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Dear Neighbors,I hope everyone had a great summer, and took advantage of the many wonderful events hosted in and around the 85th District! I wanted to remind people that the FRESH Program began in July, which provides one time SNAP assistance to households whose benefits were reduced or stopped because of the new federal requirements. Illinois Department of Human Services will mail out a Client Notice each month for eligible households. For more information, click here. The Governor has signed all 5 of my bills from this session into law, wrapping up the spring session for this General Assembly. This year I continued my focus on healthcare accessibility, environmental concerns, and state grant making regulations: HB4340- Improves the state’s grant making process to respond to concerns about delayed grant agreements, billing, and payments HB5317- Gives local communities tools and funding to clean up abandoned underground storage tanks and protect our environment HB5390- Streamlines the process to apply for financial assistance at hospitals to ensure greater accessibility SB3341- Clarifies Illinois law on minors’ consent to contraception and aligns it with existing Illinois treatment of related sensitive care SB3774- Clears up confusion around chronic absenteeism, ensuring students aren’t expelled for non-attendance
The Illinois Commerce Commission will be hosting another public hearing on the proposed rate increase for Illinois American Water. My office has been hosting bipartisan conversations with legislators who have seen this affect their communities and are very concerned about the hikes. I encourage those impacted by the proposed increase to attend the hearing. Wednesday, September 16, 2026 7:00-9:00pm Bolingbrook Community Center- 201 Canterbury Ln, Bolingbrook
Veto Session: The Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield for legislative session November 17-19 and December 1-3. Warmly, Dagmara Avelar
State Representative, 85th District
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Rep. Avelar discusses water cybersecurity:I introduced HB3576, legislation to protect our municipality water supply from cybersecurity attacks. With recent water cybersecurity attacks in other states, this legislation is more important than ever.
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Summer Highlights:Summer was a busy time in the 85th District! Check out a few of our highlights:
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I hosted two Back to School Fairs in the 85th District this summer: one at the Annerino Center with Valley View School District and the other at Fairmont School. Between both events we saw over 1,000 people and handed out hundreds of backpacks full of supplies! |
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This summer, I met with organizations in Will County that were awarded R3 grants this cycle. I’m thrilled we had 5 organizations in Will County and 2 based in the 85th District that received funding to do critical youth programming and reentry work. |
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I participated in two end of session town halls to update the community on legislation that was passed during the General Assembly’s spring session. We talked about data centers, education funding, health care, and so much more! |
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I joined Representative Manley and her staff on a tour of the Daybreak and MorningStar Mission shelters in Joliet to learn about the critical work these organizations do in our communities. |
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I attended Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place event, where community organizations came together to discuss how we can all work together to best serve our seniors and help them age with dignity. |
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I attended the National Wheelchair Softball Association Junior World Series Wheelchair Softball Tournament hosted in the 85th District! The Village of Romeoville partnered with the Northern Will County Special Recreation Association, and the State of Illinois, to fund, build, and maintain a one-of-a-kind adaptive field that is accessible to all. |
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I joined the Bolingbrook Park District and Mayor Basta for the new Functional Fitness Zone ribbon cutting! The opening of this new center at Lifestyles also marks the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Center’s 30th anniversary. |
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The Will County Health Department hosted a Stakeholder Appreciation Day, where I joined Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, and Will County Health Department staff in thanking stakeholders for all they do to serve our vulnerable communities. |
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Upcoming Community Events:
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Parents, Nursing Students & Community Members: LTHS D205 Needs Your Help! They are looking for 200 adult volunteers to support their Young Hearts for Life event on September 10! Your time is greatly appreciated to help save a heart. For more information, visit https://www.lths.org/page/young-hearts-for-life
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The Governor issued a state disaster proclamation following the severe storms in July and August. Will County has been included in the proclamation, and Will County Emergency Management is assessing storm damages throughout the county. There are some resources: July 27 Storm – Low-Interest Disaster Loans If you had uninsured or underinsured losses from the July 27 storms, low-interest disaster loans may be available. Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/disaster August 11 Storm – Damage Assessment From Monday, August 31 through Wednesday, September 2, joint teams from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Will County EMA will be going door-to-door in affected areas to assess storm damage. If you still need help recovering from the storms, call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898211 to connect with available resources and assistance.
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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 for your offices as you communicate with constituents: • 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.
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Food Pantries Serving the 85th District:
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