I was honored to finally meet the President of SIU Carbondale, Daniel F. Mahony, who became the 10th President of the University in March of 2020. Starting a new job during a pandemic wasn’t easy, but he has managed to do so quite successfully. Great to also connect with the interns from the Paul Simon Institute once again.

I had a very special guest pop in to visit me, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Just as she did when she was a member of the House, she always knows when to stop by with that positive energy and words of encouragement. Thanks LG!😊

I was honored to welcome Maze Jackson and the Black People First organization to the Capitol for an important sit down conversation about how to move our state forward for the Black community. Looking forward to working together to build strong alliances.

I had the distinct honor and privilege to welcome the Ambassador of Mexico in Chicago, Ms. Reyna Torres Mendivil, to our State Capitol. The Ambassador is a history maker herself as she is the first woman to ever serve in her role for her country. We were truly delighted to welcome HERstory to our chamber.

I made a surprise visit to the House Budget Office to thank our hard working staff. It’s because of this group of amazing and talented people that we have Illinois headed toward financial surety. Special thanks to Budget Director Mark Jarmer who is the leader of the budget bunch.

I met Deepti Suri when I was President of the Proviso Township High School District 209 Board of education when her daughter was one of the first students to attend the Proviso Math & Science Academy. She has been a great friend ever since that day. Thankful to her presenting me with a copy of the Holy Geeta.

I was honored to welcome the Consul General of India, Amit Kumar, to the State Capitol. The Consul General is a career diplomat who has been serving in Chicago for the past two years, and it was a real pleasure to host him here in Springfield.

I was thrilled to have my budget director Mark Jarmer and his wife Christine bring their kids by to see me. Ella, Ethan and Charlotte are all so bright, talented and full of personality. I just love them!

I was excited to welcome Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood and members of the University of Illinois Big Ten Championship team to the Capitol. Congratulations again on a fantastic season!

was honored to meet young Joseph Trottie who was in town for Spring Break. He was so excited about seeing someone that looks like him as Speaker of the House, he asked me if I would come visit his school. I can’t wait to visit Joseph and his school. If they see it, they believe it. If they believe it, they will achieve it too. Thanks for the visit Joseph.

With one more week remaining in our legislative session, I enjoyed meeting and sitting down with the interns from the University of Illinois Springfield Public Affairs Reporting program today in Springfield. These young reporters are quite talented, and they will all play a critical role in holding elected officials accountable for years to come. Congrats to them all!

I was honored to meet and sit down with the 2022 legislative interns from the Paul Simon Institute based at SIU in Carbondale. I enjoyed my conversation with them, and I’m certain each of them will make a positive mark on Illinois government. Congrats again Crystal, Mallory, Chelsey, Ajara and Vivian.