2021 Veto Session Newsletter:

I hope you and your family had a safe and fun Halloween and are staying warm as we head into the winter months.

The General Assembly met this past summer in special session and just recently wrapped up our annual Veto Session, where we passed several pieces of legislation.

As Chairwoman of the House “Green” Caucus, I was proud to help champion the historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). CEJA will create new jobs in renewable energy sources, reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants, create an equitable clean energy future and a just transition from fossil fuels. It also provides a $4,000 rebate on the purchase of electric vehicles and provides grant opportunities for homeowners and small business owners interested in having solar panels installed on their home or buildings. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding CEJA and grants available for homeowners and small businesses, please feel free to contact my office.

We returned to Springfield for Veto Session this last October. We were able to pass historic healthcare protections as well as a critical act that will implement a community-based violence prevention initiative.

I was proud to sponsor several bills that passed both houses during our latest session, including the Youth Health and Safety Act (HB0370), and the Midwife Practice Act (HB3401). You can read more about some of these legislative initiatives in the newsletter below.

If you ever have any questions, concerns or requests for assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office at staterepmoeller@gmail.com or 847-841-7130. It is an honor to represent you in Springfield and my staff and I look forward to serving you.

Warmest Regards,

Anna

Highlights from Veto Session

Healthcare Right of Conscience Act

Over the past several weeks, my office heard from many people concerned about legislation to amend the Health Care Right of Conscience Act. The General Assembly passed this act years ago to protect health care providers from being forced to perform procedures that violate their religious beliefs.

Lately, individuals have used HCRCA to sue employers that have required employees to get vaccinated for workplace and public safety reasons. The amendment, which passed both chambers on October 28th, simply clarifies that COVID-19 vaccination requirements made by public or private employers do not violate the act. It does not create a vaccine mandate nor does it affect federal medical and religious exemptions from vaccinations.

Combating Gun Violence and Making Our Communities Safe

We must do all that we can to protect our communities from gun violence. Last week, we passed the “Reimagine Public Safety Act,” which provides a $250 million investment for data-driven and community-based violence prevention initiatives.

This act also establishes the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention to focus on reducing firearm violence in communities with high rates of gun violence. We know that we cannot rely on police alone to combat the root causes of violence in our communities. We need to invest in programs that give young people opportunities and employ programs that help law enforcement work in communities to prevent violence.

Creating Jobs and Investing in New Illinois Industries

During the Fall Veto Session, the General Assembly passed legislation that will bring more than a billion dollars and countless jobs into Illinois through the electric car manufacturing industry.

The “Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) in Illinois” Act (House Bill 1769) will help attract electric vehicle manufacturing and create high paying manufacturing jobs in Illinois by creating incentives for manufacturers to come to Illinois and create new jobs. In addition to bringing more than a billion dollars in investment into Illinois, manufacturers will be incentivized to provide additional job training. Additionally, in order to qualify for tax credits under the REV Act, manufacturing companies will need to enter approved project labor agreements and neutrality in union campaigns to ensure opportunities for union laborers.

Ensuring Access to Reproductive Healthcare

The Youth Health and Safety Act (HB370) passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly on October 28th. In addition to creating a working group focused on pregnant and parenting youth, the act repeals the Parental Notification Act.

The Parental Notification Act (PNA) mandated that reproductive healthcare providers notify the guardians of a minor before allowing the minor to receive abortion care. This law was unnecessary, at best and very harmful, at worst.

Based on actual studies conducted before the PNA was enforced in 2013 and after, we know that the vast majority of young people who become pregnant will voluntarily tell a parent, while those who don’t tell a parent will instead often tell another family member or trusted adult. In rare circumstances when a youth who becomes pregnant does not tell their parents or adults required to be notified in the PNA law, it’s because of serious concerns within the family, where the youth may fear physical, emotional or mental abuse, homelessness, forced pregnancy, forced marriage and loss of support.

Passage of HB370 reaffirms Illinois’ commitment to ensure that women have access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare at a time when many states around the country are severely limiting access to such healthcare for women.

Relief in Illinois

Housing Assistance

The Illinois Housing Development Authority intends to launch ILRPP 2.0 November 8th, 2021. Applicants are eligible for up to 15 months of assistance with a maximum grant amount of $25,000. The grant can cover the past due rent from the previous 12 months and future rental assistance for the next 3 months.

Funding for the program might occur in a single round, multiple rounds or via a rolling application process and that awards may be on a first-come, first serve basis, or based on a randomized selection process. It is expected to run through December 31, 2023.

The American Rescue Plan also allocated funds for Illinois’ coming Homeowner Assistance Fund. With approximately $387 million in emergency assistance, this is a new program designed to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020.

Business Assistance

The latest round of Back to Business awards totaled $59 million, with $191 million still to be allocated. If you applied, you can check your application here. The application period for B2B grants closed on October 13, but there are still other options for business owners in need of assistance.

The Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant Program will close January 10, 2022. This program provides grants to encourage improvements and investment in commercial corridors and downtowns that experienced disinvestment, focusing particularly on communities hardest-hit by the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis.

The State is also offering The Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program. Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. It’s purpose is to develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions located across the state.

Health in Illinois

COVID Transmission in Kane County

The Department of Public Health reports a substantial transmission rate in Kane County. Illinois’ 7-day average totals over 2,400 cases. The state currently stands in phase 5 and asks that unvaccinated people wear face coverings in crowded settings, both indoors and outdoors.

Need a Booster?

For those who received the vaccine 6 months ago or later and are eligible, a booster shot is now available to maintain immunity. Vaccines.gov is the quickest way to find vaccine providers near you and schedule your vaccine appointment. Find Your Vaccine and help our community beat back COVID-19.

Vaccine Safety

No matter what you are getting- Pfizer, Moderna, or Janssen- rest assured the vaccines are all safe and effective against severe COVID infections and hospitalizations. Researchers took their time and care with these vaccines for the best health for our communities. Remember to continue to mask up and social distance as we make our way to the end of this pandemic.

Vaccines for Kids 5-11

The FDA Authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Children 5 through 11 Years of Age. These vaccines should be coming and made available at schools and your pediatrician’s office. U-46 will alos soon begin offering the vaccine at all elementary schools.

Call for Calm

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, Illinois’ free Call4Calm text line is here
to connect residents with emotional support and mental health professionals. Don’t delay seeking help if mental health issues are creating barriers in your life. You are not alone — text TALK to 552020.