Hello Stephanie,

I hope you are enjoying the spring weather as we begin the month of May! Over the past few weeks, I've been busy representing our community.

Last week, I had the privilege of representing our great state of Illinois in Washington, D.C. at the North America's Building Trades Union (NABTU) Legislative Conference. It was an opportunity to advocate for our state's interests and collaborate with leaders from across the nation on issues critical to workforce development and a good career in our trade unions.

In Springfield, I'm proud to announce that all the bills I championed have successfully passed through the House and are now poised for consideration in the Senate. And this week I presented all my Senate bills in committee for final passage. You can find a summary of these bills below.

In addition, a couple weeks ago, we were honored to welcome Consul General of Canada, Madeleine Fequiere, to the Illinois House of Representatives.

Our enduring partnership with Canada is vital as we strive to build a brighter future for both nations.

I also had the privilege of engaging with various advocacy groups, including discussions with the Veterans Chamber of Commerce and members of the United Steel Workers Union about Veteran legislation. Thank you for the opportunity to connect during the legislative conference.

Finally, I am looking forward to welcoming members of the Illinois Rolling Thunder to Springfield this upcoming Wednesday for the reading of House Joint Resolutions 53-56.

These resolutions commemorate local heroes who went Missing in Action (MIA) in service to their country. They will honor the memory and valor of these fallen service members by designating sections of highways in their names. You can read more here.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

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

HB0280

Allows the option for a remote hearing and allows the state to assist domestic violence victims with travel funds for domestic violence proceedings.

HB0612

Provides invaluable support to our World War II Veterans by expanding the Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Exemption.

HB4171

Designates the portion of Interstate 80 within Illinois as the "United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Memorial Highway."

HB4757

Collaboration with Veterans and the IL AFL-CIO to mandate the design and display of a Veteran Benefit, Services and Protection poster for employers to display at their place of employment.

HB4870

This Troopers Lodge initiative that would allow benefit recipients to get paid an estimated monthly amount until the final calculation can be made, eliminating harmful delays.

HB4934

This initiative, led by the Naperville VFW Post 3873, is aimed at honoring and restoring grave markers of Veterans aged 100 years or more.

HB5271

Makes evidence of a criminal defendant’s voluntary intoxication inadmissible for the purpose of negating the their state of mind and prohibits any such argument to the trier of fact.

HB5269

Mandates the assignment of a mental health provider to all youth in DCFS care. These providers will conduct an initial visit within 30 days of a child's placement in DCFS custody, followed by regular follow-up visits and welfare checks as necessary.

HB5640

Updates Illinois statutes to recognize the United States Space Force, established in 2019, and ensures equal acknowledgment of all military members.

HB5655

Ensures members of the National Guard and reserves are allowed to make up classes or assignments missed due to drill obligations.

Last weekend I was honored to be the Keynote Speaker at the Kankakee Community College Women Veteran Retreat

It is always wonderful to connect with fellow Women Veterans and hear their stories. Women Veterans have made significant contributions to our nation throughout history, yet we face unique challenges in transitioning to civilian life. Legislative and organizational efforts are crucial in ensuring that women Veterans receive the recognition, support, and services they deserve.

Mark your calendars!

Our annual shred and recycle day will be held on Saturday, July 13th!

Last week, Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim announced $25.1 million awarded to 20 applicants for electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program.

Through these grants, Illinois will increase the number of fast charging ports by over 100 percent, resulting in nearly 1,000 more fast charging ports available for Illinois.

Aurora and Naperville will both get two new charging stations at publicly accessible locations, thanks to the funding.

MORE HERE

Beginning this summer, the state of Illinois will provide grocery benefits to help families with eligible school-age children buy groceries during the summer. Learn more about this new program: isbe.net

Learn more about all Illinois Board of Education Nutrition Programs HERE

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2024 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which offers students a creative way to share their vision of agriculture in our state.

Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, as well as at the 2024 Illinois State Fair.

The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic submissions for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest at www.CreamoftheCropContest.com. Each student may submit up to two photos by June 14, 2024.

More Information at

https://chamberofmontgomeryil.org/scholarship/

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:

The Ice Cream Sundae originated in. . . Evanston, Illinois!

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