Dear John,

In this week's newsletter, my work to invest in our communities, the Ways and Means field hearing at the Iowa State Fair, and more of my stops around the 16th Congressional District. If you need help with federal agencies, please reach out to one of my offices listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

Checking out the Progress on the Morris Hospital YMCA

It was great to see the progress being made on the new Morris Hospital YMCA! My office was proud to secure $3.5 million for this project that will improve health and wellness, as well as boost community engagement for those in the Morris area.

Read more about this stop: Touring the Morris YMCA Construction Site

Talking Tax at the Iowa State Fair

Thanks to Representative Randy Feenstra for hosting a Ways and Means field hearing at the Iowa State Fair!

We heard from witnesses about the importance of pro-growth and pro-work tax policies and the positive impact they have on our rural communities.

A competitive tax code will ensure our families, farmers, and small businesses in the Midwest can thrive.

Learning More at the Baby Fold and Hammitt Schools

I greatly appreciate Clete Winkelmann for his leadership, and all the staff at Baby Fold and Hammitt Schools for everything they do to serve children and families in the Bloomington-Normal area. I enjoyed my time touring their facility and learning more about the outstanding educational and support programs they provide!

Touring Distillery Labs

Distillery Labs fosters opportunities for innovation and growth for the greater Peoria region by providing space, tools, and educational resources to entrepreneurs and students. I enjoyed speaking with their Executive Director, Doug Cruitt, and taking a tour of their updated facility. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Distillery Labs has on Central Illinois!

Stopping by the DaVita Dialysis Clinic

I visited with the staff at the DaVita Dialysis Clinic in Morris to discuss the work they do to treat their patients and the home care they provide. I appreciate all their work to improve the quality of life for their patients in the Morris area.

Energizing Northwest Illinois

I traveled up to Jo Daviess County today to visit with Jo-Carroll Energy, who provides electric, gas, and broadband to communities in Northwest Illinois. 

Quality broadband is critical to the success of families, small business, and healthcare in our rural communities. I appreciate all the hard work Jo-Carroll is doing to expand access to this service.

Visiting Vactor Manufacturing

 I stopped by Vactor Manufacturing, the largest employer in Streator, to take a tour of the facility and meet with employees. I appreciate the tour and discussion about their products which clean and maintain critical infrastructure like our sewers.

Investing in Infrastructure

It was great to join Mayor Mwilambwe in Bloomington to announce the Hamilton Road extension! 

My office was proud to secure $2 million in Community Project Funding for the extension. This project is vital to the safety, traffic flow, and economic development in the Bloomington-Normal area.

Read more about the upcoming project: Hamilton Road Construction

Farm Bill Roundtable with Ogle County Farmers

It was great to meet with farmers and producers in Ogle County to answer questions about the Farm Bill and get their input on agricultural policy.

Wishing all of our farmers in Illinois a successful and safe harvest this year!

Read more about this stop: Ogle County Farm Bill Roundtable

Swinging through Stephenson County

I recently met with Stephenson County officials to discuss how we can work collaboratively to improve our communities and support our first responders.

I appreciate their input on issues impacting the county and all the work they do on behalf of the folks in Stephenson!

It was great to visit with former State Senator Brian Stewart while in Stephenson County! I am grateful for Brian’s friendship and continued leadership in Northwest Illinois.

Visiting with Staff at Tyler's Justice Center for Children

I greatly appreciate the staff at Tyler’s Justice Center for Children for all they do to support victims of abuse and help pursue justice on their behalf.

I enjoyed touring their facility in Stockton and learning more about the incredible impact they have on communities in Northwest Illinois.

Working to Strengthen Small Businesses in the 16th District 

It was great to join the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Chamber of Commerce
for a roundtable discussion on how pro-growth tax policy benefits small businesses and workers in Illinois.

I was honored to receive their Advocate for American Business Award and will continue my work to ensure families and small businesses across Illinois' 16th Congressional District have the best opportunities for success.

One More Thing: Good Luck to all the Highschool Student Athletes Competing this Fall!

 Highschool athletics are great character building activities that help develop skills like leadership and perseverance, which prove useful later in life. As teams across the 16th District start their season, I hope for all the student athletes to remain healthy and wish them the best of luck this year!  

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