Dear friends,
October has been busy, and I am pleased to report that we completed one of the most productive and consequential veto sessions in recent memory.
More information is below on bills to protect Illinoisans’ constitutional rights, create a world-class transit system, and more.
The status of SNAP funding remains uncertain amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Information on finding food assistance in the 39th District is included in this newsletter.
If you have any questions or concerns in this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 708-848-2002 or http://donharmon.org/contact-senator-harmon
Sincerely,
Don Harmon
Senate President, 39th District
Veto Session Recap
The Senate completed one of the most productive and impactful veto sessions in recent memory late last week.
Senators advanced a number of measures to protect Illinoisans and build a better future for our state.
Protecting civil rights amid ICE activities
Working with the Senate Latino Caucus, I advanced legislation out of the Senate during veto session that responds to infringements on personal liberty by federal immigration agents in Illinois.
The measure protects Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and ensure safe access to public spaces amid increasingly aggressive violations of those rights in Chicagoland and across the state.
Read more here.
Delivering a world-class public transit system
State Senator Ram Villivalam passed historic legislation through the Senate providing rider-focused reforms and transformational investments to address the public transit fiscal cliff in Illinois.
The legislation creates a new regional oversight board for Metra, CTA and Pace. It also addresses safety concerns, ensures integrated service and establishes a unified fare system.
Read more here.
Lowering energy costs, creating a sustainable future
The Senate passed an energy relief package Thursday that is projected to save Illinois households more than $13 billion over the next two decades.
Senate Bill 25 aims to give Illinois new tools to reduce utility rate hikes, strengthen the state’s power grid, expand renewable energy sources and keep bills low for consumers.
The legislation incentivizes measures that lower electricity prices by addressing the demand for energy and increasing grid capacity through things like battery storage.
Read more here.
Where to Find Food Banks and Emergency Food
In the Spring, the Senate foresaw the potential damage federal cuts would cause Illinoisans and joined the House and Governor Pritzker in creating the BRIDGE Fund to set aside funding to help when the time came.
Thanks to that effort, Gov. Pritzker announced this week that he is able to direct $20 million to food banks to assist them in meeting the needs of people suddenly and cruelly cut off from SNAP benefits.
Below, please find a list of food pantries and food distribution options in the 39th District:
Addison
Addison Township Pantry
50 East Oak Street, Addison, IL 60601
630-530-8161 Ext. 158
Bensenville
Tioga Elementary School
212 West Memorial Road, Bensenville, IL 60106
Bensenville Wood Dale Food Pantry
192 S Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106
630-766-9382
Chicago
Fraternite Notre Dame
502 N. Central Ave., Chicago, IL 60644
773-261-0101
Helping Our People Excel Community Development Corporation
5912 W Iowa St., Chicago, IL 60651
773-921-2243
Pine Avenue United Church
1015 N Pine Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
773-287-4777
Westside Health Authority
5417 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60651
773-378-1878
Sheridan Carroll Charitable Works Fund, Inc.
2015 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL 60707
773-237-4937
Elmwood Park
Elmwood Park Community Church
2334 North 75th Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707
224-319-7836
Franklin Park
Leyden Family Services
2501 Mannheim Rd., Franklin Park, IL 60131
847-773-1535
Melrose Park
Lighthouse of Hope Assembly
1719 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
773-921-1243
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
1119 N 23rd Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
708-344-4140
River Forest United Methodist Church
1112 N 9th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
708-356-6743
Oak Park
New Life Ministries C.O.G.I.C.
634 N Austin Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302
772-640-0919
Beyond Hunger
848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301
708-386-1324
New Life Christian Fellowship
6235 W North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
224-423-1791
Additionally, please reach out to my office at 708-848-2002 if you need help finding food.
Bridge Center Ribbon Cutting
This month, I attended the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Bridge Center on Austin Boulevard in the former St Catherine St Lucy rectory.
The Bridge Center will connect families in need with essential resources and support. The facility also supports Housing Forwardand Faith and Fellowship.
10 Years of Restore Justice
Earlier this month, I joined Restore Justice for a panel celebrating the organization’s 10-year anniversary.
The panel shared real stories of the transformational impact Restore Justice has had on individuals navigating the criminal justice system in Illinois.
I shared the story of how I first became involved in efforts to reform the criminal justice system and discussed some of our accomplishments, most especially reinstating parole and eliminating mandatory life sentences for certain youthful offenders.
Congratulations to Our Blue Ribbon Schools!
I am pleased to announce that two schools in the 39th District have been named Illinois Blue Ribbon Schools!
Ascension Catholic School and my former elementary school, St. Giles School, both received the honor.
Governor Pritzker established the Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools Program this year after the federal program was abruptly cancelled in August. The program selects schools based on exemplary student achievement and celebrates the hard work of principals, teachers, support staff, and students.
Congratulations to these local schools!
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Coming Up: Oak Park Town Hall
