Newly-elected Senator, Tom Rooney (R-Rolling Meadows), was sworn in on September 29, affirming his position in the Illinois General Assembly as the State Senator for the 27th District.

Signs along Route 251 from Tonica to Mendota in LaSalle County now tell motorists they are riding on the "Witczak Brothers Memorial Highway," in honor the seven brothers from the Illinois Valley who served in either World War II or the Korean War. State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Peru) sponsored the resolution to honor the brothers.

In recognition of the first Gold Star Family Day in Illinois, on September 26 lawmakers joined the Governor, Gold Star families, representatives from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the public to pay tribute to and thank the families of fallen soldiers during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.

As chief Senate sponsor of House Bill 4389 designating the official day for Gold Star families, State Senator Karen McConnaughay (R-St.Charles) said this recognition is an important way to acknowledge the sacrifices of the families of fallen men and women in the armed forces.