As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on my first year serving as State Senator for the 26th District and the incredible privilege of representing our community in Springfield.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shared their ideas, attended events, or taken the time to stay engaged — your involvement truly guides the work I do. I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me, and I’m looking forward to building on this year’s progress as we head into the new year together.
Topics below include:
- Mom & Meals Drive – Big Donation from Sysco
- The Next Generation of Leaders Make Their Mark at Senator Darby Hills’ Youth Advisory Council
- You Asked — We Acted
- Decorated Cookies with Seniors at Evolve
- Thank You Korean War Veteran Robert Warren for the Hat
- IDOR Urges Residents to be Alert While Online Shopping
- Lawmakers Fail to Act on Tax Relief for Tipped Workers
As always, my office is here to help if you have questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills
Mom & Meals Drive – Big Donation from Sysco!
Growing up raised by a single mother, I know firsthand how important support and community can be. That’s why I’m so grateful to Sysco for their generous donations to our Moms & Meals Drive. From ramen and baby purée to soups, pasta, and more, and for helping unload every box!
Every item will make a difference for families who need it most.
From now until December 15, I’m hosting the Moms and Meals Drive 🛒 to collect food and essential household items for single moms and families in need.
Drop off details:
📍 District office: 795 Ela Road, Suite 208, Lake Zurich
⏳ 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Want to donate but do not have extra time? Visit our Amazon Wish List to give directly online! All items will be sent to the district office.
Amazon wish list: Amazon Wish List – Darby Hills
All donations will be distributed to local food pantries throughout the district to help support those who support others. Together, we can make a real difference.
View more details on my website here.
You Asked — We Acted
This summer one of my interns and a Stevenson High School student, Anya Hong, came to me with a resolution she helped draft to increase awareness of neurodivergent students in Illinois schools to see if I would join on as a co-sponsor and help it advance in the Senate. This bipartisan resolution encourages K-8 schools to implement programs that teach students about neurodivergence, including conditions such as autism and ADHD, helping create classrooms where differences are respected and embraced.
I believe every child deserves to feel seen, understood, and valued in school and was proud to co-sponsor this resolution, SR0031 , and to see it adopted by the Senate during Veto Session this fall. Anya’s initiative reminded me that the next generation is already leading, and together we can take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive, compassionate learning environment for all Illinois students.
The Next Generation of Leaders Make Their Mark at Senator Darby Hills’ Youth Advisory Council
Last week, I welcomed high school students from across the district to my Youth Advisory Council at the Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich. Students spent the morning learning about the legislative process and hearing from our incredible guest speakers — GiGi Gianni of GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc., Mayor Donna Johnson of Village of Libertyville, Illinois – Government, and former State Representative Kent Gaffney of McGuireWoods Consulting.
After lunch, they worked in teams to draft their own legislation, present their proposals, and vote on their favorite. This year’s winning bill focuses on increasing restrictions for underage betting, an issue the students felt strongly about. We’re excited to take a deeper dive into their proposal this spring and explore how it can help protect young people across Illinois.
I’m truly grateful for this program because it gives students the chance to see how government works at every level and empowers them to think critically about the issues facing their communities. These students are the future of Illinois, and it’s important that we give them opportunities to learn, lead, and grow. Their ideas and perspectives not only strengthen this experience, but they also help me better represent them in the State Senate.
Watch a video of the Youth Advisory Council here.
Decorated Cookies with Seniors at Evolve
I had so much fun decorating cookies and sharing laughs with residents at Evolve Senior Living in Lake Zurich! It was the perfect way to start the holiday season!
Watch a video of us decorating cookies here!
Korean War Veteran Robert Warren Commemorates America’s 250th Birthday
Thank you to Korean War Veteran Robert (Bob) Warren for visiting the office and gifting me a hat to wear proudly in Springfield for America’s 250th birthday! Bob’s service, his involvement in the Lake Zurich American Legion, and his recognition as an Ambassador of Peace by the Republic of Korea are a reminder of the heroes living right here in our community!
Lawmakers Fail to Act on Tax Relief for Tipped Workers
Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker and the Democratic majority in Springfield chose not to advance proposals that would extend tax relief for tipped workers, even as families across Illinois continue to feel the strain of rising costs.
Senate Bill 140 was introduced to provide straightforward help by exempting tip income from state taxation. But the bill has still not received a hearing, leaving tipped workers to deal with confusing and conflicting tax rules that create extra paperwork and ultimately reduce their take-home pay.
This missed opportunity also follows the state’s decision to decouple from federal tax reforms, a change many employers worry could slow wage growth and make it harder for businesses and families to keep up.
Tipped workers and families deserve clarity and fairness. I am calling on legislative leaders to give SB 140 a hearing so lawmakers from both parties can come together, do the right thing, and deliver real relief for the families we serve.
IDOR Urges Residents to be Alert While Online Shopping
As the holiday gift-giving season kicks off, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is urging Illinoisans to stay alert when shopping online and to take simple steps to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
According to the PEW Research Center, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults report experiencing an online shopping scam. The FBI also reported that online scams and internet crimes are on the rise, with a record $16.6 billion in losses occurring in 2024.
To help combat the increase in online scams and crimes, IDOR shared some helpful online safety tips for Illinois shoppers:
- Shop with trusted retailers
- Pay with a credit card, rather than debit cards or other payment options
- Check for secure websites and look for https in the URL
- Use strong passwords and enable multifactor authentication
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for online shopping or financial transactions
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly
- Protect your personal and tax information
- Be alert for delivery and tracking scams
Follow these helpful tips and tricks to stay alert and be on the lookout for cybercriminals this holiday season.