Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to start this first Spring newsletter with good news. As you know, Illinois has long struggled with finances – during our worst years in the Rauner administration, some believed our state was beyond fixing. I could not be prouder to say that those naysayers were wrong.
Over the last five years, Illinois has paid down debt, repaid loans early, and put our state on track to financial success. We still have a great deal of work to do, but thanks to smart budgeting and responsible spending, Illinois is in the best financial position in recent memory. We are investing more dollars towards our pension liability, which has enabled us to make critical investments in education and infrastructure that have been long overdue.
Most recently, Moody’s was the second credit ratings agency to upgrade Illinois into the “A” category. You can learn more HERE.
And 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
Legislative Update
Last week Moody’s Investor Services upgraded Illinois bonds to A3, marking the second rating agency to return Illinois’ credit rating to the ‘A’ category. The last time Illinois had an A3 rating from Moody’s was back in September 2015. We are continuing to build on the fiscal progress we have made by introducing a balanced budget and rebuilding our state’s rainy day fund. This is now the eighth credit upgrade in two years following a period of eight downgrades between 2015 and 2017.
2023 Summer Internship Program
My office is now taking applications for our summer internship program. If you are a high school senior, undergraduate or recent graduate and are interested in working in state government, apply by April 14th!
Earth-A-Palooza Saturday, April 1st
Join my office alongside County Commissioner Josina Morita for the first annual Earth-A-Palooza at Linne Woods in Morton Grove! This eco-friendly event will include guided hikes, kids nature play and games, touch-a-truck and an interactive drum circle. You can register for free at bit.ly/earthapalooza
Illinois Provides B2B Grants for Restaurants, Hotels and Creative Arts
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced $175M in Back to Business Grants for restaurants, hotels, and creative arts organizations. Applications are open from April 5 through May 10, 2023, but information is available now on the DCEO website.
Track Your State Refund with ‘Where’s my Refund?
If you e-filed your individual income tax return, you can check on the status of your refund by using Where’s My Refund, available at tax.illinois.gov. You will need to provide your social security number and the exact amount of your expected refund. Please note: Where’s my refund is updated each business day, so please allow 24-48 hours between inquiries.
Events and Opportunities
Niles Food Pantry Fun Run will be on May 21st, at 10am-1pm, located at the Old Orchard Junior High School with food, drinks and entertainment. Registration is $15 until April 7th. Sign up HERE.
Glenview Public Library will be hosting a Mobile Drivers Express Unit alongside the Secretary of State’s office on Thursday, April 13th from 10 AM to 2 PM. You can see a list of services available HERE, no registration is necessary.
Skokie’s annual Spring Greening recycling event will be held Sunday, April 2nd from 10 AM to 1:45 PM. The event will take place in the West parking lot of the Westfield Old Orchard, information on what you can drop off is available HERE.
Paid for by Friends for Jennifer