I hope you enjoyed your weekend! 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:
- Youth Advisory Council: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders!
- Protecting Victims and Families from Domestic Violence
- Honoring Our Veterans
- Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month
- Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You
- IPASS/ICASH in Hawthorn Woods
Youth Advisory Council: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders!
What an exciting day with the next generation of leaders! Last week, I welcomed students from across the 26th District to my Youth Advisory Council at the Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich for a fun, interactive day of learning about government, leadership, and the legislative process!
Students heard from three incredible community leaders: Rebecca Darr, President and CEO of WINGS; Laurie Wilhoit, Ela Township Supervisor; and Todd Sholeen, Village of Barrington Trustee. They asked questions, explored how government works at different levels, and even stepped into the shoes of lawmakers! Working in small groups, students developed their own legislative proposals, presented their ideas, and voted on which proposals to revisit in the spring.
I loved seeing their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm in action! This was all about giving young people a firsthand look at government while encouraging them to use their voices, think critically, and become leaders in their communities. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!
Protecting Victims and Families from Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it’s an important reminder that we must do more to protect victims, support survivors, and hold abusers accountable.
This spring, I stood alongside my colleagues to introduce a package of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence. These proposals would strengthen pretrial release standards for certain domestic violence offenses (SB 3139), increase penalties for violating orders of protection (SB 3140), establish stronger minimum penalties for violations (SB 3141), and crack down on repeat offenders (SB 3142).
In 2025 alone, 101 people lost their lives in domestic violence-related incidents across Illinois. That is 101 lives too many.
No one should have to live in fear for their safety or the safety of their family. While October brings awareness to this issue, our commitment to protecting victims and preventing domestic violence must continue year-round.
IPASS/ICASH in Hawthorn Woods
Thank you to everyone who stopped by my I-PASS and I-CASH event in Hawthorn Woods last week! It was wonderful to help residents take care of two important tasks in one convenient stop. Attendees had the opportunity to exchange their old I-PASS transponders for new Sticker Tags and search for unclaimed money through the Illinois State Treasurer’s I-CASH program. I’m always looking for ways to bring helpful, free services directly to our communities, and I appreciate everyone who joined us!
Honoring Our Veterans
Illinois’ veterans deserve nothing less than our deepest honor, respect, and remembrance. These brave men and women dedicated their lives to protecting our country, safeguarding our freedom, and defending others around the world. While we can never fully repay their sacrifice, we can ensure their stories live on, teaching future generations about the extraordinary impact our heroes have had on the fabric of our state and our nation.
To do just that, our office is hosting the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from November 7 to November 19, providing families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
I am encouraging friends and families to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 6, to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
Also, mark your calendars now! I am hosting a free veteran appreciation luncheon and expo with Senator Wilcox on October 24. Veterans and their families are invited to a complimentary luncheon and expo to honor their service. The Expo will provide a reliable place where local veterans and their families can make connections and receive information on many different types of veterans’ programs and resources. View more information here: Free Veteran Appreciation Luncheon and Expo.
Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month
October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, an important reminder that simple precautions can help save lives. Tragically, sleep-related suffocation remains a leading cause of reported child deaths in Illinois, and many of these deaths are preventable. As a mom, I know there is nothing more important than keeping our children safe. I encourage parents, grandparents, and caregivers to remember the ABCs of safe sleep: babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or other loose items. For additional information and resources, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services.
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.
Wednesday, October 21 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
Thursday, October 22 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
380 Surryse Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
400 N. Northwest Hwy. Barrington, IL 60010
Free Veteran Appreciation Luncheon and Expo
Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
365 Surryse Rd., Ste. 280, Lake Zurich
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