Supporting 16th District first responders

Thank you to Fire Chief Gary Bird for showing me around the Streator Fire Department this week! I will always support our first responders and I am grateful for the sacrifices they make everyday to protect us.

Read more about the visits: The Streator Times: Streator fire department seeks 2 grants totaling $405,000 with Congressman Darin LaHood’s support

Advocating for Illinois farmers in upcoming Farm Bill negotiations

This week in Bloomington, I spoke to the Pantagraph about what I want to see in upcoming Farm Bill negotiations in Congress. Agriculture remains the top industry in Illinois, and the Farm Bill is critical for our farmers. As Farm Bill discussions in Congress begin, I will work to ensure that IL16 farmers have a seat at the table in negotiations.

Read more: Pantagraph: LaHood: Passage of unified farm bill "essential"

Visiting with IL16 constituents and small businesses

I toured the new VirtuSense facility in Peoria this week. VirtuSense’s medical AI advancements support a more effective and efficient environment for healthcare improvements. It’s great to have VirtuSense’s innovative work right here in central Illinois.

In Bloomington-Normal, I toured the new YMCA facility. Thanks to BJ Wilken and his team for hosting me, and congrats on the new facility! I appreciate all that the YMCA and Easterseals do to support youth in central Illinois.

I joined Cornerstone Christian Academy in Bloomington to talk to seniors who reached out to our office. They asked some great questions about current affairs and our work in Congress. The future will be in good hands with leaders like these students.

I visited the Helping Hands Resale Shoppe this week in Chillicothe to hear about their mission as a faith-based organization that helps local charities. I am grateful for all they do supporting great causes in the community! Congrats to Brent Ressler and his entire team.

Celebrating Presidents' Day

This weekend, we honor presidents who helped shape America into the greatest country on Earth. From Washington to Lincoln and beyond, we celebrate the leaders who forged a better nation grounded in freedom and led our country in the highest office in the land. Happy Presidents' Day Weekend!

As always, thanks for subscribing to my newsletter!

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress