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Happy June, and Pride Month, everyone!
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I've spent the majority of my time these past few months in Springfield, meeting with colleagues, advocating for legislation that reflects our communityβs priorities, and ensuring that the voices of our constituents are heard at the state level.
In May, we adjourned the legislative session and passed a budget. After months of proudly representing the 51st District in Springfield, Iβm excited to reconnect with you back home.
ο»ΏKeep reading to learn more about the legislative session, what we've been up to in the district, upcoming events, and more!
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2 WEEKS AWAY:
ο»ΏWe invite you to join us at a Town Hall π¦
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Join Representative Canty and me at our upcoming town hall to get the latest updates, ask questions, and stay informed about key state and federal issues.
Register at repnabeelasyed.org/townhall25. Registration is highly encouraged to help us plan for seating.
ποΈ Event Details:
When: Thursday, June 26 at 6:00 PM
Where: Palatine Public Library, 700 N North Court, Palatine
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Monthly Office Hours π
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Our office has been enjoying hosting monthly office hours at the Palatine and Ela Public Libraries! Come by and share your thoughts!
Our next office hours is on June 25th. We hope to see you there!
| | Museum Pass Requests π¦ | | |
Looking for fun summer plans? Look no further!
ο»ΏOur office has a museum pass that we can share with the 51st District. This pass allows you and up to three guests to receive complimentary, general admission to participating museums. This is a great and cost effective way to spend time with friends and family, explore the exhibits that museums have to offer, and learn something new!
Please complete the form (linked below) at least 5 days in advance and our team will send your authorization letter!
| | We are proud to be a collection site for: | | |
CASA
ο»ΏSummer Clothing Drive
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Clean Up, Give Back Palatine
Shoe Drive
| | | Stop by our district office located at 1252 West Northwest Highway, Palatine to drop off donations. | | Office Closed for Juneteenth | | |
Our district office will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.
If you need to get in touch with our district office, please email info@repsyed.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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ποΈLegislative HighlightsποΈ
| | | | The session came to a close at the end of May! We'll keep discussing the ins and outs of what was passed and what still needs doing in the next few months, but let's get started! | | Progress on Prescription Drug Costs | | |
I've maintained my goals in achieving affordable health care in our state; I put plenty of work this session into getting our state a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. We haven't gotten there yet, but we did reach an important milestone toward making our healthcare costs come down: PBM reform got passed!
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are middlemen in the prescription drug system. The new law stops PBMs from steering patients away from community pharmacies and prevent them from pocketing the difference between what they charge insurance companies and what they reimburse pharmacies. This is exactly the kind of transparency and accountability we need in our prescription drug system.
| | Passing a Budget that Works | | |
In what might be the most uncertain budgetary period of our lives, I'm proud to say that the General Assembly passed a $55.2 billion budget that keeps our state running without raising income or sales taxes on working families. These weren't easy decisions β we faced significant fiscal challenges and had to make tough choices to bridge a billion-dollar shortfall while still trying to protect essential services.
I'm also happy to say that our budget also included SB2306, a bill I was sponsoring on its path through the House. This budget provision which will provide additional support for crucial state programs that benefit our communities. With a streamlined pipeline between capital investment in climate resiliency and the municipalities who need it, resiliency projects will be easier for local governments to advance!
| Streamlining Mental Health Licensing | |
Lastly (for this newsletter, at least), I'm glad to mention that both of the mental health bills I was sponsoring passed this session! HB3487 expands data collection for professional license applications for mental health professionals. This enhanced data will help identify workforce trends, address professional shortages in underserved areas, and better plan for future mental healthcare needs across the state.
HB3373 allows psychology doctoral graduates to take the first part of their licensing examination immediately after graduation, rather than waiting to complete their postdoctoral supervised experience. This change will reduce wait times for new psychologists and help get mental health services to communities that need them. Together, these measures take meaningful steps toward improving access to mental health services for Illinois residents.
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Congratulations to Lake Zurich, whose municipal investments in green energy got national attention!
Lake Zurich is leading the charge toward a cleaner future with its 100% Green Choice Power Program β delivering renewable energy to homes and small businesses at a locked-in rate of just 7.95Β’/kWh.
We're proud that Lake Zurich was ranked #1 in Illinois and #10 in the U.S. for green energy use! π‘ π
| | Our office got the chance to connect with our community through the Palatine Park District's Big Truck event last month! Getting resources to community members and playing trivia games with our youngest constituents made for a wonderful day! | | Palatine Memorial Day Events | | I was so grateful to be a part of Palatine's Memorial Day events and to participate in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our country. | | As the weather warms up and community resource fairs ramps up, we're excited to get out and connect with our community. This is the favorite time of the year for our office and we hope to see you at a community event! | | Our Youth Advisory Council is almost done for the year. Time flies! Just two more meetings left, and the YAC capstone project will be complete! | | |
Our last meeting was all about community engagement! Our advisors spent time researching community organizations and discussed different community resources. The YAC presented on local nonprofits focusing on healthcare accessibility, educational equity, food security, international community investments, and so much more!
This month, students will take the next step by advocating for the organizations they believe should receive funding, ultimately working together to decide how to allocate a $1,000 community budget.
The goal of this project is to help students understand how the budget-making process works at the state level by giving them a hands-on opportunity to simulate itβmaking thoughtful funding decisions, considering community needs, and practicing public advocacy. Weβre excited to see how their ideas and priorities take shape!
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YAC meetings are held monthly between 5 PM - 6 PM through July at our District Office. There is no commitment needed; we understand that students have busy schedules.
Visit repnabeelasyed.org/youth-advisory-council to read testimonials from past YAC students and to register for updates about upcoming meeting dates. Our next meeting is on Monday, June 30th!
| | Our Fellows are hard at work, too! Last meeting they learned the ins and outs of writing a Legislative proposal; now comes research, feedback, and, in the end, their own presentations to the group and to the office! I can't wait to see their ideas develop into real policy! | | |
Community Updates and Resources | | | | Goodwill's Empower Youth Program | |
Goodwill launched βEmpower Youthβ, a career training and development program for Illinois youth and young adults ages 16 to 24!
Enrolled youth and young adults will receive job readiness training, skill building, and support to be successful in the workplace. Program participants will also have access to part-time seasonal jobs and permanent part-time and full-time positions with local employers across a variety of growing industries throughout the Chicagoland area.
| | Harper College's Dual Credit Opportunity | | |
Did you know that Illinois community colleges are leading the way as the primary providers of dual credit in the state?
Dual credit programs provide high school students with the opportunity to earn credits toward their diploma and college degree while still in high school. Additionally, dual credit students graduate from community college at substantially higher rates than students who did not enroll in dual credit coursework.
Learn how Harper's dual credit program helps high school students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously by visiting the link below!
| | Birth to Five Childcare Resources | | Birth to Five Family Council | | Palatine Pride Month Proclamation | | | β
β Receive Assistance Applying for Services at the Vernon Township | | |
OMNI services are now available to Vernon Township residents! OMNI offers an array of services in English and Spanish for applying for state benefits such as SNAP or Medicaid / Medicare, utility and mortgage assistance, and more.
For assistance please contact Maritza Garcia at 847-353-1500 or mgarcia@omni4all.org.
| | FREE White Sox Tickets for Veterans | |
Where do I find Community Events? ποΈ
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State and Federal
ο»ΏUpdates and Resources
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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 βIllinois State Department of Motor Vehiclesβ 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.
βPhishing scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, seeking to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,β Giannoulias said. βPlease remain vigilant to avoid these scams and report them to protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraud schemes.β
The office only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send text messages regarding driverβs license or vehicle registration status.
Illinoisans are encouraged to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.
| | REAL ID Info from the Secretary of State | | |
The Secretary of State has added some info for anyone who has questions about getting a RealID. To learn more, there's now a "Get A REAL ID" portal on the homepage of the office's website (www.ilsos.gov).
There, you can see: (1) if you need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins; and (2) how to find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment near you.
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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. π°
| | Illinois Power Agency Administers Two Solar Incentive Programs βοΈ | | |
Did you know that the Illinois Power Agency administers two solar incentive programs on behalf of the State of Illinois?
Since 2019, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) has administered the Illinois Shines and the Illinois Solar for All programs. Both programs make going solar more affordable and accessible for
eligible Illinois electricity customers.
To participate in either program, customers must work with an approved vendor, which is a solar company registered with one or both of the programs. These companies will submit an on-site solar
project (aka distributed generation) to the applicable program or subscribe a customer to a community solar project. Approved Vendors participating in these programs are vetted and approved by that programβs administrator and must meet rigorous consumer protection requirements.
| | An Update from the Secretary of State: Get Your Documents Notarized at Home! | | |
The Secretary of Stateβs office launched an Electronic Notary System! With this new system, both the customer and notary can sign the document and attach the notarial certificate and notary seal electronically.
If you have questions about notary requirements or the application process, please contact the Index Departmentβs Notary Public Division at enotary@ilsos.gov or 217-782-7017.
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β 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 householdβs total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for their county.
- See application for other requirements.
| | Want to stay updated on current grant opportunities? | | Sign up for our listserv to get more information! This will ensure that you get the full list of grants and more often! | | |
Nicor Gasβ Environmental Stewardship Pillar has an array of grant applications opening throughout the year focused on the environment, education, diversity, and more!
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The Environmental Stewardship Pillar supports efforts that directly result in more customer and employee engagement in the natural environment through conservation and sustainable activities.
Visit their website to learn more about the available grants, deadlines, application requirements, and eligibility.
| | DCEO Funding Opportunities π° | |
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a number of funding opportunities available!
Grantees may contact the Grant Help Desk by e-mail at CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or submit a question for help with grant applications, GATA prequalification, and audit issues. If possible, grantees should provide their GATA ID with their inquiry.
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| State Services and Programs π£ | | Access Pilot Program for Individuals with SNAP | | |
The Access Pilot Program grants reduced fare permits for individuals who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and live in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will counties. The program runs only for 18-months, between Feb. 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025!
Click here to visit the website to learn more about the pilot program and apply for a permit.
| | Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | | The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program will assist eligible families with natural gas, propane, and electricity bills. Program Year 2024 includes a variety of improvements based on feedback from advocates such as an expanded program year, as well as reinstating the pre-pandemic practice of tiered applications to allow families most in need to apply first. | | |
In recent years, Illinois has seen a stark rise in hate and extremism, reflecting a troubling national trend. In response, Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Human Rights Department (IDHR) and the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), announced the official launch of Help Stop Hate, a confidential service that provides support and resources to individuals and communities affected by hate.
Help Stop Hate provides meaningful support to assist victims and witnesses of hate acts in reporting what happened and connecting them and their communities with vital resources. The service is free, confidential, and not affiliated with law enforcement. Online reports can be made in seven languages. Callers can report in the language of their preference and receive assistance from call specialists trained in trauma-informed care. We need each and every Illinoisan to help stop hate. By reporting hate acts you witness or experience, you play a crucial role in making Illinois a more inclusive and welcoming state.
Visit ILStopHate.org or call (877) 458-HATE Monday to Friday
from 12-9 PM to report what youβve experienced or witnessed.
Together, we can ensure that hate has no place to hide.
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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
With gratitude,
Nabeela
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