Dear Neighbors,
The Illinois General Assembly has wrapped up the spring legislative session, and despite it being one of the most difficult in recent memory, we came together to pass a balanced budget that maintains our progress and reflects our values.
With expected federal funding cuts and a challenging fiscal climate, we had to make tough decisions. This budget reflects the sort of responsible compromise that we need to protect the fiscal stability we have worked hard to achieve – without abandoning our most vulnerable populations.
We prioritized critical investments: increased support for Direct Support Professionals and Community Care Program workers, added $300 million in additional K-12 education funding, and continued investment in Higher Education.
I also recognize the urgent fiscal challenges facing Metra, CTA, Pace, and the RTA. I remain committed to public transit, but any new funding must come with real governance reforms that improve safety, reliability, and accessibility. Taxpayers should not be asked to invest in a system that isn’t working.
This budget reflects tough choices but it also reflects who we are as Illinoisans. While we continue to navigate the uncertainty in Washington DC, we passed important legislation in Springfield that will make a meaningful difference in our community (please read below for some highlights). Thank you for staying informed and engaged.
As always, if there is any issue that my office can assist with, please reach out anytime at 847-486-8810 or to info@gonggershowitz.com.
Sincerely,
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
End of Session Springfield Update
Six of my bills passed both the House and the Senate this Spring and now head to the Governor for his signature:
HB2436 Allows the Cook County Public Defender to represent Cook County residents in immigration proceedings if their case is being heard at a courthouse out of Cook County.
HB2873 Updates stalking and no contact orders to better protect victims, many of whom live in constant fear, by expanding the law to harassing a victim at school or work, telephoning a victim’s residence/employer, repeatedly following a victim, repeated use of surveillance, threatening a victim’s family member, or threatening physical harm or illegal confinement.
HB3178 Builds on our work to protect artists in Illinois from exploitative practices that use their image and likeness without their consent.
HB3359 Passed the house unanimously, which makes our justice system more reliable and efficient by expanding the number of alternate jurors available to serve.
SB1411 Ensures that an operative and unrevoked living will is timely honored to respect a patient’s wishes and prevent unnecessary interruptions or delays.
SB1738 Increases the personal property exemption amounts regarding consumer debt judgment, bringing outdated exemption limits in line with current dollar evaluations, and exempts tools, books, and other forms of professional property from such judgements.
I was proud to support other important measures that passed the General Assembly this year, including:
SB8 the Safe Gun Storage Act, enhancing gun safety by requiring firearms to be secured in a locked container rendering them unusable to individuals who should not have access to them, including minors.
HB1806 Bans the use of AI in therapy sessions, ensuring that patient care and medical decisions are being made by humans.
HB3637 Protects healthcare professionals and provides for continued access to abortion care in Illinois.
HB1697 the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, updating rules for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to rein in the rising cost of prescription drugs.
HB2967 Expands access to dual credit courses, helping students across Illinois to have higher education opportunities.
HB3522 Allows students to receive direct admission to most of Illinois’ public universities based on academic performance. Reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for students to pursue higher education.
HB3581 Updates the school code to make clear that students can be subject to disciplinary actions for the non-consensual use of AI to generate deepfake images.
Rep. Gong-Gershowitz Greets Consul General of Mongolia on Illinois House Floor
On May 26th, the Consul General of Mongolia to Chicago, Battsetseg Tuvshintugs addressed the Illinois House Chamber about the growing connections Mongolia has to Illinois, which is home to 6,000 Mongolian Americans.
Gov. Pritzker, IDOT award $139.2 to Enhance Local Transportation Options Statewide
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced last week that $139.2 million has been awarded through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to expand local travel options and enhance quality of life in communities statewide.
Here in District 17 $3M was awarded to the Village of Wilmette to create 2.98 miles of shared use roadways and bike-lanes. The project is along an east-west corridor Glenview Road and Wilmette Avenue and a north south corridor, Ridge Road.
Secretary of State Warns About the Rise in DMV Scam Messages
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” that threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges.
The text messages are phishing attempts designed to trick residents into giving up personal or financial information. Recipients should not respond or open any links found in unsolicited texts and emails.
The office only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status.
Events and Opportunities
- Skokie’s Juneteenth Eventwill take place on Saturday, June 14th from 1-5pm at Oakton Park. Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, food, family fun, and community connection. Experience live performances by Corey Bless, Tony Garrett, and line dance with Roz, support local Black-owned business vendors, explore community resources, and delight in local eats from vendors like Babito’s Bites, Soul Good Coffee, and Koala’s Kitchen. Admission and parking is free — food and merchandise available for purchase. Celebrate freedom, unity, and culture with us! Fore more information click HERE.
- Glenview Summer Festwill take place on June 21st from 9am-3pm, on Lehigh, from Glenview Rd to Washington. The event will include local vendors, crafts, free games, health services, home enhancements, gift ideas, and a wide range of delectable foods & beverages for every taste bud. There will also be a special kids’ area with balloon artists, live entertainment, a magician, bubble station, fire pole and other lively experiences making it a full, best-of-Glenview day to remember. In the evening, the street fair transforms into Summer Fest After Sunset from 6pm – 10pm with LIVE music from local acts, local eats and cold drinks! Free to the public with a door donation benefiting Northfield Township Food Pantry. For more information click HERE.
- Evanston’s Main Street Fair will take place on June 28th at 11am. The Inaugural Main Street Fair will be an incredible day of music, great local art and awesome local vendors! Formerly known as the Custer Fair, this event is now being held in partnership with Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club, Around Evanston, Evanston Made and Art Makers Outpost. For more information click HERE.