Hello Stephanie,

February is dedicated to honoring the rich history of African Americans during Black History Month. I reflect and remember my good friend passed last year, Alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns. Her legacy will be honored at the Aurora African-American Heritage Advisory Board's 18th Annual Heritage Dinner on Friday, February 23. This year, the Leader of the Year Award is being renamed the Scheketa Hart-Burns Leader of the Year Award, in honor of the legacy of the late trailblazer who was a founding advisor of the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board. Tickets are available at www.aurora-il.org/AAHABDinner2024

Tomorrow, February 3rd, holds special significance as Four Chaplains Day, commemorating the events of February 3, 1943, when the troop ship USAT Dorchester sank. Let us remember the sacrifices of those on board. Additionally, on February 4th, we celebrate the birthday of the USO, an organization that has been a pillar of support for our military service members since 1941.

I invite you to join me today at the Veterans Resource Fair (begins at 10:00 am with lunch being served at 12:00) and Town Hall (begins at 4:30pm) being organized by the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission. This event, taking place at the Batavia Overseas VFW & Auxiliary 1197 Post, provides an opportunity for veterans and their families to discover valuable resources, engage with state Veterans Affairs officials, and explore local veteran-owned businesses. More Details Below.

Furthermore, I am excited to share some new bills I am sponsoring to support parents who work non-traditional hours and to protect consumers from hidden "junk fees". More information on those below!

Take care and I hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

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

The Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission has organized a town hall and resource fair to be held next month in Batavia.

Veterans and their families can discover valuable resources, explore local veteran-owned businesses and engage in discussions with state Veterans Affairs officials.

WHERE: Batavia Overseas VFW & Auxiliary 1197

WHEN: February 2nd, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Town Hall begins at 4:30)

More Information Here

This week I visited the Forest Preserve District of DuPage for an engaging discussion about their concerns and legislative priorities going into 2024.

This session I am proud to introduce a bill to incentivize child care for folks who work odd hours - first responders and labor folks. It was inspired by the Trades Women Build Nations conference I attended last December. learn more here

I am also proud to introduce legislation to outlaw hidden "junk fees", those hidden costs that push up hotel and ticket prices. The price Illinoisans see is the price you should pay. learn more here

Our Constituent Museum Education Card initiative provides you with the opportunity for FREE visits to Chicago's museums, zoos, gardens, and aquariums!

Visit my website now and fill out the request form! Limited to groups of 4 or less: Reserve Tickets Here

For a $5 donation, community members may send a balloon to a Care Center resident to spread cheer and warm wishes.

In the past, the public sent nearly 1,000 heart-shaped, helium balloons to line the corridors and rooms on Valentine’s Day!

Balloon donations will be accepted until Feb. 10, and may be sent to: DuPage Care Center, Attn: Valentine Balloons, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Balloons may also be sent by visiting dpccfoundation.org. Balloons will be delivered on Feb. 14.

Kane County is offering Free CPR Classes, in recognition of National Heart Month (February 2024)

There are 4 classes available in February with 120 open slots. They will be taught by the Kane County Health Department and Kane County Sheriff's office.

Sign up HERE

Boston-based Nexamp, a major player in the solar energy industry, is joining the growing list of renewable technology companies that have expanded or relocated to Illinois in recent months.

They intend to spend $2 billion in Illinois, including building a second headquarters in downtown Chicago.

Other recent announcements include Gotion’s battery plant in Manteno, MicroLink Devices’ solar cell factory in Niles, Prysmian Group’s cable plant in Du Quoin, Manner Polymers’ new facility in Mount Vernon, and Wieland’s copper plants around the state.

read more here

Eligible local grocers can now apply for funding for energy-efficient equipment upgrades.

Priority is given to those located in food deserts as defined by the USDA map.

DCEO will be holding a webinar at 10 a.m. on January 31 and a webinar at 2 p.m. on February 8. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

Qualified applicants can apply for grants between $25,000 to $250,000, with a 1:3 match required. Applications for this round will be accepted until March 4, 2024.

To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has awarded $400 million in grants through the Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant Program to 45 institutions of higher education in Illinois.

The goal of the program is to provide financial assistance to private, not-for-profit colleges and universities in Illinois for the construction, repair and renovation of infrastructure on campuses to provide equitable learning experiences to students across the state.

Read More Here

LAST WEEK's ANSWER:

Illinois' state snack is ...Popcorn! Well done if you remembered it from our previous newsletter!

Jennifer Purdue, Elliott Lenoff, & Tracy Webber were the first to answer correctly!

THIS WEEK's QUESTIONS:

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