John --

Happy New year! Welcome to my e-newsletter!

Best wishes for a healthy, happy, and hearty New Year!

Here is my update. The General Assembly begins the 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

New Year, New Laws

A new year means new laws! 256 new laws went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020 including doubling fines for illegally passing a school bus, removing the statue of limitations for prosecuting criminal sexual assault cases, legalizing marijuana sold by businesses licensed by the state, making mammogram screening more accessible, and enhancing criminal penalties for violence in places of worship. To see a full list of the new 2019 laws click here.

Fighting For You!

Call for Civility in Government

During the vote for SB 667 in committee, I spoke in favor of civility. We must recognize people can have differences of opinion to achieve the same goals. We should not drown out dissenting opinions. Those opinions may help us create a stronger and better Illinois. You can listen to my comments here.

Around the District 

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

Local Business Spotlight

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

This month I visited Pattycakes Cupcakery. Pattycakes Cupcakery is a local, woman-owned, and family-run business. Pattycakes Cupcakery is a bakery specializing in cupcakes, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, and cake pops. Tammy began baking over 8 years ago experimenting with different ingredients. Tammy bakes over 100 unique cupcake flavors with a mission to make you smile. The secret ingredient to Pattycakes Cupcakery is Love.

Toys for Tots

My office teamed up with the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to help economically challenged children in the 79th District enjoy a Merry Christmas. Thank you to everyone who donated!

Naloxone Administration Training

My office and I are being proactive in the fight against opioids crisis. We recently held a training program in my office for naloxone administration. Naloxone is a drug used to prevent death from a drug overdose. A big thank you to the Kankakee County Health Department for all their help.

Kankakee Terrace Tour

I toured the Kankakee Terrace Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility. Thank you for providing health care services to our most vulnerable citizens!

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 15 constituents in the month of December. 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!

• Pre-Session New Bill Roundtable
  

  January 16th is the Pre-Session New Bill Roundtable at the 79th District office at 370 E Court St in Kankakee. Stop by between 4:30pm-6:30pm to share your ideas for new bills to benefit our district and state or fill out the online new bill suggestion box if you are unable to attend by clicking here. I want to draft legislation relevant and material to my constituents. I look forward to your ideas and suggestions!

• Blood Drive 

  I will be hosting a blood drive on January 17th 1pm-5pm at the Kankakee Public Library. Please contact our office at 815-523-7779 to schedule an appointment!

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