MAY 2014
 

Dear Neighbor,

 

The agenda for the final weeks of the Spring session, scheduled to adjourn on May 31, is packed with many important issues. Several bills are awaiting full consideration in both chambers and movement is expected on high-priority issues including tax reform, the minimum wage, Cook County pension reform, and the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget. 

 

The General Assembly will be taking action on many of these issues on a daily basis. Last week the Senate approved House Bill 4075, which puts burdensome regulations on innovative ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. The bill now sits on the Governor's desk for his consideration. If you oppose this piece of legislation as I do, I encourage you to register your opposition to this bill with the Governor by clicking here. This is only one example of the many relevant issues that are seeing movement in Springfield. 

 

Please know I am very appreciative of the calls, emails and letters I receive every day from concerned constituents in my district on these very complex pieces of legislation. I listen carefully to what you have to say as I weigh these issues.

 

I will continue to keep you updated with important news as session comes to a close. To get additional real-time updates, you can follow our office on Facebook and Twitter. Also, you can tune in to live audio and video of floor debates and committee hearings at ILGA.gov. This will certainly be an exciting two weeks in Springfield.   

 

As always, please contact me or a member of my staff if we can assist you with state issues or programs. You can reach 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

     
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Fire Sprinklers (HB 4609): Seeks to ensure that any potential changes to state fire sprinkler laws are created with more transparency, adequate public input, and open discussion in the General Assembly. The bill has been granted a final action deadline extension to May 31. If you have not already, please demonstrate your support for this bill by signing the Lakefront Coalition for Responsible Fire Sprinkler Policy petition. 

  

Voluntary Placement (HB 5598): In situations where parents can not provide adequate psychiatric care for their child, they are sometimes forced to make the painful decision to relinquish custody of their child to the state. This bill seeks to avoid forced relinquishment and rehoming so that children can receive the necessary health care services without being separated from their parents. The bill is under consideration in the Senate.

 

Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis (SB 2636): Children who suffer from severe forms of epilepsy suffer thousands of life-threatening seizures each day. I'm co-sponsoring Senate Bill 2636, which would give these children access to cannabis oil, which has been proven to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. This bill passed out of the Senate last month and now will be heard in the House.

 

Constitutional Convention to Reverse Citizens United (SJR 42): The Supreme Court's ruling in the Citizens United case put our country's free and fair elections in jeopardy. This resolution, which I'm co-sponsoring, calls for a constitutional convention to reverse Citizens United and restore transparency to our democratic process. 
 
Telehealth (SB 647): I am a chief co-sponsor of this measure to help solve access issues that people in rural and underserved areas experience in receiving health care by defining telehealth services. The bill is currently under review in the House.  
 
Puppy Mills (HB 4056): This measure would prohibit pet stores from buying animals from puppy mills that mass produce puppies and kittens for sale. It will help ensure that pet stores only buy animals from shelters and rescues. The bill passed unanimously through the House, and is now under review in the Senate.
 
Health Information Exchange (HB 5925): This legislation streamlines the process for sharing secure health information between patients, physicians, and providers to make healthcare delivery more cost-efficient. I am the chief House sponsor of this bill, which is currently under consideration in the Senate.
GRATITUDE TOUR
This Wednesday, May 21 marks the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Illinois original birth certificate access bill. To date, nearly 10,500 original birth certificates have been issued. Adoptees from across Illinois will be coming to Springfield to say thanks to the Governor and the legislature on this historic day. Documentary filmmaker Jean Strauss will be screening her award-winning documentary "A Simple Piece of Paper." For more information or to RSVP, email Eric@staterepsara.com. 


WOMEN'S HEALTH & RESOURCE FAIR 
SENIOR FAIR
We had a packed house at our Condo 101 Workshop with Sima Kirsch.
 
I was honored to present my colleague Rep. Naomi Jakobsson with an award from Chicago House for her dedication in passing marriage equality.


Thank you to Thousand Waves Martial Arts Center for hosting a free Self-Defense Workshop for our community.
 

Students from Anshe Emet Day School recently visited Springfield to see government in action. 
COMMUNITY EVENTS

CTA's Belmont Bypass: 16 Existing Buildings Needed for New Flyover  

Thursday, May 22, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison St

This community meeting is scheduled to discuss the Belmont Station flyover project.

Court Advocacy Training Seminar
Thursday, May 29, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
19th District Police Station, 850 W. Addison St.

Anita Alvarez, Cook County State's Attorney's Community Justice Center presents a court advocacy training seminar to learn how to become an effective court advocate. Court advocates are citizens who observe court dates to show the prosecutor and judge that the community cares about the case.

Please RSVP by May 23rd to 773-334-4066 or Lori.trier@cookcountyil.gov

18th Annual Chicago CUBS Lead Off Luncheon
Wednesday, June 4, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., United Club at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.

The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our 18th Annual Lead Off Luncheon with the Chicago CUBS. The guest speaker will be Tom Ricketts, Chairman of the Chicago CUBS.

 

Click here to RSVP by May 30.

 

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
June 7-8, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Located near the Belmont Red Line "El" stop, this street festival in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood will again showcase the region's favorite tribute bands.


Clark Street Neighborhood Night
Wednesday, June 18, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., El Nuevo Mexicano, 2914 N. Clark St

Tickets will get you a margarita and appetizer, along with music and prizes. Registration begins soon.

 
Chicago Pride Fest 2014
June 21-22
 
Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this huge annual celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. 
 
For more information on sponsorships, transit and vendors, visit www.chicagoevents.com or call 773-868-3010. 
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
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