🏛️📜 Seven of my Bills Have Passed Committee!
Dear Neighbor,
March 21st was the committee deadline for bills to pass out of their respective House committees. And I wanted to share that so far, seven of my bills have passed through this step in the legislative process! Check out the graphics below to learn more about what these bills aim to accomplish.
HB1245
Passed the Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee
Improves the process for terminally ill and permanently disabled people in prison to seek early release
HB 1628
Passed the Judiciary - Criminal Committee
Tracks data on civil forfeiture to understand when police are seizing property
HB2545
Passed the Housing Committee
Helps create supportive housing and independent living in communities with low affordability
HB2546
Passed the Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee
Improves the process for youthful offenders to be eligible for parole
HB3022
Passed the Revenue & Finance Committee
Simplifies the paying and collection of liquor taxes
HB 3582
Passed the Immigration & Human Rights Committee
Prohibits employers from engaging in "disparate impact" discrimination against workers
HB 3616
Passed the Housing Committee
Collects data on which communities in Illinois lack affordable housing for middle-class families
This week, I'll call the bills in the House chamber. If we reach a 60-vote majority in support, the bills will go to the Senate for their vote, and then to the Governor to be signed into law. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on the progress of these pieces of legislation as session continues on.
Please stay in touch, and all my best—
Will
Property Tax Exemptions Virtual Presentations
The Cook County Assessor's Office is hosting two virtual workshops to learn about homeowner exemptions. Both workshops will be on Monday, March 31, with the workshop in Spanish from 6:00-7:00pm, and the workshop in English from 7:00-8:00pm.
Human Services, Behavioral Health, & Social Work Loan Repayment Programs
If you have worked at a community-based organization that provides human services in Illinois for 2 years or more, you may be eligible for up to $15,000 in student loan repayment from the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program! Brought to you by Illinois Partners for Human Service, Illinois Collaboration on Youth, and Illinois Student Assistance Commission. More info is HERE.
If you have worked at a community mental health center, behavioral health center, substance use treatment facility or state operated psychiatric facility for 12 months, you may be eligible for $4K - $40K in student loan repayment from the Community Behavioral Health Professional Loan Repayment Program! In addition to advanced degrees and nursing, this program covers CADCs and people with undergraduate degrees in counseling, social work and psychology. More info is HERE.
If you are currently employed as a social worker for at least 12 consecutive months by an Illinois public elementary school, an Illinois public secondary school, or a city, village, or incorporated town in the state of Illinois, excluding social workers employed by police departments. More info is HERE.
These applications are NOW OPEN! Apply here as soon as possible, but no later than May 31, 2025!
Coffee and Conversation
I'm partnering with State Senator Graciela Guzman to host a Coffee and Conversation at Chiya Chai, 2770 N Milwaukee Ave. on Saturday, April 5! Join us from 11am to 1pm to hear policy updates from Springfield and share your thoughts on issues that are important to you over a complimentary cup of coffee or chai!
Easter Egg Hunt
Save the date for the second annual 30th Ward Easter Egg Hunt at Chopin Park, 3420 N Long Ave. on Saturday, April 12 from 10am to 12pm.