Welcome to my July E-Newsletter.
July has arrived, bringing sunshine, warmth, and endless adventures. Enjoy every moment!
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!
Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program is a 24/7 warm helpline and resource for Illinois veterans, their families, and caregivers. The confidential helpline can be reached by calling 877-455-IWAP (4297) or visiting www.illinoiswarrior.org.
NOTE: The warm helpline is not a hotline, crisis line, or suicide prevention line. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call 988 and select 1, or in an emergency call 911.
AROUND THE DISTRICT & UNDER THE DOME
Kankakee Valley Park District Tour
I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to explore various areas within the Kankakee Valley Park District. It was a valuable experience to gain insights into the projects that will be implemented as a result of the state’s actions. I sincerely appreciate your efforts in actively involving our communities and fostering recreational activities in the 79th District. Thank you!
Empowering Local Economies: Celebrating Independent Retailers and Small Business Owners in Illinois
This month we are celebrating the small and local businesses that drive growth in our communities. Independent retailers keep our local economies strong while creating opportunities for our families, friends, and neighbors. Thank you to all the amazing small business owners across Illinois and remember to shop local this Independent Retailer Month!
#WillCountyFarmBureau’s Fantastic Family Fun Night
Enjoyed another great Family Fun Night with the Will County Farm Bureau this July!
Kankakee County Republican Women’s 10 Year Anniversary
It was an honor to join House Republican Leader Tony McCombie and Deputy House Republican Leader Norine Hammond to celebrate Kankakee County Republican Women’s 10 year anniversary. I’m honored to serve as Assistant House Republican Leader with tremendous female leaders committed to fiscal responsibility, keeping our communities safe, and helping Illinois families thrive.
Protect your Pets
Don’t forget to include your pets in your family emergency plan. Learn how to protect your pet in case of fire this Pet Fire Safety Day at https://www.redcross.org/…/fire/pet-fire-safety.html
Illinois Hot Weather
Hot weather is expected across Illinois. Here are a few tips for staying safe in the heat:
Limit outdoor activities
Drink plenty of water
Wear light clothing
Wear sunscreen
Work outdoors early or very late in the day
Illinois residents can search for unclaimed financial assets — such as deposits, overpayments, refunds, and insurance proceeds.
Capitol News Illinois recently joined the Illinois State Capitol Architect for an in depth tour of construction currently underway at the Statehouse. Capitol Architect Andrea Aggertt says “We are exposing the bones right now. And those bones primarily are stone and masonry.” Behind the scenes photographs, background, and more quotes and information from the Capitol Architect are available in the story at the link.
Illinois’s First State Flag
On July 6, 1915, Illinois adopted its first state flag. This flag depicted the emblem shown on the state seal on a field of white. In 1970, official design standards were set and the word “Illinois” was added to the flag. This design is still in use today. Learn more about this history of Illinois’ flag at https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2019/08/the-flag.htm
Camp MOSH
Thank you to Camp MOSH for inviting me to be the guest speaker at your kick-off event! Best of luck in your week-long journey of service to the community!
Recognition of Sergeant Tyler Bailey
I had the honor of presenting Bradley Police Sergeant Tyler Bailey with the House Resolution passed in his honor last General Assembly as well as a certificate from the House of Representatives congratulating him on his well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Tyler, for all you have done for this community. The entire community is so proud of you!
SAFE-T Act
Less than two hours before we began an entirely new General Assembly, Illinois Democrats rammed through one of the worst criminal justice reform packages that was promptly signed into law by the Governor. Even Democratic State’s Attorneys sued because of mounting public safety concerns introduced because of this act. Yet, the Illinois Supreme Court has declared this constitutional, despite the facts that Illinois has one of the highest murder rates in the country, costs have risen for taxpayers, and our police forces are demoralized. This was a deeply upsetting day for our state and communities.
Monee Senior Expo
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see us at the Monee Senior Expo! It was a beautiful day and great to visit with so may residents!
Illinois Secretary of State
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office website has been redesigned to make it easier to navigate and include new functions for services that users can access remotely.
Visit Kankakee County
It was a delight to visit the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau Luncheon! We have so much to offer in Kankakee County, from delicious food to natural beauty and great community. It’s great to see us getting the word out on the fun of visiting our phenomenal hometowns.
July Local Business Spotlight: Recognizing Route 17 Complete Auto Repair in Kankakee
This month, I honored Route 17 Complete Auto Repair in Kankakee for our July Local Business Spotlight! This is a great place in our community for vehicle repairs and where customers are treated like family.
Monee Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
I had a wonderful time at the Monee ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the Firemen’s Park Pavilion!
Community Resource Fair and Merchant Street Music Fest
It was such a great day at the Community Resource Fair! Thank you to everyone who came out to learn more about all of the available resources in the area! Also, enjoyed some great music, weather and visiting with many folks at the Merchant Street MusicFest.
National Night Out Event
I’m glad to host the school supply and backpack giveaway at tomorrow’s National Night Out event! Be sure to stop by this Tuesday from 3:30 PM – 9 PM for school supplies and to connect with my office.
OTHER HAPPENINGS
This Month We Honored:
- Happy National Horseradish Month from the top horseradish-producing state in the nation!
- Happy Fourth of July!
- Chronic Disease Day
- Many preventable chronic conditions are caused by key risk behaviors. Reduce your likelihood of getting a chronic disease and improve your quality of life by understanding the risk factors
- Happy Parents’ Day to all the moms and dads across the state working to build a great future for their children.
- Honoring National Hire a Veteran Day
- National Hire a Veteran Day was designed to implore U.S. businesses to consider hiring some of the estimated 200,000 veterans who leave the armed forces every year. Here are seven reasons to think about hiring veterans on this National Hire a Veteran Day: https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/7-fast-facts-about-veteran-employees-national-hire-veteran-day.html
- Korean War Veteran’s Armistice Day
- On Korean War Veterans Armistice Day we pay tribute to those who served in the Korean War and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May their bravery never be forgotten!
- Whistleblower Appreciation Day
- It is crucial that we continue to call out bad behavior in Illinois in order to end the culture of corruption that has grown in our state government for decades. This Whistleblower Appreciation Day we say thank you to all those who have spoken out against wrongdoing.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Summer Reading Program
The deadline for our summer reading program is fast approaching! Submission of the Google Form is due TOMORROW, August 1st.
2023 Shapiro Developmental Center Job Fair
Dates and Times:
September 20th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Location:
100 East Jeffrey Street Kankakee, IL 60901
Traveling 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
Contact Me:
As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office to express your views and opinions on legislative matters. I promise to be approachable, accessible, and accountable. I will fight for you, your family, and your business!