The Illinois Senate recently hosted former Illinois First Lady Brenda Edgar as we paid homage to her late husband, former Gov. Jim Edgar. The Senate approved a resolution making July 22, 2026, as Gov. Edgar Day in recognition of his life, his legacy, and his extraordinary career in public service

Great turnout at the recent Melrose Park Chamber legislative breakfast--more than 200 attendees and plenty of thoughtful, candid questions. Appreciate the conversation along with @speakerwelchil.bsky.social. Taking the input with me to Springfield for the final weeks of the legislative session.

Congratulations on the opening of the Sankofa Village Wellness Center at Madison & Kildare. Honored to join Pastor Marshall Hatch, The Leaders Network, and so many friends and community partners. A great day for West Garfield Park and a step toward a healthier, stronger future.

I recently joined Sarah’s Inn’s “Together We Inspire” to learn about brain injuries from domestic violence. Thank you to the panelists and advocates working to support survivors—and to the Youth Voice Award winners for speaking out. Watch their powerful performances: www.sarahsinntv.org/all

Barbara Flynn Currie was an amazing person. She will be missed.

Enjoyed meeting @siucarbondale.bsky.social Paul Simon Public Policy Institute students for the recent Women’s Civic Day. A great program highlighting women’s leadership and encouraging future engagement in public service. paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/intiatives/w... #WomenInLeadership #NextGeneration

Good discussion on shared goals, balanced budgets and economic stability with Kara Demirjian Huss and @speakerwelchil.bsky.social at the recent YPO gathering. Valuable conversation with business leaders. #YPO

Great news for the area. Western suburbs join cohort to dispatch mental health services instead of police www.oakpark.com/2026/03/23/d...

Recently celebrated my friend and Township Assessor, Ali El Saffar, on the 25th anniversary of his first inauguration. Ali is a mainstay—offering guidance and working to make our tax system better. We came into office within months of each other, and he’s been a strong partner. Congratulations.

IL Senate President Don Harmon was surprised and disappointed by the announcement that West Suburban hospital is cutting off patient care. He is working with the governor’s office and agency leaders to find a new facility for its patients. Full statement: shorturl.at/9uo3R News: shorturl.at/umrfY

Enjoyed the questions and conversation with the IL Association of School Boards. Shoutout to local members from District 88 in Addison, Forest Park District 91 and Proviso District 209 for making the trip. Thank you for your public service. No bigger ally of education than @ilsendems.bsky.social

Beyond Hunger’s new home is more than a building — it’s an opportunity to reach more families, expand programs and continue serving with dignity and care. This milestone reflects a community that shows up for one another. Congratulations to the entire Beyond Hunger team.

Congratulations to Oak Park District 97 kindergarten teacher Elyse Smith, recently named a Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year by Illinois State Board of Education. www.isbe.net/Pages/teache... Thank you for all you do!

Check out Forty Acres Fresh Market on Chicago Avenue. Great recent review in the Tribune that includes owner Liz Abunaw’s inspiring story. It's been a privilege to work with Liz. Congrats on growing a small business. @illinoisdceo.bsky.social

@illinoisstateu.bsky.social football took fans, alumni and all of Illinois on an adventure as they crisscrossed the country in the FCS playoffs on their way to the most exciting national championship game at any level. Honored to meet them during a recent Capitol visit with Senator Dave Koehler.

The Chicago region has everything needed for success. Great people, great opportunities and great location. You don’t have to take my word for it. Site Selection once again ranked Chicagoland the top metro. siteselection.com/2025-top-met... @illinoisdceo.bsky.social @illinoisedc.bsky.social

Our Green Line viaducts have turned into one of Oak Park’s most unique outdoor galleries thanks to the mini mural program. The application window is open. 🎨 Apply here: www.oakparkareaartscouncil.org/mini-murals/ 🗓 Deadline: April 30 The Sun-Times featured the murals recently: tinyurl.com/ymaa86r2

Honored to join the @illinoisfarmbureau.bsky.social for its recent leadership conference along with @speakerwelchil.bsky.social Great turnout. Shout out to the students and those involved with the Young Leaders program. Thank you for showing up, and thank you for the invitation.

Illinois Senate Democrats and a coalition of advocates passed a new law designed to restore some measure of dignity, accountability and basic constitutional order. The purpose is simple: your rights follow you everywhere. No badge, no title, no mask puts anyone above the Constitution. My op-ed:

The Illinois Conference of Women Legislators is an essential part of how we build a more responsive, inclusive and forward-looking General Assembly. Thank you for the invite and congratulations to the award and scholarship recipients. @senatoredlyallen.bsky.social @speakerwelchil.bsky.social

Wearing red today with my colleagues in the Illinois Senate to stand up for women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women. Learn warning signs and prevention tips: goredforwomen.org

Enjoyed the wide-ranging, LIVE radio conversation this past week with @brianmackey.com for @ilpublicmedia.bsky.social @21st.show. Give it a listen.

My statement on the vile and bigoted post from the College Republicans at the University of Illinois. Such a message has no place in our society.

Wishing a joyful and peaceful merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

Christmas food giveaway this Friday, December 19, at 9 AM at Hope Food Pantry in Chicago.

There is no badge, no title, no mask that puts anyone above the Constitution. This law sends the message that if you abuse your authority, there are consequences. Our rights follow us into the courthouse, onto campus, at the hospital and when taking our kids to daycare.

As we gather with friends and family this holiday season, please remember that we can have differing opinions and views without being disagreeable and disrespectful. Threats or violence are not solutions.

I am hosting a Thanksgiving food giveaway with Rep State Representative Norma Hernandez TOMORROW 11/26 at the Leyden Township food pantry from 9-11 a.m. Details below!

Today we give our deepest respects to service members and the sacrifices they have made for our country. We honor you and thank you for your service this #VeteransDay.

I am joining Representative Camille Lilly for a town hall at Brooks Middle School, 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park, from 6:30-7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 12. We will share details of legislation passed during an especially impactful veto session last month. I hope to see you there!

Yesterday, I was pleased to attend a ribbon cutting for the new state-of-the-art facility at the Philip J. Rock Center and School, the nation’s only publicly funded residential school serving deaf-blind children.

Questions remain about the status of federal funding for SNAP benefits. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is experiencing food insecurity, resources are available in the 39th District. Click below or follow the link in the image to learn more. www.donharmon.org/resources/50...

Earlier this month, I joined Restore Justice Illinois for a panel recognizing their 10-year anniversary, celebrating their achievements and affirming our shared goals of reforming the criminal justice system. donharmon.org/news/506-pre...

I am pleased to announce that two schools in the 39th District have been named Illinois Blue Ribbon Schools! Ascension Catholic School and my former elementary school, St. Giles Elementary, both received the honor. Congratulations to these local schools!

Together, we can put an end to domestic violence. If you or a loved one are experiencing abuse, call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 877-863-6338. #DVAwareness #DVAM25

My statement with Senator John Curran condemning violence and calling for peaceful debate:

Today I’m thinking of the thousands who lost their lives 24 years ago, and remembering how Americans helped each other cope, recover and grieve. We will forever remember the courageous first responders and everyday Americans who lost their lives on 9/11.

This Labor Day, take a minute to thank the hardworking people in your life and honor those who gave everything to build the foundation of this country. Thank you for all that you do!

Earlier this month, I had the great opportunity to attend the @ncslorg.bsky.social Legislative Summit in Boston. Even better...State Rep. Camille Lilly and I met with some staff planning the summit's 2026 destination: Chicago! We can't wait to welcome everyone to the Windy City next year!

Coming up this month: Join me and @replilly78 at a senior town hall. 🏡: Lorraine Hansberry Apartments, 5760 W. Lake St., Chicago 📅: Thursday, July 24 ⏱ : 12:30 PM I hope to see you there!

Another great town hall in Franklin Park! Thank you for the engaging conversation and questions.

See you tonight, Franklin Park!

To all the dads, stepdads, grandpas and father figures providing love, guidance and support: Happy Father’s Day!

We recognize this Memorial Day by remembering our fallen service members with pride. We honor your courage, love and the ultimate sacrifice you gave for our country.

Today we gathered at the Capitol in Springfield to honor all firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, in particular Aurora firefighter Cristian Medrano who passed away last April.

Today we celebrate mothers — the women who raised us and continue to care for us throughout our lives. To all the moms out there, thank you!