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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, We are getting ready to head back to Springfield for Veto Session, where we will tackle transit reform, among other things. This means it’s your last chance to fill out my public transit survey, which can be found here! I want to thank all the constituents who have already filled it out and made your voice heard regarding this important issue. We 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. To view my statement regarding ICE activity in Bolingbrook, click here. I will continue to share updates via social media. I understand that this is a dark and scary time for many. I urge you to take advantage of Know Your Rights trainings so that you are equipped with knowledge. If you need assistance finding a training, please reach out to my office. Warmly, State Representative Dagmara Avelar
Illinois House District 85
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: To provide grants to certified convention and visitors bureaus outside the City of Chicago to assist with international marketing efforts.
Eligible Applicants: Local Tourism and Convention Bureau certified by the Department to receive funds under 20 ILCS 605/705 and are located outside the City of Chicago Application Deadline: October 12, 2025 at 5pm Program Details: Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers. Eligible Applications: Open nationwide to 501(c)(3) public charity, Government entity (non-501(c)(3)), school, and Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large.
Deadline: October 15, 2025
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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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Briana joined Representative Manley, Mayor Noak, County Executive Tarrant, and staff from Senator Cappel’s office for our Grandparents Day Ice Cream Social. They got the chance to talk to the grandparents while the kids ate ice cream and played on the playground! |
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I sat on a panel on immigration hosted by City Club Chicago. The panel brought together business owners and nonprofits to discuss the real life, tangible effects the Trump administration’s immigration policies have on Illinois constituents. |
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My team and I attended the Romeoville and Plainfield Park District Park Party and handed out popsicles and state resources! We had a great time connecting with families and enjoying the great weather before it's gone. |
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I joined colleagues at the DuPage County Farm Bureau Member Appreciation Dinner, where we were recognized for having supportive voting records for Farm Bureau priorities! |
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I spoke at a Warehouse Pollution Townhall at Warehouse Workers for Justice. This townhall brought together advocates from WWJ, Illinois Environmental Council, Environmental Defense Fund, and elected officials to discuss warehouse pollution and offer solutions. We want clean air for all of our communities! |
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I attended the Will County Continuum of Care’s Community Forum on Homelessness. We heard from individuals with lived experience and community providers on how to improve the system and eliminate homelessness from our community. |
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I joined Mayor Noak, Lockport Township Supervisor Zapien, County Executive Tarrant, and others at the Romeoville Hispanic Heritage Celebration! It was a beautiful night full of culture, dancing, and delicious food! |
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My team and I helped shred unwanted documents with Mayor Noak, Representative Manley, and Senator Cappel for our annual fall Romeoville Shred Event! |
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My office hosted our 1st Annual Teen Professional Development Event at Fountaindale Library! The event was an opportunity for high school students to get a free headshot, one-on-one resume writing tips, and learn all about media content creation. We were joined by Workforce Center of Will County, Joliet Junior College, and staff from Fountaindale! |
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I attended the Will County Health Department’s Grand Opening of their new Bolingbrook location. They’ve expanded their services to include a Community Health Center and a renovated Behavioral Health Space! |
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I helped moderate a discussion with Lockport Township Supervisor Alex Zapien and Plainfield Township Assessor Erin Kljaich at Carillon. We discussed the services townships provide to their residents and, of course, property taxes! |
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I spoke on a panel at the Illinois Legislative Latino Foundation’s Raices conference about the states role and impact on civics and governance. I also moderated a panel on the legal strategies for safeguarding community organizations. |
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Jasmine attended the 1st Fairmont Hispanic Heritage Event at AF Hill Park. Despite the rain, it was still a beautiful event that celebrated the Hispanic culture. |
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I was honored to join President Namuo, Governor Pritzker, colleagues, and staff from JJC for the ribbon cutting of their Student Wellness Center! I secured $250,000 for JJC to open this center so that JJC is able to holistically care for their students. The Wellness Center features a zen garden, a pantry, and licensed therapists. |
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I hosted a Citizens Utility Board presentation for Carillon residents where they were able to learn about different ways to save on their home energy. |
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We hosted our last shred event of the season in Lockport! Shred events are a great way for residents to dispose of their unwanted documents safely and for free! Check back next year to learn when our next round of shred events will be. |
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I toured Guardian Angel in Joliet, which provides a host of services for victims of domestic violence, foster children, and more throughout Illinois. |
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I toured the Kozol Bros., Inc. Established in 1934, Kozol Bros. Inc has been owned by the Kozol family and employs over 130 people company-wide. They have grown to over 52 distributors and developed a respectable name for themselves in the community. |
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I attended the People’s Lobby - 3 Rivers Chapter Health Care Kickoff Event to discuss the status of health care in Illinois and how we can expand and improve coverage. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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My team will be at four Trunk or Treats throughout the 85th District! Come see us: Village of Romeoville (residents only): October 17th Halloween Fest at Deer Crossing Park - 1050 W. Romeo Rd. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, entertainment, a trunk or treat, and more! For more info, click here. Bolingbrook Park District: October 17th Freaky Fun Friday at Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex - 200 Lindsey Ln. Enjoy a free haunted house, trunk or treat, and more! For more info, click here. White Oak Library, Romeoville Branch: October 23rd Halloween Haunted House & Trunk or Treat at the library - 201 Normantown Rd. Explore the spine tingling haunted house, trunk or treat, games, and more! For more info, click here. Lockport Township: October 23rd 8th Annual Trunk or Treat at the Township Government Building - 1463 Farrell Rd. Enjoy food trucks, a costume contest, trunk or treat, and more! For more info, click here.
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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. 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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