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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, I spent the month of June back in the district meeting with stakeholders and attending community events. While we aren’t in session, I’m still actively having conversations about upcoming legislation and ideas. We’re also still working on transit reform that must be passed by the end of the year. I’m interested in hearing from constituents on their views of the transit system and how it should be reformed. Please take my transit reform survey here to let me know your opinion. My team and I will be out and about this summer, so keep reading to see some upcoming events you can catch us at, including our 2 Back to School Fairs later this summer! Warmly, State Representative Dagmara Avelar
Illinois House District 85
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: The Clean Energy Career Pathway Program will provide funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences, and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on clean energy. To ensure equitable pathways for students, this funding opportunity seeks qualified, eligible entities working with secondary school students in partnership with Local Workforce Innovation Areas and institutions of higher education. This program will recruit students into clean energy fields (with a priority for EV occupations) and create pathways encompassing technical and employability skills with dual credit options
Eligible Applicants: Eligible entities for this NOFO are defined as Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); state institutions of higher education; schools designated as laboratory schools, public university laboratory schools approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE); area vocational centers; charter schools; cooperatives and other joint agreements with a governing body or board of control; schools operated by an ROE, ISC, or state agency; and school districts eligible applicants include, but are not limited to industry associations, Regional Offices of Education (ROEs); Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs); community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations; or Indian tribes or tribal organizations (as defined in the federal Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act). Entities that are approved shall be responsible for ensuring that they have facilities available and educators who are appropriately trained on use of any technologies or devices acquired for the purposes of the grant. Collaborative applications will be accepted. Eligible Applicants must partner with a Community College, a Local Workforce Innovation Area, and employers to pilot clean the energy pathway programs Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 Program Details: Support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not-for-profit organizations [501(c)3], municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must include a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period. Open statewide to eligible entities.
Deadline: Open until funds are exhausted Program Details: Charitable Trust is intended to help small non-profits with annual budgets of $1 million or less and a full-time employee. Open statewide to eligible nonprofits. This cycle will award grants to organizations in two categories: Food and Housing Deadline: September 30, 2025 Program Details: Rémy Martin’s This is My City grant program is seeking visionary artists, musicians, designers, DJs, radio personalities, fashion creatives, community space operators, and entrepreneurs who are driving cultural change and creating economic opportunities in their communities. Open nationwide. Deadline: July 18, 2025 at 5:00pm
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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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My team attended the annual Lockport Township Senior Expo where they were able to connect with so many constituents! |
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My District Director, Jasmine, attended the Nicor Rate Increase public forum and spoke on my behalf. I am vehemently opposed to any additional rate increases for Nicor — residents are already struggling to make ends meet. |
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My Community Engagement Director, Briana, attended the ribbon cutting for the Underground, a community space at Highpoint. This space has been in the works for decades and now features recording studios, private music lessons, and more! |
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Senator Ventura and I hosted a Town Hall at Carillon for residents to learn more about the 2025 spring session. The dialogue was very engaging and productive! |
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I had the honor to speak at the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Graduation that happened at Lewis University. This program gives people a chance to secure good paying jobs and keep the critical trades professions alive and well. |
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I joined Representative Manley for her NeuroLAC (Neurodivergent Legislative Advisory Council) and Women’sLAC (Women’s Legislative Advisory Council) where we discussed legislative ideas with constituents. |
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My team attended the annual Fairmont Juneteenth event, hosted by the Lockport Township Park District. It was a beautiful day of celebration and reflection, and even performances by the Jesse White Tumblers. |
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I attended the Alliance for Civic Engagement’s 2nd Annual Summer Cook Out! I was joined by other local elected officials and community members for a softball game! |
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To round out Pride Month, I attended the pride flag raising at the Bolingbrook Village Hall. During a time where protections for LGBTQ+ members are being rolled back, it’s important to show up for members of our community. |
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Senator Cappel hosted a superintendent sit down with area superintendents to discuss education related legislation that passed in spring session, as well as federal budget implications for schools. |
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I spoke on a panel with Representatives Walsh and Benton and Senators Cappel and Ventura to Joliet Chamber members about the spring session. I touched on the tough budget year, the important Pharmacy Benefit Manager legislation that we passed this year, and the ongoing discussions around transit reform. |
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My team co-hosted a resource fair in Romeoville with Nicor and Top Box Foods. Over 250 people were able to get a box of food, energy efficiency kits, and visit with partner organizations. It was a great success! |
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I attended Joliet Junior College’s 41st Annual Adult Education Graduation! These students graduated from JJC’s Department of Adult Education and Literacy. |
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I attended the annual Bolingbrook Village Picnic with my team! It was hot, but that didn’t stop residents from coming out and enjoying all the organizations, inflatables, and the petting zoo! |
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My team and I had a great time keeping the community clean in Fairmont! We were joined by the Lockport Park District, Fairmont Community Partnership Group, and other residents. Stay tuned to sign up for our upcoming clean ups in July and August! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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Submit your questions here for Representative Avelar’s Fireside Chats!
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Are you in the market for a new home? Call the Will County Center for Community Concerns to see if you qualify for our Down Payment Assistance Program. Click the link below to learn more about the services offered by WCCCC! https://wcccc.net Will County Center for Community Concerns 2455 Glenwood Avenue Joliet, IL 60435 Ph: (815) 722-0722
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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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