June 2023

Hello Neighbor!

It feels like summer is in full swing as pools and beaches opened up just in time for the heat to start. We finished up in Springfield in the early morning hours of May 27th by passing the 5th balanced budget in a row for the state. I was proud to cast my vote for a budget that truly reflects all that I love about our state. We were able to provide extra money to programs that are so important for the people they serve, as well as putting more in our rainy-day fund, adding more toward pensions, and creating grants that incentivize new businesses and job growth. It was also the first time that many of us saw the budget negotiations up close and in person.

In years past, the budget has been drafted by a few people who mostly negotiated and then let everyone know what the budget included. This year, the budgeteers shared ongoing updates and the entire general assembly, democrats and republicans, had three days to review it before voting on it. Not to mention that we’ve spent months in subject matter hearings for appropriation committees hearing from state agencies about their needs. There were few surprises this year.

The initiatives that I advocated for made it into the budget. They include adding another $350 million toward education and the evidence-based funding formula, a $2.50 dollar-an-hour wage increase for direct service providers who work with individuals with developmental disabilities and increases in the Medicaid rate that the state pays to providers. It’s wonderful that we want to provide healthcare for so many Illinoisans, and if we don’t have providers willing to see them on Medicaid, then it doesn’t really help anyone.

I will release a separate email regarding the budget and I plan on hosting town halls throughout the summer and fall so there will be more ways to learn about the budget.
I am also proud of the legislation I passed, including a bill that would end the use of solitary confinement as punishment in juvenile detention centers across the state.
I’ve since learned that the state of Minnesota is looking at the language from HB3140
to use on similar legislation in that State.  You never know where it’s going to go.

Last night I attended the first community event of the summer! It was the kickoff of the summer reading program at the Fox River Valley Library. It was wonderful to see many families out enjoying a great night and encouraging the love of reading.  It reminded me of the bill we passed that would cut off funding to any public library that bans books in IL, and it further reminded me of why I love this work. It is a true privilege to serve.

I look forward to seeing you at a summer festival, town hall, coffee with constituents, or mobile office event soon. In the meantime, have fun and be safe.

Sincerely,  Suzanne

SPRINGFIELD UPDATES

Renewable Energy Component
Recycling Task Force

I am honored to be appointed by Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch to the Renewable Energy Component Recycling Task Force. I am looking forward to being involved in creating a sustainable and green future for all Illinoisans. If you have any ideas or suggestions on policies relating to creating a more sustainable future for our state. Please reach out to my office by emailing at info@repsnessil66.com or by phone at
224-484-620. I enjoy listening to new ideas and suggestions!

Honoring our Fallen Soldiers

I was moved and honored to sing for our Illinois’ fallen soldiers on the House floor this past week who honorably gave their lives while protecting and serving our country. My colleagues and I sang on the Illinois General Assembly floor to honor our fallen soldiers. If you would like to watch me sing, please click on this link: https://fb.watch/kRNJSxgEcE/

Honoring our Firefighters

In early May, I attended the 30th Annual Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony and the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service in Springfield. During the awards ceremony, Elgin Battalion Chief, Dan Wagner, was presented with the Medal of Valor award. The Medal of Valor is an award given to firefighters for “an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger.” Battalion Chief Wagner was presented with this honorable award after he made a life-saving water rescue on the Fox River in June 2022.

COWL Conference of Women Legislators

COWL hosted a few meetings throughout the session, and we had some surprise visits. A few of the surprise visits included the Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, and the Lt. Governor of Illinois, Juliana Stratton! We were excited to share our vision towards empowering women in the legislature. As the Co-Chair of COWL, I am honored to be recognized for our efforts to create a bipartisan legislative environment among women to foster a productive legislative process and to support and empower women legislators. I encourage you to learn more about COWL by clicking the link provided below:

Parks Day at the Capitol

While I was walking in the State Capitol, I ran into the Huntley Park District pop-up booth! It was great to see local parks from District 66 at the Capitol. During my
visit with them, I learned more about the great things that the Huntley Park District is planning for their residents and the ways I can continue supporting them.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

This month was a very busy week for legislation! While I’m writing this, I am pleased to say that various bills have passed through both chambers that would make the lives of Illinoisans easier, from combating the price gouging of generic drug prescriptions to increasing the MAP Grant to low-income college students who attend an Illinois university or college – which are bills that are awaiting the Governor’s signature. I am pleased to provide a list of co-sponsored bills and my bills. If you have any questions on any of these bills, please reach out to my office.

Suzanne’s Bills

HB2472 – Increase Daycare Capacity
This bill increases daycare capacity for group homes.

HB3140 – End Youth Solitary Confinement
This bill aims to end youth solitary confinement. It prohibits juveniles under the age of 21 to be confined in a room at a juvenile or youth facility for discipline, punishment, or retaliation. I am also pleased to say that the State of Minnesota is looking at this bill as a model for their future youth confinement legislation.

HB3224 – SCH CD-Special Ed-Transition
This bill would require school districts to provide the student and their legal guardians with information about dual credit courses, and it would count those dual credit courses as part of the student’s transition Individualized Education Program activities.

Suzanne’s Co-Sponsored Bills

HB1540 – Electronic Smoking Device

This bill essentially bans indoor vaping.

HB1565 – Vaginal Estrogen

This bill provides insurance coverage for vaginal estrogen. Vaginal estrogen treats many common symptoms of menopause with a low risk of side effects and can be expensive to obtain. I am in support of this legislation that promotes equity and increases access to healthcare for women.

HB2189 ­– Access to Afford Insulin Act

This bill caps the price of a 30-day supply of insulin to $35 for all private individual and group insurance policies. I am in support of this life-saving bill, that ensures affordable access to insulin to all who need it.

HB3203 ­– Prevent Fentanyl Exposure

This bill allows retailers and pharmacies to sell over-the-counter fentanyl test strips to the public in an effort to prevent fentanyl exposure and reduce fentanyl-related accidental deaths

MAY HIGHLIGHTS

Mobile Office Hours partnered with the Dundee Township Park District Adult Activities Center

My District Director, Katrina, had a wonderful time calling bingo for seniors in the community at my Mobile Office. Thank you to the Dundee Township Park District for allowing my office to host this event and to everyone who attended!

Women in Business Luncheon
Hosted at Adrenaline Monkey

Thank you to the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce, Guest Speaker Jamie Haggerty- Corporate Manager, and Adrenaline Monkey for hosting a wonderful Women in Business Luncheon in West Dundee.

Jamie talked about the challenges of being a female in the sports industry and it was not only powerful but inspiring to hear her story.

D300 Food Pantry Volunteering

Katrina volunteered at the D300 Food Pantry. She had so much fun volunteering and she would like to thank D300 for providing meals to families in need.

Centro De Informacion’s Annual Community Luncheon

Ozzy and Alexis attended Centro de Informacion’s Annual Community Luncheon. Thank you José Marco Paredes, Forum’s Director of Civic Engagement, for an amazing speech on the hispanic culture and  hardships they face. Featured artist Angel Salas, a Bartlett high school student performed beautiful instruments alongside a traditional Venezuelan ensemble.

Cristina Colunga, a visual artist created a beautiful painting as the luncheon was occurring in which someone was able to win in the raffle! Thank you Centro De Informacion for hosting this wonderful luncheon. Congratulations to all partnership award winners Senator Cristina Castro, School District U-46, and Elgin Community College.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Town Hall

State Representative Steve Reick, concerned parents, and community members joined my Town Hall regarding the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). It was an informative and important discussion surrounding DCFS. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Breakfast with the Mayors

Katrina and Ozzy attended the Annual Mayor’s Breakfast hosted by Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Northwestern Medicine. It was an informative conversation from our local village leaders from Village of Carpentersville, Village of East Dundee, Village of West Dundee,  Village of Gilberts, and Village of Sleepy Hollow where they talked about upcoming projects and events happening in their communities.

Adoptable Pet of the Month

Meet Bennu

Bennu (cat) Bennu is 7 lbs. She can be shy with new people, but once she’s comfortable she enjoys gentle pets and playing a game of wand chase. She is curious and loves to watch the activities in her foster home and sometimes tries to help sweep. She enjoys the company of her furry foster siblings (check out C. Cane if you are interested in two) and can often be found hanging out in the cat tree. Bennu’s adoption fee is $175 – which includes core vaccinations (age appropriate), microchip & spay/neuter at one of our contracted vets (if applicable)  *HWMAR presents the information in these bios based on our foster observations and any information presented to us regarding prior living conditions, breed specifications. While we aim to be as accurate as possible, each animal is individual and their behaviors and personalities can change in different surroundings.  HWMAR holds no guarantees on personality, behavior, or breed*  Please review our adoption process & complete an application on our website –  www.hoofwoofmeow.org/adoption. We adopt within 150-mile radius of Elgin, IL **We are a 100% volunteer rescue.  All of our cats are in Foster Homes**Submission of an application does not guarantee the adoption of any specific animal as they may have applications pending or might not be the right match for you*

Meet Sally

Sally (pup) Hi! My name is Sally and I‘m a 2-year-old, 60 lb Bulldog/Pitbull mix. I’m up to date on all vaccines. My fosters say I’m a sweet lovable gal. Periodically, I’ll go lay in the crate for a nap, but I have free roam of my foster’s home. I’m potty trained and nice around other dogs, older kids, and calm strangers that allow me to walk up to them. What else do you need to know about me? I also love walks on a leash and zoomies in my foster’s fenced yard. I enjoy bones and squeaky dog toys. I have to admit the squeaky toys don’t last too long. I also take treats very gently. Thankfully, my foster family lets me free roam when they’re gone and I am the best girl! When I‘m not playing or walking, I am sprawled out for a nap on the rug, dog bed, or couch. I enjoy naps, especially if my foster family is nearby. I haven’t met a cat, but my foster feels that a slow introduction with a dog-friendly cat would most likely work since I’m so good. My ideal family would have a fenced-in yard and be mildly active, but I will settle for daily walks. I’m getting more familiar with car rides, especially when there is a small plain burger/pup cup involved.  I hope you will consider me to become a great addition to your family! Sally’s adoption fee is $350 – which includes core vaccinations (age appropriate), microchip & spay/neuter at one of our contracted vets (if applicable) Please review our adoption process & complete an application on our website –  www.hoofwoofmeow.org/adoption.

UPCOMING
COMMUNITY EVENTS

Mobile Office is partnering with the
Gail Borden Library – Rakow Branch

Join me on Tuesday, June 20th from 10 am to 12 pm for my Mobile Office Hours. This will be held at the Gail Borden Library- Rakow Branch. Feel free to come say hello, share ideas, concerns, or ask questions!

For questions, please contact us

Email: info@repsnessil6.com

Number: 224-484-8620

Juneteenth Cultural Festival

Saturday, June 17th from 11 am- 11 pm Stop by and celebrate Juneteenth and
African-American culture with food, history, arts, and entertainment for the whole family at the Festival Park in Elgin!

Hoof Woof & Meow Woofstock Fundraiser

Join Hoof Woof & Meow to help support their mission to rescue homeless and mistreated animals so they can be placed in loving homes. This event will be held on June 25th from 1 pm-5 pm at 319 N. River Street. Stop by and enjoy the live music,  crafts, and meet their adoptable pets!

Kane County Assessment Office Workshop

Join us as we discuss questions and concerns regarding your homes such as property taxes or homestead exemptions. No sign-up is necessary!

June 26, 2023
11 am – 12 pm
20 S Grove St Ste #102, Carpentersville, IL

If you have any questions call: 224-484-8620 or email: info@repsnessil66.com

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Elgin Residents ONLY- Household Hazardous Waste + Electronics Recycling Collection

Elgin residents have an easy and convenient way to recycle electronics and dispose of household hazardous waste through the At Your Door service. This service allows you to schedule a pickup for household hazardous waste and electronics right from your residence, at no additional cost as part of your regular Waste Management service!

To schedule a pickup, contact Waste Management at 800-449-7587 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find more information at https://www.countyofkane.org/recycling/pages/hhw.aspx

Northern Illinois Food Bank
Lunch at the Library

All children 18 and under can get free, healthy, and nutritious meals when school is out. Dine-In only at the Fox River Valley Public Library in West 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.

Elgin Police Departments
Kids United Summer Program

The Elgin Police Department’s Kids United Summer Program is now accepting registrations. Registration will remain open until June 5th or until the program is full.

Youth attending will have the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, culinary arts, sports, and much more.

The program will run from June 12th-August 1st and is free to attend for Elgin Township/U-46 students, Meals will also be provided.

If you have questions, you may email kidsunited@cityofelgin.org

Ecker Center Crisis
Stabilization Program

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health has 5 different crisis intervention and stabilization services available to the public!

Their newest program is the CSP or Crisis Stabilization Program, which is open 24/7 and available to anyone age 18 or over, regardless of ability to pay. This program provides crisis intervention services to anyone in the community experiencing a behavioral health crisis, from suicidal ideation and trauma to panic attacks, depression, grief and loss, substance use disorders, PTSD, and more.

The CSP is located at the North end of the Ecker Center.
An appointment is not required; however, calling before arrival is recommended at
(847) 695-0484, Ext. 2107 or (888) ECKER-50.