Thank you! (And an invitation)

Thanks to your hard work, we won a big victory last night, receiving over 66% of the vote! I can't thank you enough for all of your support, assistance, and encouragement. It's hard to believe how far we've come together in just a few short years; I'm incredibly excited, and very humbled, at the many new tasks that lie ahead as I join the State Senate in January.
 
Some people have asked whether we'll have a party to celebrate this victory; instead, I'd like to invite you to an event that is in some ways a celebration of the work we've done in my legislative office over the past two years, and in other respects represents a blueprint for the years ahead.
 
WHAT: Where we stand: How Illinois really compares to other states
WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 7pm
WHERE: Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview
 
Here's the story: after years of hearing thinly-sourced and often-contradictory claims that Illinois is the best or the worst at all kinds of things, I decided that it was time for us to do our own systematic research on these questions. As a result, our office has engaged in a careful analysis of how Illinois compares to the other 49 states in a very broad variety of categories regarding taxes, budget priorities, education, demographics, socioeconomic mobility, and more. We've learned a ton, and it's told us some fascinating stories not only about where Illinois is today but also where we ought to go.
 
This kind of careful data analysis represents what I try hardest to offer you as a state legislator every day, and I know that the lessons we've learned from this project will guide my legislative agenda in the coming years. This project also represents the absurdly diligent and high-quality work of my remarkable staff. It would mean a lot to me, and to them, if you could join us next Thursday.
 
Thank you again for your efforts, your commitment to our community, our state, and our nation, and the overwhelming support you have given me during these past years. Every day I marvel at the vibrant diversity and energy of the extraordinary community I have the privilege of representing in Springfield. It's a daunting and humbling task, and it means the world to me that you've chosen to entrust me with it. I'll do everything I can to live up to your expectations.

Vote this Tuesday!

The election is almost upon us. This Tuesday, November 6, Americans will go to the polls across the country to make a fundamentally important choice about our nation's future. Regardless of your views and beliefs, I hope that you will participate in this most essential ritual of citizenship. Polls are open from 6am until 7pm, and you can find out where your polling place is here.

I also hope that you'll consider voting for me, based upon your assessment of my record of service in the House for the last two years as well as upon my plans for the future. I have worked hard to represent our district's progressive values in Springfield while also being realistic and clear about our state's very serious fiscal problems -- and while pushing us toward systemic, sustainable solutions to those problems, even when those solutions require real shared sacrifice.

This approach has earned me endorsements from, among others, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, Personal PAC, Sierra Club Illinois, Brady PAC-IL, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Journal & Topics, and the Chicago Tribune. I am thrilled to have the support of these organizations, and I would be honored and humbled if you would join them and vote for me this Tuesday. Thank you very much for your consideration.