|
$$PLAIN_TEXT_PREVIEW$$
|
Para español, haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors,Last month I joined Bolingbrook residents and other Illinois American Water customers to urge to ICC to deny a water rate increase. Residents are already struggling with soaring costs of living, and water is a necessity. You can watch my full remarks here. If you are an Illinois American Water customer, you can give comment on the proposed rate increase by filling out this form. I encourage all residents to make their voices heard. Veto Session: The Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield for legislative session November 17-19 and December 1-3. Halloween/Fall: Keep reading to learn more about all the great family friendly events in the 85th District this season! Warmly, Dagmara Avelar
State Representative, 85th District
|
Summer Highlights:Summer was a busy time in the 85th District! Check out a few of our highlights:
|
|
As a member of the House Transportation: Roads and Regulation Committee, I joined IDOT for a tour of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE). The CREATE program brings together multiple levels of government and Class I freight railroads to fund, design, and construct solutions to complicated bottlenecks in the rail system. |
|
|
I had the opportunity to meet with Chicago Women in Trades, which advocate for equity in the construction trades for women and minorities. Their programs have helped thousands of people enter into trade apprenticeships! |
|
|
|
|
I joined a few of my colleagues for a tour of the Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois' Naperville counseling office and an honest conversation with providers about the mental health needs of youth and families. |
|
|
I was so honored to join Lockport Township High School for their Central Campus Top Off, where the construction team for the roof replacement placed the last brick! I was thrilled to support this project with state funding, showing how important it is for all levels of government to work together to support our students |
|
|
|
|
I had a great time at the Filipino Friendship Society Cotillion, a beautiful Filipino tradition celebrating grace, culture, and the transition into young adulthood! |
|
|
I had the opportunity to tour the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District facilities to learn more about the work they do to protect and improve the region's water environment. We saw the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, which is one of the world's largest water reclamation facilities and treats up to 1.4 billion gallons of water per day. |
|
|
|
|
I was honored to join Lewis University's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on the 25th anniversary to pay tribute to the victims who lost their lives, and honor the brave men and women who sprung into action to serve their community. May we reflect on our world 25 years after 9/11 and remember that we are stronger when we stand united. |
|
|
I met with DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference at Bolingbrook Golf Club recapping the Spring Session, what we might tackle during this fall's Veto Session, and the DMMC priorities. |
|
|
|
|
I spoke to Joliet Township Violence Prevention Grant recipients about the importance of regional coordination to stop violence in our communities. Successful, safe, and thriving communities take all of us — all levels of government, non-profit organizations, businesses, and each other — to do the work |
|
|
Wilco Area Career Center is celebrating 50 years educating Will County students this year! I was happy to join them at their open house, where they had delicious food and tours of their classrooms! |
|
|
|
|
I had the opportunity to tour the Joliet ComEd Command Center to learn more about their emergency preparedness procedures and how they handle bad weather. We got to see their arena where they track outages and their mobile command center that can operate fully remote when large areas are out of power. |
|
|
Bridges to a New Day opened their Romeoville location just outside of the district. I was excited to join them for their ribbon cutting to highlight their no/low cost mental health services that benefit all of Will County. Congratulations on your new location! |
|
|
|
|
My team and I joined two community Hispanic Heritage Celebrations - one in Romeoville and one hosted by Lockport Township. Both were beautiful events with great food and fun entertainment. |
|
|
My office hosted our annual Mobile DMV, where we brought DMV services to Fountaindale Library! We helped people get their Real IDs, license plate stickers, update their addresses, and more. Stay tuned for a date for our 2027 event! |
|
|
|
|
I was honored with the Hunger Action Leader Award by the Greater Chicago Food Depository for my work in addressing the growing hunger crisis. This year, I sponsored legislation to create a one-time relief program for families who lost SNAP benefits due to federal requirements. |
|
|
Upcoming Community Events:
|
Bolingbrook:Bolingbrook Park District Trunk or Treat: October 16th, 5:30-8pm at the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Center, 200 Lindsey Ln. Bolingbrook Non-profit Coalition Trunk or Treat: October 30th, 5-8pm at the Town Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Trick or Treating Hours: October 31st, 3-8pm
Crest Hill: Lockport:Lockport Township Trunk or Treat: October 15th 5:30-7:30pm at the Lockport Township Government Building, 1463 S Farrell Rd. Trick or Treating Hours: October 31st, 4-7pm
Naperville:Naperville Park District Halloween Happening: October 25th, 1-4pm at the Riverwalk Park, 912 Sindt Ct. Trick or Treating Hours: Before nightfall
Romeoville:Halloween Fest and Trunk or Treat: October 16th, 4:30-8pm at the Village Hall, 1050 W. Romeo Rd. White Oak Library Trunk or Treat: October 22nd, 4:30-7:30pm Trick or Treating Hours: October 31st, 4-7pm
Woodridge:Trunk or Treat: October 17th, 12-2pm at the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Dr. Trick or Treating Hours: TBA
|
|
Romeoville announced a new Small Business Grant Program: Under this new program, a business may receive a grant of up to $5,000 towards eligible business startup costs, planning expenses, operating expenses, equipment and inventory costs, and other like expenses. The program also provides waivers for business license fees, inspection fees, and building permit fees for buildouts. To be eligible for the grant, a business must have a physical location in a commercial building in Romeoville, generating no more than a million dollars in annual revenue, and have five or less employees. The grant is available for established home based, shared space, or new businesses that are looking to make the jump to a brick and mortar space of their own and meet the above criteria. To apply, email Josh Potter at jpotter@romeoville.org. Illinois EPA Electric Vehicle Rebate ProgramElectric Vehicle Rebate Program application cycle will run from August 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Full details, updated forms, and instructions can be found on the Illinois EPA’s EV Rebate Program webpage. A few key reminders: • Applications must be submitted during the open cycle and within 180 days of vehicle purchase.
• Illinois EPA will not accept applications postmarked before August 1 or after December 31.
• Eligible vehicles must have a selling price of $80,000 or less.
• Rebate amounts remain $2,000 for eligible EVs and $4,000 for eligible low‑income applicants.
• The General Assembly appropriated $14 million for FY27.
|
Food Pantries Serving the 85th District:
|
|
|
|
