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Hello Stephanie,
I hope you and your family are well. With fall officially here, we can look forward to cooler weather, vibrant leaves, and classic autumn activities like apple picking and pumpkin carving. Did you know that Illinois farmers grow more pumpkins than anywhere else in the world? Our state produces 90-95% of the pumpkins used for processing, making us a leader in this festive harvest!
As the crisp air of fall approaches, we are excited to welcome the new season with the upcoming Kids Expo and Touch-A-Truck event this Saturday, September 14th! This family-friendly event is always a highlight of the year, and we’re thrilled to see everyone come out and enjoy a day filled with fun, learning, and community.
On a more serious note, September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and the impact of suicide on our communities. This issue is especially close to my heart as a Veteran. Our Veterans are at a higher risk for suicide, and it’s crucial that we raise awareness and provide support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, including the Veterans Crisis Line, is available 24/7 to offer help. By spreading awareness, we can make a difference and remind everyone that they are not alone and help is always available.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the fall season, and I hope to see you at the Kids Expo!
Have a wonderful week ahead,
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Kids Expo
AND Touch-A-Truck!
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State Representative Stephanie Kifowit is excited to host her annual Kids Expo and Touch-A-Truck Event this month!
WHEN: Saturday, September 14, 10 AM to 1 PM
WHERE: Phillips Park Aquatic Center parking lot, 828 Montgomery Rd, Aurora, IL 60505
WHAT: Kids can safely explore a wide variety of vehicles, including big rigs, emergency vehicles, work vehicles, electric vehicles, and even a helicopter ambulance that will land during the event.
The Expo will also include interactive exhibits and booths from local organizations, ensuring a fun and educational experience for all. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly event!
Learn more HERE!
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New This Year: Child Safety ID Cards!
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This year we are thrilled to introduce an exciting new feature—free Kids ID Cards, offered in partnership with the Illinois Tollway.
These ID cards are a simple yet powerful tool for parents, providing essential information that can help authorities quickly locate and identify a missing child.
During the day, trained professionals will be on-site to take photographs and fingerprints of children aged three and older, ensuring that the cards are up-to-date with all the necessary details.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to protect your child while enjoying everything the Expo has to offer!
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Honoring Cold War Veterans at the Annual American Legion Golf Outing
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Last week’s American Legion Golf Outing was a tremendous success, held on Thursday, September 5th. Over 100 golfers, sponsors, and volunteers gathered to raise money in support of our nation’s Veterans. My office was proud to once again be involved in the planning and execution of this meaningful event. I was also honored to be both a sponsor and participant.
This year, the outing paid special tribute to Cold War Veterans, a group whose service often goes unrecognized. While their sacrifice helped keep our nation safe from the threat of nuclear war, many were not involved in the major conflicts that typically gain public attention. During the ceremony, attending Cold War Veterans were presented with a copy of the House Resolution I sponsored and passed this spring, which declared December 36th as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. It was a privilege to read and present this resolution to my fellow Veterans.
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IDPH Offers FREE Webinar Series on Suicide Prevention | |
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Throughout September, the Illinois Department of Public Health will host a series of
webinars to provide resources and support for various communities.
Download the Flyer here.
Registration is not required. At the time of the webinar, go to https://illinois.webex.com/meet/ISPA
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Illinois Fact of the Week
Things Every Illinoisan Should Know
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What is the Illinois State Mushroom? | | |
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Giant Puffball
Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation last week designating the giant puffball mushroom as the official mushroom of the state.
Senate Bill 3514, which names the Calvatia gigantea as Illinois' state mushroom, was championed by elementary students from Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton. The students conducted research, surveyed stakeholders, and actively participated in the legislative process to see their proposal become law.
The giant puffball is known for its large, round, white appearance and can be found across grassy areas throughout the state.
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Would you vote to outlaw cultivated meat? | |
House Rep. Chris Miller, a third-generation cattle farmer, has introduced HB 5872, a bill to make the sale, manufacture or distribution of cultivated meat a Class C misdemeanor.
The penalty can result in 30 days of jail time, and/or $1,500 in fines. […]
Miller’s bill, which hasn’t been referred to any of the committees yet, calls cultivated meat “a threat to the health, safety, and welfare” of Illinois residents.
(Note: In November 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that cultivated meat is safe for human consumption.)
HB 5872 was introduced as a response to “growing concerns from the notion of replacing real meat with laboratories”, and argued that it would protect “individual’s health, farmland, and agricultural products”.
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Last Week's Poll Result: HB4431 | |
Illinois mandates road exams for drivers aged 79 and 80 upon their four-year license renewal. Drivers aged 81 to 86 are tested every two years, and those 87 and older are tested yearly. Illinois is the only state with this requirement.
Rep. Jeff Keicher of Sycamore introduced HB4431 to end the mandate, prompted by a constituent's concern over its fairness. AARP supports the bill, citing the requirement as unjustly prejudicial. However, studies by the SOS and insurance companies indicate senior citizens are at higher risk for accidents, justifying additional testing.
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Beloved Children's Author Roald Dahl is Born
SEPTEMBER 13, 1916
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On this day, we celebrate the birth of Roald Dahl, one of the most beloved authors of children's literature. Born on September 13, 1916, Dahl’s imaginative and darkly humorous stories have captivated readers for generations. His iconic works, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and James and the Giant Peach, are known for their unforgettable characters and fantastical worlds. These stories often feature clever, courageous children overcoming daunting challenges, inspiring young readers around the world.
What’s your favorite Roald Dahl book? Share with us, and we’ll feature your responses next week!
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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.
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Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook! | |
Or, subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧! | | | | |
