Hello Stephanie,

As we enter March, we celebrate Women's History Month in the IL House and I encourage you to reflect on iconic Women in our history. Join us as we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women who have shaped our communities! Check out Enjoy Illinois' page for a myriad of inspiring ideas on how to mark this special occasion! HERE

Tomorrow, on Saturday, March 2nd, we'll also celebrate Read Across America Day—a day that highlights the importance of literacy in our democracy and celebrates the boundless imagination sparked by books. Last year, I proudly supported HB 2789, making Illinois the first state to ban book bans, emphasizing the crucial role of education and literary justice.

Additionally, on Monday, March 4th, let's extend our gratitude and support to our servicemen and women as we observe National Hug a G.I. Day. With either a pat on the back or a hearty handshake, join me in showing appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication.

Monday is also Casimir Pulaski Day, a day of commemoration for the Polish war hero who died in pursuit of America's freedom. Every March 4th we celebrate the legendary Revolutionary War cavalry officer for his contributions to the U.S. military in the American Revolution that earned him the title "father of the American cavalry".

Looking ahead, I will be returning to the state capitol in Springfield next week. It's an exciting time as we move forward with the legislative process. Currently, 26 of the bills I've sponsored have been assigned to committee and will soon undergo markup sessions in the coming weeks. These bills cover a wide range of crucial issues, from securing funding for child care to improving access to dental services for our veterans, and establishing necessary regulations for autonomous vehicles. Your support and input are invaluable as we work towards advancing these initiatives for the benefit of our communities.

For more information on the bills and legislative updates, click HERE. Let's make March a month of progress, appreciation, and collective action!

Take care and be well,

P.S. Read all the way to the bottom to participate in this week's Trivia Challenge!

I was honored to attend the 2024 Week Zero Warmup scrimmage hosted by Oswego School District 308’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team 2338: "Gear it Forward".

It was great to witness the dedication and innovation of our youth in the field of robotics! Events like these not only foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also inspire a passion for STEM education that will shape our future leaders. Read more here.

Don't miss our discussion with Illinois Tollway Director Cassaundra Rouse!

Monday March 4

9:00 AM

RSVP HERE

Got questions? Submit them HERE

More Details Below

The Will County Emergency Management Agency is hosting its first-ever Public Preparedness Workshop, “When Seconds Matter”, to help residents expand their knowledge about public safety and how to prepare for a wide range of emergency situations.

The workshop will take place from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM on March 9 at Joliet Junior College.

MORE INFO

New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited.

Geared towards firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. MORE INFO

March workshop dates and topics:

• March 5, 10 a.m. to noon: Job Costing and Work-In-Process
• March 7, 10 a.m. to noon: Overhead Rate Calculation - Construction and Professional Services, Part 1
• March 12, 10 a.m. to noon: The Benefits of Using Accounting Software
• March 14, 10 a.m. to noon: QuickBooks - Part 1, 2 and 3 Q&A
• March 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Construction
• March 21, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Professional Services
• March 26, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Suppliers
• March 28, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Trucking

The updated order, signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, allows schools to keep a supply of medications like naloxone on hand, and also permitting school nurses or other trained personnel to administer them to students in the event of an opioid overdose. MORE HERE

Inspire Women Event with Aurora Lions Club

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

Tickets available HERE

Chicago Steel Military Appreciation Night

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 6:05 PM

For more information on tickets for Veterans and active military, please call 855-51-STEEL

LAST WEEK's ANSWER:

The five freedoms protected in the first amendment are Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition...NOT privacy.

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 Nick@ildistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308