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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, Happy Spring! We’ve been busy in Springfield working to get bills out of committee and onto the House floor. You can see some of the pieces of legislation I’m working on below. We have a deadline coming up in early April to get bills passed out of the House and into the Senate, so if there is any piece of legislation you have a question on or would like to voice your opinion on, please reach out to my office to make your voice heard. Keep reading to hear more about some great events coming up in the community, grant opportunities, and more! Sincerely,
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram 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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Avelar Bills Prioritizing Healthcare Voted to House Floor Highlight: These bills reflect the importance of people-first policy and how when we prioritize our community's needs, impact is felt statewide” said Avelar. “Protecting our most vulnerable is always top of mind and when we care for those who need it most, communities are safer, healthier, and thrive. |
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State Rep. Dagmara Avelar to Lead Effort to Secure Retirement Benefits for Public Workers Highlight: “Decisions regarding state retirement benefits need to be made deliberately, with everyone at the table. We need to consider our state and our communities’ ability to recruit and retain top-notch public safety workers, teachers, and skilled workers. We also need to understand the cost, so we know the promises we make can be kept,” said Avelar. |
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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 attended the Will County Breakfast with the Board to meet with new and old county board members and learn about their legislative priorities. It’s important for all levels of government to work together to serve the community. |
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The new Secretary of Transportation, Secretary Gia Biagi, came to Romeoville and met with myself, Representative Manley, and Mayor Noak. She listened to our district and community priorities and discussed how she can best serve in her role! |
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Briana attend the Bolingbrook State of the Village, where the village celebrated its 60th Birthday! Mayor Basta laid out her 2025 vision and shared the successes from 2024! |
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My team and I attended the Lockport Township Park District’s Black History Month event in Fairmont! It was such a great event featuring local organizations, soul food, African Culture entertainment, and trivia! |
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I had such a great time at the 41st Annual Chinese New Year Party, hosted by the Taipei Economic Cultural Office! We got to enjoy musical acts, martial arts performances, and more! |
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My team attended the County Executive’s Kids Fair where families could spend Presidents Day learning about community organizations, meeting Bluey, getting hair cuts, and even taking pictures with President Lincoln! |
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I joined Senator Cappel at the Valley View School District Family Symposium where we gave a presentation about the importance of government and getting involved. We want to make sure families know they can contact our offices for constituent services, voice their opinions, and attend events. |
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I got to visit with BJ Ward Parent Mentors to celebrate 50 years of the Parent Mentor Program! Parent Mentors are vital in our schools, as they help teachers and students with small group activities and assist with community building. |
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I participated in the Brooks Middle School World Read Aloud Day from my office in Springfield! I had a great time reading an excerpt of Tumble by Celia Perez - a book about 12 year old Addie wrestling with big life changes. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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Join the White Oak Library - Romeoville Branch at their annual STEM Fest on April 12th! Learn more here.
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STEAM Family Fun Day – Where Curiosity Meets Fun! 🚀 Get ready for an action-packed day of hands-on STEAM adventures the whole family will love! Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) through interactive stations, exciting experiments, and creative challenges!
🎶 Live DJ | 🍔 Delicious Food | 🎭 Special Guest Appearances
Parents, join our Parent Power Hour for insightful talks while kids unleash their creativity through fun, educational activities! Don’t miss this epic day of discovery, learning, and laughter! Space is limited—register now!
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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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