February 2022 Newsletter

As you may have heard, former Speaker Michael J Madigan was federally indicted last week. Even before I took office, I supported new leadership in Springfield and I was then proud to be one of the 19 members to force a vote for a new Speaker last year. Speaker Chris Welch has brought a new day to Illinois and a commitment to making our state a more fair, transparent, and honest place for those who call it home.

Illinois is turning to a fresh page in our history book to build on the progress we’ve already made. We elected a new Speaker of the House for the first time in 39 years, passed a balanced budget, hired a new Legislative Inspector General, and enacted the strongest environmental legislation in the country.

After delays due to COVID and bad weather, we have finally resumed in-person session in Springfield, and I have a lot of impactful pieces of legislation moving through the process.

I wanted to highlight a few:

HB5287: CRYPTOCURRENCY
The cryptocurrency and blockchain technology industries present real opportunities for our state. That’s why I am the chief sponsor of HB5287, which would allow the Illinois Department of Revenue to adopt rules and regulations for payment of cryptocurrency. Setting up a framework for cryptocurrency transactions in Illinois is an important step toward allowing businesses to safely use cryptocurrency within the state.

HB5439: RECKLESS DRIVING
Another important bill I wanted to highlight is HB5439 – legislation that will make it illegal for any person to engage in street racing or street sideshows on any street or highway in the state of Illinois. I know how critical a bill like this is for the 12th district. My hope is this will be another tool to help counter the reckless driving and excessive noise we’ve recently had on Lake Shore Drive.

HB4338 ALZHEIMER’S EMT TRAINING
I also chief sponsored HB4388, which requires EMTs and paramedics to complete a one-hour course of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when he was in his mid 70s, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact Alzheimer’s and dementia can have on an individual and their surrounding loved ones.

Approximately 230,000 Illinoisans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and those with the disease are highly likely to come in contact with a paramedic first responder. This bill will provide emergency personnel with the skills and knowledge needed to positively engage with the community.

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Advocacy hosted their annual Illinois Week of Action this month and I was so excited to participate!

A special thank you to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter and their volunteers for your work throughout the annual Week of Action!

HB4715: INTERIOR DESIGN LICENSING
This session I introduced HB4715, an initiative alongside the American Society of Interior Designers, which would allow for registered interior designers to stamp their own design plans for non-structural and non-load bearing construction. This legislation will help remove barriers in a predominantly female industry.


In The Community

Masking

The COVID-19 positivity rate in Chicago is officially under one percent! The Chicago Department of Public Health followed the state of Illinois in removing mask requirements in most public spaces. That said, continue to mask up on public transportation, in healthcare and congregate settings, and when asked.


The Village Chicago

This Valentine’s Day, we worked with some of the talented kiddos at February Small Business Shout out Play2Day childcare center to decorate bags for The Village Chicago, a local organization that focuses on senior wellbeing.

We filled over 75 baggies with Valentine’s goodies and community information for members of The Village Chicago. It was great bringing some love to older constituents with the help of Play2Day and The Village Chicago

 


 

PAWS Chicago Partnership

We started a new partnership with PAWS Chicago to highlight one animal each month that is waiting to be adopted. This month, we’re pleased to introduce Finch! This pup has been at PAWS for a bit and is eagerly looking for his forever home.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering Finch (or any of his friends), check out the PAWS website for more information.

 


Small Business Shoutout

Every month we highlight one small business from our district. For March, we are thrilled to feature Vanille Patisserie!

“Vanille Patisserie specializes in authentic French pastries, desserts, and cakes.”

This women-owned business located in the heart of Lincoln Park offers some of the best French Pastries in Chicago!

If you have a favorite store, restaurant, or other business in the district for future Small Business Shoutouts, let us know!

 


Please continue to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.

Stay healthy and safe.