I hope you and your family had a safe and fun Holiday Season and are staying warm as we head into the new year.
Governor J.B. Pritzker gave his annual State of the State and Budget address on February 2nd. The Governor provided a budget proposal that demonstrates that Illinois is on the strongest financial footing we’ve had in decades. As we engage in budget-making over the coming weeks, I will continue to prioritizing investments in education, early childhood education, social services that help seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities, domestic violence prevention, public safety, environmental protection and access to healthcare.
Last week, I was joined by Elgin Community College, U-46 and officials at American Airlines to help facilitate a partnership to create pathways to employment in aviation maintenance and engineering for students in the district and region.
Many thanks to Gary Percy, retired American Airlines leader and technician who helped to organize the event. Everyone involved is excited about the possibilities of creating great career opportunities for young people in our community.
The General Assembly is now in session and I have introduced bills to expand access to healthcare, protect the environmental and reform long-term care, among many others.
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
Rep. Moeller Legislation Introduced This Year
HB4363 PESTICIDES-DICAMBA BAN
This bill would ban the use of any product containing dicamba for agricultural, commercial, or residential use within the State. Dicamba is a commonly used herbicide linked to negatively affecting plants native to Illinois. Includes native plants important for pollinators.
When plants are treated with dicamba, they grow in abnormal and uncontrollable ways, and often, the plants die
HB4771 INCOME TAX-CAREGIVER CREDIT
This bill provides that a tax payer who is a family caretaker can be eligible to receive an income tax credit. This amount would be equal to the eligible expenses made by the taxpayer during the taxable year up to $1,500 to care for the eligible family member.
The term “eligible family member” means a person who: (1) is at least 18 years of age during a taxable year; (2) requires assistance with at least one activity of daily living; (3) is a resident of the State; and (4) is related to the family caregiver or is an individual whose close association with the family caregiver is the equivalent of a family relationship.
HB4426 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE -ACADEMIC PERSONNEL
Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. To provide benefits to academic personnel who are not employed in an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity, but who provide important supports to teachers and students.
These employees are paid an hourly rate and are often forced to find summer jobs to make ends meet.
HB4085 MEDICAID-NURSING RATES
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that it shall be a matter of State policy that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall set nursing facility rates by rule utilizing an evidenced-based methodology that rewards appropriate staffing, quality-of-life improvements for nursing facility residents
HB4372 PROHIBIT WILDLIFE CONTESTS
This house bill will amend the Wildlife Code to prohibit contests or competitions with the objective of killing fur-bearing animals for prizes and cash. This is an initiative of the Human Society to protect the ecosystem.
Relief in Illinois
Housing Assistance
The Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) is closed, however, you can check the status of your application submission or return to your application already in-progress.
There still is rental assistance available through IDHS. If you missed the window to apply for assistance through IHDA,
The website to order free at home covid tests is up and running. Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests click the link to get yours.
Governor J.B. Pritzker is lifting Illinois’ indoor mask mandate with some restrictions on Monday, February 28th citing hospitalizations continuing to decrease and a decline in COVID-19 cases. Although, universal masking will stay in place at schools because they pose a higher risk for spreading infections.
Additionally, they continue to be required where federally mandated, such as on public transit, high-risk settings including healthcare facilities and all daycare settings.
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.
Need a Replacement Vaccination Card?
Kane County Health Department can provide replacement cards to persons who received the COVID-19 vaccine at one of their clinic sites.
You can call (630) -208-3801 Monday – Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
The replacement card can be picked up or mailed to you. If you did not receive a vaccine from Kane County Health Department, please go to https://idphportal.illinois.gov to request a replacement card from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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.
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