Friend,
I hope you’ll join us for the upcoming Kids Fair in Lake Zurich — a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and enjoy fun activities together. I also want to invite you to our I-PASS On Demand Event on Monday, August 18, from 3–6 PM at Grand Dominion by Del Webb in Mundelein.
In addition, I’m excited to share updates from my work, including my participation in the Edgar Fellows program, which strengthens my commitment to serving you with strong leadership. I’m also raising urgent concerns about ongoing failures at DCFS that put children at risk and advocating for meaningful reforms to better protect our families. Finally, new grant opportunities are available to help make walking and biking to school safer — a cause I proudly support.
Thank you for trusting me to represent you. I look forward to working together to build a stronger, safer community.
Sincerely,
Senator Darby Hills
Kids Fair in Lake Zurich!
Family and friends! Join me for a fun-filled Kids Fair on August 16!
Families can explore local and state resources, enjoy face painting, a live animal show, studio performances, and even check out fire trucks and police cars at our Touch-a-Truck experience!
Don’t miss it — 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Foglia YMCA in Lake Zurich!
Learn more about it at https://www.senatordarbyhills.com/events/
Building Leadership and Broadening Perspectives as an Edgar Fellow
I was honored to be chosen as part of the Edgar Fellow Class of 2025. I’ve most enjoyed engaging with passionate peers on critical issues like healthcare, energy, public transit, and Medicaid. The program challenged me to think deeply about these complex topics while developing practical leadership skills to drive meaningful change. Collaborating in a diverse, supportive community allowed me to broaden my perspective and strengthen my commitment to public service and impactful leadership!
Audit Reveals Ongoing DCFS Failures, Putting Children in Harm’s Way
A new report from the Illinois Auditor General has once again exposed alarming failures at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The audit found that 29 of 34 issues were repeat violations from previous years — a troubling sign that systemic problems remain unaddressed under Governor Pritzker’s watch.
These failures aren’t just numbers on a page — they represent real children whose safety is being compromised. Families across Illinois deserve to know that when abuse or neglect is reported, the system will respond swiftly and effectively. Instead, vulnerable children remain at risk, and parents are left wondering if help will arrive when it’s needed most.
The tragic death of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee, who was known to DCFS, is a heartbreaking reminder of what’s at stake. I believe it is past time for meaningful reforms that protect children, support struggling families, and hold DCFS leadership accountable for safeguarding the lives entrusted to their care.
Grants Now Available for Safe Routes to School Projects
As students prepare to return to school, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has opened applications for its Safe Routes to School program. The initiative aims to make walking, biking, and rolling to school safer for students across the state.
This year, $12 million in federal funding is available for projects such as new sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and public education campaigns. Grants can award up to $250,000, with priority given to schools serving low-income students and students with disabilities.
Eligible applicants include school districts, municipalities, nonprofits, and planning organizations. The deadline to apply is October 13, with awards announced in the spring.
More details are available on the Safe Routes to School program homepage.
