This past week the Illinois Senate hosted former Illinois First Lady Brenda Edgar as we paid homage to her late husband, former Gov. Jim Edgar. The Senate approved a resolution that declares July 22, 2026, as Governor Jim Edgar Day in the State of Illinois in recognition of former Governor Jim Edgar's life, his legacy, and his extraordinary career in public service.
Great turnout at the recent @melroseparkchamberofcommerce legislative breakfast--more than 200 people showed up and came ready with thoughtful questions. I appreciate the candid conversation along with @speakerwelchil and the valuable input as we head into the final weeks of the legislative session. Thanks to the Chamber for the invitation and the opportunity to engage.
Congratulations on the opening of the Sankofa Village Wellness Center at Madison and Kildare.
Honored to help cut the ribbon with my good friend Pastor Marshall Hatch, New Mount Pilgrim Church, The Leaders Network, and the many community stakeholders who made this dream possible.
This Center will be much more than a building—it’s a community-driven response designed to provide accessible health care, mental health services, youth programming and more.
Just one street away sits the now vacant corner that was once home to my grandfather’s shop, Harmon Electric. It gave me pause to reflect on this moment and our shared work to rebuild and invest in more vibrant and equitable communities for all our families.
A great day for West Garfield Park and a powerful step toward a healthier, stronger future.
#community #inthistogether #economicdevelopment #healthandwellness
Last week, I joined Sarah’s Inn’s “Together We Inspire” Educational Breakfast Forum.
We heard from experts about the deeply troubling and often overlooked brain injuries caused by domestic violence—and the important work underway to better understand, prevent, and support survivors.
Thank you to the panelists and advocates for your leadership. And congratulations to the Youth Voice Award winners for courageously using their talents. Watch their powerful, award-winning performances at: /all
Great to welcome students from Southern Illinois University's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute to the Capitol for Women’s Civic Day. An inspiring day focused on leadership, public service and the important role women play in shaping Illinois’ future. Thank you to Dr. Linda Renee Baker for bringing the group by for a meeting and conversation. @thisissiu@paulsimoninstitute #WomenInLeadership #NextGeneration
Great discussion with business leaders at recent YPO gathering on shared goals, balanced budgets and economic stability.
Thanks to Kara Demirjian Huss and @speakerwelchil for the conversation. #YPO
Recently celebrated my friend and hometown Township Assessor, Ali El Saffar, on the 25th anniversary of his first inauguration. Assessor Ali has been a mainstay in our community, providing thoughtful guidance and support, and helping research ways to make our tax system more fair, effective and responsive. We came into public office within months of each other and he has been a tremendous partner and advocate ever since. Ali, thanks for being there for all of us. @oakparktownship
Enjoyed the conversation with the @ilschoolboards during its advocacy day in Springfield. Shoutout to the local members from @dupagehs88@fpsd91 and Proviso 209. Thank you for making the trip. And thank you for your public service. No bigger ally for public education than @ilsendems
A meaningful milestone for @gobeyondhunger and the entire community.
For nearly half a century, Beyond Hunger has been serving families by working to ensure no one goes hungry.
This new space means more opportunities to expand that work, bring programs together and support more people with dignity and care.
Grateful to the donors, volunteers and partners who made this possible.
Congratulations to the entire Beyond Hunger team.
Congratulations to Elyse Smith of Oak Park, who has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
A National Board Certified kindergarten teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School, Elyse has spent 20 years helping young students build strong foundations in literacy, learning and confidence. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom — including visiting every student’s home at the start of the school year to build meaningful partnerships with families.
Thank you, Elyse, for your extraordinary commitment to Oak Park students and for making such a lasting difference in our community.
Read more Elyse and other great teachers here: /Pages/teacher-of-the-year.aspx
@oakparkd97@oakparkil
Be sure to try the good eats at now open Forty Acres Fresh Market on Chicago Avenue. Read about the “very good to excellent” offerings in this recent Tribune review, and perhaps most importantly, the inspiring story behind owner Liz Abunaw’s vision and tremendous achievement. It has been a humble privilege to work with Liz. Thanks and congrats for growing a small business, providing fresh food options to our neighbors and building community. I will stop by for some of Mabel’s Meals.
@fortyacresfreshmarket@chicagoaustinchamberofcommerce
/2026/02/24/restaurant-review-forty-acres-fresh-market/?share=0toutrwrusscrmhoureh
