State Rep. Bob Rita

06/03/2026

As we approach America's 250th Anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to experience a living piece of our nation's history right here in the 28th District.

Tomorrow, Thursday, June 4, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Union Pacific's "Big Boy", the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will travel through Blue Island as part of its coast-to-coast tour celebrating our nation's 250th Anniversary.

Residents are invited to witness this iconic locomotive as it crosses Broadway Street. To help ensure public safety and reduce conflicts between vehicle and pedestrian traffic, Broadway Street will be temporarily closed between Vine Street and Old Western Avenue during the event. Please plan ahead for possible traffic delays and join us for this rare opportunity to see one of America's most celebrated railroad landmarks in person.

To track Big Boy's journey and view its route across the country, visit Union Pacific's Big Boy Tracker below.

Steam Locomotive Tracking - Follow Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 on Tour

05/25/2026

Today, I had the honor of attending the City of Oak Forest’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony alongside local elected officials, veterans, and residents. The ceremony served as a meaningful reminder of the courage and selflessness displayed by the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

Ending another busy week in Springfield as session winds down for the spring. I’m committed to helping making lives better for working families across the Southland and our state.

05/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Community Shred & E-recycling Day in Oak Forest and the Village of Calumet Park. A huge thank you to all our volunteers who helped make these events a success.

With your help, we were able to assist residents in safely recycling unwanted electronics and securely disposing of important documents while helping keep our communities clean.

To stay updated on future events and community programs, be sure to follow this page or call my office at 708-396-2822.

05/13/2026

Join me this Saturday, May 16, in Oak Forest and Calumet Park for a FREE Shredding & E-Recycling Day! This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive documents and unwanted electronics while helping keep our communities clean and environmentally friendly.

For more information, please contact my office at 708-396-2822.

05/11/2026

Announcement for Calumet Park residents and surrounding areas! Please join me and Village of Calumet Park Mayor, Ronald Denson, this Saturday, May 16th, for a shredding and e-recycling day.
Please see the flyer below for more information or call my office at 708-396-2822.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers and mother figures who make a difference in the lives of others through their love, strength, and support.

Yesterday I hosted a Mother’s Day Brunch, in partnership with Roseland Ceasefire, to honor mothers in the Southland region who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child due to gun violence. We were grateful to share a day of remembrance, resilence, and community.

A huge thank you to to my longtime friend, Congresswoman Robin Kelly for joining us for this meaningful event. Her longstanding leadership and commitment to gun violence prevention efforts, both in Illinois and in our Washington, continue to make a lasting impact on communities across the nation.

05/05/2026

On Cinco de Mayo, we honor the vibrant culture, heritage, and enduring contributions of Mexican American communities throughout Illinois.

We remain committed to creating greater opportunities for all families by strengthening education, expanding access to quality healthcare, and supporting economic growth in our communities.

05/04/2026

Announcement for Oak Forest residents and surrounding areas! 🗣️Please join me and Oak Forest Mayor, James Hortsman, on May 16th for a shredding and e-recycling day.

Please see the flyer below for more information or call my office at 708-396-2822.