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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, I hope everyone had a joyful holiday season! The House returned to Springfield for our 2026 Spring Session at the end of January. I have been working on introducing new legislation, and meeting with stakeholders to further legislation from 2025. Our deadline to introduce bills is February 6th. Be sure to follow my social media as I highlight the bills I am carrying this year: @repdagmara on Instagram and Facebook. You can also view my legislation here. The Governor will be giving his Budget Address and State of the State on February 18th, where he will present his proposed FY27 budget to the General Assembly. This begins the process of budget negotiations between the Senate, House, and Governor’s Office. I would love to hear what you believe is the top priority for our state budget. Please reach out to my office at info@repdagmara.org to give your feedback. Warmly, State Representative Dagmara Avelar
Illinois House District 85
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention, improve re-entry and diversion services for people involved with the criminal justice system, provide access to legal representation and advice, encourage investment and economic growth, and support programs that improve the social determinants of health.” Open to organizations who provide services in R3 designated areas.
Eligible Applicants: Organizations in R3 designated areas Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 at 2:00pm Program Details: Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention, improve re-entry and diversion services for people involved with the criminal justice system, provide access to legal representation and advice, encourage investment and economic growth, and support programs that improve the social determinants of health.” Open to organizations who provide services in R3 designated areas.
Eligible Applicants: Organizations in R3 designated areas Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 at 2:00pm Program Details: Celebrate a small business in your community. Nominate a small business who has shown courage, perseverance and integrity.
Eligible Applicants: Open nationwide to entities (for profit business or nonprofit – 501(c)3) who have been established for at least one year. Application Deadline: February 14, 2026 at 10:59pm Program Details: Through this program, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres look to reach audiences that have otherwise been unable to access the richness of cultural offerings throughout the ComEd service area.
Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are nonprofit arts and cultural institutions that are located within ComEd’s service territory and must be in good standing with ComEd related to provision of utilities. Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 at 5:00pm
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OUT & ABOUT IN DECEMBER & JANUARYIf 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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Briana attended the Will County Center for Economic Development’s Annual Breakfast, where they recapped 2025. Will County continues to be a powerhouse in Illinois, leading the state in job and population growth. We have some work to do around multi-family housing, but the County is in great shape! |
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I spoke to the Romeoville High School Environmental Club, which was founded by one of my former interns, after a research project he did while interning! During the meeting, we had such meaningful conversations about data centers, nuclear energy, and how the environment affects housing and insurance prices. I always enjoy talking to students and it’s incredible to see students passionate and involved in matters that affect their future. |
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I attended the bill signing of HB1312, a groundbreaking piece of immigration legislation. HB1312 advances key pillars of the SALT platform: Safety and Action for Liberation Together, reflecting years of community advocacy. I’m proud that this law includes safety provisions ensuring that immigrants can seek justice without fear of ICE intimidation. I also served as one of the lead negotiators on the health care sanctity and privacy component, protecting patients inside hospitals and clinics from unlawful targeting. |
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I was also honored to join Governor Pritzker, advocates, and colleagues for the Transit Reform bill signing! SB2111 is a big win for out region. The new law stabilizes transit funding, prevents service cuts to PACE, Metra, and CTA, protects ADA paratransit, and invests in better, more connected service for communities like Will County. We’re already seeing results, with Pace expanding bus routes and more improvements coming soon. |
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I was ecstatic to welcome Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs to Bolingbrook in order to present a check to 4 KIDS SAKE. This money came from unclaimed property, and was part of over $100,000 going to food pantries throughout Illinois. 4 KIDS SAKE does incredible work in the community, serving over 10,000 families in 2025 alone. |
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We were able to give out 175 turkey and hams at our 2nd Annual Holiday Turkey Giveaway! We collaborated with Meridian, the Village of Romeoville, Representative Manley, and Senators Cappel and Ventura to bring this great event to Romeoville residents! |
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I started January with a legislative breakfast hosted by the Village of Romeoville. Department Heads were present to give us an update on their department and we discussed upcoming legislation! |
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I joined Governor Pritzker, members of the General Assembly, and advocates at Joliet Junior College for the signing of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act! The increased power demands of a growing high-tech economy are driving home energy costs higher and higher. ComEd customers are paying an average of $10.60 more per month and Ameren customers are paying up to $46 more per month. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act puts Illinois on a better path by bringing down home energy bills both short-term and in the long term. |
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I welcomed colleagues from the House to the 85th District with a tour of Southern Glazers, located in Bolingbrook. Southern Glazers employs over 950 people in Illinois and is the distributor for over 5,000 brands. Their Bolingbrook location, which is in the 85th District, is 425,000 square feet and ships over 10 million cases annually! |
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I attended the Big I DuPage Legislative Breakfast to hear from the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois on their legislative priorities. |
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I spent this Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the community at FOCUOS’s MLK Celebration. It was a beautiful way to respect and remember Dr. King; each FOCUOS student and community member shared what they have a dream of. |
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I was honored to join Lockport Township High School for their annual Veterans Night! Despite the freezing weather, many people came out to this special evening where we honored over 100 veterans from the community. We were even joined by several World War II Veterans. |
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I was so happy to join Senator Cappel and Representative Manley's Office at Joliet Junior College to donate food to their pantry! We've been collecting donated food throughout our districts, and we were thrilled to bring it to JJC for their students. If you would like to donate to our ongoing food collection there are boxes at Fountaindale Library, White Oak Romeoville and Lockport, and Romeoville Village Hall in the 85th District. You can also visit the JJC pantries wishlist here. |
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I hosted our first ever Healthcare Sitdown to bring together legislators and healthcare stakeholders to discuss what they’re seeing on the ground, talk about issues they’re facing, and highlight upcoming legislation. We were joined by Senators Cappel and Ventura and staff from Representatives Manley and Yang Rohr. I’m looking forward to future sit downs. |
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I attended the Joliet Junior College State of the College where Dr. Namuo discussed the future of the college! JJC is one of the most affordable community colleges in the state and has seen a drastic increase in number of graduates and certifications received. |
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I welcomed members of HACIA (Hispanic American Construction Industry Association) to my district office for a meeting to discuss how the state can better bridge the gap for minority and women owned construction businesses to get state contracts. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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New Scholarship Opportunity The Illinois Retail Merchants Association recently launched the Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge, which encourages high school seniors to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges facing the retail sector, with teams competing for scholarships of up to $60,000. Supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the contest is designed to spark innovation, engage students, and strengthen the retail industry. The scholarship challenge is open to all Illinois high school seniors, and the application deadline is March 30, 2026. Additional details can be found at www.irma.org.
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Township Officials of Illinois 2026 Scholarship Each year, since 1989, the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund awards funds to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities. A total of $403,500 has been awarded to 236 students. Any questions may be directed to TOI at 217-744-2212 or teresa@toi.org. Please mail or email your completed application to debbie@toi.org, postmarked no later than March 2, 2026 to: Township Officials of Illinois Attn: Scholarship Committee 3217 Northfield Drive Springfield, IL 62702
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You can now add your Illinois ID to your Apple Wallet! For more information and an instructional video visit: ilsos.gov/mobile.
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Starting February 1, 2026, new federal work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will take effect. Individuals who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period, with some individuals potentially losing benefits as early as May 1, 2026. SNAP customers can check whether they are subject to work requirements, meeting them, or may qualify for an exemption by using the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener.
Previously, ABAWDs were defined as adults ages 18–54 without dependent children under 18 and without a disability. Under the new federal guidelines, work requirements will also apply to: Veterans Individuals aged 55–64 with no disabilities People experiencing homelessness ABAWDs with children aged 14 or older living at home
Although these changes were originally scheduled to begin December 1, 2025, a court order delayed implementation until February 1, 2026. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has sent initial notices and exemption forms to all current and new ABAWDs affected by these changes. At this time, IDHS is not implementing federal changes to SNAP eligibility for noncitizens included in the federal budget bill and will continue to provide updates as federal guidance and litigation progress. Ongoing updates are available at snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.
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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. 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 Pantries
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