May Newsletter

Dear Neighbors,

May is among my favorite months – it marks the beginning of Spring as well as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month.  Recently, I was honored to speak at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for a roundtable discussion on the TEAACH Act as part of their AAPI Heritage Month programming.

The other news I have to share weighs heavily on me along with millions of women across our state – and our nation. As you likely know, on May 2, 2022, a draft Supreme Court opinion was leaked indicating the nation’s top court may soon overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that secured the right to an abortion.

As your representative in Springfield, I am committed to protecting the right to choose and to fight against any efforts to roll back reproductive rights in Illinois – regardless of what happens in Washington.

Sincerely,

Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

 

District Update

On May 11th, we held our End of Session Town Hall at Glenview Public Library.  We enjoyed getting to see everyone who came out and to hear from residents, especially the amazing group of students from Hoffman Elementary School, who came to advocate for healthier lunch options at their school! Read more about what they’re advocating for HERE.

We also dropped off our donations with RefugeeOne!  A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Ukraine Support drive.  It was incredible to see the outpouring of mutual aid for families settling in the area and those still in Ukraine.


Resource Fair

On June 11th, we are partnering with Senator Fine to host a community resource fair at the Park Center from 9:30am-11:30am, where you can talk directly to local, state, and federal offices and community partners.

Come to get assistance, meet your local Representatives, and ask any questions you may have!


Money Back on Your Electric Bill – Thanks to CEJA!

Illinois’s historic clean energy legislation is paying off for ComEd customers, who will receive a monthly credit estimated to average about $18-20 per month and $237 per year for the average customer, starting June 1st. This is a result of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), a nation-leading green energy bill passed by the General Assembly last year.

In total, the credit amounts to about $1 billion for residential customers over the next year.


Medicaid Change

With federal Covid-19 PHE ending sometime this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will end its continuous eligibility provision, which allowed Medicaid customers to remain insured without confirming all eligibility requirements. In order to keep your Medicaid coverage, you will need to update your address, by calling 877-805-5312 or visiting www2.illinois.gov/hfs/address.

If you are an individual who receives Medicaid, an organization who serves clients with Medicaid, or know of anyone who has questions about this change, give our office a call at 847-486-8810.


Farmers Markets

Farmer’s market season is starting!  Below are the places you can find fresh produce in your area. My office will be attending several farmer’s markets to make it more convenient for you to ask questions or access services. Come chat with us at locations/dates that are bolded:

  • Downtown Evanston Farmers Market is open from May 7th-November 5th, 7:30am to 1pm, at University Places and Oak Avenue, behind the Hilton Garden Inn. Senior and disabled shoppers are invited to visit the Market early, from 7-7:30am. SNAP/Link cards are accepted.
  • Glenview Farmers Market is open from June 19-October 23, 8am to 12pm, at Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road.  Parking is available in the Saints Peter & Paul Greek  Orthodox Church and Historic Wagner farm lots.  We’ll be there on July 30th!
  • Northbrook Farmers Market is open from June 22-October 12, 7am to 1pm, at Meadow Plaza parking lot, Cherry & Meadow.  Food stamps are accepted.  We’ll be there on September 28th! 
  • Skokie Farmers Market is open from June 5-November 6, 7:30am to 12:30pm, at 5127 Oakton Street.  SNAP/Link cards are accepted.
  • Wilmette French Market is open from April 16-October, from 8am to 1pm, east of the Wilmette Metra Station.  We’ll be there on July 2nd and September 3rd!
  • Morton Grove French Market is open from May 14-October, at 6140 Dempster St, from 8am to 1pm, between Waukegan Road and the I94/Edens Expressway.  We’ll be there on June 4th and August 13th!

District Shout Out

Dr. Jeongling Liu recently received the Community Leadership Award from the American Multi Ethnic Coalition, and we had the honor of presenting her with a certificate of recognition for this high honor.  Dr. Liu is the President of the Midwest Asian Health Association and a staunch advocate for improving the health and quality of life for Asian populations – join us in thanking her for all she does.



Events and Opportunities

  • Glenview Public Library is hosting a Voter Registration and Legislative Meet & Greet on June 7th from 3-5pm, and we will be there! Come to register to vote, and ask us and the League of Women Voters any questions you may have about the primary on June 28th.
  • The Village of Northbrook is holding their annual Spring Clean Up Day on June 11, from 7am-1pm, and items will be accepted at the Public Works Center (655 Huehl Road) and 1657 Shermer Road. This event offers residents the chance to dispose of unlimited household waste! Learn more HERE.
  • Pickleball lessons are beginning at Flick Park the week of June 6th! They will be taught by Glenview Park District certified Pickleball Professional, Tony Marino. To learn more and register click HERE.

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