ALTON, Ill. – As part of her continued efforts to remain accessible and open to all residents, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, will be at the Wood River Donut N’ More to host one of her Coffee and Conversation events on Oct. 23.

“As we prepare for the veto legislative session in Springfield, it is important that people have the opportunity to talk to me about the issues that matter most to them or any local concerns they may have,” said Bristow. “At my past Coffee and Conversation events throughout the 111th district, I have met with many residents and people across our communities, hear their personal stories, and listen to their thoughts about the state.”

Bristow will be at the Wood River Donut N More, located at 102 W. Edwardsville Rd. in Wood River from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Oct. 23. This event is open to the public. Bristow regularly hosts events throughout her district to make herself more accessible to her constituents. In addition to coffee and conversations, Bristow hosts regular satellite office hours and other events, and walks door-to-door to talk with people about how she can be the strongest voice possible for Riverbend communities.

“Hosting regular events across the district like this are all about having a personal conversation with local residents to hear what’s on their mind and how my office can assist them,” said Bristow. “I enjoy hearing people’s thoughts and stories over a cup of coffee, all while supporting a local business.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Committed to meeting with residents of his district, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is inviting the public to a Coffee and Conversation event on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Panera Bread located at 5 W. Rand Rd. in Arlington Heights.

“With the General Assembly meeting for our fall veto session at the end of the month, my Coffee and Conversation event is an excellent opportunity to meet with me to share your concerns as we take on more legislation,” Walker said. “While the veto session is much shorter than spring session, there are many critical issues that may be addressed, such as climate change, gun control and gambling regulations.”

The Coffee and Conversation event is an informal opportunity for residents to meet with Walker to discuss the issues that matter most to them and any concerns they may have. Additionally, Walker’s office will also be hosting a number of Satellite Office Hours through the rest of the year. Representatives from Walker’s office will be at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, and at the Mount Prospect Public Library Nov. 21 and Dec. 19. All Satellite Office Hours are from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Satellite Office Hours are another opportunity for constituents to express their thoughts about state issues or to receive help with state services.

“Whether it’s a coffee event or our Satellite Office Hours, I’m committed to hosting opportunities to meet with residents,” Walker said. “With a busy spring session and many issues left to address in upcoming sessions, it’s important for everyone to stay involved and informed in the process.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Continuing his outreach efforts, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is inviting residents to join him for coffee and conversation on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Mount Prospect Public Library, located at 10 S. Emerson St.

“I enjoy putting on events allowing residents to meet with me in a more informal setting to talk about the issues that matter most to them,” Walker said. “There’s no agenda for my coffee events so residents can guide discussion and learn more about what’s happening in the state and in our district. Our coffees are also a great time to learn more about upcoming events my office hosts to keep residents informed and to take advantage of useful state services.”

In addition to Walker’s monthly “Coffee with Mark” events, the Representative is hosting seminars helpful to constituents throughout Sept. and Oct. including a Women’s Supply Drive to benefit NorthWest Compass in Mount Prospect in Sept., a “Dealing with Fake News” seminar on Sept. 19 at the Mount Prospect Public Library from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and a College Student Aid seminar at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 8.

“Being able to talk with constituents one-on-one about their concerns on issues like legislation or property taxes is important,” Walker saud. “I’ve had many great conversations at my coffee events. I encourage residents of the 53rd district to join me for a cup of coffee and learn more about the big things happening in our state.”

No reservation is required to attend this event. For more information, please contact Walker’s full-time constituent service office by phone at 847-749-1137 or visit his website at www.StateRepWalker.com.

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is inviting residents of the 83rd district to meet with her over coffee at her two Coffee and Conversation events in the month of September, as a continued effort to discuss important legislation and other community concerns.

“During the time that I have in the district, I am making it my number one priority to meet with as many constituents as I can,” said Hernandez. “I am thrilled to be able to update residents about the legislative initiatives we passed in this historic session, such as increasing women’s reproductive rights, kick-starting efforts towards lowering property taxes, and finding solutions to address the state’s teacher shortage.”

Since being appointed to office, Hernandez has hosted multiple gatherings for her constituents to meet with her in person for discussion on important issues. Working families who cannot be at the district office during the day can join her extended business office hours that occur on the last Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. Those who do not reside near the office can join her for satellite office hours that occur every other month on the first Wednesday at 4 p.m. in North Aurora. Community members can join Hernandez for complimentary coffee and pastries and discuss recently passed legislation and upcoming initiatives. Hernandez’s September coffee events will take place on the following dates:

• Thursday, Sept. 5th from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Jake’s Bagels, located at 220 N Broadway in Aurora
• Tuesday, Sept. 17th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Pancho’s Restaurant, located at 700 E New York  St. in Aurora

“Although my constituent service office is available for residents to come meet with me, I am making sure that I have multiple opportunities for open discussions,” said Hernandez. “I look forward to meeting everyone at these coffee shop events.”

For more information, please contact Hernandez’s constituent service office at 630-270-1848, or email RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is inviting residents to join him for a cup of coffee and a conversation on issues Saturday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Panera Bread in Arlington Heights located at 5 W. Rand Rd.

“As important new legislation is signed into law, it’s important to me to hear feedback from residents,” Walker said. “From improving on equal pay laws for women to mandating insurance coverage of EpiPens for children and working to lower property taxes, there are many ways new laws impact residents of the 53rd district. Hearing from them is vital for me to take their concerns back to Springfield.”

This summer, Walker has held several events prioritizing gathering feedback and answering questions from constituents. In addition to coffee events, Walker has heard from residents at various Springfield Update town halls, property tax appeal seminars and Q&A sessions. With upcoming Satellite Office Hours at local libraries and a clean energy town hall, Walker is scheduling more opportunities to speak with his constituents on issues that matter most to them.

“The people of the 53rd district sent me to Springfield to do what they think is best for our communities and the state,” Walker said. “I take their concerns very seriously and always encourage people to contact me with any feedback they may have. I’m eager to meet with residents at this upcoming coffee event.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Walker’s full-time constituent services office at 847-749-1137 or by email at Contact@StateRepWalker53.com.    

AURORA, Ill. – To continue connecting with residents of her district, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, hosted a coffee meeting last Saturday at Two Brother’s Roundhouse, located in Aurora.   

“Listening to the concerns and opinions of constituents is one of my highest priorities and my biggest responsibility as state representative,” Hernandez said.  “Meeting one-on-one with community members allows me to have more in-depth conversations and ultimately better represent them in Springfield. I highly encourage anyone with a concern or question regarding state legislation to come to my next event.”

For more information on future meet and greet events, please contact Hernandez’s constituent service at 630-270-1848.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is inviting residents to join him to discuss recent events in Springfield and to share their thoughts and concerns on the issues facing the state this upcoming Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Panera Bread, located at 5 W. Rand Rd in Arlington Heights.

“A lot happened in our spring session, and I’m eager to talk with residents about how new pieces of legislation could affect them,” Walker said. “With so many noteworthy pieces of legislation passed, it’s important everyone is informed. This is a great opportunity to learn more about these proposed laws and to share your thoughts or concerns.”

Notable legislation passed by the General Assembly in recent months include the Fair Tax income tax amendment and rates, expanding vocational education and legalizing recreational use of marijuana. Walker will also highlight his efforts to create jobs and encourage economic growth. Free coffee will be provided to attendees.

“My most important relationship as a state representative is with those I represent, and I look forward to engaging residents this upcoming Saturday,” Walker said. “Regardless of an individual’s background or political philosophy, I’d like to meet them and hear from them.”

For more information, please contact Walker’s full-time constituent service office at 847-749-1137 or by email at Contact@StateRepWalker53.com.

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is inviting his constituents to join him for a complimentary cup of coffee and conversation about state and local issues at Something’s Brewing located at 1126 E. Washington St. in Grayslake on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“I like to host coffee shop chats in local restaurants, diners and coffee shops because it provides a familiar and welcoming atmosphere where community members can ask me questions or receive assistance on state-related issues,” Yingling said. “My coffees are one of the many opportunities I provide residents to come and share their thoughts about the issues our area and state continue to deal with, and I hope people will join me as we discuss pressing issues like property tax relief.”

Yingling, who represents portions of central-western Lake County, is known for hosting these sorts of causal events throughout the year and his popular, annual free shred days. As a state lawmaker, being an open and accessible representative are among his top priorities.

“Connecting with the people I serve in a variety of events like my coffees are one of the most important and enjoyable aspects of my job,” Yingling continued.  “I learn quite a bit from the people who attend my events and their input has a direct impact on the policy making decisions going on in Springfield.”

 

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, will host a meeting with local seniors to discuss issues related to public safety at her “Coffee and Conversation” event with East St. Louis Police Chief Michael Hubbard, and Captain Tim Tyler of the Illinois State Police.

“Unfortunately our seniors are often viewed as easy targets to perpetrators who look to prey on easy victims,” Greenwood said. “This casual conversation is an opportunity to inform our seniors of potential dangers and ways protect themselves from becoming victims of various crimes.”

Greenwood is partnering with local enforcement to host a Coffee and Conversation at the Clyde C. Jordan Senior Center on Friday, Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. to discuss ways seniors can keep themselves safe and out of harm’s way. East St. Louis Police Chief Michael Hubbard and Captain Tim Tyler with the Illinois State Police will be providing useful information and resources to the local seniors in an effort to help reduce the victimization of our most vulnerable residents.

“When our seniors are informed about ways to protect themselves they become better equipped to deal with potential harmful situations,” Greenwood said. “I look forward to meeting with our local seniors and also being helpful in reducing some of their safety concerns.”

For more information, please contact Greenwood’s full-time constituent service office at 618-646-9557 or by email at StateRepGreenwood@gmail.com.