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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, We have been busy back in Springfield introducing legislation, hearing the Governor’s State of the State and budget proposal, and urging Congress to take a humane approach to immigration reform, fund the governments vital programs, and uphold workplace protections. I sponsored House Resolution 115, which calls on the President to stop the unconstitutional actions of attempting to repeal the 14th amendment. It also calls on Congress to prioritize comprehensive immigration reform and pathways to citizenship. You can view my full remarks here. I have also introduced 23 pieces of legislation, which you can view here. As the session goes on, I will highlight pieces of legislation that are moving through committees and the House floor in my newsletters and on social media. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any legislation, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. Sincerely,
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PROPOSED FY26 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: “The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to establish high-impact apprenticeship intermediaries focused on expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs throughout the State of Illinois.”
Eligible Applicants: Existing startup incubators that opened before March 1, 2020 and are currently still in business Further defined: non-profit organizations, including accredited public colleges or universities that meet criteria Note: All applicants must be prequalified to apply (register with sam.gov, GATA, etc.)
Application Deadline: March 17, 2025 at 5:00pm Program Details: “…to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) or very small businesses (VSBs)1 to support small business capital improvement projects. This program will offer small business grants across the state to help eligible businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs.”
Eligible Applicants: “Businesses owned by Socially Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) with a maximum of 25 full-time permanent employees Very Small Businesses (VSBs), businesses with less than 10 employees” Note: All applicants must be prequalified to apply (register with sam.gov, GATA, etc.)
Application Deadline: April 7, 2025 at 5:00pm Program Details: “The Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program will empower and equip individuals and communities with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to use the internet to fully participate in Illinois’ modern society and economy.”
Eligible Applicants: A political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a State, including an agency of a State that is responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities, or for providing public housing, in the State. An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization. A foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is: a. a not-for-profit entity; and b. not a school. A community anchor institution, meaning a public school, a public or multi-family housing authority, a library, a medical or healthcare provider, a community college or other institution of higher education, a State or Territory library agency, and any other nonprofit or governmental community support organization. A local educational agency. An entity that carries out a workforce development program. A partnership between any of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (6). A partnership between[1]a. an entity described in any of paragraphs (1) through (6); and b. an entity that the Assistant Secretary, by rule, determines to be in the public interest; and is not a school.
Application Deadline: May 8 at 5:00pm
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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 was honored to be inaugurated for my 3rd term as the State Representative for the 85th District! I’m looking forward to another 2 years of representing my constituents. |
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Briana attended the quarterly Superintendent Sit Down hosted by Senator Loughran Cappel. It’s a great opportunity to discuss concerns and celebrate successes our schools have. |
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I attended a tour of Tierra Distilling with other legislators. We got to see their impressive operation and discuss legislation. |
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I had the opportunity to tour the University of Chicago Crime Lab. We discussed their Community Safety Leadership Academies, which deliver evidence based, culturally sensitive, violence reduction training. |
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The Village of Bolingbrook hosted a meet and greet with ESPN 1000 Chicago host Peggy Kusinski. It was a great event full of business professionals learning all about Bolingbrook’s vibrant opportunities. |
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I attended the quarterly Police Chief Sit Down hosted by Senator Loughran Cappel. We discussed their legislative priorities and local initiatives. |
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I had the great opportunity to present at the Illinois Association of Park District’s PechaKucha is a slideshow of 20 images, which each auto advance after 20 seconds. It’s non-stop story telling for 400 seconds. This unique format was created in Japan - PechaKucha is Japanese for chit chat! |
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The Alliance for Civic Engagement hosted their 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Brunch. It was a beautiful event that brought people together to honor community leaders. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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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. Warming CentersThere are several warming centers throughout the 85th District and surrounding areas. To see a complete list of Will County Warming Centers click here. Bolingbrook Fire Station #4 - 111 W Boughton Rd. (call ahead: 630-226-8504) Bolingbrook Fire Station #5 - 1900 Rodeo Dr. (call ahead: 630-226-8505) Lockport Township Building - 1463 S Farrell Rd. (M-F 9am-4pm) Lockport Central Square Building - 222 E. 9th St. (M-F 8am-4pm) Lockport Police Department - 1212 Farrell Rd. (M-F 8am-5pm; after 5pm call: 815-838-2131) Romeoville Fire Station #3 - 698 N Birch Ln. (If nobody answers the door, pick up the ringdown phone. If nobody answers the phone, call the Romeoville Police Department at 815-886-7219.) Romeoville Recreation Center - 900 W Romeo Rd. (M-F 9am-9pm, Sa-Su 8am-7pm). White Oak Library, Romeoville Branch - 201 W Normantown Rd. (M-TH 10am-8:30pm, F-SA 10am-5pm, SU 1-5pm)
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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