MARCH 2015

Dear Neighbor,

Spring is here! (Just ignore the five inches of snow on the ground).

In his recent budget address on February 18th, Governor Rauner made it pretty clear that difficult decisions lie ahead in closing our Fiscal Year 2015 budget gap. He also said that the 2016 Budget would be difficult. Most noteworthy: At no point in his remarks did he mention the word "revenue" as part of a solution. This leads many to believe that he wants to cut his way out of the budget - a dangerous approach that will hurt our state's most vulnerable citizens.

I agree that there is always room for more efficiency in government, however slashing our way to a balanced budget is not a solution. I am eager to work with the Governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly on a responsible and sensible approach as we move forward.

I am excited to announce that we will be hosting our first ever legislative update via a virtual town hall meeting. Please make sure to RSVP and submit questions.

If you haven't already, check out our Facebook page for regular updates with useful resources and community information.

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

VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

Please Join

State Representative Sara Feigenholtz

For our First

Virtual Town Hall

This gives me the ability to speak with constituents throughout the legislative session. Our virtual town hall is a fantastic opportunity for constituents with questions about state government to ask their state legislator.

My staff will be taking questions from constituents before and during the virtual town hall. You can submit your questions here.

I hope to see you there!

Monday, May 4th

6:00 to 8:00 PM

Right Here

For more information or to RSVP...

Please contact Rep. Feigenholtz's constituent service office at 773-296-4141, email sara@staterepsara.com or visit www.staterepsara.com.

CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT

Erica L. Jeffries

Director

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs

We are exceptionally proud to announce that a resident of the 12th District has been appointed as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA). An Army veteran, Jeffries comes to the IDVA with over fifteen years of corporate, government, and military experience.

Jeffries is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and received a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University and a Master of Business Administration from Virginia Tech University.

Before being appointed to her most recent role, Ms. Jeffries was the Chief Diversity Officer for Exelis Inc., a global aerospace and defense corporation, with more than 10,000 employees worldwide. While there she also developed and led the Leveraging Military Leadership Program, Exelis' signature corporate philanthropy program. Prior to Exelis, she served as a White House Fellow in the Obama Administration and as a strategic management consultant in the Washington, DC area. While in the Army, Ms. Jeffries served as an aviation officer, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot.

We know Ms. Jeffries will bring her vast knowledge, experience and expertise to her new role and will serve all of Illinois Veterans with the respect they deserve.

Feigenholtz Legislation

Below is a list of some of the issues Representative Feigenholtz has been working on in the 99th General Assembly:

HR 312 - Ernie Banks Resolution

Serves to commemorate the life of one of Chicago's finest citizens, Mr. Cub. Ernie Banks brought as much joy to Chicago, and the 12th District specifically, as anyone in our city's history. It is a privilege for the Illinois House to commemorate Ernie Banks' incredible life.

HB 2743 - ADF legislation

Ensures that Insurance companies make safer, "tamper-proof" drugs available to those seeking pain and discomfort relief. This legislation will reduce drug addiction and dependence in the state of Illinois by having pharmaceutical companies use innovative technology to prevent drug tampering.

HB 4011 - State Prohibited Transactions

In response to recent activity around BDS, this law would assure Illinois compliance with federal anti-boycott laws by prohibiting state agencies from entering into contracts with companies that boycott American allies, including the State of Israel. Further, Illinois pensions would divest from companies seeking to boycott.

HB 421 - Advanced Practice Nurses

Prepares health care providers for the influx of clients they must serve after the Affordable Care Act became law by allowing Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to handle a more diverse case load. APNs have strong medical knowledge that can serve Illinoisans better without certain restrictions.

HB 4013 - Health Care Parity

This bill would require across the board equity for a woman's right to reproductive health care, not contingent on the type of insurance she has. State health plans, Medicaid and private health insurance should all offer the same options and services.

HB3365 - Red Light Camera

Ensures fairness on the roads by mandating that state yellow lights last for at least 3.2 seconds or longer, as recommended by many transportation safety experts.

For a complete list of Rep. Feigenholtz's legislation, please click here.

Rep. Feigenholtz and other guest speakers at our Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Forum

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Boyscouts paid us a visit last week

Sara Tours Advocate Illinois Masonic's new Center for Advanced Care

Chuy Campuzano showed us his new digs at Buffett House, and told us what it was like living in a van before finding his new home

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Bird Walks around Lincoln Park's North Pond

Every Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Pond-side of the Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive

Join experienced bird watchers from the Chicago Ornithological Society on weekly bird walks around North Pond to observe and learn about our feathered neighbors. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars.

Lincoln Central Association Board Meeting

Thursday, March 26th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Marquee Lounge

1973 N. Halsted Street

Lincoln Central's Board Meetings are generally held on the 4th Thursday of each month. The LCAB discusses issues facing the neighborhood.

Center For Advanced Care Open House

Wednesday, April 1st, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Center for Advanced Care

900 W. Nelson Street

The Center For Advanced Care will hold an open house for friends and neighbors.You will be able to take a tour of the building, learn about the Cancer Center, Digestive Health and Surgery spaces and visit the operating room.

Green City Indoor Market

Saturday, April 4th, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 North Cannon Drive

The mission of Green City Market is to provide a marketplace for purchasing sustainably grown food and to educate, promote and connect farmers and local producers directly to chefs, restaurateurs and the greater Chicago community.

April Run-Off Election Day

Tuesday, April 7th, 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Visit the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website to find your polling location.

Races in the 12th District: The mayoral runoff election will take place on April 7th, as well as aldermanic run-offs in the 2nd, 43rd and 46th Wards.

AARP Northside Chicago Chapter Meeting

Tuesday, April 7th, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Lake View Presbyterian Church

716 W Addison Street

AARP wants your talents, ideas and participation in their Chapter. They need your help to foster new and expanded ways for helping the community. All those who participate can benefit from their collective experience and goodwill.

Wine Tasting with Central Lake View Neighbors

Sunday, April 12th, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Kirkwood Bar and Grill

2934 North Sheffield Avenue

Join your neighbors at a wine tasting at the bar Kirkwood. Visit http://www.clvn.org/ for more information.