As we celebrate Labor Day, I’m grateful for the hardworking people who make our communities strong and who show up for their families and neighbors every day. This week, we’ll also pause to remember September 11 and honor the lives lost and the heroes who showed extraordinary courage. I hope you and your family have a safe and meaningful Labor Day.
As always, I’d love to hear from you. If you ever have any questions, you can always respond to this email!
Topics below include:
- Mobile DMV Event with Palatine Township
- New DCFS Audit Highlights Need for Accountability
- Labor Day: Celebrating the Heart of Our Community
- FY 2027 Teacher Vacancy Grant Applications Now Open
- Illinois Works Opens $25 Million Pre-Apprenticeship Grant Opportunity
- Remembering September 11
- Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You
Mobile DMV Event with Palatine Township
Need to renew your driver’s license or state ID? We’re bringing DMV services right here to the community!
I’m proud to partner with Palatine Township to host a Mobile DMV Event on Wednesday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 721 S. Quentin Rd., Suite 101, Palatine.
You’ll be able to take care of driver’s license and state ID services, register as an organ and tissue donor, purchase vehicle stickers, and more, all without having to make a trip to a traditional DMV facility.
Appointments are required and spots are limited, so be sure to register today:
Register for your appointment
I hope this makes it easier for our neighbors to take care of these important services right here in our community. I look forward to seeing you there!
New DCFS Audit Highlights Need for Accountability
A new Illinois Auditor General audit of DCFS found continued failures in the agency’s efforts to protect children, including missing Home Safety Checklists, gaps in required health care, and lengthy delays in accessing mental health services.
As a mom and a legislator, I believe every child under the state’s care deserves to be protected, supported, and heard. These findings are deeply concerning, especially after years of warnings about problems within DCFS.
That is why I filed SB2869, which would improve missing-child reporting procedures for youth under state supervision. I am also the Senate sponsor of HB4242, which would strengthen DCFS’s appeal process and provide greater transparency for families.
Our children deserve better, and I will keep working to ensure DCFS is held accountable for the safety and well-being of every child in its care.
Labor Day: Celebrating the Heart of Our Community
This Labor Day, I’m thinking about what makes a community truly special.
It’s the teacher who stays late to help a student. The first responder who answers the call, no matter the hour. The small business owner who opens their doors every morning. The parent who works hard to give their children a better future. And the neighbors who show up for one another, not because they have to, but because that’s what community is about.
I’m grateful to live in a community where people care deeply about one another and are willing to lend a hand when it matters most.
As a mom, a neighbor, and your State Senator, I’m proud to be part of that community and to work every day to make Illinois a better place for the families who call it home.
Wishing you and your family a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Labor Day.
FY 2027 Teacher Vacancy Grant Applications Now Open
Illinois schools and eligible education organizations can now apply for the FY 2027 Teacher Vacancy Grant through the Illinois State Board of Education’s IWAS system. The grant provides an opportunity to support efforts to address teacher vacancies and strengthen the educator workforce.
Applications must be submitted through IWAS by October 1, 2026, to receive a July 1, 2026, start date. Applicants must also complete required Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) registration and risk assessments before their grant can be fully executed.
For application information and assistance, eligible applicants can contact the ISBE Teacher Vacancy Grant team at teachervacancygrant@isbe.net.
Illinois Works Opens $25 Million Pre-Apprenticeship Grant Opportunity
Applications are now open for the sixth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, providing $25 million in funding to expand pathways into careers in construction and the building trades.
The program will fund up to 45 programs statewide, serving nearly 2,000 Illinois residents. Participants receive tuition-free training, a stipend and other support while earning industry-recognized certifications that can help them advance into registered apprenticeship programs.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, community organizations, chambers of commerce, community colleges, technical schools, workforce organizations and school districts. Grants will range from $150,000 to $550,000.
Applications are due October 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Remembering September 11
As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 on Friday, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the countless families, first responders, and communities forever changed that day.
Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who ran toward danger to help others. We also remember the heroes we lost and the many first responders who continue to face the lasting effects of that day.
September 11 reminds us of the strength of the American spirit and the importance of standing together in times of hardship. We will never forget.
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You
There’s something happening all year 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.
September Events
💊 Mundelein Medicare 101
Tuesday, September 8 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Mundelein Police Department
221 N. Lake St., Mundelein, IL 60060
🎓 Virtual Financial Aid Webinar
Wednesday, September 9 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual Event
💡 Utility Bill Clinic
Thursday, September 10 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Palatine Senior Center
505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
💼 Job Fair
Monday, September 21 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mundelein Park & Recreation District
1401 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein
🛡️ Hawthorn Woods Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar
Wednesday, September 23 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
The Barn at Village Hall
2 Lagoon Drive, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
🚗 Free Car Seat Safety Inspection
Saturday, September 26 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Algonquin Police Department
2200 Harnish Dr., Algonquin, IL 60102
🚙 Palatine Township Mobile DMV Event
Wednesday, September 30 | 10:00 AM
721 S. Quentin Rd., Suite 101, Palatine, IL 60067
👵 Wauconda Senior Health Fair
Wednesday, September 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wauconda Township
505 West Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
Stay tuned for more events to be added! Visit www.senatordarbyhills.com/events to follow along and learn more details.
Traveling Office Hours
We’re bringing our office to you! Need help with a state agency, have questions about legislation or state government, or want to share your thoughts on issues affecting our community? Stop by one of Senator Darby Hills’ Traveling Office Hours to meet with members of our team.
Our Staff Can Help With:
- Assistance with state agencies and services
- Questions about legislation and state government
- Information about Senator Hills’ legislative priorities
- Concerns or ideas affecting our communities
- Connecting residents with available state resources
We’re committed to making our office accessible and being available to the people we represent. Stop by one of these locations, say hello, and let us know how we can help.
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