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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying safe and warm in this bitter cold weather. Here are some resources for you in case you lose heat, electricity, or need a place to warm up.
As you may know, there are several new laws that went into effect in Illinois on January 1. For instance, using your handheld cell phone while driving is now illegal. However, hands-free devices are allowed. Our website features a helpful new section on 9 other new laws to be aware of in 2014.
Another major topic of interest is the implementation of concealed carry in Illinois. My office recently held a successful Concealed Carry Discussion with Business Owners to clear up concerns about what this means for local businesses. For more information on qualifications, restrictions, signage, and answers to FAQs, please visit the new concealed carry section of my website.
The General Assembly convenes tomorrow at noon for the Governor's State of the State Address. If you'd like to watch or listen to the address, here is the link. As I am sure you have been reading in the news, some top issues this year include: the minimum wage, Medicaid waivers that will bring more Federal matching dollars to our state for innovative approaches to health care delivery, restructuring our tax base, and fortifying our state's infrastructure to create more jobs, just to name a few.
The Adoption Reform Committee, which I chair, will continue to address the alarming practice of rehoming of children, where biological and adopted children are given up by their parents due to lack of resources in the community. Illinois must step up and help families cope with their children's mental illness or behavioral issues. At the October 29 committee hearing, parents came forward and shared their stories. Many explained how parents, in an act of desperation, leave their children in hospitals, sever their parental rights, and legally hand their children over as wards of the state. Some even bypass the system altogether and transfer their children to strangers over the internet through the rehoming process. For more information on these heartbreaking stories of families who choose to no longer care for their children, please read this Reuters article. We must and can do better for these families.
I am hosting two upcoming events that I would love for you to attend. If you would like to learn how to save money on your gas and electric bills, please join us for a Utility Bill Savings Clinic on Monday, February 3. If you are a condominium owner in the area who would like to learn more about your rights and how to get involved in your association, please join me for a Roundtable Discussion with Condominium Owners on Monday, February 24. Additional event information can be found below.
We've recently added an interactive 12th District Map to our website. The map features information on schools, parks, museum, parking, and beaches throughout the 12th District. It's a great tool for planning your weekend activities and learning more about your neighborhood!
As always, if I can be of any assistance regarding state issues or programs, do not hesitate to contact me at my district office at 773-296-4141, email me at sara@staterepsara.com, or visit my website at www.staterepsara.com.
Very truly yours,
Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative
12th District
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UTILITY BILL SAVINGS CLINIC
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A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH CONDOMINIUM OWNERS
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SENIOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS
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Seniors can now apply for two property tax exemptions from the Cook County Assessor's office: the Senior Citizen Exemption and the Senior Freeze Exemption. Senior Exemption applications for 2013 property taxes were recently mailed to residential property owners, and are due back to the assessor's office by Wednesday, February 5, 2014.
To qualify for the Senior Citizen Exemption for the taxable year 2013, you must be a property owner who has: been born prior to or in the year 1948, owned the property, or have a lease or contract which makes you responsible for real estate taxes, and used the property as a principle place of residence. To download the application, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/forms/HoHS.pdf.
To qualify for the Senior Freeze Exemption for the taxable year 2013, you must be a property owner who has: been born prior to or in the year 1948, a total household income of $55,000 or less for income tax year 2012, owned the property or had legal, equitable or leasehold interest in the property on January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013, used the property as a principle place of residence as of January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013, and been liable for the payment of 2012 and 2013 property taxes. To download the application, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/forms/SRFrz.pdf.
All exemption savings will appear as deductions on second-installment property tax bills that will be mailed this summer. Eligible seniors may contact the Cook County Assessor's Office at 312-443-7550 or visit www.CookCountyAssessor.com.
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A special thank you to all who donated school supplies to these precious kids and others around the 12th District!
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Last month's concealed carry discussion.
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I had a great time with Senate President Cullerton and cast at Old Jews Telling Jokes!
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Ice Skate at Lincoln Park Zoo
Thursdays-Fridays, 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Saturdays-Sundays, Noon - 8:00 PM
Through Sunday, March 2
(also open noon - 8:00 PM on Monday, February 17)
Introducing a new, exciting Chicago winter tradition: Ice Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo! Enjoy ice skating all winter long at the Farm-in-the-Zoo. Bring your own skates or rent them at the Farmhouse. Warm up in the Main Barn and enjoy refreshments for purchase. Lockers will be available for rental.
$5 admission; $5 skate rental. For participants of all ages.
Children's Hospital Redevelopment Meeting
Tuesday, February 4, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Francis Parker School, Harris Center
330 W. Webster Ave
Please join the Mid-North Association for a community meeting to discuss the redevelopment of the Children's Memorial Hospital site. The meeting is at the Francis Parker School in the Harris Center. Please enter through the main entrance on Clark and ask for directions at the security desk.
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 6, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark
2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti, 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith will discuss the future of Lincoln Park in the coming year and beyond. This panel discussion, moderated by Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association, will dig into the developments and policies that will shape the neighborhood. Networking with local business leaders, lunch and more are included at this event. The election for the 2014 LPCC Board of Directors will also take place as this will be the LPCC's official Annual Meeting for the year. For more information, and to register online, click here.
Lakeview Citizens' Council General Meeting
Thursday, February 6th, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison
LVCC's Crime Task Force is expected to provide an update at this meeting. You do not need to be a member to attend, but membership in the LVCC is strongly encouraged.
The remainder of the LVCC meetings scheduled for 2014 are:
April 3; June 5; August 8; October 2; and December 4.
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony
Monday, February 10, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway
SAVE THE DATE for the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Reception. Meet our nominated board of directors, find out about new programs and events and more! For more information, and to register online, click here.
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If we can ever be of any assistance to you on matters regarding the state of Illinois, please contact our constituent services office:
State Representative Sara Feigenholtz
3223 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite A
Chicago, Il 60657
(773) 296-4141 | www.staterepsara.com
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