Dear Neighbors,
The Jewish community has been united in grief since 10/7, but how we respond to that grief in the face of such unspeakable tragedy is deeply personal.
While I would never presume to speak on behalf of the entire Jewish community, as a Jew, I simply could not allow my colleague’s recent antisemitic remarks to go unchallenged.
Representative Reick’s misguided attempt to co-opt the collective grief of the Jewish community and declare himself and his caucus the standard bearers for ‘team Jew’ was a bridge too far. His words and my response are below.
We are facing unprecedented challenges as a state and as a community, and while I remain committed to finding areas of bipartisan agreement, I will never be silenced out of fear or allow the pain of the Jewish community to be used to score political points.
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
Springfield Update
Last week Governor Pritzker presented his FY26 proposed budget and you can read my full reaction to his remarks HERE.
Below, you can read a short summary about some of the legislation I have introduced this year:
- 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.
- HB1600 – Requires restaurant delivery apps to provide single use utensils by request only. Cutting down on plastic waste when ordering food through third-party applications such as UberEats and Doordash.
- HB1374 – Protects children from firearm accidents by adding additional questions to the required Certificate of Child Health Examination.
- HB2873 – Updates Stalking and No Contact orders to better protect victims from actions including, but not limited 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.
- HB3359 – Makes our justice system more reliable and efficient by expanding the number of alternate jurors available to serve.
- HB2334 – Protects sensitive government data by preventing cyberattacks utilizing malware, spyware, and/or ransomware disguised as FOIA requests.
- HB3110 – Prohibits municipalities from enforcing local ordinances that impose a penalty on a resident, owner, tenant or landlord in contradiction with existing state and federal laws.
- HB3304 – Prevents children from accessing mature or otherwise inappropriate content at the device level by requiring phone manufacturers to allow users to include their birthdate when the device is being set up for the first time.
- HB3476 – Promotes fair and transparent financial practices and cracks down on hidden fees associated with virtual credit card payments.
- HJR5-Honors Fred Korematsu, who stood against injustice when others remained silent, courageously challenging the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II despite immense personal sacrifice.
Email Today for a Mobile DMV Appointment on March 5th at Glenview Public Library
My office is partnering with the Illinois’ Secretary of State to offer a Mobile DMV event on March 5th at the Glenview Public Library. Email or call Stacy Rudd today to reserve your time. Contact info is in the flier below.
IRS Direct File is now Available in Illinois
IRS Direct File is now available in Illinois. Eligible Illinois taxpayers can file their 2024 federal return directly with the IRS. Federal return information can then be transferred into MyTax Illinois, to file free Illinois individual income taxes. Taxpayers can also file for free their Illinois returns separately through MyTax Illinois. Direct File users can get support through a live chat with dedicated IRS customer service representatives. Support is available in English and Spanish, and it will feature optional additional authentication and verification to allow assistors to provide more information. This year, Direct File users can also try a new chat bot to provide guided help on the eligibility checker.
Events and Opportunities
- Glenview Chamber of Commerce’s State of Healthcare discussion with Endeavor Glenbrook Hospital will take place on March 11th from 8:30-9:30 am at 2100 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. Glenbrook Hospital President Maria Knecht will have a presentation about the current issues and challenges within healthcare followed by a Q& A. Breakfast will be served. Space is limited. For more information click HERE.
- Glenview of Chamber of Commerce’s highly anticipated Bites and Brews Food Fest event, will take place on April 10th from 6-8pm at the Glen Club. Now in its 12th season, Bites and Brews sets the table for hundreds of friends and neighbors for a delectable evening of conversation, craft beers & fine wine — and a feast of flavors for every taste bud! Tickets are $40 in advance, and $45 at the door. All tickets purchased online will be available at the registration desk on site at the event. No refunds after 4/3/2025. For more information clickHERE.
- Wilmette Park District’s Summer Job Fair will take place on March 11th from 4-6pmat the Lakeview Center, 800 Gillson Park Drive. Discover exciting opportunities, find the perfect fit and schedule your interview. Same-day interviews are available for select positions. Ideal candidates are age 16+ and are enthusiastic individuals looking for a fulfilling summer experience. For more information click HERE.
- Skokie Park District’s Winter Wonder-Fun will take place on March 1st from 10:30am – 11:30am at Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel Street. Come play and discover the fun in our winter wonderland! Depending on outdoor conditions, activities may include snow painting, ice sliding, snow treasure hunting, rainbow chip searches, and animal tracking. End the winter play date with a cup of hot cocoa. For families with children ages 2 and up. Fee per person: $6 (resident)/$8 (non-resident). For more information clickHERE.