April 2024

Hello Neighbor!

April is one of my favorite months. Not only because it’s my birthday, but because Spring is in full swing. Nature is busy and so is the General Assembly!  The first week of April is a deadline week for getting bills out of committees.  I have several bills that passed out of committees and are now on second readings. There is a long way to go before any of them become law, but it’s exciting to see something that started out as an idea become a potential solution to an existing problem. Many of my bills come from the lived experiences of constituents. To me, that is the best legislation and one reason I love this job.

I welcomed my first “page for a day” in Springfield a few weeks ago. Camryn is a junior in high school and her enthusiasm was infectious! It was so much fun showing her around and seeing the process through her eyes. It is such a privilege to serve.

My office is busy as well! My office recently  participated in an Easter Egg hunt that the City of Elgin Police hosted. They didn’t just spread the eggs out, they dropped them from a helicopter! It was fun to see the kids get so excited as the roar of the helicopter signaled its approach. There were more than 2000 people in attendance! It was a sight to see.

We will be participating in events all over the district this summer! We offer many opportunities for constituents to meet and share concerns or ask questions. I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,  Suzanne

DISTRICT OFFICE UPDATES

Springfield Page for a Day

What a fantastic time! I am so happy to have hosted Camryn from Jacobs High School as “Page For A Day” in Springfield! She was able to join me on the House floor, attend a committee meeting, tour the Capitol, and share in discussions with me and my colleagues. If you have a student interested in legislative policy or government, I’d love to host them in Springfield.  Reach out to my office for information.

Coffee & BINGO

Our first Coffee & BINGO was held Wednesday, March 27th at the Dundee Township Park District Adult Activities Center. What a fantastic time meeting constituents, calling BINGO and sharing resources.

Join me at our next Coffee & BINGO on April 24th at Senior Services Associates, Inc. 205 Fulton Street in Elgin.  Coffee begins at 11:00am with BINGO to follow.

Community Shred Event

Saturday, May 18th  9:00 am – Noon

Join our office, KCT Credit Union, Northern Kane County Chamber and the Village of Carpentersville for a secure document destruction event. This event is FREE to all constituents. There will be a two banker box limit for each participant and constituents will be served on a first come first served basis.  FISH Food Pantry will be on-site accepting donations of non-perishable items and toiletries.

Mobile DMV Event

I am excited to bring the Illinois Secretary of State’s
Mobile DMV to the district on June 6th.
The following services will be available:

*Driver’s License

*State ID Card

*Vehicle Registration Stickers

*Organ and Tissue Donor/Voter Registration

*REAL ID

(see the flier for documents needed and payment information)

CONSTITUENT SERVICES

Dundee Township Needs Assessment Released to Public Dundee Township

(March 25, 2024): Early in 2024, the Dundee Township Mental Health Board worked with the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University to conduct a needs assessment for the Dundee Township community. With gratitude to the residents and stakeholders across the Township who participated in surveys and shared valuable information, the Dundee Township Mental Health Board is pleased to announce the needs assessment is now complete and can be viewed online at the Needs Assessment page on the Township’s website.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness month.  You never know the struggles one might be going through. Autism doesn’t end at 18, neither does the fight.  If you need assistance or have questions, contact Rockin the Spectrum at 224-538-9736 or rockinthespectrum@yahoo.com

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

SPRINGFIELD UPDATE

At the time of this writing, a few of my bills are on the 2nd reading in the legislative process. How they got there and where they will go from there . . .

First Reading:
During this stage, the bill’s title and number are read aloud, but there is no debate or voting on the bill itself.

Committee Consideration:
After the first reading the bill is assigned to a committee for further review. The committee reviews the bill, holds hearings, and may propose changes to the bill. Once a bill is passed through the committee it heads to a second reading.

Second Reading:
The bill is presented to the full legislative body and amendments can be offered and voted upon by the floor. Once the bill passes a second reading, it goes to a third reading.

Third Reading:
The bill is debated and voted on by the entire legislative body. If approved, it moves to the other house. If rejected, the bill does not proceed further.

Engrossment:
Once the bill passes the third reading, it is sent to the other house in the form passed by the first house (this version is called “engrossed”). The other chamber then follows a similar process of readings, debates, and votes.

Currently eight of my proposed bills are in their second reading: HB3286, HB3288, HB4090, HB4524, HB4807, HB5276, HB5354, HB5444.

Illinois Route 31 Bridge
Over US20 in Elgin to be Replaced

Below is a press release directly from the
Illinois Department of Transportation:

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a project to replace the bridge carrying Illinois 31 (State Street) over U.S. 20 in Elgin will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 1.

To complete the work, Illinois 31 will be reduced from two to one lane in both directions, between Dana Drive and Oak Street. U.S. 20 will also be reduced to one lane in each direction, between Grace Street and McLean Boulevard. Additionally, motorists should also expect various lane shifts on Illinois 31 and on U.S. 20 approaching the bridge, along with various overnight lane closures on U.S. 20 at the bridge during that time.

Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.

The $19 million project consists of replacing the existing bridge with a new wider structure, widening the existing interchange ramps, installing new LED lighting and modernize traffic signals and constructing new sidewalks with ADA-compliant ramps and curbs.

The project is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026.

AROUND THE TOWNS

Tour of Kane County Government Facilities

Thank you to Kane County Chairwoman Corinne Pierog for providing me with a valuable tour of Kane County’s government buildings and services. I met with various leaders and staff who are dedicated to serving our communities and improving the services offered by Kane County.

Kids In Need/Second Bridge
“The Bridge” Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Michelle, Alicia, and all the volunteers on their Ribbon Cutting and Open House for their new space The Bridge located at 4410 Route 176 in Crystal Lake. Thank you for all you do for families in need!

Coffee with a Cop – Elgin

What a great turnout at the “Elgin Coffee with a Cop” event at Starbucks in Elgin. We even sang happy birthday to a 10 year old who stopped in with her dad to say hello. A great way to spend a little time in the district before I head to Springfield.

Helicopter Easter Egg Drop

My office recently participated in the Elgin Police Easter Egg Hunt and it was such a great event!  They didn’t just spread the eggs out, they dropped them from a helicopter! It was fun to see the kids get so excited as the roar of the helicopter signaled its approach! It was a sight to see.

Exceptional Community Award

Congratulations to the Village of Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Staff as they have been honored with the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) Exceptional Community Award. The criteria for this prestigious award include being a Community Champion, Advocate and Promoter, and Dedicated Collaboration.  The Parks & Rec. Department excelled in all three areas!

RESOURCES

Experience Elgin Community College Interactive Open House

On April 10 from 6pm-8pm experience ECC and enjoy a tour of their campus, meet with caring and knowledgeable professors, explore academic programs, and gain insight from current students. Plus, learn more about admissions, financial aid, student support services, and getting involved on campus.

Senior Health & Wellness Fair

Mark you calendar. Prioritize your well-being. And we’ll see you at the Senior Health & Wellness Fair this spring!  This free community event welcomes older adults – from wellness warriors to those beginning a journey toward a healthier lifestyle and everyone in between – as well as those who love or provide care for older adults.  Stop by Rep Ness’ table and say hi!

Algonquin Area Public Library
District Seed Library

Just in time for spring planting, Algonquin Area Public Library, in cooperation with the University of Illinois Agricultural Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois Master Gardeners of McHenry County, is excited to offer the Seed Library that provides seeds to local gardeners free of charge!

Choose from over 130 varieties of vegetable, fruit, flower and herb seeds. You’ll find heirloom vegetables, such as the Oxheart and Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, Dixie Queen watermelons and White Icicle radishes. Favorites like pumpkins, mixed color carrots, and various types of green beans can turn this summer’s garden into a family project. Brighten your landscaping with colorful Painted Daisies, and the beautiful, exotic Passion Flower.  Add color to your home with classic cutting flowers like zinnia and sunflowers. Select annuals, which are planted each year, or perennials which return year after year.  Varieties limited, stock available on a first come first serve basis.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH

Courtesy of Hoof Woof & Meow

Meet Dottie

Dottie is a sweet, adventurous pup that loves other dogs but is timid around people. Once Dottie warms up to you, she is very affectionate. Dottie is potty trained and crate trained. She spends about 4 hours a day in her crate, but at night, she likes to receive all the snuggles and sleep in bed with her foster parents. Dottie’s ideal home would be with another canine companion, a fenced yard and with an adopter to continue her socialization. Estimated birth date 7/08/2023

Meet Beau & Moose

Beau is a beautiful 2yr old light gray tabby with incredibly soft fur! He is very observant and will watch to determine if you are a friend, once you have gained his trust he will show you how much he craves attention. His favorite thing is a good face scratch and he will gently nudge you for attention. Beau is almost always found with his brother Moose and thus needs to be adopted as a pair.

Moose is a beautiful 2yr old gray and white cat with the softest fur! He can be a little shy, but he LOVES attention once you have gained his trust. His favorite thing is a good face scratch and he will gently nudge you for attention. Moose is almost always found with his brother Beau and thus needs to be adopted as a pair. Beau and his siblings (Moose and Black Pearl) have had quite the journey to becoming Hoof Woof Meow cats.