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12th District E-Newsletter Capital Bill and Community Update
Thursday, April 16, 2009

Dear Neighbor:

I appreciate you taking time to read my e-letter. During these challenging financial times there are a lot of difficult decisions ahead and I look to your opinions and thoughts as we approach the final six weeks of the legislative session.

Spring is certain to be an exciting time in Chicago so check out the list of local events in or community that might be of interest to you in the coming weeks.

The Springfield Front...

There has been a great deal of movement in Springfield on a number of important issues, including the passage of a "mini" capital bill that has been signed by the Governor. The Illinois General Assembly will reconvene next Tuesday, April 21, and I am eager to hear your thoughts before heading back to Session.

Enjoy the warm(er) weather!

Very Truly Yours,

Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative
12th District

  • Capital Bill & Legislative Update
  • REMINDER! Capital Hearing Tonight, April 16
  • Survey on Extending this Year's Chicago Pride Fest
  • Chicago's TXT2TIP Program - Help Fight Crime Anonymously
  • Take Your Household Hazardous Waste to a Safer Place
  • UPCOMING EVENTS!

  • Capital Bill & Legislative Update

    Before the General Assembly adjourned for the Spring Break, we passed a $3 billion "mini" capital-funding bill aimed at creating jobs, improving our transportation infrastructure, investing in renewable energy and putting the state's share of federal stimulus dollars to work. This is the first capital bill for Illinois in nearly a decade.

    In addressing the worst economic crisis in generations, this package is a major step forward for aiding our economic recovery and also helping to eliminate the backlog of unpaid bills to health care providers.

    As budget chair of the Health and Human Services committee in the House, I am pleased that we are finally taking the important steps necessary to reduce our Medicaid payment cycle from the current 90+ days to 30 days, which is necessary to ensure that Illinois can receive enhanced federal matching funds.

    The capital bill also pours millions into our statewide mass transit system, including the CTA, Metra and Pace. It calls for roughly $600 million in "shovel-ready" road projects (paid for by federal stimulus money) such as resurfacing and repaving. This will create an estimated 80,000 jobs and projects can begin by the end of the month, according to Illinois transportation chief Gary Hannig.

    Clearly, passage of this bill is just the first in a series of steps to economic recovery. When I return to Springfield next week, my first priority will be to get started on a broader capital construction program to improve our infrastructure, increase efficiency and create long-term job opportunities for the residents of Illinois.


    REMINDER! Capital Hearing Tonight, April 16

    Thursday, April 16
    6:00pm

    Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Olson Auditorium
    836 W. Wellington Avenue

    Tonight, I am hosting a capital hearing at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center with my House colleagues, State Representatives John D'Amico, John Fritchey, Greg Harris, Lou Lang, Joe Lyons, Deborah Mell and Harry Osterman.

    We will be joined by labor, business and community leaders and neighbors to discuss the future of capital construction programs in Illinois and in our region and how we can strengthen our regional economy and put people back to work.

    This forum is open to the public. I encourage you to join us tonight and come with questions and your ideas. For more information, call (773) 348-3434.


    Survey on Extending this Year's Chicago Pride Fest

    Each June, the Northalsted Area Merchants Association (NAMA) has sponsored Chicago Pride Fest, one of the city's most colorful traditions. Chicago Pride Fest attracts people of all ages and backgrounds to the neighborhood to celebrate Chicago's vibrant GLBT community.

    As NAMA prepares for the 2009 Chicago Pride Fest, they are considering adding a second day (Friday from 3pm to 10pm) to this year's activities. This has happened in major urban centers across America that celebrate similar festivals.

    Working in conjunction with Belmont Harbor Neighbors (BHN), East Lake View Neighbors (ELVN), and Triangle Neighbors (TNA), NAMA is seeking input from residents. Please take a moment to complete this survey so you can give the Lake View Citizens' Council, NAMA and the Aldermen your feedback to help guide plans for this year's Chicago Pride Fest.

    Your responses will remain anonymous, so feel free to answer candidly.

    Take this survey


    Chicago's TXT2TIP Program - Help Fight Crime Anonymously

    The City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department have created an innovative way for residents to ANONYMOUSLY and SAFELY report criminal activities within our communities by using text messages.

    If you hear or witness suspicious activity, do your part!

    1. Create a new text message or SMS text on your cellular phone.
    2. Enter the number 274637 ("CRIMES") in the "To" line.
    3. In the message box, type the word "CPD," a space, and then your crime tip information.
    4. When finished, hit "Send."

    You will automatically receive a system-generated message back on your cell phone acknowledging your tip. Your identity will not be sent to the Chicago Police Department. Cash rewards up to $1,000. For more information on the TXT2TIP Program, click here.


    Take Your Household Hazardous Waste to a Safer Place

    Saturday, April 18
    9:00am - 3:00pm

    U.S. Cellular Field (Comiskey)
    333 W. 35th Street
    (Parking Lot A)
    Chicago, IL

    Saturday, May 9
    9:00am - 3:00pm

    DeVry University
    3401 N. Rockwell Avenue
    (North Student Parking Lot)
    Chicago, IL

    Dispose of your household hazardous waste and exchange them for environmental resources at these free City of Chicago events. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic or reactive ingredients require special care when disposing because they can pose a threat to our health and environment. Rather than throwing them away or pouring them down the drain, bring them to one of the City's free collection days.

    Drop off old or unused prescriptions and non-prescription medications, electronics, household chemicals or oil-based paints, old gas cans and/or gas-powered lawn mowers.

    Pick up environmental resources for FREE or at a discounted rate, including FREE light bulbs. For more information, click here or visit the City of Chicago's Department of Environment.


    UPCOMING EVENTS!

    2nd Annual Health and Beauty Senior Springfest

    Wednesday, April 29, 2009
    8:30am - 1:00pm

    Weiss Memorial Hospital, Auditorium Foyer
    (Ground Floor - A Elevators)
    4646 N. Marine Drive
    Chicago, IL

    Don't miss this FREE, fun-filled morning program for active seniors focused on beauty, health and quality of life. Enjoy a light breakfast, hear from expert physicians and hospital speakers, and participate in "Laughter Yoga." To register for this FREE PROGRAM, call (800) 503-1234 by Friday, April 24.

    Presented by Weiss Memorial Hospital and Home Instead Senior Care. Beauty services courtesy of Truman College. Complimentary breakfast provide by Care Collaborative.

    Joint Revision Surgery: When do I need it?

    Thursday, April 30
    11:00am - 12:00pm (lunch served at noon)
    Weiss Memorial Hospital, Lower Level Auditorium
    4646 N. Marine Drive
    Chicago, IL

    Attend this FREE public education seminar hosted by Weiss Memorial Hospital in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation. Hear from doctors from Weiss Memorial and the University of Chicago's Bone & Joint Center.

    Pre-registration is required. To register visit www.arthritis.org, keyword "Chicago," and click on "Public Education Seminars."

    10 Things a Board Must Know - PROGRAM for homeowner associations

    Wednesday, May 6
    5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    Offices of Smith Amundsen
    150 N. Michigan Avenue
    Chicago, IL

    The Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations (ACTHA) will host an educational program on "10 Things a Board Must Know." This program is designed for all condo, townhome and homeowner associations and in particular for those who serve on the board of directors.

    Stepfon Smith, an attorney with Smith Amundsen and Sam Ekstein, a property manager with Ekstein Asset Management are the presenters. Time will be provided at the end of the presentation for general questions and answers.

    ACTHA is a statewide not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide information and education to board members and owners. The program is free to ACTHA members or $20 per person. Since space is limited, attendees should call to reserve space. For more information or to reserve a space, call (312) 987-1906 or email ACTHA at actha@actha.org


    The Paulina Brown Line station reopened to customers on Friday, April 3, 2009. The station was temporarily closed for construction for one year as part of the capacity expansion project on the Brown Line.

    Please note that the Wellington station remains closed for renovations and upgrades. For alternative transportation options and the latest updates, please visit www.ctabrownline.com



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