As we ease into fall and the holiday season quickly approaches, it’s easy to let thoughts of the Illinois General Assembly slip into the background. I get it! With everything else on your plate, thinking about politics can feel like a responsibility better left to someone else. But now, as the 103rd General Assembly wraps up its work and we prepare to usher in the new members of the 104th in January, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and ask: How can we make Illinois a better place for families like yours?

Whether you’re caring for children who are adopted or in foster care, or you’ve welcomed children who’ve traveled here from faraway places, you know the unique challenges these families face. We’ve worked hard to pass bills that aim to support these families, but the work is far from done. Are there specific issues you feel still need more attention? Are there policies you’ve seen in other states that might be a good fit here in Illinois? Or maybe you remember a bill that didn’t pass and you think it’s worth pushing for again. Now’s the time to speak up.

I know it can feel intimidating to reach out to your elected officials, especially if you didn’t vote for them. But remember: legislators are first and foremost your neighbors. They’ve stepped forward to represent the needs of your community, and they can only do that effectively when they hear directly from you. Democracy is a two-way street, and our job as public servants is to listen and advocate for the issues that matter most to you.

So, I encourage you to reach out—whether it’s through a phone call, email, a quick Facebook message, or even a handwritten letter. It doesn’t need to be formal—don’t worry about getting the title or the formatting just right. What’s important is that you share your story. Personal stories help bring policy to life in a way that statistics and reports just can’t. Tell us what’s working well, but don’t be afraid to highlight what needs improvement.

If you don’t hear back right away, don’t be discouraged. Legislators are juggling a lot, but they’re also here to serve you. If you don’t get a response within a reasonable time frame, follow up. And when you reach out, be sure to include your name, address, and the best way to contact you back.

Your concern may spark a conversation or lead to further exploration. If your legislator isn’t the right person to address your issue, they may point you to a colleague with more expertise. And if you feel your issue isn’t getting the attention it deserves, don’t hesitate to reach out to others—whether it’s fellow legislators, advocacy groups, or your local network. The more voices you can gather, the stronger your message will be. Change is rarely easy, but with persistence, it’s absolutely possible.

As we look ahead to the start of a new legislative session, I want to invite you to join me in this important work. Together, we can ensure that Illinois continues to be a place where families, especially those with vulnerable youth, are supported and given the resources they need to thrive.

Your voice matters. Let’s use it to make a difference.

Michelle Mussman (IL 56th District Representative)
Email: staterepmussman@gmail.com