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December 2023 |
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Hello Neighbor! This is my third “end of the year” post as your State Rep. I still sometimes find it hard to believe it’s been that long. There have been so many changes in my short time in office and I am proud of the many accomplishments my team and I have achieved on your behalf. We’ve been able to help dozens of constituents with various needs and issues. It feels very satisfying when someone calls and says that their problem has been resolved, helped along by our efforts. We’re here to serve. My own life has also changed. My children are all living independently, pursuing careers that interest them. My team at the District Office has grown and I’ve loved watching a new generation of young people find their way as we’ve had interns and volunteers over the past 3 years, who have pursued school, taken other positions, or stayed in a new capacity. I believe that every life we touch impacts another and that is how goodwill is spread. Thank you to everyone who submitted a survey. We received hundreds back and in a future newsletter we will be sharing the results of what our district believes are priorities. Many of the surveys I’ve seen share my own values of education, affordable and accessible healthcare, public safety, and career and technical training. I look forward to serving another year and another term as I pursue re-election next year. It is the honor of a lifetime and I am grateful to all who make this possible. As we enter this Holiday Season, my hope is that as you look back at your year, you see moments of light and joy, even in the midst of hardship or despair. Keep in touch. We love hearing from you. |
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Sincerely, Suzanne |
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DISTRICT OFFICE UPDATES |
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My District’s 3rd Annual
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My 3rd annual Diaper Drive was a huge success. We collected an incredible 6,118 diapers, 2526 wipes, and $1,500 in monetary donations from generous community members and businesses. This year’s Diaper Drive held the first week in November, surpassed last year’s numbers. The growing success of this annual Diaper Drive demonstrates the power of compassion and the willingness of our community members to come together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. In addition to the diaper donations, TriVista and Uber have made financial contributions to the food pantries which will further contribute to supporting families in need, allowing the food pantries to provide additional resources for other essential needs. A huge shout out to the businesses and organizations that served as drop-off sites: Representative Ness’ District Office; Baird & Warner (Michael Simpson); Community Unit School District 300 Central Office; First Congregational Church (Crystal Lake); Girl Scout Troop 1965; Rakow Center; Randall Oaks Recreation Center and the Village of Algonquin. The items collected during the drive will make a significant impact on the lives of local families struggling to afford basic necessities. The donated diapers and funds will be distributed to the public through the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Food Pantry, and the District 300 Food Pantry. Along with the food pantries, a donation of adult diapers will be given to Senior Services in Elgin for distribution. |
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Senior Services Advisory Council |
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I want to thank the following people and organizations for attending my Senior Services Advisory Council, PACE, RTA, MCRide, and Ride in Kane, for their informative presentations and for answering questions from agencies that serve Seniors in both Kane and McHenry Counties. We also had 2 representatives from the McHenry County Board, members Althoff and Meshes. Transportation can be a barrier to prosperity and is essential for people who need to access important services like healthcare, but also being able to drive to the grocery store, shopping center, or even a restaurant. It’s important that we understand the needs of seniors so we can best match our resources. I look forward to working with the agencies and individuals present as we look to continue to enhance transportation access in the 66th district. Click here for Information on McHenry County’s MCRide Dial-A-Ride Service |
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End of Year Town Halls |
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Thank you to all who joined me at my recent back-to-back Town Halls. Town Halls are a great opportunity to share office and Springfield updates with the community. I shared information on Veto session, and district updates, answered questions, and had information available on constituent services. I look forward to hosting more Town Halls in 2024. |
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Crystal Lake Library Town Hall Nov. 27th |
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Fox River Valley Library Town Hall Nov. 28th |
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CONSTITUENT SERVICES |
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Medicaid Renewal |
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Since Medicaid has stopped renewing automatically, Illinois will be mailing out annual Medicaid renewal notices. Watch your mail to check for your renewal; check your due date and confirm your eligibility. You can also click on abe.illinois.gov and tap on Manage My Case or call 1-800-843-6154. |
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Illinois Veterans History Project |
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The Illinois Veterans History Project is a statewide initiative that collects, preserves, and makes accessible first-hand recollections of veterans and civilians who served the five military branches. In conjunction with the Illinois Veterans History Project, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office is asking Illinois military veterans and their families to share their stories, photos, and mementos for future generations. “It’s an honor to commemorate the brave Americans who have served our country,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. “Our state’s Veterans History Project shines a spotlight on veteran voices and serves as a permanent record for Illinois veterans to memorialize their experience and contributions to ensure they are not forgotten.” To submit an entry or learn more about the project please visit the link below. |
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Back to Business (B2B) |
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The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will be providing financial relief up to $30,000 to businesses that started during the pandemic in the industries most impacted by the pandemic. Potential Applicants: For-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations started between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Applicants must have had annual gross receipts of at least $25,000 and up to $20 million in 2021. Applicants must also be in a B2B priority industry or be majority-owned by an individual or individuals that became eligible for and received unemployment insurance benefits – including from Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – between March 13, 2020, and the date the business began operations. For more information and to apply please click the link below. |
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AROUND THE TOWNS |
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Centro De Informacion does such great work for our community and we are grateful to partner with them. https://centrodeinformacion.org/programs-services |
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Congratulations to the City of Crystal Lake Public Works Department on being awarded the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Pride in Crystal Lake Award (P.I.C.A)! Thank you for making Crystal Lake a great place to live, work and play! |
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I had the opportunity to speak with a few constituents and share important information at a recent Mobile Office held at the Gail Borden Library – Rakow branch. I extend my gratitude to the Gail Borden Library in allowing me to host these important events for our community. |
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Thank you to the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak at their Annual Breakfast meeting. I had an opportunity to share informative legislative updates with business and community leaders. It was a very informative event and discussion with our community members. |
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Congratulations to the Senior Care Volunteer Network on their new space! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Mobile Office |
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Do you need help with unemployment resources, navigating state agencies, and mental health resources? My office can help. Look for mobile offices to pop up in your area in 2024. The first Mobile Office for 2024 will be held at the Crystal Lake Library on January 29th from 10:00 am to Noon. Reach out to our office if you’d like us to schedule a mobile office near you. |
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RESOURCES |
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Do you want to learn English, earn a high school equivalency credential, prepare for citizenship, or volunteer as an adult literacy tutor? There are FREE programs in Illinois! Call or text (800) 321-9511 or visit https://directory.iladultedhotline.org/. Operators speak English, Spanish, and Polish. Our service is free to anyone living in Illinois! |
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The holiday season can be difficult for some. If you need any support, text 988 or chat online by visiting this link https://988lifeline.org/chat/ whenever you need someone to talk to 24/7/365. |
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The CAC of McHenry County is in need of winter gear! Donations can be dropped off directly to the CAC, delivered to them, or purchased off of their Amazon wishlist. Location: 1 S. Virginia St. Crystal Lake, IL. 60014 |
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YWCA Elgin |
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The YWCA Elgin Clothing Distribution Center provides clothing to those in need. Local social service agencies provide our clients with their referrals. To receive a referral, you must meet the guidelines. Contact YWCA or visit their website in order to receive more information on this program. Phone: 847-742-7930 Email: info@ywcaelgin.org Website: https://www.ywcaelgin.org./ |
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ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH |
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Courtesy of Hoof Woof & Meow |
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Meet Luke |
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Are you looking for a walking or running buddy? Luke may be able to help. Luke is a 7-month-old male 45 lb. Lab mix puppy. He’s a friendly and happy puppy that loves affection. He’s potty-trained and crate-trained. He sleeps through the night, usually on his back, in his crate. A family situation where Luke could be in a crate for 2-3 hour stretches during the day until he’s out of the puppy stage or in doggie daycare would be a better fit. Luke is working on basic commands and walking on a leash. His ideal family would have a physical fenced-in yard and be mild to highly active. Luke is a puppy so a family that will be patient and committed to continue training Luke so he can be his best self, as all puppies need would be a good fit. Luke jumps when excited (something he’s working on) and could inadvertently bump into small children so older kids only. He will repay you with unconditional love and lots of kisses! Luke is a loving puppy that would be a great addition to your family! If Luke sounds like a perfect fit for your family you can review the adoption process & complete an application at – www.hoofwoofmeow.org/adoption Hoof Woof & Meow is a 100% volunteer rescue. All of the organization’s dogs are in Foster Homes. |
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