End-of-session summaries and town hall with Representative Fine

As you probably know, the legislature adjourned at the end of May under disappointing circumstances. I've written a summary of the session, in two parts: a broad-based update on some high-profile items that you can read about here, as well as this brief outline of some of the bills I was able to pass.
 
Representative Laura Fine and I will be holding a town hall Thursday evening to discuss what has been done so far and where we should go from here:
 
When: Thursday, June 6th, 7:00pm
Where: Glenview Police Station, 2500 E Lake in Glenview
 
Please call my office at 847-568-1250 or send me an email with any questions. I hope to see you Thursday evening!

Thank you! (And an invitation)

Thanks to your hard work, we won a big victory last night, receiving over 66% of the vote! I can't thank you enough for all of your support, assistance, and encouragement. It's hard to believe how far we've come together in just a few short years; I'm incredibly excited, and very humbled, at the many new tasks that lie ahead as I join the State Senate in January.
 
Some people have asked whether we'll have a party to celebrate this victory; instead, I'd like to invite you to an event that is in some ways a celebration of the work we've done in my legislative office over the past two years, and in other respects represents a blueprint for the years ahead.
 
WHAT: Where we stand: How Illinois really compares to other states
WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 7pm
WHERE: Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview
 
Here's the story: after years of hearing thinly-sourced and often-contradictory claims that Illinois is the best or the worst at all kinds of things, I decided that it was time for us to do our own systematic research on these questions. As a result, our office has engaged in a careful analysis of how Illinois compares to the other 49 states in a very broad variety of categories regarding taxes, budget priorities, education, demographics, socioeconomic mobility, and more. We've learned a ton, and it's told us some fascinating stories not only about where Illinois is today but also where we ought to go.
 
This kind of careful data analysis represents what I try hardest to offer you as a state legislator every day, and I know that the lessons we've learned from this project will guide my legislative agenda in the coming years. This project also represents the absurdly diligent and high-quality work of my remarkable staff. It would mean a lot to me, and to them, if you could join us next Thursday.
 
Thank you again for your efforts, your commitment to our community, our state, and our nation, and the overwhelming support you have given me during these past years. Every day I marvel at the vibrant diversity and energy of the extraordinary community I have the privilege of representing in Springfield. It's a daunting and humbling task, and it means the world to me that you've chosen to entrust me with it. I'll do everything I can to live up to your expectations.