Nothing says summer quite like the Fourth of July, neighborhood parades, backyard barbecues, fireworks, and time spent with the people you love.
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this Saturday, let’s also remember how fortunate we are to live in the land of the free because of the brave. We are grateful to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, to protect the freedoms we cherish.
Have a fun, safe, and memorable Fourth of July!
Topics below include:
- Goodbye to Our Spring Interns
- Pups & Prosecco
- Expanding Access to Emergency Asthma Medications
- I-PASS Event in Libertyville
- Senior Fraud in Algonquin
- Supporting Early Literacy from the Very Beginning
- Join My Summer Reading Program
- Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
Goodbye to Our Spring Interns
This week marked the conclusion of my spring intern program. Over the past few months, high school and college students from across the district joined my office to learn about state government and how we serve our constituents. They helped share information about district services, promoted community outreach events, and gathered valuable feedback from residents on the issues that matter most.
It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of them, and I’m confident they all have bright futures ahead!
Pups & Prosecco
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Pups & Prosecco at Broken Earth Winery Long Grove! It was a great evening of community conversation, a legislative update, and meeting some adorable adoptable pets.
If you’re interested in adopting, fostering, volunteering, or supporting local rescue efforts, I encourage you to learn more about Many Paws Global Rescue at www.manypawsglobalrescue.org
Expanding Access to Emergency Asthma Medications
Every parent deserves the peace of mind that their child will be protected during the school day and at extracurricular activities. I was proud to co-sponsor House Bill 4247, which has now been signed into law to expand access to emergency asthma medication at school athletic events and practices. This commonsense measure helps ensure trained personnel can respond quickly during an asthma emergency, strengthening student safety across Illinois.
I-PASS Event in Libertyville
Thank you to everyone who attended our I-PASS event in Libertyville!
Residents were able to receive free I-PASS Sticker Tags, get assistance with toll invoices, and learn about programs that can help save money on tolls. It was great to see so many community members take advantage of these valuable resources.
Thank you to the Illinois Tollway and Cook Memorial Library for partnering with us on this successful event!
Senior Fraud in Algonquin
Supporting our seniors and helping them age with dignity, security, and independence remains one of my top priorities. Whether it’s working to lower the cost of living, protecting retirement savings, improving access to healthcare, or ensuring seniors have the resources they need, I remain committed to advocating for older Illinoisans.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar. A special thank you to the experts from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Illinois Department on Aging for sharing practical tips on recognizing scams, protecting personal information, and accessing valuable resources through Adult Protective Services. By working together, we can help ensure our seniors stay informed, protected, and connected to the services available to them.
Successful Blood Drive in Palatine
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and donated at our Community Blood Drive this week at Palatine Township! Your generosity will help save lives and provide hope to patients and families throughout our region. Every donation truly makes a difference.
If you weren’t able to make this blood drive, there’s another opportunity just around the corner!
Join me for our next Community Blood Drive:
📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Wauconda Township
505 W. Bonner Rd., Wauconda
One donation can save multiple lives, and it only takes about an hour of your day. Appointments are required, so be sure to reserve your spot today.
I hope you’ll consider rolling up your sleeves and helping us make a life-changing difference for someone in need.
Supporting Early Literacy from the Very Beginning
One of the greatest gifts we can give a child is a love of reading. Early literacy plays a vital role in healthy brain development, language skills, and preparing children for success in school and beyond.
Recently, I had the opportunity to learn more about Reach Out and Read Illinois, a program that partners with pediatricians to encourage reading during routine well-child visits. By providing age-appropriate books and helping parents understand the importance of reading together every day, the program strengthens both literacy skills and the bond between parents and their children.
Reach Out and Read currently serves more than 180,000 children each year through over 200 clinic sites across Illinois. The program also works alongside Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping connect families with even more opportunities to build a lifelong love of reading from birth through age five.
Whether it’s reading a bedtime story, visiting your local library, or simply spending a few minutes each day with a favorite book, these small moments can make a lasting difference in a child’s future. I appreciate the organizations and healthcare providers working to ensure every Illinois child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Join My Summer Reading Program
Just a reminder!
There’s still time for students to join my Summer Reading Program!
Summer is the perfect time to discover new books, explore new adventures, and keep learning while school is out. Students who complete the program will receive a special certificate of recognition celebrating their achievement.
Visit my website for participation requirements, deadlines, and to sign up today. Happy reading!
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
There’s something happening all summer 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.
📚 Summer Reading Program
April 29 – August 3, 2026
Online Event
July Events
🩸 Blood Drive
July 8 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wauconda Township, Wauconda
💊 Medicare 101
July 14 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich
♻️ Recycling & Shredding Event
July 18 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
St. Francis Church Parking Lot, Lake Zurich
August Events
👨👩👧👦 Kids Fair
August 1 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Foglia YMCA, Lake Zurich
🩸 Blood Drive
August 11 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Palatine Village Hall, Palatine
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