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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, On May 31st, we officially concluded the 2025 Spring Legislative Session. Despite a challenging fiscal landscape and increasing uncertainty at the federal level, I’m proud to share that the General Assembly passed our seventh consecutive balanced budget. This budget is both fiscally responsible and socially grounded in our values. This year’s budget was not easy. With the erratic leadership at the federal level and his allies threatening our economy and jeopardizing essential federal support, Illinois had to make difficult but deliberate choices. We reduced the cost of government by over $380 million, cutting inefficiencies, protecting services, and preserving funding for the programs that matter most: education, community safety, and local economic development. We also took proactive steps to prepare for an unpredictable future by creating the BRIDGE Fund, a $150 million emergency reserve to ensure Illinois can weather unexpected shortfalls without sacrificing critical services. In healthcare, where the Trump agenda poses the greatest threat, we doubled down on our support. This budget goes above and beyond to protect frontline healthcare providers, with targeted investments in safety net hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and free and charitable clinics. We also secured long-overdue wage increases for direct service professionals and Community Care Program workers. This was a hard budget indeed, and I will be the first to acknowledge that there are gaps that we must address towards affordable and accessible healthcare. See my remarks on the budget from the floor here. Beyond the budget, I’m proud to have passed five bills through both chambers - now awaiting the Governor’s signature: HB3637: Expands protections for healthcare professionals and safeguards access to abortion care in Illinois. HB1699: Tackles the critical shortage of water and wastewater operators by making the career pathway more accessible. HB3467: Modernizes our state's banking laws to ensure consistency across financial institutions. HB3566: Prevents minors from being named in an eviction suit. SB2487: Improves efficiency in civil rights investigations at the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Additionally, my proposal to allow the Joliet Port Authority to participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) was included in the pensions omnibus bill, securing retirement stability for local public employees. While I’m proud of the work we accomplished, I know the fight for equity, dignity, and opportunity is far from over. As we head into summer, I’ll be spending time in the 85th District to hear from you directly. If you have questions about legislation, the budget, or future policy priorities, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at info@repdagmara.org or 815-372-0085. Thank you for the honor of serving you. I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming community events. Warmly, State Representative Dagmara Avelar
Illinois House District 85
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: The Clean Energy Career Pathway Program will provide funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences, and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on clean energy. To ensure equitable pathways for students, this funding opportunity seeks qualified, elig ible entities working with secondary school students in partnership with Local Workforce Innovation Areas and institutions of higher education. This program will recruit students into clean energy fields (with a priority for EV occupations) and create pathways encompassing technical and employability skills with dual credit options
Eligible Applicants: Eligible entities for this NOFO are defined as Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); state institutions of higher education; schools designated as laboratory schools, public university laboratory schools approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE); area vocational centers; charter schools; cooperatives and other joint agreements with a governing body or board of control; schools operated by an ROE, ISC, or state agency; and school districts eligible applicants include, but are not limited to industry associations, Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations; or Indian tribes or tribal organizations (as defined in the federal Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act). Entities that are approved shall be responsible for ensuring that they have facilities available and educators who are appropriately trained on use of any technologies or devices acquired for the purposes of the grant. Collaborative applications will be accepted. Eligible Applicants must partner with a Community College, a Local Workforce Innovation Area, and employers to pilot clean the energy pathway programs Application Deadline: June 30 at 5:00pm Program Details: The National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) offers two-year unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year, with an average grant size of $20,000 per year, to small (budgets under $350,000), constituent-led grassroots organizations throughout the United States and its territories.” Organizations must be a nonprofit, 501(c)3 or have a fiscal sponsor.
Eligible Applicants: Have an annual operating budget under $350,000 Use grassroots, collective-action organizing campaigns as the primary strategy for creating social change Be a non-profit with 501(c)3 status, or have a fiscal agent with this status Be U.S.-based and exclusively U.S.-focused
Program Details: Affirm Cares funds 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations who seek to make a positive impact in one or more of our core three pillars; financial literacy & inclusion, technology education & training, and vibrant communities. Deadline: Rolling until funds are exhausted Program Details: “…business grants to 37 salon and barbershop business owners who have demonstrated financial hardship. These grants are designed to empower licensed entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and thrive. In addition to financial assistance, these grants are designed to provide access to critical business development tools, mentorship and resources provided by The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). The top 40% of non-selected finalists will receive extended support including group coaching and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification resources.” Open nationwide to qualifying businesses. Deadline: June 13, 2025
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OUT AND ABOUTIf you would like to invite me to an event, meeting, or tour of your facility, please reach out to my office at info@repdagmara.org.
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I joined Representative Natalie Manley for a Coffee & Conversations at the Ovation Center. We had a great time talking to constituents about legislation and other issues in the community. |
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I attended the FOCUOS Gala where I was honored to receive their Elizabeth Campbell Community Award. Other community members were presented awards, where we all formed a giant circle around the room to show that it takes a large community to do the important work of helping children reach their full potential. |
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My team, Representative Harry Benton, and Seth from Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office teamed up for the annual Special Olympics Plane Pull! We won first place in the open division and helped raise over $40,000 for Special Olympics. |
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My office hosted a Senior Fraud Seminar with the Attorney General’s office at Carillon! A packed room was able to learn about common scams and how to avoid them. |
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I joined a panel on healing from mass incarceration for Latino Unity Day. This panel was moderated by staff from the Lt. Governor’s office and featured other elected officials and organizers in the justice reform space. It was a beautiful panel talking about ways to move away from mass incarceration policies. |
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My team and I attended the Lockport Township Community Fun Day where we were able to connect with constituents and watch a magic show! |
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Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Representative Natalie Manley, and I teamed up to host another Senior Fraud Seminar this time at the White Oak Library. It’s important for seniors to recognize the signs of being scammed before it happens. |
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I attended the ribbon cutting of the new Lockport Township Park District Challenge Fitness facility! The new facility features steam rooms, a hot tub, pickle ball courts, and much more! Check it out if you’re able to! |
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Briana attended the White Oak Library District’s Job & Trade Fair to talk about finding and applying for jobs with the State of Illinois. It was a great turnout, with over 40 organizations and 150+ attendees! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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Have a legal question you want/need to ask an attorney? Not sure who to call or where to go? Short on cash to pay for legal advice? You are in luck! Join Lawyers in the Library on June 10th from 6-8pm at Fountaindale Library. More information on Lawyers in the Library can be found here.
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Submit your questions here for Representative Avelar’s Fireside Chats!
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Are you in the market for a new home? Call the Will County Center for Community Concerns to see if you qualify for our Down Payment Assistance Program. Click the link below to learn more about the services offered by WCCCC! https://wcccc.net Will County Center for Community Concerns 2455 Glenwood Avenue Joliet, IL 60435 Ph: (815) 722-0722
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Save Money and Energy at Home! ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas have partnered to help single family homeowners and renters save money and energy through the Home Energy Savings offering, while also promoting sustainability. This program offers free home assessments, free and discounted energy-saving products, tips and resources tailored to your individual needs. The Home Energy Savings program offers: FREE virtual, in-person, or self-assessments to identify energy-saving opportunities. Ready-to-use products like LEDs, showerheads, faucet aerators and pipe insulation. Products such as smart thermostats, and advanced power-strips are free to income eligible customers. Free deeper home improvements like attic and wall insulation, and even equipment upgrades (e.g. A/C, boiler, furnace, hot water heater) for income qualifying customers. Free improvements to increase air quality and home comfort. Customized educational resources and referrals for further support
Get started with your free energy assessment here or by calling 855-660-9378. Renew Your Medicaid!Got Medicaid? Get ready to renew! Manage your case at abe.illinois.gov. Illinois is checking to see if you are still eligible for Medicaid. Here's what you need to do now: Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov to: Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away. If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, connect to coverage at work or through the official Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace for Illinois, GetCoveredIllinois.gov. 211 Help LineI encourage people to take advantage of the 211 line and website. 211 is powered by real people — trained specialists who work to identify and address the root causes of a client’s problem. That means from the first hello, someone in crisis is reaching a real person who can provide a connection to help. Get help with food, clothing, shelter, housing, rent/utility assistance, counseling, substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, transportation, support groups, senior services, aging parents, child care, employment, legal assistance, and health care.Text 898211 for help. Food PantriesSmartBuy Program is Back!SmartBuy is helping eligible home buyers pay off up to $40,000 in student loans plus $5,000 in assistance towards down payment and closing costs while buying a home! To learn more about this program, click here.
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