Hello Stephanie,

As we wrap up a whirlwind year, at least it feels like it to me, I hope this message finds you and your family well and enjoying the season. For me, this holiday season is particularly special because my son, Sam, is home for the first time in almost three years. He is in the Navy and stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, aboard the USS Ralph Johnson. I am so excited to spend this time together. It’s a reminder of how precious moments with family and friends truly are.

Being stationed during my military service overseas gave me an appreciation for the many cultural traditions celebrated throughout the world in December. We live in an incredible country full of diverse cultures and beliefs. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season, no matter how you and your family celebrate.

As we enjoy this festive time, I encourage you to keep our Servicemembers serving far from home in your thoughts. My new son-in-law is serving in the Army deployed overseas away from his new bride, my daughter, and all of his family. It is hard not only on the one serving our country, but also on the family waiting for them to return.

This season can also be difficult for many individuals, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, loneliness, hardships of various forms, or just sadness within. The holidays can also be overwhelming for some of us, so let's remember that a little kindness goes a long way. Take the initiative and reach out to someone, or volunteer with a charity and brighten their day.

A reminder that our District Office will be closed from December 23rd to January 2nd. We will be monitoring voicemails and emails, so if you need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let us hope the snow will stick for a white Christmas this year, I wish you and your family a joyful and peaceful holiday season. Let’s cherish the time we have together and head into 2025 with hope, gratitude, and kindness.

Wishing you all the very best this holiday season and a happy New Year!

State Representative Stephanie Kifowit

Illinois House, 84th District

P.S. The Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84 is hosting a pizza party send-off for my son Sam before he returns to Japan. Join us on December 26 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the American Legion office, 1649 Montgomery Rd, Suite 7, Aurora, IL 60504. All are welcome!

On Friday, December 6, I was honored to be a featured panelist at the 40th Annual Illinois Public Sector Labor Law Conference at the Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Our lively and enlightening discussion focused on the legal and economic aspects of Illinois Public Pensions.

On Monday, December 9, I had the pleasure of being at the 55th annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon in Batavia. As a Veteran, I was a proud to sponsor this luncheon celebrating our war heroes and we were all honored to hear WWII Veteran Dick Miller sing the God Bless America.

On Friday, December 13, I was honored to co-host a special reception with Consul-General Yanagi to celebrate and connect with U.S. military Veterans and personnel who served in Japan. This event highlights the strong bond between our nations and recognizes the service and sacrifices of our veterans. I'm grateful for the opportunity to bring together lawmakers, Veterans, and community leaders for these meaningful gatherings.

The DuPage Health Coalition has a personal care pantry in their office, stocked with free supplies for clients. Last year, they added winter wear during the season. The response was so overwhelmingly positive they decided to do it again!

The Illinois Flag Commission has selected its Top 10 finalists from the nearly 5,000 submissions for the state flag redesign contest!

The public can vote for their favorite design beginning in January.

View the Top 10 finalists selected by the Illinois Flag Commission.

Governor JB Pritzker this week signed an executive order enlisting multiple state agencies to explore how Illinois can accelerate plans to expand the supply of housing for working families.

Additionally, Governor Pritzker announced the return of SmartBuy, a program providing direct monetary assistance to pay off student loan debt for those buying a home in Illinois. ​

The directives in the executive order were informed by a report from the Governor’s Ad-Hoc Missing Middle Housing Solutions Advisory Committee.

Read more here.

Each year, the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board provides annual scholarships to college-bound African American students. The Application deadline is January 20, 2025, at 5 p.m., accessible HERE

Join my Community Coffee Chat on Monday, January 6!

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? Illinois has a State Soil!

The Illinois State Soil is Drummer Silty Clay Loam, a rich, fertile prairie soil that was declared the Illinois State Soil in 2001.

This dark, deep soil was first identified in Ford County in 1929. It can be found in 1,500,000 acres of land in Illinois. Drummer is one of the most fertile and productive soils in the world.

Illinois voters overwhelmingly reject a new Constitution

December 12, 1922 -The Fifth Illinois Convention, convened in January 1920, submitted a single proposed document in December 1922 and was overwhelmingly defeated.

- A later critic said, "It proceeded as if it were framing a constitution for an abstract Utopia of its own creation, instead of the state of Illinois with living people..."

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.