John --

Welcome to the January Parkhurst Pulse!

Happy New Year!

The General Assembly began Spring Session on January 28th.

Please contact my District Office with any questions or concerns regarding state issues. We’re here to help!

Very truly yours,

Lindsay Parkhurst

79th District State Representative

Fighting For You!

Economic and Criminal Justice Reform

I was proud to be selected as a McCormick Foundation Executive Fellow and recently attended Erickson Institute: Early Childhood Leadership Academy Special Addition: Trauma.  A trauma focused session with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and 22 other cross-sector leaders. As a member of the Justice, Equity, and Opportunity (JEO) Initiative, I am working to centralize the state’s justice reform efforts and promote economic opportunities for communities impacted by a broken criminal justice system.

Around the District 

The weather is getting cold, but I make sure to make my way around our beautiful 79th District!

2020 Pre-Session New Bill Roundtable

My job as State Representative is to make sure your voice is heard. This means taking ideas and needs from the community and drafting appropriate legislation. On January 16th, I held a Pre-Session New Bill Roundtable. For those who could not attend, I created a New Bill Suggestion Box on my website to submit bill ideas. Thank you for all the ideas!

Local Business Spotlight

Each month I visit a local business in the 79th District to highlight their achievements! 

This month I visited Candy & Cake. Candy & Cake is a local, family-run business that started at the Kankakee Farmers Market and grew into a brick and mortar location at the Northfield Square Mall. They specialize in cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, Hershey’s brand Ice Cream and smoothies. They are able and eager to host your next party or event! Candy & Cake is located in the southern portion of the mall across from KanSai Japanese Steakhouse.

I initiated the local business spotlight to showcase the wonderful diversity of talent all across the 79th District! I encourage constituents and business owners to reach out via my Facebook page or in-person to submit a request to visit a particular local business!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The 79th District honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the prayer breakfast held at Quality Inn. We must always remember: 

“The time is always right to do what is right.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Will County Annual Farm Bureau Meeting

I was proud to attend the Will County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Thank you to our farmers for all you do!

Blood Drive

My office partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive on January 17th. The Blood Drive was a huge success! Thank you to the American Red Cross and all blood donors for making a big difference in the lives of others through the gift of blood.

Constituent Services

Part of my job as a state representative is to assist you with navigating problems with state agencies. From assisting gun owners with FOID and CCL applications to navigating the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, my office successfully assisted 13 constituents in the month of January. It is my pleasure to serve you!

Job Board

Are you looking for a new job or a change in career? Check out my job board for job search resources and local listings. If you are an employer, check out the link above to find out how to send job posting requests.

Mark Your Calendar!

• Valentines for Vets

  February 8th is the deadline for collecting handmade valentine greetings and well wishes to give to our veterans. All ages are welcome to participate and send in valentines to the 79th District Office at 370 E Court Street in Kankakee. I started this program to ensure our veterans are not forgotten on any holiday. This is a chance to show our Vets the love and appreciation they deserve. Let's honor them on Valentine's Day for loving our country and keeping us safe.

“Like” me on Facebook to keep up to date on future events and drives!!!