On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and reflect on the freedoms their service protects.
As we enter the final week of session ahead of the May 31 deadline, we’re focused on finishing strong and getting important work done at the Capitol.
Topics below include:
- Honoring Our Heroes this Memorial Day
- You Asked – We Acted, Addressing the Rapid Growth of Data Centers in Our Communities
- Working to Expand Inclusive Employment Opportunities
- Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events
- Strengthening Child Care & Group Home Safety Standards in Illinois
- Quest Academy and Fremont School Visited the Capitol
- May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Honoring Our Heroes this Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage and sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and their legacy will never be forgotten.
On Saturday, I was honored to attend the Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Rolling Meadows Veterans Committee and the City of Rolling Meadows at the Bell Tower. Community leaders, local organizations, music groups, and residents came together to pay tribute to the fallen and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.
At the Capitol, we also set up a Memorial Day display recognizing the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who served.
As we gather with family and friends today, let us take a moment to remember our fallen heroes and honor their memory through gratitude, service, and love of country.
You Asked – We Acted
Addressing the Rapid Growth of Data Centers in Our Communities
This past week, in response to concerns surrounding a potential data center project in the Barrington area, I filed an amendment to SB1050 to restrict data centers from being built within a certain mile radius of residential areas, and ensure local communities have a stronger voice in the siting of data centers in Illinois. As these facilities continue to expand across our state, we must ensure that growth is balanced with local decision-making and environmental responsibility. My amendment establishes that a data center may not be sited within three miles of the corporate boundaries of another municipality unless that municipality provides prior written consent. It also clarifies that counties may adopt additional standards to protect water resources, including limits on water withdrawal, requirements for water reuse or conservation systems, and safeguards to prevent contamination.
In addition, counties may establish standards to mitigate noise pollution. These provisions help ensure that while Illinois continues to support innovation and economic development, we also protect our natural resources and preserve the ability of local governments to make decisions that reflect the needs of their communities.
Working to Expand Inclusive Employment Opportunities
I had the opportunity to testify before the Revenue Committee on my Senate Bill 2744, which works to expand employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and severe mental illness through employer tax incentives.
I introduced this legislation after visiting Clearbrook, a local nonprofit organization that provides housing, employment, educational, and community support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and hearing directly from individuals who simply wanted the opportunity to work, contribute, and live more independently. One conversation in particular stayed with me when someone said, “I just want to work.” That moment reinforced how important it is that we continue creating pathways to meaningful employment and greater independence for individuals across Illinois.
I was especially honored to be joined by three constituents who shared their personal experiences and perspectives in support of this legislation. Joe, who helped work on this bill from the beginning, joined us in person to testify. I was also joined by Terrance White, one of Clearbrook’s members.
Hearing directly from individuals and advocates today about the importance of opportunity, dignity, and purpose in the workplace was incredibly powerful, and I remain committed to continuing these discussions and working collaboratively to improve this legislation moving forward.
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events
As summer approaches, our office is excited to bring even more events and opportunities to connect across the 26th District! We have a full schedule of outreach events planned throughout June and beyond, and we look forward to seeing you in the community. Please mark your calendars and join us if you are able:
- June 1st – Senior Fair in Lake Zurich from 10 AM – 12 PM
- June 2nd – Fremont Township Blood Drive from 12 PM – 5 PM
- June 4th – IPASS/ICASH Event in Volo from 3 PM – 6 PM
- June 9th – Office Hours at Ela Area Public Library from 10 AM – 12 PM
- June 10th – Senior Fraud Event in Palatine from 12 PM – 1:30 PM
- June 15th – Blood Drive in Algonquin from 12 PM – 5 PM
All of these events are listed on the Events page of my website with full details, and additional events are added regularly. Please check back often for updates and new opportunities to stay engaged across the district.
Strengthening Child Care & Group Home Safety Standards in Illinois
Under current law, Illinois establishes and enforces minimum licensing standards for childcare facilities and certain residential care settings, including group homes, to help ensure the safety, health, and well-being of children. These standards include requirements related to staff qualifications and training, supervision, facility conditions, and emergency preparedness, including CPR and first aid certification. I am co-sponsoring House Bill 2190, which builds on this foundation by strengthening existing requirements to ensure that at least two non-administrative staff members in licensed childcare settings and group homes are certified in CPR, first aid, and the Heimlich maneuver within 90 days of employment.
I am proud to support this practical step to improve emergency readiness in settings that care for children, ensuring that more than one trained staff member is available to respond quickly when seconds matter. Having passed the General Assembly, the bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
Quest Academy and Fremont School Visit the Capitol
It was wonderful to welcome students and staff from both Quest Academy in Palatine and Fremont School to the Illinois State Capitol this week! Quest Academy holds a special place for my family, as my son attended the school for a time, which made the visit especially meaningful. I always enjoy meeting with students, answering their questions, and seeing their interest in how state government works firsthand. Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit Springfield!
Welcoming a Dedicated Community Leader and Friend to the Capitol
It was a pleasure to welcome my good friend Nicole to the Capitol this week, along with her son and his classmates. Nicole is a passionate philanthropist and a dedicated leader with the Hippocrates Cancer Research Foundation, where she works to support cancer research and bring greater awareness to the fight against cancer.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Ticks have been especially bad across Illinois this year, and more families are becoming aware of the very real dangers that tick-borne illnesses can pose. That’s why Lyme Disease Awareness Month is so important.
Last year, I passed the TICK Act into law to improve awareness, tracking, and education surrounding tick-borne illnesses and alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).
Too many people spend months or even years searching for answers after becoming sick from a tick bite. This law helps ensure healthcare providers have better tools and information to recognize symptoms earlier, support patients, and protect families across Illinois.
As ticks continue spreading throughout our state, awareness and prevention matter more than ever. Remember to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, protect your pets, and stay informed.
As always, my office is here to help if you have any questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills