Dear Stephanie,

I am excited to share with you the latest updates from the 84th District, especially my recent participation in the annual Climate Emergency & Energy Security Summit in Washington D.C. Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and organized by Elected Officials for Protecting America (EOPA), this summit was a crucial platform for officials across the nation to delve into the community benefits arising from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Having the opportunity to speak at the National Press Club during the summit, I highlighted our state's experience with the climate crisis and discussed how the IRA can be a transformative force for positive change. As a Veteran, I emphasized the urgency of transitioning to clean energy for the sake of our national security. I am proud to be a part of the EOPA National Leadership Council, working towards effective energy policies and a sustainable future.

Take care and be well,

I also want to wish my friend and November birthday buddy PFC Don O'Reilly a Happy Birthday! Don served in WWII, was a Military Policeman, was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Honor Guard over the years, and this week he turns 102!

On that happy note, please continue reading for more news and important information.

Take care and be well,

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

In November we mark Warrior Care Month by highlighting the strength and resilience – physically, mentally, and spiritually – of our wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families and caregivers. 

The National Resource Directory provides access to services and resources at the national, state, and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation, and community reintegration, including adaptive sports, education, and employment opportunities. https://nrd.gov/

This week marks Transgender Awareness Week, leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. It is a time for us to stand in solidarity with the transgender community and honor the lives lost to anti-transgender violence.

Let's recommit ourselves to opposing attacks on the trans community, speaking out against hate and violence, and dispelling myths. Together, we can make a difference.

Honor Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance with the Human Rights Campaign at HRC.org. Together, let's work towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Did you know? Apprenticeships pave the way to success! With a whopping 93% of apprentices retaining employment upon completion of their program, it’s a proven path to a brighter future.

• llinois received a $1.3 million investment from the U.S. Department of Labor in August to train and support women in the trades.
• The U.S. Department of Labor wants to develop new relationships with businesses, training providers and workers to ensure hands-on experiences lead to good jobs. 
• USDOL plans to award $98 million in grants to YouthBuild programs across the country. YouthBuild pre-apprenticeship programs lift up low-income children and young adults who dropped out of school, are unemployed or have limited job skills.

Alongside manufacturers like Rivian and TCCI, we're launched world class manufacturing training academies that are fostering career pathways for new students joining fields like electric vehicle manufacturing, IT and so many others

Get Started at ApprenticeshipILLINOIS.com

$7.2 Million in Funding Released by Pritzker Administration for New Emergency Vehicles in Illinois

The Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program (FTRL) and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program (ARLP) are designed to assist departments or cities in purchasing emergency vehicles that they may not otherwise be able to afford. 

Under the ARLP program, units of local government (city, town, village, township, fire department, fire protection district) and not-for-profit ambulance service providers can apply for no interest or low interest loans of up to $200,000. 

View the Grant Winners Here

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 [email protected] or call the

office at 630.585.1308.