NationBuilder

John --

Welcome to my March newsletter. I hope you had a wonderful Easter with loved ones!

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

FIGHTING FOR YOU!

Monthly Daily Journal Column

I have had the pleasure of writing a column for the Daily Journal once per month during my term. This month's column focuses on women in social work throughout history. You can read the full article Here!

Around the District & Under the Dome:

Emerging Women

I had the honor of welcoming Lamekia Davis and Liz Gibson to the Emerging Women Leaders event in Springfield. This empowering event consisted of a brunch, listening session, and informational seminars from other women in leadership roles from across the state! Thank you to Lamekia and Liz for attending this event, you are both such assets to the 79th District!

Ricky Rocket Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Ricky Rockets on opening your new Kankakee location! This new venture has been several years in the making, and I look forward to seeing your success in our community!

Capitol Visitors

It's been an exciting month with so many visitors from the 79th District in the Capital!

ICHP

Reed Custer High School CTE students

University Park Police Chief Mitchell

Police Chief’s Association members

IL Soybean Association & members

Stevenson High School students, Catalyst club members and Mr. Jim Schreiner from the I-KAN Regional Office of Education Pledge for Life Partnership, advocating for youth substance use prevention.

It was such a pleasure to host our Emerging Women Leaders program again this year with women leaders from across the state and thanks to my amazing women leaders in the behavioral health industry for presenting a breakout session with me!

Thank you for the visits from the Veterans advocates/VFW, Alzheimer's Association, Bourbonnais Fire Protection District, Beecher Fire Protection District, Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and all the others I spoke to but didn’t manage to get a picture with

Local Business Spotlight

For my March 2024 local business spotlight, I am recognizing Brickstone Brewery in Bourbonnais because of their excellent products and customer service! Brickstone Brewery is not only locally owned, but it is also a multi-generational, family-owned business. This family dynamic extends beyond the staff as customers often remark on how they feel like family when visiting Brickstone. I know they sure make me feel like one of the family! I appreciate their dedication to their family, their business, and our entire community!

Vex Robotics Competiton

Congratulations to the winners of the VEX Robotics High School State Championship at Olivet Nazarene University! Over 17 high schools from across Illinois participated, and the winning team is now heading to the VEX World Championship!

Other Happenings:

IEPA Grants

The Illinois EPA has announced an additional funding opportunity to provide grants to units of local government to conduct household waste collection and disposal of sharps for their residents.Here

This Month We Honored:

Employee Appreciation Day
- I want to share my own appreciation for my incredible staff who work hard for the people of Illinois each and every day.
National Social Work Month
- National Social Work Month honors the dedication and commitment of social workers across the country who provide critical services to those in need. Social workers help support and navigate people through obstacles in life. Especially at a time when Illinois faces a critical social worker shortage, make sure to thank any social workers in your life for their important work!
Invest In Veterans Week
- Invest in Veterans Week honors the aspiring and established businesses owned by veterans of our armed forces. This week is a great time to support veteran-owned businesses. Do you have a favorite veteran-owned business?
Read Across America
- Read Across America Day is an annual day dedicated to motivating children across the country to read. While this is a great day to celebrate the joy of reading, we should all remember this important message year-round!
National Anthem Day
- National Anthem Day commemorates the day the ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was adopted in the United States. The song was initially written by Francis Scott-Key and became the official national anthem over 93 years ago in 1931.
Women's History Month
- Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions of women to our nation in both the past and the present. Advancements made by women in every field have been a critical part of American history. You can honor Women’s History Month by learning more about the accomplishments of women and how it shaped our world!
National Dentist's Day
- Dental care is an important, and often overlooked, part of a person’s health and well-being. Don’t forget to thank your dentist today for all that they do!
Equal Pay Day
- Equal Pay Day raises awareness of the gender pay gap. The date of Equal Pay Day changes each year as it symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.
National Girl Scouts Day
- Happy National Girl Scout Day! Since its founding in 1912, the Girl Scouts of America has grown to include over 2.5 million members and remains the largest leadership organization for girls in the nation.
Good Samaritan Day
- Good Samaritan Day honors those who perform random acts of kindness for individuals in need. Some of the ways that you can observe this day include assisting your neighbors, volunteering in your community, and spreading kindness to others.
National K-9 Veterans Day
- National K-9 Veterans Day honors the service of K-9 officers who help serve and protect communities. K-9’s risk their safety each day as they assist law enforcement agencies and the military.
National Freedom of Information Day
- National Freedom of Information Day celebrates the Freedom of Information Act that declared everyone has the right to information from government agencies. This holiday also falls on the birthday of President James Madison, who was a fierce believer in the freedom of information for the American people.
Happy Saint Patricks Day
- Saint Patrick’s Day honors the foremost patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Don’t forget to wear green to celebrate this holiday!
National Ag Day
- Happy National Agriculture Day! Did you know that Illinois is the fifth-highest agriculture-producing state in the nation? Celebrate today by enjoying locally-grown agricultural products.
National Sbdc Day
- National SBDC Day, which recognizes the impact of Small Business Development Centers across the country. SBDCs provide resources and tools for aspiring business owners and support current businesses that are looking to expand. You can celebrate this day by nominating one of your favorite local businesses for my monthly business spotlights! Click the link below to get started.
  
  Here
National Medal of Honor Day
- National Medal of Honor Day recognizes those who have received the highest military award for valor. Since its creation in 1861, only 3,517 members of the armed forces have achieved this great honor.
Happy Holi
- Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. Wishing a happy Holi to all who celebrate this joyous occasion!
Epilepsy Awareness Day
- Epilepsy Awareness Day aims to increase public knowledge about the neurological condition that affects over 50 million people worldwide. Be sure to wear purple today in a show of support for those with epilepsy!
Vietnam war Veterans Day
- Vietnam War Veterans Day pays tribute to the 2.7 million Americans who served in the Vietnam War. Thank you to all of the veterans of the Vietnam War for your bravery and sacrifice.
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
- National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates the 33 million small businesses that support our local economies. Be sure to stop by and support a local mom and pop business today!
National Doctors Day
- This is a day to honor the contributions and dedication of doctors across the country. Thank you doctors for all that you do to help your patients and communities.
Happy Easter
- Happy Easter from my family to yours! Wishing you a peaceful and joyous day with family and friends.