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Happy fall y'all! 🎃 🍂
This fall, our office has been out-and-about in the community! From a women empowerment workshop to a few town halls, we were busy talking with constituents and getting to know the district better. Please note that our office will be closed from Wednesday November 27-Friday November 29th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Hope everyone is looking forward to spending some quality time with loved ones in the next couple of months!
Keep reading to learn about exciting updates, fun upcoming events, and more.
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Special thank you to our fellow, Ei! | |
Ei Mon Mon was with our office for a month through the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellows Program (YSEALI PFP). Ei is from Burma (Myanmar) where she received her Bachelor in Nursing Science and her Masters in Comparative Politics. | |
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During her time here she learned about the function and structure of our state legislature, engaged with the community, and explored our district! She enjoyed visiting forest preserves, art museums, and volunteering to give back to her community.
Thanks for all your hard work, Ei! 😀
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Stop by our office to donate baby supplies! | |
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Hopeful Beginnings is hosting a Baby Supply Collection Drive and our office is proud to partner as a collection site for the drive!
Drop by our district office located at 830 West Northwest Highway, Suite 9, Palatine between 9 AM - 5 PM, from now to November 21, to drop off baby essentials. All materials that are collected will be distributed to families enrolled in the case management program which serves over 150 local families per month.
Or visit their Target and Amazon registries to purchase supplies:
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September office hours were a success! Thank you to all the constituents who attended to share concerns and ask questions. 📚 | |
Two Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Town Halls | |
Panelists at Palatine PDAB Town Hall | |
Lake Zurich PDAB Town Hall | |
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Our Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Town Halls in Palatine and Lake Zurich were a success!
People should never have to choose between paying for a life-saving prescription or paying their rent. The goal of this legislation is to start to address some of the most egregious cases of unaffordable prescription drugs so people can begin to see some relief.
My proposed legislation would establish a PDAB, an independent body composed of experts in economics and the healthcare field. The board will use data and their expertise to assess the affordability of a prescription medication. If the board decides that a certain prescription drug is unaffordable, they can take action by setting an upper payment limit. Once the upper payment limit is set, no entity or individual can pay more than that payment for the drug. This legislation ensures that the cost-savings will be passed on to patients themselves.
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It was great to partner with Citizen Action Illinois, Representative Mary Beth Canty, Senator Edly Allen, Representative Faver Dias, and Congressman Krishnamoorthi for these Town Halls.
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Women Empowerment Workshop | |
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Women Empowerment Workshop with Dr. Michelle Morkert! 👭
We had powerful conversations about the experience of being a woman in today’s world, including personal experiences, intersectionality, and the work we must continue to do for future generations.
Thank you again to everyone who participated and shared their journey. Your stories reflect the power of advocacy and serve as an inspiration for our continued efforts. ✊
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On the Spot services with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation 📚
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Thank you to representatives from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) for taking the time to join us at the Palatine Public Library to provide one-on-one support!
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Environmental Resource Fair | |
What better way to spend a summer day than to learn about environmental initiatives and resources? | | |
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My office co-hosted an environmental resource fair with Lake County Board Member Marah Altenberg and Congressman Mike Quigley to offer residents the opportunity to familiarize themselves with environmentally focused state and local organizations. 🌱 We had a great time chatting with constituents about state-led environmental efforts and local concerns, and learning about the great, green programs that Illinois has to offer!
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If you have not yet visited Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove, we highly recommend it! | |
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I am also proud to announce that I received a 100% rating on the environmental scorecard from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)! 💪 🍃
During this legislative session, I sponsored HB4141, a bill that ensures that renters who are not direct customers of utility companies can continue to receive energy assistance payments from DCEO.
Let’s continue to work towards a greener, healthier future for all! ♻️
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I received the Retiree Champion Award from the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans! | |
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I’m honored to receive the Retiree Champion Award from the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, which recognizes young elected officials who are champions for senior issues. Ensuring that seniors and retirees can enjoy retirement with dignity, personal fulfillment, and family security is something I deeply believe in.
That’s why I’ve been an advocate for affordable prescription drugs, support for family caregivers, and the Meals on Wheels program. There is still much work to be done, and I am grateful to continue doing this important work alongside the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans.
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Lake Zurich DMV+ Now Open! 🚗 | |
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The Lake Zurich DMV Facility has officially reopened after remodeling! 🚘
The remodel shifts this facility into a DMV+ location which includes additional services such as job application filing and Apostilles and Certificates!
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Shelter, Inc's New Group Home for survivors of human trafficking Groundbreaking | |
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Congratulations to Shelter, Inc and the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation on the groundbreaking of their new group home in Palatine!
This group home is the state’s first DCFS-approved home for young, female human trafficking survivors with a goal to protect children and rebuild the lives of victims of human trafficking. The group home will include 12 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, support services, and trauma recovery. These rooms will provide privacy to the girls and provide autonomy for them to build themselves a home while also promoting community relationships with shared spaces.
I am beyond proud that the first DCFS approved housing of this kind is in Palatine and look forward to learning more about the services that will transform the lives of many.
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Spook-tacular Time in the Community! | My office had a spook-tacular time at the ‘Boo-ler’ (Buehler) YMCA’s Halloween Bash! 🎃 We hope you all had a great and safe time trick-or-treating! | |
Meet and Greet with Asian American Realtors | |
I had a great time attending the Asian Real Estate Association of America’s meet and greet! 🏡 It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with industry professionals and engage in meaningful conversations with Asian American realtors! | | |
Reminder: With our museum pass, you and three friends or family members can visit a museum for FREE! 🖼️ | | |
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The Coletta Family had a wonderful trip to the Brookfield Zoo
with our museum pass!
Request our pass by clicking the button below
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Community Updates and Resources | | | |
Goodwill's Empower Youth Program | |
Goodwill launched ‘Empower Youth’, 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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Property Tax Payment Updates for Cook County Homeowners! 🏡 | |
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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.
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Buehler YMCA Turkey Distribution 🦃 | |
The Buehler YMCA will be distributing 400 turkeys on Friday, November 15th between 2 PM - 6 PM at 1400 West Northwest Highway, Palatine! | |
Congrats Fremd Girls Flag Football! | |
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A huge congratulations to the Fremd Girls Flag Football Team for winning the FIRST IHSA State Championship! 🎉🏈
Despite only organizing a few months ago, these young women have dedicated time outside of school hours, working hard to secure this victory. It’s incredible to see!
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I’ve always been proud to be a Fremd alum, and this makes me even prouder! Go Vikes! | |
Congrats to District 51's Young Author, Ishaan! | |
Congratulations is also in order to Ishaan Srivastava who published a political thriller novel! Grab your copy of his novel, Saving Crescents, here!
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The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Civics Buzz for the 2025 National Civics Bee! Details on student applications, volunteer roles, sponsorship opportunities, and more can be found at the link below: | |
Special Gifts Theater is Hiring 📣 | |
The Special Gifts Theater is looking for a musical theater teacher and a choreographer! Learn more about both of the positions by reviewing the job descriptions below. | |
Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️
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State and Federal
Updates and Resources
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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.
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Illinois Power Agency Administers Two Solar Incentive Programs ☀️ | |
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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 program’s 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 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.
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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 household’s 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! | |
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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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Folk Art Mentorship Grant | |
The Illinois Arts Council announced the release of the 2025 Fiscal Year Folk Arts mentorship Grant award, which is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This grant supports the mentoring relationship that develops between exemplary practitioners working with dedicated apprentices in ethnic, folk, and traditional arts. | |
DCEO Funding Opportunities 💰 | |
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a number of funding opportunities available!
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Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Healthy Houses Program, Application Deadline: November 6, 2024
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Clean Energy Career Pathway Program, Application Deadline: November 12, 2024
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Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Rural Shelter Program, Application Deadline: November 14, 2024
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Illinois Grocery Initiative – New Stores in Food Deserts, Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
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Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
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Energy Transition Navigator Program, Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
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Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program, Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
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Community Development Block Grant – Public Infrastructure Program, Application Deadline: December 4, 2024
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Community Development Block Grant – Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program, Application Deadline: December 4, 2024
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Quality Jobs Program, Application Deadline: December 31, 2024
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Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, Application Deadline: December 31, 2024
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State Services and Programs 📣 | |
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 you’ve experienced or witnessed.
Together, we can ensure that hate has no place to hide.
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New CORE Program at IDFPR 🧑⚕️ 🧑🏭
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The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) announced the launch of their new online licensing system!
CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment) will eliminate the need for paper applications, give applicants more control over their application materials, and help prevent deficient applications from being submitted. Three pilot professions may begin applying using CORE today, while all other professions licensed by IDFPR will be added in additional phases over the next two years.
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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. | |
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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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