ROCKFORD, Ill. — State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, hosted a Super Shred & Recycling Day for constituents to safely disregard documents and reduce waste in their homes in Rockford on Oct. 3rd.

“Our Shred Day event is not only about reducing waste and recycling unused materials, it’s about coming together as a community to support a cleaner, responsible and safe environment,” said Vella. “Whether they were responsible for shredding personal documents, recycling unused items or lifting heavy materials from neighbor’s cars, today, our community came together to help each other out.”

The event was a great success, with more than 430 cars driving through to safely shred and recycle their unwanted documents and materials. Recyclables included paper, medications, eyeglasses and retired flags. Neighbors also had the opportunity to donate cellphones and baby diapers. Documents were shredded on-site until the shred truck reached full capacity.

Vella was joined by eight local community partners: Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, CPM Recycling Services Inc., Two Men and a Truck, UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy, Rockford Illinois Police Department, Loves Park Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America and The Baby Bank. 

“A huge thank you to our incredible partners and volunteers who made this free service possible for our community, and thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event another success!” said Vella.

BOONE COUNTY, IL — September 3, 2026 — State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, will donate $1,000 to Empower Boone Food Pantry on Thursday, September 3, 2026, to help support local families facing food insecurity at a time when changes to SNAP benefits could leave some families with fewer resources to put food on the table.

“As families face the possibility of losing or seeing reductions in SNAP benefits, food pantries like Empower Boone are going to become even more important,” said Vella. “For many families, SNAP is the difference between having enough food for the month and having to make difficult choices between groceries and other basic expenses. No family should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.”

Vella’s $1,000 donation will support Empower Boone Food Pantry and its efforts to provide food and essential resources to individuals and families throughout the community. A $1 donation allow Empower Boone Food Pantry to acquire approximately $8 worth of food.

“Government assistance programs can provide an important lifeline, but when those benefits are reduced or families no longer qualify, the need doesn’t simply disappear,” Vella said. “It often shows up at the doors of local food pantries. I’m proud to support Empower Boone as they work to meet that need and help our neighbors during difficult times.”

The donation comes as families across Illinois and the nation face uncertainty surrounding access to SNAP benefits. For households already struggling with rising costs, a reduction or loss of food assistance can create an immediate hardship.

“Helping our neighbors is something we can all do,” Vella said. “I encourage those who are able to donate, volunteer or otherwise support Empower Boone and other local organizations that are working every day to make sure families have access to food.”

Who: Rep. Vella and Empower Boone Food Pantry

What: Rep. Vella Donates $1,000.00

When: Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Where: 200 S. Fifth Street, Capron, IL 61012

ROCKFORD, IL. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, and The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois will celebrate the successful allocation of $150K investment to the new Rockford Family Peace Center (RFPC) on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026.

The project was made possible through State Capital Improvement Funds secured by Vella and The Community Foundation. The event/visit will highlight the $150,000 investment supporting improvements to the new RFPC and demonstrate the impact of strategic investment in strengthening public services and expanding opportunities for families and domestic violence survivors.

“The Family Peace Center is a tremendous asset to our community, offering a beacon of hope, support, and healing for victims and their families,” said Vella. “I am proud to partner with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to help make these improvements possible and continue investing in the institutions that create a safer community.”

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois worked alongside Vella to help secure funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and advance the project, reinforcing its mission to improve quality of life throughout the region.

The media is invited and encourage to attend cover how these funds are making a difference in our community.

Who: Rep. Vella, Community Foundation of Northern IL, & Family Peace Center

What: Visit to new Rockford Family Peace Center

When: Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Where: 214 N. Church Street, Rockford, IL 61101

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Legislation that would change how Illinois courts sentence younger teens to focus more on youth rehabilitation over punishment is now law thanks to the work of state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park.

“Harsh, life-changing punishments should not be the answer to correct petty mistakes made by children and younger teens,” said Vella. “To make a difference in our younger communities, we need to provide rehabilitative services that help our youth’s minds reflect on their behavior, correct their mistakes and give them a fresh start.”

Right now, Illinois courts can apply a mix of juvenile and adult sentencing rules to children as young as 13 years of age. Supporters of the bill say that approach can be too harsh too early, and doesn’t always take into account a child’s ability to grow and change.

Vella’s House Bill 5020 would make several key changes:

• Raise the age threshold: Only minors 15 years of age and older could be considered for blended sentencing, instead of 14 years of age and younger.
• Require deeper judicial review: Judges would have to take a closer look at each child’s situation—including maturity level, educational or developmental challenges, home environment and likelihood of rehabilitation, before deciding on adult sentencing.
• Give judges more flexibility: Courts would no longer be required to impose an automatic adult sentence. Judges could choose to keep the case fully within the juvenile system if they believe it’s appropriate.
• Limit when adult penalties can be used later: Harsher sentencing would only apply if a minor commits a serious new offense, and only if there is strong evidence. Minor violations, like missing a required meeting, would not trigger adult consequences.

Supporters say the changes could have a direct impact on families and communities by keeping more young people out of the adult system and giving them a better chance at turning their lives around.

“Holding kids to the same standards as adults when committing petty mistakes is only preventing them from seeking the help they need. Some kids don’t know the difference between right and wrong, so it’s important that we give them a space where they feel protected, safe and where they can learn from their mistakes,” said Vella.

BELVIDERE, Ill.— State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, championed $60,000 in capital improvement funding for Ida Public Library, bringing in a new bookmobile shelter and gathering space to the community of Belvidere.

“The Ida Public Library continues to go above and beyond to expand access to books,” said Vella. “The new shelter will help protect the bookmobile from the elements, ensuring it can continue reaching families for years to come, while also providing a welcoming outdoor space for programs, events and gathering.”

During the spring legislative session, Vella and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) partnered together to secure the capital improvement funding for this project and streamline the funds to bring the bookmobile shelter and gathering space to the neighborhood. A ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration was held on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this project a reality. I look forward to seeing this space serve the community for years to come!” said Vella.

LOVES PARK, Ill. — A measure helping Stateline school districts save millions of dollars by preventing ongoing teacher shortages and fairly compensating overtime hours is now law, due to the work of state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park.

“It’s essential for our educators to be compensated appropriately and fairly,” said Vella. “Throughout the school year, our educators often take on extra responsibilities to ensure our children receive a well-rounded and outstanding education. Our educators are instrumental in shaping the minds of our children, so it’s important that we invest in their success and livelihood. I hope that this law expresses my deepest gratitude and appreciation.”

Vella’s House Bill 2564 would help Stateline school districts keep classrooms staffed by removing financial penalties that can discourage schools from paying teachers who take on extra classes or responsibilities.

House Bill 2564:

• Bypasses higher pension penalties school districts are forced to pay when compensating teachers for extra duties
• Ensures districts aren’t hit with extra pension costs when teachers earn more than a 6% raise due to additional classes or responsibilities
• Applies to salary increases on or after July 1, 2025

The legislation was initiated by Rockford Public School District 205 and seeks to ease financial burdens on Stateline school districts when compensating teachers who step in to fill gaps caused by staffing shortages.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on July 10 and is effective immediately.

LOVES PARK, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, is helping local families reduce the cost of enriching summer activities by promoting a free program, Museums in the Park, that provides free admission to visit Illinois museums. 

“Traveling to and from the Chicagoland area can be expensive, so being able to offer this program to our community provides a cost effective solution for them to participate in free, educational experiences,” said Vella. “I’m excited to share this program with our community and provide young people with the opportunity to explore the world around them.” 

Vella’s constituent service office is partnering with Museums in the Park to offer free museum admission for up to four guests, including children. 

A few of the museums participating in this program are:

• Art Institute of Chicago
• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
• Field Museum
• John G. Shedd Aquarium, and more.

To participate, constituents must fill out the form at staterepdavevella.com/museums. Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents will receive a signed admission pass and all necessary visit details one week prior to the scheduled visit. 

For more information, call the district office at 815-329-6741.