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Hello Stephanie,
I hope you and your family are well. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to provide you with an update on the activity in Springfield. Last week, the General Assembly convened for two days, and this past week, we met Tuesday through Thursday.
While the agenda did not include controversial items, we did address time-sensitive matters and extend expiring laws. This week, some key committee meetings took place, including discussions on the KIND Act, gubernatorial appointments, and student athlete transfer policies. I will be convening a pensions subject matter hearing in the first half of December.
Looking ahead, we anticipate reconvening in early January, just ahead of the inauguration of the 104th General Assembly on January 8, 2024. I remain committed to keeping you informed about the work being done on your behalf, and thank you for staying engaged and active in our democratic process.
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State Representative Stephanie Kifowit
Illinois House, 84th District
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2024 Aurora Winter Lights Fest | |
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TONIGHT - 6:00 P.M
- PARADE begins at 6:30 p.m. at Downer Place and Water Street!
- CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING will commence immediately following the parade at the GAR Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place!
- DRONE SHOW will then light up the night sky over the downtown!
- Enjoy the rest of the family-friendly evening with photos with SANTA, music and dancing, LIVE music, photos with costumed characters & special backdrops, food trucks and Food Vendors, and special holiday shopping deals at Downtown Businesses! MORE INFO
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Recognizing Military Family Month | |
This November, we honor the sacrifices made by military families. Separation, frequent moves, long hours, and many difficulties in daily life are just some of the unique challenges they face on the home front. Their support for our people in uniform is crucial. Thank you! | |
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We invite you to drop off new, unwrapped toys at our Aurora district office, Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Fridays from 9 am to Noon.
Let’s come together as a community to spread some holiday cheer and make a positive impact on the lives of local kids. Thank you for your support!
More information here.
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Illinois EPA Announces Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contests | |
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The Illinois EPA is inviting 5th and 6th grade writers and artists from around Illinois to participate in this year’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest.
The 2025 theme How Can You Slash Your Trash? invites students to think creatively about how to reduce the amount of waste they produce.
Teachers may submit up to eight individual entries per school to the Illinois EPA by February 3, 2025.
In addition to the individual student contest, this year’s competition also includes a group video contest for 5th and 6th grade classrooms.
Additional information: epa.illinois.gov/topics/education/contest.html.
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November 25 - Coffee with Kiffy | | |
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Join Rep. Stephanie Kifowit for a Community Coffee Chat on Monday, November 25!
This is your chance to share concerns, ask questions, and get the latest updates on what's happening in the State of Illinois. Tune in on Facebook from the comfort of home and engage in an open conversation with your Representative.
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Listen wherever you get your podcasts! | |
Illinois Fact of the Week | |
Did you know? The Illinois State Artifact is...the Pirogue! | |
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Similar to a canoe, the pirogue was first used by Native Americans in the swamps and marshes of Louisiana.
- Pirogues were flat bottomed, instead of concave like canoes, which allowed them to glide over obstacles in swamps and marshes.
- The pirogue was dug out of a cypress log and could be very heavy, sometimes weighing several thousand pounds.
- Illinois designated the pirogue as the official state artifact in 2016.
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This Week's Poll:
State Lobbying Compensation Reporting
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- HB 4591 would require lobbyists to disclose compensation received from each client.
- explicitly allows the Secretary of State to revoke or suspend lobbyists who fail to file required reports
- Currently, there’s no way for the public to know exactly how much is being spent to shape state law through lobbying
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Last Poll Results:
Statewide Public Defender Office
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- The proposal aims to establish an independent statewide office to support under-resourced public defenders, particularly in rural areas.
- The revised bill includes a detailed selection process for a state public defender and creates a commission to reduce judicial influence over appointments.
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Illinois became the first state to ratify the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting poll tax as a requisite for voting in federal elections.
As recently as 62 years ago, some southern states still enforced poll taxes and literacy tests, instituted after slaves were freed, to deny citizens of color the right to vote.
The 24th Amendment was limited to federal elections as a concession to states' rights interest groups. But in 1966, the Supreme Court found that poll taxes in all state and local elections were also prohibited, this time under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Learn more at constitutioncenter.org
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Illinois FREE Museum Pass Program
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Our "Museums in the Park" program continues to be available to all District 84 residents.
Take advantage of 4 FREE tickets per visit to one of the many museums, zoos, and aquariums all across the Chicagoland area!
Request Your Tickets Today!
(Requires at least 2 week advance notice)
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Save and share this with friends in the district! | |
Looking for info from a previous newsletter? All past editions are available here on our website. | | | | |
