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CICERO, Ill. – As the new school year is about to begin, state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is letting her community know about an opportunity for families to save on their school supplies and clothing needs, with a new Back-to-School State Sales Tax Holiday made possible through the most recent state budget. 

“The first day of school is just around the corner, and back-to-school shopping is the perfect opportunity to start our kids off on the right foot,” Hernandez said. “In recent years, the price of new shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes and pencil pouches has grown out of control. While we continue to workshop ways to lower costs on these essentials, this tax holiday coming up will hopefully bring much needed relief to families who are stretching their dollars further and further every day.” 

Items eligible for the state sales tax holiday includes:

• Clothes and school uniforms,
• Shoes, boots, and sandals,
• Seasonal apparel, including coats, rain jackets, swimwear, hats and gloves,
• School and office supplies, including paper, pens and pencils, calculators, writing tablets,
• Backpacks and lunchboxes, and more.

The Back-to-School State Tax Holiday will be in effect from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 16.

MONTGOMERY, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, secured over $682,000 in the state budget for five public libraries and seven school libraries in the 83rd district.

“Libraries remain a vital pillar of our community. They are not only hubs for reading and education, but also technology and innovation,” said Hanson. “These grants allow our libraries to continue operating as a safe haven for people of all ages, whether you’re there to pick up a good book, do some research, or attend an event.”

In the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, over $27 million in grants were awarded to more than 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries across the state. These grants will be used to improve infrastructure, expand reading materials, advance technology, and support any and all programs that may be held at public or school libraries. Specifically, school libraries will use the grants to progress student literacy and educational opportunities for children of all ages.

“Especially in our rapidly advancing technological world, it’s important that young people are able to ground themselves through the resources libraries provide. Misinformation is abundant; having the tools to research and to think critically stem from literacy and education. I’m excited to see these grants go to so many libraries in the 83rd and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this support will have,” said Hanson.

In Hanson’s district, five public libraries and seven school districts received grants, including:
Aurora Public Library District $306,921
Batavia Public Library District $44,635
Batavia CUSD 101 $4,229
East Aurora CUSD 131 $10,160
Geneva Public Library District $55,744
Geneva CUSD 304 $4,284
Oswego CUSD 308 $14,220
Oswego Public Library District $119,863
St. Charles Public Library District $95,011
St. Charles CUSD 303 $9,908
West Aurora CUSD 129 $9,231

Yorkville CUSD 115 $5,937

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, concluded a productive legislative session on Monday, passing a state budget that funds critical services and addresses rising costs. 

“Illinois families – from all corners of our state – are facing rising costs, shrinking savings and an administration ready to break any laws they think are inconvenient,” Hernandez said. “Our session and ultimately our latest budget reflect and respond to these very real demands for change from our communities.”

Some of the legislation Hernandez passed includes:

• Senate Bill 3019 freezes the state gas tax and institutes a sales tax holiday;
• House Bill 45 requires retailers to honor advertised savings provided by digital coupons available on a chain’s website or application with a physical coupon alternative; 

• House Bill 1312 empowers people to sue agents who violate their basic rights and creates protections for hospitals, campuses and courthouses; and
• House Bill 4533 allows customers sending money internationally to donate a portion of their total to the Illinois DREAM Fund.

Hernandez worked tirelessly to pass a responsible budget that supports senior services and empowers law enforcement to keep families safe. Additionally, Hernandez’s budget makes smart investments in resources Washington slashed, including safety net hospitals serving vulnerable communities.

“Trump’s incursions into our communities and slashing of federal programs have taken a toll on families,” Hernandez said. “Through responsible, smart fiscal decision making, we delivered a state budget that funds services like the Community Care Program supporting home-bound seniors, gives law enforcement the tools they need and continues our investments in classrooms and teachers. Our work continues, but we have made significant steps forward.”

CHICAGO — State Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Palatine, joined legislative colleagues, as well as stakeholders from Ravinia and Chicago’s live venue community, at a press conference Monday at the Lyric Opera, to discuss her legislation aimed at banning “ghost tickets”—tickets sold by online scalpers who do not actually have the tickets they are selling. 

“This is an issue that, at the end of the day, comes down to simple fairness. When you buy a ticket, that should mean you have a ticket,” Syed said. “Not, ‘maybe.’ Not, ‘if you’re lucky.’ Not, ‘if the seller doesn’t run out.’  Sellers who lie about their inventory to make money before they know whether they can actually deliver have become far too common, and Illinois isn’t putting up with it anymore.”

Also known as speculative ticketing, ghost ticketing can lead to eventgoers taking time off at work, traveling to a different city and paying for lodging and meals—only to find out at the gate that their tickets don’t actually exist. 

Syed’s House Bill 4984 classifies the practice as unlawful under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and requires ticket sellers to have a ticket physically in their possession before offering it for resale. The bipartisan measure passed unanimously in the state House of Representatives April 15, and awaits consideration by the Senate.

“Fairness is important, but so are the economic activity and the cultural richness that concerts, plays, and other live events bring to our state and our communities,” Syed said. “So, this is also about ensuring a fair economy, protecting the culture and vibrancy of our communities and ensuring that people who come to visit those communities have a positive experience that makes them want to come back. I’m grateful for the support of stakeholders and advocates in moving this proposal along, and I’m looking forward to helping guide it through the Senate as well.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hoping to provide critical support to mothers and their newborn children, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, passed legislation Wednesday that would identify and create a support system to provide short-term universal newborn home visiting services. 

“For many of us, when we think about pregnancy and newborns, we’re reminded of some of our most cherished memories,” said Faver Dias. “But for many women, it can be an incredibly difficult time with stress, long nights and heightened emotions, especially if the mothers do not have a support system.”

House Bill 4606 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to identify, develop and manage administrative infrastructure needed to support existing and future short-term universal newborn home visiting services. 

By Jan. 1, 2028, IDHS may do the following:

• Create a list of voluntary universal newborn home visiting models,
• Coordinate with relevant state agencies to support the implementation of state-administered funding for local programs that support universal newborn home visiting, and
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to design infrastructure to support universal newborn home visiting services.

“Becoming a mother is one of the most difficult and rewarding things that I have ever done,” said Faver Dias. “I want to make sure that every woman going through the same process has a support system that lets them know that they aren’t alone. That’s what this legislation is all about, creating the foundation for new mothers to feel supported and seen.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Amid ongoing questions about equity in Illinois’ cannabis industry, state Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) will host a virtual town hall on April 20, 2026, at 4:20 p.m. to  assess progress, address challenges, and discuss the path forward.

The event, titled “The State of Cannabis, Hemp & Equity in Illinois: Progress, Challenges & What Comes Next,” will bring together state regulators, industry leaders, hemp advocates, and social equity license holders. Participants will examine the current landscape of cannabis and hemp in Illinois, including progress and delays in social equity licensing, barriers facing equity operators, hemp regulation, access to capital, and potential legislative changes.

“Illinois made a promise to create the most equitable cannabis program in the country,” Harper said. “This conversation is about accountability—what’s working, what isn’t, and what must change to ensure equity remains a priority.”

The town hall will also give community members an opportunity to hear directly from key stakeholders and engage in an open dialogue about the industry’s future.

Speakers include:

• Erin Johnson, Illinois Cannabis Regulatory Oversight Officer
• Danielle Perry, Former Regulator
• Portia Mittons, Cannabis Business Association of Illinois
• Belicia Royster, Social Equity Empowerment Network
• JR Fleming, South and West Side Coalition for Change
• Rachel Berry, Illinois Hemp Growers Association
• Everett Berry, Mia’s Heart Hemp Life; Illinois Hemp Coalition
• Doug Kelly, Cannabis Equity Illinois
• Social equity operators from the district

Event Details:
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 4:20 p.m.

Location: Virtual
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3TLLqxTzREKmmuDV5P0GfQ

For more information, contact repsonyaharper@gmail.com or call (773) 925-6580.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, issued the following statement after Gov. Pritzker’s budget address this afternoon, emphasizing the need for relief as families are struggling to make ends meet nationwide and outlining main priorities for his district:

“Over this last year, families across the country have faced a significant increase in expenses. People are paying more for groceries, more for utility bills, more for housing. No one can afford to live like this. And Trump’s illegal tariffs have cost working households over $150 billion in 2025 alone, which certainly doesn’t help matters. Since we can’t control the decisions being made in Washington, we are focusing on what we can control at the state level.

“Today, the Governor shared his priorities for the state budget; now it’s time to get to work. The next few months will be spent ensuring my priorities are reflected and my district is represented in the budget. From funding grants for higher education to income tax and property tax relief, by investing in a smart, responsible budget, I’m investing in an affordable future for Illinois.”

CHICAGO, Ill. – State Representative Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, released the following statement in response to the Governor’s budget address:

“I know it’s getting harder to make ends meet. Families in our community are feeling the strain every time they go to the grocery store, pay their energy bill, or fill up their gas tank.

“Today we heard the Governor’s vision, but now the real work to address these issues begins. I will carefully review the proposal line by line to advocate for our district’s needs, and work to ensure the final budget reflects the priorities of our community.

“Our schools must be funded based on what students actually need to succeed, not on outdated formulas, and we must continue working to make college and job training programs accessible and affordable, because education remains one of the strongest pathways to economic mobility.

“At the same time, we need to ensure our healthcare system meets the needs of every family—so parents can get care without fear of crippling costs, children can receive preventive care, and seniors can access the support they deserve.

“Reducing the cost of healthcare, energy, and basic necessities is essential so that families can thrive, not just survive. I will continue to advocate for policies that lower prescription drug costs, expand access to affordable energy programs, and support initiatives that make groceries and essential goods more affordable for all families.

“Every time I step onto the House floor in Springfield, I carry our community’s voice with me.”

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CHICAGO, Ill. – State Representative Camille Y. Lilly, D- Chicago, released the following statement in response to the Governor’s budget address:

“Everyone in our community deserves a fair chance to succeed. No one should be forced to navigate barriers to education, healthcare, housing, or economic stability simply because of their background or circumstances. 

“Today’s budget address from the Governor is only the beginning of what must be a thoughtful, compassionate, and responsible effort to deliver real results. I will review the proposal line by line and advocate for investments that strengthen our communities.

“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that individuals and families — regardless of socioeconomic status — have access to the resources that promote healthier, more secure futures. That means investing in public health initiatives, expanding access to preventative care, and addressing disparities that have impacted underserved communities far too long. Quality healthcare should be accessible and affordable for all.

“I will work to secure the funding our schools need to provide safe learning environments and strong support systems for students and educators. Our kids deserve classrooms that help them grow, and our teachers should have the tools and support they need to help every student succeed. College and job training need to be more affordable and easier to access as well, so students can build a strong future without being weighed down by debt.

“Having a stable place to live is one of the biggest aspects of a strong community. Too many families are dealing with rising rents. I’m committed to keeping up the fight for practical solutions — expanding affordable housing, helping first-time buyers get their foot in the door, and making sure longtime residents aren’t pushed out. Afterall, when people have stable housing, everything else has a stronger foundation.

“Now more than ever, I am dedicated to fighting for the communities I represent in Springfield. I will continue listening to residents, collaborating with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and working to advance policies that reflect our shared values of fairness, opportunity, and dignity.”