Welcome to my August E-Newsletter. I hope you’ve been enjoying the end of summer!
Below are some updates!
FIGHTING FOR YOU!
Monthly Daily Journal Column
I have had the pleasure of writing a column for the Daily Journal once per month during my term. This month’s column focuses on the end of our spring legislative session. You can read the full article here!
Governor Vetoes Clean Energy Bill
This spring, the legislature passed a historic and bipartisan measure to help meet energy demand in Illinois by ending the state’s moratorium on new nuclear plant construction. Last month, the Governor vetoed this bill which would have been pathway to inexpensive, clean energy for our residents. Opting, once again, to put politics before the people of Illinois. Read more here.
Another day, another conviction
The former chief of staff to former Speaker Madigan was found guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice. If this isn’t a glaring sign that the culture of corruption that has plagued our state government must end, I don’t know what is. Although House Republicans are the minority in the House, we will always call out a problem when we see it. Why isn’t the revolving door halted? Why is self-interest placed above public service? Why are Republican bills to impose leadership term limits in the General Assembly, empower the Legislative Inspector General, and impose a 3-year lobbying ban for General Assembly members still stuck in Rules Committee?
These principles are more important now than ever, and I certainly hope they are a top priority in the upcoming veto session in October.
Around the District & Under the Dome:
National Night Out
We had a great time at National Night Out! This was our third year participating and once again passed out 600 backpacks with school supplies to so many excited kids! Thank you to everyone involved for making this such a wonderful family event!
Summer Picnic
It was a great evening for the Grundy Economic Development Council Summer Picnic!
Kankakee County Fair Breakfast
I had a terrific time at the Kankakee County Fair agricultural breakfast! It was great to kick off the festivities, including expositions, delicious food, and the carnival!
Legislative Barn Meeting
I was happy to join Will County Farm Bureau for a legislative barn meeting! Agriculture is critical to our state and region’s economy, and I was glad to be part of the discussion.
Congratulations to the 79th District’s Braceville
Congratulations to the 79th District’s Braceville for receiving $650,000 in Community Development Block Grant for Housing Development! This will assist low-to-moderate income homeowners with improvements for safe and sanitary living conditions.
Alumni Dinner
I was honored to attend the Edgar Fellows alumni dinner!
Park Forest Youth Commission’s Youth Day
It was such a pleasure to participate in the Park Forest Youth Commission’s Youth Day event; to be a sponsor of the Still I Rise Back 2 School supply giveaway event; and the Village of Monee Parks & Recreation Pooch-a-Palooza is always one of my favorite events to attend!
Grundy Economic Development Council
It was terrific to meet with such inspiring young leaders at the Grundy Economic Development Council’s intern reception!
Grant Opportunity: Supporting Children and Teens’ Mental Health Services
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that the State of Illinois is accepting grant applications from schools and organizations that support mental health services for children and teens. Find more information here.
Thank you, nonprofits!
Thank you to the nonprofits that serve our communities across the state! The dedication of those who work and volunteer for these organizations is unmatched and their advocacy makes Illinois a better place for all. If you are able, consider supporting a local nonprofit.
Back to School Parade
It was such a great day at the Back to School Parade and Celebration in University Park!
Women in Business Luncheon
Thank you to Lifestyles of Kankakee County for inviting me to speak at their Women in Business luncheon! What a phenomenal event recognizing female leaders in Kankakee County. I was glad to give all who attended the important message that inspires me: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Will County Fair
I had a great time kicking off the 120th Will County Fair!
Illinois State Police emphasize school bus, pedestrian safety
Students across Illinois are heading back to school in the coming weeks. Please be cautious on the roads and look out for students walking, biking, and catching the bus on their way to class.
OTHER HAPPENINGS
This month we honored:
- Sweet Corn Appreciation Day
- Whether it’s grilled, steamed, boiled, or roasted, we love sweet corn in Illinois. Shout out to Illinois’ official state vegetable on this Sweet Corn Appreciation Day!
- Whether it’s grilled, steamed, boiled, or roasted, we love sweet corn in Illinois. Shout out to Illinois’ official state vegetable on this Sweet Corn Appreciation Day!
- Celebrate Coast Guard Day
- August 4 is celebrated as Coast Guard Day to honor the establishment on that day in 1790 of the Revenue Cutter Service, forebear of today’s Coast Guard, by the Treasury Department. https://www.military.com/…/origins-of-coast-guard-day.html
- International Beer Day
Knack Brewing (Kankakee)- Sunflower Day
- This year’s Sunflower Day, Illinois offers visitors incredible sunflower fields, farmers’ markets, guided tours, and fresh produce to pick.
- https://theboutiqueadventurer.com/sunflower-fields-in-illinois/?fbclid=IwAR1nyEhC8kf56aXhCmqK7pT3bPXr_5b0fy54zPXvRM5_ZE7qfUPvYyZjEqU
- This year’s Sunflower Day, Illinois offers visitors incredible sunflower fields, farmers’ markets, guided tours, and fresh produce to pick.
- Happy National Sisters Day!
- I’m so grateful for my sisters!! Sisters=Best Friends
- I’m so grateful for my sisters!! Sisters=Best Friends
- V-J Day
- V-J Day or Victory over Japan Day, marks the end of World War II, one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in history. When President Harry S. Truman announced on Aug. 14, 1945, that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, war-weary citizens around the world erupted in celebration.
- National Airborne Day
- It is observed on August 16th each year to commemorate the first official American parachute jump, made in 1940 by the U.S. Army’s Parachute Test Platoon. We recognize the countless contributions of American airborne troops throughout history.
- https://veteran.com/national-airborne-day/
- Monarch Butterfly
- On Saturday, August 19,1975, the monarch butterfly was designated Illinois’ official state insect.
- On Saturday, August 19,1975, the monarch butterfly was designated Illinois’ official state insect.
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. Last month we worked to raise awareness of SMA and help residents learn more about the disease. Find out more about SMA at: www.curesma.org/about/
- Women’s Equality Day
- We celebrate Women’s Equality Day, recognizing the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment and honoring the achievements of women and the suffrage movement in the fight for equality. Happy Women’s Equality Day!
- Remembering the Heroic Sacrifice: Honoring the American Service Members Lost in the Abbey Gate Bombing
- On August 26th, 2021, thirteen American service members died in the Abbey Gate suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport, attributed to ISIS-K. We remember their heroism and sacrifice for our nation.
- First State Constitution and Kaskaskia
- On August 26, 1818, the Illinois Constitutional Convention adopted the first State Constitution and selected Kaskaskia as the first state capital. Happy Constitution Day, Illinois!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2023 Shapiro Developmental Center Job Fair
Dates and Times:
September 20th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Location:
100 East Jeffrey Street Kankakee, IL 60901
Travelling Office Hours
Park Forest – Park Forest Public Library (400 Lakewood Blvd.), last Thursday of the month, 10 AM – 1 PM
Monee – Monee Village Hall (5130 W. Court St.) every Second and Fourth Wednesday , 9 AM – 4 PM