Hello Stephanie,

Greetings from Springfield! It's been a busy couple of weeks working on crucial legislative matters. I'm pleased to report that several of my proposed bills have advanced through committee and are headed to the House floor. These bills cover a range of issues vital to our community, and I'm optimistic about their potential to positively impact our state.

Here are some of the highlights: (Click on bill #'s to learn more)

• HB 5655 - support members of the National Guard and Reserves pursuing higher education.
  

• HB 4934 - seeks to provide enhanced protection for historical Veterans' graves.
  

• HB 4757 - mandates information Veterans services posters at workplaces
  

• HB 5653 - creates Veterans Services Taskforce
  

• HB 5640 - updates Illinois statutes to recognize the United States Space Force
  

• HB 4171 - designates I-80 the "US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Memorial Highway.”
  

• HB 5269 - improves mental health care for youth in DCFS care.
  

Thank you Stac Boyer for coming to Springfield and testifying for House Bill 4934, which would remove barriers to restoring and repairing Veterans graves.

Last Friday, we commemorated International Women's Day, a global celebration of women's achievements and a call to action for gender equality. From honoring trailblazers in history to amplifying voices advocating for change today, the day was marked by meaningful discussions and inspiring events in our district and beyond. As your representative, I'm proud to stand with women, reaffirming our commitment to creating an inclusive society. Let's continue championing gender equality, celebrating diversity, and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential.

As we continue into March, I want to draw attention to Poison Prevention Week. While it may not always grab the headlines, the importance of this awareness campaign cannot be overstated. Poisoning poses a significant threat to individuals of all ages. If you suspect that you or someone you know has come into contact with a potentially harmful substance, don't hesitate to seek help. The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is available 24/7 to provide assistance and guidance. Simply dial 800-222-1222 for free and confidential support.

Take care and be well,

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

Over the weekend I was honored to attend and support the Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation Red Tie Gala.

The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation was founded to Honor avid musician and SPC Christopher Alexander Patterson who was killed in action on January 6th 2012, while proudly serving his country in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan at 20 years old. The foundation ensures his sacrifice is never forgotten through the support of the performing arts that were so much of his life.

In Springfield on Wednesday it was great to sit and chat with a group of Veterans from the VFW, American Legion and AmVets. Thank you for your advocacy!

I also had a great meeting with the Illinois Fire Chiefs.

And Kane County State's Attorney Mosser came down to share her office's concerns and legislative priorities.

There were over 700 FFA (Future Farmers of America) in Springfield this week. They handed out IL Products Baskets and lunches to all the Illinois Legislators and Senators!

Join us on Monday as self-described "plant geek" and Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Jamie Viebach presents a workshop on gardening with native plants!

WHERE: Virtual - https://fb.me/e/1NRt0N9cq

WHEN: Monday, March 18, 9:00 AM

WHO: State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit; Horticulture Educator Jamie Viebach; and YOU

Thanks to the Illinois Optometric Association, our office has over 800 solar eclipse glasses that are FREE available for pick-up.

Having proper eye protection is an essential step in your preparation for the April 8th solar eclipse!

Stop by our office M-Th between 9 am - 3pm to grab a handful for your friends and family. School classes or other organizations are also welcome.

Our address is 1677 Montgomery Rd, suite 116, Aurora, IL 60504

Site Selection Magazine released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois #2 in the nation for corporate projects and Chicago the Top Metro for the 11th year in a row.

Illinois has seen an upward trajectory, earning nine credit upgrades since June 2021, and making focused investments in economic growth initiatives. The state’s modern infrastructure provides easy access to the world making for easy growth in key sectors including life sciences, data centers, and technology. MORE HERE

Finding State and Federal Grants has never been easier with the new Grant Tracking Spreadsheet provided by the State of Illinois. Just check back regularly as the sheet will be updated as new opportunities arise.

Throughout March, DCEO is hosting FREE events and elevating resources to advance women-owned businesses throughout the state. Additional Info

Overview of Mentoring Programs for Women Entrepreneurs

Thursday | March 21, 2024 | 10:00-11:00 AM | Virtual | Register here

Tailored for women-owned businesses of all stages and industries, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs, with all genders welcome to join

1st Annual Asian Women’s Summit

Friday, March 22, 2024 | 8:30 AM-1:00 PM | In-person in Chicago | Register here

Tailored for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professional women from all sectors and AAPI university female students, with attendees from all backgrounds (genders/ethnicities/races/etc.) welcome to join.

The Fox Valley Park District will look to fill 350 seasonal positions at a job fair on Saturday.

The event will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. in Aurora.

Open positions include aquatics personnel, such as lifeguards and slide attendants; parks and grounds maintenance; camp counselors; admissions/guest services attendants; MVP Sports coaches and more. There are also opportunities available at facilities such as Blackberry Farm and Red Oak Nature Center, officials said. MORE HERE

LAST WEEK's ANSWER:

The highest law of the land is the U.S. Constitution.

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