Dear Neighbors,
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’d like to wish everyone safe travels and a healthy, happy holiday. We saw an eventful session in 2023 and I am particularly proud of the legislation I passed to make us safer – making our communities safer from gun violence, cracking down on sexually-exploitative deepfakes, and passing a responsible, balanced budget.
Now that the veto session is over and session has officially concluded, I am back in the district to work on next session’s legislative agenda. If you have ideas or suggestions, please reach out to my office. Your input is vital to my work in Springfield. In fact, several key pieces of legislation that I have passed were brought to me directly from constituents like you.
As always, if you are ever in need of resources or 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
Rep. Gong-Gershowitz Attends Signing of AI Executive Order at the White House
On Monday, October 30, State Senator Edly-Allen and I attended President Biden’s signing of the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence at the White House. In my role as Chair of the House Judiciary-Civil Committee, I am focused on protecting individual consumers and the public at large from potential harm stemming from malicious use of AI. I look forward to continuing to work on this issue in Illinois in the next GA session.
Rep. Gong-Gershowitz Held Subject Matter Hearing on Emerging Issues in AI
On November 1st, I hosted a joint subject matter hearing with the Cybersecurity Committee regarding emerging issues in artificial intelligence. This hearing consisted of two panels, the first being on AI and the Media, and the second on AI in Law and Business. See some media coverage of the hearing HERE.
Rep. Gong-Gershowitz Participates in Glenview/Northbrook Firearm Town Hall
On November 2nd, I participated in the Glenview Northbrook Firearm Town Hall along with my colleagues Senator Laura Fine, Senator Julie Morrison, Commissioner Scott Britton and Committeeperson Tracy Katz Muhl. We discussed the steps taken to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act last session, what steps we can take at the local, state and federal levels to keep our communities safe and prevent gun violence going forward. We also shared ideas on how to increase awareness about safe storage and many other pressing topics related to this important issue.
100% on 2023 Legislative Report Card from Illinois Humane Society
I was recognized by the Illinois Humane Society as a lawmaker fighting for animal rights by awarding me a perfect score on my 2023 Legislative Report Card. The Humane Society has done good work on this issue, and I appreciate their recognition of our shared values. Illinois lawmakers were graded a score out of 100 based on their support of six bills filed during 2023. I supported all six bills:
- Senate Bill 1882 bans the abusive practice of toxicity testing on dogs and cats
- Senate Bill 1883 prohibits the public from coming into direct contact with bears or primates
- Senate Bill 1230 re-defines a “dog dealer”
- House Bill 1049 prohibits insurance discrimination based on dog breed
- House Bill 3236 abolishes financing by lenders for purchasing companion animals
- House Bill 1533 bans the practice of surgical claw removal, declawing, or tendonectomy on a cat for non-therapeutic purposes
Illinois Earns Another Credit Upgrade from Fitch
On November 7th, Governor Pritzker celebrated the state’s ninth credit rating upgrade in just over two years as Fitch Ratings elevated Illinois’ rating for general obligation bonds. This fiscal progress comes as the result of five balanced budgets and years of responsible financial management and discipline under Governor Pritzker and Democrats in the General Assembly. “We are continuing to right the past fiscal wrongs in our state with disciplined fiscal leadership, and credit rating agencies and businesses alike are taking notice of Illinois’ remarkable progress,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Another credit rating upgrade means millions saved for Illinois taxpayers in interest—money back in the pockets of our state where it can better serve our residents.”
Mobile DMV Event at Skokie Public Library 12/5
Events and Opportunities
- Glenview’s Holiday in the Park & Parade on November 25 from 4-6pm will kick-off the Holiday in the Park & Parade! Follow the parade down Glenview Road from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church going west to Jackman Park. Festivities in the park include a visit with Santa, hay rides, a train ride for kids, carolers, cookies and hot chocolate. For more information click HERE.
- Evanston’s Small Business Saturday event will be held on November 26th. Pick up a Holiday Shopping Passport and shop and dine at local businesses throughout Downtown to receive a special holiday gift. For more information click HERE.
- Wilmette Holiday Open House will take place on November 30th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Enjoy fabulous shopping, tastes, beverages, and other treats at the shops in Village Center and Plaza del Lago. For more information click HERE.
- Evanston Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 7th at 5:30 pm at Fountain Square. The entire Evanston community is invited to join Tannenbaum Chabad House on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Hanukkah and ignite a public 10-foot menorah. The celebration will feature greetings from Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, live music, a LED robot dancer and Hanukkah treats. For more information click HERE.