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Happy Turkey Time, everyone!
October was a packed month; veto session, community events, and plenty of Halloween cheer (and candy!) to go around.
Stick around to the end of the newsletter for new info on LIHEAP and the IL Tax Amnesty Program. First a couple of updates around the office, and then we'll jump into our veto session recap.
Let's hop in!
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Over 7,000 people in the 51st District have had their SNAP benefits threatened by recent actions by the federal government. Although the USDA has signaled compliance with court orders to distribute SNAP contingency funds, delays and uncertainty remain.
Our office launched a community food drive to help support local food pantries, continuing through November 19th. We have already been so humbled by our community's generosity.
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Know Your Rights Training | |
Our office is partnering with State Representative Anna Moeller and Hanover Township Assessor Khaja Moinuddin to host a Know Your Rights presentation and training led by Centro de Información.
This is a great opportunity to learn what to do if approached by ICE or CBP, get important information on your legal rights, how to identify a judicial warrant, and available community resources.
Event details:
Date: Monday, November 17
Time: 7 – 8 PM
Register here: https://signup.com/go/ebUXTXw
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Ever wonder which office to call for a certain issue, or how local, county, state, and federal governments all fit together?
The Government Access Fair is your opportunity to meet the outreach teams who work every day to connect residents with services and information.
Learn how each level of government plays a role in your daily life and how, together, they help make our communities stronger. Our office will be there to share resources, answer questions, and help you navigate state services!
📅 Thursday, November 20
🕕 6 – 8 PM
📍 Palatine Library District (700 N. North Ct., Palatine)
Registration is optional → https://tinyurl.com/CantyGovFair
We hope to see you there! 👋
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| Our office has been enjoying hosting monthly office hours at the Palatine and Ela Public Libraries. Please join us for our December Office Hours! | |
Office Closed for Thanksgiving 🦃
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Our district office will be closed from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
If you need to get in touch with our team, please email info@repsyed.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
We wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday! 🍁
| | The Illinois General Assembly just wrapped up its veto session. We passed bills addressing several key issues, including energy costs, property tax relief, and public transit. | | |
As power demands continue to increase, energy costs have been rising for Illinois residents. Projections indicated that without intervention, Illinoisans could see $9.5 billion in increased energy costs by 2034. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act was passed during veto session to moderate these cost increases.
The legislation allows surplus power generated by home solar panels and other renewable sources to be redistributed across the system to help bring down costs for all customers. It also increases battery storage capacity to capture and store energy for times when renewable sources are not actively generating power.
Lastly, the bill expands energy efficiency programs for residents, with dedicated funding levels for low-income customers to help reduce overall demand and lower electricity prices.
| | Property Tax Relief for Seniors | | |
As costs of living continue to rise, Social Security cost-of-living adjustments have inadvertently pushed some low-income seniors above the income threshold for property tax relief programs. This has meant that some of our most vulnerable seniors have lost access to the senior property tax freeze, which helps older adults on fixed incomes manage their housing costs.
New legislation raises the income threshold for the senior citizens' property tax freeze to $75,000 and the property tax deferral program. These adjustments will help seniors maintain access to property tax relief even as their Social Security income increases with inflation.
Increasing the senior freeze income cap over the next couple of years brings us back to where we were in 2018, the last time the income threshold was raised. So long as COLA adjustments remain indexed to inflation and our senior relief does not, we will need to periodically revisit this issue in the General Assembly.
That said, the update to the senior freeze income cap was sorely needed, allowing more of our seniors to maintain their eligibility to reduce their property tax burdens and stay in their homes.
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Illinois' public transit system serves millions of residents and is essential for businesses and communities across the state. After heated discussions last spring and during veto session, the general assembly passed a $1.5 billion funding package to keep our transit system going.
The legislation establishes the Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA), a new oversight agency meant to create more transparency in the transit system.
NITA will include new internal and independent auditors to improve financial oversight and will be required to maintain a reserve fund for financial stability. The agency will work to create uniformity in fares and service planning to better serve riders across the region.
The legislation also addresses public safety. A multijurisdictional law enforcement team will assist with security, while transit ambassadors will be deployed to assist people experiencing mental health crises. A permanent office of safety will handle long-term planning to improve safety for both riders and transit workers.
More reforms in how NITA is funded are anticipated for the 2026 spring session.
| | Federal Immigration Enforcement Impacts | | |
During veto session, legislation was passed to establish protections in certain settings: healthcare facilities will be required to adopt policies concerning law enforcement presence; individuals appearing at courthouses for jury duty, traffic matters, or other official business will have protections in place; and educational institutions including colleges and daycare centers will implement policies to protect students and children in their care, including the disclosure of immigration status.
These measures aim to ensure that certain spaces remain accessible and safe for all community members to access necessary services and fulfill civic obligations.
I co-authored an article in the Chicago Sun Times on this topic. For those who are unaware, Chappie's Cafe in Palatine was forced to close its doors on November 2nd. It had been open for four years, thriving despite its launch while a pandemic was raging. Now it's gone.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had repeatedly visited the restaurant in the past weeks. Customers stopped coming, and business slowed to a trickle. Finally, the owners had to close their doors.
This is a story that is playing out across the district and beyond. The bill we passed during veto session was a start, but we must address the human impact ICE's tactics is leaving on our communities.
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If you’re looking for last-minute ways to make the most of the season, check out our museum pass!
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!
Note: As our office will be closed from Wednesday 26 - Friday 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday, please complete the form by 5 PM on Monday, November 24th before we close submissions for the holiday if you are looking to visit a museum during this time.
| | A Candy-Bag Full of Halloween Events! | | First, we joined in the fun at Buehler YMCA's Halloween Family night. So many families came out to enjoy the evening filled with candy and costumes! | Then we had a great time at Harper College's 4th Annual Trunk or Treat. So many creative costumes, and we got to chat with constituents, too! | Finally, our office joined the volunteers for the Clean Up, Give Back Palatine's Soup-er Halloween Clean Up. It's always inspiring to see neighbors coming together to care for our community! Visit their website to learn more if you want to get involved! |
Cricket Day at Buehler YMCA! | I had a blast at the Buehler YMCA’s Community Cricket Day, where people had the opportunity to learn about the basics of the game from a local coach! After learning how to play the game, we had a chance to try it out for ourselves. It was great to see our community come together to learn about a new sport! 🏏 |
My Density Matters Walk the Lake | |
I was honored to join My Density Matters in their annual Walk the Lake in Lake Zurich to raise awareness about breast cancer and to honor survivors and loved ones.
I had the honor of partnering with them during the last legislative session to help pass HB4180, which now requires insurance to cover molecular breast imaging screenings for individuals with dense breast tissue. This work is critical because breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and the leading cause of cancer death in women here in Illinois.
The good news is that it's treatable, especially when caught early. That's why awareness, access, and early detection are so important.
You can learn more about My Density Matters and their mission at: mydensitymatters.org
Additionally, the State of Illinois offers free mammograms and other breast cancer screenings, regardless of insurance status. To find out more or to schedule a screening, visit: www.illinois.gov/services/service.breast-cancer-screen.html
| | Congratulations to Faith Feeds! | | It was wonderful to join the Faith Feeds team to celebrate their new, expanded facilities! Their new walk-in cooler and freezer will help food storage and distribution, allowing them to continue to fight food insecurity across our community. I'm so grateful for all of the incredible work they do! | | Foglia YMCA Lobby Renovations Complete! | | |
Speaking of ribbon cuttings, congratulations to the Foglia YMCA for their beautiful new lobby!
The Foglia YMCA refreshed their lobby for the first time in nearly 25 years! 😎
The newly renovated space includes an interactive schedule, displaying a full week of activities and classes, a great addition that makes it easy for members to see what’s coming up.
| | It was great connecting with local school board members, superintendents, and education leaders at the Illinois Association of School Boards Lake Division Legislative Dinner. I was honored to discuss state and federal funding, chronic absenteeism, and mental health support for students. I'm always grateful for the partnership of our school board members and leaders who work tirelessly to strengthen education in Illinois. | | IARF Certificate of Recognition | | |
I was so honored to receive a Certificate of Recognition from the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for my continued support of intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health services in Illinois.
Thank you to IARF for this recognition and for the important work you do every day to strengthen care, resources, and support for individuals and families across our state.
| | YMCA Youth Policy Tasting | | |
Lastly, I had the opportunity to attend and speak at the YMCA's Youth Policy Tasting last month. Participants had the opportunity to speak with experts in education, government, tech, and more!
It was inspiring to hear from students why they chose to get involved with the program. Many shared that they hoped to pursue careers in government or other sectors that help others. I am grateful for the opportunity to sit with this group of passionate students, hear their stories and share my experiences. Thank you again to the YMCA for hosting us!
| | Navigating Cook County's Legal System | | The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is partnering with other elected offices and agencies to give an explanation of different legal resources available. It will be held at Harper College on Saturday, November 15th, from 10 am to noon! | |
Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️
| | Navigating Cook County's Legal System | | |
Stop by the Palatine Township Senior Center this Friday or Saturday for their annual Winter Wonderland shopping experience. Discover beautiful handmade gifts, stunning holiday decor and themed gift baskets perfect for everyone on your list.
Don't miss their famous Cookie Walk either!
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State, County and Federal
Updates and Resources
| | | | 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.
Be sure to apply!
| | 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!
| | Updates on EV Rebate Program | | |
The Illinois EPA opened the next Electric Vehicle Rebate Program funding round on October 28, 2025, running through January 31, 2026.
Illinois residents who purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer and meet eligibility requirements can apply for a rebate. Low-income applicants are eligible for enhanced rebates and priority disbursement.
$14 million has been appropriated for this round, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis—apply early if you are eligible.
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Taxpayers have the opportunity to pay outstanding eligible tax liabilities and have related penalties and interest forgiven, provided the taxes are paid in full during the amnesty period.
An eligible tax liability is tax debt due from periods ending after June 30, 2018, and prior to July 1, 2024.
Eligible tax liabilities and returns must be paid and filed in full October 1, 2025, through November 17, 2025, to qualify for the waiver of penalty and interest.
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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.
| | 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. 💰
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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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