State Rep. Robyn Gabel - 18th District

06/01/2026

Last night, after months of hard work and compromise, we came together and passed a fiscally responsible balanced budget that addresses the most pressing needs of Illinoisans, takes charge of what we can control, and puts people first.

We’re meeting this affordability crisis head on by moving Illinois forward in areas where Washington has chosen to retreat. With Medicaid in jeopardy, we’re investing in vital safety net hospitals. Following HR 1, more than 100,000 Illinoisans lost access to SNAP benefits, so this budget increases funding for school lunches and introduces a new food security program for people who lose those benefits.

Life shouldn’t feel so hard, and the people of Illinois have empowered us to make it easier. With this budget, we’ve chosen a compassionate, responsible, and practical approach to accomplishing that.

05/19/2026

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! Throughout my time in the Illinois House, I have made environmental protection a priority, sponsoring legislation to strengthen clean energy standards, reduce waste, and protect our natural resources. Protecting our environment is a responsibility I carry every day. The choices we make today shape the world we leave for future generations.

04/17/2026

Today, I spoke on the floor of the General Assembly in memory of Barbara Flynn Currie.

Barbara was a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend for over 30 years. She taught me that true leadership is thoughtful, principled, and grounded in respect. Her impact on Illinois, and on all of us who learned from her, will never fade. Grateful for her guidance, wisdom, and example. Rest in peace.

04/14/2026

Traffic stops can be especially stressful for people on the autism spectrum, who often communicate differently. Officers may misinterpret typical autistic behaviors as suspicious, evasive, or even threatening—leading to escalations that could otherwise be avoided. Under the Blue Envelope Program, neurodivergent individuals can give an officer one packet containing their identification and insurance information, along with guidance on how the officer can effectively communicate with that driver.

04/13/2026

The price you see should be the price you pay, but we increasingly see stores enticing customers with savings only available through smartphone apps that can be difficult to navigate and inaccessible to some shoppers. I passed legislation requiring businesses to honor all advertised savings, even if customers cannot access their apps or operate their digital coupons.

04/11/2026

It’s Pet Day! Did you know having a pet improves our physical health, mental well-being and boosts our quality of life? Take today to spoil your pet, or visit an animal shelter to see how you can give back to pets around your community.

04/10/2026

In 1996, two college students silently protested the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ+ students at their university. One year later, hundreds of schools participated in the Day of Silence supported by GLSEN, one of the largest LGBTQ+ educational organizations.

Today, we celebrate Day of Silence to continue to protect the rights and visibility of all LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.