Happy February! Last week was full of energy and meaningful connections across our district, from supporting families in foster care and adoption to helping residents with property tax appeals. We also saw so many wonderful Valentines for seniors being created and collected, and it was great to connect with residents during our traveling office hours.
As the Illinois Senate returns to Springfield this week, we continue working hard on your behalf during the spring legislative session, with committee hearings and floor action moving legislation forward.
This week’s topics include:
- Supporting Families Through Foster Care and Adoption
- You asked, We Acted – Accessing Foster Care History
- Successful Property Tax Appeal Event
- Last Call! Collecting Valentines for Seniors
- My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
Last Call! Collecting Valentines for Seniors
Thank you so much to Anne Schmitt and the Faith Confirmation Class at Holy Family Catholic Church for spreading so much love to our seniors! There’s still time to create and drop off your own Valentines at our office this week, let’s make sure every senior in our community feels remembered and appreciated!
Thank you so much to Anne Schmitt and the Faith Confirmation Class at Holy Family Catholic Church for spreading so much love to our seniors!
Residents interested in participating are encouraged to contact my office for drop-off details or visit https://www.senatordarbyhills.com/events/ to learn more about the program.
Drop off or mail cards by February 6th, 2026 to my district office at 795 Ela Road, Suite 208, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Drop off hours are between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Supporting Families Through Foster Care and Adoption: Senator Darby Hills Partners with Let It Be Us and Local Legislators for Educational Seminar
Over the weekend, I was proud to help bring together Let It Be Us and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to lead a Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar in Libertyville. We had a wonderful turnout, every seat was filled, and it was incredibly touching to see the room so engaged. When we asked who was interested in adopting, almost every hand went up, showing the deep care and commitment of everyone in attendance.
Illinois currently has 22,000 children in foster care but only about 9,000 foster families statewide. Events like this are so important because they connect people with the resources, information, and support they need to step forward and make a real difference in a child’s life.
Attendees heard from experts, including Dr. Susan McConnell of Let It Be Us, who shared real-life experiences of foster and adoptive families, explained available resources, and offered guidance on navigating foster care and adoption.
I highlighted my ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen support for children and families, including the Healing Through History Act SB 2895, which ensures families have the information and resources needed for stable, successful placements, and SB 2869, legislation that would require DCFS to publicly report how many children in state care are reported missing, how many are found, and how many remain missing.
I’m truly grateful to everyone who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and showed up ready to learn. Seeing so many people committed to helping children reminded me how powerful our communities can be when we come together to support families and ensure every child grows up safe, loved, and valued. To learn more or get involved, visit letitbeus.org.
You asked, We Acted – Accessing Foster Care History
A constituent shared with me the struggle of adopting two of her three children from foster care. While she could access information about their biological parents, she had no details about the foster homes where her children had lived. Without this information, it was much harder to help them heal from the trauma they experienced.
That’s why I filed Senate Bill 1847, to make sure families adopting from foster care receive a complete copy of a child’s records, including medical, therapy, and placement history, at least 30 days before adoption is finalized. The bill also ensures former foster youth over 18 can access their records for free.
Every child deserves to know their own story, and every family deserves the tools to support them. These records already exist, and sharing them helps children, families, and communities thrive.
If you would like to read a full article of me speaking on SB 2895, you can read one here on Cities 929, and another one here on AdVantage News.
Successful Property Tax Appeal Event
Great turnout at our Property Tax Appeal Assistance event in Palatine last week. Thank you to the Cook County Board of Review for coming to Palatine to help answer questions and thank you to everyone who came out to get answers, review their bills, and make sure they are not paying more than they should.
In total, we helped 90 residents, and 72 property tax appeals were submitted on site. That is real relief for hardworking taxpayers and families in our community!
One story that stood out was a young couple who missed filing an exemption, which cost them $1,000 and increased the amount they owed in property taxes. They shared that this is something many people miss, especially new homeowners, and it is exactly why these events matter.
If you still need help, please contact our office at (224)662-4544, we’re here to support you. Also, don’t forget that the Palatine Township appeal deadline is tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026!
My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
Connecting with our community is important, so we’re bringing the office to you! Stop by our Traveling Office Hours in Palatine on February 19 to meet our team, share your thoughts, and get help with any state-related questions. Your input helps guide my work in Springfield.
Spring 2026 Internship Opportunity
I am pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Spring 2026 Internship Program!
Last summer, we had a wonderful group of interns in our district office. It was a great experience getting to work alongside students who were eager to learn, serve their community, and gain real world experience in public service. Seeing their growth and enthusiasm made me even more excited to continue this program.
Please see the flyer below for more information.
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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