Dear Neighbor:
Autumn is upon us, and a chance to provide you with a quick look back at what happened late summer and review what lies ahead:
This summer, State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis lit up our office phone lines when he tried to bypass the legislature and change rules regulating fire sprinklers in high-rises. The proposal would have required all high-rises built before 1975 be retrofitted with sprinklers. Businesses, realtors, apartment building owners, chambers of commerce, restaurateurs, condo boards and owners alike, rallied and registered their opposition and applied so much pressure that the proposal was ultimately withdrawn. Kudos to our community who helped hundreds of families from potentially losing their homes and emptying their checkbooks with unnecessary special assessments! I am on high alert and am working with other elected officials to make sure the State Fire Marshal stays "in his own lane."
Marriage equality is moving at lightening speed in our country. Momentum is building and everyday work is being done around the state to achieve final passage of Senate Bill 10.
On October 22nd, marriage equality advocates will rally in Springfield. To learn how you can join us, visit Illinois Unites for Marriage.
We are all closely monitoring the work being done by the bi-partisan pension reform committee, and are anticipating a proposal for final consideration during the fall veto session. Solving the pension problem is the only way we can truly begin to repair Illinois' finances and protect vital state programs that provide stability for many of our neighbors.
Please feel free to contact me or a member of my staff if we can ever be of assistance to you on state matters. You can also follow my office on Facebook and Twitter.
As always, I will continue to keep you updated on what is happening in Springfield and I hope to see you soon at our upcoming Affordable Care Act Enrollment & Information Session!
Very truly yours,
Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative
12th District
The Affordable Care Act is finally here! |
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The Affordable Care Act is finally here, and our neighbors will be able to find a healthcare plan that fits their needs. On October 17th, our office will be hosting an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Enrollment & Information Session. This event is free and open to the public, and representatives from the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace will be on hand to answer all of your questions.
In the meantime, learn what ACA means for you and your family with this informational video by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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Making Our Communities Healthier |
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, is open for enrollment and the Illinois Marketplace is now live to start shopping for a healthcare plan that fits the needs and budget of you and your family. Here are some important dates you should be aware of:
October 1, 2013: Illinois Marketplace begins open enrollment
January 1, 2014: Health coverage starts
March 31, 2014: Open enrollment ends
Changes made to healthcare can be confusing. To help you navigate the new way we access health insurance, here are some important links:
To start shopping for a medical plan in the Illinois marketplace, click here
To see your payment options for healthcare, click here
To see a list of local healthcare providers, click here
If you're still unsure about the Marketplace, be sure to attend my Enrollment & Information Session on October 17th.
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Legislative Update on Guns |
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Concealed Carry
Due to concerns over public safety in the wake of high crime rates and the state's legislature's passing of concealed carry legislation, the City of Chicago adopted a resolution that would restrict concealed weapons in establishments where alcohol is served. I am co-sponsoring similar state legislation (House Bill 3646) that would codify this rule statewide because guns and alcohol don't mix.
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Spook-tacular Community Events! |
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Looking for a haunted house to take the kiddies to scare the gee-willikers out of them?
Look no further. Our friends at the Lincoln Park Patch have put together a list of local haunts that will do the trick:
Fear Haunted House at Navy Pier
Thursdays, Sundays, & October 30th: 7-10 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: 7-11 PM
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL
The award-winning Fear Haunted House is returning to Navy Pier for 2013! This October will feature both an aggressive adult-themed haunted house at night and a low scare, lights on attraction during the day. Click here for more information.
Eager to get spooked in the suburbs?
Frightmare Haunted House at Haunted Trails
Sunday - Thursday: 6-10 PM
Friday & Saturday:6-11 PM
October 31st: 6 PM - Whenever
Where: 7759 S. Harlem Ave., Burbank, IL
Admission: $10
A two-story haunted house and scary maze featuring scenes from famous horror films. Opens on Friday, Oct.11th. Get discount coupons by clicking here
Eleventh Hour Haunted House
Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays: 7-10 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: 7-11 PM
Where: 1940 George St Melrose Park, IL
More information by clicking here
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Here are some local Halloween haunts:
13 Terrors at Theater on the Lake
Friday, October 18th: 7-10 PM
Theater on the Lake (2401 N. Lake Shore Drive)
Admission: $10, ages 8+
Parking: Free parking is available at Diversey Harbor lot (Fullerton & Cannon)
Sitting feet away from the water of Lake Michigan, 13 Terrors: haunted house, takes place in what used to be a sanitarium and today is known as Theater on the Lake. Terror reigns at the eerie Theater on the Lake, as visitors are greeted by ghostly goblins, confronted by evil clowns, and crazed creatures. Visitors will get turned around in the mirror maze and get off balance in the spinning vortex.
CLVN Halloween Decorating Contest
CLVN will be sponsoring a Halloween Decorating Contest for your home or business. If you want to enter send an email to [email protected] with your address by October 29, 2013. We will give prizes for most creative, spookiest and artistic.
October 26: Agassiz Party, 10-12 PM, 2851 N. Seminary
October 26: Lakewood Plat Lot party, 10-1 PM
October 27: Space Park Children's Event on Roscoe, 12-3 PM
October 27: Lake View East children's event at Nettlehorst on Broadway, 11-2 PM
October 27: Trick or Treat on Southport, 1-4 PM Southport from Belmont to Irving, Pumpkin Party Southport at Grace
October 31: Parade at Belmont and Halsted 8 PM
8th Annual Ghouly Park Halloween
Thursday, October 31st: 4-7 PM
Goudy Park (1249 N. Astor St.)
Gold Coast Neighbors Association, along with sponsor partners, look forward to welcoming our neighborhood ghosts, goblins, princesses, superheroes and other little monsters to our annual "Gouly Park" Halloween event. Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies will perform and some old favorites along with some new surprises await.
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