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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.
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Keep reading to learn about upcoming events, state and community resources, what weβve been up to, and more!
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Please join us for these upcoming events! | |
Inflation Reduction Act Town Hall | |
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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
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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
ο»ΏWhere: Palatine Public Library, Meeting Room 1
What: Professional license support with IDFPR
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Prescription Drug Affordability Board Town Halls | |
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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.
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Cook County PDAB Town Hall
When: Thursday, October 3rd at 6 PM
Where: Palatine Public Library
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Lake County PDAB Town Hall
When: Tuesday, October 3rd from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Ela Area Public Library
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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!
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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 todayβs fast-paced world, itβs 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 usβit was a day well spent!
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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! | |
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Congratulations to the following organizations who have received a donation from the YAC
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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 β 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!
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Congratulations are also in order to all of the students who have completed the District 51 Fellowship program! π | |
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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 βHouse of Representatives Certificate of Recognition.β 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! π
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Our office attended the Alpine Fest in Lake Zurich! | |
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 πΌοΈ | |
Just because summer is coming to an end, doesnβt 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!
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Community Updates and Resources | |
Lake Zurich DMV Facility Closure | |
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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.
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Property Tax Payment Updates for Cook County Homeowners! π‘ | |
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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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Additionally, current, eligible homeowners may now pre-file an appeal with the Board of Review. | |
Disability Lead Fellowship Recruitment | |
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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.
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Congratulations to District 51 Libraries! π
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Congratulations to both public libraries in the 51st House District of Illinois for receiving a grant from the Secretary of State's office! | | |
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Palatine Public Library received $54,003.51
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Ela Area Public Library received $132,751.58!
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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!
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Early Childhood Block Grant is Hiring! π§βπ«
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The Early Childhood Block Grant is hiring for substitute and preschool teachers and instructional assistants! | |
Back to School Parent Workshop π« | |
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. | |
Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon | |
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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
ο»ΏWhere: 1555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates
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Where do I find Community Events? ποΈ
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State and Federal:
ο»ΏUpdates and Resources
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The State of Illinois May Owe YOU Money π°
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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 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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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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New Plant-Based School Lunches Available at All Schools | |
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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.
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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. | |
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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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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 DCEOβs Economic Development Regions. The program will create a more comprehensive state-wide strategy that builds upon DCEOβs Mega sites Investment Program and complements Intersect Illinoisβ 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.
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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
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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 organizationβs resilience and support its work in the humanities over the long term.
Total Program Funding: $2.5 million
Award Ceiling: $300,000
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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
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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
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State Services Updates 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. | |
Pilot Program for Professional Licenses π§ββοΈ π§βπ
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The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) announced two initiatives! | |
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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.
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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
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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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