I hope you had a good weekend. Although the legislative session has officially concluded, I’m continuing my work on policies that make Illinois more transparent, affordable, and a great place to live.
Now that I’m back in the district and no longer in Springfield, I’ll be attending more local events and spending additional time in the community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything!
Topics below include:
- Share Your Thoughts on Local Data Centers
- Statement to Bears’ Announcement Regarding Advancing Stadium Development in Hammond, Indiana
- Ela Township’s New Mobile Dental Clinic
- Recipient of the Impact Award from Let it Be Us
- Traveling Office Hours Tomorrow in Lake Zurich
- Darby’s District Highlight – Congrats to Chief Wermes’ for his Retirement
- Teacher Appreciation Week Essay Contest Recipients
- Recent Events -IPASS/ICASH, Blood Drive, Senior Fair
- Golden Apple Foundation Highlight: Investing in Local Educators
- Pups & Prosecco
- Legislation to Increase Transparency on Utility Bills Passed Unanimously
- Traveling Office Hours Tomorrow in Lake Zurich
Share Your Thoughts on Local Data Centers
Addressing the proposed data centers has been one of my top priorities due to their potential impact on our neighborhoods, water resources, and overall quality of life.
That’s why I’ve worked on legislation to strengthen local control and better protect our communities, including filing Senate Bill 1050 and co-sponsoring Senate Bills 4203 and 4004.
I also want to hear from you. Your voice matters in this discussion!
Click here to share your thoughts with me.
Statement to Bears’ Announcement Regarding Advancing Stadium Development in Hammond, Indiana
Like many Illinoisans, I want the Chicago Bears to stay in Illinois. They are part of our state’s identity, our history, and our economy, and losing them would be a major setback.
Today’s announcement is frustrating because it did not have to get to this point. After months of discussion, Springfield ended session without a clear path forward, leaving chaos and uncertainty where leadership was needed.
This is what a lack of leadership under one-party control looks like. Illinois had an opportunity to move the ball forward, but Springfield could not get it across the goal line. What we got instead were last-minute proposals, rushed timelines, unanswered questions, and no final agreement.
There is still time to keep the Bears in Illinois, but the clock is running out. State leaders need to stop letting dysfunction drive the process and start working together on a transparent agreement that protects taxpayers while keeping this iconic franchise right here at home.
Want to learn more about what happened with the Bears bill on the last night of session? Read my full statement here.
Watch a video of me speaking on the Bears here.
Ela Township’s New Mobile Dental Clinic
I joined Ela Township and community members to celebrate the Township’s new Mobile Dental Clinic! This new partnership with Endeavor Health will help connect low-income individuals and families with access to mobile dental services and eligibility screenings. I was proud to support this effort by securing $11,000 in state funds to make improvements to the Township’s electrical infrastructure needed for the Mobile Dental Unit.
This is a wonderful example of how state and local partners can come together to turn a good idea into reality, and I want to commend Ela Township Supervisor Laurie Wilhoit, Director of Health & Wellness Sara Marx, and everyone at Ela Township for recognizing this need in our community and taking the initiative to address it.
Advancing Conservation Efforts with Openlands
Openlands is doing amazing work across our region to ensure natural spaces are preserved for future generations. I had the pleasure of joining Openlands CEO Michael Davidson and other local advocates in Barrington this past weekend to celebrate their accomplishments and discuss ways that we can continue to support and advance conservation efforts in Illinois and beyond. Thank to Glenn & Barb Reed for hosting a wonderful evening!
Recipient of the Impact Award from Let it Be Us
While I was in Springfield for the final days of session, my mom, Gayle, attended the Let It Be Us gala in my honor and accepted the Impact Award on my behalf.
I’m sincerely grateful to Let It Be Us for this recognition and for the important, life-changing work they do every day to support children and families across Illinois. Their mission strengthens communities and makes a meaningful difference across our state.
I’m also deeply thankful to my mom for stepping in and representing me that evening. I can’t imagine a more fitting person to accept this honor on my behalf.
Darby’s District Highlight
Congrats to Chief Wermes’ for his Retirement
While I was in Springfield wrapping up the legislative session, my staff had the honor of attending Chief Wermes’ retirement ceremony on my behalf and presenting him with a certificate recognizing his years of dedicated service.
Chief Wermes’ leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public safety have left a lasting impact on our community. I am grateful for his service and all he has done for the residents he served throughout his career.
Congratulations on your retirement, Chief Wermes, and best wishes in this next chapter!
Teacher Appreciation Week Essay Contest Recipients
I was honored to welcome the winners of my Teacher Appreciation Week Essay Contest to her district office along with their families.
After receiving more than 150 submissions from students across the 26th District, the winning students were invited to read their essays aloud and share the inspiring stories of the teachers who have made a lasting impact on their lives. The gathering in my office was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements, recognize their thoughtful reflections, and present each student with an award.
Congratulations again to Angela D., Brandon B., Amelia T., Angel C., and Nicole R. for their outstanding essays and for helping shine a light on the incredible educators who make a difference every day. Read more here.
Recent Events
IPASS/ICASH in Volo
Residents in Volo stopped by to upgrade their old transponders to new I-PASS sticker tags and search for unclaimed property held by the State of Illinois. Thank you to everyone who attended and took advantage of these free, convenient services right here in the community!
Blood Drive in Mundelein
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Mundelein Community Blood Drive. Your generosity will help save lives and provide critical support to patients and families in need. We are grateful to every donor who took time out of their day to make a difference.
Senior Fair in Lake Zurich
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Lake Zurich for our Senior Fair! Attendees connected with local organizations, explored wellness resources, and received valuable health information and screenings. It was wonderful to see so many community members come together for a day focused on healthy living and community connections.
Golden Apple Foundation Highlight: Investing in Local Educators
I am proud to recognize the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and the incredible educators connected to our communities who are shaping the next generation of students.
Across our district, Golden Apple–supported teachers and scholars are making a real impact in classrooms throughout Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, Cary, Lake Zurich, Wauconda, Algonquin, Mundelein, Harvard, Fox River Grove, Hawthorn Woods, and Island Lake.
We are especially grateful to highlight:
- 15 Golden Apple-prepared teachers currently teaching or recently serving in local schools
- 11 Golden Apple Scholars from our communities preparing to become future educators in Illinois schools-of-need
- 2 Golden Apple Accelerators completing hands-on residency training as they transition into teaching
- 22 Golden Apple Award recipients or finalists who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and school leadership in our district
These educators represent the very best of our communities — bringing dedication, passion, and excellence into classrooms across our towns.
View a list of Golden Apple teachers, undergraduate scholars, accelerators, and academy members in our district here.
Pups & Prosecco
Enjoy a refreshing glass of prosecco or a craft brew while discussing the spring legislative session and learning how you can help provide a loving forever home to animals in need.
- Broken Earth Winery
219 Robert Parker Coffin Rd.
Long Grove, IL 60047 - Thursday, June 18
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
We look forward to seeing you — and introducing you to a few four-legged friends along the way! No registration required.
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
Legislation to Increase Transparency on Utility Bills Passed Unanimously
Illinois consumers will soon have a clearer understanding of the fees and surcharges included on their monthly utility bills, thanks to legislation that passed the Senate unanimously.
I am a co-sponsor of House Bill 5524, which requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to compile information on electric utility fees and surcharges and make that information publicly available in a clear and accessible format.
Under the legislation, information regarding charges collected through electric utility bills will be compiled and reported, including identifying amounts that are remitted to the state and amounts retained by utilities. The goal is to provide consumers with a clearer picture of how their utility bills are structured and where their money is going.
House Bill 5524 passed the General Assembly unanimously and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Traveling Office Hours Tomorrow in Lake Zurich
Have a question, concern, or idea for your state government?
Join State Senator Darby Hills for her Traveling Office Hours — an opportunity to connect directly with staff, get help with state services, and share your thoughts on legislation and priorities in Springfield.
Ela Area Public Library
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
No appointment needed — just stop by and say hello!