CHICAGO. – State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is gearing up to co-lead with state Sen. Rob Martwick, D-Chicago, an upcoming Environmental Town Hall with the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) on Monday, Oct. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Austin-Irving Library, located at 6100 W. Irving Park.

“It is very clear that the tide is significantly changing on climate change, and we all must act now,” said LaPointe. “I’ve heard directly from constituents about their climate concerns which informed my decision to host a town hall as one of our first events. During the Environmental Town Hall, Senator Martwick and I plan to offer constituents relevant information about environmental issues in their region, as well as legislative updates on the new Clean Energy and Jobs Act.”

The town hall event will aim to address a variety of topics and issues within environmentalism and climate action. Guests who attend will get the opportunity to learn more about clean energy sources, saving money on their electric bill, and protecting natural resources in Illinois. For any constituents who would like to learn more, LaPointe can be reached through her email address at replapointe@gmail.com or her office number at (773)-647-1174. Guests interested in attending can RSVP at ilenviro.org/jeffpark.com. This event is free and open to the public. Parking will be made available and refreshments will be provided. 

“Illinois must pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act legislation now so our state can show the rest of the nation our commitment to environmental conservation, while simultaneously investing in green jobs and infrastructure,” said LaPointe. “It is not too late for any of us to find tangible, viable solutions for facing climate change head-on and there are social and economic benefits to being environmentally conscious.”

LaPointe represents the 19th District, which covers portions of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Union Ridge and West Portage Park neighborhoods, and River Grove, Elmwood Park, Norridge and Harwood Heights.

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. – State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, will host his signature “Donuts with Dan” event along with special guest, nominated Illinois Human Rights Commissioner Barbara Barreno-Paschall, on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 12:30 p.m. at the Vernon Area Public Library, located at 300 Olde Half Day Rd. in Lincolnshire.

“With the president continuously attacking immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, religious minorities and the like, it is imperative that local residents know how we can fight back at the state-level,” Didech said. “I want to thank our soon to be human rights commissioner for partnering with me for this event.” 

Residents are invited to join Didech and Barreno-Paschall for a complimentary cup of coffee and pastries, as well as an engaging discussion on the state and local issues important to them. This spring, Didech championed legislation to ensure LGBTQ+ Illinoisans are not barred from serving on juries because of their sexual orientation and supported legislation to ensure all workers, regardless of where they work, are covered by the protections of the Human Rights Act.

“These events are a great way for me to hear directly from the community on the issues that matter most to them,” Didech said. “I encourage everyone to join us for a candid conversation about how we stand up for our shared values of inclusion and tolerance.”

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – As part of his efforts to be an open and accessible legislator, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, will be holding a Coffee with Sam event on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Main Street Café, located at 202 E. Main Street in Round Lake Park. At the event, attendees will be able to talk with Yingling while enjoying a complimentary cup of coffee.

“With all the new laws being passed over the last session, I am looking for feedback from my constituents now more than ever,” Yingling said. “I am looking forward to sitting down with members of the community and hearing what they would like for me to work on going forward.”

Since the end of the legislative session, Yingling has made it a priority to hear the thoughts and opinions from people and organizations throughout his district. In addition to previous Coffee with Sam events, Yingling also hosts town halls and seminars to interact with constituents on a variety of topics. Yingling also has visited libraries, hospitals, park districts and businesses throughout the district in an effort to get as much feedback and hear as many voices as possible.

“Hearing from those around my district helps me craft my legislative agenda more than anything,” Yingling said. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my office or me and voiced their ideas about what they would like to see from their state government.”

For any questions or to RSVP, please contact Yingling’s constituent service office at 847-231-6262 or repsamyingling@gmail.com.

CHICAGO. – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D- Chicago, is inviting local residents to attend a Women’s Legislative Advisory Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 6 to7:30 p.m. at his district office, located at 1234 W. 95th St. in Chicago.

“Hosting meetings like this is important because it allows for an open dialogue on the issues that affect women in our community,” said Slaughter. “Discussing important issues face-to-face helps me better understand what local residents need, and lets them know that they are being heard.”

Slaughter is hosting the Women’s Legislative Advisory Committee to discuss important issues such as health care, education and economic development. Slaughter will answer any questions attendees have and will also discuss recent legislation in Springfield. The event is free and open to the public. An RSVP is encouraged but not required.

“Giving local residents the opportunity to share concerns and ideas helps me better represent their needs in Springfield and legislate more effectively,” said Slaughter. “I look forward to hearing from the women in our community on how we can build a stronger Illinois together.”

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Slaughter’s office at 773-445-9700 or Justin@RepSlaughter.com.

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, hosted a community event on Saturday at Something’s Brewing in Grayslake. Constituents had the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions with Yingling while enjoying a cup of coffee.

“I am always happy to talk to my constituents about what issues are most important to them, and how I can do my part to help,” said Yingling. “One of my main priorities is hearing what people in my district have to say, and these events are a great opportunity for me to do just that.”

Yingling discussed multiple topics, including ethylene oxide, a toxic chemical that was used at the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook and Lake County. Yingling also discussed property taxes, as he has committed lots of time recently to his work on the property tax relief commission.

Yingling regularly hosts events that give community members an opportunity to share their thoughts with him. Similar events will be hosted throughout the upcoming months, giving residents many opportunities to share their thoughts with Yingling.

“It is so important to hear what the people I represent have to say,” said Yingling. “My work in Springfield is based on what I hear from these constituents back home, and I am very thankful for everyone who took the time out of their day to talk with me and share their thoughts on the issues facing our community.”

GURNEE, Ill. – Residents are invited to join state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, to discuss state and local issues at He Brews Coffee Shop located at 211 Sheridan Road in Winthrop Harbor from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17.

“Sitting down with residents and hearing about their passion for our community is one of my favorite parts of this job,” said Mason. “Supporting small business is also very important to me, and I am thrilled for this opportunity to connect with community members and support a small, locally-owned business at the same time.”  

Mason has held her previous constituent coffees at a variety of locally owned businesses in the region, including Daisy’s Artish Cafe in Lake Villa, Cafe Book in Antioch, and Callie’s Coffee Bar and Cafe in Zion.

“This Saturday, I look forward to meeting with residents and learning more about the issues impacting our community,” said Mason. “I am eager to use feedback from this meeting to continue working to improve our community and our state.”

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.

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, hosted a Women’s Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Saturday morning to hear directly from constituents on what they believe to be the top legislative issues impacting women today.

“For far too long, women have been excluded from legislative conversation that impact our communities,” said Pappas. “I want to collaborate with the women in the community to identify how we can make room for more voices to join the discussion.”

The purpose of Pappas’ advisory committee is to collaborate with district voters on what types of legislation and community services need to be implemented to ensure that women’s needs are being addressed both in the district and throughout the state. Pappas is committed to developing a diverse panel of women from different backgrounds, and encourages anyone who is interested in joining her advisory committee to contact her office.

“It was insightful to hear about commonly discussed issues such as education and economics from the standpoint of my female constituents,” said Pappas. “It was an experience that reaffirmed my commitment to providing this opportunity for women, and I hope to engage more interested constituents at these advisory meetings in the months to come.”

OAK PARK, Ill.  – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, recently hosted a legislative update and constituent conversation at Buzz Café in Oak Park.

“It was great to spend time hearing from my constituents about the important issues facing our state and community,” said Lilly. “Gatherings like this help facilitate a dialogue with residents so that I can understand their concerns and needs and inform them about my work in Springfield.”

Local residents and Lilly discussed issues including education, the need for property tax relief and a Fair Tax for middle-class families, transportation and the state budget. Lilly co-hosted the event with state Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, a member of Senate Democratic Caucus leadership.

“With the challenges facing our state, it is critical that I understand what people in my district are thinking and how they are feeling about the issues we face,” Lilly said. “The work I do in Springfield is based on the needs of my constituents and I am incredibly thankful for all of the residents who took time to share their thoughts with me.”

 ALTON, Ill. – State Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, hosted local pastors and faith leaders for a prayer breakfast on Friday to hear their thoughts and concerns on current state issues, and ways to strengthen local communities and improve the Riverbend region.

“The Metro East is incredibly fortunate to have so many churches, pastors and faith leaders who openly participate in our communities and provide much-needed support to local families,” said Bristow. “I truly appreciate our pastors and faith leaders taking the time to offer their prayers for our state and its leadership, and for sharing their thoughts with me on how we can put Illinois back on the right track. Their guidance is something that I value and carry with me as I continue to serve our residents. I also enjoyed hearing about all of the good work they are doing to help our friends and neighbors, and I look forward to working with them more in their efforts to make our region its best.”