Hello Stephanie,

I hope this newsletter finds you and your families safe and well following the severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that swept through our area earlier this week. These storms have tested our resilience, but I am continually inspired by the strength and unity of our community as we come together to support one another in times of need.

In the wake of these severe storms, authorities are warning residents to be vigilant against scammers. Common tactics include offering quick repairs for cash, claiming to be licensed without proof, and pressuring victims to sign contracts immediately. To avoid scams, residents should verify contractors' credentials, get multiple estimates, and avoid upfront payments. Residents are also advised to report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

In brighter news, I am delighted to report the outstanding success of our Recycle and Shred event held on Saturday. We saw a record turnout, with residents from all over the area coming together to responsibly recycle and securely shred their documents. Your participation in these events not only helps the environment but also strengthens our sense of community.



I would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsor, KCT Credit Union, whose support was instrumental in making this event possible. Their commitment to our community is deeply appreciated, and I am grateful for their partnership.

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Last weekend we hosted another incredible Recycle & Shred Event! ♻️ Thank you to all of our volunteers and community partners for making it possible, and thanks to everyone who came by! It was great to see so many familiar faces from around our District. We already can’t wait to see you again next year!

This year we served nearly 400 constituents, with over 200 cars coming through in the first hour! We collected over 500 books, over 100 glasses, 33 phones and tablets, four pallets of recycled electronics, and thousands of pounds of paper shredding for recycling!

Thank you both to KCT Credit Union, who sponsored the event, and to the YWCA of Metrapolitan Chicago whose volunteers were instrumental to serving all of these constituents and having a smooth and successful day. We couldn't have done it without you!

Learn more about KCT Credit Union at https://www.kctcu.org/. Learn more about YWCA of Metrapolitan Chicago at https://ywcachicago.org/

What is the Illinois state dance?

Square Dance

In 1990, Governor Thompson signed into law a bill designating the square dance as the American folk dance of the State. Square dance is a term used to describe many individual dances done in a style that traces its origins back to Morris dancing in England and French dancing with influences of Irish, Spanish and Scottish dancing thrown in.

It was revived in the 1950s and remains a popular pastime.

Two bills have been filed to prohibit elected officials from displaying the American flag upside down on government property. Under HB5860 elected leaders would be charged with a Class 4 felony if they are caught flying the flag upside down on government property. HB5861 would institute a fine of up to $25,000 for any government official flying the flag upside down on public property. The current financial penalty for desecrating an American flag in Illinois is $1 to $15.

Would you vote for HB5860 and HB5861?

Illinois currently requires insurance coverage for mental, emotional, nervous or substance use treatments for pregnant people through delivery, postpartum and neonatal care. But there is no requirement to provide those services in the case of miscarriage or stillbirth. House Bill 5282 adds coverage for individuals needing those services as a result of a miscarriage or stillbirth. HB 5282 was passed and sent to the governor. Learn more here.

Would you vote for HB5282?

JULY 19, 1848

U.S. Women's Suffrage Movement Begun

On this day in 1848, the women's suffrage movement in the United States was launched with the opening of the Seneca Falls Convention, which sought to gain certain rights and privileges for women, notably the right to vote.

In July 1848 more than three hundred people assembled in Seneca Falls, New York, for the nation’s first women’s rights convention. At this meeting, Elizabeth Cady Stanton read her now-famous “Declaration of Sentiments” protesting women’s inferior legal status and listing eleven resolutions for the moral, economic, and political equality of women, the most radical of which demanded “the elective franchise.” Stanton’s original Declaration is believed lost, but this rare printed version has survived.

It’s Plastic-Free July! This month is a great time to explore ways to reduce single-use plastic in your daily life and call on our state to do the same.

Did you know nearly half of our annual plastic production is made up of items that were designed to only be used once? This makes single-use plastic a major contributor to plastic pollution, which is a shame because it never completely breaks down, even after centuries.

Furthermore, plastic pollution only breaks down into microplastics, which multiple studies have found in the environment and throughout the human body and are increasingly linked to health issues.

We need to start moving away from plastic, and I support legislation that would alleviate some of the public's responsibility because plastic is almost everywhere.

Another way you can help reduce your exposure and combat plastic pollution is to try some of these tips to reduce single-use plastic!

A number of licenses are now in renewal! If you see your license type listed, you can renew your license now by logging into your account at https://online-dfpr.micropact.com/. Beat the rush and renew before your license expires to avoid paying a late fee!

Need to retrieve your username or reset your password for your online account? Check out these helpful guides:

• Retrieve your username: https://tinyurl.com/bddh3pzx
• Reset your password: https://tinyurl.com/yc5485cb

Have other questions about the renewal process? Contact the IDFPR call center at 1-800-560-6420 for assistance.

The Veterans Assistance Commission for DuPage County is excited to have a FEMALE VSO Every 3rd Tuesday of the month!!

She is also coming to the American Legion Meetings on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1649 Montgomery Road, Suite 7, Aurora

They recommend appointments, walk-ins are welcome too!!

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live on Facebook from 9:00am-10:00am. You can share your comments and ask questions there.

If you don't have Facebook, no worries! You can join us on Zoom instead. Your video and mic will be muted, so you won't be on live. I'll email the Zoom link separately.

To join on Zoom, just email Nick@ildistrict84.com or call 630.585.1308.

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

Or, subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧!