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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, We concluded veto session at the beginning of November by sending 22 bills to the Governor. Details of some of those bills: SB690: This piece of legislation validates certain tax levies for community mental health boards. I co-sponsored this bill because the Will County voters passed a referendum in 2022 for a Community Mental Health Board, and expect that board to be funded. SB1699: This bill contains the language from the energy omnibus bill that the Governor vetoed, due to the “right of first refusal” for Ameren. Many constituents reached out to my office requesting I support the veto and not allow the “right of first refusal” language to pass. This language was removed from SB1699, and because that language was removed, I voted yes. The bill now goes back to the Governor. HB2104: This legislation requires evidence based water safety instructional materials for K-6 during other safety education curriculum. HB2394: This legislation allows for an alternative procurement process for licensing systems for IDFPR. This will also allow IDFPR to issue extensions of licenses and waive certain fees. Over the summer, the Health Care Licensing Committee, which I am a part of, had a subject matter hearing regarding the immense delays in IDFPR providing licenses to many health care providers that was making some people lose their jobs. During that hearing, IDFPR stated they were having a difficult time getting a new system that would speed up the licensing process, due to red tape at the state level. This bill will fix that issue and allow them to procure a new system.
One bill that did not make it out of the General Assembly this year was Karina’s Bill. Karina’s Bill is named after Karina Gonzalez, who was tragically murdered, allegedly by her husband, after she was granted an order of protection from him. This legislation would require judges to approve a search-and-seizure warrant when they submit an order of protection that prohibits firearm possession. I am a co-sponsor of the House version of the legislation, HB1404, which unfortunately has not been brought to a vote on the floor. I am hopeful that when we return in January for session we will continue to work on this legislation and ultimately send it to the Governor. To read more about Karina Gonzalez and Karina’s Bill, click here. We will be going back to Springfield in January to start our 2024 Spring Session. I am continuing to take feedback and suggestions on legislation from constituents. If you would like to suggest a bill idea, please contact my office at info@repdagmara.org or 815-372-0085. Wishing you and your loved ones Happy Holidays,
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NEW B2B GRANT ANNOUNCEDDCEO announced their Back to Business: New Business Grant Program that will provide up to $30,000 of financial relief to businesses that opened during the pandemic. I’m glad to see this new program announced, as I heard from many small business owners that opened during the pandemic and weren’t eligible to receive prior funding. Applications are now open and they close January 11, 2024 at 11:59:59pm. If you need assistance, please reach out to my office and we will connect you with local organizations assisting with applications. To view eligibility requirements and to apply, click here.
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CREDIT UPGRADEIllinois has received its ninth credit upgrade in two years. Illinois has an “A” grade with all three major credit reporting agencies (Fitch Ratings, Moody’s, and S&P Global Ratings). This is an incredible feat, as we had several downgrades during the 2 year budget impasse in the Rauner administration. Read more here.
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REP. AVELAR IN THE NEWSLegislation Would Help Non-English Speakers Access Government Services in Illinois: Watch my interview with Chicago Tonight regarding my Language Access bill.
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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 hosted a Senior Fraud Seminar with Leader Manley, Senator Cappel, and Mayor Basta. The Attorney General’s Office presented to a packed room on ways to avoid the most common scams. Thank you to everyone who came out! |
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I attended the Will County Continuum of Care annual meeting where I learned about the great work the CoC is doing to end homelessness in Will, Grundy, and Kendall counties. It was great to hear from the non-profits on the ground doing the work. |
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I went down to Springfield a day early to attend the Hunt Institute’s Illinois Legislators Retreat before veto session. The focus on the retreat this year was education. We heard from educational leaders from throughout the country, and discussed ways we can incorporate new policies in Illinois. |
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I co-hosted a Veterans Day Breakfast with Representative Walsh, Leader Manley, and Senator Cappel. It was a great morning honoring our veterans. |
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I also joined Mayor Noak, Leader Manley, Senator Cappel, Will County Executive Bertino-Tarant, and others at Romeoville’s Annual Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony is a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication by those who have served in the armed forces. |
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My Community Engagement Director, Briana, attended the Silver Cross State of the Hospital. Silver Cross began with honoring the late Ruth Colby, who was the Silver Cross President and CEO, and a strong pillar of the community. Attendees then learned about Silver Cross’s plans for the next few years. We also learned that Silver Cross earned an “A” from The Leap Frog Group, making this the 18th straight “A” grade for them! |
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I had the great opportunity to speak to a Social Work Advanced Policy class at Lewis University. I spoke about my story and path of becoming a legislator, and how students can get more involved in the legislative process and advocate for their careers. Thank you for the invitation! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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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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