Former Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie passed away. Illinois Senate President Dono Harmon had the following statement about her life and legacy: “Barbara Flynn Currie was a larger-than-life figure at the Capitol and a giant in Illinois government. She was a leader, a mentor, a fighter and a bit of a character. A pragmatic progressive before such labels existed, she brought preparation and purpose to everything she did. She was both intellectually intimidating and remarkably kind. In leadership, she was often the one to tell people no. She did it with a smile and a sparkle in her eye. Barbara had that enviable Irish gift: she could tell you to go to hell and make you look forward to the journey. Immensely intelligent and a joy to be around, she possessed a wit few dared test and arguably none ever bested. Those who had the privilege to work with her are forever better for having known and experienced the tour de force that was Barbara Flynn Currie. Her influence will be felt for generations in the leaders she inspired, the trails she blazed and the stronger, more inclusive state she helped build. We honor her life and legacy. Godspeed, Barbara Flynn Currie.”

Barbara Flynn Currie was an amazing person. She will be missed.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon's statement about the surprise announcement by West Suburban hospital that it intends to immediately restore some medical services just weeks after suddenly shutting down amid a financial crisis. Harmon's statement: “For the sake of the patients and the community, I hope this is true and that it pans out. But my hopefulness is tempered by the cascade of financial and logistical problems that preceded the recent closure. Like so many others who have tried to help along the way, I still have a lot of questions about where all the resources went.”

www.oakpark.com/2026/04/15/w...

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (left) discusses issues and leadership with students from Southern Illinois University's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute during the recent Women's Civic Day at the Illinois Capitol. The day encourages women to pursue leadership roles in public policy and institutions.

Enjoyed meeting @siucarbondale.bsky.social Paul Simon Public Policy Institute students for the recent Women’s Civic Day. A great program highlighting women’s leadership and encouraging future engagement in public service. paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/intiatives/w...
#WomenInLeadership #NextGeneration

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (center) and Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch (right) listen as business leader and moderator Kara Demirjian Huss poses questions during a recent gathering of members of the business group the Young Presidents' Organization. Harmon and Welch stressed the importance of shared goals, balanced budgets and economic stability for Illinois.

Good discussion on shared goals, balanced budgets and economic stability with Kara Demirjian Huss and @speakerwelchil.bsky.social at the recent YPO gathering. Valuable conversation with business leaders. #YPO

Western suburbs join cohort to dispatch mental health services West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center dispatches Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest first responders

Great news for the area.
Western suburbs join cohort to dispatch mental health services instead of police www.oakpark.com/2026/03/23/d...

Oak Park Township Assessor Ali El Saffar, center wearing the suit and tie, recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his first inauguration into office. He and now-Senate President Don Harmon came into public office within months of each other and have worked closely on issues ever since.

A younger state Senator, now Senate President Don Harmon, on the left, and younger Oak Park Township Assessor Ali El Saffar, center, testify before a Senate committee in this throwback photo from earlier in their public service careers. Assessor Ali recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his first inauguration.

Recently celebrated my friend and Township Assessor, Ali El Saffar, on the 25th anniversary of his first inauguration.
Ali is a mainstay—offering guidance and working to make our tax system better.
We came into office within months of each other, and he’s been a strong partner. Congratulations.

IL Senate President Don Harmon was surprised and disappointed by the announcement that West Suburban hospital is cutting off patient care. He is working with the governor’s office and agency leaders to find a new facility for its patients.
Full statement: shorturl.at/9uo3R
News: shorturl.at/umrfY

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon with leaders from the Illinois Association of School Boards during the organization's advocacy day in Springfield.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon listens to a school board member's question during the Illinois Association of School Board's annual advocacy day in Springfield.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon talks with school board members from across the state during an appearance at the Illinois Association of School Board's advocacy day in Springfield.

Enjoyed the questions and conversation with the IL Association of School Boards. Shoutout to local members from District 88 in Addison, Forest Park District 91 and Proviso District 209 for making the trip. Thank you for your public service. No bigger ally of education than @ilsendems.bsky.social

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon signs a memory wall at Beyond Hunger's new building in Oark Park. The new building allows the anti-hunger organization to consolidate operations in one place while expanding services to the community. It's a full-circle development for the building, which began as a grocery store.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon congratulates the staff and supporters of Beyond Hunger for the work they've done to make the new location a reality. The new location allows the anti-hunger group to expand operations to the community.

Beyond Hunger’s new home is more than a building — it’s an opportunity to reach more families, expand programs and continue serving with dignity and care.
This milestone reflects a community that shows up for one another. Congratulations to the entire Beyond Hunger team.

Congratulations to Oak Park District 97 kindergarten teacher Elyse Smith, recently named a Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year by Illinois State Board of Education.
www.isbe.net/Pages/teache...
Thank you for all you do!

Restaurant review: Forty Acres Fresh Market honors a family matriarch with Mabel’s Meals in Chicago The tiny but mighty hot bar makes fried chicken, rice bowls and a Morning Glory breakfast sandwich that rivals any around the city.

Check out Forty Acres Fresh Market on Chicago Avenue. Great recent review in the Tribune that includes owner Liz Abunaw’s inspiring story. It's been a privilege to work with Liz. Congrats on growing a small business.
@illinoisdceo.bsky.social

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon meets members of the Illinois State University football team during a visit at the Illinois Capitol. The football team went on an unprecedented run in the playoffs to make the Football Championship Series championship game. Losing in overtime.

@illinoisstateu.bsky.social football took fans, alumni and all of Illinois on an adventure as they crisscrossed the country in the FCS playoffs on their way to the most exciting national championship game at any level. Honored to meet them during a recent Capitol visit with Senator Dave Koehler.

Site Selection magazine has once again named the Chicago metro area tops in the nation for business projects

The Chicago region has everything needed for success. Great people, great opportunities and great location. You don’t have to take my word for it.
Site Selection once again ranked Chicagoland the top metro. siteselection.com/2025-top-met...
@illinoisdceo.bsky.social @illinoisedc.bsky.social

Hundreds of murals grace Oak Park's Green Line embankment — and more arrive yearly Some of the 20 to 30 new murals added each year are done by Oak Park and Chicago area artists, while others are created by artists from across the country.

Our Green Line viaducts have turned into one of Oak Park’s most unique outdoor galleries thanks to the mini mural program. The application window is open.
🎨 Apply here: www.oakparkareaartscouncil.org/mini-murals/
🗓 Deadline: April 30
The Sun-Times featured the murals recently: tinyurl.com/ymaa86r2

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (right) and Speaker Chris Welch (center) talk issues with the Illinios Farm Bureau during an annual leadersip conference in Springfield

Honored to join the @illinoisfarmbureau.bsky.social
for its recent leadership conference along with @speakerwelchil.bsky.social
Great turnout. Shout out to the students and those involved with the Young Leaders program.
Thank you for showing up, and thank you for the invitation.

In defense of dignity and the rule of law - Wednesday Journal We have all born witness to what happens when federal power is weaponized against the very people it is supposed to protect. Over the past months, communities across Chicagoland – our communities – an...

Illinois Senate Democrats and a coalition of advocates passed a new law designed to restore some measure of dignity, accountability and basic constitutional order. The purpose is simple: your rights follow you everywhere. No badge, no title, no mask puts anyone above the Constitution.
My op-ed:

The Illinois Conference of Women Legislators is an essential part of how we build a more responsive, inclusive and forward-looking General Assembly. Thank you for the invite and congratulations to the award and scholarship recipients.
@senatoredlyallen.bsky.social @speakerwelchil.bsky.social

Wearing red today with my colleagues in the Illinois Senate to stand up for women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women.
Learn warning signs and prevention tips: goredforwomen.org

Preview of Governor Pritzker’s 2026 Budget Address | Illinois Public Media Governor JB Pritzker is delivering his annual State of the State address in which he plans to share his vision for taxes and spending in government. It comes after an intense year in which Illinois sa...

Enjoyed the wide-ranging, LIVE radio conversation this past week with @brianmackey.com for @ilpublicmedia.bsky.social @21st.show. Give it a listen.

My statement on the vile and bigoted post from the College Republicans at the University of Illinois. Such a message has no place in our society.

Wishing a joyful and peaceful merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

Christmas food giveaway this Friday, December 19, at 9 AM at Hope Food Pantry in Chicago.

There is no badge, no title, no mask that puts anyone above the Constitution.

This law sends the message that if you abuse your authority, there are consequences.

Our rights follow us into the courthouse, onto campus, at the hospital and when taking our kids to daycare.

As we gather with friends and family this holiday season, please remember that we can have differing opinions and views without being disagreeable and disrespectful. Threats or violence are not solutions.

I am hosting a Thanksgiving food giveaway with Rep State Representative Norma Hernandez TOMORROW 11/26 at the Leyden Township food pantry from 9-11 a.m.
Details below!

Today we give our deepest respects to service members and the sacrifices they have made for our country. We honor you and thank you for your service this #VeteransDay.

I am joining Representative Camille Lilly for a town hall at Brooks Middle School, 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park, from 6:30-7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 12.

We will share details of legislation passed during an especially impactful veto session last month.

I hope to see you there!

Yesterday, I was pleased to attend a ribbon cutting for the new state-of-the-art facility at the Philip J. Rock Center and School, the nation’s only publicly funded residential school serving deaf-blind children.

Questions remain about the status of federal funding for SNAP benefits. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is experiencing food insecurity, resources are available in the 39th District. Click below or follow the link in the image to learn more.
www.donharmon.org/resources/50...

Earlier this month, I joined Restore Justice Illinois for a panel recognizing their 10-year anniversary, celebrating their achievements and affirming our shared goals of reforming the criminal justice system.

donharmon.org/news/506-pre...