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Hello Neighbor!
End of Session Post
I’m happy to be back in the district after finishing up this legislative session. The budget process was a little different this year. We had less of a surplus than we’ve had in year’s past due to less revenue and the end of federal covid relief dollars. It’s a budget that reflects the priorities of multiple groups, while still ensuring that our State is moving forward in a fiscally responsible way. We have challenges that we will have to continue to address, however we’re doing so on a much more solid foundation than we have done in the past and that is the result of compromise and collaboration.
I’m happy to discuss with anyone the process of passing the budget if you’re interested. Please reach out to my office. Below are some of my highlights of the budget.
CILA occupancy factor was included in the Medicaid omnibus- this is 2 years’ worth of work- it gives 20 extra days for paid absences to agencies that operate group homes, in addition to the 18 already allowed.
The Community Mental Health Act bill was added to the revenue omnibus package. The bill does a number of things, but most importantly, it corrects referendum language that has resulted in communities not getting funding even after voters in those communities voted in favor of the mental health levy. These communities will now get their funding.
I supported the $1.00 per hour increase in Direct Service Provider wages for those who serve individuals with developmental disabilities (this was not in the Governor’s proposed budget). We have so many families who have children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and it’s important we have the workforce to help care for those individuals as they age and transition toward more independent living.
And we passed a bill that will allocate $10 million to set up grants that will eradicate at least 1 billion of medical debt for Illinoisans saddled with medical debt.
Back in the District my office recently hosted a successful Shred Event/Food Drive and the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office Mobile DMV. We have many fun and educational events planned for the summer. I am looking forward to being out and about in the community!
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I am so excited to be hosting four interns this summer! These fantastic young people are such an amazing asset to the district. Welcome Meg, Renee, Camryn and Emily!
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My name is Meg, and I am excited to work for State Representative Ness this summer! I am a rising sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C. where I plan to double major in Economics and Data Sciences for Political Science. At American University, I am a member of the Honors program, the Best Buddies chapter, the Women in Economics club, and the AU Girls Who Code chapter. Before attending American University, I graduated from Crystal Lake South High School and worked at the Crystal Lake Public Library and the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA). Some issues I am most passionate about include disability advocacy—particularly with special education—sustainability, and access to health care. I look forward to using these passions to serve my District 66 community alongside Representative Ness this summer!
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My name is Renee and I’m a recent graduate of Woodstock High School. This fall I plan to attend the University of Louisville where I will double major in Political Science and History with a minor in Spanish on the pre-law track. At Woodstock, I was heavily involved in sports, volunteering, academics, and clubs, and I hope to remain equally active at the University of Louisville. I am committed to bettering my understanding of the legislative process and implementing my knowledge in the community. Last summer, I interned with State Representative Suzanne Ness, and I am excited to continue working with her throughout this summer.
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Hi my name is Camryn! I’ve been interested in political science, and government occupations in general, for some time, and I’m super excited to be a part of Suzanne Ness’ team! I am going to be a senior at Jacobs High School. I am secretary of my school’s National Honors Society and am also a part of thr tennis team. To pass time I like to play cello and am part of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. I hope to pursue any government opportunities in my future and am so glad to have the chance to work with Ness’ team!
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Hi, I am Emily. I have been interning with Representative Ness for over a year. I enjoy constituent walking and meeting with residents. I recently graduated from Crystal Lake South High School and I will be attending American University in the fall. I have been involved with NAMI and the McHenry County Mental Health Board. I currently work at the Crystal Lake Public Library and I am looking forward to a busy summer filled with events for Representative Ness’ office!
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Mobile Museum of Tolerance and Beyond Rosa
The Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
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My office is excited to host the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) along with the Fox River Valley Public Library District. Developed in collaboration with the Midwest office of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Illinois State Board of Education, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a free, traveling museum and classroom. Led by an Illinois licensed educator, it aims to inspire people to use their voices to speak up against anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, intolerance, and hate.
I had the opportunity to visit the MMOT when it visited the Algonquin Area Public Library District in Algonquin this Spring and I support their mission of educating and sharing history so we may learn from the past and not repeat it.
In conjunction with the MMOT tour, Sarah Sullivan, instructor of History and Business at McHenry County College will be presenting Beyond Rosa: The Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, at the Dundee Adult Activities Center (665 Barrington Avenue) adjacent to the library on Monday July 29th at 1:00pm. What you think you know about the Montgomery Bus Boycott is incomplete; women do not often show up in Civil Rights history, but women planned, coordinated and implemented one of history’s most successful boycotts. The backstory of this boycott is fascinating and will change your understanding of history.
The Mobile Museum of Tolerance and presentation on the Montgomery Boycott are free and open to the public.
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Mobile Museum of Tolerance
July 29 – July 30
Noon – 7:00 PM
Dundee Library
555 Barrington Rd, Dundee
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Beyond Rosa: The Women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
July 29th 1:00 PM
Dundee Adult Activities Center
665 Barrington Rd, Dundee
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Join me for coffee with BINGO to follow!
Tuesday, July 23 at 10:00 am
Lake in the Hills Village Hall
600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills
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Main Beach Concert Series – Park Partner
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Our office is excited to be a 2024 Park Partner for the Concerts in the Park series. Come out and say Hi! We will have popsicles and resources available at the July 16th concert.
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Crystal Lake Main Beach
300 Lakeshore Drive
Crystal Lake, IL
July 16th – “28 Days” cover band
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This summer look for our office to “Pop Up” at a park near you! We will have constituent and community resources available along with popsicles and dog treats!
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Always a favorite day . . . hosting a Page For A Day! It was such a pleasure to be able to share my passion for government with Cecilia E!
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Dundee Township Author Phil Aleo
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It was an honor to present a Resolution and accompany local Dundee Township author Phil Aleo as he gifted his historical works to the Illinois State Library. Through his narrative and photography, Phil beautifully captures the history of many unique locations in District 66 and beyond. www.aleopublications.com
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Algonquin | Lake in the Hills
Firefighters Local #3985
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Thank you Algonquin/ Lake in the Hills Firefighters for stopping by my Springfield office!
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Successful Community Shred Event
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A big thank you to KCT Credit Union for sponsoring our shred event that my office held with the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Carpentersville.
We also appreciate the FISH Food Pantry for providing a truck for donations. Not only did 103 cars bring shred materials, some of them also brought food donations and generous monetary contributions to FISH. We were able to sign up 7 people for our upcoming DMV event scheduled for June 6th!
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Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce
’Annual Mayors Breakfast’
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NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness McHenry County LGBTQ+ Support Group
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Are you in the LGBTQ+ community living with a mental health condition? Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness of McHenry County for their support groups every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month at NAMI (620 Dakota St, Crystal Lake).
No RSVP required, for any questions or concerns text 815-314-4422 or email help@namimch.org with questions!
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Options & Advocacy for McHenry County Annual Community Picnic and Resource Fair
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Options and Advocacy for McHenry County is so excited to share the date for their Annual Community Picnic and Resource Fair. Connect with local community providers and lots of fun for the entire family. All are welcome!
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The Illinois Helpline for Opioids
and Other Substances
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The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently issued a memo regarding an increased finding of medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer, in opioid use drug overdoses. The effects of medetomidine can not be reversed by the use of Naloxone which is typically used to reverse the symptoms of fentanyl use. Medetomidine can cause respiratory depression, which can worsen when taken with other sedatives.
People who overdosed on Medetomidine experienced symptoms such as low heart rate and low blood pressure, in addition to symptoms of opioid overdose like low breathing and small pupils.
If you or someone you know struggles with drug addiction help is available.
Call 833-234-6343 (1-833-2FINDHELP) or text “HELP” to 833234
Visit the link provided for more information: Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances
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ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH
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Courtesy of Hoof Woof & Meow
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Hollee is a devoted mama now eagerly seeking her forever family! She mastered potty training, crate training, and leash manners. Hollee loves outdoor playtime with her toys, especially the squeaky variety. Cuddles and belly rubs are her love language, and she’ll happily snuggle beside her humans. While she’s a social butterfly with fellow canines, cats aren’t her cup of tea! Hollee’s heart is as big as her enthusiasm for meeting new doggy friends. She’s a possible Catahoula Leopard mix and 52 lbs. Her estimated birth date is 6/19/2022.
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Black Opal is a gorgeous, petite, black/chocolate coloring senior kitty with long fur. She can be a diva and prefers to get all the attention from her foster Mom. Black Opal is quite the lap cat! She does fine with other adult cats and adult dogs that ignore her. She would do best in a quieter home with respectful older kids, if any, in the household. She’s had a dental cleaning and some extractions. Black Opal is also spayed and up to date on vaccines. Estimated birth date is 3/25/2015.
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