In This Issue:
Protecting Reproductive Rights
DuPage River Access
360 Youth Services Donation Drive
Town Hall Recording
Upcoming Events
Mobile Secretary of State
Citizen Advisory Panels
Heroes and Helicopters
Coffee & Conversation
Dear Friends,
This past week was a tough one for many, as the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the five-decade precedent established by Roe Vs. Wade that allowed women the right to choose if, how, and when they become mothers. While those rights currently have strong protections in Illinois, particularly in the last month, residents and healthcare providers throughout our district have shared heartbreaking stories with me about how restricted access to reproductive healthcare like abortions have negatively affected them, their families, and their patients. I will continue to fight to protect our right for reproductive choice and have included the plans for some of those actions in this newsletter.
My office and I will also continue to move forward the myriad of other issues important to our residents and businesses, such as working to ensure continued access to the DuPage River and supporting our most vulnerable LGBTQ youth.
We work on these issues because you have told us they matter to you. To that end, I invite you to watch our recent town hall, where I covered our district’s objectives and key results from the most recent spring legislative session. Or join us at an upcoming citizen advisory panel to help shape our district’s future agenda and priorities--the details for all of these are below.
As always, please never hesitate to contact me if with your thoughts, questions, or concerns.
Best,
Janet
-----------
Protecting Reproductive Rights
While it was all but certain that the overturning of Roe v. Wade was coming, like many of you, my heart still dropped the morning the news came out. I’ve linked below my statement on the overturning of this landmark reproductive rights decision.
Please know: Those affected are not strangers. They are your neighbors, your friends, and your family members. I will work tirelessly to protect our right for reproductive choice, including taking action at the recently scheduled July special legislative session. We are still solidifying the specific legislative agenda for this session; I expect that we will try to pass a version of House Bill 1464, which protects healthcare providers from retaliatory action by other states (such as revoking medical licenses) for providing abortions. In talking with area healthcare providers, many are concerned about the quality and timeliness of care that their patients will be able to receive with the expected influx of those from out-of-state coming to Illinois to seek care. We’ll also make easing capacity issues through funding and other mechanisms top priorities.
DuPage River Access
The Illinois Supreme Court recently issued a ruling on access to the Mazon River. I and others in our district have been following this case for guidance on how to proceed with our area’s own concerns with public access to the DuPage River.
In this latest ruling, the Illinois Supreme Court essentially said that the public has no right of access to non-navigable waterways. However, it also acknowledged arguments that allow for recreational use of these waterways in the state. I’m working closely with local and statewide groups, as well as my fellow legislators, to introduce legislation that will preserve our access to the DuPage River while respecting the rights of private property owners. I’ll continue to update our community as we make progress and aim for action during the November veto session.
Youth 360 Donation Drive
In honor of June Pride Month, please join us in a donation drive of household items for 360 Youth Services for their Transitional Housing Program. All of 360 Youth Service's programs are LGBTQ+ affirming, and the organization is the only Illinois-based agency with dedicated LGBTQ+ beds outside of Chicago.
The drive is a virtual, easy-to-access online registry with items that can be shipped directly to 360 Youth Services. You can also contact our office (Info@RepYangRohr.com) to arrange a drop off.
Register below for the drive so we can send you a personalized thank you card and provide these details to you in an email.
Town Hall Recording
I held a town hall at the beginning of June and went through our district’s objectives and key results from the most recent legislative session. Within our district’s Economic Development objective, for example, I covered the package of legislation addressing property tax relief, the $1.8 billion in general tax payer relief, and the progress on paying down our state’s debt and liabilities. I also provided details on the various ways we’re supporting our Quality Education pillar, such as through a doubling of the Educators’ Tax Credit and increased funding for public K-12 schools, early education programs, and public colleges and universities.
You can visit the 41st District YouTube channel to watch the town hall in full.
Upcoming Events
My office is hosting a number of events for you and your family and friends. I hope you’ll join me at an upcoming one, and please done hesitate to let me know what else you’d like to see.
Mobile Secretary of State:
Services offered will include renewal or correction of a driver’s license, state ID cards, license plate stickers, motor voter registration, and organ donor registration. Real ID compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards must be processed at a driver service facility, and individuals will not be able to process Real ID’s at this event. Those age 75 and up need to visit the DMV to renew a driver’s license, and proper identification will be needed for the above services.
Use the button below to reserve a time slot. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Citizen Advisory Panels
Help shape future legislation by joining one of our upcoming Citizen Advisory Panels. We’re holding the following roundtables throughout the month of June:
Education: July 13, 6:00 pm
Environment: July 13, 7:00 pm
Women’s Issues: July 14, 6:00 pm
Healthcare: July 14, 7:00 pm
Diversity & Inclusion: July 19, 6:00 pm
Economic Development: July 19, 7:00 pm
Seniors’ Issues: July 26, 6:00 pm
Veterans’ Issues: July 26, 7:00 pm
Heroes and Helicopters
Join Senator Laura Ellman and me, along with local law enforcement, first responder agencies, and other community groups for a hands-on event that will allow kids (and the kids in all of us!) to see emergency vehicles up close, including a helicopter landing!
When: August 20 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Frontier Park, 3380 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville
Coffee & Conversation
Join me and your neighbors and friends each month for coffee and conversation on Springfield and district happenings. These are informal and welcoming chats--please always feel free to bring your questions and concerns or just come and listen.
Comments