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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.
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First, I want to invite you to join us at our Mobile DMV in Palatine this June! | | |
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. | |
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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.
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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! | | |
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. | |
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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.
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Responsiveness to our Community | | | |
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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.
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Meeting with dvocates in Springfield | | |
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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 🧑🚒🚒
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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.
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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!
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It was wonderful to meet with the Stone Scholastic Academy students and show them around Springfield!
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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! | |
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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.
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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
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Rep. Syed's Monthly Office Hours 📚 | |
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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!
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Community Updates and Resources | |
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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!
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Student Summer Gym Membership 💪
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Starting June 1st, students ages 14 - 19 can work out for FREE at Planet Fitness ALL SUMMER LONG! | |
Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️
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State Updates and Resources | |
The State of Illinois May Owe YOU Money 💰
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Did you know that the 51st District has over $700,000 in property value that the state holds until residents claim it?! Since 2023, my office has helped return over $200,000 back to the hands of our constituents!
Checking if you have an available claim is quick and easy!
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Visit the ICash website
- Complete the information needed
- Look for your name and address and claim anything that is yours!
Please reply to this email if you have questions regarding your claim or the iCash program. 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.
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Opportunities for Students | |
FIRST EVER Teen Summer DMV Program 🚗
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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.
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ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy Summer Program | |
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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.
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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.
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Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Program | |
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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.
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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.
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Access Pilot Program for Individuals with SNAP | |
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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.
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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. | |
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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
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