- Published: Thursday, April 21, 2022 11:07 AM
Dear friend,
The spring legislative session has come to an end, and lawmakers made the most of our condensed time in Springfield. We passed a balanced budget that prioritizes Illinois families as well as legislation to help address public safety, education and more.
Read on to learn more about legislation I championed this year as well as my thoughts on the budget. Additionally, I have included information on upcoming events and resources for you.
In addition to an upcoming open house and vaccine clinic, my office is giving out free hand sanitizer and at-home COVID- 19 tests. Stop by to pick some up!
As always, feel free reach out to my office for assistance by calling 773-278-2020, sending a text message to 773-207-7838, or sending us a note at www.senatorpacionezayas.com/contact-us.
Sincerely,
State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas |20th District
Legislative update
Fiscal Year 2023 budget and tax relief plan
The Illinois Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and a new tax benefit plan which will help families and their children as well as communities as the state continues to gain more stable financial footing. Read my full statement here.
My legislative successes
I successfully passed eight measures through the Senate this year—including legislation to prohibit standardized tests for our state’s youngest children, allow the treasurer’s office to note demographics of people utilizing seed deposits for college savings account, create a Polish heritage corridor and more.
The measures that passed both chambers of the General Assembly now go to the governor for further action. If the governor signs the measure, it becomes law. You can read up more on the measures I passed this year on my website.
Resources for you
ISBE accepting various Requests for Proposals and Applications
Schools and organizations can apply to various RFPs and RFAs through the ISBE website. You may be eligible to receive funding for after school programs, agricultural education grants, vocational education grants and more.
Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot
Applications open for the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot program open April 25. Through this program, 5,000 Chicagoans will be selected through an open application and a citywide lottery to receive $500 per month for twelve months, with no strings attached. Learn more and apply here.
My CHI. My Future. offers young people opportunities to get involved
The My CHI. My Future. website provides young people with a variety of safe, engaging out-of-school experiences that can help them discover and cultivate their passions, build relationships and networks, and explore career pathways. Connect to organizations and programs here.
Chicago Cultural Grants Program
The mission of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is to enrich Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. Organizations or individual artists can apply. Learn more and apply here.
Still time to apply to the 20th District Youth Advisory Council
I am deeply committed to shared governance and seek assistance from high schoolers age 15-18 to ensure young perspectives are included in policy making and that we are centering the voices and perspectives of individuals who live in the 20th district. We extended the deadline to apply for our Youth Advisory Council until April 22. Apply on my website.
Chicago Early Learning applications open now
Preschool applications through Chicago Public Schools opened this week. Apply as early as possible to help you three or four year old get into their top pick. You can get application assistance by calling 312-229-1690, or check out the Chicago Early Learning website to learn more and apply.
Upcoming events
April 25: Environment Roundtable
Interested in learning how government helps protect the air, water and land of the state? Learn about new and upcoming legislation regarding the environment and give your input at our 20th District Environmental Policy Roundtable. Register at https://www.senatorpacionezayas.com/EnvRoundtable.
April 26: 20th District Vaccine Clinic
Next Tuesday, April 26, is the last April vaccine clinic at my district office, 3140 W. Montrose, from 12-5 p.m. Come on out for your first or second dose or booster shot!
April 27: Webinar for appealing property tax assessment
I’m co-hosting a free webinar on how to appeal your property tax assessment at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. Register here.
April 29: Spring Open House
Join me for my Spring Open House at my district office, 3140 W. Montrose, on Friday, April 29 from 3-6 p.m. You can RSVP here.
