Hello!
This past week in the 26th District, we’ve been busy spreading kindness, supporting our community, and working to keep families safe. From delivering nearly 3,000 Valentines to local seniors to advancing legislation on e-bike safety and school security, I’m proud of the ways we’re connecting with residents and addressing the issues that matter most.
Over the next two weeks, the Senate and House will be back in Springfield for session. On Wednesday, the Governor will give his budget address. I’ll be listening to make sure families and small businesses come first, and that any plan is responsible, protects hardworking taxpayers, and helps keep our families and communities strong.
This week’s topics include:
- Delivered Nearly 3,000 Valentines to Local Seniors
- Improving the Safety of E-Mobility Devices
- Senator Hills Files Bill to Fund School Resource Officers
- My Office is Coming to Palatine on Thursday!
- Keeping Energy Affordable and Reliable for Our District
- Spring 2026 Internship Opportunity
Senator Hills Shares Heartfelt Visits While Delivering Nearly 3,000 Valentines to Local Seniors
For Valentine’s Day, my team and I had the honor of visiting 27 senior living locations across the 26th District, delivering nearly 3,000 Valentines from community members of all ages.
During these visits, I met veterans, retired athletes (even a former NFL player for the Vikings!), accomplished authors, and grandparents whose stories span generations. Every person we met has a lifetime of memories, accomplishments, and loved ones, and hearing their stories reminded me just how important it is to make sure our seniors never feel forgotten.
I’m especially grateful to the compassionate caregivers and staff who dedicate themselves every day to these residents, treating them like family. And to everyone in our community who created and donated cards, your thoughtfulness brought smiles and joy to so many.
Taking the time to sit, listen, and connect with these remarkable individuals was a truly special reminder of the power of kindness, community, and love.
You Asked, We Acted
Improving the Safety of E-Mobility Devices
I’ve heard from families, mayors, and police chiefs who are worried about the safety of high-speed e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric micro mobility devices and unclear rules for riders, and I knew we needed commonsense measures that reflect today’s technology and protect our communities. That’s why I took the lead in drafting legislation to improve e-bike safety, including clarifying rules for riders, giving law enforcement tools to address unsafe operation, and other important safety provisions.
I worked to include this language as part of a larger legislative package, SB 3336, so these protections could advance efficiently and in a bipartisan manner. Building on this work, the Secretary of State launched the Ride Safe. Ride Smart. Ride Ready. campaign to promote public education, updated driver training, and modernized laws to help keep riders, pedestrians, and drivers safe on our roads. I’m happy to see this campaign in action and will keep you updated as the bills move forward.
Senator Hills Files Bill to Fund School Resource Officers
Every child deserves to feel safe when while at school. Parents and educators deserve peace of mind knowing their children are protected, which is why I filed legislation to create a School Resource Officer Grant Program so schools can get the support they need to keep kids safe and support our educators.
Read about this legislation here.
This Wednesday, the Governor will give his budget address, and I’ll be listening closely. My focus is simple: families and small businesses. These are the people who keep our communities going, who work hard every day to pay their bills, support their kids, and keep their doors open.
They deserve a budget that actually helps them, not one that adds more red tape or higher costs. I’ll be fighting for a plan that protects hardworking families, supports local businesses, and keeps our communities strong. You deserve leadership that puts you first, and that’s exactly what I’ll keep standing for in Springfield.
My Office is Coming to Palatine on Thursday!
Can’t make it to our district office? Have something on your mind? Stop by our Traveling Office Hours in Palatine on February 19 at the Ela to meet our team, share your thoughts, and get help with any state-related questions. Your input helps guide my work in Springfield.
Keeping Energy Affordable and Reliable for Our District
I’m sharing a few informational resources about programs and plans designed to help our families and communities manage energy costs while ensuring reliable service.
- Low Income Discount Program – ComEd launched this program on January 1, 2026, to provide income-based discounts on monthly electric bills, helping income-eligible customers keep electricity costs within 3–6% of household income. Those who have participated in LIHEAP since October 2024 are automatically enrolled, and additional residents may qualify through ComEd’s Smart Assistance Manager tool. Learn more at ComEd.com/SAM.
- Multi-Year Grid Plan (MYGP) – ComEd’s plan outlines how it will maintain and modernize the electric grid to meet growing energy demand, support new large-scale customers, and integrate renewable energy. The plan balances critical investments with affordability, estimating only a $2.50–$3.00 annual increase in the average monthly residential bill starting in 2028.
- MYGP Highlights and Commitment – ComEd’s four-year plan for 2028–2031 focuses on reliability, clean energy integration, and affordability. It includes investments in renewable energy, smart grid technology, and expanded substation capacity to ensure our homes and businesses have the power they need while keeping energy costs low.
If you have any questions or want more details on these programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
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