Dear friend,
This Memorial Day, I joined colleagues at the Capitol at the 2025 Wall of Remembrance — a tribute to the brave Illinoisans who gave their lives for our country. We honor their sacrifice and the freedom they secured for us all.
I’m also proud to share that my first bill, the TICK Act, passed with bipartisan support. It tackles alpha-gal syndrome, a dangerous tick-borne allergy, by improving tracking, doctor training, and public awareness.
Finally, I’m fighting to stop a $32 million cut to care for people with developmental disabilities. These services are vital, and no family should face uncertainty about their loved one’s care.
2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance at Illinois State Capitol
This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Their courage, devotion, and selflessness will never be forgotten.
My Republican colleagues and I gathered at the Illinois State Capitol on Thursday to unveil the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance, a tribute to the brave men and women from Illinois who gave their lives in service to their nation. This solemn display serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of our liberty and the heroes who paid that price.
Passed My First Bill to Strengthen Public Health and Protect Families
I’m proud to share that I’ve passed my first bill, the TICK Act, to better protect Illinois families from alpha-gal syndrome — a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy caused by tick bites.
Alpha-gal syndrome can turn everyday foods like beef into a medical emergency, yet it’s still widely underdiagnosed and misunderstood, even among doctors. Illinois has one of the highest rates in the nation, but until now, we haven’t had a clear system to track cases or educate the public and medical community.
HB 1754 requires our Department of Public Health to report and monitor cases, provide training for healthcare providers, and launch public awareness efforts so families know the risks and get help early.
It’s critical we act now to protect people’s health, reduce suffering, and improve our response to this growing threat. I’m honored the TICK Act passed with bipartisan support and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.
Fighting to Protect Care for Illinois Families with Disabilities
One of my top priorities is standing up for all Illinois families, especially those who rely on critical care and support. Recently, the Governor’s proposed budget included a $32 million cut to Direct Support Professional service hours, which provide vital care to nearly 10,000 Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in community settings.
While there is a small wage increase for these essential workers, the reduction in service hours risks eliminating hundreds of positions and leaves many families worried about the care their loved ones will receive. Cuts like this impact some of our most vulnerable neighbors and create uncertainty for families already facing challenges.
Every budget reflects our values and priorities. My colleagues and I sent a letter to the Governor to restore this funding so we can build a fair, compassionate system that supports all families and honors the dignity of every individual with disabilities. Together, we can protect these important services and ensure no family is left behind.
Congrats Graduates!
Congratulations to all of our incredible graduates! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud.
If you or someone you know is a student in our district and would like to receive a graduation certificate from Senator Hills, please email Kim Johnson at kjohnson@sgop.ilga.gov with your name and school. Let’s celebrate this milestone together!
