Illinois State House District 17 issued the following announcement on Dec. 1.
Dear Neighbor,
I would like to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving. As we gather with family and friends this week, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on that which we are thankful, and to consider those who may be struggling and in need. Our office continues to collect non-perishable items for our local food pantries, and the Wings Domestic Violence Shelter. A full list of needs can be found below.
As always, should you need any assistance from our office, please contact us at 847-486-8810 or info@gonggershowitz.com.
Best Regards,
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Last week, we returned to our districts after completing the two-week Fall Veto Session. Several major bills were achieved, however, much work remains as we look ahead to the Spring legislative session scheduled to begin in January.
Pension Consolidation
SB 1300 consolidates 650 suburban and downstate police and fire pension funds into to 2, creating one investment fund for police and one for firefighters across the state. By consolidating hundreds of funds, Illinois can reduce the costs of government operations, increase buying power, and ultimately use tax dollars more judiciously. Combining the assets and management of these funds is aimed at reducing administration and management costs as well as increase returns on investment.
This measure is the first step in a continued dialogue to address the State’s overall pension obligations. After working throughout the summer on both the Government Consolidation Subcommittee and the School Funding Subcommittee, I look forward to reviewing the final recommendations of the full Property Tax Relief Task Force that are due to the Governor and the General Assembly by Dec. 31.
Capping of Insulin Costs
SB 667 reduces the financial burden on diabetics by capping the monthly out-of-pocket cost for insulin at $100 per 30-day supply for insurance plans governed by Illinois law. This measure is part of our broader effort to lower prescription drug prices and reflects our commitment to healthcare as a right, not a privilege. The bill is currently in the hands of the Governor’s office for his consideration.
Acceleration of Special Immigrant Juvenile Legislation
Last session, I passed legislation to align Illinois law with federal law to protect immigrant children who have suffered abuse, abandonment or neglect. As originally passed, the law would have become effective January 1. After hearing from advocates that children with pending cases were at risk of losing their eligibility for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Visa while they waited for the law to take effect, I filed legislation to accelerate the measure. The Governor signed the bill Monday and, as a result, vulnerable children will have access to the protection they need right away.
Ethics Reform
HJR 93 creates a bipartisan, bicameral Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform to comprehensively examine state ethics and lobbying law, and make concrete recommendations to reform the laws that govern the actions of elected officials, state employees and lobbyists.
SB 1693 increases transparency for lobbyists, requiring every state lobbyist to disclose information on the units of government they lobby, any elected or appointed positions they hold and any sub-lobbyists they hire to lobby on their behalf.
Real ID
Beginning on October 1, 2020 the federal government will require Illinois residents who fly domestically, visit a military base, or enter a federally secured facility that DO NOT hold a valid U.S. passport or passport card, to possess a REAL ID drivers license issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS).
The SOS is still offering residents with the option to have a regular license or a Real ID.
Shop Local – November 30
Saturday, Nov. 30 marks the 10th Annual Small Business Saturday, which was created to help small businesses compete with large retailers between the busy shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Shopping local is increasingly highlighted as a great way to support local communities. As a recent study showed, if a consumer were to spend $100 at a local small business, roughly $68 of that money stays in the local economy. However, if the same consumer spent the same $100 at a large corporation, only $43 of that money would stay in the local economy.
I encourage residents to shop locally at the small businesses in our communities this holiday season, as they offer unique gifts, jobs for local residents, and support to local charities and organizations. For more information, check out the flyers below.
Food Pantry Requests
Listed below you will find needs at each of the area township food pantries. We greatly appreciate your help in stocking their shelves!
Please note: You can also drop off donations at our office – 1812 Waukegan Road, Glenview, Monday – Friday between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and we can get them to the pantry of your choice.
New Trier Township Food Pantry
Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, and Baggies
Canned Fruit
Cookies, Crackers, Granola Bars, Nuts, Raisins and Other Healthy Snacks
Juice and Juice Boxes
Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Toothbrushes
Paper Goods (Kleenex, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper)
Canned Pasta
Canned Meats (Tuna, Chicken, Salmon)
Diapers (Smaller Sizes)
Baking Goods (Muffins, Cake Mixes, Brownies)
Cereal (Please No Cheerios as We Have Them in Excess)
Coffee and Tea (Smaller Sizes)
Dried Beans, Lentils
Pancakes and Syrup
Salt and Pepper, Spices and Herbs
Northfield Township Food Pantry
Baby Food
Baby Formula
Diapers
Toiletries
Feminine Hygiene Products
Cleaning Supplies (laundry detergent, dish detergent, all-purpose cleaner, etc.)
Boxed Cereal
Coffee
Tea
Juice
Hearty Soups (excludes tomato, vegetable, cream, broth, etc.)
Plain Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Rice Mixes (Rice-a-Roni, Uncle Ben’s, Zatarin’s)
Shelf-Stable Potatoes (Hungry Jack, Potato Buds, scalloped, au gratin, etc.)
Jelly/Jam/Preserves
Cooking Oil
Oatmeal
Pancake/Baking Mix
Canned Meat (tuna, chicken, salmon)
Dry Beans
Canned Peas
Canned Mixed Vegetables
Canned Peaches
Canned Pineapple
Boxed Skillet Dinners (Hamburger Helper, etc.)
Crackers
Pretzels
Nuts
Dried Fruit
Granola bars
Niles Township Food Pantry
Canned Fruit
Bottled or Canned Juice
Canned or Boxed Soups
Cereal
Oatmeal
Macaroni & Cheese
Pasta & Spaghetti Sauce
Rice
Tuna
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Canned Vegetables
Canned or Dry Beans
Powdered Milk
Coffee
Tea
Paper Towels & Napkins
Toilet Paper
Razors – Men & Women, and Shaving Cream
Shampoo & Conditioner
Soap
Deodorant
Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Mouthwash
Feminine Hygiene Products
Baby Food
Baby Formula
Diapers & Wipes
No Tear Shampoo
Baby Lotion
Juice or Milk Boxes
Cheerios
Fruit Snacks
Fruit Cups
Pudding Cups
Upcoming Events:
Nov. 28-29, 2019 – Office Closed in observance of Thanksgiving
Nov. 28, 2019 – Evanston Subaru Flying Turkey 5K – Centennial Park, at Arrington Lagoon, corner of Sheridan and Church – beginning at 9:00 am.
Nov. 28, 2019 – Glenview Tall Trees Turkey Trot – 1421 Sequoia Trail – beginning at 8:15 am at Tall Trees Park. The 23rd annual turkey trot 5K benefits Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, benefits Glenview Youth Services.
Nov. 28, 2019 – Winnetka/Glencoe Turkey Trot, 1065 Gage Street, Winnetka – 9:00 am (race starts and ends at Green Bay trail at Hubbard Woods Train Station)
Nov. 30, 2019 – Small Business Saturday – get out there, start your holiday shopping and support the Small Businesses in our communities. #shoplocal
Nov. 30, 2019 – Holiday in the Park & Parade, Jackman Park, Glenview (Parade: OLPH to Jackman Park) – 4:00 -6:00 pm
Dec. 2, 2019 – Cyber Monday – take advantage of all those online deals
Dec. 3, 2019 – #Giving Tuesday
Dec. 6, 2019 – Winnetka Holiday Market/Tree Lighting, 4:00 – 6:15 pm Dwyer Park, 541 Birch Street, Winnetka (Corner of Chestnut and Elm Street)
Dec. 7, 2019 – Breakfast with Santa, 8:30-11:30 am, Community House, Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka
Dec. 7, 2019 – Evanston Holiday Tree Lighting, 5:00-7:30 pm at Fountain Square Plaza, downtown Evanston
Dec. 7, 2019 – Morton Grove Holly Days Festival – activities 9:00 am – 6:30 pm, Morton Grove Civic Center and Harrer Park Gazebo, 6140 Dempster Street, Morton Grove
Original source can be found here.
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