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Dear Neighbor,
The summer seems to pass so quickly, but it has been great meeting so many of you at the exciting events throughout our community in the last months. I look forward to meeting more of you in the next weeks.
Enclosed in this update is important information about changes to the RTA/CTA Seniors Ride free program and Changes to Illinois Cares RX., leadership education and development program information, as well as listing of the final events I am sponsoring this summer.
As always, feel free to contact me at info@heathersteans.com or at 773-769-1717 with any comments, concerns or help with constituent issues.
Best,
Heather Steans
State Senator - District 7
Important Information about the Seniors Circuit Ride Free and Seniors Reduced Fare
Changes have been made to the RTA/CTA Seniors Ride Free Program:
In June, all new applications for the Seniors Ride Free program began being means tested with the Department on Aging Circuit Breakers program. Those who qualify for the Circuit Breaker program will receive a new Seniors Circuit Ride Free permit, and all others will receive a Reduced Fare permit. Seniors who already have the Seniors Ride Free permits do not need to re-apply; the RTA will automatically mail them the appropriate permits in August.
If you have already filled out a Circuit Breaker application, you do not need to fill out another one. If you haven't filled out the Circuit Breaker application but think you may be eligible, click here for an online application or call my office at 773-769-1717 for assistance.
August 1
- The agency will begin mailing new magnetic strip permits for fixed-route service for all seniors currently enrolled in the Seniors Circuit Ride Free program. Depending on their eligibility, seniors will receive either a Seniors Circuit Ride Free permit or Reduced Fare permit.
August 15
- If you have not received your new permit by the above date, please call 312-913-3110. A customer service operator is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also call my office at 773-769-1717 if you need additional help.
September 1
- The previous Seniors Ride Free permit will no longer be accepted on any CTA train or bus, Metra train or Pace bus; only the new permit will be accepted.
Important Changes to Illinois Cares RX
On September 1 Illinois RX benefits are changing. If you receive RX benefits you should have received a letter from the State of Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services detailing these changes. If you did not receive a letter or need help in understanding the changes please contact my office at 773-769-1717 for assistance.
These Resources are also available:
- For questions about your Illinois Cares RX drug coverage, contact the Health Benefits Hotline at 1-800-226-0768; Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966
- For Medicare counseling, contact the Senior Health Insurance Program at 1 -800-548-9032
- Visit the following websites for additional information:
www.illinoiscaresrx.com
or
www.cbrx.il.gov
Public Leadership Education and Development Program
The Office of Public Leadership is a specialized study center of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) for people who aspire to be
public leaders. They have a long history of producing high-quality leadership programs for elected and appointed state and local leaders, their staff and workers from the private sector. Their mission is to produce a new generation of public leaders who are ready, and able to run Illinois State and local governments.
OPL's participants learn from a cadre of extraordinary University of Illinois and IGPA faculty and expert practitioners. They design leadership programs to bridge the gap between the academic world of research and complex policy analysis and the practical world of running government and making policy decisions in real time.
OPL builds opportunities peer-to-peer mentoring, information exchanges and sharing, and networking for participants whose goal it is to serve the public as leaders.
Their current leadership education and development programs are LEAD Illinois, UCCI Leadership Academy, and the Municipal Clerks of Illinois Institute and Academy.
Click here for additional information and to download an application for their upcoming programs. The deadline to apply is August 13, 2011.
I am excited to get out in the community in the next few weeks and hope to meet with many of you. I'm certain to be at the following events in the next weeks which I am sponsoring and welcome you to join me.
Movie in the Park at Touhy Park
Tuesday, August 9
Join me to watch How to Train Your Dragon (PG). The movie begins at dusk (approximately 8:00 p.m.)
Click here for more information on the Movie in the Park at Touhy Park
Concert in the Gazebo at Welles Park
Tuesday, August 16
On August 16 join me for a fun filled evening of music. Nelson Gill will entertain us with Children's songs of the Caribbean. Concert begins at 6:30.
Click here for more information about the Concert in the Gazebo at Welles Park
Glenwood Ave Arts Fest
Saturday and Sunday August 21-22
On Saturday August 21 and Sunday August 22 I am happy to be a sponsor of the 10th Annual Glenwood Ave Arts Fest. This fest is a grassroots, non-profit free event and is located along Glenwood Ave at Morse. Experience art, theater, music and food. I look forward to seeing you at our table.
Click here for more information about the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest
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State Senator