Hello Stephanie,

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. This past Monday (11/11), we celebrated Veterans Day, honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, and with my son currently serving in the Navy, this time of year holds a special place in my heart. We also marked the Marine Corps birthday on November 10, a reminder of the strong traditions of service and community we uphold. Happy Belated Birthday to my Marine Corps brothers and sisters!!!!

To continue that spirit of giving back, our office is once again collecting toys for the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program. We invite you to drop off new, unwrapped toys at our Aurora district office, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Fridays from 9:00 am to Noon. Your donations will help bring joy and hope to children in need this holiday season.

More information can be found here.

Let’s come together as a community to spread some holiday cheer and make a positive impact on the lives of local kids. Thank you for your support!

Have a great week ahead,

State Representative Stephanie Kifowit

Illinois House, 84th District

P.S. If you are around today, you might see me at the Craft Fair at the Montgomery VFW, 121 No River Street, Montgomery. It is today (11/16) from 10-4pm.

I was proud to stand alongside more than 3,000 dedicated union members at the "Fix Tier 2" rally in Springfield this week. It was an inspiring day filled with energy and a shared commitment to fairness for all public employees who serve our state every day. As the Chair of the House Personnel & Pensions Committee, I know how critical it is to address the disparities in our pension system, and I’m here to work for real change.

Together, Sen. Rob Martwick and I introduced House Bill 5909 and Senate Bill 3988. These bills are the product of the We Are One Coalition, and we are committed to hearing all proposals to get to a pension fix.

I’ve heard from so many public employees—teachers, police officers, and state workers—who feel disheartened by a system that does not value their service equally. I know that improving Tier 2 benefits will also help us recruit and retain talented professionals in our state workforce, especially young people who are increasingly shying away from careers in public service.

I’m committed to finding a balanced, fiscally responsible solution that upholds the promise we made to our public workers. In December, I will hold a subject-matter hearing to continue this important conversation and gather input on how we can move forward. To everyone who rallied, thank you for making your voices heard. Together, we are workingfor a fairer, more just system for all public employees.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness affecting over six million Americans, stealing memories and impacting the lives of both patients and caregivers. This month, we honor the courage of those living with Alzheimer’s and the resilience of their loved ones. We also recognize the critical role of caregivers who provide unwavering support. Let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing research, improving early detection, and enhancing care for those affected.

The Illinois EPA is inviting 5th and 6th grade writers and artists from around Illinois to participate in this year’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest.

The 2025 theme How Can You Slash Your Trash? invites students to think creatively about how to reduce the amount of waste they produce.

Teachers may submit up to eight individual entries per school to the Illinois EPA by February 3, 2025.

In addition to the individual student contest, this year’s competition also includes a group video contest for 5th and 6th grade classrooms.

Additional information can be found at: epa.illinois.gov/topics/education/contest.html.

Join Rep. Stephanie Kifowit for a Community Coffee Chat on Monday, November 18!

This is your chance to share concerns, ask questions, and get the latest updates on what's happening in the State of Illinois. Tune in on Facebook from the comfort of home and engage in an open conversation with your Representative.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Did you know? Illinois has a State Song ... "Illinois"!

Lyrics are written by Civil War Veteran Charles H. Chamberlin in 1893, and set to the tune of a song named, “Baby Mine” by Archibald Johnson.

- Give it a listen HERE!

- The 54th Illinois General Assembly passed an act making “Illinois” the official state song in 1925.

Governor Pat Quinn Signs Marriage Equality Into Law

NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Governor Pat Quinn signed historic legislation at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s UIC Forum, making Illinois the 16th state in the nation to embrace full marriage equality.

Before the U.S. Supreme Court recognized a Constitutional Right to marriage equality, this legislation permitted all couples in the Land of Lincoln to receive the rights and protections of marriage.

“This new law is an epic victory for equal rights in America,” Governor Quinn said. “Illinois is moving forward. We are a model for our country. If the Land of Lincoln can achieve marriage equality, so can every other state in the nation.”

The law took effect June 1, 2014.

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 at least 2 week advance notice)

Save and share this with friends in the district!

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