Dear Neighbors,
As we soak up the last few weeks of summer and enjoy time with family and friends, I wanted to fill you in below on what my staff and I have been up to recently around the District.
Summer is the time when communities gather for block parties, farmers markets and concerts in the park, and we have been out and about and had the opportunity to engage with many of you in person. Now, we’re busy looking forward to next year’s session, and we want to hear from you about the issues that matter to you most. Take some time to read about what our office has been working on as well as events and opportunities in the district as we head into the end of summer.
As always, if you are ever in need of assistance, do not hesitate to contact my office. We are available weekdays at (847) 486-8810, you can also email us at info@gonggershowitz.com.
Sincerely,
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Firearms Industry Responsibility Act Bill Signing
On August 12, Governor Pritzker signed HB218, a bill that I sponsored in partnership with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to hold the firearms industry accountable for dangerous sales and marketing practices that result in real world violence. The signing took place at Gun Sense University, Moms Demand Action and Everytown’s annual conference.
Demand a Seat Award
This year I was selected as one of Moms Demand Action’s Illinois Lawmakers of the Year for my work on legislation to combat the gun violence epidemic.
Please join me on September 6th for an insider’s briefing at Temple Jeremiah
On September 6, I will be hosting an insider’s briefing with ADL’s Executive Director, David Goldenberg. We will discuss our recent anti-doxing legislation, how it will help protect our democracy, as well as the current state of Antisemitism and the work ADL is doing to combat hate. Please register today to join us. https://bit.ly/DOXINGJGGADL
Visit to the North Suburban YMCA
On July 26, my staff and I toured the North Suburban YMCA, where we were able to see and hear firsthand about the wide depth of programming available year round for community members of all ages.
Visit with Lee County Farm Bureau
On July 27, my staff and I were thrilled to visit with the Lee County Farm Bureau, my adopt-a-legislator partner through the Illinois Farm bureau. We toured FS Grain and met with representatives from Pioneer and learned about the sweet corn production process. We toured and had lunch at the Henkel Family Farm, a multigenerational conservation farm that grows soybeans and corn.
Secretary Giannoulias Announces Skip-the-Line Program at High-Volume DMVs. Appointments and extended hours are part of the new initiative to save customers’ time.
In an effort to improve customer service and eliminate the unpredictability of wait times at Illinois Driver’s Services Facilities, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will implement the Skip-the-Line program on September 1. All Chicago and suburban locations and select central and downstate DMVs will require an appointment for REAL IDs, driver’s licenses and ID card services, and in-car driving tests. Vehicle-related services – such as titles, registrations or license plate renewals – do not require an appointment. Please visit ilsos.gov or call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment.
Interest rates on federal student loans start accruing Sept. 1
Interest rates on all federal student loans will start accruing on Sept. 1st, with payments starting Oct. 1st and servicers contacting all borrowers with their exact due date. IDFPR expects very long wait times for borrowers who call either Federal Student Aid (aka “FSA”) or their servicer with questions.To help assist Illinois borrowers, IDFPR is partnering with the University of Illinois system to provide free webinars focused on return to repayment. Here’s the link to register: https://go.uillinois.edu/repay.
Illinois Arts Council Recipients
This year the Illinois Arts Council has granted $113,800 in funding to various cultural, historical, education and arts organizations throughout Illinois, including many in our district. The organizations receiving grants in the 17th district are Northlight Theatre, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Skokie Northshore, Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago, Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Jazz Orchestra, and Oil Lamp Theatre.
Events and Opportunities
- Downtown Evanston’s Thursday Night Market will take place on September 7th from 4PM – 8PM In Fountain Square (Sherman Ave south of Davis St, Evanston IL). There will be live music and local art vendors. For more information click here.
- Skokie Park District’s Back To School Party! The Back to School Party will take place on September 8th from 7PM – 9PM at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St, Skokie IL. To celebrate 4th and 5th grade back to school there will be pizza, games and a dj. For more information click here.
- 2023 Wilmette Block Party will take place on September 9th from Noon until 10PM in the Village Center. There will be food, drinks, live music and a fun kid zone! For more information click here.
- Glenview Park District’s Tomato Fest will take place on September 9th from 1PM to 5PM at the Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd, Glenview IL. This new event celebrates the tomato with various foods to taste and games to play. For more information click here.
- Northbrook Public Library Classical Music Concert will take place on September 10 from 3PM-4:30PM in the Auditorium of the Northbrook Public Library. Pianist Victor Asuncion collaborates with cellist John-Henry Crawford in concert. For more information click here.