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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, We wrapped up veto session last week, where we passed a few technical clean up bills. The Senate also voted to pass the Dignity in Pay Act, which will phase out sub-minimum pay for workers with disabilities. This bill passed the house in May, and now heads to the Governor. We will return to Springfield one more time before the 104th General Assembly is inaugurated, and then we will go right into the 2025 spring session. I am working on a policy agenda that serves the people of the 85th District, and I am always open to hearing what constituents are concerned about. Please reach out to my office to share what is important to you: 815-372-0085 or info@repdagmara.org. Have a great Thanksgiving,
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: Provide grants for the purpose of attracting, hosting and developing new events and festivals in Illinois or enhancing existing festivals and events.
Eligible Applicants: Application Deadline: December 20, 2024 at 5:00pm Technical Assistance Webinar: November 26, 2024 at 11am Program Details: Provide grants to assist in the development or improvement of tourism attractions that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout the State Eligible Applicants: Application Deadline: December 20, 2024 at 5:00pm Technical Assistance Webinar: November 26, 2024 at 9am Description: Action for Women’s Health is a $250 million global open call launched by Pivotal that will fund organizations around the world that are improving women’s mental and physical health. Eligible Applicants: Open to nonprofits nationwide focusing on improving women’s mental and physical health. Deadline: December 3, 2024 at 4:00pm
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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 joined my colleagues from the house and senate on a panel at the Illinois Association of School Boards Legislative Dinner. We talked about the importance of funding in schools, revisiting mandates, and more. |
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Joliet Junior College hosted its annual State of the College, where they discussed the increased funding I secured them for expanded student mental health services. Making sure our students have access to affordable health care of all kinds is incredibly important to me. |
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I attended the Romeoville Fire Department’s Open House! It was a great opportunity for the community to learn about stop, drop, and roll, see fire demonstrations, and interact with the great Romeoville Fire Department. |
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My colleagues in the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus attended a luncheon with the Illinois Broadcasters Association. |
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I had the amazing opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the Brooks Middle School 8th Grade Girls EmpowerHer Conference. I spoke to the girls about being confident and finding themselves. Young girls are often told they’re emotional, and I want them to know, it’s okay that they’re emotional. |
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I joined Citizens Action for a Town Hall on prescription drug affordability. One thing my constituents are clear about is that prices for medicine they need to survive are too expensive. This will always be a priority of mine while I’m in office. |
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My team attended 4 community Trunk or Treats this year throughout the district! We joined Lockport Township, the Village of Romeoville, the Bolingbrook Park District, and White Oak Library in Romeoville in handing out candy. |
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I attended the Latino Policy Forum Higher Education Briefing where we discussed factors that impact Latino students while in higher education institutions. |
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County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant gave the State of the County where she discussed the ways Will County is moving forward, investing in services that serve our most vulnerable, and upgrading critical infrastructure! |
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My District Director, Jasmine, attend the One Family Illinois Lockport Village ribbon cutting. The Lockport Village has made impressive upgrades to their administration building and playground to make the residents lives better. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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The Illinois General Assembly has passed several pieces of legislation to help critical human service fields get student loan assistance. The School & Municipal Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program: Assists school and municipal social workers with a one-time, $6,500 payment towards their student loans. Full info HERE and on ISAC’s website. The Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program: Offers workers a renewable payment of $4,000 to $40,000 if they work at a community mental health center, behavioral health center, substance use treatment center, or state operated psychiatric hospital licensed by DHS or HFS. Full info HERE and on ISAC’s website. The Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program: Offers between $2,000 to $15,000 of renewable payments to full-time employees at a human service organization that has or once had a contract or funding from an IL state agency during their employment. Full info HERE and on ISAC’s website.
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Illinois EPA’s next EV Rebate Program funding cycle is opening on January 21, 2025, with $14 million available for rebates for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2025. Priority in awarding applicants will be given to low-income applicants. Applications and instructions will be posted prior to the cycle opening, giving Illinois residents time to plan their EV purchases!
Learn more about the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and join our listserv for updates: https://bit.ly/3NSRUqQ Once the funding cycle opens, a few important reminders: Applicants must apply during the rebate cycle window and within 90 days of vehicle purchase. We would encourage interested constituents to apply as early as possible during the rebate cycle window. This is a first come, first serve program, and we anticipate funding will run out quickly. Applicants should do a thorough review of their application before submitting – if any application components are missing, in the time it takes for IEPA to review, reach out to the constituent, and have a new application submitted, funding could already be gone.
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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.
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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 PantriesLIHEAPLIHEAP helps eligible households with low income pay for home energy services. This includes assistance with heating gas, propane and electricity. More information on services available in your region can be found by visiting your Local Administering Agency (referred to as a local agency) page. Deadline: The LIHEAP application period is October 2, 2023 to August 15, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. Last day to apply online with the Request for Services form is July 5, 2024. After this date you can still apply through your local administering agency through August 15, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. Go to Find my Local Agency to locate your LIHEAP Local Administering Agency.
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