John has made accessibility and availability a top priority, scheduling numerous town hall meetings throughout the district and personally calling thousands of local residents to hear their concerns.

John believes economic development is the key to success in Southern Illinois. His focus includes working with local economic development leaders to retain jobs and attract business to the region and he has worked closely with local leaders to develop the Franklin County Regional Economic Development Corporation. He strongly believes the working men and women of this state are entitled to good-paying jobs with decent benefits and a safe workplace.

As a dedicated husband and father, John is committed to standing up for our family values. John’s legislative agenda is reflective of the traditional beliefs of our communities, and he works diligently on issues such as the protection of the unborn and the preservation of our Second Amendment rights. He has also been a leader in the fight against methamphetamine and protecting our children against sexual predators.

An outspoken critic of Ameren, John has helped lead the charge for rate relief for Southern Illinois' working families, senior citizens and small businesses. He has voted numerous times to freeze electric rates that their previously lower level and he passed legislation out of the House to create a program allowing Southern Illinoisans to combine their buying power to hopefully purchase electricity at a rate lower than that currently available. He continues to pursue rate relief for local residents.

John will also continue his fight for Southern Illinois’ fair share of state education funding. He understands that in order for our children to have successful futures, they need to receive the best education possible. He recognizes the challenges local schools face and has created an education advisory committee composed of local administrators, teachers and parents to guide him in crafting legislation.

John has been an outspoken critic of increased taxes and fees on Illinois families and businesses. He helped lead the charge to repeal and refund many of the fees that targeted local industries and municipalities. John believes that the public should not have to face cuts in important programs while there is so much waste in government. As Chairman of the House Revenue Committee, John has held a series of public hearings to examine the state's fiscal health and determine a course of action that will benefit all of Southern Illinois.

In addition to his position on the Revenue Committee, John serves as the Vice-Chairman of the House Civil Law Committee and as a member of the Transportation (Roads and Bridges) and Tourism & Conventions committees.

John was born in Harrisburg on May 10, 1971. He graduated from Southeastern Illinois College before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Government from the University of Texas. He then earned a law degree from the University of Illinois Law School in 1996 before returning to Southern Illinois.

An involved member of the community, John has been active in several area organizations including REDCO (Williamson County’s economic development group), Marion Rotary International, the Williamson County Airport Authority Board, the Royalton Lion’s Club, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the National Rifle Association, and Ducks Unlimited.

John resides in Marion and is the proud father of two sons, Jackson & Gabriel. He attends Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Marion.