July 2023

Hello Neighbor!

It’s been wonderful to be back in the district after wrapping up Spring Session in Springfield. There are many highlights and announcements I am excited to share. I am continuing to work on my upcoming end-of-session Townhall partnered with State Representative Anna Moeller.

I’ve also enjoyed sharing the good news with the Village of Lakewood that I was able to secure $250,000 dollars for them toward infrastructure needs and assist in

guaranteeing the remaining 12.5 million dollars toward Longmeadow Parkway Bridge. I worked alongside State Representative Anna Moeller, Senators Cristina Castro, and Don DeWitte, and the Chairwoman of the Kane County Board, Corinne Pierog, to ensure that Longmeadow did not become a toll bridge. I am happy to announce that we were successful in that endeavor.

You’ll see more highlights of the month below, but I want to end this post with a huge thank you to the outstanding team of people who work in my office and ensure that we can meet the needs of our community. I couldn’t do half the things I do without them. In no particular order, they are; Nan, Ozzy, Alexis, and Emily. I would also like to thank the incredible volunteers who have joined us, Katie and Renee. Our team is growing, and I couldn’t be more thrilled or grateful to have all of them. Lastly, take care of your health this summer. The air quality from a week ago is a reminder that we must take care of the earth and each other.

Sincerely,  Suzanne

INVESTING IN DISTRICT 66

Putting your tax dollars to work!

Throughout District 66, we have exciting things coming our way! From new parks, and improving our infrastructure, roads, and everything in between, it is a great thing that we are continuing to invest in District 66, so our communities can continue to thrive.

Longmeadow Bridge is now TOLL-FREE!

As I have promised the people of my district that this bridge would be toll-free, I am very pleased to say that the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor will be TOLL-FREE! My colleague, Representative Anna Moeller, and I fought and secured $12.5 million to go toward the bridge. Kane County Officials were able to secure an additional $5 million towards the costs of the bridge. The Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor spans 5.6 miles and covers much of Algonquin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, and West Dundee. This is expected to reduce congestion on Illinois State Routes 62 and 72 and increase accessibility to local businesses, create jobs and new development in the area. The Bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. If you would like to learn more about the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor, please visit: http://kdot.countyofkane.org/Pages/Projects/Longmeadow-Parkway-Bridge/Longmeadow-Pkwy.aspx

Haligus Road Park in Lakewood

I am excited to announce that Haligus Road Park, a new park on Haligus Road in Lakewood, will begin construction with anticipation this fall. This park was awarded $600,000 through an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD), which is funded through the State of Illinois. The park site is 10 acres in size and will include many exciting features, such as a splash pad, demonstration garden, recreation field, and much more! If you wish to see conceptual maps and plans, please visit the link provided below to see all the amenities that are being planned for this brand-new park.

Randall over 90

There is no doubt that Randall Road is certainly one of the heaviest transported routes between Southern McHenry County and Northern Kane County. The Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) has been collecting survey responses from the community that will be used to assist KDOT in providing a direction for this project. KDOT is evaluating potential improvements to Randall Road between Big Timber Road and Illinois State Route 72, with a focus on the Interstate 90 interchange. The community was asked to complete the survey by June 16th. This phase of the project is expected to conclude in the Winter of 2024. I will keep you updated on this project in my future newsletters. If you would like to learn more about the Randall over 90 project, please visit: https://www.randallover90.com.

Towne Park Improvements

I am very pleased to announce that the Village of Algonquin received over half a million dollars ($600,000) to expand and improve Towne Park through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the State of Illinois! Towne Park is one of Algonquin’s most popular parks. The Village of Algonquin has hosted public meetings to allow residents to provide their input. The input was used to help guide the design of the new park. I included an aerial view below to display some of the amenities they plan to implement in the park, thanks to the state grant that was awarded to the village. If you would like to learn more about this exciting project coming near District 66, please visit this link: https://www.towneparkalgonquin.org

More Randall Road improvements,
with the addition of sidewalks!

Yes, more road construction is upon Randall Road! However, this road construction will drastically improve traffic flow in the northern section of Randall Road. This improvement means that this section of Randall Road will be widened to six lanes from four lanes. This means no more merging from an ending lane, and fewer road rage incidents. Additionally, As the demand for biking paths has increased in the past few years in District 66, I am pleased to say that the Illinois Department of Transportation has awarded $3 million dollars to the McHenry County Division of Transportation to construct a new sidewalk and shared-use path along the Randall Road corridor to connect existing regional and local bike/pedestrian sidewalks between Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills. This was made possible through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, which I voted on and passed through the General Assembly. If you wish to learn more about the Randall Road Corridor Improvement Project between Alexandra Blvd and Acorn Ln, please visit this link:
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/transportation/projects/randall-road-northern-segment

Lake in the Hills
3CK Airport Improvements

The sole airport in District 66 was awarded over $2 million dollars to resurface taxiways, and hangars, relocate the existing entrance road, and replace the automated weather observation system. This was made possible by the legislation we passed in the General Assembly, which is the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. This investment will ensure that the only airport in District 66 continues to thrive and serve our communities better. Additionally, I am pleased to say that our airport is committed to being environmentally friendly. Construction for a 2-megawatt solar farm is anticipated to start this fall.

Lakewood given a $250,000 grant to improve infrastructure

In June, I presented the Village Board of Lakewood with a $250,000 appropriation grant to improve infrastructure development in the Village. The Village aims to use this grant to improve water infrastructure, and additionally, invest in shoreline improvements to prevent damaging flooding from Crystal Lake among residential properties.

Bills Signed by the Governor

I am excited to announce that three of my bills have been signed by Governor JB Pritzker! As I continue to advocate for kids with disabilities, the youth in DCFS care, and youth in the state, it is a good step forward to ensure that the lives of these kids and parents are made easier with these recently signed bills.

HB 3140 and HB 3224 ensure equity for youth and SB 2293 ensures that youth in DCFS care have immediate access to essential goods. More information regarding these laws is provided below:

HB 3140 – End Youth Solitary Confinement

This bill ends youth solitary confinement for juveniles under 18 years of age.

HB 3224 – Special Education Transition

This bill requires school counselors, and officials to notify students with disabilities, and their parents or legal guardians about dual credit opportunities in public schools.

SB 2293 – DCFS Youth in Care Fund

This bill allows DCFS caseworkers to access immediate funds that will provide clothes, shoes, and essential needs to youth in state care.

UPCOMING DISTRICT OFFICE EVENTS

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

My District Office Ribbon Cutting

and Open House

I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend my Ribbon Cutting and Open House! I was overwhelmed and humbled by the turnout. I’ve been to dozens of ribbon cuttings, open houses, and tours over the past 3 years and it was amazing to see so many people show up for mine. We were happy to highlight local art from Piotr Bialeckialong and youth art from the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA). We were delighted to have delicious food from our vendors, Noc Noc Wood, Elder + Oat, and Liefde Bakery.

I opened my District Office during COVID and my team and I have spent the last 3 years getting to know our community and creating an inviting and welcoming space where we can assist constituents in need, connect people to resources, build engagement with State Government, and provide a space where people can launch ideas, make suggestions for legislation and partner with us to help others. I am proud of the work we’ve done so far, and I’m looking forward to so much more.

Pride Month Door Decor

June was Pride Month! A chance for the community to come together and celebrate in a festive, affirming atmosphere to raise awareness for ongoing issues of inequality and to commemorate the lives lost to hate crimes.

Elgin Community College

Scholarship Award Ceremony

Nan and Alexis attended the Elgin Community College Scholarship Award Ceremony at Elgin Community College. They enjoyed learning about the hard work and accomplishments of the students who received scholarships from the Northern Kane County Chamber of Women In Business.

The keynote speaker, President of Elgin Community College Dr. David Sam made an inspiring speech. Good luck to all the scholarship award winners!

D300 Food Pantry Monthly Volunteering

My office staff Ozzy, along with amazing volunteers from the D300 Food Pantry, Carrie, Kris, Karen, and Beth, provided valuable volunteer work to the D300 Food Pantry.

 Together, they are keepin’ the kids fed, which is the D300 Food Pantries motto. Great work to all!

Fox River Valley Public Library

Summer Reading Kick-Off

My office and I had a booth at the Fox River Valley Public Library! We gave out popsicles and raffle tickets for a chance to win Chicago Museum passes.

What a fun way to kick-off summer reading with crafts, food, and a fire performance! Thank you Fox River Valley Public Library District for hosting this wonderful event.

Biking on the Prairie Trail

I enjoyed biking to my District Office on the Prairie Trail from Crystal Lake to Carpentersville. The weather was warm but breezy, and I listened to the chirping of birds along the Prairie Trail. I highly recommend you take a ride on the Prairie Trial and enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather.

Private Tasting with Liefde Bakery

My office and I attended a private tasting with Liefde Bakery. Liefde Bakery is a family-owned business located in Elgin. They introduced amazing South African baked goods, foods, and desserts!

Mobile Office at the Gail Borden Library Rakow Branch

I would like to thank the Gail Borden Library-Rakow Branch for allowing me to host my Mobile Office hours in their library. I had a great time connecting with constituents in District 66.

Crystal Lake Post Office Renaming

Nan and I attended the Ceremony renaming of the Crystal Lake Post Office for Marine Cpl. Ryan J. Cummings. It was moving to hear the words of Ryan’s father and those who served with him. Ryan was a remarkable young man from Crystal Lake and it was only fitting that we remember him and honor his sacrifice.

Youth Leadership Council

We had our first in person Youth Leadership Council meeting. It was a productive legislative discussion with topics surrounding pre-registering 16 year olds to vote, school bullying notifications, book banning, and many more topics. I am excited to hear more from our youth members in our next meeting.

Elgin Juneteenth Cultural Festival

It was a beautiful day to honor and celebrate Juneteenth at the Elgin Juneteenth Cultural Festival. Our office enjoyed seeing and experiencing African American culture and trying some delicious food. Thank you to the African American Coalition of Kane County for hosting this insightful festival!

U.S. Citizenship Recognition

I would like to congratulate all of the new U.S Citizens who were honored at the Citizenship Recognition Program held at The Centre of Elgin! It was a pleasure to attend and recognize these individuals. I wish all of them much success in their future.

Motorola Experience Center Tour

My legislative colleagues and I toured Motorola’s Experience Center in Elgin. We learned about services Motorola provides, including their license plate readers that will provide valuable information to law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime on the streets and the expressway.

Hoof Woof and Meow Woofstock Event

I had a great time at the Woofstock event! I met with various constituents, including 4-legged community members!

Thank you Hoof Woof and Meow Animal Rescue for hosting this wonderful event!

Student Art Exhibit at the

Woodstock Library

The IAEA – Illinois Art Education Association is a statewide association of art educators for K-12 schools. Every year they select student artwork from across the state and go on a statewide tour showcasing our talented young people. I had the pleasure of meeting Jordan Harris, who graduated from Crystal Lake Central HS, and his family; to see his stunning digital photo capturing the theme: “then and now.”

Thank you to IAEA for a terrific art show. Another big thank you to Jordan’s Art Teacher, Kerry Parrish, for the invite. Good luck with your future art endeavors Jordan. You have a promising future!

Adoptable Pet of the Month

Meet Midnights and Fearless

Midnights and Fearless are most likely twin kittens! They do almost everything together, including drinking out of the same water bowl at the same time! Both are sweet and playful kittens who love to hit a ball around. They appear to be bonded so they need to be adopted together.  There is a $50 discount for adopting two kittens.

Meet Dolly

Dolly is the sweetest little pocket pooch, weighing in at 10 lbs. She was found as a stray and we do not know how long she was on her own or her exact age and breed. She appears to be a chihuahua corgi mix. She’s approximately 6 years old. She was skittish at first, taking a little time to warm up to her foster momma but now has settled in and come to appreciate snuggling, pets, and her cozy blankets. She is looking for her person to give all of her love and time to. Dolly loves snuggling on your lap and being wherever her person is. She will tuck herself in when she needs a nap! She would love a stay-at-home person or somebody that she can travel with as a pocket or purse pooch. She travels well in the car. Dolly walks well on a leash. She enjoys little walks to sniff and explore. Dolly has shown to be an escape artist, so she will need to be kept on a leash outdoors at all times, regardless of fence status. She is crate trained and working on potty training outside, however, she doesn’t like the cold or rainy weather and chooses to use potty pads. Dolly has also been working on learning her basic commands. Her furever family should be committed to continue training with her.

Breed experience is preferred as Dolly is a typical chihuahua and will require an adopter who understands her Chihuahua behaviors fully.

*No children for this girl, she prefers the company of adults*

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Algonquin Area Public Library District School Supply Drive

The Algonquin Area Public Library District is collecting new backpacks and school supplies for distribution at both the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry and the D300 Food Pantry.

You can help students in our community start the school year off on the right foot! Click the link to purchase and donate items from their Target registry and have them delivered directly to the library:
https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift-giver?registryId=7b7c8610-e92a-11ed-b655-5bd417292900&type=CHARITY&fbclid=IwAR1tEha2O_7qdbOopXOhM7jprs7JKlk5No_mJBe_wsWDJwEfmhFAFsXIWvE

You’re also more than welcome to purchase items from the registry at our local Algonquin Target and drop them off at either the Harnish Main Library or the Eastgate Branch Library.

Please contact Kate by email at kate@aapld.org or by phone at 847-458-3144 with any questions in regard to this school supply drive.

RESOURCES

FREE Summer Lunch Programs

at the Library

The free summer lunch program is open to children ages 18 years and under who live in Crystal Lake. The program runs Monday through Friday from June 5 to August 11, 2023, at Ladd Park (556 Coventry Lane in Crystal Lake). Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

*In case of rain or inclement weather, the lunch program will be held indoors at Vineyard Church, 7105 Virginia Road in Crystal Lake.

All children 18 and under can get free, healthy, nutritious meals when school is out. Dine-In only at the Fox River Valley Public Library District in Dundee. No registration is necessary. Meals are paid for by the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federally funded program managed by the USDA and operated by the Illinois State Board of Education in conjunction with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Illinois Housing Development Authority Homebuyer Assistance Program

Illinois HFA1 Is Now Open!

Illinois HFA1 is a new homebuyer assistance program from IHDA Mortgage offering a flat $10,000 towards your home purchase. The assistance can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, or both!

For information on Illinois HFA1, the IHDA Mortgage process, and all our other programs visit the IHDA Mortgage Homebuyer Center now at https://www.ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers

Questions? Contact the Illinois Housing Development Authority at 877-456-2656 | mortgage@ihda.org

Elgin Township – Utility Assistance

Elgin Township cares about its older population and wishes to show support by offering this program to Elgin Township residents ages 65 & older with limited income. Program recipients will receive assistance toward utility bills (gas, water, electric).

Elgin Township will award a limited number of recipients $300 toward the utility bill(s) of their choice. The utility bill(s) must be in the applicant’s name and for the current address. Only one application per household is allowed. The application period is July 3 – July 31, 2023. Click the link provided for the application: https://elgintownship.com/seniors/