|
$$PLAIN_TEXT_PREVIEW$$
|
Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, I hope everyone had a joyous Thanksgiving spent with loved ones. As the weather starts to get colder, I want to remind everyone of the Warming Centers throughout Will County. We have several throughout the district at Fire Stations, Rec Centers, and Government Buildings. To see the full list click here. It’s important we support our most vulnerable neighbors. Bolingbrook Snow Angels are also looking for volunteers to help elderly neighbors and those with disabilities shovel and salt their sidewalks and walkways. If you are interested in serving as a Snow Angel, click here. My office will be closed for the year starting December 22nd, as we have our annual End of Year Recap and Planning Meeting. We will remain closed through January 4th and will reopen with our normal hours Monday, January 5th. If you need to urgently reach us, text or leave a voicemail for my office at 815-372-0085. My team will be monitoring the phones. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season, State Representative Dagmara Avelar
Illinois House District 85
|
NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently-owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.” “DCEO has contracted with Chicago State University (CSU) and Western Illinois University (WIU) to provide technical assistance services for Illinois Grocery Initiative applicants and grantees.” (page 1-2 of NOFO). There is a matching component please read the NOFO.
Eligible Applicants: Grants will be limited to projects making energy-efficient investments in existing bricks[1]and-mortar operations in Illinois. This grant opportunity will be limited to independently-owned grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than 4 grocery stores. Grocery locations must be consistent with the following to be eligible: The store is or will be classified as a supermarket or other grocery retailer in the 2022 North American Industry Classification System under code 445110, a meat retailer under code 44524, a fruit and vegetable retailer under code 44523, or a fish and seafood retailer under 44525. The store cannot derive more than 30% of its revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales. The store must accept or will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefits. The store must contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in the community by selling fresh foods such as meats, fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 at 5pm or until funds are exhausted
|
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.
|
|
I attended a press conference to discuss the NITA Act (Northern Illinois Transit Authority) that passed at the end of Veto Session! We are transforming our transit system through governance restructuring and transit related funding. |
|
|
|
|
|
I hosted our quarterly Higher Education Sit Down with Senators Cappel and Ventura, and Representative Manley. We were joined by Lewis University, Joliet Junior College, and St. Francis University, where we discussed federal funding cuts, ways the state can alleviate pressure, and much more. |
|
|
|
I joined the Regional Office of Education for a Superintendent Breakfast with colleagues from the Senate. The superintendents compiled questions for us on EBF, mandates, and early childhood deserts. We had a very productive discussion with all the attendees. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
My team and I co-hosted a Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event with Senator Cappel, Representative Manley, Joliet Junior College, and the Village of Romeoville! It was a chilly day, but over 100 people were able to safely dispose of their hazardous chemicals. |
|
|
|
|
I attended the annual Romeoville Veterans Breakfast, where I spoke about various pieces of legislation the state has passed to help veterans, while also acknowledging there’s more to do to support our heroes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
I joined the Medicaid Working Group for a tour of the Hartgrove Behavioral Hospital. We discussed the work Hartgrove does and the challenges they deal with. |
|
|
|
|
Briana attended the Continuum of Care Annual Meeting to learn about the state of homelessness in Will, Grundy, and Kendall counties. Homelessness is trending in a positive direction, proving that this is a solvable problem with adequate resources! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
I co-hosted a Human Services Roundtable with Representative LaPointe and Illinois Partners for Human Service to discuss how the state can support human service employees and all the critical work they do. |
|
|
|
|
My office hosted our first ever Veterans Breakfast. We were joined by County Executive Bertino Tarrant and Congresswoman Underwood, who each spoke about resources available to veterans. We were humbled to host a space to honor our veterans. |
|
|
|
|
|
I attended the NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials) State Policy Summit, where I spoke on a panel on Prescription Drug Prices. We discussed state regulation, some of which is being considered or has passed in Illinois - including regulations on the 340B program and Prescription Drug Affordability Boards. |
|
|
|
|
While I was at NALEO, Briana attended the Romeoville Tree Lighting Celebration! This kicks off the Village’s holiday lights display, which you can see every night from now until January 1st! There are over 60 lights to look at and take pictures with. |
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
|
|
The Romeoville Festival of Lights continues December 5th and 6th with a Holiday Market, Holiday Train Rides, a Ferris Wheel, and so much more!
|
|
The Bolingbrook Festival of Lights Winter Walk is back with a new Mistletoe Market! Check out an array of activities December 6-7 and 13-14!
|
|
Santa’s Elf helpers have set up special Green Reindeer Express Mailboxes around Lockport so children can send their letters straight to the North Pole! Santa will personally write back to every child who includes a self-addressed stamped envelope with their letter. Don’t miss this magical opportunity to share your Christmas wishes!
|
|
You can now add your Illinois ID to your Apple Wallet! For more information and an instructional video visit: ilsos.gov/mobile.
|
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. ComEd Relief FundComEd has announced a $10 million Customer Relief Fund for income-qualified customers starting July 7. For more information visit their website here. Additional resources can be found through the Citizens Utility Board. 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. Know Your Rights InformationWe have seen an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in and around the 85th District. It is important to know that everyone has rights when dealing with ICE and law enforcement. You have the right to remain silent, not answer questions, and not sign any documents You have the right to ask to speak to an attorney You have the right to clearly state if you are afraid to go back to your country of origin You have the right to ask to speak with the consulate from your country of citizenship
If you need assistance due to ICE detention or to report any suspected ICE sightings, call the Illinois Family Support Network Hotline at 855-435-7693. To view various Know Your Rights documents, click here. I will continue to share updates via social media. 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.
|
|
|
|
