It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of October! With Halloween just around the corner, I know many families will be out enjoying fall festivities and trick-or-treating this weekend. I hope everyone has a fun and safe time celebrating!
As always, it’s been a busy week around the 26th District, and I’m excited to share a few updates with you. Wishing you and your family a wonderful week!
Topics below include:
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month – Expanding Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
- Great Visits, Friendly Faces, and a Little Bingo at Local Senior Care Facilities
- Supporting Life-Changing Programs at Walk On
- Medicare 101 Seminar Helps Local Resident Save More Than $2,000 Annually
- A Great Day of Learning and Conversation at Stevenson High School
- Students Drafted Legislation at my Youth Advisory Council
- Buehler YMCA Trick-or-Treat event in Palatine
- Bringing the DMV Right to Our Community
- Supporting Our Seniors at the Palatine Senior Health Fair
- $2.4 Million in Tourism Grants Available – Apply by November 13!
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Expanding Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
“I just want to work.”
Those words have stayed with me since my visit to Clearbrook, where I had the opportunity to hear firsthand from individuals with disabilities about the challenges they face finding meaningful employment. It was a powerful reminder that something many of us take for granted can mean so much to someone else.
That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 2744, legislation aimed at expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and Senate Bill 2745, which would make it easier for individuals with disabilities to access property tax relief and maintain their independence.
I also had the pleasure of attending Clearbrook’s 38th Annual Shining Star Ball, where I was proud to celebrate the incredible work this organization does to support individuals with disabilities and their families.
As we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, I’m reminded of the importance of listening to those directly impacted by the decisions we make in Springfield. Everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute to their community, and live with dignity and independence. I’ll continue fighting to make those opportunities a reality.
Great Visits, Friendly Faces, and a Little Bingo at Local Senior Care Facilities
A big thank you to the Health Care Council of Illinois for joining me as we visited Alden Estates of Barrington, Alden Long Grove, Aliya of Palatine, Alta Rehab Wauconda, and The Pearl of Rolling Meadows!
From meeting residents and hearing their stories to visiting with the hardworking staff who care for them every day, each stop was so special. Thank you for the warm welcomes, great conversations, and even a little bingo along the way!
Supporting Life-Changing Programs at Walk On
What a special visit to Walk On!
I loved meeting the horses and learning how their therapeutic equine activities help individuals with physical, cognitive, social, and emotional disabilities. One of my favorite stories was hearing how a child’s first words were “Walk On” while riding a horse. What a beautiful reminder of the difference these programs make!
Special thank you to Walmart for supporting their mission and donating to their program!
Medicare 101 Seminar Helps Local Resident Save More Than $2,000 Annually
This is why I love hosting events for our community!
After my recent Medicare 101 seminar in Barrington, a local resident reached out to share some incredible news. Thanks to the information he learned at the event, he was able to reduce his monthly prescription drug plan cost from $178 to just $7.50! That’s more than $2,000 in savings every year!
For seniors living on fixed incomes, savings like these can make a life-changing difference. Hearing stories like this reminds me why it’s so important to bring helpful resources and educational opportunities directly to our communities. I’m thrilled we were able to make such a meaningful difference, and I look forward to hosting more events that help residents save money and get the support they deserve!
A Great Day of Learning and Conversation at Stevenson High School
What a great visit to Stevenson High School! I loved meeting with students in the Political Thought classes, answering their questions, and hearing their perspectives on government and the issues that matter to them. A special thank you to teachers Mark Patton and Patrick Block for inviting me and encouraging these important conversations!
Students Drafted Legislation at my Youth Advisory Council
One of my favorite parts of the Youth Advisory Council is seeing what ideas our students come up with! During last week’s meeting, students from across the district broke into teams and were challenged to create their own bill ideas, just like lawmakers do in Springfield!
Each team worked together to develop a proposal and present it to the group. It was so much fun hearing their creative ideas, thoughtful discussions, and different perspectives!
Buehler YMCA Trick-or-Treat event in Palatine
What a fun time at the Buehler YMCA Trick-or-Treat event in Palatine! I loved seeing all the kids dressed up in their costumes and getting into the Halloween spirit! I can’t wait to see which costumes are the most popular this year. Such a fun way to celebrate with our community!
Bringing the DMV Right to Our Community
Making life a little easier for our residents, one event at a time!
What a fantastic turnout at our Mobile DMV Event in Lake Zurich! I absolutely love bringing these services directly to our communities and helping residents check things off their to-do lists without the hassle of traveling to a DMV facility. It was wonderful meeting so many of you and seeing firsthand how much of a difference these events can make. A huge thank you to the Secretary of State’s Office and everyone who stopped by! I look forward to bringing even more helpful resources and services right to your neighborhood!
Supporting Our Seniors at the Palatine Senior Health Fair
What a wonderful time celebrating and supporting our seniors at the Palatine Township Senior Center! I loved seeing so many friendly faces come together to learn about important health and wellness resources, take advantage of free health screenings, and connect with local organizations dedicated to helping our seniors live happier, healthier lives.
Our seniors have given so much to our communities, and they deserve access to the resources, care, and support they need to thrive. A huge thank you to all the vendors, organizations, and attendees who helped make this event such a success! I’m proud to continue bringing these valuable opportunities directly to our seniors.
To view legislation I am working on to make life more affordable for seniors click here.
$2.4 Million in Tourism Grants Available – Apply by November 13!
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced $2.4 million in funding opportunities to support tourism, local events, and attractions across Illinois! Through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, eligible applicants can receive $10,000 to $50,000 to help support festivals and events that bring visitors and revenue to local communities. The Tourism Attraction Grant Program provides funding to develop and improve new and existing tourism destinations. Applications for both programs are due November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply and take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen tourism and support local economies. Learn more and apply through DCEO’s Grant Opportunities website.
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