Dear Stephanie,

I hope you and your family are well.

Let me begin by recognizing the importance of this upcoming weekend. On Memorial Day, we remember the servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our Constitution and our democracy. They gave their lives in service of America, and we are free because they were brave. Although often called the unofficial beginning of summer, Memorial Day is a national day of mourning for us to honor the memories of those women and men who dedicated themselves to a cause greater than themselves. Every year I help organize a memorial ceremony on the IL House floor to never forget those that we have lost. I personally have lost a few friends myself, along with my fellow Veterans who remember those we will never see again.

I am honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Mt. Prospect Memorial Day Parade, so I will not be in the Aurora Memorial Day Parade. I am including information about the changes to the parade this year and I will miss honoring those fallen with the Aurora American Legion, but I encourage you to go and pay your respects.

This week we returned to Springfield to continue passing vital legislation and ironing out the FY 2024 budget. I'm happy to report that the budget we agreed upon is a balanced plan that builds on our fiscal progress. It also makes transformative investments in early childhood and higher education, workforce development, and efforts to fight violence and poverty. By the time you read this, I believe we will have passed our budget and our work in Springfield will be completed.

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial weekend.

Take Care,

P.S. I have highlighted some of my other legislative accomplishments in previous newsletters, as well as below. Subscribe so you don't miss my end of session legislative wrap-up, and read on for important opportunities and exciting news from around the state.

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

Around The District

On May 6th I hosted our Mobile DMV Event in partnership with the Secretary of State and Fox Valley Mall! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat and introduce themselves. It was a pleasure to meet individuals from all across Northern Illinois, many of whom took advantage of the opportunity to get their DMV services done between their shopping. We had such a great turnout that we are looking into hosting another Mobile DMV event in the fall, so keep a look out for announcements on that!

On May 9th I joined other lawmakers in attending the 30th Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony in Springfield. The ceremony paid tribute to the firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022. The courage and sacrifice of these individuals must never be forgotten. The event was attended by dozens of firefighters from across Illinois who came to honor and remember the fallen.Thank you to all of our first responders for keeping the community safe.

Earlier this month my office had a fantastic day at Senior Services Associates Inc. of Kendall County! It was a pleasure to meet and chat with senior residents of the community. The event celebrated the grand opening of AgeGuide's new community dining sites at Dakotas restaurant and the Morris Chop Shop. Those establishments are now partnering with Meals on Wheels and the Community Nutrition Network to provide healthy and delicious meals for older adults at the price of a small suggested donation! Call 331-701-6505 to register.

Sunday, May 28th - Oswego Pops Orchestra Free Concert - Details

Tuesday, May 30th - Kendall County Sheriff's Office Recruitment Open House - More Information

Friday, June 2 - Oswego Community Yard Sale - Register Here

June 2nd through 4th - Women Veterans' Conference - Sisterhood of Service - Register Here

Saturday June 10th - Montgomery's 3rd Annual Street Eats Festival - Details Here

Legislative Update

Taking Action on Pension Reform

Last week I filed House Bill 4098, addressing the pension system in Illinois. This bill serves as a starting point for comprehensive future discussions on pension solutions. I believe it is long past time for action rather than mere talk, as the cost of not addressing the pension system compounds each year.

HB 4098 encompasses various components discussed in committee hearings and stakeholder meetings. Significant provisions include those discontinuing the General Assembly Retirement System (GARS) and the Judges' Retirement System, with future members being offered enrollment in the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS). Additionally, HB 4098 establishes a statewide Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), expands the Pension Buy-Out program, and introduces a tiered retirement age schedule. Moreover, the bill aims to increase the target funding percentage from 90% to 100%, with identified funding of $1 billion annually.

Additionally, I have filed HB 4099, which focuses on adjusting the pension age for individuals in security roles. Representative Steve Reick (R) serves as Chief Co-sponsor for both bills.

I look forward to holding Subject Matter hearings throughout the summer and fall as my colleagues and I work with stakeholders to design a pension system solution that is sustainable in the long-run and will give Illinois workers the retirements they deserve.

Great New Meal Options for Seniors

Want to enjoy a meal that's both nourishing and delicious?

Thanks to a new partnership between Meals on Wheels, Dakotas Restaurant and Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association, older adults 60+ years old, their spouses and caregivers can enjoy a specially prepared and tasty menu that will be offered Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for dine-in or take-out.



If you have any questions, reach out to Community Nutrition Network at 331-701-6505 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the week for more information; leave a message if necessary.

State of Illinois Launches Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits for Illinois Businesses

$20M in tax credits will be available every year for eligible companies. The grants are designed to promote construction projects in undeserved areas, while creating more good-paying jobs up and down the state.

Eligible companies can receive tax credits equal to 75 percent of the income tax attributable to construction workers on eligible projects located in an underserved area, or 50 percent for projects located in other areas.

Eligible companies include those who are located in an Enterprise Zone (EZ) or a River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ), companies designated a High Impact Business (HIB), or companies with an agreement under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Program. Companies that completed construction projects in 2021 (the effective date of the legislation) or later are eligible to apply for credits.

DCEO will host a technical assistance webinar to share details regarding the BCJA program application and processes on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Click here to sign up and RSVP; companies looking for information are encouraged to email ceo.bcja@illinois.gov or visit the BCJA website.

Combating The Loneliness Epidemic

Earlier this month U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, declared loneliness a public health epidemic



Research has shown that a lack of social connection raises the risk of premature death by 30 percent and leads to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, dementia, and suicide. Young people are suffering the worst, with 15 to 24-year-olds spending up to 70 percent less time with friends than two decades prior.

In his May 1st Advisory, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, Dr. Murthy calls all of us to work together to build a movement that de-stigmatizes loneliness, reimagines the structures, policies, and programs that shape our communities, and mends the social fabric of our nation.

In a Washington Post Interview, the Surgeon General laid out 8 ideas to help overcome loneliness:

1) Set aside time every day to reach out to people you love

2) When interacting with people, give them your full attention

3) Find ways to serve

4) Form a trusted social support group

5) Recognize that remote work has its challenges

6) Use tools to help people get know one another

7) Track how employees are doing with building relationships

8) Plan some in-person gatherings

Now the $121M project that broke ground in 2008 can finally start welcoming more Veterans in.

Previously, the Veterans' Home at Chicago served at limited capacity, 25 residents or less, a cap set pending the USDVA recognition. Broader admissions will begin over the course of the next several months dependent upon COVID-19 safety protocols and staffing.

Conceptualized to offer residential living for a growing Veteran population in Cook County requiring skilled nursing care, Chicago became the fifth State Veterans' Home in Illinois, joining Veterans' homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy.

Residents have access to a library, barber shop, bank, and a rehabilitation center. Housekeeping, laundry, and dietary ensure the residents day-to-day personal needs are met. An IDVA Veterans Service Officer is available to assist Veterans with questions regarding state and federal benefits. Outdoor areas include a lushly planted garden with a walking path and benches, and a garden terrace. The multi-purpose room is the gathering place for events and family occasions. Local artist Indira Johnson created custom, interactive artwork for every floor themed, "Helping Hands," to reflect the commitment of each medical professional and staff caring for their resident veterans.

To be eligible to reside in a State Veterans' Home, an applicant must have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces and have served during a war-time period or have a service-connected disability or injury, with additional criteria for peacetime Veterans. Admission also is based on the ability of the home to provide adequate care for the applicant's needs, including having an available bed in the required category of care. For more information on eligibility and application visit veterans.illinois.gov

A legal challenge to public safety laws recently enacted in Illinois and the City of Naperville is currently making its way through the courts. The plaintiff, a Naperville gun shop owner, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to temporarily pause those laws while his case is pending, arguing that he is suffering an irreparable injury to his business that outweighs the potential loss of life resulting from gun violence. On Wednesday, after asking for further briefing and taking a notably long time to deliberate, the Court rejected his request. 

This ruling is not surprising since as an injunction pending appeal has a high bar, and the procedural posture at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals — now involving several challenges, while only one was brought here to the Supreme Court — could have complicated things.

The full case is being considered at the Appellate level, and that future ruling by the 7th Circuit can still be appealed to the Supreme Court for full review.

Watch last Monday's Coffee Chat on Facebook!

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

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.