Hello Stephanie,

I hope you and your family are well.

I am excited to announce a partnership with the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley to award $500,000 in grants for community initiatives. This is an opportunity to directly impact the lives of residents our area.

The Community Foundation is a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing our region by administering charitable funds for grants and scholarships. They are committed to identifying and supporting projects that address pressing community needs and foster long-term growth.

Where would you like to see these funds invested? Are there specific areas of need or projects you feel would make a difference? I want to hear your thoughts. Reply to this email or contact my office with your ideas.

Thank you to everyone who generously donated to this year’s Toys for Tots campaign. Your contributions will help bring joy and hope to children in need this holiday season.

Thanks to your kindness, many families will have the opportunity to experience the joy of giving and receiving, ensuring that no child is left without a gift. Your support makes a lasting impact, and together, we are helping to brighten the holidays for so many.

It’s clear that our collective efforts continue to make a real difference. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of our shared commitment to service.

State Representative Stephanie Kifowit

Illinois House, 84th District

On Monday, I had the privilege of speaking with 5th graders at Old Post Elementary School in Oswego about my role in state government and how young people can make a difference in our community.

It was a pleasure to share my experiences as a U.S. Marine, Alderperson of Aurora, and now as a State Representative. I hope the students left with a better understanding of the impact they can have on the world around them.

A special thank you to Principal Michael Mitchinson, the dedicated teachers at Old Post, and School District 308 for the opportunity to engage with the students!

The State of Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program has relieved more than $72 million worth of medical debt for 52,745 Illinois residents from across the state.

This debt abolishment is the first effort as part of the State’s commitment to erase roughly $1 billion in medical debt across Illinois. Individuals benefitting from medical debt relief will receive letters notifying them that their debts have been eliminated. The average amount of debt abolished per person is $1,349 and the maximum debt abolished for one individual is $242,136.

Illinois is one of the first states in the country to eliminate medical debt to improve health equity in Illinois as it weighs on families and individuals across the state. The program targets debt held by Illinois residents whose household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or whose medical debt comprises 5% or more of their household income.

Residents in nearly every county in the state had medical debt relieved as part of the inaugural debt buyback. The largest number of debts relieved are in Will County, where a total of 20,832 individuals will receive debt relief. The debt was purchased from debt collection agencies, a national direct provider, and hospitals.

Read More Here

Each year, the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board bestows upon one African American community advocate the distinguished title of ‘Leader of the Year.’

- The 2025 award will be presented on February 28, 2025, and nominations are open until December 10, 2024, HERE

The Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board provides annual scholarships to college-bound African American students.

- The 2025 scholarship application deadline is January 20, 2025, at 5 p.m., accessible HERE

Eligible applicants for the 2024 scholarship must:

• be a current high school senior

• have a minimum 2.50 GPA

• be of African American descent

• be a resident of Aurora or attend a school located in Aurora

Join my Community Coffee Chat on Monday, December 9!

Tune in on Facebook to share concerns, ask questions, and get the latest updates on what's happening in the State of Illinois.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Did you know? The Illinois State Fossil is the ... Tully Monster!

- The first Tully monster fossil was discovered in 1958 by Francis Tully. They have been found only in Illinois.

- This strange creature lived about 300 million years ago during the Pennsylvanian Period.

- Learn more HERE

DECEMBER 3, 1818

President Monroe signs the congressional resolution making Illinois the 21st state.

- At the time, there were about 35,000 residents.

- Most early Illinois settlers lived in the southern part of the state.

Joint Resolution (3 Stat 536) declaring Illinois admitted as 21st state

1818 Map of Illinois

Our "Museums in the Park" program continues to be available to all District 84 residents.

Take advantage of 4 FREE tickets per visit to one of the many museums, zoos, and aquariums all across the Chicagoland area!

Request Your Tickets Today!

(Requires 2 week advance notice)

Looking for info from a previous newsletter? All past editions are available here on our website.