Updates from Springfield, District 51, and the state!
Hi friend,
It's been a while since I last updated you, so this is going to be a long newsletter. But bear with me, there's some important stuff in here you're going to want to see!
Since my last newsletter, we've had our legislative Spring Break and are now back in Springfield for our final stretch of session. During Spring Break, we spent some time touring our district and getting to know our schools and businesses better. We've been promoting the Back to Business Grant (more information below!), collecting donations for our donation drive, and getting a taste of what summer festivities will have in store for us! Before we adjourn for the summer, scheduled for May 19th, we've got a lot to finish up in Springfield.
Here's a little update about what's going on in Springfield, District 51, and in the state.
🏛️ Springfield 🏛️
My bill to protect patients from prescription drug price gouging passed the House!
HB3957 would allow the Attorney General's office to prosecute instances of price gouging in low-competition markets for generic and off-patent prescription drugs. Getting this bill out of the House and onto the Senate was riddled with barriers, extensions, and a lot of patience. I never gave up on this bill because we know that lifesaving medication is only lifesaving to those that can afford it. This was one of the concerns I heard most at the doors.
We've had lots of bills come from the Senate to the House. Here are a couple of the bills I'm carrying and what they do...
SB1653 establishes a "low clearance early warning device pilot program" to figure out what device works best to prevent crashes into bridges and viaducts. Once we figure out what device works best, we can prevent future crashes and infrastructure problems. District 51's own Robert Parker Coffin Bridge in Long Grove has seen 45 crashes since 2020. This is why I decided to carry this bill through the House. SB1653 passed through committee, and will be called on the House floor soon! In committee, I was questioned about whether or not I'd ever driven an oversized vehicle. I hadn't of course... because you need a special license, a Commercial Drivers License, to do so. But, Deputy Chief Baker of the Palatine Police Department was kind enough to take me on a ride along and teach me about truck safety. Thank you, Deputy Chief Baker!
SB2419 creates the License to Read Act, which gives the State Librarian the power to negotiate the prices of e-books and audiobooks with publishers on behalf of Illinois libraries. It also creates a grant program that libraries can use to pay for digital licenses. I’m thrilled to announce that I passed SB2419 through committee last week! Talking with librarians in the 51st earlier this year inspired me to advocate for ways to cut costs for our public libraries so that their money can be spent on other programs and initiatives for the community. So, I was so excited to take over this bill from Senator Murphy and I look forward to seeing it all the way through.
We have a very busy couple of weeks ahead where we will vote on the rest of the Senate Bills, discuss bills that have been amended in the Senate and need to be voted on again in the House, and finally, pass our FY '24 budget. I sense some late nights ahead!
In the District
In Palatine last Friday, we attended a beautiful Arbor Day ceremony, an annual tradition by the Palatine Park District and Village of Palatine. I got to meet Sammie the Squirrel for the first time!
Then, on Saturday, we celebrated Arbor Day with the Village of Lake Zurich in Paulus Park by planting a tree and cleaning up local parks.
Help us make cards for seniors during the month of May!
This week, we secured 500+ card-makers in our community. If you are part of an organization, community, or school that would like to help us complete more cards during the month of May, please contact us and we'll deliver materials!
Collecting donations for the Palatine community
We are still collecting food pantry items and menstrual products at our district office located at 830 W Northwest Highway, Suite 9 in Palatine for All Saints Food Pantry and Partners for Our Communities. Please consider donating if you're able and spread the word!
Visit a museum in Illinois museum for FREE!
Our office has a museum pass that we can share with the 51st District. Click on the button below to submit a request and coordinate a time to visit participating museums for free!
Important Updates from the State
Make it stand out
'Back to Business' $175 Million Grant is CLOSING May 10th, but there is still time to apply!
We want to get YOU back to business – but the application portal is closing soon, on May 10th. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has $175 Million dollars to award to hotels, restaurants, and creative arts organizations established before March 12, 2020. If you qualify, you should receive an award– so apply now! Click here for eligibility requirements and contact information for community navigators ready to assist you with your application.
Medicaid Redeterminations
Here's the deal...
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the requirement for Medicaid recipients to redetermine their benefits was waived. Now that the public health emergency is ending, folks will need to redetermine their eligibility again. The first wave of Medicaid redetermination letters was sent out THIS WEEK. We need all hands on deck to make sure everyone follows to steps below to ensure they send in their redetermination letters. Our office is here to help if you need assistance or information, so do not hesitate to reach out.
If you have Medicaid...
Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov to:
1. Verify your mailing address under “Contact Us.”
2. Find your due date (the “redetermination” date) in your "Benefit Details."
Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away.
If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, connect to coverage at work or through the official Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace for Illinois, GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
Call 1-800-843-6154 for help with your renewal.
If you assist people with Medicaid...
Please reach out to our office for additional information or support. We can help get connected to IDHFS if you have any questions.
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our office number is (773) 916-6553 and our email is info@repsyed.com.
With gratitude,
Nabeela
