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Thank you for allowing me to share a unique look at Springfield through the eyes of someone seeing the legislative process for the first time. I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent you. Here's a review of 2009, with an eye toward 2010. My first legislative vote to impeach the Governor signaled a new attitude for Illinois - one of openness and a demand for stonger ethics. My goal is to make Illinois a state we can be proud of again! As a freshman legislator, my Springfield office is among the smallest. But my vote holds the same value as all other representatives. You'll find me in the Stratton Building, just next to the Capital, at 206N. That phone number is 217-782-1486. Email for both this and my 50th District office is kay@kayhatcher.us. To reach the House floor, you climb 3 floors of softly grayed marble stairs. Each of those steps is slightly concave, worn by the unnumbered men and women who have climbed them since 1877. Your Capitol building is among the most beautiful in America, renovated to incorporate new technologies within the carefully restored stenciled walls. Every House action, and many committee meetings, are transmitted live via the internet at ILGA.gov. Of the 7,000 bills filed this session, over 800 became law. Most had to do with quality of life issues that received almost unanimous approval in both the House and Senate. Lots of good work does get done in Springfield - it seems the public only hears about the disagreements. Just as in 2009, bringing our state's budget under control, while treating our residents with dignity, will be the #1 issue in 2010. I serve on active committees that offer the opportunity to be of great help to the 50th District; Aging, Transportation, Regulation of Roads and Bridges, Vehicles and Safety, Tourism, Appropriations for Public Safety and Counties and Townships. Homeland Security is important to me personally, and these dovetail together well. House Session can meet three, four or five days a week, depending on the number of issues to be reviewed. My District Director Tracy Ramsay McDonnell communicates with me constantly when I'm in Springfield. When not in Springfield, you'll find us at your local office at 608 E.Veterans Parkway in Yorkville, at 630-553-3223. Most Wednesdays you'll find us partnering with the City of Batavia from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering convenient, family-friendly hours. Please call ahead any day. We're often out in the District, and want to be there to welcome you. Balance is important. Away from the public eye, there is a place of solace in the Capitol to gather your thoughts and seek guidance when needed. A small, nondenominational chapel is open 24 hours a day to help bring balance to the unending stream of activity. The House is most silent when we stand in honor of those young Illinois men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. Not a week has gone by that we have not repeated this painful and important ceremony. Always, a legislator's voice breaks when honoring the individual. Always, the silence of 118 legislators lingers far beyond the words. None of us should ever forget who truly provides our freedom. With Gratitude, |
