I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a joyful and restful holiday season. As we begin a new year together, I’m excited to share updates on recent major legislation signed into law, the incredible generosity our community shown through our holiday toy and warm-clothing drives, and upcoming events hosted by my office—all in this edition of our newsletter.
On Tuesday, January 20, we return to Springfield to begin the Spring legislative session. I will be working on several bills in the coming months, including those that strengthen healthcare and social services, establish a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program in Illinois, protect our vital wetlands, advance housing affordability, and more. As the session moves forward, I look forward to keeping you informed with timely updates and details on this legislation and the work we’re doing on your behalf.
As always, 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 Moeller
State Representative, 43rd District
Legislative Highlights
Improving Transit
December 16th marked a major milestone for public transportation in Illinois as Governor JB Pritzker signed a groundbreaking transit reform bill into law. This historic legislation secures the long-term future of mass transit statewide and introduces a bold new vision for how residents move across Northern Illinois. Central to the reform is the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, a new agency tasked with unifying all forms of public transportation into one coordinated, modern system. By bringing transit services together, the state aims to make transportation safer, more accessible, more reliable, and easier to navigate for riders across the region. With the passage of SB 1211, Illinois is positioning itself as a national leader in innovative and forward-thinking transit policy. This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of countless advocates, lawmakers, and partners who worked tirelessly to advance the bill.
Lowering Utilities
Electricity is a basic necessity, not a luxury, essential for everyday needs such as heating, cooling, lighting, cooking, communication, and work. Illinois’ new Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, passed into law January 8th, strengthens Illinois’ energy future by making better use of surplus renewable power, expanding battery storage to improve grid reliability during demand spikes, and increasing energy efficiency programs that help families lower their utility bills. The legislation will modernize and clean up Illinois’ power grid while supporting a transition to a 21st century renewable energy system. In addition to environmental and reliability benefits, the Act is expected to create up to 115,000 good-paying jobs statewide and deliver direct financial relief to ComEd customers, who are expected to see carbon mitigation credits of up to $11 per month on their bills.
Justice Reform
Illinois’ Clean Slate Law, signed into law on Friday, January 16, by Governor JB Pritzker, marks a milestone in the state’s commitment to fairness, opportunity, and redemption. Clean Slate is the product of years of work led by House Democrats, uniting business leaders, law enforcement, housing advocates, educators, and champions of criminal justice reform around a shared goal: expanding opportunity for people who have paid their debt and moved forward. The law provides a meaningful chance for individuals who might otherwise be overlooked because of old records, opening doors to jobs, education, and stability. It is also about affordable housing for people who are too often turned away, helping families secure safe places to live and rebuild. Above all, Clean Slate fulfills a promise that everyone who has turned their lives around deserves a real second chance, strengthening communities, growing the workforce, and reinforcing the belief in rehabilitation and accountability.
Mental Health Parity
House Bill 1085 was signed into law on December 12, 2025, marking a big step forward for mental health and substance use care in Illinois. This law ensures that mental health and addiction services are treated on par with physical health care by setting minimum reimbursement rates for in‑network providers. By doing this, we strengthen our provider networks, support therapists, counselors, and treatment facilities, and reduce the need for costly out‑of‑network care. HB1085 also guarantees coverage for all medically necessary services, even when multiple services are provided on the same day, and establishes reporting and enforcement measures to effectively track access and costs. This law reflects our commitment to fair, accessible, and high-quality care for all Illinois residents facing mental health or substance use challenges.
In the Community
Holiday Toy Drive
We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful community and partner organizations for making our annual Holiday Toy Drive a tremendous success. Through the generosity and support of BMO Harris Bank in Carpentersville, the Carpentersville Fire Department, the Taylor Family YMCA in Elgin, and the Streamwood Park District, we were able to bring the joy and magic of the holiday season to countless children and families served by Centro de Información and the Community Crisis Center. Every toy donated, every hour volunteered, and every gesture of support helped create meaningful moments for families who might otherwise have struggled during the holidays.
Winter Clothing Drive
We also want to extend our deepest thanks to the incredible organizations that helped make our Winter Clothing Drive a success. With the help of the Taylor Family YMCA, The Centre of Elgin, Streamwood Community Center, Park Place Family Recreation Center, and the Dundee Township Adult Activities Center, we provided essential winter clothing, toiletries, and other necessities to families and individuals facing challenging circumstances. Ensuring our neighbors have warm clothing during the cold winter months helps reduce stress and hardship for families across our area, allowing them to feel safe, supported, and valued. We are profoundly grateful for the community’s generosity and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Channing Park to Get Upgrade
The City of Elgin has been awarded $600,000 to enhance Channing Park through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants, providing new opportunities for families and neighbors to enjoy outdoor recreation. Across Illinois, nearly $36 million is being awarded for 63 park projects, with a special focus on supporting economically distressed communities—20 underserved locations are receiving $11.4 million in this round. Since its creation in 1986, OSLAD has been a vital program helping communities improve parks and outdoor spaces, awarding over $640 million statewide. I am proud that these grants will help our neighborhoods thrive, bringing safe, accessible, and vibrant recreational spaces for all residents to enjoy.
Help & Resources
Enrollment Extension
Illinois has extended the deadline to enroll in health insurance coverage for 2026 to January 31, 2026, giving residents extra time beyond the typical January 15 cutoff to sign up through the state’s official marketplace, Get Covered Illinois. This 16‑day extension means anyone seeking coverage that begins February 1, 2026, now has until January 31to compare plans, apply, and enroll — a key opportunity amid rising premiums after federal subsidies expired at the end of 2025. The state’s decision aims to help more people find affordable options by tapping into expanded support from navigators and certified brokers available statewide to guide applicants through the process at no cost. With coverage effective Feb. 1 for plans selected by the new deadline, Illinois residents are encouraged to act soon and use the additional time to secure health coverage for the year ahead.
Kane County has launched an enhanced, countywide coordinated paratransit program through its Ride in Kane service, providing 24/7 curb-to-curb transportation for eligible residents. The program, designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities, has transitioned to a unified ride model that simplifies registration, trip scheduling, and access to transportation across the county. Under the new system, all eligible riders follow one set of rules and can travel to the same destinations, regardless of where they live in Kane County. Pace continues to operate the Dial-a-Ride service while also managing a centralized registration system and call center, giving residents a single point of contact for arranging rides. This coordinated approach ensures consistency, efficiency, and improved accessibility for riders, while reducing confusion about procedures or service areas. By streamlining operations and consolidating resources, the enhanced Ride in Kane program strengthens mobility options and supports independence for those who rely on paratransit services throughout the county.
To learn more about how to qualify, register with Pace Suburban Bus, or schedule a ride, please visit https://kdot.kanecountyil.gov/RIK or call (630) 762-2600.
Now Open: Kane County Clerk in Elgin
Elgin now has a full-service Kane County Clerk’s office conveniently located at 2170 Point Blvd. Residents can access essential services such as marriage licenses, passports, tax extensions, and vital records, including birth and death certificates. Thank you to the Kane County Board for acquiring this property and helping bring critical services—including the Health Department, Clerk, Coroner, and Court services—closer to northern Kane County residents. The purchase, made at a bargain-basement price, and the thoughtful coordination of office design were guided by the Administration Committee, chaired by Chris Kious, the Public Health Committee, chaired by Cherryl Strathmann, and supported by dedicated Kane County staff, including Roger Fahnestock, Executive Director of Building Management and IT, and Michael Isaacson, Executive Director of the Health Department.
Please note that property tax payments are not currently offered at this location. The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Changes to SNAP
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is sharing important updates about SNAP that may significantly affect Illinois residents. Recent changes in federal law (H.R. 1) have expanded the definition of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), now including adults ages 55–64 with no disabilities and parents with children 14 or older, while removing previous exemptions for Veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and people experiencing homelessness. As a result, starting May 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet or are not exempt from work requirements may lose SNAP benefits after only three months in a three-year period. Quick action is crucial to protect coverage. SNAP customers can use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener to determine eligibility or seek exemptions. IDHS will continue providing updates through Facebook, LinkedIn, and snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.
Know Your Rights
If ICE ever stops you or someone you love, know your rights, and know you’re not alone. The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ 24/7 Family Support Hotline (1‑855‑435-7693) is here for you. You have the right to remain silent during questioning or arrest and the right to request an attorney. You are not required to discuss your immigration or citizenship status or sign documents you don’t understand.
If ICE comes to your home, remember they need a warrant signed by a judge to enter—you are not obligated to open the door and let them in just because they knock. Make a safety plan: share emergency contacts, school or childcare arrangements, document authorizations, and keep copies of important papers. If detained, consult a lawyer. ICIRR’s hotline is always ready to help.
Never post unverified information on social media or interfere with the investigation or otherwise put yourself in harm’s way. Visit https://www.icirr.org/ for more details. For local assistance, please call Centro de Información at 847-695-9050 or visit https://centrodeinformacion.org/conozcasusderechos.
Leave a Reply