Friend,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I spent the last few days preparing to return to Springfield as the 2026 spring legislative session begins this week. As lawmakers head back to the Capitol, my focus remains on standing up for families, protecting our communities, and working to lower costs for those who are feeling the pinch of higher prices.
This week’s topics include:
- Lawmakers Set to Return to the Capitol for Spring Session
- Upcoming Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar
- Collecting Valentines for Seniors
- My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
- Senator Hills Opposes Energy Law That Threatens to Raise Energy Costs for Illinois Families
Lawmakers Set to Return to the Capitol for Spring Session
This week, lawmakers return to the Capitol for the start of the spring legislative session, and I believe this moment calls for a real change in direction in Springfield. Illinois families are already stretched thin by higher prices, and decisions made during the fall Veto Session only made that burden heavier.
During Veto Session, Democrat lawmakers finalized and advanced several controversial measures despite ongoing concerns about affordability and the rising cost of living. Those measures included a sweeping transit bailout for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago, a major tax increase on Illinois businesses and manufacturers, and a new energy omnibus package expected to drive up utility rates statewide.
As we begin spring session, my focus remains clear, supporting and protecting Illinois families and working to lower costs wherever possible. The General Assembly must prioritize policies that provide real relief, strengthen our economy, and make Illinois a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.
Spring session runs through the end of May, and I will continue to advocate for responsible decisions that put taxpayers and families first. You can view the full schedule for the Senate here and the House here.
Upcoming Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar
I’m proud to partner with Let It Be Us and fellow legislators for a Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar on January 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Libertyville at the Libertyville Civic Center.
Whether you’re just starting to learn or looking to get more involved, this free event offers valuable information and resources for supporting children and families impacted by foster care and adoption.
All are welcome and attendance is free. Seating is limited, register now at letitbeus.org/senatorhills. Please contact Kate at katesoldan@letitbeus.org if you have any questions.
Collecting Valentines for Seniors
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I am inviting you to write a Valentine’s Day card for seniors in our district. These small gestures mean so much and help remind our seniors they are valued and remembered.
Last year, our caucus collected and delivered more than 60,000 Valentine’s cards statewide, helping brighten the day for thousands of 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. Monday- Friday.
My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
Connecting with our community is important to us, which is why we’re bringing the office to Palatine!
Stop by during our Traveling Office Hours in Palatine on four upcoming dates to connect with our team, share what’s on your mind, and get help with any state issues that matter most to you. Your feedback helps guide my work in Springfield and helps me best represent you.
Senator Hills Opposes Energy Law That Threatens to Raise Energy Costs for Illinois Families
In a sweeping change to Illinois energy policy, Governor Pritzker has signed a law that eliminates long-standing limits on how much utilities can raise electric rates.
The law opens the door to significant increases in future bills and directs large sums of money toward experimental energy programs that may offer little relief to consumers.
The law also weakens local control by allowing large battery storage facilities to be placed as close as 150 feet from homes and farms. Many families and community leaders are concerned about safety, property values, and the lack of local input.
Families are already struggling with high utility costs, and this law removes the only real protection that kept those bills in check. Eliminating rate caps means higher bills, plain and simple.
I voted NO because Illinois families deserve affordable power and real relief.
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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