Kane County Reporter

Heather Brown, the nominee for Illinois State Senate District 25, has highlighted the issue of homelessness in Kane County. Brown is set to compete against incumbent Democrat Karina Villa in the forthcoming general election.

"Despite an overall decrease in school enrollment in Kane County, the number of students reporting homelessness remains steady," said Brown, Candidate. "So far this school year, 2,635 students have registered as homeless."

In a recent Facebook post, Brown shared an article from Kane County Connects that focused on the enrollment of homeless students within the county. The article revealed that Elgin School District had the highest number of homeless students with a total of 1,067 as of February 2024. This figure represents an increase of 166 from January but is lower than the final count for fiscal year 2023, which stood at 1,270 homeless students.

Screenshot of Heather Brown for IL March 26 Facebook post | Heather Brown for IL Facebook page

The article also quoted Pat Dal Santo, Superintendent of Kane County Regional Office of Education, who said they anticipate an additional 472 students reporting homelessness over the course of the academic year 2023. This projection suggests that there could be up to 1,742 homeless students in Kane County schools.

Brown has served as an Independent Alderman for West Chicago City for seven years.

According to her campaign website, she is known for her ability to bridge divides and collaborate with individuals across political lines. Her tenure has refined her skills in navigating local governance complexities while championing public concerns.

A key feature of Brown's record is her firm stance on financial matters. She stands out as the only Alderman to consistently vote "No" on every proposed levy, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal conservatism. This unwavering position aligns with her dedication to ensuring taxpayers' money is managed responsibly and transparently.

Moreover, Brown has been the only Alderman to oppose water rate increases, showing her commitment to protecting residents from unnecessary financial burdens. Amid economic challenges, she has advocated for fiscal responsibility and insisted on prudent financial decisions that prioritize community well-being.

State Senate District 25 is currently represented by State Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago).

The district encompasses all or parts of Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, West Chicago, South Elgin, Wayne and Bartlett, as per the map available on Villa's website.