Veterans’ Mental Health Access Act
Aug 30, 2024
H.R. 592
· Sponsor
Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act
Jul 19, 2023
H.R. 754
· Sponsor
Modernizing Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Act
Apr 18, 2023
H.R. 753
· Sponsor
VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act
Mar 9, 2023
Committee Assignments
Chairman
Member
Member
Key Policy Positions
Chairs Veterans' Affairs Committee and pushes to cut red tape so veterans access VA benefits faster, with focus on PACT Act implementation and oversight
Introduced legislation to reform VA's VISN structure, Senior Executive Service pay, and political appointments to improve accountability
Serves on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee focusing on highways, transit, and rail for Southern Illinois communities
Advocates for farm commodities, crop insurance, and rural infrastructure through Agriculture Committee service
Strong supporter of gun rights and opposes firearm restrictions
Opposes abortion and supports pro-life legislation
Contact & Resources
Illinois(Illinois)
District
Illinois-12