March Newsletter

Home › newsletter2022 › March Newsletter
newsletter2022
Posted by : staff
Comments: 0
Likes: 0

Dear Neighbors:

As many of you are aware, anti-Semitic flyers were recently anonymously distributed to homes in parts of the district. I share the disgust and anger that many of you feel in response to this kind of bigotry in our community.

As a community that embraces diversity and celebrates our differences as well as shared values, we must remain vigilant but unafraid in the face of hate of all kinds. This incident, along with so many others, simply reinforces our resolve and drives us to work even harder to make our state and our nation a more empathetic and peaceful place.

Sincerely,

Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

 

Springfield Update

I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues in the Asian American Caucus on March 16th, to reflect on the one year anniversary of the murder of eight people in Atlanta, Georgia, including six Asian American women. We discussed the rise of Anti-Asian hate that has occurred over the past two years as well as the progress we have made here in Illinois. Last year, we became the first state in the nation to require teaching Asian American history in public schools with the TEAACH Act.
In addition, the Asian American Caucus hosted a vigil in remembrance of the victims and were joined by Senator Tammy Duckworth, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, The Asian American Foundation and numerous other Asian American community organizations. You can view the vigil HERE.
Recently Senator Ram Villivalam and I announced the formation of the Illinois Assyrian Caucus. For our launch we have been joined by sixteen other colleagues from both the House and Senate. Illinois has one of the largest Assyrian American populations in the country with over 80,000 Assyrian Americans living throughout our state. Illinois is the first state to establish a statewide caucus for the Assyrian community.


2022 Summer Internship Program

My office is now taking applications for Summer interns! You can view the job posting on our website HERE. Applications should be submitted to my Outreach Director, Zoe Pharo at zoe@gonggershowitz.com no later than April 15th.


Mortgage Assistance

Starting in April, the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) will be accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. IHDA and their partners will be hosting information sessions to brief homeowners about the ILHAF program, with the next scheduled for March 24th from 11am-12pm. Program information, updates and a schedule of the sessions can be found HERE.


COVID-19 Recovery

The Cook County Department of Health CCDPH has expanded their in-home Covid vaccination program. Residents who find it difficult to leave their home are encouraged to register HERE. On March 1, the Biden administration also announced that you can now order four additional free, at-home rapid Covid-19 antigen tests from this website.
On February 28th, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) lifted vaccination and masking requirements. Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required in indoor public places for the general public, with the exception of healthcare settings, long term care facilities, congregate settings, and transportation. Although masks are no longer required, please remember that people may continue to choose to wear a mask for a variety of reasons, so be kind to one another and respect that individual’s decision.


Support for Ukraine and Updates

The federal government has now approved $13.6 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine, which includes money for humanitarian aid, defense assistance, and economic support for the region.

If you are looking for ways to help or donate, there are several links below with more information.

The Ukrainian National Museum, based in Chicago, has a great list of organizations with QR codes depending on which type of support people would like to donate to. You can view them HERE.

In addition, The Department of State has information and links regarding Ukraine HERE. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has information on where to donate on their website HERE.


Women’s History Month

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting trailblazing women in the district. On August 23, 1936, the Chicago Girls’ Flying Club sponsored the first Rod-Air-O competition at Curtiss-Reynolds Airport near Glenview. The event featured performances by 15 members of the Ninety-Nines, a group of female pilots founded by Amelia Earhart (Pictured: Jane Ray, Chicago Tribune historical photo).

DCEO is celebrating with ‘HERstory Initiative,’ an event that features women leaders of industry, ranging from academia, financial institutions, hospitality, government, manufacturing, non-profits, and telecommunications. All events are free to attend; additional information and registration can be found HERE.


Early Voting Changes

This year, Early Voting for the 2022 Election will take place in June as opposed to the usual March/April time frame, and Election Day is Tuesday, June 28. Adults and students interested in serving as an election judge or polling place technician are needed. For more details on voting, visit the Cook County Clerk’s website HERE.
Key dates:
  • June 12 – Last day to register to vote online
  • June 13 – Early voting period begins
  • June 23 – Last day to request a mail-in ballot
  • June 27 – Early voting period ends


District Shout Out – Michelle Valiukenas

Michelle Valiukenas of Glenview was awarded the Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroine Award, which is presented to one woman from each of the seventeen County districts. Michelle was nominated by Commissioner Scott Britton, for co-founding the Colette Louis Tisdahl Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to improve outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth and support families dealing with the loss of a child. The organization has helped over 1,000 families in 42 states and given away almost $1 million in grants. Michelle also co-leads a support group for parents who have lost babies, participates in Mom Congress, and has served on Northfield Township’s Commission on Human Services.


Applications and Opportunities to Get Involved

  • Glenview is debuting its first Citizen Government Academy (CGA), a seven-week course for up to 30 individuals interested in learning how municipal government works. It will take place Thursday evenings beginning May 26. Applications are available HERE.
  • Village of Skokie Health and Human Services Department is offering Skokie residents a workforce training grant for free tuition for one of Oakton Community College’s short-term certificate programs for unemployed or underemployed residents. More information and the application due March 31st can be found HERE.
  • Summer Camp Financial Aid Scholarships are available for children who are residents of New Trier Township for the summer 2021 camp sessions. Contact Jeanne Winsted Rosser at 847-446-8201 for assistance. Apply by April 22nd HERE.
  • Register for Youth Services Pride Youth Program’s annual Trans Youth & Family Summit on Sunday, April 3rd and, if you are in high school, apply to be a youth leader with prideLEAD, to plan events, educate peers and adults in your community, and learn more about social justice for LBGTQ+ issues. Apply by April 30th HERE.
  • ComEd recently launched its Future of Energy program, which will provide up to $250,000 in scholarships for women and minorities pursuing STEM degrees in college. Through March 28, 2022, students throughout Illinois can apply for the scholarship program, which will provide financial assistance awards of up to $10,000 and a chance to intern with ComEd. Apply HERE.


Events in the District

  • Electronics recycling and document destruction events will be held in the district this spring. Skokie’s Spring Greening Recycling Event will take place on April 3rd. Morton Grove will be holding theirs on May 14th from 9am-12pm at Morton Grove Public Works. Northbrook will hold a drive-thru recycling event and sapling giveaway on April 23 from 9am-12pm at the West Metra Commuter, as well as an Earth Month kick-off event with a restoration workday and seed giveaway on April 3rd at Somme Woods.
  • Respiratory Health Association (RHA) Hustle Chicago stair climb returns to historic Soldier Field on Sunday, May 15, 2022. The event benefits RHA, a Chicago-based organization offering programs to help people living with lung disease and promote clean air. Learn more and register HERE.
0

Related posts