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Happy March! 🍀
The session is in full swing, and February was busy, both in the district and in Springfield! Bills are getting referred to their committees, community leaders are sharing their legislative priorities, and we're building support for our priorities in Springfield.
Keep reading for a recap of what February had in store -- let's march right into it!
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🏛️ Legislative Update 🏛️
| | February was the month where bills got discussed and the first real wave of advocacy in Springfield really kicked into gear. For this update, I want to share updates on the progress we've made toward lowering the cost of healthcare for our most vulnerable community members, and a snapshot of what that advocacy process looks like. | | Senior Freeze Income Limit Increases | | |
I've advocated for years about raising the income limit on the Senior Freeze Exemption. The household income threshold had been stuck at $65,000 since 2018, but Social Security cost-of-living adjustments have been rising with inflation since then. The result: seniors on fixed incomes were getting pushed just over the limit and losing their property tax relief — not because they were earning more, but because the threshold hadn't kept up.
That pressure and advocacy paid off, as this tax year is when the General Assembly's passed law will take effect. The income limit is increasing to $75,000 in taxable year 2026, $77,000 in 2027, and $79,000 in 2028. Starting this tax year, our seniors are finally getting some of the relief they need; our advocacy worked.
But unexpected costs are still hurting our seniors.That's why I filed HB5297, to begin pushing for medical spending out of retirement funds to get discounted from senior freeze income limits.
Right now, tax-deferred withdrawals from accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s count toward the income threshold — even when seniors are forced to withdraw more than planned due to unexpected medical costs. That can mean losing property tax relief at the worst possible time. I want to push for medical expenses to be exempted from those calculations, and I plan to bring this idea forward as the Property Tax Working Group reconvenes.
| | Lowering Healthcare Costs | | |
Since 2024, I've been pushing for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Illinois — an independent body of experts that can review high-cost medications and, when a drug is found to be unaffordable, set an upper payment limit so no one pays more than they should.
Last year, the General Assembly passed pharmacy benefit manager reforms that crack down on predatory PBM practices like spread pricing and pharmacy steering, to keep PBM markups from impacting people who need their healthcare. That was a start, and a great example of learning from the successes of other states. It doesn't go far enough.
PBM reform addresses the middleman; a Prescription Drug Affordability Board goes further by regulating prices. Other states are already proving this works. Colorado established the first PDAB in the country, and after its first affordability review, set an upper payment limit estimated to save consumers up to $32 million in its first year alone. This past month, more than 200 advocates from across Illinois came to Springfield to rally for bringing that same kind of relief here.
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In additional healthcare legislation: breast cancer rates are rising, especially among younger women.
Too many families are being impacted before age 40. That’s why I filed House Bill 5001 to expand insurance coverage for routine mammograms and lower the screening age, helping ensure earlier detection and better outcomes.
Expanded screenings save lives. By requiring coverage for a baseline mammogram for women ages 30 to 34 and annual screenings starting at 35, this legislation takes a proactive step to close dangerous gaps in care and put patients first. đź©·
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Monthly Office Hours đź“š
| | 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, March 23rd! | | |
Community members across the 51st District should have received a constituent survey in their mailbox! As we head back to Springfield for the legislative session, your responses will help guide my priorities and inform where I should be advocating on behalf of our district.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and can be returned by mail or filled out online by clicking the button below.
Your voice matters, and this feedback plays an important role in shaping the work we do in Springfield. 🙌
| | New Social Media Account! | | |
We’re now on Bluesky!
As we continue finding new ways to connect with our community, you can now follow State Representative Nabeela Syed on Bluesky for legislative updates, direct news, and upcoming events.
Follow us @repnabeelasyed.bsky.social.
| | Museum Pass Requests 🦖 | | |
Our 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!
| | Legislative Breakfasts Across the District! | | There were a whole bunch of legislative breakfasts this past month, as different community groups came together to discuss what's next.

There were two legislative breakfasts hosted by the Illinois Association of Park Districts this month — one in Mundelein and one in Schaumburg.

It was important to hear from park district leaders across Lake and Cook Counties about the challenges and opportunities their districts are facing! | |
I had the chance to stop by the Doig Chapter's Credit Union breakfast in Vernon Hills and discuss their perspectives on the upcoming year.
And last, I got to sit for the City of Rolling Meadows' inaugural legislative breakfast to connect with Mayor Lara Sanoica, city staff, and local decisionmakers.
I'm glad to have the chance to listen to our community groups, learn about the challenges they're facing, and bring those priorities back to Springfield!
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  Harper College Community Talkback & Panel | |
I attended the Community Talkback & Panel in support of Harper College's spring production. The evening featured a thoughtful conversation on immigrant, migrant, and refugee narratives, community engagement, and the power of storytelling in building understanding.
Thank you to Director Ilknür Ozgür for the invitation and for creating space for such an important dialogue. It was inspiring to meet so many young people from our community and hear their perspectives!
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  Greater Family Health Palatine Health Center | |
I had the opportunity to visit Greater Family Health's Palatine Health Center and tour their expanded facility. Federally Qualified Health Centers like Greater Family Health play a vital role in ensuring families have access to affordable, high-quality care close to home.
Thank you to Lupe and the entire team for the warm welcome and for the important work you do every day!
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Exciting things are happening in Hoffman Estates! I attended the ribbon cutting for W3Body in Hoffman Estates, a training gym focused on strength training, core conditioning, and small group personal training in a supportive and empowering environment. đź’Ş
Huge congratulations to the W3Body team on your official grand opening! 🎉
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In honor of National Social Work Month, I had the privilege of joining the Community Mental Health Project, CLB Strategies, and Globally Empowered for the "Holding Up the Sky” panel celebrating the social workers who hold up our mental health system.
I shared updates on the work we're doing in Springfield, including two bills I've passed into law: HB 3487 to gather data on behavioral health workforce gaps, and HB 3373 to let clinical psychologists take their licensing exam upon graduation, removing barriers so we can get more mental health professionals into our communities faster. 🤝
Thank you to everyone who attended and especially to the incredible social workers in our community who show up for us every single day.
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  Brightpoint Reading Session | |
And last, but certainly not least, I had the most wonderful morning reading with some of our youngest constituents at Brightpoint!
Thank you as always to Brightpoint for including me in their tireless work advocating for childcare needs in our community and across the state!
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| On March 2nd, we held our first meeting of the year, where our Youth Advisors introduced themselves and we outlined the shape of this year's program. We shared program details, introductions, and discussed the policies on the minds of our Youth Advisors. It was a great start to the year! | | |
YAC meetings will be 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. The 2026 Youth Advisory Council is officially underway! 

If you or someone you know are interested in civic engagement, leadership, and making a community impact, we hope we'll see you there! Our next meeting is on Monday, March 30th!
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Community Updates and Resources | | | | STEM Academy Deadline March 15th! | | Illinois Scholarship Challenge | |
Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️
| | Lake County Housing Authority Scam Prevention Workshop | |
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. đź’°
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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.
| | 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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