Dear Stephanie,

I hope you're all enjoying the changing leaves and festive decorations as we get closer to Halloween! Tomorrow is the big day, and our community is about to be filled with little witches and superheroes on a candy mission. Here's a quirky fact: did you know that pumpkins are technically fruits, not veggies? It's a charming little tidbit that might make you look at those jack-o'-lanterns in a different light (And remember, Illinois is #1 in growing pumpkins).

I am pleased to be writing to you after a very successful first week of Veto session. On Wednesday we passed legislation allowing state legislative employees to join a union and bargain collectively for the first time in Illinois history. This is a proposal that I have championed in the past and has been long overdue!

Some measures that I have personally sponsored in this session are:

HR 0394 Declares November 10, 2023 as "Marine Corps Day" and the month of November 2023 as "Marine Corps Month".

HR 0443 Declares December 26, 2023 and December 26, 2024 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day in honor of the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War

HB 4171 Creates the United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Memorial Highway Act. Designates the portion of Interstate 80 that is located in the State of Illinois as the United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Memorial Highway.

The passage of these resolutions will allow generations of families and friends to understand, appreciate, and have a small glimpse into all the sacrifices made by our Veterans.

Additionally, as I've mentioned before, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today I was joined on my weekly Coffee Chat by Dr. Sandy Goldberg, to talk about her career, her journey, and her foundation A Silver Lining Foundation!

Thank you Dr. Sandy for sharing your knowledge, experience, and kindness with us.

Watch the Full Conversation HERE

🎙️ Listen to it HERE

Looking ahead, next week we will go back down to Springfield and finish the Veto session. I'm looking forward continuing the people's business and wrapping up our legislative work for the year.

On Wednesday, November 9, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Alden of Waterford is hosting a Mobile DMV Event. This event is designed to bring DMV services directly to residents, so, if you've been putting off getting your license or voter registration renewed, need your vehicle sticker updated, or more, be sure to stop by 1955 Randi Drive next Wednesday!

Please continue reading for more updates from our district and around the state of Illinois.

Wishing you all a spooktacular Halloween filled with treats, tricks, and maybe a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds!

P.S. Please reach out to our office if you need assistance at (630) 585-1308 or send me an email.

Aurora 4:00 - 7:00 pm | Oswego 3:30 - 7:30 pm | Montgomery 4:00 - 7:30 pm | Naperville Be done by 8:00 pm!

Halloween at Aurora City Hall

When: Tues, Oct 31, 3-5 pm

Where Aurora City Hall | Walter Street Mall

More Information

It was a pleasure to speak at the Associated Firefighters of Illinois Pension Seminar.

The Personnel & Pensions Committee has been having hearings all summer on Illinois pension situation, including the Tier 2 pensions issues for both state employees and local government employees, and I look forward to further discussions with our first responders regarding their concerns on this issue.

Last weekend I had the honor of presenting our official House Resolution honoring WWII Navy Veteran Don Thompson to his son. A long-time member of our community, Don was an amazing person and a heroic inspiration to many.

The State of Illinois has awarded $9.5 million in funding to 40 different applicants across the state to support post-pandemic child and adolescent health, including $248,585 for Indian Prairie School District 204.

The funding is primarily from the CDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) plus $500,000 in state dollars. It is being offered to help schools and local agencies improve student care through workforce enhancements, developing frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma, and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.

The proposals outline numerous different strategies to strengthen mental health services for students across Illinois.

More Information Here

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

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

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live via Facebook at 9:00am-10:00am where you can post your comments and questions.

I realize not everyone has Facebook. The good news is that you can still participate. If you would like to join us on Monday mornings, you can join in via ZOOM! Once connected via ZOOM, you'll be able to interact just as if you were on Facebook. Don't worry you will not be on live - your video feed and mic will be muted.

The ZOOM link will be emailed to everyone separately for Monday morning participation.

If you would like to join us, please email Michelle@ILDistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308.