In This Issue:
Bills Signed into Laws
Thank You to Interns
Hike with Sierra Club
Diaper Drive
Borrow a Museum Pass
September Coffee & Conversation
Dear Friends, Our district has seen a number of bills signed into laws in the last few weeks, and I’m excited to tell you more about them below! Aside from bill signings, there’s usually limited legislative action in the summer months, but this year has been an exception. I was in Springfield last week to vote on the Governor’s vetoes and to update maps based on new census data. Today, we’re in session again in order to vote on ethics reform and a large package of energy legislation. Following today’s votes, I’ll provide more details on these items and their implications. We’re still in the midst of negotiations, and I sincerely appreciate the many community members who have provided their feedback and thoughts on the future of clean energy in Illinois. Among the many stakeholders, there’s little disagreement on the need to keep Illinois’ nuclear plants running and to continue supporting our solar industry. I’m optimistic that we’ll find a way to address the issue of municipal coal plants—which supply 90% of Naperville’s electricity—in a way that meaningfully reduces carbon emissions while protecting rate payers. In the meantime, I want to make sure you know of the many events we have coming up in the next few weeks. From hikes with the Sierra Club to our monthly community coffees, I hope to see and talk with you in the next few weeks. Sincerely, Janet
Bills Signed into Laws
In August, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law five bills on which I served as chief sponsor. Thank you to the community members who worked with us—sharing their stories, their passions, and their efforts—to make these pieces of legislation possible. These new laws will save lives and make Illinois a better state for all of us.
HB1778 came from Naperville Central High School students who formed Beyond Charity to educate peers on mental health issues. The Beyond Charity Law gives Illinois students suicide prevention resources at their fingertips.
HB2616 allows government entities to more quickly buy or modify devices and services for individuals with disabilities, allowing those entities to be in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.
HB3445 honors the memory of Alex Green, whose family fought to make sure his memory lives on. Alex's Law removes barriers to getting help, because no one should be afraid to call for help if they or a friend are overdosing.
SB1854 happened because of the force of community leader Janice Guider, who made sure that diabetes and vitamin D screening--which come with progressions of severe diseases when not caught early--are available to more Illinoisans.
SB1913 helps keep first responders safe by adding community service on top of existing fines and penalties for those that do not pull over or slow down for police or other emergency vehicles.
Thank You to Interns!
We recently said goodbye to our first class of summer interns, and we want to thank all of them for their hard work throughout this summer working with constituents, researching bills, and coordinating events for our community.
We’re excited that a number of them will continue working with us throughout the school year, and we’re always looking to add to the team. Please send us a note if you’re interested.
Hike with Sierra Club
Join me and the Sierra Club River Prairie Group for a hike along the West Branch of the DuPage River! Ed Max will guide us as we learn about local native plants and discover a world of adventure right here in our own District 41 backyard.
Where: Meet at the Knock Knolls Nature Center Parking Lot, 320 Knock Knolls Rd., Naperville
When: September 18, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Diaper Drive
In recognition of Diaper Need Awareness Week, we’re working with Loaves & Fishes and collecting diapers to benefit local families in need.
You can donate online via our district’s Amazon Diaper Drive Registry. You can also call or email our office to set up a time to drop off a donation in person. We will deliver all of our community’s efforts to Loaves & Fishes, and we greatly appreciate your generosity.
Borrow a Museum Pass
Did you know that can borrow a Museum Pass from our office that gives residents in our district complimentary visits to world-class museums, zoos, and parks? Some of the most popular destinations so far have included:
Adler Planetarium
The Art Institute of Chicago
Brookfield Zoo/CZS
Chicago Children’s Museum
The Field Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Science and Industry
John G. Shedd Aquarium
The pass can be used for the holder plus three guests. The pass is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be picked-up and returned to our district office. Once we have your request, we will contact you to arrange a time to pick up the pass and accompanying authorization of use letter.
September Coffee & Conversation We’re hosting our virtual monthly Coffee & Conversation on Saturday, September 25. These are casual ways to share your thoughts and learn about what’s going on in the district and in Springfield, so please consider joining us at this month’s Coffee & Conversation!
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