May 2023

Dear Neighbor,

April’s weather is certainly setting us up for a beautiful May! One thing about being in Springfield that may not be as talked about is the fact it is 3 weeks ahead weather wise. The temperatures are warmer, the grass is greener, and the trees are in full bloom!

As we move into the final stretch of this session, things are busy. We are in the middle of working on the budget. After many hours of hearing from agencies, the 5 appropriation groups and the chief budgeteers from each Chamber start the task of going line by line.

If you are interested in reviewing agency budgets, the best way to do that is to follow the 5 appropriation committees in the house. I serve on General Services appropriations. We hear from all of the State Agencies related to the operations of the State, including the 5 constitutional officers.

There is also a standing Medicaid working group that has met all session reviewing all of the bills that impact Medicaid, one of our largest expenses in our budget. We also get a federal match of 50% for every Medicaid dollar we spend. It is how we’ve been able to provide healthcare for so many who otherwise would not be covered.

Once we have an agreed budget, we will vote on it and that is one of the last things we do before the session ends. I always provide an end of year town hall and this year will be no exception. Once that is scheduled we will send out the details. In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying spring! I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,  Suzanne

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

HB3224 – Special Ed-Transition
I am pleased to say that HB3224 passed on a bipartisan vote in the house, and is now headed for a 3rd reading in the Senate! 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.

HB3140 – End Youth Solitary Confinement Act
This bill is in the Senate, headed for a 2nd reading. This act would prohibit juveniles under the age of 21 to be confined in a room at a juvenile or youth facility for discipline, punishment, or retaliation.

HB2569 – Solid Waste/Compost Products
This bill is in the Senate, in the Executive committee. This bill would make all State and local agencies to consider whether compost products can be utilized in the land maintenance activity project when soliciting and reviewing bids. It would also encourage State and local agencies to prioritize purchasing compost from local Illinois companies.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

Shred Day Partnered with
State Senator Don Dewitte’s Office

Amazing turnout with State Senator Don Dewittes office and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce. The truck was full and the D300 Food Pantry had great donations. Thank you to everyone who came to shred and donate!

Mobile Office partnered with
Centro De Informacion

I had a great time hosting my Mobile Office with Centro de Informacion, and met with the Illinois Migrant Council, Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, Illinois Legal Aid Online, and the National Youth Advocate Program on a beautiful day.

I enjoyed talking with the community, and I provided gifts for a raffle towards the end. Congratulations to Maria for winning the Museum Pass, which is a week pass for free admission to the most popular Chicagoland museums!

Legislative Discussion with the
IASA Kishwaukee Region

I enjoyed participating in this legislative update with IASA Kishwaukee Region (IL Association of School Administrators) with my fellow legislative colleagues, State Senator Don DeWitte, State Representative Jeff Keicher, and Rep. Joe Sosnoski.

We discussed evidence-based funding, mandates, electric buses, and other timely issues that impact schools. It’s valuable to have these meetings in order to make better decisions that support public education. I want to thank all administrators who participated.

Future Farmers of America

It was a delightful surprise when students from the Future Farmers of America stopped by my office in Springfield. Not only did they bring enthusiasm and energy with them, they also brought a basket of Illinois goodies and lunch! I want to thank these students for stopping by and sharing their thoughts (and snacks) with me.

Family Health Partnership Clinic Tour

I was delighted to tour the Family Health Partnership Clinic in Crystal Lake. They informed me on the exceptional services that are provided to their patients and I am pleased to see their immense dedication to helping the community.

The Easterseals Dupage &
Fox Valley Tour

The Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley organization is an invaluable resource to families with children who have disabilities. Their facilities and staff provide amazing service and care. I was inspired by the tour I did and the information I learned.

Coffee With Your Legislators

I met with business leaders and community members who are part of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, alongside State Senator Don DeWitte for a Coffee with your Legislators series. I enjoyed this productive legislative discussion and answering questions.

Women in Business Luncheon

Alexis and Nan from my district office attended the Women in Business Luncheon hosted by the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce at Bleuroot in West Dundee. Thank you Senator Cristina Castro for an inspiring speech for women who plan to run for office.

Encore Memory Care Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Encore Memory Care on celebrating their 1 year anniversary! They provide valuable care to elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias. It is great to see more memory care facilities that are committed to taking care of our elderly people in the Crystal Lake community.

D300 Food Pantry Monthly Volunteering

My staff has been volunteering each month with the D300 Food Pantry. There were also students from Dundee Crown High School working on their national honor society hours as well!

Crystal Lake Community Clean Up

My District Director, Katrina attended the Crystal Lake Community Clean Up with the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Crystal Lake Park District in honor of Earth Day. Katrina had a wonderful time making a difference for our planet.

Office Door Earth Day Decoration

I had a couple helpers decorate our office door to celebrate Earth Day! I want to remind everyone that there are multiple ways to celebrate and honor Earth Day.

We should all practice conserving resources and nurturing our environment.
Here are 10 ways to make Earth Day everyday!

Adoptable Pet of the Month

Meet Jack Frost

Jack Frost is a laid back and friendly 5 year old cat who loves attention and affection. He’s a little on the chunky side (11 lbs) and is a bit of a couch potato. Do you enjoy spending your evenings at home watching TV and could use the company of a furry friend?  Jack is classified as having special needs, but that only means he needs a simple daily wiping of his eyes with a warm washcloth and drops if needed.

UPCOMING
COMMUNITY EVENTS

Youth Leadership Council

I am thrilled to announce that I will be starting a Youth Leadership Council. I’m inviting high school students in the Illinois House District 66 to apply for the program. This is an opportunity for high school students to develop leadership, team-building, communication skills, and even grow their network.

Please visit the link attached below or scan the QR code for the application. If there are questions about the program, please email or call the information provided below!

Email: info@repsnessil66.com 

Office Number: 224-484-8620

Mobile DMV

I will be partnering with the Illinois Secretary of State to bring a mobile DMV to the Dundee Township Park District on Monday, May 22nd from 10am to 2pm located at 665 Barrington Ave Carpentersville, IL 60110. Registration is required for this event. Please RSVP by clicking the link below or contacting my District Director, Katrina Harrington, at 224-484-8620. This is an event you do not want to miss!

Spanish: El Secretario de Estado de Illinois y yo organizamos un DMV móvil para la comunidad. El DMV móvil será ubicado en 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, IL 60110, Dundee Township Park District, Lunes 22 de mayo de 10 am a 2 pm. Es necesario registrarse para obtener servicios. Haz clic en el enlace o comunicándose con mi directora de distrito, Katrina Harrington, al 224-484-8620. ¡Este es un evento que no te quieras perder!

Shelter, Inc Clothing Drive

Sign up today for the Springing Into Summer Clothing Drive, help provide needed clothing for the children and families in Shelter’s programs by May 15!

Sign up here or scan the QR code provided below: https://forms.gle/hD9AmNQAkbxtBYJw7
Shop for me! I prefer to make a cash donation: https://shelterinc.salsalabs.org/SpringingIntoSummerClothingDrive2023/index.html

Options & Advocacy Annual
Community Family Picnic

Check out some of the wonderful organizations that will be joining Options & Advocacy for their Annual Community Family Picnic! Join them Friday, May 19th from 11am to 4pm in Crystal Lake.

Fly Away the Stigma Event
hosted by Family Service Association of Greater Elgin

Join the Family Service Association of Greater Elgin for this free event and help raise awareness for mental health and break the stigma. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, FSA is hosting a Fly Away the Stigma event where we can all learn more about how to cope with mental health related symptoms.

They will have guest speakers share more information and everyone is invited to decorate and fly kites!

Please RSVP to ensure we have enough supplies and snacks! https://buff.ly/3Zlos1g

Low-Cost Microchip, and Rabies Clinic

Now is the time for McHenry County pet owners to take advantage of low-cost rabies vaccinations for their pets! McHenry County Animal Control is accepting appointments online for clinics in May and June. These are cash-only, drive-thru events for McHenry County residents and their pets. All pets must be registered. Schedule your appointment at https://mchenrycountyscheduling.as.me/schedule.php?calendarID=7958106

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Back to Business (B2B) Grants

Back to Business (B2B) Grants are now open for Creative Arts businesses,
Hotels & Restaurants through DCEO!

McHenry County Mental Health Board Town Hall

The McHenry County Mental Health Board is holding a Town Hall meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 11. Your input can make a difference in how McHenry County supports residents in matters of mental health and developmental disabilities.

Notice for Illinois Medicaid Members

As the nation’s COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ends, the automatic re-enrollment for Medicaid will also end. This means you could lose your Medicaid insurance if you don’t re-enroll. Don’t wait – take action now to ensure you have the necessary coverage.

City of Elgin Free Water Testing and Filter Distribution Program

The City of Elgin has partnered with 120Water to offer free water testing and pitcher filter kits for water customers who live or do business in Elgin. This program is to help residents and business owners identify and reduce lead in their drinking water. Active water customers can request a water testing kit or pitcher filter kit, or both.

To fill out the program application visit:
https://www.cityofelgin.org/2347/Lead-Testing

To read the full press release visit: https://bit.ly/42V5KzK

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Town Hall

DCFS (Illinois Department of Children & Family Services) and
Suzanne Ness will be having a town hall!
Saturday on May 13 at 10am
The Community Foundation in Crystal Lake
33 E. Woodstock Crystal Lake
Please feel free to share your thoughts or concerns on issues that matter to you.