Beginning of Session and Empowerment in the Community

FEBRUARY 2014

Dear Neighbor,

The legislative session is underway in Springfield, and I have introduced several pieces of legislation on an array of issues, including: healthcare, education, and adoption. More information on these bills are included in this newsletter.

We are also in the midst of tax season.The Illinois Comptroller's new website,

www.myrefund.illinoiscomptroller.com, allows you to check on the status of your income tax refund and receive alerts when your refund is being processed. Instead of guessing which day you will receive your refund, you will be directly notified when your payment is processed.

If you would like to have more of a voice in your community, I encourage you to get involved in various neighborhood organizations in our area. Whether you live in Buena Park, Old Town, off Lake Shore Drive, or near Wrigley Field, there is a community organization looking for more input and involvement from their neighbors. For more information on neighborhood organizations in your area, please visit the Community Groups section of my website.

I am also hosting a series of upcoming events that share a common theme - empowerment and being prepared. If you would like to learn more about getting involved in your condominium association and how to resolve board disputes, join us for a Roundtable Discussion with Condominium Owners. To help keep kids safe online, I am hosting an Internet Safety Discussion with the Chicago Police Department. If you would like to learn more about self-defense and assertiveness, join us for a Self-Defense Workshop. Further details are listed below. I would love to see you at one or more of these upcoming events.

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

NEW LEGISLATION

Telehealth Act - HB 5313

This bill helps bring healthcare into the 21st Century by requiring health insurance companies to cover the cost of many telehealth services to patients living in rural areas where traditional health care services may be scarce or otherwise difficult to access.

Voluntary Placement of Children - HB 4739

This bill takes aim at one of the root causes of the major adoption issue of rehoming and limits forced custody relinquishment for mental health services.

DCFS Scholarships - HB4652

This bill expands a scholarshipship program for youth under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), youth who aged out of care at age 18 or older, or youth formerly under care who have been adopted or are in a guardianship placement. These scholarships greatly increase opportunities for these youth to attend and finish their post-secondary education.

Alcohol Server Training - HB5926

This bill would require all alcohol servers to complete a training in responsible alcohol service.

To view a full list of bills I have introduced and check on their status, please visit the ILGA website.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH CONDOMINIUM OWNERS

INTERNET SAFETY DISCUSSION

SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP

Saturday, April 5

1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self-Defense Center

1220 W. Belmont

If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of self-defense or want to try a fun, interactive, and empowering activity, please join our Self-Defense Workshop.

Please dress comfortably and register beforehand at www.thousandwaves.org/vpsignup, as space is limited.

Grand Opening of Buffett Place in Lakeview

Our Utility Bill Savings Clinic with the Citizens Utility Board

Meet and Greet with the Junior League of Chicago

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Northalsted Business Alliance Winter Fest

Sunday, February 23, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted

Warm up to winter! From super cool winter exhibits to a steamy soup walk that's sure to warm your bones, there's something for everyone at Northalsted Winter Fest. Our restaurants, retailers and performers will be dishing out fire and ice to make this a Sunday funday for the books.

For more information, visit www.northalsted.com

Street Safety/Personal Safety Presentation

Thursday, February 27, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Moody Church, 1635 N. LaSalle, Room 103

Sponsored by Alderman Fioretti, 2nd Ward, Alderman Smith, 43rd Ward and your 18th District Community Policing Office.

East Lake View Neighbors (ELVN) Community Meeting

Tuesday, March 4th, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison

The election for ELVN Board members will take place at the March 4th meeting. ELVN will also discuss the Cubs Plaza Ordinance and the proposed development of 3800 N. Broadway, among other topics.

Panhandling Seminar

Monday, March 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison

Anita Alvarez, Cook County State's Attorney's Northside Community Justice Center presents a Panhandling Seminar to discuss what businesses and citizens need to know.

To RSVP, contact: Cook County State's Attorney's North Side Community Justice Center at (773) 334-4066 or Lori.Trier@cookcountyil.gov

Triangle Neighbors Meeting

Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison

Triangle Neighbors 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.

IN THE NEWS

Keep in touch!

If we can ever be of any assistance to you on matters regarding the state of Illinois, please contact our constituent service office:

State Representative Sara Feigenholtz

3223 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite A

Chicago, Il 60657

(773) 296-4141 | www.staterepsara.com

Email Sara

STAY CONNECTED