Hello Neighbor!

This is it! We are in the final weeks of this spring session.  Most of our time going forward will be putting the budget together after months of hearing budget presentations from state agencies and programs throughout the State. This year’s budget will not contain the one time federal funds that we’ve seen the past few years so there are likely to be some difficult conversations. Our State’s fiscal situation has improved significantly in the past 5 years and it is my desire to see us continue on that path. As we stabilize our finances, it puts us in a better position to do more in the future.  My priorities have not changed: education, individuals with disabilities, and improving long-term care quality of care throughout the State. This is also supported by the surveys I heard from constituents throughout the district. I will send out an end of session wrap up soon. Until then, please reach out to my office if there is anything you need.

Lastly, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the 66th! I will enjoy spending time with my now adult children and planting flowers like I do every year!

Sincerely,  Suzanne

DISTRICT OFFICE UPDATES

Longmeadow Parkway Bridge

One of my first commitments when taking office was to secure funding for the completion of Longmeadow Parkway without having to designate the bridge crossing as a toll bridge.  Funding was secured in April 2022 and April 2024 the toll signage was removed from along the roadway.  I am looking forward to the opening of Longmeadow bridge this fall.  Thank you to our local leaders, Kane County Chairwoman Corinne Pierog, County Board Member Chris Kious, and Algonquin Village President Debbie Sosine, for their dedication to this project!

Sneak Peak

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CONSTITUENT SERVICES

Community Shred Event

Saturday, May 18th
9:00 am to Noon

Join our office, KCT Credit Union, Northern Kane County Chamber and the Village of Carpentersville for a secure document destruction event. This event is FREE to all constituents. There will be a two banker box limit for each participant and constituents will be served on a first come first served basis.  FISH Food Pantry will be on-site accepting donations of non-perishable items and toiletries.

Mobile DMV Event

June 6th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

I am excited to bring the Illinois Secretary of State’s Mobile DMV to the district on June 6th.  The following services will be available:

*Driver’s License     *State ID Card     *Vehicle Registration Stickers

*Organ and Tissue Donor/Voter Registration     *REAL ID

(see the flier for documents needed and payment information)

Registration Required:

On-line: www.bit.ly/nessdmv

Telephone:  224-484-8620

E-mail:   info@repsnessil66.com

Food Shed Co-op

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

SPRINGFIELD UPDATES

Members of the General Assembly have introduced nearly 6,000 bills to date so far, and there are various initiatives that have been proposed upon the General Assembly. In May, the General Assembly kicks full gear with debates and discussions surrounding various proposals in Springfield– almost in the entire month! I would like to spotlight some of the important bills that I have introduced in the General Assembly, which are now in the Senate! If you would like to see ALL of the bills I introduced or co-sponsored, please visit this link: https://www.ilga.gov/house/RepBills.asp?MemberID=3193.

HB3286 – Teacher Externship Stipend

I am excited to share updates on an important piece of legislation that I introduced in the House, with bipartisan support, and is now waiting for consideration in the Senate. HB3286, also known as the Teacher Externship Stipend Bill, is a promising step towards strengthening our education system and preparing our students for the workforce.

The bipartisan bill proposes a grant program to be established and administered by the State Board of Education. This program aims to reimburse school districts for providing stipends to classroom Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. These teachers will have the opportunity to participate in externships with a manufacturing company in Illinois.

The goal of these externships is to equip our teachers with real-world industry experience, which they can then bring back to the classroom. This initiative will enhance the quality of CTE courses, providing our students with a more robust and relevant learning experience.

I believe that this bill represents a significant investment in our teachers and, ultimately, our future workforce. I look forward to keeping you updated on its progress as it is being considered in the Senate.

HB3288 – Strengthening Regional Manufacturing Partnerships

One of my bills that passed through the House over to the Senate, HB3288, makes a step towards strengthening our regional manufacturing partnerships and enhancing our state’s economy.

This program directs the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to develop a program of technical assistance in support of regional manufacturing partnerships. These partnerships will include secondary, postsecondary, and workforce stakeholders. The program will be developed in collaboration with employer associations representing manufacturers, public universities, and community colleges. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between these entities and enhance the manufacturing sector in our state.

The bill, which has received bipartisan support in the House, is now awaiting in the Senate for consideration. I believe that this bill is one important step towards strengthening our regional manufacturing partnerships and enhancing our state’s economy.

AROUND THE TOWNS

Dundee Crown High School International Fest

Dundee Crown High School’s first year hosting this wonderful student driven event was a great success! Visitors enjoyed the flag ceremony, performances, and “traveled” to many countries (exhibits)!

2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Our office was so excited to view the Solar Eclipse through our Solar glasses! What a once in a lifetime experience. 🌘🌙

A huge thank you to the Illinois Optometric Association for donating the Solar Eclipse glasses to be distributed through my District Office!

Earth Day Events

Planting at Raceway Woods with the Dundee Township

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

Nan, District 66 Community Outreach Coordinator spent the morning planting perennials at Raceway Woods with Dundee Township and Boy Scout Pack 36 of West Dundee/Sleepy Hollow.

Crystal Lake Chamber Clean Up

Nan then joined me in cleaning up one of the beautiful parks in Crystal Lake on behalf of the Crystal Lake Chamber.

Fox River Valley Water Reclamation District
Earth Day Celebration

It was great to see all of my colleagues on Earth Day for the Fox River Valley Water Reclamation District (FRWRD). Thank you to the staff and board members for sharing all of the substantial work they continue to do to protect our water.

Coffee and Bingo @ Elgin Senior Services Assoicates

I spent a lovely morning hosting a Coffee and Bingo at the Elgin Senior Services Associates, Inc. A nice lady named Georgia remembered April is my birthday month and surprised me with a bouquet of flowers! 🌸

Thank you to the Elgin Senior Services Associates for partnering with me.

Click the link provided for more information on Senior Services Associates, Inc:

Kane: https://seniorservicesassoc.org/locations-overview/elgin-kane-county/

McHenry: https://seniorservicesassoc.org/locations-overview/crystal-lake-mchenry-county/

Legislative Early Childhood Breakfast

Raising Illinois hosted a Legislative Breakfast regarding Early Childhood initiatives. When we invest in our young children and their families everyone benefits.

Gigi’s Playhouse McHenry

What a great way to spend a Sunday; sharing in the great work that Gigi’s Playhouse McHenry is doing at their beautiful fashion show! I was honored to take a picture with Gigi! Thank you to the first responders for making the models feel special as they accompanied the kids across the runway.

RESOURCES

Kids in Need of McHenry County
May is Foster Care Month

In honor of Foster Care Month, KIN will be collecting items
throughout the entire month.

There are 3 ways you can donate:

1 – Drop off at their 24/7 drop drop location at 89.5 Grant St. Crystal Lake

2 – Drop off at The Bridge in the mornings located at 4410 IL-176 #7 Crystal Lake.

3 – Purchase from our Amazon Wishlist. https://a.co/d7AH7Qx

The Gail Borden Main Library – Baby Fest

Stop by the Gail Borden Public Library located in Elgin to explore the latest baby information in the area. They will feature health and wellness resources, community services, and early childhood literacy information. This event will be held on Saturday, May 11th from 10a.m. – Noon.

The Dementia Friendly and
Elgin Area Memory Cafe

Join the Elgin Area Memory Cafe on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
The next event will be held on Tuesday, May 14, from 4pm-5:30pm.
Memory Cafes allow people who are experiencing memory loss, and their care partners to connect, socialize, gather resources, and build new support networks.
The cafes are FREE to attend. Everyone is welcome!

Willow Crystal Lake
Community Resource Days

Community Resource Days will be hosted at Willow Crystal Lake every Friday from 10am-2pm (Except 3/29, 5/31, 8/30, 11/29 and 12/27). Services are being offered from all over McHenry County and are FREE to anyone in need!

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH

Courtesy of Hoof Woof & Meow

Meet Nutmeg

Nutmeg, she’s an adorable female English Setter/Pointer mix, weighs approximately 22 pounds, is up to date on all her puppy shots, spayed and microchipped. She has mastered crate training, is diligently working on potty training, and is learning basic commands like come, sit, wait, and crate. Nutmeg is highly treat-motivated, making her a quick learner. In her foster home, Nutmeg gets along well with other dogs, engaging in lively games of tug. She is fond of respectful toddlers, tweens, and teens, delighting in exchanging puppy kisses for cuddles on the couch. While she hasn’t been cat-tested, Nutmeg’s versatility shines in various family settings. Her ideal forever home would feature a fenced yard where she can showcase her zoomies. Nutmeg envisions a forever family that offers her the time and patience to adapt to new surroundings. Obedience training, exciting adventures, and a lifetime of kisses and cuddles are on Nutmeg’s wish list for her new family.

Meet Mason

Meet Mason! He is a handsome 2.5 year young, male gray tabby who is a wonderful blend of playful and friendly. He does find new places scary, but give him a few minutes to get comfortable and he will be your best friend. He is quite social with people he trusts, loves a good bedtime cuddle, and his favorite thing is a good face scratch. He was raised with other cats and would enjoy an equally playful feline companion after appropriate introduction. Mason is neutered, microchipped and up to date on appropriate vaccinations.