Governor Pat Quinn called a special session on August 17th in order to discuss pension proposals and to consider the expulsion of former State Representative Derrick Smith.

The pension reform debate has been controversial and contentious, and while many proposals were considered during regular and special session, none have garnered the kind of support necessary to pass. I understand the fiscal distress the state is in, and I also understand the hardships that changing pension agreements can cause. It is with this in mind that I will continue to work towards a solution that respects public workers, puts Illinois on stronger financial ground, and ensures long-term stability of the system. We met these goals when we created the "two-tiered" system in 2009 and I am confident that we will again.

Another major point of focus during the special session was the expulsion of Representative Derrick Smith. Though it was a tough decision for members to vote to expel one of their own, it was viewed, almost unanimously, as necessary. This issue was thoroughly debated and something no legislator reveled in, but it was an unfortunate course of action that had to be taken.

Benefit Corporations: The Governor has approved legislation to help Illinois entrepreneurs who seek to advance their businesses' triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Senate Bill 2897, of which I was a chief co-sponsor, creates a new, voluntary Illinois corporate form - a benefit corporation - that would give business visionaries flexibility to build social and environmentally sustainable businesses. Until now, Illinois corporations had lacked the legal flexibility to incorporate standards for environmental and social responsibility, for example. Benefit corporations, under this new law, will enable entrepreneurs to incorporate business decisions' impact on workers, society, and the environment as well as the impact on shareholders.

Strip Club Tax: The Governor has signed a law to enact a tax on live adult entertainment facilities in Illinois that permit the consumption of alcohol. House Bill 1645, which I was the chief sponsor of, states that operators of these facilities must pay a $3 surcharge per person admitted to the facility or a pay a specified amount based on gross receipts of the operator. All proceeds from this tax will be deposited to the Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund. The Department of Human Services will use this fund to make grants to sexual assault organizations that assist victims of sexual assault and work to prevent sexual attacks.

Sibling Rights: House Bill 5592, of which I was the chief sponsor, recognizes the importance of siblings' relationships and maintains that the DCFS must place foster children with their siblings unless it is not in the children's best interest. This act requires the DCFS to consider the development and preservation of sibling relationships in determining the placement of children. When family separation occurs through state intervention, every effort must be made to preserve, support, and nurture sibling relationships

Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi in collaboration with State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, Commissioner Bridget Gainer, State Senate President John Cullerton, Alderman James Cappleman, and Commissioner John Fritchey will be hosting a Lakeview Township Property Tax Appeal Seminar. Staff from Commissioner Cabonargi's office will give a presentation on how to appeal you property taxes. Analysts and hearing officers will also be on hand to answer questions and provide further guidance. Residents should bring previous property tax bills with their Property Index Number in order to receive specified information.

Energy Impact Illinois is an alliance of local and federal organizations, utility companies and not-for-profit groups who are dedicated to helping communities change their energy usage habits, by offering access to a broad array of programs and solutions. This alliance recently introduced a special limited-time rebate for Chicago-area homeowners of up to $1,750 to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes before winter hits.

With our unusually hot weather this summer, it may be hard to remember back to last winter when you noticed an especially drafty room or the window bay in your breakfast nook that just always seemed a bit colder. For sure, you know if rooms in your house were hotter than normal these last few months. These issues, and more, can be solved by making energy efficiency improvements like sealing up air leaks and installing proper insulation, which the rebate is designed for.

12th District homeowners are now eligible for the up to $1,750 rebate to take energy efficiency steps in their own homes. To receive the rebate, homeowners should call Energy Impact Illinois at 855-9-IMPACT. Energy Impact Illinois then helps determine eligible rebates, and links homeowners to certified contractors who can assess and estimate the right mix of air sealing and insulation projects that will achieve savings.

Though the rebate can help homeowners save, on average, 70 percent on the typical cost of the actual work, Energy Impact Illinois can also link homeowners with attractive loan options with zero percent interest for the first year to make up any difference.

More than half of total energy costs come from heating and cooling a home and almost all homes let too much air escape or penetrate. Most homes also have incorrectly installed or insufficient amounts of attic insulation. Air sealing and insulating a home are some easy, right-now steps homeowners can take to reduce energy bills and create a more comfortable home for winter.

For more information, 12th District homeowners can call 855-9-IMPACT. Homeowners can also visit the website www.energyimpactillinois.org for tools and links to contractor resources to help take the first steps to lowering energy bills and increasing comfort of your home.

The Lake View YMCA will be hosting a Free Open House event on Saturday, September 8, 2012. This fun, family event is open to the community at large and will include:

** Family fitness classes including Zumba, Tone and Yoga
** Family art and crafts project
** Free chair massages and back pack safety demo from Total Balance Chiropractic
** Jump house, backpack safety demo, face painting, caricatures, and more!

All guests will be entered into a raffle to receive an iPod Nano!

PLUS! Join the Y on Saturday, September 8 and pay a $0 Joiner's Fee!

With the possibility of a teacher strike in CPS schools on Monday morning, 144 schools throughout Chicago will remain open to host activities for children such as art, writing and gym. Schools will be open from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and children will be served breakfast and lunch. The schools will be staffed by principals, central office employees and non-CTU staff. Instruction will not take place.

List of Schools offering "Children First" Program

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts 2012
Saturday, September 8, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Along Broadway, from Belmont to Hawthorne

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the eighth annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. See great acts all throughout the day, all weekend long like: Dolly Varden, The Congregation, King Corey Hosts The Jam, Honey and the 45s, Robbie Fulks and Michelle McGuire. Visit www.lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com for a full schedule


South East Lake View Neighbors
Monday, September 10
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Second Unitarian Church, 656 West Barry

South East Lake View Neighbors (SELVN) is the local neighborhood organization encompassing the area bounded by Diversey, Halsted, Belmont, and the lake. All residents, associations, and businesses are welcome to join. General meetings are open to everyone to attend. You must be a member in good standing two weeks prior to a meeting in order to vote.


Triangle Neighbors
Wednesday, September 12
7:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.
19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison

TN covers the area bounded by Clark, Halsted, Belmont and Addison. One of the most important initiatives for Triangle is to build (and now maintain) a community garden/park at 815-817 W Roscoe.


Central Lake View Neighbors
Thursday, September 13
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Advocate Illinois Masonic (Clarke Auditorium), 836 West Wellington

Central Lake View Neighbors is a community based and funded non profit volunteer organization. CLVN represents the residents within the boundaries of Belmont to the north, Halsted to the east, Racine to west and Diversey to the south. The organization was formed to provide residents a forum to discuss issues ranging from development proposals, zoning, liquor license, street fairs and other community matters. The Alderman recognizes this group and refers local issues to this organization for comment, review and approval.


Hawthorne Neighbors
Tuesday, September 18
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Resurrection Lutheran Church's Education Building, 1050 W School

Hawthorne Neighbors goals are to provide a forum for neighbors to discuss quality of life issues, to provide our neighbors with information that impact their lives as residents, and to offer our voice to the Alderman's office on licensing, zoning and other issues in our area. Frequently discussed items include: activities at Wrigley Field, zoning variance requests, liquor license applications including outdoor patio (beer garden), sidewalk café permits, crime, nuisance issues (trash, noise, public drinking), mail delivery and parking.


Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, September 20
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Stella's Diner, 3042 N Broadway

At Coffee and Conversation sessions, I meet with residents in small group settings to discuss community and legislative issues. Come have a cup of coffee and chat with me about issues that are important to you!


East Lake View Neighbors "Oktoberfest"
Sunday, September 30
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Murphy's Bleachers, 3655 N Sheffield

Tickets are $25 each and includes beer, wine, soda, and a feast of pig roast, chicken, and brats. A silent auction and prizes of sport memorabilia, certificates, and more! All proceeds will benefit local non-profit causes. Visit eastlakeview.org for more information.