Harmon working with state leaders to figure out next moves in wake of sudden West Suburban closing announcement

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon was surprised and disappointed by the sudden announcement that West Suburban Medical Center is cutting off patient care. He is working with the governor’s office and state agency leaders to find a new facility for its patients.

Here’s President Harmon full statement:

“Our first priority is getting the patients safely relocated to other facilities.

Representative Lilly and I are doing everything we can to make sure that we retain a significant health care facility that serves the community’s needs.

While West Suburban’s problems have been well documented, I was surprised by the sudden announcement. We’d been working to try to prevent this very situation.

I’ve been in touch with state agency leaders and the governor’s office about next steps for the patients, the good folks who work at the hospital and overall community.

West Suburban has long been a mainstay in our community. Our youngest daughter was born there, and I made more than a few visits to the ER when I was a boy.

This is a sad day.”

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon joined community leaders, partners and supporters to celebrate a major milestone for Beyond Hunger as the organization prepares to move into a larger space to expand its services.

“For nearly half a century, Beyond Hunger has been quietly, consistently and compassionately serving thousands of families across our region,” Harmon said. “This milestone isn’t just about a building — it’s about opportunities to reach more families, bring programs together under one roof and expand the ways we support people with dignity and care.”

Harmon thanked Chief Executive Officer Jennie Hull, along with the donors, volunteers, and partners who made the project possible, noting that efforts like this reflect a community committed to looking out for one another.

“When a community invests in something like this, it’s making a statement about its values — that every family deserves access to healthy food and that when challenges arise, we meet them together,” Harmon said.

He congratulated the Beyond Hunger team and expressed confidence that the new facility will allow the organization’s impact to grow for years to come.

Congratulations to Elyse Smith of Oak Park, who has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

A National Board Certified kindergarten teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School, Elyse has spent 20 years helping young students build strong foundations in literacy, learning and confidence. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom — including visiting every student’s home at the start of the school year to build meaningful partnerships with families.

Thank you, Elyse, for your extraordinary commitment to Oak Park students and for making such a lasting difference in our community.

Read more Elyse and other great teachers here: Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year

Guzmán fights to address campus sexual harassment and raise awareness

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to support survivors and strengthen higher education requirements when addressing sexual violence passed committee.

“We cannot allow sexual harassment to go unaddressed on our college campuses,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “If student survivors experience digital sexual harassment or otherwise, there must be protections for them.”

Read more.

Turner, Halpin work to ban loud commercials

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Doris Turner and Mike Halpin are spearheading a measure that would curb program viewers’ discomfort and annoyance by banning loud commercials on streaming services.

“We all know the feeling when our show or movie cuts to a commercial and the volume gets louder, forcing us to constantly adjust the volume of our TVs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This problem is all too familiar, and frustrating, especially for parents with young kids who need to nap during the day and individuals with hearing sensitivity.”

“Families shouldn’t be subjected to unnecessarily loud commercials when they are trying to enjoy their favorite show,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This bill brings a commonsense change that protects consumers in Illinois.”

Read more.

Villanueva fights to advance environmental justice protections in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“For too long, communities already facing environmental burdens have been forced to carry a disproportionate share of pollution and its impacts,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures that environmental justice is part of the decision-making process so we can better protect the health and well-being of residents across Illinois.”

Read more.

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The Illinois State Football team took fans, alumni and all of Illinois on a football adventure as they crisscrossed the country in the FCS playoffs on their way to the most exciting national championship game at any level. Honored to meet team members during their recent Capitol visit with Senator Dave Koehler.