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Happy March, everyone!
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As the session has come into full swing, I've been working hard these last three weeks to bring our communitiesβ interests to the front of whatβs happening in Springfield.
Keep reading for details about my work this session, upcoming office hours, and more!
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We have a few reminders to re-share with you:
First, our district office moved just down the road in Palatine to 1252 W Northwest Highway, across from the Buehler YMCA.
We are available 9am - 5pm in-person Monday - Thursday, and on Fridays we are available via email and phone. Get in touch!
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Museum Pass Requests
ο»ΏOpen for 2025! π¦
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Our 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!
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ποΈ Upcoming Bills ποΈ | |
The legislative session is in full swing, and I want to give you an update on the priorities I talked about last time: healthcare costs, property tax relief, and protecting our local utilities. This time around, Iβll dive deeper into what we're doing about healthcare coverage, because weβre making some exciting progress! | |
Creating Prescription Drug Oversightο»Ώ | |
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In the last newsletter I talked about some of the bills I was filing, and the first one I brought up was HB1443. It creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. We just had an amazing event in Springfield last week with more than 200 advocates from across Illinois showing up to support it! Even better - we now have over 25 co-sponsors on board!
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This momentum confirms what I've heard from so many of you: drugs only works when people can actually afford it. With this bill, weβre looking to give real people - patients and healthcare providers - a seat at the table.
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Protecting Behavioral Health Services | |
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I've also filed HB1448, which tackles another healthcare challenge I've heard about from many of you. This bill stops insurance companies from using prior authorization and other management tactics to deny behavioral health coverage while they rake in bigger profits.
The great news: When Governor Pritzker gave his budget address, he included programs with these same priorities.
I've said it before and I'll continue saying it - everyone in our community deserves affordable health coverage, regardless of their income. Seeing our legislative priorities align with the governor's proposal is a huge step in the right direction.
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Hearing from our Communities | |
Clearbrook hosted their 4th Annual Legislative Breakfast in February. Thank you for providing the space to educate legislators and help us advocate for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. These conversations are what we need to be having to impactfully address the needs of our neighbors. | |
I also got the chance to join the Lake and Henry County Farm Bureaus at the Illinois Farm Bureau Legislative Reception down in Springfield! It was a great opportunity to discuss the legislative priorities of our farmers, across the state and in our communities. | |
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Our office has been enjoying hosting monthly office hours at the Palatine and Ela Public Libraries! Come by and share your thoughts!
Note: I will be at the Palatine Office Hours, but only staff will be present at the Ela Office Hours.
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Last month we launched the third cohort of Rep Syed's Youth Advisory Council (YAC)! 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
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Our first YAC meeting of the year was on February 24th! At our first meeting we also introduced the second District Fellowship program application. The fellowship program is an opportunity for students to work more closely with the district office on events, legislative presentations, and more while earning any volunteer hours needed for school.
Visit repnabeelasyed.org/youth-advisory-council to read testimonials from past YAC students and to register for updates about upcoming meeting dates. We had a blast in February; we'll see you on Monday, March 31st!
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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.
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Harper College's Dual Credit Opportunity | |
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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!
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Tax Assistance at Palatine Library | |
Wellness Resource Fair and Healthy Kids Day | |
Teens LGBTQIA+ Support Group | |
Receive Assistance Applying for Services at the Vernon Township | |
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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.
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CASA Advocate Volunteer opportunity | |
Where do I find Community Events? ποΈ
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State and Federal
ο»ΏUpdates and Resources
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REAL ID Info from the Secretary of State | |
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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.
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iCash:
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. π°
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Illinois Power Agency Administers Two Solar Incentive Programs βοΈ | |
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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.
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An Update from the Secretary of State: Get Your Documents Notarized at Home! | |
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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.
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Court Based Rental Assistance Program | |
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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.
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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! | |
Law Enforcement Camera Grant | |
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The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is offering the Law Enforcement Camera Grant to assist Illinois police agencies, municipalities, counties, park districts, public universities, and other local government units.
The grant funds are designed to support the purchase or lease of in-car video cameras, body cameras, data storage systems, and technical training for the use of these cameras. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $3,000,000.
For more information, please contact Allison Mesecher at 217-785-4540 or email ptb.grants@illinois.gov.
Application deadline is April 1, 2025, by 5:00 PM (CST).
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Nicor Gasβ Environmental Stewardship Pillar has an array of grant applications opening throughout the year focused on the environment, education, diversity, and more!
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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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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.
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State Services and Programs π£ | |
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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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.
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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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