Dear Neighbors,
It’s the start of a new legislative session in Springfield and, as we continue to navigate chaos and uncertainty from Washington, D.C., I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community and to keep working on the issues that matter most to you.
As we gather our priorities for the year ahead, one challenge that carries over from 2025 remains front and center: the impact of federal funding changes on Illinois families and our state budget. In Springfield, our work is focused on responding proactively and responsibly to these pressures and safeguarding essential programs while protecting our economic stability.
While no state can fully replace federal dollars, our approach in Springfield is grounded in prudent planning and advocacy for working families ensuring that Illinois remains strong, resilient, and focused on opportunity for all.
I am grateful for your voice in these conversations, and I look forward to partnering with you throughout this session. Together, we’ll keep fighting for a brighter, more just future for everyone in the 17th District.
As always, my office is here to help. If you have questions or need support with state services, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 847-486-8810 or info@gonggershowitz.com.
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Springfield Update
My colleagues and I are now beginning to file bills for consideration this Spring session. Below is a short summary of a few of the bills I have introduced so far this year!
HB5511 Children’s Social Media Safety Act creates a comprehensive child online safety framework that pairs privacy-protective age assurance technology with limits on addictive algorithmic feeds, positioning Illinois among states leading efforts to reduce social media driven harms to children while preserving parental oversight and platform accountability.
HB5044 Chatbot Product Liability holds chatbot companies responsible for harm to users caused by their products.
HB4206 Legacy Impact through Fair Transfer (LIFT) – Sets a standard for faster, more efficient transfers for probate gifts left to 501(c)(3) charitable beneficiaries reducing administrative delays to help charities put donated dollars to work sooner.
HB4557 Digital Forgeries in Politics Act would restrict the use of false or misleading digital forgeries distributed within 90 days of an election to protect against misinformation influencing democratic processes.
HB4649 Creates a “report and hold” framework that would allow banks and credit unions to delay suspicious transactions involving older adults when financial exploitation is suspected. Authorizes a temporary delay when a financial institution reasonably believes a “specified adult” may be the victim of financial exploitation.
HB4462 Updates the Power of Attorney Act to streamline processes for individuals and reduce burdensome requirements.
HB4463 Helps address shortcomings within the current Guardian Ad Litem system. Allows petitioners to request a substitution of a Guardian Ad Litem without cause.
HB4464 Prevents insurance companies from passing on credit card fees to dental providers via third party “virtual” credit cards.
HB4896 Adverse Possession – Civil Procedure Creates a provision allowing sole ownership by those caring for inherited property so the responsible party can take needed actions like refinancing or selling the property when the other owners abandon it.
HB5000 Updates the oversight of health care facility mergers and acquisitions, building off work previously done with the Attorney General. Ensures the Attorney General can enforce existing antitrust laws ensuring competition to reduce healthcare costs and increase access for consumers.
HB5461 Prohibits “Stay or Pay” contract provisions. Would establish that employment contracts may not require workers to agree to terms that would force them to repay training costs, bonuses, relocation or other “debts,” or to pay any penalty, fee, or cost if they leave a job before a specified time.
District Office Closed
My district office is currently closed due to repairs needed from a pipe break. Should you need to meet with staff in person, please call us at 847-486-8810 or email info@gonggershowitz.com and my team will be happy to arrange a time to meet!
Free Day at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum on 2/16
Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and I are honored to sponsor a free day at Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum in Evanston on 2/16 (President’s Day) during the Indigenous Artist Pop-Up Market. More information HERE.
Summer Internship Applications Open!
My district office is currently hiring for our paid summer internship program! Applicants should be rising college freshman or current college students who are interested in learning more about state government work and able to work 15 hours/week June through August ($17/hour). 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 Participates in Evanston Small Business Town Hall
Thank you to all of the small business owners who came out to talk with me, State Rep. Robyn Gabel, Senator Laura Fine, Commissioner Samantha Steele and The Woodstock Institute on January 29th.
JUF Hosts Briefing for Partner Agencies Day
My staff attended the Jewish United Fund’s briefing for partner agency leaders and state and local elected officials to learn more about the critical services JUF and its partners provide across our region. These conversations are essential to understanding community needs and ensuring state and local policies continue to support vulnerable populations. I appreciate JUF’s leadership and ongoing collaboration.
Illinois Retail Merchants Scholarship Opportunity
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association recently launched the Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge, which encourages high school seniors to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges facing the retail sector, with teams competing for scholarships of up to $60,000. Supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the contest is designed to spark innovation, engage students, and strengthen the retail industry.
The scholarship challenge is open to all Illinois high school seniors, and the application deadline is March 30, 2026. Additional details can be found at www.irma.org.
Events In The District:
- Attend Skokie’s “Perspectives: A Series of One Acts” at Devonshire Cultural Center on February 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd. Experience the best in theatre with four distinctly different portrayals featuring comedy, intrigue and moments to touch the heart. For more information and to purchase tickets clickHERE.
- The Northbrook Cultural Fair will be hosted at the North Suburban YMCA Sunday, February 22nd from 2:30 to 5:00 PM.The event is free and open to the public and is set up in a fair format that will include musical acts, dance demonstrations, crafts, samples of food, and educational/informational tables. More information HERE.