Naperville… State Representative Darlene Senger (R, Naperville) would like to invite the public to a forum discussion on closing the achievement gap for minority students. Representatives from Districts 204 and 203, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois State Parent Teacher Association will be participating in the discussion.

What: Forum Discussion: Closing the Achievement Gap

Where: Naperville Municipal Center – 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

When: Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 6:30 pm

This event is open to the public and sponsored by State Representative Darlene Senger and Minerva Education Foundation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. For more information call 630-219-3090 or 630-536-8685.

All media is encouraged to attend.

###

Naperville… State Representative Darlene Senger (R, Naperville) will again be hosting a forum for parents of developmentally disabled children, focusing on the preparations to be made to assist in their child’s eventual transition into adulthood. In particular, the discussion will focus on the steps the parents of children in elementary school can be taking now to better prepare for their children’s future.

The program will largely mirror that of Senger’s previously hosted seminar based on the same topic.

“The transitional forum which took place in mid-December was a resounding success, with over 150 attendees. We received a tremendous amount of positive feedback, with many saying the event needed to be held again,” stated Senger.

The program is based in part by the recommendations of Senger’s legislative advisory group specifically aimed at parents of disabled children from both Districts 203 and 204 who are coping with this often troubled transitional period. The group, which meets quarterly, brought up the idea on the heels of a similar informational seminar conducted by the Ray Graham Association based in Downer’s Grove, Illinois.

Children with disabilities are typically provided Individual Service Plans throughout high school. These highly tailored plans can help tremendously in their development towards varying levels of independence. However, once disabled individuals either leave high school or reach the age of 22, their options dwindle, leaving many families without the resources to care for them

“As I’ve stated before, programs exist to help, but it takes meticulous planning and a wealth of knowledge to navigate the little assistance that is provided. I am hoping to provide as much information as possible to these families and actually have legislation in the works to help these families. But regardless of the legislative initiatives, I want to do what I can to help,” she added.

Cathy Ficker Terill, of the Ray Graham Association will be on hand to present, along with parents, teachers and special needs representatives from both Districts 203 and 204 on an array of topics dealing with this transitional period. The program’s information is as follows:

When: Friday, January 29th

10:00am to 11:00am

Where: Naperville City Hall, Council Chambers

400 S. Eagle St.

Naperville, IL 60540

It should also be noted that this seminar is open to any family with a special needs child residing in either Districts 203 or 204, including home schooled children.

If anyone has any questions, or would like more information regarding the event, contact Senger’s office at (630) 219-3090 or email via her website at www.darlenesenger.com.

###

Many left wondering about his take on the state budget and economic climate

Springfield… After attending today’s annual “State of the State” address given by Governor Pat Quinn, State Representative Darlene Senger (R, Naperville) was left wondering what the Governor actually plans to do about the state’s financial woes and poor economic climate.

“I am just amazed that Governor Quinn didn’t address any of the state’s problems, really,” stated Senger. “I can’t believe the tenor of the speech, it really seemed to be an extension of his reelection campaign,” she added.

Throughout today’s speech, Quinn highlighted many of the things he considered accomplishments since taking the reigns from Governor Blagojevich over a year ago; however, he largely avoided many of the largest issues facing state government. Continue reading »

The State of Illinois awards scholarships through your local State Representative. I am pleased that I can be of assistance through this program to those within the 96^th Representative District of Illinois who are seeking to continue their education and who have not previously received a General Assembly scholarship from any legislative source.

The scholarships will be awarded for the Fall / Spring semesters of the 2010-2011 school year. This office will be awarding a total of eight one-year scholarships to the University of Illinois and to the other State Universities in Illinois. The scholarships are good for tuition only, not for housing, medical care, books and the like.

Below is an application and information sheet for the General Assembly Scholarship Program. Completed application and an official high school / college transcript must be received in our District Office (125 Water St., Naperville, IL 60540) by April 1, 2010. Recipients of legislative scholarships will be notified in writing by June 30, 2010. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Darlene Senger

Illinois State Representative 96^th District

Download the Scholarship Application

Naperville…In an effort to prepare parents of children with disabilities for their eventual transition beyond the high school educational system, State Representative Darlene Senger (R, Naperville) is hosting a discussion on the current service options available, and the preparations that need to be made prior to the child’s transition into the adult world.

“Often times the families of children with disabilities have no idea of the preparation that needs to occur prior to their child’s departure from the K-12 school system,” stated Senger. “Families need to be prepared for this life changing transition. Unfortunately, most don’t even know where to begin,” she added.

Children with disabilities are typically provided for Individual Service Plans throughout high school. These highly tailored plans can help tremendously in their development towards varying levels of independence. However, once disabled individuals either leave high school or reach the age of 22, their options dwindle, leaving many families without the resources to care for them.

“Programs exist to help, but it takes meticulous planning and a wealth of knowledge to navigate the little assistance that is provided. I am hoping to provide as much information as possible to these families and actually have legislation in the works to help these families. But regardless of the legislative initiatives, I want to do what I can to help,” she added. Continue reading »

Naperville, IL….State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville) filed a resolution to help bring statewide awareness to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic fatal disorder affecting one in 3,400 male births. House Resolution 751 names June 20 of every year as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day in the state of Illinois in honor of 7-year-old Naperville resident Ryan Karlin who was diagnosed in 2008.

“After hearing Ryan’s heart-wrenching story, I wanted to help bring greater awareness to this disorder. I called Springfield and immediately had a resolution drafted so that each year on Ryan’s birthday, the state of Illinois will recognize DMD. With about 20,000 new cases each year, it is critical that we educate the public, and help fight for a cure,” Rep. Senger said. Continue reading »

Click here to see the full schedule of events for the upcoming Naperville Healing Field of Honor honoring our nation’s veterans presented by the Naperville Exchange Club in collaboration with the Naperville Park District.  The memoriam will be on display at Rotary Hill in Naperville from November 8th through November 14th, 2009.

I would encourage all those who can to participate.

Springfield…State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville) voted against a Democrat-proposed campaign finance bill that does nothing more than codify the current system of political corruption. Senate Bill 1466, House Amendment #3 introduced by Speaker Michael Madigan passed the House by a vote of 66-49.

“For months, good government groups have been calling for real campaign finance reform that reduces the power of party bosses. Today, Democrat leadership controls the political process with their massive campaign war chests by buying loyalty from political newcomers seeking office. This phony campaign finance bill does absolutely nothing to change that,” Rep. Senger said. Continue reading »

Naperville, IL…Take advantage of free vision screenings, learn more about identity theft or find out about community programs specifically designed for seniors at a Senior Fair hosted by State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) and State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville). The free Senior Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon on Monday, November 2 at the Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville.

“The Senior Fair is a great opportunity for area seniors to learn about what programs are available to them on the state and local levels. Naperville is an amazing community when it comes to taking care of its seniors,” Rep. Senger said. Continue reading »

Naperville, IL…Children are invited to show off their Halloween costumes and collect candy in a safe environment during the Halloween Trick or Treat at Safety Town hosted by the Naperville Junior Women’s Club and State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville).  The event will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also feature a short lesson about safe trick or treating by the Naperville Police Department.  Children must bring $1 and one non-perishable food item which will be donated to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Naperville.

“With the holidays around the corner, this trick or treat food drive is the perfect opportunity for our children to learn the importance of giving.  As a sponsor of this event, my office located at 125 Water Street in downtown Naperville will be one of 16 drop-off locations for those families willing to make a donation to Loaves & Fishes,” Rep. Senger said. Continue reading »