As I reflect on this past year, I just want to say thank you. It’s hard to believe it’s already been one year since I was sworn in as your State Representative. It’s been a year filled with meaningful conversations, hardworking days in Springfield, and a deep commitment to listening, learning, and doing everything I can to serve our community well.
In this newsletter, I’m excited to share some updates on legislation we’ve moved forward together, including bills to improve local government, protect vulnerable children, and support our firefighters. You’ll also find a few helpful state resources.
I’m incredibly grateful for your trust and support, and I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish in the year ahead together. Cheers!
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Celebrating One Year
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. It’s officially been one year since I was sworn in as your State Representative, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
This past year has been full of listening, learning, and working hard to make sure your voice is heard in Springfield. I’ve met so many incredible people, and every conversation, every handshake, every concern you’ve shared has meant a lot to me.
I wanted to be State Representative so that I could be a strong, steady voice for our community, and I’m proud of what we’ve started. But I also know there’s a lot more to do, and I’m ready to keep showing up and getting the work done.
Thanks again for your trust. I’m honored to represent you, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
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Fairer, Faster Code Enforcement
I’m thrilled to share that my bill, HB1842, has officially passed the Illinois House!
This legislation is something I’ve been working hard on because I believe every community deserves a fair, efficient, and transparent process when it comes to addressing code violations. Too often, residents and municipalities alike are caught in a tangle of red tape, unclear procedures, or inconsistent rulings. HB1842 changes that.
This bill gives hearing officers clear authority, ensures they receive formal training to uphold fairness, and places reasonable limits on fines so that we protect people’s rights, not punish them unnecessarily. It also builds in new safeguards to make sure these hearings are conducted with transparency and respect for everyone involved.
At the end of the day, this is about building trust between local governments and the people they serve. When we make our processes better, we make our neighborhoods stronger.
HB1842 now moves to the Senate, and I’m hopeful that with continued support, we’ll see this important reform signed into law.
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Protecting Our Children Must Come First
During Child Abuse Awareness Month, I stood alongside my colleagues, Representatives Jeff Keicher, Bradley Fritts, and Charlie Meier, to speak out about the urgent need for reform at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). What’s happening right now is unacceptable, and it’s time we face that reality head-on.
Since July 2018, DCFS has failed to provide incident-specific reports for over 1,200 child deaths and more than 3,000 serious injuries. These aren’t just statistics. These are lives, precious lives that slipped through the cracks of a broken system.
Let me be clear: this is not a failure of the caseworkers who show up every day with compassion and grit. It’s a failure of leadership. It’s outdated systems. It’s red tape that puts bureaucracy over the well-being of children.
That’s why I introduced House Bill 3262, which would require audio or video recordings during interviews with abused or neglected children. In today’s world, we have the technology to make sure these children are heard accurately and protected. This bill is about truth. It’s about accountability. And most importantly, it’s about giving DCFS workers the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.
In 2025, we shouldn’t still be relying on memory or handwritten notes to handle matters as sensitive and serious as child abuse. We must do better, for the sake of the children who are counting on us.
This is just the beginning. I’m committed to continuing this fight until we restore faith in our child protection system and ensure no child is left behind or unheard.
Watch my full remarks from the press conference below.
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Standing Up for Our Firefighters: HB1938 Passes the House
I’m proud to share that House Bill 1938, my legislation to support our local fire protection districts, has officially passed the Illinois House!
This bill brings a commonsense update to the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act, making it clear that fire protection districts are exempt from these unnecessary committees. Why? Because our firefighters shouldn’t be pulled away from life-saving work to sit in redundant meetings or fill out endless paperwork.
Firefighters run toward danger when the rest of us run away. They protect our homes, our loved ones, and our neighborhoods without hesitation. The last thing they need is more unnecessary paperwork. With HB1938, we’re making sure their time is spent where it matters most; responding to emergencies, saving lives, and serving the community.
This bill is about honoring their service by removing bureaucratic distractions. It’s practical, it’s respectful, and it’s the right thing to do.
I’ll always stand with our first responders, and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House who joined me in supporting this important step forward.
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Wishing You and Your Family a Joyful Easter
As we approach Easter Sunday, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a season filled with hope, renewal, and peace. I hope this time reminds you of the strength that comes from faith and the beauty of fresh beginnings.
To everyone in our community, thank you for the light you bring to the lives around you. May this Easter bring you joy, rest, and the reassurance that even in challenging seasons, new life is always possible.
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Resources
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ICash Program
The Illinois Treasurer’s ICash program is designed to help Illinois residents reclaim lost or forgotten assets. This includes everything from uncashed paychecks and utility refunds to dormant bank accounts and life insurance benefits. The program is a crucial resource for residents looking to recover funds that rightfully belong to them. To search for unclaimed property or to learn more about the program, visit icash.illinoistreasurer.gov.
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Museum Passes
Looking to take the family to any Chicago area museums? My office can help! The 2025 Constituent Education Resource Card allows complimentary General Admission to many of the city’s esteemed museums.
Visit Museum Resource Card Reservations – Patrick Sheehan to reserve your pass.
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