I hope you enjoyed your weekend! As our students head back to the classroom, I want to wish every student, parent, teacher and school staff member a safe, successful and exciting school year.
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.
Topics below include:
- Wrapping Up a Summer of Giving
- You Asked, We Acted: Find Grant Opportunities
- Illinois Cannot Afford to Keep Losing Jobs and Opportunities
- Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You
Wrapping Up a Summer of Giving
What a great way to wrap up our summer blood drive series! We had a great turnout in Palatine and it was wonderful meeting so many of you along the way. This summer, we held blood drives across the 26th District in Mundelein, Algonquin, Palatine and Wauconda, and I’m so grateful to everyone who took the time to donate.
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and helped make a difference. Your generosity helps save lives right here in our communities!
You Asked, We Acted: Find Grant Opportunities
I often hear from local organizations, communities and residents looking for help finding grant opportunities. You asked, so we made it easier!
I’ve added a new Grants & Funding Opportunities page to my website with direct links to Illinois state agencies that offer grant programs, all in one place.
Whether you’re looking for funding for a community project, infrastructure, transportation, public safety or other local needs, I encourage you to take a look. You may find an opportunity that’s a great fit for you or your community.
Visit my website at www.senatordarbyhills.com and find Grant Opportunities under the “Resources” tab. Explore the available programs and see if you can find an opportunity that may benefit you, your organization or your community.
One of the latest opportunities is the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), which provides funding for eligible transportation and community improvement projects.
Illinois Cannot Afford to Keep Losing Jobs and Opportunities
Illinois families and businesses are being asked to pay more just to live, work and grow in our state. The latest announcement from Tyson Foods is another warning sign.
Tyson’s decision to close its Joslin facility will put more than 2,000 Illinoisans out of work, following the company’s 2022 decision to move approximately 500 corporate positions from Chicago to Arkansas.
At the same time, the Chicago Bears are increasingly looking across the border, with team President and CEO Kevin Warren saying their “sole focus” is developing a new stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana.
These are two very different situations, but they raise an important question: What are we doing to make Illinois a place where businesses want to stay, invest and create jobs?
As a state senator, I hear from families struggling with the rising cost of everyday life. High property taxes, groceries, utilities, housing and transportation are putting pressure on household budgets, while businesses face many of the same challenges.
Illinois has everything it needs to succeed. We have a talented workforce, strong communities, infrastructure and a great location. But we cannot take those advantages for granted.
Government should be focused on making Illinois more affordable, not making it more expensive to live and do business here. Illinois families and businesses deserve a state that wants them to succeed.
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You
There’s something happening all year long across the 26th District! I am hosting these events to connect residents with valuable resources, services, educational seminars, family activities, and opportunities to get involved.
August Events
💻 Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World
Wednesday, August 26 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Barrington Park District
235 Lions Drive, Barrington
💊 Palatine Prescription Drug Drop-Off Event
Saturday, August 29 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Palatine Police Department
595 N. Hicks Rd., Palatine
September Events
💊 Mundelein Medicare 101
Tuesday, September 8 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Mundelein Police Department
221 N. Lake St., Mundelein, IL 60060
🎓 Virtual Financial Aid Webinar
Wednesday, September 9 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual Event
💡 Utility Bill Clinic
Thursday, September 10 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Palatine Senior Center
505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
💼 Job Fair
Monday, September 21 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mundelein Park & Recreation District
1401 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein
🛡️ Hawthorn Woods Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar
Wednesday, September 23 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
The Barn at Village Hall
2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
🚗 Free Car Seat Safety Inspection
Saturday, September 26 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Algonquin Police Department
2200 Harnish Dr., Algonquin, IL 60102
🚙 Palatine Township Mobile DMV Event
Wednesday, September 30 | 10:00 AM
721 S. Quentin Rd., Suite 101, Palatine, IL 60067
👵 Wauconda Senior Health Fair
Wednesday, September 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wauconda Township
505 West Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
Stay tuned for more events to be added! Visit www.senatordarbyhills.com/events to follow along and learn more details.
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