​SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – No longer in session, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is looking to casually meet with constituents over coffee to hear their concerns and discuss recent updates from Springfield.

“Now that the legislative session has ended, this is a great time to meet with residents who may have questions about legislation that passed,” said Mussman. “The best way to answer questions and hear their feedback is to talk one-on-one and in person.”

Mussman is hosting residents at the Dunkin’ Donuts on the morning of Thursday, July 25from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. The Dunkin’ Donuts is located at 914 S. Roselle Rd, in Schaumburg. Visitors can come and get a complimentary cup of coffee as they join in on the open conversation.

“We accomplished a lot to be proud of this session, but I’m sure there are a lot of questions to be answered,” Mussman said. “While we worked tirelessly to pass a lot of good legislation, there is still more to be done to make Illinois a better place to live for all families. I look forward to hearing residents’ feedback and ideas, in addition to answering their questions.”

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – Continuing her fight to protect women’s access to reproductive health care, state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, recently met with her Women’s Advisory Panel to provide a legislative update to committee members and get their feedback on what more can be done to empower women and increase access to healthcare services.

Discussion included the passage of the Reproductive Healthcare Act HB2495, which secured all Illinois citizens’ rights to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive health, and Senate Joint Resolution 14, which created a Home Birth Maternity Care Crisis Study Committee for the purpose of examining the potential role of Certified Professional Midwives in addressing the shortage of licensed home birth providers during prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum portion of women’s pregnancies.

“This session, I fought to ensure that women have access to essential reproductive healthcare services, regardless of what happens in Washington,” said Pappas. “To continue this fight, I am committed to working with women in the community to get their feedback on what more needs to be done to stand up to Trump and his out-of-touch politicians.”

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.”

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill.  – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, recently hosted constituents for a coffee, tea and talk legislative update at Lulu Belle’s Pancake House in Franklin Park.

“With the significant challenges facing Illinois, including the need for new infrastructure investment and tax reform that protects middle-class families, it is incredibly important for me to hear what people in the district are thinking,” Lilly said. “These events are a great way for constituents to let us know what they need from their state government.”

Lilly discussed a variety of topics with attendees including education, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Fair Tax proposal, public safety and transportation. State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, the House Democratic Conference Chairperson, and state Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, a member of the Senate Democratic Caucus leadership team co-hosted the event.

“Our work in Springfield is based on the concerns of our districts and the feedback we receive from residents,” said Lilly. “We are grateful for everyone who took time to share their thoughts with us on the issues facing our state and we look forward to addressing their needs in Springfield.”

LAKE VILLA, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is inviting residents to join her at the Eco Fair at the Antioch Township Center located at 1625 Deep Lake Rd. in Lake Villa this Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mason is set to deliver a presentation at the Eco Fair on some of the environmental measures she sponsored during her first legislative session. Mason’s presentation will also include material on the most effective ways community members can take action in support of environmental legislation.

“Every resident has the ability to help advance legislation through the Capitol to make our state healthier and safer for future generations,” said Mason. “My hope is that community members will walk away from my presentation informed on the most effective ways to support environmental legislation.”

Mason’s presentation is slated to begin at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. In addition to her legislative presentation, Mason’s office will be hosting a booth at the Eco Fair complete with environmental activities and educational materials. The Eco Fair is organized and hosted by the Village of Antioch Environmental Commission and will offer free resources and information about saving energy, community gardens, native plants and animals, organic food and more. To find out additional information about Mason’s involvement with the Eco Fair, please contact her constituent service office at 847-485-9986 or email info@repjoycemason.com.

“So many of our everyday decisions have unseen consequences on the environment,” said Mason. “We owe it to our children and grandchildren to educate ourselves on the merits of sustainable living, and attending the Eco Fair this weekend is a great opportunity to do so.”