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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, After two weeks of Veto Session, the House voted on 23 pieces of legislation. A few of the significant bills that were sent to the Governor’s desk include: Property Taxes: As Social Security income tries to keep up with the cost of living, many of our seniors are now at risk of earning too much to access the senior property tax freeze. I voted to increase the Senior Freeze to $75,000 in taxable year 2026, $77,000 in taxable year 2027, and $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and after. To read this bill, click here. Energy: The increased power demands of a growing high-tech economy are driving home energy costs higher and higher. Without immediate action, Illinoisans stand to pay $9.5 billion in increased energy costs by 2034. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act that I helped pass puts Illinois on a better path by bringing down home energy bills both short-term and in the long term by increasing energy storage, investing in energy efficient programs, and ensuring surplus green energy can be redistributed to bring down costs for all customers. Transit: Safe, reliable, and affordable public transit is essential for millions of people, for businesses across our state, and for all of our communities. I voted to create the Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA) to deliver reform and a more efficient, transparent system. We’ve funded the agency and infrastructure upgrades strictly through transit related means. Immigration and Civil Rights: In the past weeks, we’ve seen lifelong Americans, new citizens, and immigrants alike profiled, abused, and detained. That’s why I fought for new protections at places where everyone should feel safe: At our hospitals, which will be required to adopt safeguards concerning law enforcement presence at healthcare facilities. At our courthouses, where those ordered to appear in court for jury duty, a traffic ticket, or other business will be protected from extrajudicial abuse and detention. On our college campuses and day care centers, which will now adopt policies to protect students and children in their care—including protection against disclosing a family’s real or perceived immigration status.
My team and I are beginning to plan for an eventful 2026 in the 85th District. If you have specific events you would like to see my office host, please reach out at info@repdagmara.org or 815-372-0085. Warmly, State Representative Dagmara Avelar
Illinois House District 85
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently-owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.” “DCEO has contracted with Chicago State University (CSU) and Western Illinois University (WIU) to provide technical assistance services for Illinois Grocery Initiative applicants and grantees.” (page 1-2 of NOFO). There is a matching component please read the NOFO.
Eligible Applicants: Grants will be limited to projects making energy-efficient investments in existing bricks[1]and-mortar operations in Illinois. This grant opportunity will be limited to independently-owned grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than 4 grocery stores. Grocery locations must be consistent with the following to be eligible: The store is or will be classified as a supermarket or other grocery retailer in the 2022 North American Industry Classification System under code 445110, a meat retailer under code 44524, a fruit and vegetable retailer under code 44523, or a fish and seafood retailer under 44525. The store cannot derive more than 30% of its revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales. The store must accept or will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefits. The store must contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in the community by selling fresh foods such as meats, fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 at 5pm or until funds are exhausted
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Community Leaders Speak Out on ICE Activity in Will County Highlight: “‘We gather not out of anger but out of love - love for our families, love for our neighbors,’ Avelar said. The event included the presentation of phone numbers to call and organizations to turn to for advice on what rights immigrants have when confronted by ICE.” |
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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 was happy to welcome Deputy Governor Manar and representatives from DCEO and the Governor’s office to Will County for an economic development roundtable. Will County is number 1 in population growth and job development, and it’s crucial we continue to bring well paying jobs to our residents, while also investing in affordable housing solutions to keep people in the county. |
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I was honored to attend the Installation Ceremony for Dr. Ryan Hendrickson, the 10th President for St. Francis University! Wishing him success as he leads an important institution in our community. |
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I spoke at the Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association’s Manufacturing Day hosted in collaboration with Joliet Junior College! I encouraged the high school attendees to take advantage of the many incredible manufacturing jobs right here in the state of Illinois. |
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I attended a tour of the Lockport Central Campus School to see their recent maintenance projects and security improvements they have recently made to the building. |
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While I was in Springfield for Veto Session, Briana joined Bolingbrook High School for an event announcing Dr. Jaclyn Lennox as the winner of the Milken Educator Award. Dr. Lennox is the only Illinois educator to win this prestigious award, which came with an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000. Congratulations to Dr. Lennox and Valley View School District for achieving such an honor! Read more here. |
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My team attended four Trunk or Treats in the 85th District this year! They had a great time decorating their trunks and handing out candy to the kids! |
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My office hosted our Annual Mobile DMV at Fountaindale Library. We were able to bring DMV services right to the district so that 50 people were able to get their REAL IDs, renew their licenses, update their information, and more. |
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I joined faculty from Lewis University and Bolingbrook High School, and students, for a discussion on the Lewis University Community Schools Consortium projects in Valley View and Fairmont Schools. They highlighted their Support Table, which has helped bring school tardies down significantly in this school year. |
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I was honored to join the Will County Rapid Response Network, local elected officials, and our community for a press conference uplifting immigrant families. Our message was clear: ICE does not keep us safe and neither will the deployment of the Texas National Guard. Our communities thrive when they are supported to the fullest extent, not when they are being terrorized by masked forces. |
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I was honored to speak to Brooks Middle School 8th grade girls at their Annual EmpowHERment Conference. I spoke to them about finding their identity at such a pivotal age, and encouraged them to look within on how they define themselves and what they can grow to be. |
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STATE FUNDING COMING TO THE 85TH DISTRICTExciting progress is coming to Romeoville! The State of Illinois has awarded $750,000 to support the next phase of the Weber Road Reconstruction Project, between Airport Road and 135th Street. This major improvement is a top priority for Will County as we work to keep our roads safe, ease congestion along this rapidly growing corridor, and support continued economic growth in our community. The project will widen the current four-lane roadway and include modern safety upgrades like an additional traffic signal at South Carillon Drive and a new pedestrian and bike path to better serve families, commuters, and local businesses. With this state investment offsetting local costs, construction could begin as early as 2027, bringing long-term benefits and safer travel to residents across our district.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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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. Know Your Rights InformationWe 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. I will continue to share updates via social media. 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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