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Happy April!
March flew by with committee deadlines wrapping up and balancing my time between Springfield and the district to meet with our community. As legislative work moves forward and community events ramp up, we’re excited to keep you updated.
Keep reading to revisit March’s highlights and see what’s ahead as the days get longer and the weather warms up.
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This session, I am proud to champion a package of consumer protection bills to lower costs, increase transparency, and end deceptive practices that hurt Illinois families.
Working alongside AARP, I am sponsoring legislation requiring the Illinois Commerce Commission to hold public hearings on utility rate increases when staff and resources are available. Currently, private utilities can pursue rate hikes through the ICC with no requirement for public participation, even though those increases hit families and seniors right in the pocketbook. This bill ensures consumers have a voice before their bills go up.
| | Banning Speculative Ticketing | | |
I am also working to ban speculative ticketing, the predatory practice of resellers selling tickets they don't actually own. Too many Illinoisans have been scammed out of hundreds of dollars on tickets that never materialize. This legislation would prohibit resellers from listing tickets they don't have in hand, with violations enforceable under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Additionally, I just passed a bill to ban rental junk fees and require full upfront disclosure of all mandatory fees, so renters are never blindsided by hidden charges.
| | These bills are just a few of the many consumer protection initiatives we are championing this session. We will keep fighting to put money back in your pocket and hold bad actors accountable. | | |
I had a great time earlier this month at our office hours connecting with young constituents to learn about their concerns and answer their questions. Thank you to everyone who was able to stop by!
As a reminder every month our office holds office hours at the Palatine and Ela Public Libraries. If you have a question about state services (or just want to stop by and say hello!), join our next office hours on Monday, May 4th!
| | Youth Advisory Council and Fellowship | | |
Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is always an incredible and informative time! At our last meeting students engaged in a debate on the Children's Social Media Safety Act and other issues that directly impact young people. Listening and learning from their diverse perspectives is a core pillar of the YAC.
High school students are encouraged to join us on Monday, April 27th at 5 PM for the next meeting; have your voice heard!
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With spring winding down and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore our museum pass program! Residents of the 51st District can borrow a pass that grants complimentary general admission to participating museums for you and up to three guests!
It's a fun and affordable way to spend time with friends or family, discover new exhibits, and learn something new. Please complete the form (linked below) at least 5 days in advance and our team will send your authorization letter!
| | Youth Engagement Across the District! | | |
This month was brimming with student engagement, and I loved visiting schools around our district to see what the students have been up to.
First, I had the privilege of breaking fast with the Libertyville and Stevenson High School Muslim Student Associations. It was truly special to spend the evening with such thoughtful and engaged students, sharing more about the work we’re doing in Springfield and hearing directly from young people who care deeply about their communities. Thank you to both MSAs for the warm welcome.
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Next, I had the pleasure of visiting my old school, Sundling Junior High, to recognize some incredible students for their hard work and dedication in passing their bilingual standard exams.
These students went above and beyond, spending hours after school preparing for this test. It was an honor to present them with official House Certificates and celebrate their commitment to education. I’m so proud of these amazing students and grateful to their teachers for uplifting their hard work.
| I was back at Stevenson High School for the Annual Student Lawmakers Substance Use Prevention Luncheon. It was truly special to spend time with such thoughtful and engaged students, hearing their perspectives on prevention and healthy decision‑making while sharing more about the work we’re doing in Springfield. Thank you for the warm welcome and for creating space for these important conversations. | | |
Lastly, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Illinois YMCA Youth & Government Opening Ceremony, where I joined more than 1000 student leaders from across the state. It’s invigorating to see so many young people engaged in the legislative process, debating ideas, and stepping into leadership roles.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share more about our work in Springfield and connect with students who are already making a difference in their communities. The energy and insights these students bring to our conversations inspire me, and I look forward to continuing to support and amplify their voices.
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Keeping on with inspirational students, here’s just a small look at some of the highlights from this past month.
I had the chance to welcome two inspiring students, Sumedha and Sanvi, to our district office and recognize them for their work with The Bookmark Project. This youth-led literacy initiative focuses on expanding access to books in underserved communities, and they’ve helped collect and distribute more than 30,000 books to hospitals, therapy centers, shelters and schools here in our community and beyond.
It was wonderful to celebrate their leadership and dedication and present them with awards recognizing the impact they’re making. We look forward to seeing The Bookmark Project continue to grow and reach even more students and families. To learn more about their work, visit www.mybookmark.org.
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I also attended an Eagle Scout Ceremony. It was a privilege to share some words about what his dedication to earning this rank represents and the commitment to service and community that defines Eagle Scouts. For his Eagle Scout project, he created a structure displaying the wingspans of different native birds, now on display at Kuechmann Arboretum. It’s an incredibly impressive achievement and a beautiful addition to our community. Congratulations! | | |
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Finally, I welcomed two students to my District Office who presented their pitch for an invention that detects plaque. I had a great time meeting these impressive young constituents who are working hard to make a difference in their community.
Over the course of six months of research, they invented the PlaqueTracker, a device that can detect plaque and share more about an individual’s oral health. They were motivated to create an affordable solution for kids and low-income communities to better understand their oral health and pursue preventive measures. It was inspiring to see their creativity, research and commitment to solving real-world challenges. I am so proud of these young leaders for stepping up and using STEM to serve others! 🦷
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Celebrating Women's History Month | I was honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award from Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for key women educators, in recognition of my work to expand early childcare access, strengthen K‑12 public schools and put responsible guardrails around AI in classrooms. Delta Kappa Gamma promotes the professional and personal growth of women educators worldwide. If you’re a female educator in our area, I encourage you to consider joining this incredible organization. Thank you to Delta Kappa Gamma for this meaningful honor and for championing women educators across our state. | | I was also thrilled to be part of an incredible panel of women leaders in our community for Women’s History Month at Harper College’s Performing Arts Center. I had such an amazing time on the panel; the discussion was insightful and really showcased the strength and sense of community in the northwest suburbs. In honor of Women’s History Month, donations were collected for the WINGS Program, including menstrual items, diapers, baby food, formula and other essentials. Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions and contributed to such a meaningful event. | | I concluded Women’s History Month on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast. The conversations with women leaders in our community were thoughtful and transformative, and many of us walked away having learned so much from just one hour together. Thank you to Dr. Morkert, Jason, my fellow panelists and everyone who attended for creating space for honest, engaging conversation. | |
Community Updates and Resources | | | | Carl C. Bell Essay Competition | |
Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️
| | Brightpoint Summer Block Party | | |
Our office will have a table at this year's Brightpoint Summer Block Party!
Come out for an afternoon of food, music, kids activities, raffles, and community resources. It is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy time together as a community.
We hope to see you there! 😎
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State, County and Federal
Updates and Resources
| | | | Important Changes to SNAP Benefits | The federal government passed a new law that makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link in Illinois. Follow these steps so you don't lose your food and grocery benefits!
1) Update your information: Report any changes in your income or changes to your household to the Illinois Department of Human Services.
2) Review work requirements: Find out if you need to be connected to a job, volunteer opportunity or education & training program for at least 80 hours per month. If you qualify for an exemption, apply for one!
3) Stay informed!: Get the latest updates and share this information with family and friends.
Need support? Visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository to get help managing your benefits or to sign up for SNAP today. |
LIHEAP Applications Now Open! | | |
LIHEAP eligibility has opened for non-senior applicants! Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until August 15th, 2026, or until funds run out.
If you need assistance, apply soon!
| | The Illinois Accountability Commission has launched a portal where residents can report ICE misconduct during 'Operation Midway Blitz'.
If you experienced or witnessed misconduct by federal agents between September 2025 and the end of 2025, use the link to share your account or video evidence with the Illinois Accountability Commission. | | IDPH Fall Vaccine Guidance | | |
Following extensive scientific review, the Illinois Department of Public Health released its public health guidelines for this fall.
With a third measles case now confirmed in suburban Cook County, it is more important than ever that we follow vaccine recommendations as we push deeper into the fall flu season. Keep your loved ones safe!
| | Senior Freeze Exemption Update | | |
Important news for senior homeowners from me and Ela Township Assessor Bonnie Barrington! 🏡
The Senior Freeze Exemption income limit is increasing from $65,000 to $75,000 in taxable year 2026, then $77,000 in 2027 and $79,000 in 2028.
Under current law, senior homeowners with a household income of $65,000 or less qualify for the exemption, which helps provide property tax savings by freezing the equalized assessed value of their home.
We have heard from many seniors who lost eligibility after modest increases in Social Security pushed them just over the income limit. This bill helps alleviate that issue. For questions about eligibility or how to apply, contact your local township assessor or reach out to our office at
Staying informed can help ensure you receive the benefits you qualify for.
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Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” that threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges.
The text messages are phishing attempts designed to trick residents into giving up personal or financial information. Recipients should not respond or open any links found in unsolicited texts and emails.
“Phishing scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, seeking to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,” Giannoulias said. “Please remain vigilant to avoid these scams and report them to protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraud schemes.”
The office only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status.
Illinoisans are encouraged to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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iCash:
The State of Illinois May Owe YOU Money
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Did you know that the 51st District has over $700,000 in property value that the state holds until residents claim it?! Since 2023, my office has helped return over $200,000 back to the hands of our constituents!
Checking if you have an available claim is quick and easy!
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Visit the ICash website
- Complete the information needed
- Look for your name and address and claim anything that is yours!
Please reply to this email if you have questions regarding your claim or the iCash program. 💰
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Court Based Rental Assistance Program | | |
The Illinois Housing has launched the Court Based Rental Assistance Program, which is a joint application between the tenant and the housing provider / landlord.
Any Illinois tenant may be eligible to receive CBRAP assistance if:
- They have a pending eviction due to nonpayment (A court-summons document will be required).
- The household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.
- The household’s total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for their county.
- See application for other requirements.
| | Illinois Housing Bluepring | | Want to stay updated on current grant opportunities? | | Sign up for our listserv to get more information or visit our grants page on our website. | | |
Get in touch with us!
Our district office is located at 1252 W Northwest Highway, across from the Buehler YMCA.
We are available in person Monday - Thursday from 9am - 5pm and on Fridays you can reach us via email and phone.
Phone: 773-916-6553
Email: info@repsyed.com
If you have any inquiries or are facing a challenge with a state-related service, our office may be able to help you! Please complete our constituent services inquiry form.
With gratitude,
Nabeela
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