From The Desk Down State

As your Senator of the 45th District, I am privileged to be the legislative voice of about 220,000 citizens in Northwest Illinois. I gauge opinions and priorities by reaching out to the public through mailed surveys, town hall meetings, telephone town hall events, conversations at coffee shops and other places where people gather, or by simply stopping by your door for a quick chat.

The results of these efforts are three-fold. First, they ensure my constituency is appropriately represented in Springfield. Secondly, people’s responses offer opportunities for further conversation when there are...