A weekly update on issues from Illinois State Senator Gary Forby

The month of November gives us a lot to be thankful for. In the upcoming weeks, many families will be preparing for Thanksgiving and a number of people in my district will be spending time with family and close friends. Although we have a lot to be thankful for here in Southern Illinois, we must keep in mind those who are less fortunate during Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season.

A large percentage of those who happen to be less fortunate are Illinois’ veterans. Last week, we thanked them for their service to our country on Veteran’s Day. We showed our gratitude and respect for everything that they’ve done and honored their dedication to this great nation. Unfortunately, many veterans in my district are still struggling to adjust to everyday life after they return from active service. A number of retired military remain homeless or hungry. Many veterans return to Southern Illinois and do not have a place to call home, while many others don’t know where to turn for assistance. Clothing and food drives are some ways that help alleviate some of the burden that they experience.

Read more: From the Statehouse - 11-13-09

Elgin-- Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) will kickoff his new satellite office hours program, “Meet with Mike,” on Saturday November 21^st, 2009. He will be meeting with constituents at Elgin's Gail Borden Public Library from 10:00 am to 12:00pm. Senator Noland will be available to listen to residents’ concerns and to answer any questions regarding community issues or legislation pending in the General Assembly. He will also be available to discuss his recent initiatives such as more transparency and accountability in state government. For more information, please contact Rich Jacobs at 847-214-8864 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fargo, N.D. – Earlier this week, legislators and higher education leaders attended the annual policy summit and commission meeting of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) in Fargo, N.D. State Senator Ed Maloney (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, joined his colleagues to discuss how to improve postsecondary education access and graduation rates.

Read more: Maloney Attends Conference on Postsecondary Education Access and Graduation Rates

SPRINGFIELD—This morning, State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) joined a group of physicians from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to encourage young women to begin good health practices and to focus on breast cancer prevention at an early age.

Read more: Kotowski Teams Up with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to Promote Better Health and Breast Cancer Prevention Among High School Students

Chicago, Illinois – Illinois Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-12) is encouraged by the U. S. House of Representatives action on Health Care Reform, stating that America might be moving on the right direction.  The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) was narrowly passed 220-215 and it will now be debated in the U. S. Senate.

Read more: Senator Sandoval: “Universal Health Care Reform is moving in the right direction”