September Newsletter 🍁

Happy September, friend!  In the last bit of summer, our office spent a lot of time outdoors: from community expos to an environmental resource fair, it was fun to share some summer highlights with you.  Keep reading to learn about upcoming events, state and community resources, what we’ve been up to, and more! Please join us for these upcoming events! Inflation Reduction Act Town Hall Join elected officials and the IEC to learn about the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act, how this has impacted Illinois, and ask your questions. When: Friday, September 20th at 12 pm Where: Zoom, registration linked below Register here On-the-Spot with IDFPR Our office has partnered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to assist with your professional license needs. If you're facing delays with your application, need help with applying for or renewing your license, or have any other related questions, please join us on Wednesday, September 25th, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Palatine Public Library. IDFPR representatives will be available to answer your questions, assist with your application, and potentially issue your license on the spot! When: Wednesday, September 25th from 3 pm - 6 pm Where: Palatine Public Library, Meeting Room 1 What: Professional license support with IDFPR Please click here to register Prescription Drug Affordability Board Town Halls Our office is partnering with Citizen Action Illinois to host TWO Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Town Halls in the 51st! This is a great opportunity to learn more about affordable healthcare legislation and ask your questions. s. Cook County PDAB Town Hall When: Thursday, October 3rd at 6 PM Where: Palatine Public Library Cook County Registration Lake County PDAB Town Hall When: Tuesday, October 3rd from 6 PM - 7:30 PM Where: Ela Area Public Library Lake County Registration District Highlights Monthly Office Hours Our office had a great time at the Palatine Public Library last month meeting constituents of all ages for office hours!  We'll announce future office hours soon and hope to see you at them! Device Free Zone 📵 We unplugged from our devices and plugged into the community at the annual Unplugged Fest at Paulus Park!  I had some great conversations with our community about legislative ideas, the work our office does, and, of course, some Illinois state trivia! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our screens, but events like this remind us of the value of slowing down, enjoying the outdoors, and fostering real connections within our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was a day well spent! Monthly Student Engagement Meetings In July, we concluded our Youth Advisory Council and the District 51 Fellowship Program for the year! We finalized our District 51 Youth Advisory Council budget! Congratulations to the following organizations who have received a donation from the YAC My Density Matters Bricks of Hope  Clean Up, Give Back Palatine  Raksha Mission:Mathminds 60010 Feeds Kids In April, students were given a budget of $1,000 to distribute how they see fit to community based organizations that service the district. Students met monthly to research and advocate for organizations they are most passionate about. Fun fact: Three out of the finalized six organizations are student-led! This year we also debated a handful of bills and talked about all things legislative and Springfield. Students shared their concerns and opinions about different bills that were being debated on the House Floor and provided feedback on the bills that I was bringing forth.  It was a successful and fun YAC season! Thank you to each and every student who took time out of their weekday to attend and participate in our YAC meetings. Students are already juggling so many responsibilities – between class, homework, sports, clubs, jobs, and other volunteer activities. The time students spend with us at YAC is incredibly valuable to me. Thank you!  Click here to register for the Youth Advisory Council Congratulations are also in order to all of the students who have completed the District 51 Fellowship program! 🎉 One of the goals of the program was for students to work with a partner on a legislative research project and come up with a bill idea that our office could potentially use as inspiration. During our final cohort meeting, the Fellows presented their legislative research projects on a variety of topics, including healthcare equity, citizenship class accessibility, immigration reform, and more.  In recognition of their hard work since February ‘House of Representatives Certificate of Recognition.’ The dedication and passion of this group were truly unmatched. They consistently showed up ready to collaborate, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the issues that matter to them. The 51st District thrives because of students like them. Well done! 👏 Alpine Fest Our office attended the Alpine Fest in Lake Zurich! We had a great time informing constituents of the services we can support with, meeting residents who recently moved to the area, and meeting some of the 51st’s youngest constituents! I also attended the Alpine Run! 🏃 Great job to everyone who ran their hearts out!  And, thank you to the Lake Zurich Lions Club for organizing great events and getting the community together! 🦁 Fire Sprinkler Demo! Thank you to the Illinois Chapter of the National Fire Sprinkler Association for inviting me out to the Palatine Street Fest to see their fire sprinkler demonstration! We saw what a fire would look like in a room with (left side) and without (right side) sprinklers. The Palatine Firefighters showed us how critical fire sprinklers are in preventing fire growth and saving lives. I also had the chance to meet some incredible students partaking in the Fire Explorer Program! Visit a Museum for FREE 🖼️ Just because summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean the fun has to! Our office has a museum pass that we can share with the 51st District. ubmit a request to coordinate a time to visit participating museums for FREE! Complete the form to submit a request and send us your pictures to be featured on our website! Reserve your pass today!   Community Updates and Resources Lake Zurich DMV Facility Closure The Lake Zurich DMV (located at 951 S. Rand Road) will be temporarily closed for remodeling from Monday, September 16 to Tuesday, October 1 to turn into a DMV+, which will offer some index, business, and personnel services! The original DMV facility will reopen on Wednesday, October 2nd. During this time, residents can visit a temporary DMV located at the Kemper Lakes Business Center (3 Corporate Dr., Ste. 160 in Lake Zurich), Monday through Friday. For information on the hours of operation of your nearest DMV facility, please call 800-252-8980 or access the online services any time at ILSOS.gov. Just a reminder that we are co-hosting a Mobile DMV at Ela 55+ in a few days! This is another great way for Ela Area residents to receive a handful of DMV services. Call 847-843-9160 to reserve your appointment and scroll up to the beginning of the newsletter to learn more. Property Tax Payment Updates for Cook County Homeowners! 🏡 Cook County property owners have a free financial planning tool that can help them pay off their past-due property tax bills A Payment Plan Calculator at cookcountytreasurer.com is available at no cost to help property owners who are late paying their taxes. The calculator assists taxpayers who want to budget their property tax expenses over payments made monthly or every two weeks. Payment Plan Calculator Additionally, current, eligible homeowners may now pre-file an appeal with the Board of Review. Pre-file an appeal here Disability Lead Fellowship Recruitment The application is OPEN for the 2025 Institute! Are you a person with a disability who wants to help make the Chicago region a more equitable and just place by becoming more civically engaged?  The final deadline to apply to be a Disability Lead Fellow is October 4th, and the early bird deadline of September 20th guarantees an interview. Apply today! Congratulations to District 51 Libraries! 📚 Congratulations to both public libraries in the 51st House District of Illinois for receiving a grant from the Secretary of State's office! Palatine Public Library received $54,003.51 Ela Area Public Library received $132,751.58! Libraries are a wonderful place for our residents to go when they need information and support, and serve as a third space for gathering. These grants provide additional support to libraries and will improve access to the internet, career services, reliable information, and diverse narratives. Congratulations to both libraries for making our district a wonderful place! Early Childhood Block Grant is Hiring! 🧑‍🏫 The Early Childhood Block Grant is hiring for substitute and preschool teachers and instructional assistants!  Click here to learn more and apply! Back to School Parent Workshop 🏫 The United Palatine Coalition is hosting a parent workshop on Wednesday, September 18th at the Palatine Public Library and virtually from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to hear from experts about tools for a healthy school year, tips on healthy relationship building, getting your questions answered, and more.  Register here Join virtually Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon Join the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce for a Legislative Luncheon with local elected officials on Friday, September 20th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at 1555 Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates.  The Legislative Luncheon is a great opportunity to engage with legislators and participate in meaningful dialogue about your questions and concerns. When: Friday, September 20th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Where: 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates Register here Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️ While my monthly newsletter highlights a few community events, there's so much more happening! Explore the wide range of community events available to you! To stay updated on all the activities and events in our District, be sure to visit my social media pages (linked at the bottom of this page) and check out your local library's and park district's 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 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 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   New Plant-Based School Lunches Available at All Schools Plant-based school lunches will be made available starting this school year to all 2 million public school students in Illinois who submit a request.  Plant-based lunches served in schools not only taste great according to students themselves, but they also meet the national school lunch meal requirements, ensuring students get enough protein. These meals are also richer in fiber, helping reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and high blood sugar, and they improve brain health, which can help their performance in the classroom. Grant Opportunities   NEW: District 51 Grants Listserv We're setting up a dedicated grant listserv to share info about local, state, and federal grant opportunites. If you would like to receive updates on future grant opportunities, please complete the form to be added to our listserv. Sign up to recieve grant updates here!   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 NOFO Grants The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released two competitive Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support communities in their regional site readiness efforts.   The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development in all 10 of DCEO’s Economic Development Regions. The program will create a more comprehensive state-wide strategy that builds upon DCEO’s Mega sites Investment Program and complements Intersect Illinois’ Vetted Sites Program.    Grantees will be selected through two competitive NOFOs:  1) Planning 2) Capital Ready.  For more information or questions contact CEO.Sites@Illinois.gov. Applications are due on Monday, October 21.     Dangers and Opportunities of Technology: Perspectives from the Humanities Grant Description: This program supports research that examines technology and its relationship to society through the lens of the humanities with a focus on the dangers and/or opportunities presented by technology, broadly defined. NEH is particularly interested in projects that examine the role of technology in shaping current social and cultural issues. Total Program Funding: $1 million Award Ceiling: $150,000 Deadline: September 14th, 2024     Climate Smart Humanities and Organizations Grant Description: This program strengthens the institutional base of the humanities by funding operational assessments and strategic planning efforts to sustain and protect historical, cultural, educational, intellectual, and physical assets from the risks of climate change. Proposals must address how strategic planning for climate change will increase the organization’s resilience and support its work in the humanities over the long term. Total Program Funding: $2.5 million Award Ceiling: $300,000 Deadline: September 18th, 2024     Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator Service Coordinator Program Grant Description: This program assists residents of Public and Indigenous Housing to progress towards economic and housing self-sufficiency by removing the educational, professional, and health barriers they face. HUD provides ROSS-SC grant funding to eligible applicants to hire a Service Coordinator who assesses the needs of these residents and connects them with local training and supportive services. Total Program Funding: $40 million Award Ceiling: $816,750 Deadline: September 30th, 2024     Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination of Minority Health and Health Disparities Grant Description: The purpose of this initiative is to support intervention research that addresses structural racism and discrimination (SRD) to improve minority health or reduce health disparities. Award Ceiling: $500,000 Deadline: January 7th, 2026   State Services Updates  📣 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. Pilot Program for Professional Licenses 🧑‍⚕️ 🧑‍🏭 The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) announced two initiatives! First, IDFPR is expanding their pilot program that will enable select professionals who submit paper applications to submit their payments online! They are also introducing this service for certain professionals who need to restore or reinstate their licenses. The program is an effort to streamline the application review process and decrease wait time between when applicants submit their applications and receive their professional license.  Learn more on the IDFPR website Additionally, IDFPR has a new process to enable active-duty service members and their spouses to apply for licensure with reduced requirements.  Eligible applicants must have: Active duty orders to be stationed in Illinois An active license in their profession from another state Lawfully worked within the last two years in that profession Click here to learn more If you are applying for your professional license and need assistance in the application process or updates, please do not hesitate to contact my office. As always, 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 830 W. Northwest Highway Suite 9 | Palatine, IL 60067 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

August Newsletter 👋

Happy September, friend!  In the last bit of summer, our office spent a lot of time outdoors: from community expos to an environmental resource fair, it was fun to share some summer highlights with you.  Keep reading to learn about upcoming events, state and community resources, what we’ve been up to, and more! Please join us for these upcoming events! Inflation Reduction Act Town Hall Join elected officials and the IEC to learn about the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act, how this has impacted Illinois, and ask your questions. When: Friday, September 20th at 12 pm Where: Zoom, registration linked below Register here On-the-Spot with IDFPR Our office has partnered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to assist with your professional license needs. If you're facing delays with your application, need help with applying for or renewing your license, or have any other related questions, please join us on Wednesday, September 25th, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Palatine Public Library. IDFPR representatives will be available to answer your questions, assist with your application, and potentially issue your license on the spot! When: Wednesday, September 25th from 3 pm - 6 pm Where: Palatine Public Library, Meeting Room 1 What: Professional license support with IDFPR Please click here to register Prescription Drug Affordability Board Town Halls Our office is partnering with Citizen Action Illinois to host TWO Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Town Halls in the 51st! This is a great opportunity to learn more about affordable healthcare legislation and ask your questions. s. Cook County PDAB Town Hall When: Thursday, October 3rd at 6 PM Where: Palatine Public Library Cook County Registration Lake County PDAB Town Hall When: Tuesday, October 3rd from 6 PM - 7:30 PM Where: Ela Area Public Library Lake County Registration District Highlights Monthly Office Hours Our office had a great time at the Palatine Public Library last month meeting constituents of all ages for office hours!  We'll announce future office hours soon and hope to see you at them! Device Free Zone 📵 We unplugged from our devices and plugged into the community at the annual Unplugged Fest at Paulus Park!  I had some great conversations with our community about legislative ideas, the work our office does, and, of course, some Illinois state trivia! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our screens, but events like this remind us of the value of slowing down, enjoying the outdoors, and fostering real connections within our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was a day well spent! Monthly Student Engagement Meetings In July, we concluded our Youth Advisory Council and the District 51 Fellowship Program for the year! We finalized our District 51 Youth Advisory Council budget! Congratulations to the following organizations who have received a donation from the YAC My Density Matters Bricks of Hope  Clean Up, Give Back Palatine  Raksha Mission:Mathminds 60010 Feeds Kids In April, students were given a budget of $1,000 to distribute how they see fit to community based organizations that service the district. Students met monthly to research and advocate for organizations they are most passionate about. Fun fact: Three out of the finalized six organizations are student-led! This year we also debated a handful of bills and talked about all things legislative and Springfield. Students shared their concerns and opinions about different bills that were being debated on the House Floor and provided feedback on the bills that I was bringing forth.  It was a successful and fun YAC season! Thank you to each and every student who took time out of their weekday to attend and participate in our YAC meetings. Students are already juggling so many responsibilities – between class, homework, sports, clubs, jobs, and other volunteer activities. The time students spend with us at YAC is incredibly valuable to me. Thank you!  Click here to register for the Youth Advisory Council Congratulations are also in order to all of the students who have completed the District 51 Fellowship program! 🎉 One of the goals of the program was for students to work with a partner on a legislative research project and come up with a bill idea that our office could potentially use as inspiration. During our final cohort meeting, the Fellows presented their legislative research projects on a variety of topics, including healthcare equity, citizenship class accessibility, immigration reform, and more.  In recognition of their hard work since February ‘House of Representatives Certificate of Recognition.’ The dedication and passion of this group were truly unmatched. They consistently showed up ready to collaborate, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the issues that matter to them. The 51st District thrives because of students like them. Well done! 👏 Alpine Fest Our office attended the Alpine Fest in Lake Zurich! We had a great time informing constituents of the services we can support with, meeting residents who recently moved to the area, and meeting some of the 51st’s youngest constituents! I also attended the Alpine Run! 🏃 Great job to everyone who ran their hearts out!  And, thank you to the Lake Zurich Lions Club for organizing great events and getting the community together! 🦁 Fire Sprinkler Demo! Thank you to the Illinois Chapter of the National Fire Sprinkler Association for inviting me out to the Palatine Street Fest to see their fire sprinkler demonstration! We saw what a fire would look like in a room with (left side) and without (right side) sprinklers. The Palatine Firefighters showed us how critical fire sprinklers are in preventing fire growth and saving lives. I also had the chance to meet some incredible students partaking in the Fire Explorer Program! Visit a Museum for FREE 🖼️ Just because summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean the fun has to! Our office has a museum pass that we can share with the 51st District. ubmit a request to coordinate a time to visit participating museums for FREE! Complete the form to submit a request and send us your pictures to be featured on our website! Reserve your pass today!   Community Updates and Resources Lake Zurich DMV Facility Closure The Lake Zurich DMV (located at 951 S. Rand Road) will be temporarily closed for remodeling from Monday, September 16 to Tuesday, October 1 to turn into a DMV+, which will offer some index, business, and personnel services! The original DMV facility will reopen on Wednesday, October 2nd. During this time, residents can visit a temporary DMV located at the Kemper Lakes Business Center (3 Corporate Dr., Ste. 160 in Lake Zurich), Monday through Friday. For information on the hours of operation of your nearest DMV facility, please call 800-252-8980 or access the online services any time at ILSOS.gov. Just a reminder that we are co-hosting a Mobile DMV at Ela 55+ in a few days! This is another great way for Ela Area residents to receive a handful of DMV services. Call 847-843-9160 to reserve your appointment and scroll up to the beginning of the newsletter to learn more. Property Tax Payment Updates for Cook County Homeowners! 🏡 Cook County property owners have a free financial planning tool that can help them pay off their past-due property tax bills A Payment Plan Calculator at cookcountytreasurer.com is available at no cost to help property owners who are late paying their taxes. The calculator assists taxpayers who want to budget their property tax expenses over payments made monthly or every two weeks. Payment Plan Calculator Additionally, current, eligible homeowners may now pre-file an appeal with the Board of Review. Pre-file an appeal here Disability Lead Fellowship Recruitment The application is OPEN for the 2025 Institute! Are you a person with a disability who wants to help make the Chicago region a more equitable and just place by becoming more civically engaged?  The final deadline to apply to be a Disability Lead Fellow is October 4th, and the early bird deadline of September 20th guarantees an interview. Apply today! Congratulations to District 51 Libraries! 📚 Congratulations to both public libraries in the 51st House District of Illinois for receiving a grant from the Secretary of State's office! Palatine Public Library received $54,003.51 Ela Area Public Library received $132,751.58! Libraries are a wonderful place for our residents to go when they need information and support, and serve as a third space for gathering. These grants provide additional support to libraries and will improve access to the internet, career services, reliable information, and diverse narratives. Congratulations to both libraries for making our district a wonderful place! Early Childhood Block Grant is Hiring! 🧑‍🏫 The Early Childhood Block Grant is hiring for substitute and preschool teachers and instructional assistants!  Click here to learn more and apply! Back to School Parent Workshop 🏫 The United Palatine Coalition is hosting a parent workshop on Wednesday, September 18th at the Palatine Public Library and virtually from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to hear from experts about tools for a healthy school year, tips on healthy relationship building, getting your questions answered, and more.  Register here Join virtually Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon Join the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce for a Legislative Luncheon with local elected officials on Friday, September 20th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at 1555 Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates.  The Legislative Luncheon is a great opportunity to engage with legislators and participate in meaningful dialogue about your questions and concerns. When: Friday, September 20th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Where: 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates Register here Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️ While my monthly newsletter highlights a few community events, there's so much more happening! Explore the wide range of community events available to you! To stay updated on all the activities and events in our District, be sure to visit my social media pages (linked at the bottom of this page) and check out your local library's and park district's 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 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 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   New Plant-Based School Lunches Available at All Schools Plant-based school lunches will be made available starting this school year to all 2 million public school students in Illinois who submit a request.  Plant-based lunches served in schools not only taste great according to students themselves, but they also meet the national school lunch meal requirements, ensuring students get enough protein. These meals are also richer in fiber, helping reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and high blood sugar, and they improve brain health, which can help their performance in the classroom. Grant Opportunities   NEW: District 51 Grants Listserv We're setting up a dedicated grant listserv to share info about local, state, and federal grant opportunites. If you would like to receive updates on future grant opportunities, please complete the form to be added to our listserv. Sign up to recieve grant updates here!   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 NOFO Grants The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released two competitive Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support communities in their regional site readiness efforts.   The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development in all 10 of DCEO’s Economic Development Regions. The program will create a more comprehensive state-wide strategy that builds upon DCEO’s Mega sites Investment Program and complements Intersect Illinois’ Vetted Sites Program.    Grantees will be selected through two competitive NOFOs:  1) Planning 2) Capital Ready.  For more information or questions contact CEO.Sites@Illinois.gov. Applications are due on Monday, October 21.     Dangers and Opportunities of Technology: Perspectives from the Humanities Grant Description: This program supports research that examines technology and its relationship to society through the lens of the humanities with a focus on the dangers and/or opportunities presented by technology, broadly defined. NEH is particularly interested in projects that examine the role of technology in shaping current social and cultural issues. Total Program Funding: $1 million Award Ceiling: $150,000 Deadline: September 14th, 2024     Climate Smart Humanities and Organizations Grant Description: This program strengthens the institutional base of the humanities by funding operational assessments and strategic planning efforts to sustain and protect historical, cultural, educational, intellectual, and physical assets from the risks of climate change. Proposals must address how strategic planning for climate change will increase the organization’s resilience and support its work in the humanities over the long term. Total Program Funding: $2.5 million Award Ceiling: $300,000 Deadline: September 18th, 2024     Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator Service Coordinator Program Grant Description: This program assists residents of Public and Indigenous Housing to progress towards economic and housing self-sufficiency by removing the educational, professional, and health barriers they face. HUD provides ROSS-SC grant funding to eligible applicants to hire a Service Coordinator who assesses the needs of these residents and connects them with local training and supportive services. Total Program Funding: $40 million Award Ceiling: $816,750 Deadline: September 30th, 2024     Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination of Minority Health and Health Disparities Grant Description: The purpose of this initiative is to support intervention research that addresses structural racism and discrimination (SRD) to improve minority health or reduce health disparities. Award Ceiling: $500,000 Deadline: January 7th, 2026   State Services Updates  📣 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. Pilot Program for Professional Licenses 🧑‍⚕️ 🧑‍🏭 The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) announced two initiatives! First, IDFPR is expanding their pilot program that will enable select professionals who submit paper applications to submit their payments online! They are also introducing this service for certain professionals who need to restore or reinstate their licenses. The program is an effort to streamline the application review process and decrease wait time between when applicants submit their applications and receive their professional license.  Learn more on the IDFPR website Additionally, IDFPR has a new process to enable active-duty service members and their spouses to apply for licensure with reduced requirements.  Eligible applicants must have: Active duty orders to be stationed in Illinois An active license in their profession from another state Lawfully worked within the last two years in that profession Click here to learn more If you are applying for your professional license and need assistance in the application process or updates, please do not hesitate to contact my office. As always, 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 830 W. Northwest Highway Suite 9 | Palatine, IL 60067 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

July Newsletter! 🌻

Hi friend,  The sun has been out and so have we! This past month, our district office has been connecting with the community through meetings and summer events. We have had the pleasure of engaging with many of you at office hours, events, and community expos.  Keep reading to learn about upcoming events, recent highlights from our office, resources, and more! Thank you to our Mikva Fellow, Kayla! From top left to right: Mudasser Qureshi, Nabeela Syed, Pooja Rai, Megan Yerger, Kayla Zisman Meet our Mikva Fellow, Kayla Zisman! Kayla is a rising senior in high school and enjoys helping others, walking her dog, swimming, reading, and learning about our environment. This summer, Kayla helped us with research and outreach projects, data entry, and staffing at community events! Her time at the office has come to an end, and we are so grateful for the time Kayla has dedicated at our office! We would love to see you at these upcoming events! Unplugged Fest 📵 Put down your phones, pick up some fun, and join us at the fourth annual Unplugged Fest at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich on Sunday, August 11th from 11 am - 3 pm!  This is a great event to learn about community resources, connect with your community, and spend time with your friends and family. 😀 Environmental Resource Fair 🌿 ...with Lake County Board Member Marah Altenberg and Congressman Mike Quigley! Date: Saturday, August 24 Time: 10 am - 1 pm Location: Heron Creek Forest Preserve, 22890 N Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL Join local organizations committed to the conservation and preservation of our environment at this Environmental Resource Fair! More details to come. District Highlights Mobile DMV 🚐 The Secretary of State’s Mobile DMV team assisted 48 residents with DMV services, including issuing Real IDs, carrying out address changes, and issuing plate stickers. 🪪 We appreciated the opportunity to help make it easier for residents to fulfill their DMV needs! My team and I are grateful to the Palatine Public Library, the Secretary of State’s Mobile DMV, and the State Treasury's team for all their hard work in serving our district! And thank you to the State Treasurer's team for coming out to the event: They helped our residents start over $10,000 total in claims! Youth Advisory Council 📚 Our Youth Advisory Council has officially finalized and voted to pass a District 51 Community Budget!  Over the past four months, students researched and advocated for the organizations they are most passionate about. This month we will conclude YAC by distributing the funds from the final budget to representatives from the community based organizations that students have prioritized to support for the betterment of the 51st District! District 51 Fellowship Cohort Meeting 💡 Thank you to our District Fellows for attending a cohort meeting with guest speaker Pastor Seth on a sunny summer evening! Pastor Seth shared his journey of becoming a community leader, lobbyist, and pastor, offering students a valuable piece of advice: you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Pastor Seth shared how he changed his studies from science to the humanities and found his passion by exploring his different interests. Importantly, he emphasized that he is still learning new skills as he grows in his professional roles. A big thank you to Pastor Seth for taking the time to talk with our District 51 fellows! Chatting with constituents at the doors 🤝 I’ve been taking advantage of our great weather and walking the district to meet constituents, let them know about resources through our office, and better understand their biggest concerns.  First, I met Ernie. He told me that he moved from another district and was glad to meet his new state representative and learn about our office!   Ernie is a war veteran. We spoke at length about the need to support veterans’ mental health and how we better do that as a state. I’m so grateful for the insightful conversation Ernie shared with me and for his optimism about how we can be better for future generations. I also got to chat with Michael and Janet at the doors and we spoke about everything — from supporting veterans in our community and property tax reform to what day of the week is the best to eat out for dinner! Keynote Speaker at CAPACD Thank you to the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development for inviting me to be the Keynote Speaker at their convention! It was inspiring to hear the stories of other Asian American leaders and organizers who spoke about Asian American values, building collective power, and supporting other communities.  Brightpoint Community Block Party 🌞 Thank you Brightpoint for having us at your annual Community Summer Block Party!  My team and I had a blast connecting with constituents, sharing upcoming summer events, and passing out prizes to kids! Our District Fellows also joined us! We all look forward to kicking off next summer with Brightpoint! Learn more about Brightpoint Donating Refurbished Bikes & Equipment 🚲 It was exciting to join Partners for Our Communities and Mike's Bike Shop while they distributed refurbished bikes, helmets, bike racks, and bike locks to ensure that kids in our community can safely enjoy bike riding this summer. I'm grateful for all the work POC does in our community! Learn more about POC Time in Nature 🐞 My Chief of Staff, Megan, and I had an amazing time joining Citizens for Conservation (CFC), an environmental organization focused on restoration efforts, and volunteers. We visited Flint Creek Savanna Preserve and collected Spiderwort seeds, an important native plant for pollinators and a “buffet for butterflies." Learn more about CFC and sign up to volunteer. Business Highlight: Spunky Dunkers 🍩 June 7th was National Donut Day!  Spunky Dunkers has been offering fresh handmade donuts since 1964 and continues to be a landmark small business in our 51st community! Our fellows enjoyed their delicious donuts at our monthly cohort meeting as a treat for all of their hard work. 🍩   Community Updates and Resources Property Tax Payment Updates for Cook County Homeowners The Cook County Treasurer’s Office realizes people can’t always come up with the money in time to pay their property tax bill in full. If you can’t come up with all the money by Aug. 1, there is another option available to you. Cook County homeowners have the option of making partial payments if they are unable to pay their bill in full by the August 1st due date. Learn more Additionally, the Board of Review is now open for appeals to Group 1 townships for their 30-day appeal window on July 22nd. However, all Cook County property owners may now pre-file an appeal through the link below. Pre-file an appeal Teen Substance Use Prevention from SAMHSA Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent/guardian. It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them. The 5 big goals of this conversation should be to communicate that:  1. You disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse 2. You care about your child’s health, wellness, and success 3. Show that you are a good source of information related to alcohol and other substances 4. Show you are paying attention and you will discourage risky behaviors 5. Build your child’s skills and strategies to avoid underage drinking and drug use. Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your child’s decisions about alcohol. Children are more likely to avoid drinking when they have a strong, trusting relationship with their parents/guardians.  Sitting down for the “big talk” about alcohol can be intimidating for both you and your child. Try using everyday opportunities to talk, and be honest and express a clear, consistent message that underage drinking is unacceptable. Children who have parents who listen to their feelings and concerns are more likely to say “no” to alcohol. More information LGBTQIA+ Older Adults Health Research Do you want your healthcare to be less one-size-fits-all and more tailored? To be more affirming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ people and reflect how our communities have unique health experiences and face different barriers? In this workshop led by Midwest Community Engagement Coordinator Cassie Armea-Warren, we’ll explore these questions, what PRIDEnet is doing to catalyze LGBTQIA+ health research, share results from our recent community listening sessions with LGBTQIA+ older adults, and discuss ways to get involved. When: Tuesday, August 27 Time: 11am - 12pm Where: Zoom Pre-register Bike Tour for Respiratory Health For 28 years, the Respiratory Health Association has proudly hosted the CowaLUNGa™ Charity Bike Tour, an annual cycling event dedicated to promoting lung health and clean air. Participants can sign up for a one or two-day ride pedaling over rolling hills through northern Illinois into southern Wisconsin. Along the way, they’ll experience an unparalleled level of camaraderie and support from other cyclists and Respiratory Health Association, while supporting the fight against diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, and COPD. Let's pedal together towards a healthier future! Learn more Fair Car Insurance: Share Your Story Have your car insurance premiums gone way up? Even if you've been a safe driver? The Illinois Legislature is considering legislation to act on unchecked car insurance rate increases and other unfair industry practices and want to hear how these issues are impacting you. The Illinois Coalition for Fair Car Insurance Rates is collecting stories to share them with legislators, reporters and other leaders who can ensure people like you are protected from unfair discrimination and excessive car insurance rates. If you own a car in Illinois, the state requires you to buy car insurance but does not protect you from excessive or unfair rates. In fact, Illinois is one of only two states whose Department of Insurance has no power to reject or modify excessive car insurance rates. Illinois also allows insurance companies to unfairly base rates on who you are, using factors like credit scores, education levels, jobs and zip codes, rather than how safe a driver you are. It can lead to absurd results: safe Illinois drivers with clean driving records and poor credit pay hundreds of dollars more for insurance on average than drivers with a drunk driving conviction and excellent credit.  Tell your story Veteran Medical Foster Home Program Lovell Federal Health Care Center is actively seeking individuals to open their homes to become Medical Foster Home caregivers for Veterans. A Medical Foster Home provides a safe, supportive, long-term care option for Veterans in a comfortable home environment. Medical Foster Homes can be an alternative to nursing homes for Veterans. A Medical Foster Home may be appropriate for those who need nursing home care but prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents. The homes are private residences where caregivers (and relief caregivers) provide room and board, personal care, and supervision 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Caregivers help Veterans carry out activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. While living in a Medical Foster Home, Veterans receive health care services from the Lovell FHCC Home-Based Primary Care team. Interested caregivers, Veterans and others who want to apply, or get more information about theprogram, should call 224-610-3784, or visit the website. Summer fun-tivities! Free Museum Passes 🏛️ Take advantage of our District 51 Museum Card which authorizes you and up to three other people FREE (yes, free!) general admission to one of many museums in Illinois! Some of these museums include … Adler Planetarium  Chicago Botanic Garden Museum of Science and Industry  Shedd Aquarium  And so many more! Share your museum adventures with us by tagging us on social media or emailing pooja@repsyed.com. We can’t wait to see your adventures! RESERVE YOUR PASS TODAY Student Summer Gym Membership 💪 Starting June 1st, students ages 14 - 19 can work out for FREE at Planet Fitness ALL SUMMER LONG! PRE-REGISTER Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️ While my monthly newsletter highlights a few community events, there's so much more happening! Make the most of your summer by exploring the wide range of community events available. To stay updated on all the activities and events in our District, be sure to visit my social media pages (linked at the bottom of this page) and check out your local library's and park district's 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 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. Member Legislative Database The Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY) Member Legislative Data offers a list of service providers throughout the state. Explore the database to learn more about organizations in your community and the services that they offer by visiting the website! You can also visit my website and explore the interactive District 51 map for service providers, schools, small businesses, community-based organizations, and electronic recycling centers. If there is something you think we should add, send us an email and let us know!  ICOY District 51 Map News & Opportunities for Students FIRST EVER Teen Summer DMV Program 🚗 The Illinois Secretary of State is launching the very first Teen Summer DMV Program on Saturdays June 1st to August 31st between the hours of 8 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is dedicated to providing  DMV services exclusively to teen drivers who have recently completed a driver’s ed course to schedule an appointment to obtain their first driver’s license or permit. This effort is part of the office’s modernization plan to reduce wait times and provide permits and driver’s licenses quickly and conveniently to fit with parents’ busy schedules. Youth Alcohol Awareness Summit Program The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC)  is launching their Youth Alcohol Awareness Summit (YAAS) at this year’s Illinois State Fair! This summit aims to educate young people from 7th grade through college on the dangers of alcohol abuse.  Join the ILCC on August 13th from 10 am - 3 pm for this important event to foster conversations about alcohol use and enjoy the State Fair at our State’s Capitol, Springfield.   New Plant-Based School Lunches Available at All Schools Plant-based school lunches will be made available starting this school year to all 2 million public school students in Illinois who submit a request.  Plant-based lunches served in schools not only taste great according to students themselves, but they also meet the national school lunch meal requirements, ensuring students get enough protein. These meals are also richer in fiber, helping reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and high blood sugar, and they improve brain health, which can help their performance in the classroom. Grant opportunities   NEW: District 51 Grants Listserv We're setting up a dedicated grant listserv to share info about local, state, and federal grants. If you would like to receive updates on future grant opportunities, please complete the form to be added to our listserv. Sign up to recieve grant updates here!   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.  Federal Grant Database In order to support state and local government efforts in furthering inclusive workforce development, career readiness and employment supports, the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED) has curated a non-exhaustive list of relevant federal grant opportunities available to states and localities.  Visit grants.gov to explore grant opportunities and application requirements! View grants   State Services Updates 📣 Summer EBT Program In the summer, there about concern of food insecurity among students who rely on free or reduced breakfast and lunches for the academic year. To address this issue, there is a new summer EBT program this year, providing extra benefits to families with children from June to August. Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries. Funds will be delivered either to a SNAP/Link card or mailed through IDHS,   The two main ways to sign up are through a School that Operates the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) where all meals are served free, or through a Government funded program including SNAP/Link, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/cash), and Youth in Care/foster children. Learn more about eligibility and apply 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. Applications are due by August 15th, or until funds are exhausted. Pilot Program for Professional Licenses The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has launched a pilot program that will enable select professionals who submit paper applications to submit their payments online! The program is an effort to streamline the application review process and decrease wait time between when applicants submit their applications and receive their professional license.  Click here to learn more If you are applying for your professional license and need assistance in the application process or updates, please do not hesitate to contact my office. As always, 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 830 W. Northwest Highway Suite 9 | Palatine, IL 60067 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

June Newsletter! ☀️

Happy June, friend!  I am thrilled to be back in the district full-time to reconnect with our community and work on local initiatives. This month, we have plenty to share with you from the community, our district office, Springfield, and the state. First, I want to invite you to join us at our Mobile DMV in Palatine this June! REGISTER HERE We are partnering with the Illinois Secretary of State's Mobile DMV Unit to bring selected services to Palatine area residents at an accessible and convenient location. Services include... Drivers license (duplicates, corrected, and renewal) State ID (duplicates, corrected, and renewal) Vehicle registration stickers Organ / tissue donor (with DL / ID services) Voter registration (with DL / ID services)  Please review the graphic for a full list of available services, required documents, and accepted forms of payment.  Registration is REQUIRED. Please complete the form and reach out to pooja@repsyed.com with any questions. Plus, we will be joined by the Office of the State Treasurers's iCash unit!  The Treasurer's office will set up a table to help you look yourself up to see if you have any unclaimed property (cash that should be in your hands!) and help you start your claim. Celebrating Pride Month! Pride Month is a celebration of equality and the strides we've made to fight against discrimination. It’s a time to reflect on past struggles and support ongoing efforts for LGBTQIA+ rights. Across the country, we see the danger of rising extremism, and that’s why Illinois continues to stand up for LGBTQIA+ rights! Legislative Session As this session comes to a close and I reflect on the work we've done, I am proud to say that the bills that I passed this session truly came from our community here in the 51st District. We took strides in... Healthare Accessibility Access to high-quality healthcare for all Illinoisans has always been an important issue to me and to the people of the 51st District. That is why I have prioritized reforms to make healthcare better and more affordable. By expanding the list of breast cancer screenings that must be covered under insurance at no cost-sharing, we have ensured that all people with dense breast tissue can access screening that actually catches their cancer. We know that early diagnosis is critical to ensure that people with breast cancer diagnoses become survivors. I am proud that we've passed a bill that will help save lives. And, with the help of great advocates, we also made strides in setting up a Prescription Drug Affordability Board - a step I know is fundamental to holding big pharma accountable and making sure that Illinoisans can afford essential medications. I look forward to continuing this effort over the summer. As a General Assembly, we also passed the Healthcare Protection Act, which caps double-digit premium increases and ends gimmicks like pre-clearance and step therapy that allow insurance companies to deny needed care. Responsiveness to our Community I am happy to say that we passed HB4804 out of both chambers, a bill that will streamlines public safety responses to facilitate communication and clarity during a disruption in a community’s water supply. This bill both allows public water providers to use consumers contact information in the event of a water disruption and requires that they notify their local fire departments and dispatch centers. This was a direct response to a water disruption event that occurred last summer in District 51. Meeting with dvocates in Springfield It was wonderful as always to speak to our Palatine Firefighters in Springfield! I’m grateful for their advocacy on issues important to firefighters and to our community 🧑‍🚒🚒  I’ve been working with Illinois Action for Children to pass legislation that addresses the workforce shortage in the early childhood education field. We passed HB814 off the House floor which helps the state collect more information about our early childcare workforce and better understand the pressures they face. I got the chance to speak with counselors who are part of the state's Access to Justice program to provide legal support to Illinoisans. Thank you to the counselors for everything you do! It was wonderful to meet with the Stone Scholastic Academy students and show them around Springfield! Their dedication and passion were truly inspiring, and it was a reminder of the power of community involvement in shaping our policies and future. Community organizations, advocates, and constituents are the driving force behind meaningful change, and their efforts are invaluable. I look forward to continuing our work together to create a stronger Illinois for all residents through policy changes in the next session and meeting with advocates in the district!  51st District Highlights & Events Monthly Youth Advisory Council! In April, we started the District 51 Community Budget Project with our Youth Advisory Council where students researched and compiled a list of community-based organizations whose services benefit constituents. In May, students continued researching community-based organizations and created a final list of organizations ranging from education, environment, healthcare, and other fields.  There are only TWO meetings left this year!! Join us in June to finalize the District 51 community budget from the finalized list and in July to distribute the funds! 💰 Next meeting details: Date: Monday, June 22 Time: 6 pm - 7 pm Location: Palatine Public Library, Meeting Room 2 Click here to register for the Youth Advisory Council Rep. Syed's Monthly Office Hours 📚 ✨ EVENT GIVEAWAY! ✨ We hope to see you at these and more community events this summer! Don't forget to grab or bring your District 51 Events Bookmark to collect your stamps. Attend three events, get three stamps, and receive a special giveaway item for being an active community member!   Community Updates and Resources Summer fun-tivities! Free Museum Passes 🏛️ Take advantage of our District 51 Museum Card which authorizes you and up to three other people FREE (yes, free!) general admission to one of many museums in Illinois! Some of these museums include … Adler Planetarium  Chicago Botanic Garden Museum of Science and Industry  Shedd Aquarium  And so many more! Share your museum adventures with us by tagging us on social media or emailing pooja@repsyed.com. We can’t wait to see your adventures! RESERVE YOUR PASS TODAY Student Summer Gym Membership 💪 Starting June 1st, students ages 14 - 19 can work out for FREE at Planet Fitness ALL SUMMER LONG! Pre-register here! Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️ While my monthly newsletter highlights a few community events, there's so much more happening! Make the most of your summer by exploring the wide range of community events available. To stay updated on all the activities and events in our District, be sure to visit my social media pages (linked at the bottom of this page) and check out your local library's and park district's 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 State Updates and Resources 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. Or speak with an iCash representative at our Mobile DMV event on Saturday, June 29th from 9am-1pm at the Palatine Public Library, Meeting Room 1.  Opportunities for Students FIRST EVER Teen Summer DMV Program 🚗 The Illinois Secretary of State is launching the very first Teen Summer DMV Program on Saturdays June 1st to August 31st between the hours of 8 AM - 12:30 PM.  This program is dedicated to providing  DMV services exclusively to teen drivers who have recently completed a driver’s ed course to schedule an appointment to obtain their first driver’s license or permit. This effort is part of the office’s modernization plan to reduce wait times and provide permits and driver’s licenses quickly and conveniently to fit with parents’ busy schedules. ComEd  CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy Summer Program ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy Summer Program application is now OPEN to high school juniors and seniors!  This FREE summer career development program offers skills and knowledge for a career path in the energy sector. Participants will have the opportunity to use cool gadgets, like drones, while building community and developing professional development skills. Additionally, upon successful program completion participants will receive a $350 stipend! The program is only available at four YMCAs, including the Buehler YMCA from July 8th to July 26th! Visit www.ymcachicago.org/construct24 to learn more and apply. Grant opportunities   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.  Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Program The U.S Department of Defense launched the Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Program!  This grant will fund programs that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students and teachers and prepare the 21st century STEM workforce. Apply by June 16th   State Services Updates  📣 Summer EBT Program In the summer, there about concern of food insecurity among students who rely on free or reduced breakfast and lunches for the academic year. To address this issue, there is a new summer EBT program this year, providing extra benefits to families with children from June to August. Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries. Funds will be delivered either to a SNAP/Link card or mailed through IDHS,   The two main ways to sign up are through a School that Operates the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) where all meals are served free, or through a Government funded program including SNAP/Link, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/cash), and Youth in Care/foster children. Learn more about eligibility and apply here 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. Applications are due by August 15th, or until funds are exhausted. As always, 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 830 W. Northwest Highway Suite 9 | Palatine, IL 60067 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

May Newsletter! 🌸

April showers bring May flowers, legislative updates, district recaps, and more! I’m excited to share what I have been up to in the district and in Springfield during our sunnier weather and longer days. In April we passed our bills out of the House and onto the Senate, I enjoyed Lake Zurich's annual Arbor Day celebrations and worked with students from across the district in various civic initiatives. Make sure you read this newsletter to the end for session updates, district office highlights, upcoming events, and resources from the community and state! ☀️ Celebrating Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month Did you know that May is dedicated to recognizing the history, achievements, and experiences of APIDA, or Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American, individuals and communities?  In 2016, Theresa Mah made history as the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly. The caucus has grown since then to nine members who advocate for social justice, language equity, immigration rights and more! Learn more about Asian American Caucus members here!  I was honored to speak at the Asian American Action Day where we discussed the importance of advocacy and empowerment within the Asian American community. It was inspiring to see so many individuals, especially young Asian Americans, come together to raise awareness and advocate for issues impacting our community. DISTRICT 51 We have trailblazing Asian Americans not only in our legislature but right here in our community! I am honored to shout out …  Rita Soni Patel Rita is a pharmacist and environmental advocate from Palatine Cool Cities. My office had the honor of collaborating with Rita to host an environmental policy and advocacy community conversation last year. Rita's dedication to environmental causes is truly inspiring, and her expertise has been invaluable in advancing our shared goals of sustainability and conservation.  Learn more about Palatine Cool Cities here!  Ruby Arun Ruby is the CEO and founder of Mission:MathMinds, where she is dedicated to uplifting young women and girls entering STEM fields, providing mentorship, engaging in community service abroad, and much more. What's most inspiring about Ruby's story is that she's a student! I am extremely grateful that the 51st District has passionate young leaders like Ruby who are working towards a more equitable future. Learn more about Mission:MathMinds here! Pooja Rai Have you ever come to one of our events? Learned something from our social media posts? Called our office looking for assistance? None of this would be possible without our Outreach Director, Pooja Rai. She is an irreplaceable member of our team and works tirelessly to serve District 51. Pooja is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and joined our team shortly Rep. Syed took office in January of 2023. Her incredible dedication and work since day one makes our office run. We know many in the community hold Pooja near and dear, and so do we! Thank you, Pooja! In commemorating APIDA Heritage Month, let's also reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the APIDA community, and continue striving to foster inclusivity and equity. Legislative Updates Rep Syed speaking at the National Donate Life Month press conference in Springfield I was honored to join Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Senator Belt, and Ray's family in April for National Donate Life Month. Ray's family shared that when Ray passed away, he saved people's lives by being an organ donor. I'm grateful for this opportunity to raise awareness of the beauty of donation and encourage more people to register. I'm proud to be a living organ donor and feel incredibly grateful that my position allows me to advocate for organ donation in the State legislature. Last year in Illinois, 877 donors and families said yes to organ donation, helping to enable over 2,200 lifesaving organ transplants in our state. Many more donated tissue and corneas to heal tens of thousands of people. Thankful for those who make the important decision to say YES to saving lives. 🫀 We had six bills pass through the House and onto the Senate! We've introduced all of these bills to you in the past, so I wanted to highlight the Senate Bills that I am carrying in the House now. SB3164 Passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee ✔️ This bill is an example of a trailer bill, which is a bill that is passed after an original bill, taking into account information gathered about the impact and effectiveness of the previous bill. The original act prevents state funds from being used on standardized testing for students in prekindergarten through second grade on the grounds that those tests are stressful and create an unnecessary burden on children who are still getting acclimated to learning environments. This bill expands on the few exceptions of the previous bill and allows for state funds for advanced placement, dual credit, and other enriched curriculum testing, which are required under the Accelerated Placement Act, so schools can better tailor curricula to meet the needs of these accelerated learners. SB3452 Passed the Revenue and Finance Committee ✔️ The goal here is to save taxpayer dollars by reducing the cost burden on the Department of Revenue, while simultaneously getting rid of statutory hearings in situations where they serve no purpose. SB3452 streamlines bond requirements under the Tobacco Products Tax Act, and eliminates unnecessary administrative hearings in cases involving the seizure of tobacco or cannabis contraband when owners/possessors of the contraband waived their rights to a hearing and consented to the forfeiture.  I appreciate opportunities to work on reducing burdens on both our hardworking taxpayers and state employees, and this bill is a great example of an opportunity to do just that. District 51 Highlights We hosted our FIRST Community Blood Donation Drive with Versiti!   Blood donation drive room at Ela Public Library 05/04/24 We had several donors whose kindness and commitment helped replenish the type O blood preferred in transfusion-type emergencies at our drive, benefiting patients of all ethnic backgrounds. Rep. Syed with two community members who donated blood on 05/04/24 Rep. Syed with District 51 fellows at the community blood donation drive on 05/04/24 A heartfelt thank you to all who donated blood, Ela Public Library, and Versiti's team for their collaboration and the work they do every day.    The Lake Zurich Girl Scouts earned their Democracy Badge! ✔️  I got the chance to spend a Saturday with the Lake Zurich Girls Scouts at their Democracy Badge Bash! We spoke about the importance of civic involvement, the structure of our democracy, and our federal, state, and local elected officials.   I’m grateful to have spent time with young leaders in our community and I left knowing the future is bright 🌟 Thank you LZ Girl Scouts! Wellness Resource Fair  The Buehler YMCA collaborated on their Healthy Kids Day with the United Palatine Coalition’s Wellness Resource Fair for one big, successful event! 🩺 Rep Syed with Buehler YMCA Executive Director Ed Heiser and United Palatine Coalition's Anne Campbell on 04/20/24 We had an amazing time sharing resources, including details about our upcoming events and how to apply for state health benefits. Our District 51 Fellows also joined us for their first event and did a great job engaging with constituents, helping us share our resources, and having fun! Thank you to the Buehler YMCA and United Palatine Coalition for teaming up to host this fantastic event for our community. Looking forward to next year’s fair! Tour of District 95's New Adult Transitional Facility I had a wonderful time touring Lake Zurich District 95's new Young Adult Center and seeing the new additions and improvements to Lake Zurich High School.  This new facility includes resources for employment education and independent living for eligible students ages 18 to 22 with IEPs to encourage and support their transition into adulthood. I am excited to see all the ways this new facility supports our young adults!  I was also excited to see the improvements that LZHS has made over the past several years, adding an engineering wing and prioritizing collaborative spaces for the students to learn. Thanks to Superintendent Gallt and Principal Walsh for the tour!  Top right image: Rep. Syed with Megan Yerger (Chief of Staff) and Lake Zurich's Young Adult Center staff member on 04/22/24 Bottom left image: Rep. Syed with Superintendent Gallt and LZHS Principal Walsh.   🎉 Congratulations... Rep. Syed with RISE Award recipient Mario Diaz Albarran and other CCSD15 educators and administrators on 04/22/24 Congratulations to Mario Diaz Albarran for receiving the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award!  This award is given to one person every year by the US Department of Education, and we are so fortunate to have the best of the best right here at Lincoln Elementary School. Mario was selected for his dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our community. Plus we got to see a school full of kiddos chanting MAR-I-O. I feel very inspired by Mario’s leadership and I’m so glad to see him get national recognition for his work.  Students holding sign in support of RISE award recipient in image to the right Celebrating our Home on Arbor Day and Earth Day 🌏 While I was in the district, I attended some events celebrating the only place we call home for Arbor Day and Earth Day! 💚 Rep. Syed holding up a cross section cutting of over a century-old oak tree stump on 04/27/24. I had a wonderful time attending my second tree planting and park clean-up at Paulus Park for Arbor Day!  Some fun facts I learned...  🌳 Villages that have ‘Grove’ in their name, such as Long Grove or Buffalo Grove, were named because of the abundance of trees in the area 🌳 Oak trees support water conservation, provide erosion control, serve as a shelter for wildlife, and are hosts to more wild species than any other tree 🌳 Acorns are very nutritious Rep. Syed with constituents and Lake Zurich Park District officials for a tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day on 04/27/24 Thank you to the Village of Lake Zurich for putting together an event to teach us about the natural history of our area and remind us how important it is that we protect and cherish our wildlife! Speaking with Harper College students about the state of the Environment Rep. Syed speaking to the Environmental Club & Honors Program students at Harper College on 04/24/24. I loved speaking with the Environmental Club & Honors Program at Harper College! ♻️🌱 I spoke about my journey to becoming a State Rep, the action our state has taken to combat climate change, and the power of having young voices in politics. There is a lot of passion for environment and climate justice among young people and it's so exciting to see. The future is bright! While I was at Harper College, I met with their President, Dr. Proctor, to talk about higher education, legislative priorities, & how we can support students.  I’m grateful for the open and consistent communication we’ve had with Harper College and appreciate the opportunities to see their incredible campus. Rep. Syed walking with Dr. Proctor at Harper College on 04/24/24 Monthly Student Engagement Meetings! Guess what we started in our Youth Advisory Council? Our District 51 Community Budget Project with our Youth Advisory Council! Students researched and compiled a list of community-based organizations whose services benefit constituents. Over the next two months, our YAC meetings will focus on debating and advocating for these organizations to receive an allocation of money out of our $1000 budget. In July, students will be able to donate that money to the organizations! 💰 If you missed our April meeting and are curious about the state-level budget-making process, please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, May 28th from 6 pm - 7 pm at the Palatine Public Library. Click here to register for the Youth Advisory Council A handful of our Youth Advisory Council Students have also joined the District 51 Fellowship Program for a more hands-on experience with my district office.  Rep. Syed speaking to the District 51 Fellows at the District Office on 04/25/24 Guest speaker, Anusha Thotakaru, speaking with the District 51 Fellows at the District Office on 04/25/24 This session, we discussed what it means to be a public servant and had a guest speaker, Anusha Thotakaru, the Deputy Director at Citizen Action Illinois! Anusha shared her journey in advocacy, spanning from her formative years to her current leadership position. She discussed her diverse experiences across various sectors of public service, her driving passion, and her current collaboration with legislators to create and help pass impactful legislation. The fellows shared insights into their current career aspirations and what motivates their passion for roles in public service or at the intersection of public service and other fields. Thank you, Anusha, for sharing your journey with our fellows, and to all the students who dedicated time to attend amidst the stress of AP testing prep! ⭐ Early Childhood Legislative Discussion  I'm grateful to have participated in an Early Childhood Legislative Forum hosted by Raising Illinois along with Clearbrook, Partners for our Communities, the United Palatine Coalition, and Advance Preschool at Harper College. During the forum, we discussed the current needs of early childhood education and care including early intervention, child tax credit, and the creation of a new Department on Early Childhood. I also spoke about my bill which intends to support early childcare workers.  It was wonderful to get this coalition together for a unique look at the state of early childhood in Illinois and to understand the work that lies ahead of us! Upcoming Events 📢 Rep. Syed's Monthly Office Hours 📚 BrightSummer Block Party My office will have a table at Brightpoint’s FREE Summer Block Party on Friday, June 7th from 3 pm - 6 pm at the Palatine Township Center! This is a wonderful opportunity to get some sun and learn about community services.  Brightpoint is an organization in Palatine providing community-based programming for families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that is designed to enhance the development of very young children.  Learn more about Brightpoint’s available services and eligibility here. ✨ EVENT GIVEAWAY! ✨ We hope to see you at these and more community events this summer! Don't forget to grab or bring your District 51 Events Bookmark to collect your stamps. Attend three events, get three stamps, and receive a special giveaway item for being an active community member!   Community Updates and Resources Free White Sox Tickets for Veterans! ⚾ The Cook County Clerk’s Office is teaming up with the Chicago White Sox to offer Cook County veterans and active-duty military personnel one free ticket for a weekday White Sox game Monday-Thursday with their Cook County Military and Veterans Discount Card. Learn more and apply here! AgeOptions Needs YOUR Help! AgeOptions conducted a comprehensive community needs assessment survey last year to learn about the current and future needs of older adults living in suburban Cook County. However, few non-English speaking residents participated in this survey.  This year, the survey is available online in an array of languages including, Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, and more! It is due TODAY May 14th. Take the survey TODAY State Updates and Resources Opportunities for Students IPS Essay Competition The Illinois Psychiatric Society’s Carl C. Bell, MD Memorial Award Essay Competition is now open to all high school students!  The award recipient will receive a $500 cash prize, their essay will be presented at the 2024 IPS Annual Meeting, and published in the official IPS newsletter publication. Second and third place award recipients will receive a $250 cash prize. Apply by June 1st Photo Contest 📸 The Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is part of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest program and offers Illinois students an opportunity to showcase their most innovative or scenic pictures that depict their vision of agriculture in our state. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, as well as at the 2024 Illinois State Fair. Students can submit up to two photographs and Bright Start College Savings scholarships will be awarded to the top winners in each of the three age categories! Apply by June 14th Attn: Future Pharmacists! The new CVS Health/American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Community Pharmacy Health Equity Award aims to alleviate financial barriers for 21 outstanding student pharmacists, granting them $20,000 each. The initiative is designed to foster diversity of thought, background, perspective, and experience, ultimately enhancing pharmacy education and patient health. Apply by June 16th Grant opportunities 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.  Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Program The U.S Department of Defense launched the Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Program!  This grant will fund programs that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students and teachers and prepare the 21st century STEM workforce. Apply by June 16th   SNAP Resources Summer EBT Program In the summer, there about concern of food insecurity among students who rely on free or reduced breakfast and lunches for the academic year. To address this issue, there is a new summer EBT program this year, providing extra benefits to families with children from June to August. Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries. Funds will be delivered either to a SNAP/Link card or mailed through IDHS,   The two main ways to sign up are through a School that Operates the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) where all meals are served free, or through a Government funded program including SNAP/Link, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/cash), and Youth in Care/foster children. Learn more about eligibility and apply here 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 As always, 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 830 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 9, Palatine, IL 60067 Unsubscribe nabeela@repsyed.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by nabeela@repsyed.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Spring into Legislative and District Updates with Me! 🌺

April showers might be coming down these last couple of days, but they haven't stopped us from getting some exciting work done. This past month, we made progress on our legislative priorities, our office attended our first community expo of the year, and we met our new District 51 Fellowship cohort!  In this month’s newsletter, we’ll cover the need-to-know about session, talk about our district office highlights, and give you a glimpse of what's to come. Don't forget to read to the end to see current resources from the community and state which may benefit you and your neighbors. Reflecting on Women's History Month I want to introduce you to some of the incredible women of the 103rd General Assembly and District 51... GENERAL ASSEMBLY Meet the first Black woman to serve as the State Representative for the 92nd District AND the Chief Budgeteer for Illinois, Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth!  Leader Gordon-Booth is an advocate for criminal legal reform and economic development. As the Chief Budgeteer, she oversees the state's budgeting process, leads negotiations, and works to ensure that Illinois remains a financially responsible state. Introducing this trailblazing woman who made history as the first Asian-American in the Illinois General Assembly eight years ago, Representative Theresa Mah. It's astonishing to reflect on the fact that until 2016, there was no state legislator representing Asian Americans who shared their cultural identity. Representative Mah continues to pave the way for all Illinoisans through her unwavering dedication to civil rights, immigrant rights, and language equity.   DISTRICT 51 I had the honor of defending HB4180 in the Insurance committee along with a constituent of District 51. Leslie, CEO of My Density Matters, reached out about the need to improve access to breast cancer screenings, especially for women with dense breast tissue. HB4180, which expands insurance coverage to molecular breast imaging, was passed out of committee thanks to her testimony. The goal of this legislation is to make breast cancer screening more accessible by requiring an additional form to be covered by insurance!   And of course, our wonderful women-run district office. We love to celebrate all the achievements women have made to better our community. Additional Legislative Updates Rep Syed welcoming visitors in the House Gallery to Springfield Our deadline for passing bills through committee is today, Friday, April 5th. That means the next step is for these bills to be voted on by the rest of the House of Representatives before moving on to the Senate. Here are some more bills that passed out of committee since the last time I updated you... HB4144 Passed the Energy & Environment Committee ✔️ This bill requires public water utilities to notify fire departments and dispatch centers in the case of a water disruption event. This common-sense piece of legislation was introduced because of a real concern in our district and it aims to increase fire safety protections and support our first responders in doing their critical jobs. HB5459 Passed the Public Utilities Committee ✔️ This bill helps to ensure that sanitary districts have reliable water usage data to prepare their billings by codifying into law that, upon request of a sanitary district, water utilities provide that data in an accurate and timely fashion. HB1168 Passed Judicial-Criminal Committee ✔️ House Bill 1168 would prohibit the DNA profiles of victims from being submitted into any DNA database. Though federal law prohibits the use of victims’ DNA in national databases, Illinois doesn’t provide the same protection at the state level. Instead, under current law, law enforcement agencies are allowed to use the DNA profiles of victims in databases that allow them to be compared to evidence retrieved from unrelated crime scenes. This bill would prohibit the DNA profiles of victims from being submitted to a DNA database so more victims of crime can get the care and justice they need. I had the pleasure of welcoming many visitors to Springfield this month... Grateful to Dave and Leslie for making the trip to Springfield to testify on breast cancer screening access 💗 This was my page for the day, Annette! Annette is a student at Stevenson HS and a constituent in the 51st District. She joined me on the House floor when she visited Springfield with several of her classmates.  I loved running into two of my favorite AARP advocates in Springfield who spoke to me about creating a caregiver portal that would be a one-stop shop for family caregivers to obtain resources. 2023 2024 I was glad to chat with our local law enforcement about some of their priorities this legislative session and to understand what district-specific needs we have. We decided to make this selfie an annual tradition! District 51 Highlights & Events Meet our District 51 Fellows!  From healthcare equity to criminal justice reform to gun safety, we dove into what issues gets these students passionate and civically engaged. Thank you to all the enthusiastic students who joined us! We look forward to many fruitful meetings with this group.   Can't commit to being a District 51 Fellow but still want to get involved? Our next Youth Advisory Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 29th at the Palatine Public Library, Meeting Room 2 between 6 pm - 7 pm.  Click here to register for the Youth Advisory Council   Catalyst Legislative Luncheon I was delighted to attend Catalyst's first Legislative Lunch alongside municipal, state, and federal officials. We had the opportunity to listen to middle and high school students share their experiences and discuss policy ideas about protecting youth.  Students passionately advocated for expanding the vape flavor ban as a strategy to prevent vaping and encourage healthy decision-making in young people.  Thank you to Stevenson High School for hosting the first of many Catalyst Legislative Lunches.   Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce Community Expo Community events are truly a rewarding experience because we get the opportunity to engage with constituents and share valuable information about district happenings. We discussed the bills I filed this legislative session, what constituents' top concerns are, our upcoming events, and more. Rep. Syed talking with a constituent at the Lake Zurich Community Expo on 3/9/24 Rep. Syed shaking hands with a constituent at the Lake Zurich Community Expo on 3/9/24 Rep. Syed talking to a family of four at the Lake Zurich Community Expo on 3/9/24 A big thank you to everyone at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce for their hard work in organizing this wonderful community event! Looking forward to next year already. 🥳 Suhoor Fest! Rep. Syed excitedly posing with a thumbs up in front of her table at Suhoor Fest on 3/29/24 Thank you to The Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Islamic Society of the Northwest Suburbs for hosting the first Suhoor Fest at Rolling Meadows's new Masjid!  Suhoor is a pre-dawn meal for those observing Ramadan before they begin their day-long fast. It was amazing to be able to celebrate with so many residents and strengthen our connection with the community!  Rep. Syed with Rep. Rashid and his kids at Suhoor Fest on 3/29 A highlight for me was engaging with our younger constituents by sharing facts about Illinois and discussing the role of a legislator. Rep. Syed with a group of constituents at Suhoor Fest on 3/29 Rep. Syed with a group of kids at Suhoor Fest spinning a mini prize wheel on 3/29 As Ramadan approaches its final two weeks, Suhoor Fest has enriched our sense of community during this time, and I eagerly anticipate what else lies ahead until Eid. Our District Office wishes all those who celebrate a blessed month. Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙   Reminder: 2024 Solar Eclipse just DAYS AWAY! 🌑 ☀️  On Monday, April 8th there will be a solar eclipse that goes through our state! To raise awareness and promote eye health safety, the Illinois Optometric Association supplied our office with 1,000 eclipse glasses! 🕶️ We officially handed off our last batch of eclipse glasses to our cutest constituent! Thank you to everyone who came by our office to collect yours, we had a blast handing them out. And, we send our sincerest gratitude to the Illinois Optometric Association for providing such an important and fun giveaway. Wishing everyone a safe and exciting solar eclipse viewing on Monday! Find information about watching the solar eclipse in Southern Illinois by clicking on the link.  Harper College is also hosting a community viewing (information below!) Upcoming Events... WE ARE HOSTING A COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE! 📢📢📢 Many patients are also more likely to find a better match when they receive blood transfusions from individuals of similar ethnic backgrounds. Donating blood is a powerful way for our community to rally around these patients and save lives. Our blood drive with Versiti will be held on Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm at the Ela Area Public Library! Please email pooja@repsyed.com with any questions.  Book Appointment United Palatine Coalition's Annual Wellness Resource Fair 🌸 This FREE, fun-filled day will include workshops, screenings, fitness classes, food, fun activities, and giveaways! This is a great event to familiarize yourself with community resources and services provided by local organizations. The fair will be held on Saturday, April 20th from 9 am - 12 pm at the Buehler YMCA! Our office will have a table, and we hope to see you there! Rep. Syed's Monthly Office Hours 📚   Lake Zurich Arbor Day Park Clean Up 🌳 We are excited to join the Village of Lake Zurich again this year in celebrating Arbor Day with a park clean-up! Here's a picture from last year... Rep Syed. helping plant a tree for Arbor Day 2023 The kick-off will be at Paulus Park near the Barn with a tree planting ceremony by the Village Arborist and members of the Lake Zurich Tree Commission. Then, volunteers will depart for their assigned parks to clean up. Click here to learn more and sign up. When: Saturday, April 27 starting at 9 AM. Sustainable Living Presentation Learn how to make a difference this Earth Day by joining Palatine Cool Cities, the Palatine Public Library, and Clean Up - Give Back Palatine’s Earth Day presentation to learn more about actionable ideas for sustainable living! 🌎 When: April 22nd at 7:00 PM Where: Palatine Library Main Branch, Meeting Room 1 🎉 Congratulations to... Ruby Arun The CEO and Founder of Mission:MathMinds, was awarded the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in the category of Outstanding Youth Volunteer! These awards recognize individual volunteers through a statewide award program to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service in the State of Illinois. Congratulations to Ruby for this well-deserved recognition! Our office is extremely grateful for her dedication to serving our community! Mission:MathMinds   Community Updates and Resources College scholarship opportunity for youth who experienced homelessness The Chicago Coalition For The Homeless 2024 Scholarship awards $4,000 per year to five graduating high school seniors who experienced homelessness while in school and have been admitted or enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college or university for 2024-2025 school year. The award is for $4,000 per year. Applications are due by May 10th! Apply Here   IPS Essay Competition The Illinois Psychiatric Society’s Carl C. Bell, MD Memorial Award Essay Competition is now open to all high school students!  The award recipient will receive a $500 cash prize, their essay will be presented at the 2024 IPS Annual Meeting, and published in the official IPS newsletter publication. Second and third place award recipients will receive a $250 cash prize. Submissions are due by June 1st! Apply here Palatine Fire Department’s Smoke Alarm Program 🚒  The Palatine Fire Department’s smoke alarm program is a no-cost, needs-based endeavor, with the goal that at-risk and at-need residents are protected in the event of a fire. Palatine residents with limited financial means, disability, seniors, and those unable to install their alarms because of other physical limitations can qualify for free smoke alarms, while supplies last.  Call (847) 202-6310 or email smokealarms@palatine.il.us with your name, address, and phone number to participate in the program. Visit the website here for more information.     Clothing Donation Drive! While you tackle your spring cleaning, consider donating your gently used clothes, shoes, jackets, purses, accessories, and household items. Contribute to this annual event on Sunday, April 14th at Daisy’s Ice Cream in Palatine from 5 pm - 9 pm. Learn more about Wings by visiting their website, and stay up to date on the Palatine Chapter of March for Our Lives on their Instagram page.  State Updates and Resources April is Financial Literacy Month! 💰  Springs towards a brighter financial future by checking out resources from The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office Financial Wellness Hub, which includes … Affording a home Planning for retirement Understanding Social Security benefits Moving past debt toward savings.  Create a secure and free account here to complete a checkup, and receive personalized recommendations about how you can get a better handle on your own.   Introducing: The Department of Early Childcare This survey from the Illinois Department of Early Childcare provides an opportunity for individuals, particularly for parents and early child care providers, to ask questions and offer input regarding the transition process. The vision is to create a future where Illinois stands as the best state in the nation for families raising young children.  Take the survey Job Fair: Work for Illinois!  Curious about what opportunities are available with the State of Illinois? Visit the Work for Illinois 2024 Job Fair on Saturday, April 6th from 10 am - 1 pm at India Hub located at 930 National Parkway, Schaumburg. The following are the confirmed Agencies: Department of Public Health Department of Family and Child Service Department of Human Services Department of Innovation and Technology Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Department of Transportation Department of Juvenile Justice Department of Veterans Affairs Illinois Tollway Illinois State Police Department of Central Management Services Please register in advance  Trade Ally Development Program Application is Open! TAD Program is a fully virtual, paid program for individual contractors and small business owners working in the energy efficiency trade within the natural gas industry.  TAD can help with the diverse vendor certification process with the state, marketing/social media, accounting/bookkeeping, administrative work, lead development, and more to help a contracting business grow and thrive. Many individuals who complete the TAD Program go on to become members of our Nicor Gas Contractor Circle, which allows them to be added to customer-accessible databases of preferred/recommended energy efficiency service contractors and allows them to promote other programs and offerings.  Apply here Grant opportunities 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.  Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Program The U.S Department of Defense launched the Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Program!  This grant will fund programs that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students and teachers and prepare the 21st century STEM workforce. Apply by June 16th!   IDOT’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure The Illinois Department of Transportation will fund up to 80% of the eligible costs associated with upgrading existing EV charging sites or establishing new sites along Alternative Fuel Corridors. This round of NEVI seeks to fully build out the corridors by funding publicly accessible EV charging stations at least 50 miles apart. More than 40 eligible locations along the corridors have been identified. Applications close at 5:00 pm on May 7th! Apply here 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. As always, 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 830 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 9, Palatine, IL 60067 Unsubscribe nabeela@repsyed.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by nabeela@repsyed.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Here’s what we’ve been up to this past month! 🌼

Time is flying by because we're having fun! This month, we heard Governor JB Pritzker's proposal for the FY25 State Budget, worked on our legislative priorities, kicked off our new District 51 Fellowship program at our Youth Advisory Council, and attended some important events in the community. Here is a look at what we've been up to for the past month in Springfield and in the district: Legislative Updates Rep. Syed visiting her colleague Rep. Anthony DeLuca near his seat on the House Floor Meeting deadlines... We are now past our bill filing deadline and working on meeting our committee hearing deadline of April 5th. Before House Bills can get voted on the House floor they have to be voted out of the committee they have been assigned to. Committees consist of legislators from both parties. Rep. Syed on the House Floor with Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias They listen to the sponsor's arguments, testimony from people with lived experience, and advocacy organizations. The committee members then have the chance to ask questions of the bill sponsor and decide whether they will vote to pass the legislation out of committee. Rep. Syed talking on the House Floor with neighboring Representative in the northwest suburbs, Rep. Mark Walker I passed two bills out of committee: House Bill 4804 and House Bill 4476. HB4804 is a bill that allows private water utilities to use the information they have to contact residents immediately in the case of a water disruption event. Water disruption events can pose a risk to an individual's health and safety. Residents deserve to be communicated to quickly. We believe the onus should be on water utility companies to communicate to their consumers so individuals can be fully informed about their water supply. We also passed HB4476 out of committee, a bill that would establish a public awareness campaign about the health dangers of mold toxicity. For far too long, our state has not done all that it can to prevent disruptive health outcomes for folks who experience mold toxicity. This bill also requires mold remediation services to be registered with the Illinois Department of Public Health to ensure that remediation services are performed by those who are qualified to do so. We heard incredible personal and impactful testimony from people who have experienced mold toxicity first-hand, one of whom is a constituent in the 51st. We are excited to say that this bill has passed through committee and is going to the House floor for a vote! A few more bills I'm excited to introduce to you... House Bill 5157 is in direct response to the water disruption event that occurred in parts of Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer this summer. The legislation has three parts... Requires a referendum to sell a water system to water utility company. This is so that residents can have a say before a private water utility company buys up municipal water systems Switches the cost burden of new acquisitions away from residents and onto corporations Eliminates a surcharge called "Qualified Infrastructure Projects," or QIP, so that private utilities can no longer go around the Illinois Commerce Commission rate review process. I believe that private water utilities should not be able to operate in a monopoly over water systems without the say of the people. And, they should not be allowed to use the QIP sucharge to their advantage. That's why I believe this is crucial legislation to work on this session. House Bill 5292 was brought to our attention by local stakeholders who provide private scholarships to first-generation college students. This legislation aims to ensure that financial aid received from a higher ed institution is not reduced based on earned private scholarships. Rep. Syed speaking with a colleague on the House Floor Happy Lunar New Year! Rep. Syed with members of the Illinois Asian American Legislative Caucus on the House Floor As families in the 51st District continue celebrations to honor the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, I wish everyone a prosperous and joyous lunar new year! 🐉🧧 State of the State Budget Address Last week, Governor Pritzker delivered his State of the State and Budget address, outlining the state’s proposed priorities for the upcoming year, and how far Illinois has come financially.  Passing a balanced budget that meets the needs of our communities is of the utmost importance. In recent years, we’ve cut debt, saved for the future, and restored Illinois to A-level credit – while still making smart investments in our schools, our health, and our communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming months to craft this proposal into the foundation for another year of fiscally sound growth and greater opportunities for my community and communities across Illinois. Upcoming Events We hope to see you THIS Saturday, March 9 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Expo for a day filled with performers, food trucks, raffles, and an opportunity to connect with local businesses, community-based organizations, and local government! Our next office hours will take place on Monday, March 11 between 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Ela Area Public Library. Hope to see you there! District Highlights We officially launched the District 51 Fellow Program at our first Youth Advisory Council meeting! This initiative is an exciting educational leadership program designed to allow students to work more closely with our district office and gain civic experience. If you are a student or know of someone who would be interested in joining the program, it's not too late! Please email pooja@repsyed.com as soon as possible! It was a full house at our first YAC meeting! If you aren't able to become a District 51 Fellow, please still join us at our monthly Youth Advisory Council meetings. Our second meeting will be held on Monday, March 25 at the Palatine Public Library, Meeting Room 2 between 6 pm - 7 pm.  Click here to register for the Youth Advisory Council ED-RED Town Hall Rep. Syed and other panelist at the ED-RED Legislative Dinner I enjoyed joining school district board members and my colleagues at the ED-RED Legislative Dinner at Stevenson High School where I participated in the Legislator Town Hall on Public Education. We discussed some top priorities for this year, including school safety, the teacher workforce shortage and how to support educators and administration!  Presenting House Resolution 104 to our veterans... Last session, the House of Representatives declared March 29, 2023 to be "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" in the State of Illinois. For far too long Vietnam veterans were not given the recognition that they deserve. It was an honor to meet Guy Mylander, constituent of the 51st and Vietnam veteran to present House Resolution 104 on behalf of the House of Representatives. United Against Hate Screening of "Refuge" Panelist Panelists from left to right: Naqi Mamdani, student leader of The Children of Abraham Coalition (COAC); Representative Syed; Liza Gutierrez MA, Director of Immigrant Programs, Partners for Our Communities (POC); Ajike Sumpter, Director of Cook County Department of Human Rights & Ethics; Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton I was honored to attend the screening of “Refuge" alongside Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton. The documentary explored the unlikely friendship between a former white nationalist leader and a Muslim cardiologist. We had an incredible turnout – over 100 people joined us! I had a great time serving as a panelist and engaging in meaningful dialogue with attendees on the importance of combating hatred within our communities. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an enriching experience and look forward to continuing to support the important work of fostering stronger and more unified communities. National Day of Racial Healing at Brightpoint Rep. Syed reading a book to young children for National Day of Racial Healing on 02/14/24 Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting our cutest constituents!   I was invited by Brightpoint as a guest reader for their National Day of Racial Healing event. This day serves as a reminder that we should reflect every day on how to collectively strive for a more just and equitable world. I had fun reading books to two classrooms of children that emphasized fostering empathy, cultural appreciation, and a sense of belonging. Representation through literature plays an important role in development. When children see themselves reflected in stories across diverse genres, they feel empowered and gain a deeper understanding of their own identity and the world around them. 📚 Congratulations to Lake Zurich District 95 on a big step forward! Image of the new Young Adult Center on the day of the ribbon cutting This month, Lake Zurich District 95 School District opened its new Young Adult Center for students 18-22 years old. This is a transitional program for students with disabilities to continue their education and transition to adulthood.  A large crowd gathered on a beautiful day to celebrate! Board President Goldberg and Chief of Staff Megan Yerger at ribbon utting This brand new building is located off of Mohawk Trail near Ela Area Public Library and the Lake Zurich Police Department. Congratulations District 95, and thank you for everything you do for our students! Monthly Office Hours I had the pleasure of meeting a few of our younger constituents at office hours, who had many questions about what a State Representative does. Their curiosity and enthusiasm remind me why I love being out in the community and cherish our office hours. Rep. Syed talking with a young constituent at office hours on 02/12/24 Rep. Syed talking with a young constituent at office hours on 02/12/24 Community Events   United Palatine Coalition Wellness Resource Fair Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 20th for a FREE, fun-filled day!  The United Palatine Coalition and the Buehler YMCA are co-hosting Healthy Kids Day and the Wellness Resource Fair with exciting workshops, screenings, fitness classes, food, fun activities, and giveaways!  This is a great event to familiarize yourself with community resources and services provided by local organizations.  We hope to see you there! When: 9 AM on Saturday, April 20th  Where: Buehler YMCA, 1400 W Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60067   Lake Zurich Arbor Day Park Clean Up Join us to help clean up parks in Lake Zurich! The Village of Lake Zurich is hosting its annual Arbor Day park clean up where you and your friends and family can sign up to help clean up any of the 32 parks! 🌲 The kick-off will be at Paulus Park near the Barn with a tree planting ceremony by the Village Arborist and members of the Lake Zurich Tree Commission. Then, volunteers will depart for their assigned parks to clean up. Click here to learn more and sign up. When: Saturday, April 27 starting at 9 AM. Sustainable Living Presentation Learn how to make a difference this Earth Day by joining Palatine Cool Cities, the Palatine Public Library, and Clean Up - Give Back Palatine’s Earth Day presentation to learn more about actionable ideas for sustainable living! 🌎 When: April 22nd at 7:00 PM Where: Palatine Library Main Branch, Meeting Room 1 Community Updates and Resources Local Municipalities received funding through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources's Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program! The Village of Lake Zurich received a $600,000 grant to enhance Paulus Park. The money will be used to improve the splash pad, rehabilitate the shoreline, add new game tables and additional amenities. The Village of Deer Park also received a $600,000 grant to revitalize its Town Center Park, including the addition of a new pickleball court! We are excited to witness the transformations with new and improved green spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy! You can learn more at lakezurich.org/civicalerts and at https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/02/02/state-grants-park-projects-lake-county/. Financial aid opportunities ... Women Empowered Businesses The Palatine Women Empowered Businesses (WEB) is accepting applications for their Female Student Scholarship! The scholarship will be awarded to two students attending Palatine or Fremd High School.  Application deadline is March 15, 2024. Apply Here   Treasurer Charitable Fund  The Office of the Illinois State Treasurer is accepting applications for the Spring 2024 Grant Cycle. The grant is awarded to non-profit charitable programs in two categories: food and housing.   The application closes on Sunday, March 31. Palatine Historical Society Scholarship The Palatine Historical Society is now accepting applications from high school seniors for its annual Marilyn Pedersen Scholarship. Don’t miss the deadline! Applications are due by Saturday, April 6! Visit palatinehistoricalsociety.com to learn more. Tax Return Preparation Assistance  Need assistance preparing for tax season? The Palatine Public Library has you covered! They are offering FREE tax return preparation assistance at the main library from AARP tax on Mondays, from February 5 to April 15 between 1 PM - 3:30 PM.  Click here to learn more and make an appointment. If you're a resident of Ela Township, take advantage of the Ela Area Public Library's partnership with AARP as well! The library is offering FREE tax assistance until Tuesday, April 9th.  Register for an appointment by calling 224-326-0605 and find additional information on their website. State Updates and Resources New I-PASS Sticker Tags The Illinois Tollway, along with tollway agencies nationwide, is transitioning to sticker tags as an alternative to the battery-operated I-PASS transponder. Visit illinoistollway.com/about-ipass to check if your I-PASS Transponder is expiring and for more information on the sticker tags. When disposing of your expired I-PASS transponder, it's important not to throw it in the trash as the batteries are toxic. For environmentally friendly disposal options, visit https://search.earth911.com/ to find a convenient recycling location. Alternatively, you can return your expired transponder to an Illinois Tollway Customer Service location.   The State of Illinois May Owe YOU Money 💰 The State Treasurer has 5 billion dollars in unclaimed property funds for Illinoisans. These funds are returned at no cost with the proper identification, but we need your help to get the money back in your hands. Click here to check if you have unclaimed property Please reply to this email if you have questions regarding your claim or the iCash program. The Illinois Department of Human Services is recruiting volunteers In September 2023, heavy rains caused flooding in several areas throughout Cook County. The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is seeking volunteers to address the unique challenges that affected communities are facing.  If you are interested in volunteering, click here to learn more and to sign up. 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. As always, 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 830 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 9, Palatine, IL 60067 Unsubscribe nabeela@repsyed.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by nabeela@repsyed.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Hello 2024! 👋🏽

Happy 2024! ✨ I hope you had a restful and lovely holiday season with your loved ones. We kicked off the year by hosting our first office hours of the year, gearing up for the spring legislative session, and planning some exciting events. I’ll cover all of these highlights and more!

Before we dive into 2024, let’s recap 2023!

Image of a student completing the District 51 Budget worksheet

We concluded the first year of our Youth Advisory Council with a District 51 Community Budget. Students researched, advocated for, and finalized a budget to distribute $1,000 to six community based orgs!

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Image of Represenative Syed alongside advocates of the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act

We passed the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act! HB 3957 prohibits price gouging of generic and off-patent drugs, making prescription drugs more affordable for Illinois consumers.

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Image of Representative Syed alongside Comptroller Mendoza and Littly City Advocates holding a check

Community-based organizations and businesses were awarded more than $1,000,000 in grants!

• $433,911: Little City

• $131,858: Palatine Public Library

• $540,956: Back to Business

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We …

concluded the first year of our Youth Advisory Council with a District 51 Community Budget. Students researched, advocated for, and finalized a budget to distribute $1,000 to six community based orgs!

passed the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act! HB 3957 prohibits price gouging of generic and off-patent drugs, making prescription drugs more affordable for Illinois consumers.

awarded community-based organizations and businesses more than $1,000,000 in grants! Including

• $433,911: Little City

• $131,858: Palatine Public Library

• $540,956: Back to Business

Our year in numbers …

130 Constituent Cases Completed

50 Events Hosted or Attended

29 House Bills Introduced



7 Bills Signed into Law

5 Committees served

1 New District Office Created

District Highlights and Upcomeing Events

For anyone hoping to visit us in person at our district office, we will be remote on Fridays until further notice. Our hours of operation are the following...

Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Available by email, phone, or in person visit Monday-Thursday

Available by email or phone on Fridays

If you would like to see our team in-person, but can't find a time that works for you, please be on the lookout for our October office hours and/or send us an email so we can find a time that works for you.

And finally, please join us on Thursday, October 12th at the Barrington Park District for a legislative update and for an opportunity to get your questions answered!

District Highlights

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We partnered with Illinois Solar Education Association for a very successful Solar Energy Town Hall!

Thank you to the Illinois Solar Education Association for partnering on an informative session about everything solar energy!

The presentation, from a District 51 constituent and volunteer, broke down common misconceptions and laid out the process of switching to solar energy for households. In our discussions, we got to talk about specific concerns that audience members have when they think about converting to solar, and what the state can do to continue to make Illinois a place where going solar can be financially beneficial.

Thank you to all who were able to attend! Our Livestream is now posted on Facebook for those who missed it. And, catch the feature about the event from the Daily Herald! You can read the article here.

Constituents from across the district listen to a presentation on Solar Energy 09/19/23

Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce State of the State Breakfast was a success!

I got to sit down with State Senator Dan McConchie and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to answer some questions about how we can support small businesses in our districts. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

The LZACC saw a full room of constituents at the Ela Area Public Library 09/22/23

Additional image of the legislators participating in the panel discussion 09/22/23

At the legislative breakfast, I got to share some good news for small businesses in the 51st!

Make it stand out

It was exciting to be a part of rolling out this grant opportunity, aimed at helping businesses that are still seeing the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have a small business and need support navigating resources, do not hesitate to reach out to our district office.

I also joined many of my colleagues for a panel discussion presented by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and hear from community members what issues matter most to them.

We had a wonderful tour of Harper College with Dr. Proctor

Dr. Proctor and Rep Syed on Harper College's Campus

Thank you to Dr. Proctor, who led us through the cultural and health center, and taught us about some of the many programs that Harper has to offer.

And, thank you to all the Harper College faculty and staff who work tirelessly to provide our community with education and opportunities.

We welcomed the Henry County Farmers to the 51st District!

It was an honor to host Henry County Farmers in our district through the Adopt-a-Legislator program.

The program headed by The Illinois Farm Bureau aims to educate legislators about the state’s largest industry: agriculture! 🧑‍🌾 The goal is to educate members on the needs and concerns of rural and urban districts.

We visited the Palatine and Ela Historical Society to learn more about the history of our district. Afterwards, we headed over to the Hawthorn Woods Country Club for lunch, and a big thank you to Donna, the Village’s Chief Administrative Officer, who educated us about Hawthorn Woods.

I am grateful that people are committed to preserving the history of towns so we can get a glimpse of the past and learn about how much we have changed.

Congrats are in order...

To Nathan, who achieved the honor of the Eagle Scout Rank!

To Nathan, who achieved the honor of the Eagle Scout Rank!

—Nathan and Rep Syed at Nathan's Eagle Scout Court of Honor

And to Adlai E. Stephenson High School. They ranked 9th in the entire country for their public education!

—Rep Syed and Rep Didech presenting a certificate of congratulations to the School Board of Stevenson High School

From the Community

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Do you have lead pipes?

If you aren't sure, you can find out using this map. Visit the Palatine Public Works Water Division website to learn about grants that might benefit you through the Village of Palatine.

Join the community for a 5k to honor our local firefighters. Use the QR code to register!

Learn more about Harper Experience Day by visiting their website or scanning the QR code!

Elderworks October Food Drive

From the State 🏛️

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Attn: Educators seeking field trip opportunities!

The Field Museum offers all Illinois school groups FREE admission to the museum with pre-registration! We hope this can be a resource for anyone seeking field trip educational opportunities for their students.

Learn more by visiting www.fieldmuseum.org/field-trips

IDHS launched a new Grants Administration Page

This page is meant to serve as a “one-stop shop” for all things grants-related. It includes the following resources:

• Centralized resource for all available funding opportunities

• Step-by-step instructions on how to get pre-qualified and how to request additional assistance (presentation, recording)

• Grant application requirements and resources to complete them

• Pre-award requirements/information (Internal Controls Questionnaire)

• Post-award information/resources for establishing/complying with requirements (presentations/recordings/summaries)

• Interactive Learning Management System to provide additional grant application/management training (how to build a budget, post-award requirements)

• Additional tips and resources for the grant application process
  

This is what the page looks like:

The Treasurer's Office launches Illinois First Steps Program: $50 to help Illinois parents start saving for college

Treasurer Frerichs announced the launch of Illinois First Steps, the Illinois Children's Savings Account (CSA) Program designed to jump start college savings for new parents. This program, which was approved by the General Assembly in 2019 and funded in 2023, provides a $50 seed deposit to all Illinois parents with a child born or adopted on or after January 1, 2023.

To qualify for the $50 seed deposit, parents or legal guardians must be Illinois residents at the time of birth or adoption, the child must be born or adopted on or after Jan. 1, 2023, and the parent must open an Illinois Bright Start or Bright Directions 529 College Savings Account to claim the seed deposit before the child's 10th birthday. 

Two new seniors only DMV centers are coming to the northwest suburbs

The new Skip-the-Line system that the Secretary of State's office implemented earlier this month has posed a few barriers to seniors. In light of this issue, the Secretary of State’s office launched two ‘Senior Only’ walk-in centers located in Evanston and Bridgeview! 

The two facilities accept appointments, however, their goal is to prioritize walk-in services for seniors without impacting those with an existing appointment. This allows a barrier to be alleviated for seniors who may be facing issues creating appointments online when seeking DMV services.

That was a lot! Thank you for reading all the way through. Please 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

District office update (this one’s a long one!)

Summer is officially over, and before it gets too cold, I hope you're enjoying the nice fall weather as much as I am!

Before I get into some resources and upcoming community events, I want to share with you an important legislative update regarding the Aqua Illinois water disruption that occurred earlier this summer in portions of our district and invite you to a great event we're hosting with the Secretary of State's office.

We've had an exciting past couple of months, and we're looking forward to more progress as we round the corner to my first veto session coming up in October.

We filed HB4144 as a direct response to the Aqua Illinois water disruption crisis

Image of Daily Herald Article written about the filing of HB4144

Read the full article here.

We're partnering with the Secretary of State's Office to expand access to DMV services THIS Saturday!

Have you been putting off getting your Real ID? Do you need to renew your license? Or get a vehicle registration sticker? Please JOIN US at the Foglia YMCA on Saturday, September 30th from 10am to 2pm to get easy access to some DMV services. Check the list above for full services. Registration is strongly encouraged, and you can register at repnabeelasyed.org/mobileDMVreg.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Outreach Director, Pooja Rai, at pooja@repsyed.com if you have any questions or need assistance with registration.

District Office Hours Update

For anyone hoping to visit us in person at our district office, we will be remote on Fridays until further notice. Our hours of operation are the following...

Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Available by email, phone, or in person visit Monday-Thursday

Available by email or phone on Fridays

If you would like to see our team in-person, but can't find a time that works for you, please be on the lookout for our October office hours and/or send us an email so we can find a time that works for you.

And finally, please join us on Thursday, October 12th at the Barrington Park District for a legislative update and for an opportunity to get your questions answered!

District Highlights

---

We partnered with Illinois Solar Education Association for a very successful Solar Energy Town Hall!

Thank you to the Illinois Solar Education Association for partnering on an informative session about everything solar energy!

The presentation, from a District 51 constituent and volunteer, broke down common misconceptions and laid out the process of switching to solar energy for households. In our discussions, we got to talk about specific concerns that audience members have when they think about converting to solar, and what the state can do to continue to make Illinois a place where going solar can be financially beneficial.

Thank you to all who were able to attend! Our Livestream is now posted on Facebook for those who missed it. And, catch the feature about the event from the Daily Herald! You can read the article here.

Constituents from across the district listen to a presentation on Solar Energy 09/19/23

Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce State of the State Breakfast was a success!

I got to sit down with State Senator Dan McConchie and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to answer some questions about how we can support small businesses in our districts. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

The LZACC saw a full room of constituents at the Ela Area Public Library 09/22/23

Additional image of the legislators participating in the panel discussion 09/22/23

At the legislative breakfast, I got to share some good news for small businesses in the 51st!

Make it stand out

It was exciting to be a part of rolling out this grant opportunity, aimed at helping businesses that are still seeing the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have a small business and need support navigating resources, do not hesitate to reach out to our district office.

I also joined many of my colleagues for a panel discussion presented by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and hear from community members what issues matter most to them.

We had a wonderful tour of Harper College with Dr. Proctor

Dr. Proctor and Rep Syed on Harper College's Campus

Thank you to Dr. Proctor, who led us through the cultural and health center, and taught us about some of the many programs that Harper has to offer.

And, thank you to all the Harper College faculty and staff who work tirelessly to provide our community with education and opportunities.

We welcomed the Henry County Farmers to the 51st District!

It was an honor to host Henry County Farmers in our district through the Adopt-a-Legislator program.

The program headed by The Illinois Farm Bureau aims to educate legislators about the state’s largest industry: agriculture! 🧑‍🌾 The goal is to educate members on the needs and concerns of rural and urban districts.

We visited the Palatine and Ela Historical Society to learn more about the history of our district. Afterwards, we headed over to the Hawthorn Woods Country Club for lunch, and a big thank you to Donna, the Village’s Chief Administrative Officer, who educated us about Hawthorn Woods.

I am grateful that people are committed to preserving the history of towns so we can get a glimpse of the past and learn about how much we have changed.

Congrats are in order...

To Nathan, who achieved the honor of the Eagle Scout Rank!

To Nathan, who achieved the honor of the Eagle Scout Rank!

—Nathan and Rep Syed at Nathan's Eagle Scout Court of Honor

And to Adlai E. Stephenson High School. They ranked 9th in the entire country for their public education!

—Rep Syed and Rep Didech presenting a certificate of congratulations to the School Board of Stevenson High School

From the Community

---

Do you have lead pipes?

If you aren't sure, you can find out using this map. Visit the Palatine Public Works Water Division website to learn about grants that might benefit you through the Village of Palatine.

Join the community for a 5k to honor our local firefighters. Use the QR code to register!

Learn more about Harper Experience Day by visiting their website or scanning the QR code!

Elderworks October Food Drive

From the State 🏛️

---

Attn: Educators seeking field trip opportunities!

The Field Museum offers all Illinois school groups FREE admission to the museum with pre-registration! We hope this can be a resource for anyone seeking field trip educational opportunities for their students.

Learn more by visiting www.fieldmuseum.org/field-trips

IDHS launched a new Grants Administration Page

This page is meant to serve as a “one-stop shop” for all things grants-related. It includes the following resources:

• Centralized resource for all available funding opportunities

• Step-by-step instructions on how to get pre-qualified and how to request additional assistance (presentation, recording)

• Grant application requirements and resources to complete them

• Pre-award requirements/information (Internal Controls Questionnaire)

• Post-award information/resources for establishing/complying with requirements (presentations/recordings/summaries)

• Interactive Learning Management System to provide additional grant application/management training (how to build a budget, post-award requirements)

• Additional tips and resources for the grant application process
  

This is what the page looks like:

The Treasurer's Office launches Illinois First Steps Program: $50 to help Illinois parents start saving for college

Treasurer Frerichs announced the launch of Illinois First Steps, the Illinois Children's Savings Account (CSA) Program designed to jump start college savings for new parents. This program, which was approved by the General Assembly in 2019 and funded in 2023, provides a $50 seed deposit to all Illinois parents with a child born or adopted on or after January 1, 2023.

To qualify for the $50 seed deposit, parents or legal guardians must be Illinois residents at the time of birth or adoption, the child must be born or adopted on or after Jan. 1, 2023, and the parent must open an Illinois Bright Start or Bright Directions 529 College Savings Account to claim the seed deposit before the child's 10th birthday. 

Two new seniors only DMV centers are coming to the northwest suburbs

The new Skip-the-Line system that the Secretary of State's office implemented earlier this month has posed a few barriers to seniors. In light of this issue, the Secretary of State’s office launched two ‘Senior Only’ walk-in centers located in Evanston and Bridgeview! 

The two facilities accept appointments, however, their goal is to prioritize walk-in services for seniors without impacting those with an existing appointment. This allows a barrier to be alleviated for seniors who may be facing issues creating appointments online when seeking DMV services.

That was a lot! Thank you for reading all the way through. Please 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

District Office Update!

Hi friend,

I hope everyone is staying cool and dry! I am excited to share with you some legislative updates, which are really a culmination of our efforts during session in the spring. Meanwhile, in the district office we welcomed two new interns, have been holding meetings with stakeholders in preparation for the 2024 legislative session, and are spending a lot of time getting to know what's going on in the district. I hope you enjoy some of my highlights from the past month, and that you're able to join the community in some upcoming events!

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Exciting Legislative Updates📜 

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HB3957, Illinois Drug Pricing Fairness Act Becomes Law

For folks who were reading my legislative updates up to this point, you may know passing this bill was an important one for this district. It didn't come easy, but we've finally crossed the finish line as Governor Pritzker signed HB3957 into law on Friday.

Modern medical science has the capacity to help so many people overcome health problems that previously would have taken over their lives. In the endless pursuit of greater profits, pharmaceutical companies have comfortably stifled that capacity for years. As long as I represent this district in Springfield, making vital prescriptions easier to afford will be a priority.

I am so proud that I get to bring home a piece of legislation that I know will directly support folks that I've talked to in our district. This is only the beginning of my pursuit to make prescription drugs affordable.

HB2624, SB2337, and SB2419 Also Join Illinois Statute

The Court Term Accessibility Act, the License to Read Act, and the Gifted/AP Reporting bill were my very first bills that got signed into law!

Rep Syed taking a meeting in Springfield during session

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District 51 Highlights from July

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Youth Advisory Council Coming to a Close (for now!)

— Rep Syed and the YAC

In our last YAC meeting, our acting legislators met a strict deadline and passed a budget for the 51st District.

For the past few months, students in our Youth Advisory Council have been advocating for different community-based organizations that they are passionate about. After an hour of debating, $1,000 was distributed between six CBOs that have a direct impact on the district.

Acting Legislator Drawing Budget Plans—

I am so proud that we have such bright and passionate young minds who show up for causes they care about. We look forward to a celebratory last meeting (for now) in August.

Presenting a Certificate to our Retiring Firefighters

Rep Syed and retiring firefighter Robert "Bob" Kleinheinz 7/14/23

Robert “Bob” Kleinheinz is retiring from Lake Zurich's Fire Prevention Bureau after giving over 42 years of fire service dedication to the residents of the State of Illinois. Bob served in the Libertyville Fire Department for 30 years, the National Fire Sprinkler Association for a couple, and rounded out his career with the Lake Zurich Fire Department for the last ten years. Thank you, Bob, for your invaluable service.

We also send our deepest congratulations and appreciation to Ken Mogge, Eric Ryan, and Mike Wiltgen who have each served with the Lake Zurich Fire Department for 30 years as firefighters and paramedics.

They will all leave a lasting legacy of hard work and a legacy of a "whatever it takes" attitude to get the job done. Thank you for keeping our community safe!

All Saints Mobile Food Pantry

Volunteers of the All Saints mobile food pantry 7/11/23

We got a chance to see firsthand how the All Saints Food Pantry is making food available and accessible to our community. We were glad to join them to serve over 170 families in the community on July 11. They hold mobile pantries twice a week, every week, to ensure they meet community needs directly where they're at.

We look forward to celebrating their 100th mobile food pantry with them later in August!

Palatine Township Back to School Drive

—Rep Syed talking with students about our office and handing out stickers 7/20/23

Palatine Township hosted an amazing back-to-school supply pick-up for two days this July.

Donated Materials stocked and ready for families to receive—

Families came to receive their backpacks and school supplies, talk to community organizations to get more resources, and get haircuts and nails done before school starts!

A Very Proud Alum: Go Vikes!

Rep Syed and Fremd Principal, Mark Langer 07/19/23

Recently, Fremd High School joined 9 other high schools in Illinois that ranked in the top 50 public high schools nationally. As a proud alum, I was honored to visit Fremd to present a certificate of accomplishment from the House of Representatives for providing an outstanding education to so many students in the 51st District.

My former educators not only taught me the skills I need to accomplish what I set my mind to, but they also taught me what it means to be believed in and empowered. Investing in and supporting our youth is what will continue to set Illinois apart and make innovative leaders. 

A Welcome Back to the US and a Senior Yoga Class

Pashmeena, our instructor and a District 51 constituent, led the senior yoga class we put on earlier this month in partnership with Elderworks. This was Pashmeena’s first yoga class back in the United States and we had a great time getting to know some active seniors in our district!

Celebrating Beginnings...

Breaking ground for a new Pace transportation facility in Schaumburg 7/19/23

Wallace Academy Ribbon Cutting 7/17/23

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District 51 Upcoming Events

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Join us at Unplugged Fest!

Unplug from your devices and plug into your community 🔌

Join us at Unplugged Fest on Sunday, August 6th from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich to reconnect with neighbors and community organizations in a no-phone zone.

Better Together Back to School Resource Fair

Partners for our Communities (POC) is hosting a community resource fair on Tuesday, August 8th at Falcon Park in Palatine where residents can pick up backpacks prepared with supplies and learn about what services exist through local organizations.

POC is still looking for donors for the following supplies:

🖍️ 350 crayons

📓 300 spiral notebooks

✏️ 250 colored pencils.

If you are able to donate supplies, please drop them at the Community Resource Center located at 1585 Rand Road, Palatine.

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From the Community

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Greener Good is a community-based organization in Palatine that collects, organizes, and creativly redistributes reusable materials. They are holding a supply drive for teachers! 🍎

Visit their website at greener-good.org if you would like to participate as an educator, volunteer, or donor/sponsor. Move quickly, because the action is happening this week! 📚

BACOG's Annual Private Well Water Testing Event

Households with private wells are advised to test for bacteria and nitrates on an annual basis to detect invisible, odorless contaminants. Bacteria and nitrates can result from animal, insect or human waste or fertilizers reaching the well water and can cause illness in humans. This is event is an opportunity to test your water to ensure it does not contain any of these contaminants.

Purchase water testing kits from October 2 - 10 at the following Village/Township Offices during regular business hours.

Participating Village/Townships:

-BACOG Office
-Barrington Hills Village Hall
-Barrington Township Office
-Deer Park Village Hall
-Lake Barrington Village Hall
-South Barrington Village Hall
-Tower Lakes Village Hall

Then, drop off your water sample kits on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 11:00am - 6:30pm at The Barrington Area Library.

Several Community Partners will be there with information and takeaways, including the Lake County Health Department Staff, who will be available to residents for water testing questions.

Join the Elderwerks’s Expo on Wednesday, August 9th at the Stonegate Banquet and Conference Center in Hoffman Estates.  

There will be free classes and local community groups will be present to talk about how their services may be helpful to you. This is a great expo for folks who are interested in planning retirement for themselves or for a family member.

Birth to Five Action Councils

Birth to Five is an organization that works throughout the State to make early education affordable and accessible. If you're interested in getting involved, consider joining one of the action councils.

Learn more about Birth to Five by visiting their website.

Disability Lead is recruiting positive disruptors. If you're a person with a disability and are interested in being a future leader, learn more and apply on their website: DisabilityLead.org/apply.

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From the State 🏛️

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— Grant Opportunities —

Small Businesses

Learn more about the Cook County Small Business Source Grant on their website here.

Workforce Development

Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (Website)

Community-based organizations can apply to receive grants to set up programs that will provide women, veterans, and people of color with pre-apprenticeship training.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will be hosting webinars to answer questions and help organizations that are interested in applying. Register Here.

Individuals considering enrollment in pre-apprenticeship training should fill out the interest form here.

Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or “CEJA Workforce Hubs” (Website)

The CEJA Workforce Hubs will align with the needs of clean energy employers and provide students with nationally recognized certifications. The hubs will be located in Alton, Aurora, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago (South Side), Chicago (Southwest and West Sides), Danville, Decatur, East St. Louis, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford and Waukegan. 

Federal Support Grant Program

Allows businesses and organizations seeking federal grants to submit an application with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to have part of their match covered by state dollars. Learn more and apply here.

New GATA help desk through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

This is aimed to help nonprofits and local governments with GATA pre-qualification and audit issues.

Email CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov with your inquiry and, if possible, your GATA ID. 

More grants can be found on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Website: dceo.illinois.gov.

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— A Change to DMV Operations —

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will implement the Skip-the-Line program on September 1, 2023. 

Appointments

All Chicago and suburban locations and select central and downstate DMVs will require an appointment for REAL IDs, driver’s licenses and ID card services, and in-car driving tests.

These DMVs will continue to NOT require appointments for vehicle-related services (titles, registrations or license plate renewals.)

Extending Hours

SoS is also extending hours of operation:
-Select facilities will be open six days a week – Monday through Saturday 
-All DMVs will have hours of operation from Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 
-16 DMVs will be open on Saturday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

You can visit ilsos.gov or call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment, find location information, and take advantage of many online services, including renewals of driver’s licenses, ID cards, and plate stickers which may not require an in-person visit.

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— Pause of Student Loan Payment ENDS in September —

Interest rates on all federal student loans will start accruing on September 1 with payments starting October 1.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the University of Illinois system are providing free webinars focused on return to repayment. If you're interested, please register here: https://go.uillinois.edu/repay.

— Medicaid Renewals Continue —

Did you know?

You can check your Medicaid renewal date by phone just like SNAP card benefits by calling 1(800) 843-6154.

You will need to know your RIN (Recipient Identification Number). This number can be found on your HFS medical card or Managed Care Plan insurance card. This number is unique to you, and it can also be found in Manage My Case.  

Visit the IDHFS website for more FAQs.

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

Summer is Starting in the 51st!

Hi Neighbor,

I hope you're enjoying the first couple days of summer! Since being back in District 51, I've been having fun getting back on my scooter and chatting with folks about what our office does and how we may be able to support the community. I've also been able to spend some more time with young folks in the community, learning what legislative ideas they have and connecting them with my colleagues. Stepping into summer has been a great time to learn more about the district's needs, which will help us shape our legislative agenda for next year.

I wish you a very happy and celebratory Independence Day weekend! I hope to see you at the doors, at Palatine Hometown Fest this weekend, or in Hawthorn Woods on July 4!

Youth Advisory Council, where students have been presenting legislative ideas they care about and working on a participatory budget of 1k for local communities!

Scooter charged up and went door to door to pass out our newsletter and invite folks to our upcoming events!

A big congratulations to Ela Public Library on their 50th anniversary this week 🎉

We are so proud to have a resource rich library in our district, and a special thank you to all of our library staff who are dedicated to making Ela Library a pillar of our community. As a token of our appreciation, my office presented Ela Public Library with a certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives.

Fun Fact: The library is named after George Ela who was one of the first settlers in the Palatine Township area and served in the Illinois House of Representative in the late 1840s.

Check out some behind-the-scenes photos from when I was in Springfield, which I haven't gotten the chance to share with you yet. Take a look at some of my favorites, and shout out to our photographer, Scott, for capturing these moments!

Nabeela on the House Floor

Nabeela with Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth

A selfie on the House Floor with colleagues Rep Canty, Rep Chung, Rep Stava-Murray and Rep Guzzardi

Please help me spread the word: our second internship cycle is open now! Interested candidates, we are accepting applicants through July 5th. Find the application on our website at repnabeelasyed.org/intern-program and let us know if you have any questions!

District 51 Upcoming Events

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Seniors in our community – join us for a fitness class on Friday, July 7th from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at the Elderwerks office located at 251 E. Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 🧘 Register here!

Please join us on Sunday, July 23rd from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm for a shredding and electronic recycling event with Senator Johnson, Representative Didech, and Lake Country Treasurer Holly Kim. Bring that scrap paper you've been holding onto and those old electronics for a fun, community-based summer event!

Resources

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Help Palatine Township collect Back to School Supplies. Monetary donations are also needed and encouraged! The event takes place July 21st and 22nd, and we will be at Palatine Township on Thursday the 21st to help out and share our office's resources.

Looking for food assistance or help with SNAP applications? Follow the instructions in the flyer below.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank offers mobile markets, which are set up at different sites where neighbors can receive free groceries on a first come first serve basis.

If you reside in Lake County, reach out if you're interested, and we can see if we can connect you to a mobile market near you.

From the Community

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Organization Spotlight:

Palatine Cool Cities does fantastic work in the Palatine area and throughout the state to educate community members and make real changes to build a sustainable world. They've taken on the urgent need to change the way we are consuming and disposing of our natural resources, and have helped our community look out for the environment and our futures.

Palatine Cool Cities hosts educational speaker series at the Palatine Public Library, hosts events like their "hard to recycle" plastics event also at the library, and spearheads initiatives to make our larger community events more eco-friendly. They have played an integral role in teaching us about the harm of single-use plastic and ways that we can alter our habits to preserve our environment.

If you're interested in volunteering with Palatine Cool Cities and learning more about their organization, you can fill out their volunteer form here.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

Interested in making cards to brighten a senior’s day?

Make it stand out

Reserve a card-making kit by July 20th by calling 847-462-0885 and stop by the Elderwerks Center at 251 E. Northwest Hwy Palatine, IL in the Palatine Plaza to pick it up! Cards collected for Elderwerks 'Make A Senior Smile' program will be dropped off to local senior communities with assistance from our office!

Looking for a job at a community organization?

Make it stand out

Mano A Mano, a family resource center in Lake County, is hiring!

Check out opportunities on their website to see if they may be a good fit for you.

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

End of session legislative update, townhall & more!

I'm finally back home in the 51st District for the next few months! We adjourned this past weekend and I'm so pleased to give you an update on some of our accomplishments from my first legislative session.

But first, I want to invite you to my End of Session Town hall on Monday, June 12th at 6:00 pm to learn more about what we accomplished this session, and the work that is still ahead of us. This is a great opportunity to share your opinions with me and ask any questions you may have.

End of Session Legislative Update

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On My Bills 📜

My first spring session yielded a lot of great progress for our community. Here are some of my highlights:

With bipartisan support, the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act is headed to the Governor’s desk!

This bill protects Illinois consumers from skyrocketing prescription costs by banning price gouging of generic and off-patent drugs. I know from conversations I've had with you in the 51st District that the stress of affording your next prescription is constant. This bill can alleviate a part of that stress for folks who need generic medications, knowing that your prescription costs cannot triple overnight.

We've had so many legislative victories in Illinois! Here are some bills that I was proud to co-sponsor and support:

• House Bill 218 – Holds the gun industry liable for the marketing and distribution of unlawful weapons that interfere with public safety.

• House Bill 2296 – Allows the Department of Insurance to reject or modify unreasonable health insurance rate increases.

• House Bill 2245 – Requires the Cook County Sheriff to establish a stolen car recovery hotline in coordination with other law enforcement agencies and car manufacturers in order to assist investigations of carjacking, stolen cars, and kidnappings.

• House Bill 2507– Expands property tax exemptions for veterans.

My bill that would allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote also passed the legislature as part of an elections omnibus package. That means when they turn 18, they'll be registered and ready to cast their ballot!

From the Senate, I carried a bill through to the Governor’s desk that gives the State Librarian the power to negotiate with publishers of e-books and audiobooks on behalf of all Illinois’s libraries, helping to free up money and time for librarians to invest in community programming.

The current high rates benefit big corporations as they take advantage of local libraries by imposing unnecessary fees and short-term contracts.The goal is to save libraries money that can be better spent on community programming and other needs.

In the midst of regressive reproductive healthcare legislation being passed across our country, I am so grateful to be a part of a legislature that tirelessly fights for women's healthcare. I have been proud to put my support behind measures to guarantee access to emergency contraception on public college campuses, cut costs for lifesaving reproductive health medications and protect patients who are exercising their right to choose from out-of-state investigations.

On the Budget

I was thrilled to work with my colleagues to pass a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes early education and invests in our K-12 public schools. A $250 million investment in Smart Start, which provides childcare and early childhood education, will lend a hand to working parents while evening the playing field for kids from underserved communities.

103rd General Assembly Leadership Team

We've made progress on supporting Direct Support Professionals in this budget, but we still have a long way to go.

Learn more about why we must continue to fight for funding for people with disabilities in my recent Op-Ed in Chicago Sun-Times here: Illinois must provide more funding for people with disabilities.

And check out my recent City Cast Chicago interview where I reflect on my first session in office.

From the Community

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Join me at this event. You can still sign up and walk with me for a great cause!

Updates & Opportunities from the State

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Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic submissions for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest. This is a great opportunity for to showcase their most innovative or scenic pictures that depict their vision of agriculture in our state. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, as well as at the 2023 Illinois State Fair.

Top photographs will be chosen in three age-based categories: ages 8‑10, 11‑14 and 15-18. The deadline to apply is June 12, 2023!

Apply and learn more at www.CreamoftheCropContest.com.

Grant Opportunities

Federal Support Grant Program
Nonprofits, educational institutions, local governments, and businesses seeking federal grants that align with the State’s economic development objectives can apply for this grant to have the State cover a part of the match. Applicants can apply for this program while they are preparing an application for a federal grant.

Application and more information can be found HERE.

Blue Collar Jobs Act 
Provides tax credits for construction wages for businesses that are participating in an existing incentive program like EDGE or located in an Enterprise Zone.

This program is now active, and you can learn more HERE. You can sign up for the upcoming webinar HERE.

New Opportunity, Application Closes Soon: Girls Lead Program

The Office of Lieutenant Governor and the Illinois Council on Women and Girls are launching the ‘Girls Lead Program’ which will give girls the opportunity to shadow members of the General Assembly.

This program will emphasize the importance of teamwork and conflict resolution skills while giving girls the opportunity to explore their interest in a career in public service.

Applications are due Saturday, June 10th! Visit bit.ly/GirlsLeadIL to apply.

Reminder and Resources: Medicaid Redeterminations

If you are a Medicaid recipient and you received a letter in the mail this May, then you need to send in your redeterminations by June 1, 2023.

The soonest you can lose your coverage is July 1st, 2023. If you do not send in your form or renew online before your deadline, you can still do so before your coverage gets cut off.

To redetermine, you can either fill out the form you received in the mail by hand and send it back to the address provided via mail OR you can redetermine online at abe.illinois.gov. Once you get logged into your portal, click 'Renew My Benefits' in your 'Case Summary' tab and follow the prompts.

If you aren't sure when your due date is, you can check under the 'Benefit Details' tab of your online portal. Note that if your due date is July 1 or later, the 'Renew My Benefits' option may not be available to you yet. You should expect to be able to renew your benefits about a month before your due date.

Please contact our office if you are in need of assistance

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

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 🏛️

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My bill to protect patients from prescription drug price gouging passed the House!

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

Legislative Update

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For the past two months, I’ve been splitting my time between Springfield and 51st District. Last week was especially long but exciting! We had a deadline to get the bills we proposed voted on the House floor. Here are updates on the bills I've been working on...

🏛️ Springfield 🏛️

An addition to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): HB3643

This bill says that when an Individualized Education Program is created for a student with a disability who is 17 years old or older, voter registration should be considered as an appropriate goal.

As my very first bill to pass on the House Floor and head over to the Senate, this bill is important for Illinois because it tells students with disabilities that their voice matters, and their vote matters.

Cleaning up some court language: HB2624

This piece of legislation will allow more people to defend themselves in our court system by getting access to their own court documents and records.

Here's an example of why this bill is necessary: Back in 2020, the Governor ordered all eviction cases to be sealed to help support tenants who were more likely to face evictions due to financial hardships facilitated by the pandemic. This was a great initiative but because of unclear definitions, clerks ended up being unable to give tenants access to their own eviction cases. The order created an additional barrier for people navigating the legal system when the intent of the law was just the opposite. Clarifying the intent of “sealed” was the solution to this problem, and now we are doing the same thing, but on a wider scale. 

Senior Property Tax Freeze Exemption income increase: HB2629

Property taxes are rising, and in District 51, our population is aging. After paying into the tax system for years, I want to help make sure that seniors on fixed incomes stay in their homes, and age where they see fit. It's for this reason that I introduced a bill this year, HB2629, that would increase the minimum freeze income level from 65k a year to 85k a year. This will help more folks qualify, and increase the chance that seniors will be able to afford to stay in their homes.

Protecting patients from price gouging: HB3957 

HB3957 is a bill that would prevent manufacturers who are setting prices in a market that does not naturally keep prices reasonable for off-patent and generic prescription drugs. In addition to increased property taxes and inflation, the gouged prices of prescription drugs add to the burdensome cost of living. It's for this reason that I want to give the state of Illinois power to moderate prices in scenarios of clear exploitation. I am excited to continue to advocate for the necessity and importance of bills like this one.

Providing paid leave for organ donors: HB3516

Organ donation is near and dear to my heart. As an organ donor, I have first-hand experience of how brutal the recovery process can be, but also how beautiful it is to know that you were able to save a life. More people should be given the option to give because that means more people get the option to live. This bill gives organ donors 10 days paid leave and bone marrow donors 5 days paid leave, making organ donation more feasible for more folks. HB3516 has passed on the House Floor and has moved onto the Senate!

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How else do I support important legislation?

When my colleagues are carrying bills that I believe are important, I can also hop on as a "co-sponsor" to show my support and advocate for the bill to get it across the finish line. Here are some good pieces of legislation that thrilled me so much that I decided to co-sponsor...

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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

Internships, ICash, and more!

Good morning, folks. I'm coming to you with a few updates from Springfield and the 51st.

(But first...) Happy Women’s History Month! 

In the State of Illinois, women have, time and time again, made significant contributions to history. I’m 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.

📢 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.

📄 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.

📄 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.

📢 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.

📢 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) 916-6553‬ 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.

📝 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.

📄 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 it’s over.

📄 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.

Thank 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