February Newsletter 🌹

Hi there! 2024 was an incredible year, filled with building strong connections with our constituents and local organizations, deepening our understanding of the district’s needs, and advocating for the 51st. We assisted with over 115 constituent cases and successfully passed 7 new bills. To stay up-to-date on the legislation I’m working on and co-sponsoring in 2025, be sure to visit my page on ILGA. This year, we partnered with community members to host a wide range of events, including a Community Blood Donation Drive, Mobile DMVs, town halls, donation drives, and more! Looking ahead, we’re excited to focus on key legislative initiatives in the upcoming session while planning new events and outreach efforts to further strengthen our community connections. As always, stay connected with us for updates right here in this newsletter. District Office Updates We Moved! 🚚 We have a few updates to share with you: First, our district office has moved just down the road in Palatine to 1252 W Northwest Highway, across from the Buehler YMCA.  As usual, we are available 9am - 5pm in-person Monday - Thursday, and on Fridays we are available via email and phone.  Office Closed on Feb 12 & Feb 17 Our district office will be closed on Wednesday, February 12th, in observance of Lincoln’s Birthday and Monday, February 17th for President's Day. If you need to get in touch with our district office, please email info@repsyed.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Museum Pass Requests Open for 2025! 🦖 Our office has a museum pass that we can share with the 51st District. This pass allows for you and up to three guests to receive complimentary, general admission to the 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! Museum Pass Request Form Legislative Highlights 104th General Assembly Inauguration I was sworn into my second term for the 51st House District of Illinois! 🏛️ I am honored to continue to serve and represent the 51st District, and I remain committed to advocating for the needs and best interests of our community.  We accomplished a lot in the last two years, including expanding insurance coverage for molecular breast cancer imaging, holding utility companies accountable, and more. But we are far from finished. Let’s get to work! 💪 Additionally, our team had a great time down at the Capitol for the Lame Duck Session and Inauguration!  During the Lame Duck Session, we passed Karina’s Bill, a critical gun safety reform act aimed at strengthening the protection of orders and removing firearms from an abuser’s possession. This bill is named in memory of Karina Gonzalez, whose life, along with her daughter’s, was tragically cut short by an abuser. This legislation is a step forward to protect families and victims of domestic violence. It is bittersweet to share that our previous Chief of Staff, Megan (pictured in the middle seat), has transitioned onto bigger things! I want to take this opportunity to re-introduce Pooja (pictured in the right seat) as our District Director, Mudasser (pictured in the left seat) as our Constituent Services Director, and to introduce our newest office member Yoav as our Legislative Director! 104th General Assembly Committees I'm honored to be serving on the following six committees for the 104th General Assembly: ✔️ Vice Chair: Health Care Availability and Access  ✔️ Health & Human Services Appropriations ✔️ Child Care Access & Early Childhood ✔️ Gun Violence Prevention ✔️ Public Utilities  ✔️ Small Business, Tech Innovation.  Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by reviewing proposed legislation, hearing testimony, and making recommendations. They ensure that bills presented to the House and Senate are vetted and reflect the best interests of the people of Illinois. I am also excited to serve as the Vice Chair of the Health Care Availability and Access Committee. 🏛️ Upcoming Bills 🏛️ With the start of the session has come a flurry of bills being filed! In this newsletter I want to highlight some of the most impactful bills I’ve introduced so far. After countless conversations with residents at their doors and in our community meetings, I've focused on legislation that tackles the issues that affect our district most: healthcare costs, property tax relief, and protecting our local utilities. Transforming Healthcare Cost Oversight The first bill I want to tell you about is one I'm particularly passionate about - HB1443. When I spoke with community members in our district about their healthcare costs, one thing became crystal clear: we need better oversight of prescription drug prices. That's why I filed this bill to create a new Health Care Availability and Access Board that will fight to keep prescription costs fair and transparent. This isn't just another government board - I made sure it includes a stakeholder council so that real people, including patients and healthcare providers, have a seat at the table. Every decision about drug costs will be made in open session because you deserve to know exactly how these choices are made. We're also aligning with federal Medicare pricing to keep things consistent and fair. Expanding Property Tax Relief I've filed two bills to continue reducing the property tax burden in District 51. For seniors on fixed incomes, I filed HB1701 to help keep up with rising costs. As Social Security payments go up with inflation, some seniors have lost their property tax benefits. Under my bill, income limits will automatically adjust with Social Security cost of living adjustments, so our seniors can maintain their much-needed property tax relief. Last summer, I met a resident who shared how frustrating and onerous it was to repeatedly prove her disability status for her homestead exemption. That's why I've introduced HB1614. Once approved, people with a disability homestead exemption won't need repeated medical exams if nothing has changed.  Putting You in Control of Your Utilities Members of the district vividly remember the water disruptions from the summer of 2023. After what happened, I knew we needed stronger protections for our community. I've filed HB2533 to give community members a direct voice in decisions about our utility services. This bill requires a public vote before any private utility company can acquire our local services. And this is just the start! With the new session, I’m working every day to make sure the concerns and stories you have shared with me are heard and create meaningful change. Supporting Illinois Libraries I had a wonderful time attending the Illinois Library Association Legislative Breakfast! 📚 It was a great opportunity to connect with library professionals, advocates, and peer legislators to discuss key issues facing libraries in Illinois. I'm excited to continue supporting libraries through these important conversations! District Highlights ✨ Monthly Office Hours Our office has been enjoying hosting monthly office hours at the Palatine and Ela Public Libraries! Here are some highlights from the past few months, and we hope you’ll join us for our March office hours.  To stay up-to-date on upcoming office hours and other events, visit our website or follow us on social media—links are provided at the end of this newsletter! November 2024 office hours December 2024 office hours January 2025 office hours Student Engagement RELAUNCHING: Youth Advisory Council Exciting news! We are launching 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 will 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 from February - July at our District Office. There is no commitment needed; we understand that students have busy schedules. Our first YAC meeting is THIS MONTH on Monday, February 24th! At our first meeting we will also introduce 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 hope to see you there! 👋 Register for YAC District 214 AAPI Student Summit In more student news, I had an incredible time attending the 2nd Annual Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Student Summit! This year, the summit brought together more than 150 students from diverse backgrounds to share their unique experiences, build connections, and foster a supportive environment for meaningful conversations. It was inspiring to see so many passionate students coming together to discuss issues that matter to the AAPI community. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an empowering event!  If you are a student who is interested in fostering community with other civically engaged students and learning about State processes, we encourage you to join the Youth Advisory Council! Chamber of Commerce Events Thank you to the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce for organizing and inviting me as a panelist at their annual legislative luncheon late last year! 💸 I had the opportunity to engage with local business leaders, community members, and fellow legislators about key issues facing our local economy and how we can collaborate to support growth and a thriving community. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and working together to build a strong and thriving community Recognitions I am always deeply appreciative of receiving recognition from organizations that are at the forefront of their field. Their acknowledgment serves as a reminder that meaningful work is never done alone. I am grateful for the support and collaboration and look forward to continuing to work together to create a lasting impact. I am honored to receive the Friend of Agriculture Award from the Illinois Farm Bureau and a Certification of Recognition from the Illinois Association of Rehabilitative Facilities (IARF)! Friend of Agriculture Award: This recognition highlights the importance of supporting policies that strengthen our agricultural community and local economies.  I’m proud to be the adopted legislator for the Henry County Farm Bureau and to work in partnership with the Lake County Farm Bureau to support the hard work of Illinois farmers. 🚜 🧑‍🌾 Certification of Recognition: For sponsoring a bill to ensure children’s group home providers are adequately funded to successfully staff their services. I’m grateful for the work IARF does to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and investing in frontline staff that are doing incredible work in our communities. Community Updates and Resources Job Opportunities Partners for our Communities Application Brightpoint Application Student Opportunities Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship 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. Learn more here! 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! Learn more! Save the Date! Community Conversation Wellness Resource Fair and Healthy Kids Day 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. Vernon Township Boundary Learn more about OMNI Services CASA Advocate Volunteer opportunity Take the survey here CASA Advocate Volunteer opportunity Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County's mission is to advance foster care child advocacy for children in Cook County by ensuring that their needs are met and rights are protected; by transitioning out of foster care into permanent, safe, and loving homes as quickly as possible; and that youth aging out of foster care have the resources and support they need to live independently. CASA Advocates are volunteers who go through an extensive training process before being sworn in by the presiding judge and matched with appropriate cases. Visit casacookcounty.org/volunteer/ to learn more about CASA and the Advocate responsibilities. Learn more here Where do I find Community Events? 🗓️ While my monthly newsletter highlights a few community events, there's so much more happening! To stay updated on all the activities and events in our District, visit my social media pages (linked at the bottom of this page) and check out your local library and park district' websites. The 51st is home to two fantastic public libraries and park districts that offer year-round activities and events for everyone. For Palatine area residents, visit The Palatine Public Library calendar The Palatine Park District programming and events page For Ela Area residents, visit The Ela Area Public Library calendar The Village of Lake Zurich's Recreation Guide Have a little one? Check out the Early Childhood Developmental Enrichment Center's Summer Fun Calendar! State and Federal Updates and Resources 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. 💰 Illinois Power Agency Administers Two Solar Incentive Programs ☀️ 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. Illinois Solar for All Illinois Shines Learn which state solar incentive may be right for you An Update from the Secretary of State: Get Your Documents Notarized at Home! 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. Find an e-notary Become an e-notary   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 household’s total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for their county. See application for other requirements. Learn more here! 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! Sign up to join our grant listserv! Law Enforcement Camera Grant 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). Learn more and apply here   Nicor’s Pillar Grants 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.  DCEO Funding Opportunities 💰 The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a number of funding opportunities available! Business Attraction Prime Sites, Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 CDBG Economic Development Program, Rolling basis   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.    All available DCEO grants can be found here   State Services and Programs 📣 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. Visit the website to learn more and apply 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. The LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2024, to August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. Help Stop Hate! 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. ILStopHate.org 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 repnabeelasyed.org

State Representative Nabeela Syed | 1252 West Northwest Highway | Palatine, IL 60067 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice