Help Me Honor Our Veterans
As Veterans Day approaches, I invite you to recognize a veteran in your family or community through the annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor at the Illinois State Capitol.
We all know someone whose service deserves recognition, whether it is a family member, friend or neighbor. I would be honored to include them in this year’s display.
To participate, submit a photo and a brief story of up to 250 words, including the veteran’s name, military branch and conflict or era of service. Military photos are preferred but not required.
Submissions are due November 6 and can be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 309 G Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706.
The display will be open in the Capitol Rotunda from November 7 through November 19, along with a video tribute featuring veterans’ stories. For questions, call (217) 782-1154.
I hope you will help me honor those who served our country and ensure their contributions are remembered.
Manufacturers Have My Support Year-Round
Illinois should be a place where manufacturers can grow and succeed. Unfortunately, too often Democrats make that harder with additional taxes and regulations expenses that put our businesses at a disadvantage.
Supporting manufacturers and their workers has been a priority of mine since taking office. That commitment earned me 100% ratings from both the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), the highest ratings in the Illinois Senate. I am proud of those scores because they reflect my record of standing up for Illinois employers and working families.
October is Manufacturing Month, but my support for this industry extends throughout the year. Manufacturing employs more than 660,000 Illinoisans and generates over $580 billion in annual economic impact. These are good-paying jobs that support families and strengthen communities throughout our state.
I will continue fighting for policies that help manufacturers remain competitive and create more opportunities for Illinois workers.
Equipment Grants Available for Local First Responders
Our firefighters and EMS personnel put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and they deserve reliable equipment to do their jobs safely. Unfortunately, replacing that equipment can be a significant expense, especially for smaller departments working with limited budgets.
I encourage local departments to consider applying for the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s FY27 Small Equipment Grant Program, which is now accepting applications.
More than $6 million is available statewide, with grants of up to $50,000 for eligible fire departments, fire protection districts, township fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services. Last year, 260 departments and EMS providers received funding through the program.
Applications are due November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must complete required registrations through SAM.gov and the state’s GATA portal and submit both required grant applications online.
I hope eligible departments will take advantage of this opportunity to secure the equipment they need to continue serving our communities.
Review eligibility requirements and application instructions here.
Young Artists Invited to Celebrate America’s 250th
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, I am inviting students in 1st through 8th grade across the 45th Senate District to participate in my art contest celebrating this historic milestone.
I want to see what America means to our young people. Students can highlight everything from our freedoms and national landmarks to the communities, traditions and values that make our country special.
Artwork may be up to 8 by 10 inches and created using markers, colored pencils, watercolors, oil pastels or mixed media. Each submission must include the student’s name, school and art teacher’s name.
Entries are due October 30 and can be emailed to LYates@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed or dropped off at my district office.
Winners will be selected November 2, with winning artwork displayed in my district office and at the Illinois State Capitol during Veto Session, November 17-20. Every participant will receive a certificate.
I encourage parents and teachers to get their students involved. For questions, contact Lori at LYates@sgop.ilga.gov.
