december newsletter

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Dear Neighbors,

 

Yesterday, we adjourned veto session in which we addressed pivotal issues affecting Illinoisans. Below, please find a quick summary of key legislation we voted on:

 

Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund - The unemployment trust was forced to borrow $4.5 billion in federal funds to provide economic relief to an unprecedented number of unemployed workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, I co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to get us back into fiscal stability by contributing 1.8 billion dollars to pay our debt. This payment is the third significant contribution to the outstanding loan balance. $2.7 billion was contributed in March, and $450 million in September from the unemployment fund itself due to ongoing historically low unemployment claims. 

 

This agreement will save taxpayers an estimated $20 million in interest costs and preserves hundreds of millions of dollars in future federal tax credits for Illinois Employers. The payment will strengthen the state’s trust fund, alleviate a burden looming over businesses, and ensure that there are no reductions in both the standard number of weeks of unemployment benefits and the amount a person can claim.


 

SAFE-T and Pre-Trial Fairness Acts - In collaboration with law enforcement, states attorneys, criminal justice reform advocates and other stakeholders, I co-sponsored a bill which helped advance legislation that clarifies portions of the historic SAFE-T and Pretrial Fairness Acts. House Bill 1095 provides clarification to the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. The legislation makes clear that judges can issue warrants and summons, providing a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or someone else – including trespassers – can be arrested, and clarifying court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items.

 

The measure also adds non-probational felonies, forcible felonies, hate crimes, attempts of crimes that are otherwise detainable, and others to the list of crimes that qualify someone for detention. This was done with the goal of ensuring that those who pose a risk to the community should be detained while those who simply lack economic resources and do not pose a threat should not.

 

Student Loan Forgiveness Income and other Tax Exemptions - As part of our plan to fight for working families, I co-sponsored HB5189. This bill makes sure that the Illinois income taxpayers that are exempt from student loan forgiveness or are getting student loan forgiveness are exempt in case the federal government does not exempt those federal income taxes for that loan forgiveness.

 

This bill also allows people with disabilities to be exempt for Illinois income taxes for up to $10,000 in contributions to Achieving a Better Life Experience savings accounts.

 

Finally, this bill also strengthens the Reimagine Electric Vehicles Act which supports the entire electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem. A green sustainable future is and will be possible in the state of Illinois.

 

I will be back in Springfield early January for lame duck session, the last session of the 102nd General Assembly. We will begin the 103rd Session on January 11th, 2023 when we welcome new members. As I reflect on the culmination of my first term as your State Representative, I am honored and humbled to be your voice in Springfield. I am looking forward to continuing to be your public servant and I thank you for your support.

 

As always I want to hear your thoughts and opinions on legislation that is introduced or legislation you would like to see passed in Illinois. You can contact my office to let your voice be heard by emailing info@repdagmara.org or calling/texting 815-372-0085.

 

Happy Holidays, 

 

OUT AND ABOUT

If you would like to invite me to an event, meeting, or to tour your facility, please reach out to my office at info@repdagmara.org.

I attended the ICIRR "2023 Everybody In" Press Conference after the election to sign a pledge to support legislation in the 103rd General Assembly that protects and advances immigrant and refugee rights. I'm ready to continue the work of making Illinois one of the best Welcoming States in the country.

The Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted their First Annual Spirits: an Educating Evening of Whiskey, Wine, & Scholarship event to raise money for the BACC Work Force Academy students. 100% of the proceeds go to scholarships for vocational and trade schools. I'm excited to see the program continue to grow and fund more scholarships in the years to come.

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation awarded 20 students with scholarships of $5,000 each. I was able to speak to the awardees during a luncheon to congratulate them on their hard work and encourage them to continue on with their education!

I joined Mayor Noak, Senator Cappel, and others to honor our veterans in Romeoville for their Veterans Day celebration. I was humbled to speak with many veterans from the area and thank them for their service and commitment to our country. If you know a veteran that needs assistance, please direct them to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Weber Road/I-55 Interchange is finally done! To celebrate, I joined local leaders and Illinois Secretary of Transportation Osman at a press conference. This was a $95 million project to invest in our infrastructure and ensure safety and better access for residents and visitors in Romeoville. To learn more, click here.

I attended the ribbon cutting for the Lewis University Control Tower. This control tower will allow increased air traffic, which will further economic growth. We were able to tour the tower and hear from current air traffic controllers about how important this investment is. Click here to read my press release on the tower, click here.

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation hosted our Raices Gala at the end of November. The goal of the gala is to raise money for our scholarship program so that we can continue to invest in future generations. This year, we gave 20 scholarships, each valued at $5,000, and we were able to honor the awardees at the gala. To learn more about the ILLCF, click here.

I was thrilled to welcome my first honorary page, Alex, to Springfield! Alex and his parents live in the district and made the trip to Springfield during Veto Session. Alex joined me on the floor and was able to learn about the legislative process firsthand. If you are interested in becoming my page for the day, please reach out to my office to learn more about the program: info@repdagmara.org

I met with constituents in Springfield during Veto Session to discuss the SAFE-T Act trailer bills. The constituents wanted to ensure that the quality and purpose of the SAFE-T Act were left intact with the trailer bill introduced during veto. I was happy to see constituents advocating for bills that are important to them and enjoyed hearing their thoughts and concerns.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Visit Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop in the Promenade now through December 24! Make a reservation here to get a free photo with Santa, mail letters to Santa, enjoy the aquariums, and more!

Do you or one of your friends have a decorated house? Enter it here into the Best Decorated Holiday House Guide! The final list and interactive map will be posted on or before December 16, so don't wait to add your house!

RESOURCES

623 E Boughton Rd, Suite 130 Bolingbrook, IL, USA
815-372-0085

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