Combating Gender Violence During Women’s History Month ⚖️
Dear Neighbor,
March is Women’s History Month, so for today’s newsletter I’d like to highlight one of the most important bills I’m working on this session: protecting women from gender-based violence.
The Illinois Gender Violence Act was originally signed into law in 2003 to help combat gender-related violence. The statute, however, didn't specify whether a private business could be held liable for its employees’ actions. This has led to a ton of confusion in Illinois's court system and has resulted in a lack of protections for some survivors in their fight for justice.
HB 4850 sets the record straight. If an employer got complaints about their employee, if they knew the employee was harassing people and they turned a blind eye, they can be held liable for allowing gender violence to happen. Signing this bill into law will mean that survivors of gender violence have another tool to pursue justice against their perpetrator, and a way to hold employers responsible for allowing the abuse to occur.
I just presented HB 4850 in the House, and it passed by a vote of 69-39. Now it's off to the Senate, in the hands of my amazing colleague Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). If it receives a majority vote in that chamber, it'll go to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.
If you're interested in learning more about how to support survivors and combat gender-based violence in Chicago, you can visit the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation's website to get connected. CAASE has been a great partner in getting HB 4850 passed, and they do incredibly important work in this space.
Take care,
Will
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MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE: THIS SATURDAY
The pandemic has caused many families to struggle with mortgage payments and back taxes. If you need support, we can help you prepare to apply for a new mortgage assistance program opening in April! 🏡
Stop by our application open house this Saturday to:
✅ Meet with a housing counselor
✅ See if you're eligible for mortgage assistance
✅ Get all the information you need to prepare for the application portal opening in April
When: Saturday, March 19, 10am - 3pm
Where: Rep. Guzzardi's District Office, 3458 N. Cicero Ave, 60641
SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Our office has opened up applications for our Summer 2022 Internship Program!
We are seeking a high-school aged student who is passionate about government and organizing to make change in their community.
Students can learn more and apply here: bit.ly/GuzzardiInternship
RESOURCE FAIR
On Monday our office will be joining the Greater West Town Community Development Project's Resource Fair at the Logan Square Library!
Stop by the library between 3-5pm on Monday, March 21 to receive on site assistance applying for benefit programs and learning about Greater West Town Project's job training and apprenticeship programs.
PAPER SHREDDING & RECYCLING
Join us for a Paper Shredding & Recycling event on Saturday, April 9th at Avondale-Logandale Elementary School from 9am - 11am!
We will be providing:
✅ On-site document shredding
✅ Electronics recycling
✅ Prescription drug take-back
Please make sure you remove paper clips, binder clips, and large staples from documents you want to shred before bringing them to the event.
This will be drive through event 🚙