Internships, ICash, and more!
Good morning, folks. I'm coming to you with a few updates from Springfield and the 51st.
(But first...) Happy Womenβs History Month!
In the State of Illinois, women have, time and time again, made significant contributions to history. Iβm grateful to serve among some of these incredible history-makers, including our very own Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Comptroller Mendoza is the first Hispanic independently elected to statewide office in Illinois and made history with her election.
π’ Springfield
This week we dove deeper into our proposed legislation, and I advocated for the legislation I've been working on to be called into committee. One of these bills ensures 10 days of paid leave for all organ donors to recover, making it easier for folks to donate their organs and embark on a life-saving act. I am also working on making it legal for 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote because research shows that we can increase young people's voter turnout when they have the opportunity to pre-register. I am excited about a bill that will increase access to the civil judiciary system for folks, simply by ensuring that past statutes follow language already defined by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2021. I'm looking forward to next week, when we will begin to hear bills like these in committees.
π My committees
Speaking of committees... this General Assembly, I will be on the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, the Child Care Access and Early Childhood Committee, the Cities and Villages Committee, The Economic Opportunity and Equity Committee, and the Prescription Drug Affordability Committee. I believe these assignments will position me well to be able to focus on the issues that I know District 51 cares about most.
π In the District
Here in the 51st District, we had our first Youth Advisory Council meeting! Young people from all across the district came out to join us at Ela Public Library.
In the first session of our Youth Advisory Council, students gave me their honest opinion about some of the legislation I have presented. A couple students from Lake Zurich High School even presented us with bill ideas to require EKG testing to a part of physicals for student-athletes. We are excited to not only get young minds involved, but having young minds be the root and the ground as we continue to build legislative agendas for the next session.
π’ Help spread the word: we're hiring!
We are looking for interns to join us in our District Office! The internship will be from March 20, 2023 through June 2, 2023.
Go to our website to read the descriptions and apply!
https://www.repnabeelasyed.org/intern-program
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We're working with the Treasurer's office to get people's property back in their hands. Many people do not know that they have unclaimed property, and we want to help you get your hands on it! Please look up your name on the treasurer's website to see if you have unclaimed property. Either file a claim right then or give us a call and we can assist you through the process.
π’ Scholarship Opportunity for Students
Illinois DCFS is offering scholarships to students who are currently or have formerly been in care. Please visit illinois.gov to learn more.
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our office number is (773) 916-6553β¬ and our email is info@repsyed.com.
With gratitude,
Nabeela
A picture of Representative Nabeela Syed with Comptroller Suzana Mendoza.
Our first Youth Advisory Council, February 27, 2023
Filed bills, district updates, and more!
Welcome to the very first edition of our District Newsletter! As a District Office, it's our priority to keep you updated and informed on the work we are doing in the 51st District and down in Springfield, events happening in the district, and more.
I'm excited to share with you everything we've been up to since I was officially sworn-in.
π I filed my first bill!
The first bill I filed will expand voting rights by lengthening the time new voters have to register. Instead of limiting kids to less than a year prior to turning 18 to register to vote, they will be able to register as soon they turn 16. By encouraging thousands of young voters to join the electoral process, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and a greater swath of our community will join us at the ballot box. Vigorous election turnout stands at the heart of a better future for all Illinoisans.
π Other bills I'm working on...
There are many bills that I'm working on, including bills that are going to allow for more fair generic drug pricing, a tax credit for employers so they can support employees that are donating an organ, new property tax exemptions, and protecting small businesses from lucrative lenders. My work for voting rights also includes measures to help voters with disabilities have their voices heard in our democracy.
This session will be a busy one, but the work we're doing now is to make sure our community will have a stronger future ahead once itβs over.
π In the District
When I head back to the district in between session, I've had the opportunity to continue to meet with advocates, join community meetings, and help plan out district office events. Successfully, we held our first event rooted in two of our office's favorite things: maintaining accessibility to our constituents and lots of caffeine! Constituents came out to voice their concerns and we all got to support our local businesses.
ο»ΏThank you to Long Grove Coffee Co, Stompin' Grounds Cafe in LZ, Sweet C's bakery in Palatine, and Coquelicot Cafe also in Palatine. Cecilia from Sweet C's even surprised us in the sweetest way, by making signature cookies. Thank you Cecilia!
With Gratitude,
Nabeela