In October, we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a sobering reminder that many people in our communities continue to suffer in silence. It’s heartbreaking to know that nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in Illinois have experienced severe intimate partner violence. These numbers represent the lives of real individuals affected by fear and trauma, people that need our attention and care.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-877-863-6338. Additionally, local resources such as The Crisis Center for South Suburbia and the Illinois Department of Human Services provide emergency shelter, counseling, and legal support. It’s important to know that help is out there, and no one has to face this battle alone.
We must continue to stand together as a community, raising awareness and supporting survivors as they navigate their journey to healing. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse.
Thanks for reading this edition of “Representative La Ha’s Latest!”
News
CGFA report shows continued State revenue decline
The report, from the nonpartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), is based on cash-flow numbers from the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) and the departments that collect matching aid payments and other payments from the U.S. federal government. These departments reported a sharp decline in September 2024 income relative to the prior year. While in September 2023 the State took in $6,171 million for purposes of General Funds spending, in September 2024 the State took in only $5,514 million, signaling a decline of $657 million (down 10.6% year-over-year) in general funds receipts.
Two key lines of recurring income, which ought to show stability from the State’s point of view, demonstrated sharp declines in September 2025. Corporate income tax payments to the State dropped by $89 million in September 2024 relative to one year earlier. Sales tax payments dropped year-over-year by $45 million during the same period, signaling a sharp decline in Illinois purchases of taxable consumer goods such as motor vehicles and furniture. Continued economic worries among U.S. consumers could be having a negative effect on Illinois consumer buying decisions and sales tax payments.
Worries about the U.S. and global economies helped spur a recent interest rate cut carried out by the U.S. Federal Reserve. This rate cut may, or may not, re-spur the U.S. economy – but will also have secondary effects on other lines of State income and expenditure. For example, in September 2024 the amounts earned by Illinois as interest on our State’s funds and investments dropped year-over-year by $36 million. If interest rates are cut, the State of Illinois is likely to earn less in interest. This was yet another segment of the overall General Funds year-over-year decline for September 2024.
Celebrating Excellence in Education
I am thrilled to congratulate four incredible school districts in District 82 that have been named among Niche’s “2025 Best Schools and Districts.” It’s an honor to recognize Hinsdale Township High School District 86, Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, Downers Grove Community High School District 99, and Westmont Community Unit School District 201 for this amazing achievement.
Education is the foundation upon which our future is built, and these schools have demonstrated excellence in creating environments where students can thrive. The recognition from Niche reflects a rigorous analysis of data, including test scores, college readiness, and student life. Thank you to the dedicated teachers, staff, administration, and students for your hard work. Your commitment to educational excellence sets the standard, and I am so proud of all you have accomplished.
To read more about these outstanding school districts, you can visit this link.
Traveling Office Hours
Stop by my Traveling Office Hours this Thursday in Darien to ask questions or share feedback on any state issues or legislation! We want to hear from you!
Traveling office hours are open to the public.
A big thank you to the Indian Prairie Public Library for having us!
Steve McMichael
I’m proud to announce the filing of House Resolution 0910, congratulating legendary Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Steve McMichael represents the heart and soul of Chicago football. His impact on the field and his leadership in the community have left a lasting mark on our state. We are honored to celebrate his long-overdue recognition as a Hall of Famer and his continued fight against ALS.
Steve McMichael, a cornerstone of the famed “Monsters of the Midway” defense, was instrumental in the Chicago Bears’ success throughout the 1980s, particularly as a member of the 1985 Super Bowl championship team, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. McMichael played 13 seasons with the Bears from 1981 to 1993, appearing in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games and tallying an impressive 92.5 sacks, the second-most in Bears history. His tenacity, skill, and larger-than-life personality earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
McMichael’s Hall of Fame career was marked by two Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections. Known for his grit and determination, “Mongo” was a relentless force on the Bears’ defensive line, helping the team win six NFC Central Division titles during his tenure. His contributions to the game will forever be remembered as part of Bears history and football lore.
In recent years, McMichael has faced a different kind of battle—his fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Diagnosed in 2021, McMichael has shown the same courage and determination in his personal life as he did on the gridiron.
Steve’s journey, both as a football player and now as someone living with ALS, is a testament to his strength and character. We stand with Steve and his family as they continue to raise awareness about this devastating disease.
Hinsdale Little League Baseball
I’m also proud to file House Resolution 0909, celebrating the achievements of the Hinsdale Little League 12U baseball team. The resolution acknowledges the team’s extraordinary season and congratulates the young athletes, coaches, and their families for their commitment to excellence.
This group of talented young athletes has brought pride to Hinsdale and inspired their peers. They’ve shown what is possible through determination and teamwork. Their achievements this season are a true testament to the strength of character and commitment these players have shown both on and off the field.
The Hinsdale Little League team became Illinois District 11 Champions of the Little League Baseball division, ages 10-12 on July 24th, 2024. They earned their first trip to the 2024 Little League World Series with a victory in the five-team Great Lakes Tournament on August 7th, 2024, in Whitestown, Indiana.
They advanced to the 2024 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where 10 region champions and 10 international teams from around the globe competed for the world title. Though the team was not successful this year at the World Series, the Hinsdale Little League 12U team and the Hinsdale community have much to be proud of after this season and their first World Series trip.
Resources
LIHEAP program applications available now
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for income qualified households. This energy bill assistance program can assist with natural gas, propane, electricity bills and furnace assistance. Applications are open now through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 333,000 households received LIHEAP with an average of over $724 per household.
Residents in need are urged to visit helpillinoisfamilies.com to get started or to visit their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
Girls Lead Program
Applications are now open for Girls Lead, a mentorship program for girls across Illinois who are interested in pursuing careers in public service. Students will be matched with women legislators, agency directors, and senior-level managers from different state departments to learn how state government functions.
This program is part of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls https://ltgov.illinois.gov/councils/icwg.html and provides different mentorship experiences for different age groups:
• 5th grade students will spend a day shadowing a woman leader in state government.
• 6th to 8th grade participants will have a similar shadowing experience, followed by a reflection activity.
• High school students (9th to 12th grade) will experience a semester-long policy mentorship, including research projects and multiple days of hands-on experience in government offices.
This is a wonderful opportunity to bring about more female leaders in Illinois! Both mentors and mentees can apply now at https://isbe.submittable.com/…/illinois-council-on…
Let’s inspire the next generation of female leaders!