State Representative John Cavaletto (R-Salem) began his new term by recognizing and promoting Schutt Sports Manufacturing Company, a local Salem business in the 107^th District that produces football helmets, including many of the ones that will be used in the Super Bowl this coming weekend.

“I am so proud to acknowledge the contribution of a local Illinois company that plays an important part in our great American institution known as the Super Bowl by making helmets for many of the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots players,” said Rep. Cavaletto. “The helmets are a key piece of safety equipment that players depend on to protect them from injury while on the field, and I’m very excited that they are made right here in Illinois,” he added.

According to Glen Beckmann, director of marketing and communications for Schutt Sports, between 300,000 and 600,000 helmets are produced each year for professional, collegiate and high school athletes. They are the number one producer of helmets in America.

State Representative John Cavaletto (R-Salem) was joined Wednesday, January 14, 2015 by local leaders from the 107^th District for his swearing in ceremony in Springfield. The 107^th District includes all or portions of Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette and Marion Counties.

Pictured (l-r) at the speaker’s podium in the Illinois House Chambers are: Tabitha Meador, Vice Chairman of the Marion County Board; Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees Chairman, Bill Hawley with his wife Diane; Connie Cavaletto and Rep. John Cavaletto; Roxie Underwood and husband Dr. Jim Underwood, President of Kaskaskia College; and Douglas Township Trustee Luke Doedtman from Effingham County.

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative John Cavaletto (R-Salem) was sworn into office for a new two-year term serving Illinois’ 107^th District on Wednesday, citing his eagerness to work with Governor Bruce Rauner and his team to reform the state’s budget and spending policies and continuing to fight for educational opportunities for all Illinois children as well as a better environment for creating good jobs for Illinois residents.

Cavaletto joined  his colleagues of the House of Representatives and took the oath of office for the inaugural of the 99^th General Assembly at the University of Illinois-Springfield’s Sangamon Auditorium in a noon-time ceremony.

“Illinois’ financial crisis is a top priority and I applaud Governor Rauner’s decision to freeze the non-essential budgets of all state agencies to evaluate where waste and fraud may be occurring,” Cavaletto said. “For the first time in 12 years, we have a Republican Governor and a Democrat-led legislature, giving both sides greater incentive to work together and find solutions to common challenges facing families all across Illinois. Chief among our priorities must be jobs and the economy.”

Rep. Cavaletto’s 107^th District includes all or portions of Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette and Marion Counties.

The son of a southern Illinois coal mining family, Rep. Cavaletto graduated from Southern Illinois University with his BS and MS degrees in education, including a minor with an emphasis in special education. He later completed his specialist degree hours in administration. He coached basketball at Breese Mater Dai, and retired as an administrator from Salem Community High School. He and his wife Connie have been married 49 years and have three sons and three grandchildren.