Comprehensive Senior Expo Set for Wednesday in Crystal Lake
My final outreach event for the year will take place on Wednesday, October 14, when I co-host my third Senior Expo of the year in Crystal Lake. Similar to Senior Expos I have already hosted in Carpentersville and St. Charles, the Crystal Lake Expo will feature dozens of groups that cater to the needs of seniors.
Crystal Lake Senior Expo
Wednesday, October 14
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Grand Oaks Building
1401 W. Route 176
Crystal Lake, IL
If you are a senior, a caretaker, or family member of a senior, I hope you’ll come out to this comprehensive event!
In addition to more than 30 informational booths, attendees will have access to a variety of free services and resources, including:
- I-PASS on Demand assistance through the Illinois Tollway
- ICASH/Unclaimed Property assistance through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
- Senior transportation information from PACE and the Northern Illinois Transportation Agency (NITA)
- Veteran Information
- Optional vaccinations provided by Walgreens
- Utility assistance and energy efficiency program information
- Health and wellness resources from local health care providers
- Home health and senior living information
$100,000 Grant Coming to Kane County
I am pleased to announce that a $100,000 tourism marketing grant is coming to Kane County. Through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will provide matching grants to assist in the promotion of tourism attractions, destinations, and events in Illinois. Grant funding will help tourism partners market their attractions and events to increase visitation by both business and leisure travelers in order to increase overnight stays in Illinois.
Kane County will use its matching grant funds for contractual costs (marketing services, web maintenance, video and drone footage, email marketing, display advertising and webpage design) in support of their new regional engagement initiative titled “Follow the Fox – Discover the River.” Follow the Fox expands participation opportunities for families, casual visitors, and tourists of all ages. Participants will discover hidden Fabulous Fox markers located throughout Kane County communities, parks, forest preserves, launch sites, municipal facilities, cultural locations, libraries, and local businesses. Each discovery unlocks rewards, prize entries, and opportunities to explore additional destinations along the Water Trail.
Senate Republicans Highlight Domestic Violence Protections During Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I am joining my Senate Republican colleagues in renewing our call to pass legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims, addressing repeat abuse, and holding offenders accountable.
According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 101 people died in domestic violence-related incidents across Illinois in 2025. The continued loss of life highlights the importance of preventing violence and protecting victims.
Earlier this year, I signed on as a co-sponsor of a package of four bills focused on improving victim safety and addressing gaps in Illinois law.
Senate Bill 3139 would change pretrial release standards for certain domestic violence offenses and violations of protective orders by requiring defendants to demonstrate that their release would not pose a threat to others. Senate Bill 3141 would encourage stronger minimum jail penalties for violations of protective orders, while Senate Bill 3142 would increase penalties for offenders with certain prior protective order violations. Finally, Senate Bill 3140 would increase the criminal penalties for violating an order of protection.
Together, the proposals seek to strengthen accountability, address repeat offenses, and give victims additional opportunities to seek safety, assistance, and other support services. Protecting victims of domestic violence must remain a priority throughout the year, not just during October, and that Illinois must continue working to prevent abuse from escalating into tragedy.
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by November 6
In recognition of the brave men and women who have served our nation, the Senate Republican Caucus is once again hosting its annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor, giving families across Illinois an opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones who have served in the U.S. military.
The display will be featured in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from November 7 through November 19 and will include a video tribute featuring photos and stories of Illinois veterans.
Senate Republicans are encouraging friends and family members to submit a photo and written story of up to 250 words, along with the veteran’s name, military branch and conflict or era of service. Military photos are preferred but are not required.
Submissions should be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 6 to be included in the Veterans Day display. Submissions may also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 309 G Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
October Marks Manufacturing Month
October is recognized as Manufacturing Month, providing an opportunity to highlight Illinois’ manufacturing history and the industry’s significant role in the state’s economy.
According to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), manufacturing employs more than 660,000 men and women across Illinois and generates an annual economic impact of more than $580 billion.
Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Illinois’ economy and continues to be an important source of jobs, investment and economic growth across the state.
As part of Manufacturing Month, the IMA and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) have launched their annual “Makers on the Move” bus tour, which travels across Illinois to visit manufacturing facilities, educational institutions and community centers while highlighting the industry’s contributions to local communities and the state economy.
Now in its fifth year, the statewide tour will make 30 stops, beginning in Decatur.
To learn more about the “Makers on the Move” bus tour, click here.