Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) is hosting a Holiday Food Drive again this year. 

All across Illinois, House Republican legislators are hosting drives to collect essentials like food, winter clothing and more for individuals and families in our communities this holiday season. 

In this spirit of giving and supporting neighbors in need, please consider donating to a drive in your area: 

Leader Tony McCombie is hosting a Holiday Blood & Food Drive in Savanna on December 19.

Rep. Kevin Schmidt is hosting a Holiday Food Drive at his district office in Cahokia Heights December 8-10. 

Illinois House Republicans are advancing legislation to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay, two forms of compensation that thousands of workers across the state rely on to make ends meet, as part of the Relief for Working Families Bill Package. The initiative, which includes three bills introduced by Representatives Joe Sosnowski, Jennifer Sanalitro, and C.D. Davidsmeyer, reflects a growing effort to ease the financial burden on service industry employees, hourly workers, and anyone whose livelihood depends on long shifts and customer generosity. 

The risk of harm or death from overdose is a struggle that impacts families across Illinois, regardless of zip code, race or background. Synthetic opioids, particularly from fentanyl-laced substances, have been the primary driver of this rise in fatal overdoses. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois experienced 3,261 fatal opioid-related drug overdoses in 2022 and 2,855 in 2023. More telling is that since 2013, fatal overdoses from synthetic opioids have increased by 3,341%.

As families across Illinois prepare for the upcoming school year, the rising cost of school supplies is weighing heavily on household budgets. While other states are stepping up to ease the burden through back-to-school sales tax holidays, Illinois families are still waiting for relief.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) is fighting to change that with her legislation, HB1905, which would create a 7-day sales tax holiday on essential school supplies during the first week of August each year. The bill would provide real savings on items like backpacks, notebooks, calculators, pencils, and more—putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Illinois families.

On Tuesday, August 5, thousands of residents across Illinois from small towns to big cities,are gearing up to participate in National Night Out, a nationwide campaign dedicated to fostering trust between communities and law enforcement. What started as a modest initiative in 1984 has grown into a cornerstone of public safety outreach, with millions of Americans now taking part. The first National Night Out, launched by Matt Peskin and the National Association of Town Watch, encouraged people to turn on porch lights and spend time outside with their neighbors. That simple act has since evolved into coordinated events featuring cookouts, concerts, emergency vehicle tours, and more.

In recognition of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) announced passage of HB2980, a bill she sponsored to modernize and expand Illinois’ motorcycle safety education system.

“Every Illinoisan should be able to access high-quality motorcycle safety training no matter where they live,” said Sanalitro. “This bill strengthens our approach by improving access, accountability, and safety for riders statewide.”

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's resolution encouraging Illinois public colleges and universities to protect and expand night courses to better serve working adults and nontraditional students was adopted on Tuesday in the House Higher Education Committee. 

House Resolution 90 is in response to the needs of many Illinois students who must balance professional responsibilities and family obligations during the day with attaining their education and career advancement goals. It has the added benefits of addressing the call from businesses for expanded workforce development and the need by the state for enhanced economic growth.

House Republican lawmakers presented their legislative proposals today to bring light to human trafficking and the impact it has throughout Illinois. With Illinois ranking among the top ten nationwide for human trafficking cases, State Representatives Nicole La Ha (Homer Glen), Jennifer Sanalitro (Hanover Park), and Dennis Tipsword (Metamora) discussed the importance of putting forth viable solutions.

Women's History Month has been an annual celebration in the United States since 1987, but its roots go back to a weeklong event in Sonoma, California, in 1978. The celebration was expanded to a month-long observance by Congress in 1987, to recognize the often-overlooked achievements of women throughout history.

Here in Illinois, we're proud to have several women stepping up to represent their communities in the House Republicans. These women bring a wealth of diverse experiences and a shared commitment to public service. They've made significant strides in healthcare, education, and economic development, showing us all what dedicated leadership looks like. Their hard work and advocacy have opened doors for future generations of women leaders.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) has filed her legislative agenda for her 2nd term in the 104th General Assembly. The agenda is aimed at reducing costs for Illinois families and workers, protecting victims, and improving access to voting and higher education.

“These proposals are about putting Illinois first,” said Rep. Sanalitro. “Whether it’s helping seniors stay in their homes, making school supplies more affordable, or protecting victims of human trafficking, this agenda addresses the challenges Illinoisans face every day.”

Human trafficking is an often hidden but pervasive crime that continues to impact communities across Illinois. In 2022, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 287 reports from Illinois, leading to the identification of 199 victims of trafficking, according to the hotline's data. These numbers represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as many victims remain unseen and unheard due to the covert nature of the crime.

In August of last year, House Republicans were fielding calls from doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals fearful that they would lose their jobs due to continued delays at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the state agency responsible for approving and renewing their licenses.

Something had to be done, Illinois couldn't afford to lose more healthcare professionals as we face a growing nursing shortage.

Each August, more than 175 Illinois communities around the state participate in National Night Out. The program began in 1984 as a way to link Neighborhood Watch and Law Enforcement organizations with residents in their communities. On this night, neighborhoods across the state host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more. It has become an effective way to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities.

As summer ends and a new school year approaches, many Illinois families are feeling the financial strain. With the rising cost of living, back-to-school shopping can be tough. From clothes and shoes to school supplies, the expenses add up quickly, causing stress for parents who are already struggling.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) understands these challenges and is committed to doing her part to help. She is hosting her Second Annual Back to School Supply Drive to support students and families in her community. This initiative stemmed from her desire to ensure every student has the necessary tools to succeed in school.

Welcome to our "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislator a little better. 

Illinois State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's calendar has been filled with meetings, tours and events since she returned to the 48th District after spending months in Springfield for the legislative session. Since returning, she has made it her mission to get out into the District to touch base with residents, local leaders and employers to ensure she provides them with the ultimate representation when she is in Springfield.

Seniors and those in need in Illinois scored a big win with the passage of Senate Bill 3476 last month. This legislation creates a sales tax exemption for home-delivered meals, such as Meals on Wheels providers, when payment is made by an intermediary as part of a Medicare or Medicaid program.

The bill helps providers such as Meals on Wheels offer nutritious meals to seniors and those in need at lower costs. Senate Bill 3476 passed both chambers with unanimous support.

It is happening in our communities. Often in our own backyards. Modern day slavery, also know as human trafficking, is occurring right under our noses.

Human Trafficking is a crime of exploitation. Traffickers profit at the expense of their victims by forcing them to commit illegal acts, perform free labor, and/or engage in commercial sex. Victims can be of any age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, cultural background, religion, socio-economic class, and education attainment level.

Cancer screenings offer a way for individuals to find out any signs of cancer in a particular area(s) of the body before the onset of any symptoms. These screenings can help find cancer in its early stages, and in doing so that can make treatments or finding a cure easier. In short, cancer screenings help save lives. 

Cricket is becoming more popular in Illinois. Despite the dominance of sports like baseball and basketball, cricket is carving out its niche in the hearts of Illinois residents. This growth is supported with recognition by state and local governments of the popularity of the sport in our communities.