|
Happy April, everyone!
ο»Ώ
ο»ΏAs the session pushes toward the deadlines for getting bills through their committees, I've been continuing our work in Springfield!
Keep reading for details about my work this session, upcoming events, and more!
| | Community Blood Donation Drive | | |
Our office has partnered with Versiti Blood Bank to host a Community Blood Donation Drive!
We will be co-hosting this event on Saturday, April 26th from 9am-1pm at 1252 West Northwest Highway, Palatine. The event will be held in their Mobile Donation Bus which will be parked outside of door #5, right across the Buehler YMCA.
Appointments are not required but encouraged as there are limited spots! Please sign up if you can with the link below!
Please give us a call at 773-916-6553 or email at info@repsyed.com if you have any questions or need help finding us the day-of.
| | Museum Pass Requests π¦ | | |
Looking for fun summer plans? Look no further!
ο»ΏOur office has a museum pass that we can share with the 51st District. This pass allows you and up to three guests to receive complimentary, general admission to participating museums. This is a great and cost effective way to spend time with friends and family, explore the exhibits that museums have to offer, and learn something new!
Last year we had over 200 requests!
Please complete the form (linked below) at least 5 days in advance and our team will send your authorization letter!
| |
ποΈLegislative HighlightsποΈ
| | | | As we get closer to the committee deadlines for legislation, I am proud to share some positive developments we've been seeing in the property tax space. | | The Property Tax Working Group Convenesο»Ώ | | I've joined a group of 10 other legislators to serve on Illinois' first-ever Property Tax Working Group. This initiative formed following Governor Pritzker's budget address, which emphasized the need for comprehensive property tax reform. Easing financial burdens on working families is fundamental to building a more stable future. | | |
We'll be meeting with experts and community members to explore legislative options to get homeowners the relief they need.
Just as we've built momentum around prescription drug affordability, I'm fighting to find property tax relief that allows you to invest in your futures without compromising on the parts of our communities we care about most.
| | Hearing from our Communities | | I recently had an excellent discussion with the Police Chiefs in Springfield! I truly appreciate their ongoing support for important initiatives that enhance public safety in our communities. They're backing Alyssa's Lawβlegislation I've introduced that aims to improve and accelerate emergency response times by law enforcement during crises at public schools. | | Additonally, I had the honor of meeting with Mikva Challenge students at the Capitol, including students from Stevenson High School. We discussed their legislative ideas, and I received valuable feedback on some of my own proposed legislation! | β
| Sharing state resources and information about our office in the community is always a blast! We had the opportunity to do meet and chat with students this month at ... | | First stop is Stevenson High School for their annual Fast-A-Thon! π | | Next stop, Fremd High School for their Mental Health Resource Fair! | | As the weather warms up and community resource fairs ramps up, we're excited to get out and connect with our community. This is the favorite time of the year for our office and we hope to see you at a community event! | | |
Our office has been enjoying hosting monthly office hours at the Palatine and Ela Public Libraries! Come by and share your thoughts!
We are currently coordinating our next monthly office hours and will release the date on our website.
| | |
We're going strong with the Youth Advisory Council! The YAC is a great opportunity for high school students to voice their concerns, advise Rep. Syed on legislation, and learn about the legislative process and our state government.
In the first half of our program, we dedicate our time to exploring Rep Syed's legislative priorities and debating bills. In the second half of the program, students will debate on how to distribute $1,000 amongst community-based organizations that they care about to pass a "District 51 Budget."
YAC meetings are held monthly between 5 PM - 6 PM through July at our District Office. There is no commitment needed; we understand that students have busy schedules. ο»Ώ
| |
Community Updates and Resources | | | | Partners for our Communities | | Goodwill's Empower Youth Program | |
Goodwill launched βEmpower Youthβ, a career training and development program for Illinois youth and young adults ages 16 to 24!
Enrolled youth and young adults will receive job readiness training, skill building, and support to be successful in the workplace. Program participants will also have access to part-time seasonal jobs and permanent part-time and full-time positions with local employers across a variety of growing industries throughout the Chicagoland area.
| | In honor of Dr. Carl C. Bell, the Illinois Psychicatric Society is holding an essay competition, open to all Illinois High School students! Reach out to the young writers in your life to share their stories about belonging, loneliness, and inspiration. Submissions are due by May 15th! | | Harper College's Dual Credit Opportunity | | |
Did you know that Illinois community colleges are leading the way as the primary providers of dual credit in the state?
Dual credit programs provide high school students with the opportunity to earn credits toward their diploma and college degree while still in high school. Additionally, dual credit students graduate from community college at substantially higher rates than students who did not enroll in dual credit coursework.
Learn how Harper's dual credit program helps high school students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously by visiting the link below!
| | Palatine Arbor Day Celebration! | | Tax Assistance at Palatine Library | | Wellness Resource Fair and Healthy Kids Day | | Our office will have a table at the Wellness Resource Fair as well and hope to see you there! | | Teens LGBTQIA+ Support Group | | Receive Assistance Applying for Services at the Vernon Township | | |
OMNI services are now available to Vernon Township residents! OMNI offers an array of services in English and Spanish for applying for state benefits such as SNAP or Medicaid / Medicare, utility and mortgage assistance, and more.
For assistance please contact Maritza Garcia at 847-353-1500 or mgarcia@omni4all.org.
| | FREE White Sox Tickets for Veterans | | CASA Advocate Volunteer opportunity | |
Where do I find Community Events? ποΈ
| |
State and Federal
ο»ΏUpdates and Resources
| | | | REAL ID Info from the Secretary of State | | |
The Secretary of State has added some info for anyone who has questions about getting a RealID. To learn more, there's now a "Get A REAL ID" portal on the homepage of the office's website (www.ilsos.gov).
There, you can see: (1) if you need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins; and (2) how to find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment near you.
| |
iCash:
The State of Illinois May Owe YOU Money
| | |
Did you know that the 51st District has over $700,000 in property value that the state holds until residents claim it?! Since 2023, my office has helped return over $200,000 back to the hands of our constituents!
Checking if you have an available claim is quick and easy!
-
Visit the ICash website
- Complete the information needed
- Look for your name and address and claim anything that is yours!
Please reply to this email if you have questions regarding your claim or the iCash program. π°
| | Illinois Power Agency Administers Two Solar Incentive Programs βοΈ | | |
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 programβs administrator and must meet rigorous consumer protection requirements.
| | An Update from the Secretary of State: Get Your Documents Notarized at Home! | | |
The Secretary of Stateβs 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 Departmentβs Notary Public Division at enotary@ilsos.gov or 217-782-7017.
| | |
β Court Based Rental Assistance Program | | |
The Illinois Housing has launched the Court Based Rental Assistance Program, which is a joint application between the tenant and the housing provider / landlord.
Any Illinois tenant may be eligible to receive CBRAP assistance if:
- They have a pending eviction due to nonpayment (A court-summons document will be required).
- The household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.
- The householdβs total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for their county.
- See application for other requirements.
| | Want to stay updated on current grant opportunities? | | Sign up for our listserv to get more information! This will ensure that you get the full list of grants and more often! | | |
Nicor Gasβ Environmental Stewardship Pillar has an array of grant applications opening throughout the year focused on the environment, education, diversity, and more!
ο»Ώ
The Environmental Stewardship Pillar supports efforts that directly result in more customer and employee engagement in the natural environment through conservation and sustainable activities.
Visit their website to learn more about the available grants, deadlines, application requirements, and eligibility.
| | DCEO Funding Opportunities π° | |
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a number of funding opportunities available!
Grantees may contact the Grant Help Desk by e-mail at CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or submit a question for help with grant applications, GATA prequalification, and audit issues. If possible, grantees should provide their GATA ID with their inquiry.
| β
| State Services and Programs π£ | | 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.
| | 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. | | |
In recent years, Illinois has seen a stark rise in hate and extremism, reflecting a troubling national trend. In response, Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Human Rights Department (IDHR) and the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), announced the official launch of Help Stop Hate, a confidential service that provides support and resources to individuals and communities affected by hate.
Help Stop Hate provides meaningful support to assist victims and witnesses of hate acts in reporting what happened and connecting them and their communities with vital resources. The service is free, confidential, and not affiliated with law enforcement. Online reports can be made in seven languages. Callers can report in the language of their preference and receive assistance from call specialists trained in trauma-informed care. We need each and every Illinoisan to help stop hate. By reporting hate acts you witness or experience, you play a crucial role in making Illinois a more inclusive and welcoming state.
Visit ILStopHate.org or call (877) 458-HATE Monday to Friday
from 12-9 PM to report what youβve experienced or witnessed.
Together, we can ensure that hate has no place to hide.
| | |
Get in touch with us!
Our district office is located at 1252 W Northwest Highway, across from the Buehler YMCA.
We are available in person Monday - Thursday from 9am - 5pm and on Fridays you can reach us via email and phone.
Phone: 773-916-6553
Email: info@repsyed.com
With gratitude,
Nabeela
| | | | |
