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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, The 2024 Spring Session is in full swing! I have introduced 22 pieces of legislation tackling issues like healthcare and housing affordability to banning the sale of rabbits in pet stores. I have highlighted some of my legislation below. If you’d like to see a full list of my legislation and each bills status, click here. If there are any pieces of legislation you would like me to be aware of, please contact my office to make your stance heard. You can call or text 815-372-0085 or email info@repdagmara.org. Wishing you a beautiful start to spring,
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REP. AVELAR’S LEGISLATION
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDRestore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3)The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grants for Service Delivery under the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program. Grants will be made with SFY2025 funds. A total of $30 million in R3 funding is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months. Application deadline: 2:00 PM CST, April 30, 2024 The R3 program is intended for organizations who provide services in their communities that address at least one of the five R3 Program Priorities. These Program Priorities, as established in the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, are: Civil Legal Aid Economic Development Reentry Violence Prevention Youth Development
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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 annual Bolingbrook State of the Village and heard Mayor Basta speak about the exciting upcoming projects in Bolingbrook! There are many restaurant and retail developments in the works that are slated to open this year. Thank you to the Bolingbrook Chamber for putting on a great event! |
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I joined the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights for their 2024 Leadership Summit. I was proud to pledge my support of their 2024 Legislative Platform as we work to make Illinois the most welcoming and equitable state. |
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While I was in Springfield, Briana joined the 100 Day Challenge Launch in Joliet. The launch conference brought homeless prevention organizations across Illinois together to brainstorm goals to end homelessness in our communities. She attended with the Will County Continuum of Care, which comprises of organizations on the ground working to end homelessness. To learn more, click here. |
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Briana attended the Safer Foundations Annual CARRE Conference. The conference focuses on reducing recidivism and focuses on reentry into society post-incarceration. IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto Jr. spoke about what IDFPR is doing to assist with reducing recidivism through employment. |
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The Will County Governmental League hosted their annual Legislative Luncheon. They discussed their legislative priorities at the state and federal level. We also heard from staff from Pace on their transportation plans in Will County, and how they’re adapting from COVID. |
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I attended the South Suburban Park and Recreation Association Breakfast with Lockport Township and Bolingbrook Park Districts. I enjoyed listening to their priorities and visions for their districts. |
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I participated in Angelic Kindness’s Random Acts of Kindness Day! I delivered dog food and toys to Dirty Dog Groomer for the Romeoville Humane Society. Thank you, Angelic Kindness, for hosting a beautiful event to get community members involved in Acts of Kindness. |
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My staff and I joined the Will County Executive’s Kids Fair on Presidents Day! It was a great event for kids to join on their day off of school. |
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I hosted the ICJIA R3 team at the Romeoville Village Hall for local organizations to learn more about the R3 NOFO (out now, click here). Organizations had a chance to work one on one with the ICJIA team to make sure they were ready to go when the NOFO was released. |
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DuPage Township hosted a Senior Safety Event that I was happy to attend with my colleagues Senator Cappel and Leader Manley. Bolingbrook Police Department gave a presentation on how to keep themselves safe at home and how to best avoid scams. |
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I was a panelist at the 2024 Illinois Affordable Housing Forum to discuss affordable housing in Illinois. I’m currently sponsoring HB4909, the Build IL Homes Tax Credit. This piece of legislation would attract developers to build more affordable housing throughout the state. |
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I hosted a Higher Education Roundtable at my office with my colleagues in the House and Senate. We were joined by representatives from Lewis University, Joliet Junior College, St. Francis, and Governors State University to discuss the state of Higher Education in Illinois, funding, and the FAFSA delays. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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The Easter Bunny arrives at Bass Pro Shops at the Bolingbrook Promenade Saturday, March 23rd from 11am - 6pm! Other dates the Easter Bunny will be there:
March 24 11am-4pm
March 25 5pm-8pm
March 26 5pm-8pm
March 27 5pm-8pm
March 28 4pm-8pm
March 29 11am-6pm
March 30 11am-6pm
March 31 11am-3pm
Online reservations begin on March 16th, but check back often as new slots are opening on a rolling basis. Please visit basspro.com/easter to register!
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The solar switch program is a partnership with CUB and 7 counties. This program helps consumers in those five counties (plus Kendall and McHenry counties) utilize the power of volume discounts alongside state and federal incentives to get the best deal on panels. But it’s also a great solar education program–you learn a lot about how to go solar, even if, in the end, you decide not to participate this time. To learn more, click here.
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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. The program will begin taking applications on October 2, 2023, for seniors (age 60 and older), disabled and families with children under the age of 6 years old. On November 1, 2023, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance. All other income eligible households can start applying on December 1, 2023. 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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