State Senator Linda Holmes

07/27/2026

When Spring Session wraps up at the Capitol, I look forward to participating in several legislative updates throughout the 42nd District. Reviewing important legislation with local officials allows me to clarify the reasons I sponsored and voted for, with community-focused impacts. Thanks again to Metro West Council of Government for including me.

Representing Carpentersville beyond our Village borders.

Effective local government doesn't happen in isolation. It happens through collaboration.

Last week, Village President John Skillman, Village Manager Brad Stewart joined municipal officials from across the region for the Metro West Council of Government's 2026 Legislative BBQ & Spring Session Review.

The event provided an opportunity for local leaders to hear directly from state legislators about the outcomes of the Illinois Spring Legislative Session and discuss issues that may impact municipalities across the region.

As President of the Metro West Council of Government, President Skillman joined fellow municipal leaders in discussions focused on legislation and issues affecting communities throughout the region.

Building relationships, sharing ideas, and staying informed helps ensure Carpentersville is prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

07/27/2026

Another fine Batavia stop, at Red Hive Market.

Being a small business owner has challenges most never realize we have, so having legislators, such as State Senator Linda Holmes and State Representative Matt Hanson and a supportive chamber like our Batavia Chamber of Commerce, help us in 1. advocating for policies that help small businesses grow and thrive, 2. championing grants, loans, and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and 3. help improve public safety, making business districts more attractive to customers.

Tom and I are fortunate to have our little shop in the Batavia community!

With us also today was Logan, owner of Dreams Awakened Co and Roxanne, owner of Not Your Grandma’s Aprons.

07/27/2026

I’ve enjoyed my visits to local businesses in Batavia over the past several summers. This year’s visits were no exception. As a former small business owner, I understand their challenges and have been proud to represent them at the Capitol in Springfield. Many thanks to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce for arranging these important and inspiring visits!

07/27/2026

I am always grateful for opportunities to support the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry in their work providing food for healthy meals for families in our area.

07/24/2026

State Senator Linda Holmes remains steadfast in pursuing legislation to improve living conditions for animals, as her measure providing statutory guidance to Illinois courts when considering pet possession when unmarried couples break up was signed into law Friday.

http://ilsenatedems.co/T9GV50ZsssW

07/20/2026

I'm pleased to announce five area public libraries and six school district libraries are set to receive a combined total of more than $682,000 for library services and programming, as part of the Secretary of State’s Public Library Grant Programs.

Our public and school libraries are more important than ever, serving as vibrant community hubs and cutting-edge technology centers. Grants tailored for libraries are an incredible way to empower and engage all ages, abilities and interests of the communities they serve.

https://www.senatorholmes.com/news/18-new-releases/447-holmes-secures-over-682-000-for-11-area-libraries

07/10/2026

I urge everyone to thoroughly wash all of their produce.

A cyclosporiasis outbreak continues across the United States, with Illinois reporting multiple cases of the parasitic illness this summer.

The infection can cause severe, sometimes explosive diarrhea and symptoms that can last more than a month. Learn more about cyclosporiasis: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/index.html

Between 11 and 30 people in Illinois have been sickened by the parasite since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of July 4, investigators had not identified a specific type of produce, grower or supplier as the source of the current outbreak. However, the following fruits and vegetables have been linked to previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States and Canada:

- Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions (scallions)

If you are preparing or eating any of the following raw foods, take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure:

Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.

Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves. Safest when cooked.

Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).

Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.

Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.

Learn more about cyclosporiasis surveillance: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html

06/22/2026

This morning, I released a statement about my retirement from the Illinois State Senate.

http://ilsenatedems.co/K77h50ZfjYS

06/04/2026

Join State Representative Matt Hanson and me for a Town Hall on June 15 at the Geneva Public Library to provide an update from the Capitol, now that the 2026 spring legislative session is over.

We will discuss the final State Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, significant issues facing our area and state, and key legislation we each sponsored this session. I hope to see you there!