JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, and Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse on Aug. 13 to cut the ribbon on the new Hufford Junior High School in Joliet.

The new Hufford building, along with the new Gompers Junior High School, were funded in part through a $99.5 million bond referendum approved by Joliet voters in 2023. The former Hufford and Gompers school buildings were each more than 69 years old. 

“The overwhelming approval of this referendum reflects our community’s shared commitment to its students,” Rep. Manley said. “With 71.6% of voters in support, District 86 residents made clear that our children deserve schools that are built for learning, growth and opportunity.” 

The new schools include larger classrooms and hallways, upgraded technology, improved ADA accessibility, increased safety and security, greater energy efficiency, and more. Geothermal systems at the schools will lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions while providing comfortable classrooms year-round.

Beyond the replacement of Gompers and Hufford junior high schools, the referendum will support security and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, and restroom renovations at all 21 schools throughout the district.

“These facilities are a true testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community to invest in our youth,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors President Matthew Pritz, “The Board is deeply committed to providing exceptional learning environments that will empower our dedicated staff, inspire our students today, and serve as strong cornerstones for our entire community for decades to come.”

Joliet Public Schools District 86 serves 9,295 students across 15 elementary schools, four junior high schools, one early childhood center and one alternative school. Hufford Junior High is located at 1125 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet, and Gompers Junior High is at 1501 Copperfield Ave. in Joliet. 

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined 50 fellow members of the Visitation and Aid Society (V&A) to sort and pack food at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Joliet on July 10th.

Volunteers packed 9,713 pounds of food, including cereal and apples, providing 8,094 meals for families across northern Illinois.

“It is incredible to see bagged apples all the way from Washington state go toward feeding people in our own community,” Rep. Manley said. “Combatting hunger is truly a collective effort.”

The V&A has served those in need for nearly 135 years, working closely with welfare and charitable organizations in the Joliet area. They also regularly provide aid to families needing immediate financial assistance in a quiet and confidential way.

Rep. Manley, who is a member of the V&A, joined this organization because their members take on critical causes, such as volunteering their time at the Northern Illinois Foodbank, and so many other worthy causes.

“Not only is it important to join people doing work on behalf of others,” Rep. Manley said. “Our experience was so positive that my staff and I have decided to try to do it every month.”

The Northern Illinois Foodbank has volunteer opportunities ranging from food packing and sorting to distributing groceries, and even assisting in events through sponsorship or day-of logistics.

Rep. Manley will join the V&A for their next volunteering day at the Northern Illinois Foodbank in August. If you are interested in lending a hand, visit solvehungertoday.org.

CREST HILL, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, partnered with state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel to host their fifth annual Back to School Fair at Richland Elementary School in Crest Hill, where 428 students and over 200 families gathered to prepare for the upcoming school year.

More than 40 vendors offered educational resources, activities, vouchers, and free giveaways, and every student received a free backpack with classroom essentials while supplies lasted.

“This fair is about making sure students have the support they need heading into a new school year,” Rep. Manley said. “Families are looking for every opportunity to ease the cost of the back-to-school season, and I am glad we could help in a small way.”

Students also received vaccines, participated in a cake-walk, selected free books, and signed up for two weeks of free taekwondo lessons.

“Bringing people together, listening to families, and helping connect them with useful resources are important parts of building strong, lasting relationships between our school and the students we serve,” said Superintendent Dr. Phil Robb. “We are grateful to the vendors, Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, Rep. Natalie Manley, and everyone whose partnership made the event such a success.”

All are welcome to join the next Back to School Fair, which will once again be held at Richland Elementary in August of 2027, specific dates and times forthcoming.

JOLIET, Ill. – State Representative Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined Representatives Avelar and Walsh Jr., as well as Senators Cappel and Ventura for a legislative session recap hosted by the Joliet Chamber of Commerce.

Moderated by executive vice president of the chamber, Mike Paone, the list of topics included the FY 27 budget, the megaprojects bill, Swipe-Fee transactions, data centers, and education and early childhood funding.

“When it comes to energy, we have to keep trying new ways to reduce costs so that people can still turn their lights on,” Manley said. “Innovation is great but sometimes you have to stop and evaluate whether it is actually working.”

Another topic discussed was the POWER Act, which has not been presented for a vote in the House, seeks to establish comprehensive regulations for hyperscale data centers, minimizing their impact on energy, water, and the environment.

A highlight from the session, however, was the launch of the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus (ILNC), co-chaired by Representative Manley and Senator Cappel.

“This has been a labor of love,” Rep. Manley said. “With so many constituents sharing their family stories and having a grandson of my own with autism, I invite every legislator to be a part of this mission and learn about the challenges of the neurodiverse, their providers, and their families.”

The session recap took place on Wednesday, June 24th at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Joliet. In addition to that meeting, the Joliet Chamber hosted the Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi during its July member luncheon, who provided an update on the I-80 construction.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, attended a legislative roundtable hosted by the Illinois chapter of Birth to Five, an organization ensuring equitable access to inclusive, high-quality Early Childhood services for families across the state.

Rep. Manley was joined by state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, as well as families, community members and service providers who shared their expertise and experience. Common challenges included affordable child care, transportation, navigating public services, and barriers to mental and behavioral health support.

“It is critical that we continue to have open and honest conversations about how to support Illinois families,” Rep. Manley said. “We can’t just tell parents to ‘wait and see,’ we have to be proactive and we have to be collaborative.”

Expanding early intervention services, development screenings and supporting a growing Early Childhood workforce are all included within the mission of Birth to Five, and they continue to work alongside state and local agencies.

On July 1, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) officially began operations as Illinois’ first agency focused entirely on early childhood programs and services.

The agency will jointly administer programs from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD). 

PLAINFIELD, Ill. – In an address to managing broker members of the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, addressed ways to get more people to take root in Illinois.

“We need more housing in Illinois, and we need more housing in this area,” Rep. Manley said. “There are local government concerns we need to work through, but I am optimistic because I know the Illinois Realtors have a great legislative team, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do to remove barriers and expand opportunities.”

Rep. Manley discussed affordability, and the budget recently passed in Springfield, but expressed that she was there to hear what those working in the industry were experiencing on a daily basis.

Together with the REALTORs, they discussed what affordable housing means, property taxes and how often property values can be disproportional to property pricing.

This meeting is part of a series of conversations Rep. Manley is holding concerning the importance of housing across all areas of economic development.

Rep. Manley was a guest speaker at a special meeting about housing in Illinois. The event was held Wednesday, June 3, at the Warehouse 109, 14903 S. Center Street, #109, Plainfield.

PLAINFIELD, Ill. – In an address to managing broker members of the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D- Joliet, addressed ways to get more people to take root in Illinois.

“We need more housing in Illinois, and we need more housing in this area,” Rep. Manley said. “There are local government concerns we need to work through, but I am optimistic because I know the Illinois Realtors have a great legislative team, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do to remove barriers and expand opportunities.”

Rep. Manley discussed affordability, and the budget recently passed in Springfield, but expressed that she was there to hear what those working in the industry were experiencing on a daily basis.

Together with the REALTORs, they discussed what affordable housing means, property taxes and how often property values can be disproportional to property pricing.

This meeting is part of a series of conversations Rep. Manley is holding concerning the importance of housing across all areas of economic development.

Rep. Manley was a guest speaker at a special meeting about housing in Illinois. The event was held Wednesday, June 3, at the Warehouse 109, 14903 S. Center Street, #109, Plainfield.

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined community members and residents as a sponsor of the packed Wesglen Park for a “Touch of Magic” themed Romeoville Park Party.

The second of four Park Parties this summer, this one included appearances from recognizable Disney characters, inflatables and games, to celebrate the start of summer.

“Summer is always more fun when we can spend time with our families outdoors,” Rep. Manley said. “The Romeoville Park District has some great events planned all summer long.”

The next Park Party will be held on July 21 at Sunset Park, 729 Murphy Dr., in collaboration with Lockport Township.

Hot dogs, chips and drinks were provided for the first 300 attendees provided by the Hampton Park Social Athletic Club.

Rep. Manley is also sponsoring the Sept. 8 Community Day of Play at Field Stone Park 2019 W. Ashbrooke Rd, which is a collaboration with Plainfield Park District.

All the park parties are held from 5-7 p.m. Wesglen Park is located at 120 S. Wesglen Pkwy.

State Rep. Natalie Manley, said, “The Romeoville Park parties encourage an evening spent with family and friends and is a great way to enjoy the beautiful parks right here close to home.”

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting a new round of state grants to help fire and EMS departments with small equipment purchases.

“I’m grateful for our dedicated first responders who put their lives on the line to help us each and every day,” Manley said. “It’s critical that they have the tools they need to maximize their capabilities and perform their job safely and effectively. This is helpful funding that will boost resources for local departments and help to make our communities safer.”

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is awarding $6 million across 260 fire departments and EMS providers statewide as part of the 2026 Small Equipment Grant Program. This funding will support the purchase of firefighting and ambulance equipment that otherwise would not have been bought.

Communities represented by Manley that are receiving funds include:

• Village of Bolingbrook Fire Department: $12,825
• Joliet Fire Department: $26,000
• Plainfield Fire Protection District: $23,580

Additional information about the grant and a full listing of awardees can be viewed at https://sfm.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32586.

For more information, please contact repmanley@gmail.com.

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, sponsored the National Hook-Up of Black Women (NHBW) Golf Outing Monday. Rep Manley has been a longtime supporter of the Joliet chapter for many years, and is a sponsor of this event.

This event, titled “Swing for Strength: Driving Change for Domestic Violence Awareness” Golf Outing Fundraiser, highlights the impact of domestic violence and the importance of early intervention and support services.

“Domestic violence awareness is only one of the many critical women’s issues this organization is dedicated to serving,” Rep Manley said. “For over three decades they have worked toward collective change to improve the quality of life for people in our community. It’s been an honor to be a part of this vital organization.”

The outing brought together community leaders, businesses, advocates and supporters for a full day of golf, networking, raffles and awards. Participants enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere focused on generosity, collaboration and hope for survivors and their families. The National Hook-Up of Black Women Inc, Joliet Chapter, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable community service organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and their families through support of the arts, culture, education, health and wellness, and human service program.

The group provides free health and wellness screenings and seminars, as well as free leadership and life skills programs for both girls and boys. They also provide free empowerment seminars for parents in the community, and free books.

“I’ve been a member of NHW for several years, and learning about their literacy program is what drew me to the organization,” Rep. Manley said. “Their literacy program is just one of the impactful ways the NHBW serves the community.”

“Membership reflects a diversity of women from varied businesses, professions and community disciplines crossing all economic, social and educational levels,” according to the organization’s website, www.nhbwjoliet.com.

The event was held at Inwood Golf Course, 3200 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet.