NW Illinois News

This week, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie traveled around the 89th District and across the state. Her visits included stops at community-based organizations, events, and meetings with constituents.

One notable visit was to the Viper Mine in Elkhart, Illinois. McCombie was joined by State Representative Dan Ugaste and Deputy Minority Leader Norine Hammond. The group descended 300 feet underground and traveled five miles to observe mining operations. They witnessed the technology used in mining, including safety measures that disable machinery when a person gets too close. Illinois holds 15% of the nation’s recoverable coal reserves. Despite this resource, McCombie and her colleagues learned about the economic challenges facing Illinois coal mines.

Additionally, there was a community meeting with Birth to Five Illinois. The organization aims to create a statewide regional infrastructure to amplify community input in policy development and funding priorities. This week's meeting focused on their community action plan.

Leader McCombie also spoke at the Associated Firefighters of Illinois’ 44th Biennial Convention. Hosted by Naperville Professional Firefighters, the event drew over 400 firefighters from across the state for discussions on issues impacting their profession.

Furthermore, McCombie's office hosted mobile office hours in Orangeville. These events are part of ongoing efforts to accommodate constituents throughout the 89th legislative district, which includes all of Carroll and Jo Daviess counties as well as parts of Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and DeKalb counties. Reaching every corner of her district remains a priority for Leader McCombie.