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The Illinois Senate recently hosted former Illinois First Lady Brenda Edgar as we paid homage to her late husband, former Gov. Jim Edgar.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon's (D-Oak Park) statement on the passing of former House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie.

“Barbara Flynn Currie was a larger-than-life figure at the Capitol and a giant in Illinois government. She was a leader, a mentor, a fighter and a bit of a character. A pragmatic progressive before such labels existed, she brought preparation and purpose to everything she did.

She was both intellectually intimidating and remarkably kind. In leadership, she was often the one to tell people no. She did it with a smile and a sparkle in her eye. Barbara had that enviable Irish gift: she could tell you to go to hell and make you look forward to the journey.

Immensely intelligent and a joy to be around, she possessed a wit few dared test and arguably none ever bested.

Those who had the privilege to work with her are forever better for having known and experienced the tour de force that was Barbara Flynn Currie.

Her influence will be felt for generations in the leaders she inspired, the trails she blazed and the stronger, more inclusive state she helped build.

We honor her life and legacy. Godspeed, Barbara Flynn Currie.”

It was a pleasure to welcome students from Southern Illinois University’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute to the Capitol for the recent Women’s Civic Day.
This annual program highlights the important role women play in public service and helps inspire the next generation of leaders to get involved and make a difference.
https://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/intiatives/womens-government-day.php

Grateful for the thoughtful conversation and encouraged by the talent and commitment these students bring to Illinois’ future.
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
#WomenInLeadership #NextGeneration

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.