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FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

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Dear Neighbors,

We’ve completed two months of Spring Session, with 3 months to go! February brought the Governor’s Address, bill introduction deadline, and many meetings. I will be posting weekly recaps on my social media, so be sure to follow me there to stay updated on session progress: @repdagmara on Instagram and Facebook.

You can view my response to the Governor’s Budget Address here, and view a more in depth breakdown of the budget here.

We are working through the legislative process, with March 27th being the deadline to pass House Bills out of committee and to the floor for a full vote of the House. Some of the bills I am working on are below and will be shared on my social media. To view all of my bills from the 104th General Assembly click here.

  • Healthcare Bills

    • HB4824: Healthcare is being ripped away by Washington. This bill will ensure legally present immigrants don’t fall through the cracks and protects the continuity of care.

    • HB5390: Helps prevent medical debt and financial hardship by closing billing loopholes in charity care.

  • Housing Bills

    • HB4618: Strengthens transparency around Homeowners Associations regarding meetings and documents.

    • HB5454: Strengthens consumer protections when buying a new construction home.

    • HB4413: Extends the Affordable Housing Tax Credit for 10 years, which will help unlock private investment and deliver nearly 10,000 new affordable homes.

  • Consumer Protection Bills

    • HB3576: Requires water purveyor’s to develop a cybersecurity plan for cyber risk management to keep our water supplies safe.

    • HB4769: Requires public utility companies to freeze monthly customer charge for low-income households.

    • HB4287: Strengthens laws around public adjusters, requiring a written contract with the insured before work can be completed.

    • HB2559: Requires sellers to include the age of the roof on the property disclosure report when selling a home.

  • Other Bills

    • HB4707: Part of a package of bills to respond to chronic payment and contract delays by the state to non-profits delivering essential work.

    • HB4730: Provides one time, emergency food support when families temporarily lost SNAP benefits.

I look forward to sharing the progress of these bills and others as session progresses. As always, please contact my office with any questions or concerns: 815-372-0085 or info@repdagmara.org.

Warmly,

State Representative Dagmara Avelar
Illinois House District 85

REP. AVELAR IN THE NEWS

Democrats bash bill banning abortion in Illinois

Highlight: "This bill opens the door to first-degree murder charges for women and doctors, all by granting constitutional rights to a fertilized egg," said Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Romeoville). "There are no exemptions — not for rape, incest, or IVF."

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant, Refugee Rights Summit launching state campaign against ICE agenda

Highlight: "We know that Black and brown communities will be hit first and hardest," District 85 Democrat State Rep. Dagmara Avelar said. "That's not an accident. That's the design. But here's what we know, Illinois is not Washington."

NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCED

Regional Site Readiness Program - Capital Ready

Program Details: To support infrastructure and other capital improvements on sites across the state to advance the readiness of properties with industrial and manufacturing economic development potential.

Eligible Applicants:

  • Local governments

  • Economic development organizations…

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • For-profit organizations

  • Private landowner

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 5:00pm or until funds are exhausted

Regional Site Readiness Program - Planning

Program Details: To support planning and due diligence activities for sites across the state to advance early-stage site readiness on properties with industrial and manufacturing economic development potential

Eligible Applicants:

  • Local governments

  • Economic development organizations…

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • For-profit organizations

  • Private landowner

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 5:00pm or until funds are exhausted

NFL Foundation Grassroots Program

Program Details: Provides non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance with the goal of improving the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields.” Open nationwide to eligible entities

Eligible Applicants:

  • Be a community-based organization, middle school or high school serving a neighborhood consisting of low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

  • Have at least one-full time staff person who will manage and oversee the project.

  • Be in existence for at least three years.

  • Have a proven history in real estate development and recreation programming.

  • Have 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status or school tax exempt status.

  • Be located within the NFL Target Markets outlined in the RFP.

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026

OUT & ABOUT IN FEBRUARY

If 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.

I joined Representative Manley and Senator Cappel for a Fire Chief sit-down, as part of our ongoing quarterly meetings with stakeholders. It was great to hear from them on issues and concerns they’re dealing with in the communities. 

Metra officials briefed local leaders on plans to increase service on the Rock Island Line, creating expanded back-and-forth access between Joliet and Chicago. The expansion was included in transit reform legislation that was signed into law last year, which included several changes that solidify Will County’s role as a regional transit hub.

We rounded out our February sit downs with the Superintendents, who discussed the need for additional funding for MCATs, FOIA reform, and the world language credit. 

I joined colleagues for a Lunch and Learn the the Illinois Rock n’ Roll museum in Joliet to learn more about their new exhibits and progress since they’ve opened! 

The Will County Executive and the Will County Center for Economic Development hosted members from the General Assembly to a presentation on the state of the county. We discussed the positive direction the county is going in with business development. They also stressed the need for multi-family housing development. 

I attended the Bolingbrook State of the Village and heard about the great new businesses making a home in Bolingbrook! Bonus: the Bolingbrook High School Band performed at the end. 

My staff completed the Mental Health First Aid Training class with other community based workers, and are now certified in MHFA training! Just another way we continue to serve the constituents of the 85th District to the best of our abilities. 

I joined the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) for their annual summit to launch their legislative platform. We must continue to stand strong against the violence ICE keeps using in our communities. I am committed to doing what I can as a state legislator to protect all Illinoisans. 

My staff attended the annual Will County Executive’s Kids Fair on Presidents Day! It was a great way for parents to spend a day off with their children to learn more about community organizations. There was even a guest appearance by Bluey! 

I spoke to parents of Valley View students at their annual Symposium. The symposium provides helpful breakout sessions for parents on a range of issues and features a resource fair with community organizations. 

Jasmine attended the Fairmont Black History Month celebration, which featured a resource fair, Black authors, beautiful performances, and much more. 

I attended our yearly luncheon with the Will  County Farm Bureau at Cemeno’s to discuss their priorities for the legislative session. It was great to hear from local farmers on what issues they care about.

I joined my colleagues in the General Assembly for the Will County Governmental League Legislative Brunch. We discussed their priorities and heard from mayors and local leaders across Will County on what is important to them. 

UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
 

New Scholarship Opportunity

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association recently launched the Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge, which encourages high school seniors to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges facing the retail sector, with teams competing for scholarships of up to $60,000. Supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the contest is designed to spark innovation, engage students, and strengthen the retail industry. 

The scholarship challenge is open to all Illinois high school seniors, and the application deadline is March 30, 2026. Additional details can be found at www.irma.org.

You can now add your Illinois ID to your Apple Wallet! For more information and an instructional video visit: ilsos.gov/mobile.

Starting February 1, 2026, new federal work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will take effect. Individuals who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period, with some individuals potentially losing benefits as early as May 1, 2026.

SNAP customers can check whether they are subject to work requirements, meeting them, or may qualify for an exemption by using the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener.

Previously, ABAWDs were defined as adults ages 18–54 without dependent children under 18 and without a disability. Under the new federal guidelines, work requirements will also apply to:

  • Veterans

  • Individuals aged 55–64 with no disabilities

  • People experiencing homelessness

  • ABAWDs with children aged 14 or older living at home

Although these changes were originally scheduled to begin December 1, 2025, a court order delayed implementation until February 1, 2026.  The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has sent initial notices and exemption forms to all current and new ABAWDs affected by these changes.

At this time, IDHS is not implementing federal changes to SNAP eligibility for noncitizens included in the federal budget bill and will continue to provide updates as federal guidance and litigation progress.

Ongoing updates are available at snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.

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.

211 Help Line

I 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 Information

We 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 Pantries

  • Bolingbrook

  • Bolingbrook SDA Church Food Pantry- 301 E. Boughton Rd. Bolingbrook

    1. No ID required, no residency requirements

    2. The Compass Church Bolingbrook- 151 E. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook

    3. Must live in 60440, 60490, 60446

      1. ID or current document showing name and address required

    4. 4 K.I.D.S Sake- 192 Lily Cache Ave. Bolingbrook

    5. ID required, no residency requirements

  • Crest Hill

  • Family Outreach Program- 1701 N Larkin, Crest Hill

    1. Must live in 60403, 60435, 60431

      1. ID or utility bill required

  • Joliet

  • Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet- Various locations

    1. Open to anyone in need

    2. My Pantry Express Pickup Center- 171 S. Larkin Ave. Joliet

    3. Must create a my pantry express account and place an order 

    4. MorningStar Mission- 364 East Washington St. Joliet

    5. Open to Will County residents

      1. ID required

    6. Who We Are - Joliet Salvation Army, - 300 3rd Ave, Joliet, (815) 726-4834

    7. Food Pantry | St. John Lutheran Church Food Pantry | United States, - 2650 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, 815-439-2320

  • Lockport

  • First Baptist Church Food Pantry- 800 Thornton St. Lockport

    1. Must be a Will County resident

      1. 2 forms of ID required

    2. Lockport FISH Food Pantry- 1463 Farrell Rd. Lockport

    3. Must live in Lockport or Homer Township

      1. ID and two documents with address on them required

      2. Must meet income requirements

    4. Fairmont Food Pantry- 525 Barry Ave. Lockport

    5. No ID required, asked to provide birthday and address

  • Naperville

  • Loaves and Fishes Naperville Grocery Market- 1871 High Grove Ln. Naperville

    1. Shoppers limited to 1 adult/household

      1. Must meet income requirements

      2. ID required

  • Romeoville

  • DuPage Township Food Pantry- 719 Parkwood Ave. Romeoville

    1. Must live in DuPage Township, ID required 

      1. Allows a proxy form for pick up

      2. Must meet income requirements

    2. Romeoville Community Pantry- 2 Belmont Dr. Romeoville

    3. Must live in Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Lemont, Lockport, Crest Hill

      1. ID and recent utility bill required

    4. St. Andrew the Apostle We Care Pantry- 219 Arlington Dr. Romeoville

    5. Must live in Romeoville

      1. ID and utility bill required

  • Woodridge

  • West Suburban Food Pantry- 6809 Hobson Valley. Dr Ste 118 Woodridge

    1. Online market for delivery

      1. Must live in DuPage or Will County

      2. Account required to shop online or in person - can designate a proxy to pick up on your behalf

  • Will County Micro Pantries

  • Micro Pantries are designed to allow anonymous food pick-up for those in need, and a drop-off point for those who wish to help. Many micro pantries are accessible 24 hours a day.
Illinois House District 85
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1050 W. Romeo Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446, United States

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