John --

Welcome to the Summer Parkhurst Pulse!

I hope you are enjoying our beautiful summer.

The General Assembly will reconvene for Veto Session in October.

Please contact my District Office with any questions or concerns regarding any state issue. We are here to help.

Very truly yours,
Lindsay Parkhurst
79th District State Representative

Capital Plan Bill

On the last day of Spring Session, the General Assembly approved a $43 billion capital plan above and beyond the $40 billion budget. Illinois needs to attend to its roads, bridges, and buildings, but this further increases the tax burden of Illinoisans. Illinois increased the income tax on its residents in 2011, 2017, and if the graduated tax takes effect 2021. The governor's capital plan raises taxes and fees which affect many aspects of Illinoisan's lives including the motor fuel tax, gaming tax, online 3rd party sales tax, title fees, and more. I was elected to represent the taxpayers and residents of the 79th District. I take this duty seriously. This is why I voted NO on the capital plan bills.

Legislator's Pay 

I believe in solving problems, not being part of them. This is why I do not take the legislator pension or legislator health insurance. Every year, I voted against the automatic COLA increase for legislator pay. The automatic COLA was again included in the 2020 budget. A budget I voted against. 

This year, Speaker Mike Madigan refused to call the bill (HB 837) denying the automatic COLA. In response, 43 of 44 House Republicans, including me, co-sponsored bill HB 2695 filed by State Representative Patrick Windhorst to deny a pay increase and to deny a per diem increase to legislators.  Again, Madigan refused to call the bill.  So, Governor Pritzker signed the Budget Bill including the pay raise.

Fighting for You!

I worked with stakeholders on many of my bills this session. Two bills originated from concerned citizens. HB 2056 for the teacher shortage and HB 2383 right-of-way (Mason's Law).

2020 Census

This July, I hosted a meeting with leaders across Kankakee County to share information on the state's efforts to ensure Kankakee County is fully counted. The census is a constitutionally required duty of the Federal government which occurs every 10 years. The results of the census have far-reaching consequences which determine redistricting for our state legislative districts, congressional districts, and congressional representation. State and Federal agencies use census statistics to determine various funding formulas. This means the Census count is used to determine funding we get based on the census population. If Kankakee has 100 people, but only 77 people are counted for the census then, the funding formulas only give us funds for 77 people. In 2010, Kankakee had only a 77% count response and because this of undercounting in the 2010 Census, Kankakee County alone lost nearly $47 million and the State of Illinois lost over $2 billion. We must make sure everyone answers the census!  Get counted.

Around the District 

With Session adjourned until October, I am busy making my way around the 79th District!

Senior Fair

Kankakee State's Attorney Jim Rowe hosted a senior fair in mid-June. I attended to help seniors know my office has resources available to help.

Community Leader

In June, I was presented with the Community Leader Award from Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center for my efforts in getting Duane Dean the resources they need to help fight the opioid crisis.

I am humbled and honored to accept this award from an organization who fights so hard for our community and for those most vulnerable.

Honoring a Champion

In July, local officials and I honored longtime director and champion of the Shapiro Developmental Center Ira Collins for his services to the State of Illinois and the people who benefited from his advocacy. In honor of his distinguished career, Governor Pritzker issued a proclamation to name the administration building after Mr. Collins as the Ira Collins Administration building.

Thank you Ira Collins for your service!

Giving Back

I believe it is important to give back to our communities. This past month, my summer interns and I volunteered at the Kankakee Salvation Army to serve lunch to those less fortunate. I want to thank Lerviearn, Kitchen Manager, for all she does for those served by The Salvation Army Kankakee!

Local Business Spotlight

Each month, I visit a local business in the 79th District and highlight their achievements! In June, I visited La Siesta Mexican Restaurant in Bradley. In July, I visited Julio's Family Restaurant in Kankakee. I initiated the local business spotlight to showcase the wonderful diversity of talent of our local business owners all across the 79th District!

2019 Job Fair

On July 19, I hosted my 3rd Annual Job Fair at the Kankakee Knights of Columbus. This event brought over 50 local, state, and national employers to one room to help job seekers across the 79th District find a new job, change jobs, or jumpstart their career!  It was a success with many employers reporting they hired people from the Job Fair.

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.

Fall Internship Program

I am pleased to announce my fall legislative internship! Earn college credit while getting real-world experience with the Illinois General Assembly. Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by August 2! Questions? Call my office at 815-523-7779.

Mark Your Calendar!

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