May Newsletter 🐝

Legislative Updates, Community Happenings, and More!

Happy May, everyone!  A lot has happened this past month in Springfield. Deadlines have come and gone, bills have moved from the House to the Senate, and vice versa! But it's not just bills that are on the move — our office has been active across the district as well! From attending community expos to hosting Youth Advisory Council meetings, we've stayed busy on both the legislative and local fronts. Let's dive in! ▶️ District Office Updates Congratulations to... A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Chief John Kelly on his retirement from the Lake Zurich Fire Department after 40 years of dedicated fire service! 🧑‍🚒 Your leadership and commitment to public safety and our community is greatly appreciated and we hope retirement treats you well!  We were also honored to present a Certificate of Recognition from the State of Illinois to Lieutenant Douglas Erb and Captain Lee Kammin for 30+ years dedicated to fire service respectively. Additionally, we're also proud to report that Palatine and Lake Zurich both received grants for their local high school libraries from the Secretary of State's Office! More than $13,000 has made its way into our district to support our schools and strengthen our educational resources! 🎉📚 Office Closure Our district office will be closed on Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day. 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. Museum Pass Requests 🦖 Looking for fun summer plans? Look no further! 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! Last year we had over 200 requests! Please complete the form (linked below) at least 5 days in advance and our team will send your authorization letter! Museum Pass Request Form 🏛️Legislative Highlights🏛️ We've reached an important milestone with the bill voting deadline on April 11th. I'm excited to share that several key pieces of legislation I've sponsored have successfully moved past the House into the Senate! Housing Reform Housing affordability remains one of my top priorities, and I'm particularly proud of our progress with HB3564, which brings much-needed transparency to rental costs. This legislation prohibits excessive move-in fees and limits application fees, making housing more accessible for everyone in our community. Reducing upfront costs for tenants also lowers the risk of sudden vacancies for smaller landlords. Health Care Accessibility We're also making important strides in improving healthcare access across the state. With HB3373, we're streamlining the licensing process for clinical psychologists, allowing them to begin their examination process earlier. This means more qualified mental health professionals will be able to enter the workforce sooner – getting our communities the mental healthcare they deserve! Additionally, HB3487 establishes a framework for collecting vital data about our behavioral health workforce, enabling better decisions to improve services moving forward. Our state has mandated paid leave to those who donate organs, but until HB1616 is signed into law, only full time workers receive these protections. HB1616 extends those protections to the many part time workers in our communities. Community Water Protections The House has passed my sponsored update to our community water protections. HB3739 updates our State's Environmental Protection Act with modern standards to ensure our community water sources remain safe and reliable. Supporting our Park Districts Last, but not least, I had the honor of joining the Illinois Association of Park Districts legislative panel! It was wonderful to see the Palatine Park District and park districts from all over Illinois come together in Springfield! We had a great conversation about the vital role park districts play in our communities and how people can make their voices heard through legislative advocacy. I also got to share some personal stories about the impact parks have had on my own life. 🌳🛝🏊‍♂️ I'm proud of the progress we've made, and we're just getting started! There are Senate bills to discuss, amendments to file, and more work coming up this month! District Highlights ✨ In the Community! Lake Zurich Area Community Resource Fair Our district team and student fellows had an amazing time at our third Lake Zurich Area Community Expo! This was our first expo of the year and marks the beginning of an exciting season ahead; you'll see even more of our team out and about in the district! A big thank you to the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of the community and for hosting such a fantastic annual event! 😃 Rolling Meadows Senior and Veterans Fair We also attended the Senior and Veterans Resource Fair! Our office and student fellows had the opportunity to engage with seniors and veterans in the district, listen to their concerns, and meet with other state, county, and local organizations who provide resources and services to our community members. 🤝 Wellness Resource Fair & Community Blood Donation Drive Our office had a wonderful time at the United Palatine Coalition's (UPC) annual Wellness Fair learning about community organizations, and sharing state resources. 🤩 Thank you to the UPC and Buehler YMCA for organizing a great community expo and to everyone who stopped by our table! While we were at the community expo, we were directing folks to donate blood at our Mobile Blood Drive with Versiti happening right across the street! Thank you so much to everyone who donated and helped save lives! 👏🩸 Mobile DMV We hosted a Mobile DMV event with the Secretary of State's Mobile DMV team to provide select DMV services. A big thank you to the Mobile DMV team, as well as the ICash and Illinois Tollway teams, for assisting constituents in checking for any state refunds owed to them and helping them replace their tollway transmitter sticker tags! Our student fellows joined us for a great learning experience, diving into how our office connects with constituents. 🚗 Henry County Visit One of my favorite experiences as a legislator has been participating  in the Illinois Farm Bureau Adopt-a-Legislator program!  Last week, I visited my friends from the Henry County Farm Bureau and learned about conservation methods in farming, planting season, and how policies at the state and federal level are impacting farmers across our state. I also had the opportunity to tour Black Hawk College East Campus. Thank you to the Henry County Farm Bureau for the honor of being your adopted legislator! 🚜🌽 Breast Cancer Awareness I was honored to be a panelist at the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute's Breast Cancer Awareness event. 🩷 I had the opportunity to discuss my bill, HB 4180, which expanded insurance coverage for molecular breast imaging, discuss breast cancer stigmas in the South Asian community, and raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer and other health related challenges that affect women, alongside experts in the field.  I am grateful to have been part of this important panel and look forward to continuing the conversation on improving health outcomes for all. Learn more about SAAPRI's work Monthly Office Hours Our office has been enjoying hosting monthly office hours at the Palatine and Ela Public Libraries! Come by and share your thoughts! We are currently coordinating our next monthly office hours and will release the date on our website. 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! Student Engagement We're going strong with the Youth Advisory Council! The YAC is a great opportunity for high school students to voice their concerns, advise Rep. Syed on legislation, and learn about the legislative process and our state government. We hosted two Youth Advisory Council meetings this past month! Together with our students we explored legislative priorities and debated bills. During our first meeting, I shared legislative updates with the students, including what a day in the life of a State Representative in Springfield looks like, which includes committee meetings, prepping for bills, and speaking with advocates.  Students also participated in their first bill debate on HB3117 – they took time to research the bill and debate with one another regarding the pros and cons of it. Our YAC students brought their A-game, diving into a lively debate about screen time, learning environments, equity, and enforcement. It was awesome to see them weigh the real-world impact and explore different perspectives like true policymakers! At the second meeting, YAC students also debated a very relevant topic for high school students—SB 2427—a bill that would ban student phone use during class (with some exceptions), require secure storage, and prohibit enforcement through fees or law enforcement. It was amazing to see students so engaged in a topic that they are passionate about and hearing their concerns and arguments regarding the bill. I see some future state elected officials in our group! 😉 We’re looking forward to our May meeting which kicks off the Community Budget Project! 💬💡💰 And, thank you to all the students who were able to attend, hope to see you all at the next meeting!  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, May 19th! Register for YAC Our student fellows are hard at work. 💪 We also had two fellowship cohort meetings this month! We're excited to welcome both returning fellows and new faces to our cohort. Stay tuned as we share more about the incredible ways our fellows are connecting with our office and making an impact in District 51! At our second meeting, our student fellows began brainstorming legislative ideas for their capstone projects. As part of the program, they research and present on topics they’re passionate about to help advise me on the issues that matter most to young people—and where meaningful change can be made. Our office is excited to learn what students are passionate about!  Community Updates and Resources Job Opportunities Partners for our Communities Application Brightpoint Application Student Opportunities Goodwill's Empower Youth Program Goodwill launched ‘Empower Youth’, 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. Learn more here! In honor of Dr. Carl C. Bell, the Illinois Psychicatric Society is holding an essay competition, open to all Illinois High School students! Reach out to the young writers in your life to share their stories about belonging, loneliness, and inspiration. Submissions are due by May 15th! Learn more here 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! Learn more! Save the Date! Brightpoint Summer Party! Events for AAPI Heritage Month! May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is celebrating it with a number of events this month. Their first community event is Asian Night Market on May 9th! Check out their other events! Rolling Meadows Memorial Day Events! The City of Rolling Meadows Veteran's Committee is hosting two events this month! The Remembering Our Fallen National Photographic War Memorial will take place from May 16 - 18, and the Memorial Day Ceremony will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 24th at the Carillion Bell Tower on Kirchoff Road! 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. Vernon Township Boundary Learn more about OMNI Services FREE White Sox Tickets for Veterans Learn more here! CASA Advocate Volunteer opportunity Take the survey here Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️ While my monthly newsletter highlights a few community events, there's so much more happening! To stay updated on all the activities and events in our District, visit my social media pages (linked at the bottom of this page) and check out your local library and park district' websites. The 51st is home to two fantastic public libraries and park districts that offer year-round activities and events for everyone. For Palatine area residents, visit The Palatine Public Library calendar The Palatine Park District programming and events page For Ela Area residents, visit The Ela Area Public Library calendar The Village of Lake Zurich's Recreation Guide Have a little one? Check out the Early Childhood Developmental Enrichment Center's Summer Fun Calendar! State and Federal Updates and Resources 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. iCash: The State of Illinois May Owe YOU Money 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!  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. 💰 Illinois Power Agency Administers Two Solar Incentive Programs ☀️ 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 program’s administrator and must meet rigorous consumer protection requirements. Illinois Solar for All Illinois Shines Learn which state solar incentive may be right for you An Update from the Secretary of State: Get Your Documents Notarized at Home! The Secretary of State’s 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 Department’s Notary Public Division at enotary@ilsos.gov or 217-782-7017. Find an e-notary Become an e-notary   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. Learn more here! 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! Sign up to join our grant listserv!   Nicor’s Pillar Grants Nicor Gas’ Environmental Stewardship Pillar has an array of grant applications opening throughout the year focused on the environment, education, diversity, and more!  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 💰 The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a number of funding opportunities available! Business Attraction Prime Sites, Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 CDBG Economic Development Program, Rolling basis   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.    All available DCEO grants can be found here   State Services and Programs 📣 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. Visit the website to learn more and apply 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. The LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2024, to August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. Help Stop Hate! 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 you’ve experienced or witnessed. Together, we can ensure that hate has no place to hide. ILStopHate.org 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 1252 West Northwest Highway | Palatine, IL 60067 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice