Biography
Mike Bost, born on December 30, 1960, in Murphysboro, Illinois, is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 12th congressional district since 2015. Prior to his tenure in Congress, Bost dedicated two decades to the Illinois House of Representatives, where he ascended to the role of House Republican Caucus Chair.
Before entering politics, Bost served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1979 to 1982, achieving the rank of Corporal E-4. Following his military service, he worked for 13 years at Bost Trucking Service, initially as a driver and later as a truck manager. In 1993, he graduated from the University of Illinois' Certified Firefighter II Academy and served as a firefighter for the Murphysboro Fire Department during six of his ten terms as a state representative.
Bost and his wife, Tracy, own and operate the White House Salon in Murphysboro. They have three children—Steven, Kasey Fred, and Kaitlin Rose—and eleven grandchildren.
Education and Political Experience
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Education: Graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1979.
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Military Service: Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps , trained as an electronic specialist and radar repairman, honorably discharged as Corporal E-4.
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Firefighter Training: Completed the University of Illinois' Certified Firefighter II Academy in 1993.
Political Experience
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Jackson County Board Member: 1984–1988.
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Treasurer of Murphysboro Township: 1989–1992.
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Trustee of Murphysboro Township: 1993–1995.
- *Illinois State Representative *: 1995–2015; served as House Republican Caucus Chair.
- *U.S. Representative *: 2015–present.
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Committee Assignments:
- Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
- Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
- Member of the House Agriculture Committee.
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Introduced the David Dorn Back the Blue Act to authorize $15 billion for state and local law enforcement agencies to hire and retain officers.
- Sponsored the Veterans' Cyber Risk Awareness Act to enhance cyber safety among veterans.
- Authored the VA HELP Act to strengthen hiring standards for human resources staff at VA medical centers.
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Community Engagement:
- Established a full-time office in Effingham County to better serve constituents.
- Actively involved in his church and local community initiatives.
Bost's extensive experience in both state and federal government, combined with his military and public service background, underscores his commitment to serving the people of Southern Illinois.
