Dear Stephanie,

One week ago, we came together to honor the life and legacy of my friend, and a friend to many, US Navy Veteran Herschel Luckinbill, during a touching dedication ceremony for the road named in his memory. It was a truly wonderful event, and I want to thank everyone who was able to join us. I hope you enjoy the photos I have included and you can watch the ABC coverage here. If you want to watch the whole ceremony, the Village of Oswego live streamed it on their Facebook page.

I am gearing up for the upcoming Veto Session in Springfield, scheduled from October 24 to 26 and November 7 to 9. During Veto Session, we will have the opportunity to address legislation vetoed by the Governor. This session also provides a opportunity to tackle other essential legislative matters that require our attention. I am pleased to share that, over the summer, as the Chair of the Personnel and Pensions Committee I conducted five subject matter hearings. These hearings were instrumental in gathering valuable input on finding some viable solutions to Illinois' pension challenges, but there is more work that will be done next year as well.

Furthermore, I am continuing my yearly support for Toys 4 Tots, and we already have a few toys in the office. My office is now accepting donations for Toys 4 Tots, if you are unaware of this program, it is a program run by United States Marines, dedicated to ensuring that every child experiences the joy of the holiday season. Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of children in need. Last year our two boxes were over flowing, let's do it again this year! Please find more information below on how you can contribute to this meaningful cause.

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.

On Friday last week we held a ceremony celebrating the late Veteran Herschel Luckinbill and officially dedicating a section of Route 30 as "Herschel Luckinbill Road." It was a wonderful evening with lots of heartwarming stories shared by Herschel's friends a family. Whenever you're on that section of Route 30, remember Herschel, and thank about how you can honor his legacy by giving back to Veterans in your own community!

Friday evening we had a great time at the Mutual Ground annual gala! There, my colleagues and I were honored with an award for securing $5 million of state grant money to expand their building and continue their mission of empowering individuals, families, and communities to eliminate domestic and sexual violence and the harms of substance use.

Pictured in the photo

Mutual Ground CEO Linda Maranda, Representative Matt Hanson, Representative Barbara Hernandez, Senator Linda Holmes, Representative Stephanie Kifowit, Representative Maura Hirschauer, and Mutual Ground Board President Anne Barrett. Senator Karina Villa was also recognized but was unable to attend the event. 

On Wednesday I supported my fellow Veterans at a meeting of the Veterans Committee of Cook County. The Commission discussed the organizational structures and available benefits from the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) and the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs (CCVA). Due to legislative changes to the Illinois Veteran’s Affairs Act, Cook County was required to amend the Veterans Assistance Commission ordinance to comply and to establish the legal relationship between the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) and the County Board.

Now Accepting Donations 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, M-F

At our District Office: 1677 Montgomery Road, Suite 166, Aurora, IL 60504

Toy Suggestions: We accept toys for age groups infant to 14, but have a great need for girls/boys 18 months and younger and girls/boys ages 11 to 14.

Since 1947 The Marine Corps and Toys for Tots Has Been Making a Difference in the Lives of American Families.

Please help us in joining the Marine Corps Toys for Tots toy drive. So far Toys for Tots have distributed 21,800 toys to Kane County residents alone. Toys for Tots takes new, opened toys, the drive runs through December with drop of areas all nearby, including our office!

For more information, please click HERE

The $1 billion award will boost decarbonization efforts in Illinois and other Midwestern states.

Illinois joined Indiana and Michigan in announcing a $1 billion federal funding award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, which is a network that enables decarbonization through strategic hydrogen use and will reduce carbon emission by approximately 3.9 million metric tons per year.

The DOE award builds on Illinois' landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which set a national standard for aggressive decarbonization goals by pledging to be completely reliant on clean energy by 2050.

Visit to Illinois.gov for more information

Eligible Career Education Agencies and Non-Profit Organizations Can Now Apply to Be Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EECs).

The EEC Grant Program was created to address the need for tailored support at a local, community and cultural level for Illinoisans in targeted populations in the business community, including minorities, women, individuals with a disability, dislocated workers, veterans, and youth entrepreneurs.

EECs will provide business advice, technical assistance, education, and cohort training, including resources and training tailored toward start-ups, existing businesses, and dislocated workers. 

Qualified entities can apply for grants between $250,000 to $500,000, with a 1:1 match required. DCEO anticipates selecting up to 10 awards. Applications will be accepted until November 28, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat with special guest Michaela Haberkern 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 Michelle@ILDistrict84.com or call the

office at 630.585.1308.