Dear Neighbors,
As we move through March, the legislative progress is heating up – hopefully the weather is too!
While we continue to face uncertainty and chaos in Washington DC, my colleagues and I in Springfield are fully committed to protecting our rights, our environment, and our democracy while making the smart (and sometimes difficult) decisions Illinois needs to thrive.
To do that effectively, I need to hear from you – your perspective, your experiences, and your ideas are always welcome.
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, I was able to move four important pieces of legislation out of committee, which is a vital early step to passing any legislation.
- 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.
- HB2436 – Will allow 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. At this pivotal time, when so many immigrants are in desperate need of legal representation, this is a proactive step that we in Illinois can take to protect our neighbors.
- 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.
- HB3359 – Makes our justice system more reliable and efficient by expanding the number of alternate jurors available to serve.
2025 Summer Internship Applications Open!
My district office is currently hiring summer interns! Applicants should be rising college freshman or current college students who are interested in learning more about state government work. If you are interested in applying or have questions, please send your resume and a short statement of interest to Stacy Rudd at stacy@gonggershowitz.com.
Rep. Gong-Gershowitz and Illinois’ Secretary of State Hosted Mobile DMV Event on March 5th
My office partnered with the Illinois’ Secretary of State to offer a Mobile DMV event on March 5th at the Glenview Public Library. We were thrilled to help over 60 constituents get their REAL ID’s, license renewals, vehicle registrations and voter registrations expediently processed. Please keep an eye on our newsletter and social media channels for future events like this!
Commissioner Morita and Rep. Gong-Gershowitz Earth-a-Palooza Event on April 6th at Linne Woods
Join us on Sunday April 6th for the third annual Earth-a-palooza! The event will take place Sunday, April 6th from 1 to 3 PM at Linne Woods. You may register ahead of time HERE.
Earth-a-palooza is an eco-friendly family fun fest that provides a wide array of activities including Guided Nature Walks, Junior Rangers Program, Brookfield Zoo Animals, Bird Watching, Touch-a-Truck, kids crafts and more.
State of the County on April 25th with President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Scott Britton
Events and Opportunities
- Glenview Chamber of Commerce’shighly anticipatedBites 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.
- Village of Skokie’s Spring Greening- A Community Recycling Event will take place on April 6th, 10 am – 1:45 pm in the west parking lot at Westfield Old Orchard shopping center. Enter onto Lavergne Road from Old Orchard Road only. Electronics recycling and document shredding plus additional reuse/recycling drop off stations will be available. For more information click HERE.
- Northbrook Park District’s Brunch with the Bunny will take place on April 12th, 10:00 am – 11:30 am at the Northbrook Leisure Center. A delicious brunch, crafts, activities and a visit from the Spring Bunny await. Children under 2 years old are admitted for free. Advance registration is required. Fee is $35-$45 per person. For more information click HERE.
- Wilmette Park District’s Earth Day Celebrationwill take place on April 19th, 10 am – noon at Keay Nature Center, on the northeast corner of Hibbard Rd and Skokie Blvd. Come celebrate Earth Day with a family nature walk, crafts, snack and more! No RSVP needed. This is a free, drop-in event. For more information click HERE.