Dear Neighbor:
I hope this finds you well–and that you were able to celebrate the 4th of July. Although this year was different due to the coronavirus, I enjoyed seeing many of you at Glenview’s Reverse Parade at Community Park West on the 4th.
The COVID pandemic has created new challenges and changes in our lives. To help you safely and securely cast your ballot in the 2020 General Election, I voted to expand access to voting for all Illinois voters, including multiple steps to expand access to vote by mail. Below you can find relevant dates and processes to help you cast your ballot with peace of mind.
This year, we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which finally secured women’s right to vote in the US Constitution.
The right to vote was just one of many civil and social rights demanded by women during the women’s rights movement in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. 100 years later, women are still fighting for equal pay and demanding full agency over the choices that impact our lives. In my first term, I was proud to co-sponsor legislation to reduce the gender wage gap, and this anniversary of the 19th Amendment is a poignant reminder of the power of our vote. I would like to hear your thoughts on voting as well. Please use this link to tell us what voting means to you.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to participate in our Citizen Advisory Councils. Your energy and commitment are inspiring. We look forward to convening councils later this summer. I miss seeing and hearing from people around the district and look forward to getting together again.
Take care and please, remember to follow the three W’s: Wear your face covering. Watch your distance. Wash your hands.
Sincerely,
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
COVID-19 UPDATE: SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS, A MEMORIAL IN MORTON GROVE and DHS IS HIRING
Legislation and Resources to Help Caregivers and Child Care Providers
The pandemic has had a severe impact on caregivers and childcare centers as well as the people who use them. In advance of the fall veto session, I joined the House Democratic Women’s Caucus Childcare Working Group, chaired by Rep. Anna Moeller. COVID-19 underscored systemic inequalities that we must address through effective state-level policy. The Childcare Working Group was initially created in the wake of the initial Stay-at-Home order to address weaknesses in our childcare system that left essential workers on the front lines battling this pandemic without access to affordable, quality childcare options for their children.
Over the summer, our Working Group has continued to meet regularly to examine the current delivery and funding models for early childhood education, identify gaps, and explore how Illinois can build a system that ensures access to continuous, equitable, high-quality early childhood education that enables children, with the support of families and communities, to grow up safe, healthy, happy and ready to succeed.
State and County Departments Hiring to Keep Residents Healthy
Both the state Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) are hiring to launch new COVID-19 support programs and trace the path of the virus in and around our district. Are you looking for opportunities to help keep us safe and healthy? Consider applying.
- DHS is holding virtual job fairs from July through November. Click here to learn more.
- The Cook County Department of Public Health is looking for contact tracers. Read more and let CCDPH know of your interest by clicking here.
My staff would be happy to guide you through the application process if needed.
Morton Grove Memorial Honors District Neighbors Lost to Covid-19
Our thanks to Morton Grove Pastor Elizabeth Jones, who ministers at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church, for creating a memorial dedicated to lives lost from COVID-19. The memorial was entitled “We Gather Together” and included self-directed contributions and served as a place for reflection for the public. The memorial, which closed July 13, was a moving tribute to the victims of COVID-19, which included flowers, notes, candles, and personal items.
How You Can Help: Donate to Backpacks and District Food Pantries
I have heard from many of you about wanting to help neighbors in the district suffering from the economic fallout from the pandemic. There are two significant efforts underway to consider.
- Fill backpacks for students in Niles Township. COVID has affected a large number of families who will need our help to equip students for a return to school or virtual learning. Supplies such as headphones are needed, as are backpacks, folders, binders, scissors, markers, crayons, glue sticks and liquid glue, spiral notebooks, dry erase markers, post-its, pens and pencils, pencil cases, rulers, calculators, Ziploc bags, tissues, paper towels, and Clorox wipes. You can drop off supplies at the Niles Township Food Pantry at 8341 Lockwood Ave, Skokie, IL 60077.
- Stock area food pantries. Some families are contending with lost income as a result of the coronavirus. Please consider donating non-perishable food items as well as household cleaning and personal hygiene items to the New Trier Township, Niles Township, and Northfield Township food pantries to help families in need. Area faith-based and nonprofit organizations may also be organizing food drives as well.
GET YOUR BALLOT: Illinois Increases Access to Vote by Mail, Safer Election Day to Improve Safety and Voter Access
On June 16th, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1863 into law to increase access to voting by mail to make voting as easy and as safe as possible. Measures included expanding application dates, expanding application methods, and mailing applications directly to voters.
All registered voters in Cook County are eligible to vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day. Voters with a driver’s license, state ID, or social security number may request a mail-in ballot, using either an online or paper application. Here is a summary of what to expect and how to vote by mail:
| Dates and Deadlines to Remember | Steps to Vote by Mail |
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You can confirm or update your registration with the Cook County Clerk by clicking here.
LET US KNOW WHAT VOTING MEANS TO YOU
Would you like to share what voting means to you? We would love to hear from you. Click here to complete a short form and submit it; we’ll display answers in our office and in digital forums before Election Day.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR 2019 REAL ESTATE TAX BILL?
Last week many of you received your 2019 final installment tax bill from Cook County. While the time to appeal your taxes has passed, it is important to review for any corrections. Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton has invited a representative from the Assessor’s Office to be on hand at our Glenview office (1812 Waukegan Road) on Tuesday, July 21st, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to assist you in understanding your bill and the exemptions for which you may be eligible to ensure you don’t pay more than required. You must make an appointment; read how by clicking here.
Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin is also offering to assist any homeowner understand the exemptions they are entitled to and help homeowners file for an exemption if it does not appear on their tax bill. Call Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 or email mjordan@suffredin.org.
WHERE’S JEN?
- June 27 – Evanston Juneteenth Parade
- July 4 – Glenview Reverse Parade
- July 16-18 – Wilmette Socially Distant Sidewalk Sale
- July 25 – Evanston Farmers’ Market