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Dear Neighbor:
As the legislature grapples with the
difficult task of finalizing a budget there
are some important bills awaiting a final
vote as we return to Springfield for the
final stretch.
While we are working on potential budget
scenarios, my constituents have been vocal in
their opposition to additional cuts in
education and vital human services. After
last year's budget challenges I am committed
to working towards a sustainable budget that
is more in line with the citizens' dedication
to fiscal responsibility. In the coming
weeks I will keep you updated on any new
budget developments.
On a more personal note, an issue near and
dear to my heart that is the culmination of
13 years of hard work and perseverance is House
Bill 5428. This bill, which passed both
houses, will restore the rights of adult
adoptees to receive a copy of their original
birth certificate. As an adopted person,
reforming the adoption system in Illinois has
been a personal priority of mine throughout
my tenure and I am extremely proud to be a
part of restoring this basic right to
Illinois citizens who are adopted. The bill,
once signed by Governor Quinn, will make
Illinois the 9th state to give adopted
persons access to their identity. Passage of
this legislation is truly one of the highest
points of my career.
Please see below for some additional bills I
have been working on and supporting this year
that may be of interest to you. Keep an eye
out for important legislative and budget
updates in the next few weeks; meanwhile, if
you need anything at all please don't
hesitate to contact me or my staff.
Very Truly Yours,
Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative, 12th District
| Legislative Update |
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House
Bill 4722 - Senate 3rd
reading - HB 4722 requires that a
bittering agent be added to antifreeze and
engine coolants. Each year, thousands of pets
and young children become ill or die after
accidentally ingesting antifreeze and
coolants, which
have a sweet taste but are toxic in even the
smallest amounts. The bittering agent deters
ingestion and subsequently saves lives.
House
Bill 5766 - Senate Public
Health Committee - HB 5766 requires
insurance companies to cover the cost of
smoking cessation products and programs.
Tobacco use is the number one cause of
preventable disease and death in Illinois and
costs $4.1 billion each year in direct health
care costs alone. Comprehensive smoking
cessation programs are both cost-saving and
effective in kicking the habit.
House
Bill 5018 - Senate 3rd
reading - This bill extends medical
coverage to employees laid off from September
1, 2008 to the end of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act, bringing Illinois in
line with federal recovery standards and will
allow the state to maximize federal stimulus
funding.
Senate
Bill 2571 - House Rules
Committee - SB 2571 creates the Illinois
and Midwest High-Speed Rail Commission Act,
who will report on the development potential
of high speed rail in Illinois. With federal
funds and an increased demand for mass
transportation, Illinois is in a unique
position to develop and build a progressive
high speed rail network to connect Chicago
with major Midwestern cities.
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| Community Events |
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Lakeview
East Chamber of Commerce, Viva Las Lakeview
Thursday, April 29, 6:00 p.m., Chicago Yacht
Club, Belmont Harbor
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is hosting
the Viva Las Lakeview charity fundraiser
benefiting local neighborhood non-profit
organizations. There will be food, drinks,
games and prizes. Tickets are $40 and may be
purchased on the LECC website.
Agassiz School
Music in May Concert
Monday, May 3, 7:00 p.m., Agassiz School
Auditorium, 2851 N. Seminary Ave.
Musician parents, headlined by renowned
cellist Ian Maksin, at Agassiz School will be
hosting a concert to benefit the school's
music program. For more information, visit
their website or contact Joanna Grenrock
directly at joannawgrenrock@aol.com.
Gold
Coast Neighbors, "Good as Gold"
Fundraiser
Wednesday, May 12, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.,
Racquet Club of Chicago, 1365 N. Dearborn
St.
The Gold Coast Neighbors' annual spring event
will feature a tour of a neighborhood home,
hors d'oeuvres, music, an auction and a Buddy
International Scooter raffle. More
information is available on the Gold Coast
Neighbors website.
44th Ward Office City Sticker
Sales
Wednesday, June 9, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.,
44th Ward Office, 1057 W. Belmont Ave.
The City Clerk will be selling city vehicle
stickers and residential parking permits in
Alderman Tom Tunney's office. The line will
close at 5:00 p.m. and residents are strongly
encouraged to arrive early. This is a great
opportunity for neighborhood residents to
purchase the stickers in the neighborhood and
save a trip to the City Clerk's office.
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