BLUE ISLAND, Ill. – State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, announced today he has secured a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for the Oak Forest Park District that will fund exciting improvements to Don Gorman Park.

“I am thrilled to help the Oak Forest Park District complete its planned renovations for Don Gorman Park,” Rita said. “Our local parks are an important part of the fabric of our communities, offering people of all ages opportunities to enjoy recreational activities and stay active.”

Don Gorman Park is a 5.8-acre community park located at 4412 Henry Street in Oak Forest. Planned renovations for the park include a looped walking trail, a new neighborhood splash pad that would be the park district’s first in the community, and full renovation of the playground, among other improvements.

The grant was awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is part of a nearly $36 million in state funding being distributed to 63 local park projects across Illinois.

BLUE ISLAND, Ill. – State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, is standing up to Washington’s affordability crisis by voting to formally condemn the illegal Trump tariffs that have raised the price of everything from groceries to winter clothing, demanding reinstatement of Affordable Care Act subsidies that make healthcare more affordable, and rejecting unconstitutional efforts to freeze funding for affordable childcare.

“Times are tough and working people and families are struggling,” Rita said. “I’m working hard in Springfield so that people don’t have to choose between paying for groceries or their health care coverage or their heating bill. Every person and family in Illinois deserves the chance to live beyond paycheck to paycheck and build a future.”

Illinoisans are facing skyrocketing expenses of medical care due to Trump and Republican leaders allowing Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire on Jan. 1 of this year, and tariff- motivated price increases on a broad swath of consumer goods—from groceries to warm winter clothing. Additionally, the Trump Administration recently froze $10 billion in funding for affordable childcare, making one of the greatest expenses facing working families even more daunting and jeopardizing care for 100,000 Illinois children.

Rita is fighting back by advancing House resolutions formally condemning the causes of the Trump affordability crisis, and demanding solutions:

• House Resolution 620 calls on Congress and the Trump Administration to immediately reinstate the 2022 healthcare subsidies. Because these subsidies were allowed to lapse in January, families are now facing nearly $1,000 in annual premium increases–with rural and downstate communities facing average increases as high as $2,000.
• House Resolution 621 condemns Donald Trump’s effort to freeze funds for affordable child care and calls for the immediate release of all congressionally approved child care funds.
• House Resolution 623 calls on Donald Trump to stop his unconstitutional tariff scheme that costs families upwards of $1,200, and robs people of opportunities to save for the future. The resolution demands the United States Treasury issue $2,000 payments to every middle-class and modest-income household as a way of refunding families’ lost wages and savings, apologizing for Trump’s illegal tax increases.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita, D-Blue Island, will prioritize the needs of working families, reduce costs, and continue fighting to stop gun violence in Illinois communities in his new role as Deputy Majority Leader. 

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as Deputy Majority Leader to Speaker Welch as we work this spring session to advocate for the people of Illinois,” Rita said.

In Rita’s first term as Deputy House Majority Leader, he will collaborate with Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to achieve House Democrats’ legislative agenda, including cutting costs for seniors, expanding access to healthcare, promoting job creation and economic growth, helping working families get ahead and protecting Illinois communities from gun violence.

“We know there is a lot of work to be done to continue to support working families in Illinois,” Rita said. “Listening to my community’s needs and advocating for them in Springfield are driving forces in ensuring that our whole state is progressing.”

Springfield, IL – State Representative Bob Rita has been named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) in recognition of his commitment to township government and community service. Rita, who also serves as Calumet Township Supervisor, was honored for his leadership in delivering essential services and advocating for policies that strengthen local government and improve residents’ lives.

“This award is a reflection of the incredible people I represent,” said Rita. “Whether advocating in Springfield or working locally, everything I do is focused on improving life for families, seniors, and small businesses. I’m grateful for my community’s trust and will keep working to build stronger, safer neighborhoods. Thank you to the Township Officials of Illinois for all they do to support townships and the communities they serve.”

Rita serves residents at both the state and local levels through his distinct roles as state representative and township supervisor. As a legislator, he represents Illinois’ 28th District, encompassing portions of Chicago’s South Side and southern suburbs like Blue Island, Calumet Park, Crestwood, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Posen, Riverdale, Robbins, and Tinley Park. In Springfield, he has championed efforts to improve public safety, foster economic growth, and expand access to healthcare. As Calumet Township Supervisor, he focuses on delivering programs that directly benefit the communities of Blue Island, Calumet Park, and Riverdale.

Under Rita’s leadership, Calumet Township has launched initiatives that include:
 Senior-Only DMV, offering hassle-free services for older adults.
 Partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to offer free produce twice per month to older adults.
 Free Rides for Seniors and Disabled Individuals, improving mobility and access.
 Affordable Lunch Programs and Exercise Classes to promote health and wellness.
 Day Trips and activities, creating opportunities for recreation and connection.

“The Township Officials of Illinois proudly selected Assistant Majority Leader Robert “Bob” Rita as the 2024 recipient of the “Legislator of the Year” award because of his long-standing commitment to improving Township Government and his willingness to work with TOI on legislative issues. Leader Rita understands the value of Township Government among the local government landscape, the incredible services townships provide to their communities and advocates for Illinois townships in the General Assembly,” said Jerry Crabtree, Executive Director of TOI.

For more information on Calumet Township services, please visit calumettownshipil.com. To learn more about Township Officials of Illinois, please visit toi.org.

BLUE ISLAND, Ill. – Following its announcement by city and county officials on Friday, state Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita, D-Blue Island, is promoting awareness of the new 211 social services hotline now available to all residents of Cook County. The hotline is available via phone, text and web chat. Residents can use 211 to be connected with a local Resource Navigator who can assist with finding and accessing assistance and other programs in a wide variety of categories.

“Helping individuals and families to obtain the services they need to live, work and care for their loved ones is one of the most important things government does,” Rita said. “Having all that under one roof, where people can do it all easily and efficiently, just makes sense.”

Categories covered by 211 include Housing, Senior Services, Legal Assistance, Immigration, Veteran Services, Health Care and Utility Assistance. A full list of resource categories as well as additional information can be found at https://211metrochicago.org. To connect with 211 via text message, residents should text their ZIP code to 898211.

“211 is a game-changer,” Rita said. “I hope that, once more people are aware of it, that it helps them and their families to live safer, healthier, better lives.”

Rita’s office can be reached at 708-396-2822 or by emailing info@robertbobrita.com.

BLUE ISLAND, Ill. – State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita, D-Blue Island, will continue his effort to invest in local communities, deliver for working families, and make neighborhoods safer both as chair of the House Executive Committee, and now as Deputy House Majority Leader during the new legislative session.

“Taking a leadership role both in the House as well as over the Executive Committee allows me to make the voices of our community part of important conversations related to infrastructure, public safety, tax relief and more,” Rita said. “It’s been, and remains, both a privilege and a great opportunity to deliver for local families and develop policy that moves our whole state forward.”

This will be Rita’s second term leading the Executive Committee, which is responsible for shepherding some of the most important bills through the legislative process. Under Rita’s leadership, the Executive Committee has helped ensure passage of legislation making investments to improve roads and railways, cutting taxes for working families, investing in clean energy and, most recently, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. As Deputy Majority Leader, he will be an integral part of the team developing and executing the policy agenda of Speaker of the House Emmanuel “Chris” Welch.

“Serving in the General Assembly is a public trust that requires a commitment to faithfully translating public need into government action,” Rita said. “That’s why the work of both the Executive Committee and the Speaker’s leadership team are so important and why serving as committee Chair and Deputy Majority Leader is such a privilege. I get to take a leading role in getting the most important work done and in making sure that our priorities as legislators match those of the people who elected us. That’s important, and I’m looking forward to getting back to work.”

Rita’s office can be reached at 708-396-2822 or info@robertbobrita.com.

TINLEY PARK, Ill. – State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita, D-Blue Island, is celebrating the award of over $311,000 to the Village of Tinley Park by the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, for the redevelopment of Buedingen Park.

“I am proud to announce this important and much needed grant award,” Rita said. “Our green spaces are some of our most important shared public assets, and their maintenance and development benefit everyone, especially families.”

The OSLAD program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), has funded 87 park projects around the state, with a total of more than $30.3 million in grants. The grants were announced by Gov. JB Pritzker on June 29.

“I remain committed to fighting for every dollar in Springfield,” Rita said. “People in our community put their trust in me to advocate for their needs, and that is a responsibility I take very seriously. I look forward to continuing to ensure that 28th District taxpayers get a return on their investment.”

Rita’s constituent service office can be reached at 708-396-2822 or robertbobrita@aol.com.

BLUE ISLAND, Ill. – State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita, D-Blue Island, released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker signing Senate Bill 1040, which Rita co-sponsored:

“As we have seen over the past year and a half, access to healthcare is crucial for the health and safety of residents. Before the start of the pandemic, a hospital in Blue Island, MetroSouth Medical Center, shut its doors to the public, leaving our community with less support throughout the pandemic.

“To bring back the vital resources that hospitals provide, I helped pass legislation that will provide financial stability to hospitals during their first few years after re-opening to ensure they have the support they need to continue to serve their community. Today, Gov. Pritzker signed this legislation into law, bringing us one step closer to reviving MetroSouth and other closed hospitals throughout our state. I would like to thank Gov. Pritzker for his support, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that all residents in our community have the access to healthcare that they deserve.”