Dear John,

In this week's newsletter, I wanted to share an update on my recent stops around the 16th District of Illinois. If you need help with federal agencies, please reach out to one of my offices listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

Popping by the Poppy Family Farm

Thanks to the Poppy family farm for inviting me to visit! The 16th District is one of the largest agricultural districts in the country and I appreciate the input of all our farmers and producers. As Congress works on the Farm Bill, I will continue to advocate for our hog producers in D.C.

Visiting YouthBuild in Normal

Thanks to YouthBuild McLean County for hosting us and showing us around their updated facility. YouthBuild does phenomenal work to assist disadvantaged youth and prepare them to be successful in the classroom and in the workforce!

They have added new rooms and are working on a new outdoor facility to provide kids with a safe place to rest and destress.

Read more about the stop here: Touring YouthBuild McLean

Checking out the Trillium Young Minds Behavioral Health Center

 I stopped by the new Trillium Young Minds Behavioral Health Center, a Carle Health affiliate. Located at the site of the former Heddington Oaks facility, and scheduled to open in September. This center will dramatically increase the scope of services available to address child and adolescent behavioral health needs.

My office was proud to secure Community Project Funding to help build and expand this larger center to support counseling, mental health, and recovery services. I am grateful for all the community stakeholders and advocates who helped make this happen!

Meeting with Sheriff Ryan Bohm

I was glad I got to visit with Livingston County Sheriff Ryan Bohm last week. I am grateful for Sheriff Bohm’s leadership and work to keep his community safe. As I continue my work in congress, I will continue to back the blue and support our law enforcement in any way I can. 

Bridging the Gap Between D.C. and Bloomington 

Thanks to Mike Tomlianovich for inviting me to give a D.C. update to the Bloomington Bridge Club.  I enjoyed meeting with the folks in attendance and discussing my role as their Congressman.

During the stop I was able to meet with a great group of veterans. I appreciate all the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe and ensure our rights are upheld. 

Pictured left to right: John Cralley, Rick Dalton, Ric Brenneman, Sandy Adams

Improving Railroad Safety

I appreciate the folks with Iowa Interstate Railroad inviting us to see their new “Hot-Box Detectors” (HBD). HBDs improve railroad safety and prevent small problems from becoming major disasters.

Railroads are critical to maintaining a smooth supply chain and providing safe transportation for passengers. Safety must always be the top priority.

My Support for The Flanagan Community Center

My office was proud to secure over $1.4 million in Community Project Funding for the City of Flanagan to update their Community Center! The funding will help improve the social and educational impact of the center on the community and strengthen economic development.

Thanks to City Manager Martin Kudla and Village President Dave Iverson for all their hard work on this project!

Touring La Petite Academy 

La Petite Academy provides top quality care and education programs to children in the Bloomington-Normal area. As Chair of the Ways and Means
Work and Welfare Subcommittee, it was great to visit with their wonderful staff and discuss our work to improve child care.

I’m grateful for their dedication to ensuring the success of our future generations!

Visiting Fire Department Coffee

During my district stops, I visited Fire Department Coffee, which continues to grow and they are in over 2,600 Walmart stores nationwide.

I enjoyed spending time with their CEO, Luke Schneider, discussing how their growth has allowed them to give back to the Rockford community and support fire departments and first responders across the U.S.

Gearing up for the Illini Football Season

It was great speaking with Athletic Director Josh Whitman, Coach Bielema, and
student athletes on the Illini football team. I appreciate their hospitality and the tour of their facilities!

Looking forward to a big season ahead for the Fighting Illini! 

One More Thing: Anna Peplowski is Bringing Home an Olympic Medal

Congratulations to Germantown Hills and 16th Congressional District native Anna Peplowski on bringing home the Silver Medal at the Olympics in the Women’s 4x200 Freestyle!

Making all of Illinois and our country proud!

Read more here: Metamora's Anna Peplowski wins silver in Paris

It is a privilege to serve the constituents of Illinois' 16th Congressional District. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to one of my offices if we can ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress