Self Defense Class
On Tuesday April 9th, One Light Self Defense will be back in the district for a women’s self defense course on how to avoid becoming a victim of violence and the skills that can be used in the event of an attack. This is the 4th year I am partnering with this fantastic nonprofit and every year attendees give such positive feedback about the class. I highly recommend women and girls over 12 attend this workshop, as it is full of useful information and important defensive techniques.

The three-hour class will run from 6-9 pm at Parker Road Bible Church, 18512 Parker Rd in Mokena. Space is limited, call my office at (815) 277-2079 to RSVP.
New State IDs
Secretary of State Jesse White’s office began issuing cards that comply with the federal Real ID Act in January, and they will be available at all 138 driver services facilities statewide starting today. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 in response to a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that the federal government set standards for identification cards aimed at making them more secure. The majority of US States are now in compliance with the law.

Residents who opt for the new federally compliant card will be required to come to a driver services facility and provide documents proving their identity, Social Security number and written signature, and two documents showing proof of Illinois residency. The new cards, which will be marked with a gold star in the top right corner, will cost $30 for a driver’s license and $20 for a state ID. New IDs can’t be renewed by mail.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Illinois residents will no longer be able to use their current state-issued cards to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Learn more about this transition here.
IGOLD, Others Visit Springfield
Thousands of law-abiding gun owners came down to Springfield last week to advocate for their rights on Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD). I spoke at the rally; you can watch my comments here.
Also last week, the bishops of Illinois’ six Catholic dioceses gathered in Springfield to speak against proposed legislation that would define abortion as a fundamental right and do away with a law requiring that the parents of minors seeking abortions be notified. In addition, legislation being considered would remove protections for doctors and other health care providers who refuse to participate in abortions because it violates their consciences and would require that private health insurance in Illinois fully cover the costs of abortions.
New DCFS Director
Governor Pritzker has named a new Department of Children and Family Services Director. This will be the 15th leader of DCFS in 16 years. Former DCFS director Jess McDonald called it “the single most challenging and difficult job in state government.” Pritzker appointed Marc Smith, an executive at Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness with previous experience as a DCFS social worker. Pritzker also announced he’s asked the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall “to conduct an independent and comprehensive review” of the unit, which is facing scrutiny after the recent, tragic deaths of two toddlers whose families were investigated by DCFS.