Hello Stephanie,

I hope this message finds you well. Last week was a busy week in Springfield filled with advancing crucial legislation through committees and meeting with constituents and community stakeholders from across our district.

Importantly, I successfully advanced four House Joint Resolutions commemorating local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. These resolutions, which passed the Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges subcommittee on Wednesday, aim to honor the memory and valor of fallen service members by designating sections of highways in their names.

Another highlight was welcoming the Consul General of Japan, Mr. Jun Yanagi, to the Capitol and listening to his address to the join session.

Our relationship with Japan has spanned decades and has never been stronger. The success of Japanese businesses in the Midwest is critical to the success of Illinois, and we look forward to building upon that to improve our collective economies.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with county officials, members of the illinois realtors association, firefighters, and more.

A crucial date to mark on your calendars is April 19th, as it signifies the deadline for House Bills to attain 3rd Reading. Mark May 1st on your calendars for the highly anticipated Illinois House vs Senate Softball Game at Robin Roberts Stadium. Additionally, don't forget that May 3rd marks the deadline for Senate bills to progress past committee.

Lastly, let's take a moment to honor the Air Force Reserve who celebrated their 76th Birthday on Sunday. Their dedication and service to our nation are truly commendable, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all members past and present.

As always, I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input is invaluable as we strive to represent our district effectively.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

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

On Tuesday I attended a coffee, conversation, and tour of RUSH Copley Medical Center in Aurora.

CASA Kane County Meet and Greet - April 25

Join the Aurora Chamber of Commerce for a happy hour to learn more about the mission of CASA Kane County and the increasing service to the children of Aurora. MORE HERE

Arbor Day Tree Dedication & Sapling Giveaway - Montgomery - April 26

Each year the Village dedicates a new native Illinois tree species to the Arboretum Garden area in front of the Police Department near the silo along Rt. 30. Those attending will receive a chance to win, and the committee will giveaways the saplings at approximately 10:30A. MORE HERE

Are you struggling with medical debt? You are not alone. More than 100 million people in America — a startling 41% of adults — have medical bills they cannot pay.

The good news is DuPage Health Coalition can help. Open to uninsured and underinsured DuPage County Residents (all immigration statuses welcome), Medical Debt Care DuPage has a team of financial counselors who can review outstanding bills and help local residents apply for medical financial assistance programs.

Whether it's past or present medical bills—from hospitals, ambulances, doctor's offices, or those in collections—all qualify for review. Services are free, provided in-person or virtually, with appointments readily available.

To learn more, watch a video here. To be contacted for help, email medicaldebt@accessdupage.org.

April is Financial Literacy Month. Seize the opportunity to tackle medical debt and look forward to a stronger financial future by contacting DuPage Health Coalition today.

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers that the upcoming deadline is quickly approaching for filing 2023 state individual income tax returns: Monday, April 15, 2024.

IDOR’s taxpayer assistance numbers are available for tax-related inquiries without having to wait for an agent. To receive assistance taxpayers may call 1-800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336.

• Free language assistance for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals is available.
• IDOR will also have extended telephone hours with representatives on hand to assist taxpayers with any last-minute questions on Friday, April 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Monday, April 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules, and instructions for the 2024 tax season, please visit IDOR's website at tax.illinois.gov.

Did you know? By age 3, kids can grasp basic money concepts. By age 7, many of their money habits are already set. Research shows when children acquire an early understanding about how to manage money, it pays back in dividends.

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office administers programs that focus on financial growth and empowerment. They have created materials for the entire family. These tools can help communities build brighter financial futures.

Parents, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a reading list for you and your child.The Treasurer has created activity packets from content in their standards-based curriculum, Money Minded Illinois. These packets are versatile and can be used by parents, teachers, librarians, or other caregivers.

Adults and Teens, they have something for you, too. The Illinois Financial Wellness Hub (FinWell Hub) is an online platform with dynamic tools and courses that provides free personal finance resources. FinWell Hub resources are available on demand via internet browser on your computer or mobile device, so no need to download an app. Popular topics include budgeting, saving for an emergency fund, retirement planning, managing debt, buying a home, investing, and more. Create a free account today and tell your friends. 

Happy learning!

Our Constituent Resource card provides you with free tickets to Illinois' best museums, zoos, and aquariums!

Constituents can fill out this form at least 2 weeks in advance. Up to 4 tickets per request.

Use our pass to go to . . .

• John G. Shedd Aquarium
• Brookfield Zoo/CZS
• Museum of Science and Industry
• The Field Museum
• Adler Planetarium
• Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Chicago Academy of Sciences
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Chicago Botanic Garden
• Chicago Children’s Museum
• Museum of Mexican Art
• Chicago History Museum
• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
• DuSable Museum of African American History

LAST WEEK's ANSWER:

Chicago's famous deep dish pizza was invented by Uno's Pizzaria in 1943!

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