Spring is a time of growth and new opportunities, and I’m excited to share what’s happening in Springfield and in our community. Over the past few months, I’ve been focused on legislation that directly affects our daily lives—protecting patients’ access to affordable medications, expanding workers’ rights, safeguarding wetlands, ensuring stable housing, and improving access to reproductive health care.
In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on legislation, community happenings, and resources to help you navigate programs like SNAP and homeownership assistance. Thank you for staying engaged, sharing your perspectives, and helping me represent our community with your voices in mind.
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
Moeller Legislative Highlights
Patient Protections
House Bill 2371 is focused on protecting patients’ access to affordable prescription medications, especially for those served by safety-net hospitals and community health clinics. It establishes the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act, ensuring that large pharmaceutical companies cannot place limits on how discounted medications reach patients.
This bill restores the federal 340B program, which was intended to help providers serving low-income and uninsured residents purchase medications at reduced costs. Recently, some drug manufacturers have restricted where these prescriptions can be filled, creating barriers for patients who rely on convenient, local pharmacies. HB 2371 puts patients first by preventing those restrictions and allowing providers to continue working with trusted neighborhood pharmacies. The bill also transparency and reporting measures for 340B hospitals and clinics.
Worker Protections
House Bill 3213 updates the Illinois Freedom to Work Act to prohibit employers from requiring non-compete or non-solicitation agreements for any employee making less than $300,000. Under this legislation, most workers would no longer be locked into restrictions on where they can work after leaving a job, giving them more freedom and flexibility in their careers. When workers can move more freely between jobs, they can find positions that better match their skills, earn higher wages, and contribute more fully to our local economy.
This bill ensures that any new non-compete agreements for jobs earning less than $300,000 are invalid and unenforceable. It also makes clear that employers cannot try to get around the law by continuing to use these types of contracts in the future. The goal is to ensure that employees are free to pursue new opportunities without fear of legal consequences.
Wetlands Protections
House Bill 3596 would protect one of Illinois’ most important natural resources: our wetlands. These areas do more than just support wildlife; they help absorb floodwaters, filter pollution, and keep our communities safe and resilient. This legislation creates a clear, statewide system to protect wetlands while still allowing thoughtful, responsible development.
Under the bill, projects that would impact a regulated wetland must first obtain a permit through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This ensures each project is carefully reviewed and meets water quality standards before moving forward. HB 3596 also strengthens accountability by giving the state better tools to enforce the law and address violations. It also encourages restoration efforts and the use of mitigation banks, helping to replace or improve wetlands when impacts can’t be avoided, and creates general permits for low-impact projects, reducing unnecessary delays for routine work.
Health Protections
House Bill 5408 expands reproductive health care access for Illinois families, especially those lacking adequate coverage. An initiative of Governor JB Pritzker, it would create the Abortion Access Fund Grant Program through the Illinois Department of Public Health to grant clinics and providers funding for abortion care when federal funds cannot be used. The aim is to help uninsured or underinsured patients access care without financial barriers.
This bill establishes a dedicated Abortion Access Fund in the state treasury using revenue that insurance companies regulated under the Affordable Care Act are federally required to collect for this care. It also provides the Department of Public Health with the tools to manage it responsibly, including how grants are awarded, who qualifies, and how funds are tracked. HB 5408 introduces new reporting requirements for certain health insurance plans: if funds collected for abortion care are unused, insurers must transfer them to the Access Fund to support the program.
Housing Protections
Stable, affordable housing is foundational to independence, dignity, and well‑being. House Bill 4828 recognizes this; it would help Illinoisans transition from long‑term care facilities into community homes where they can thrive. This bill updates the Department of Human Services Act to ensure that people moving out of long‑term care don’t face unaffordable housing costs or risk losing their support if they need to change residences, removing barriers people transitioning from restrictive care settings face and supporting them in building lives in communities across Illinois.
Under HB 4828, housing assistance funded in State Fiscal Year 2027 must be structured so that recipients pay no more than 30% of their income toward housing costs. Importantly, if someone needs or wants to relocate to a different residence that still meets department rules, they can do so without losing eligibility for the assistance payments.
In the Community
Sustainability Saturday
On March 14, State Representative Anna Moeller participated in Sustainability Saturday at Elgin Math and Science Academy, engaging with community members and environmental leaders. As chief sponsor of the Wetlands Protection Act, she emphasized the importance of preserving wetland ecosystems for flood control and improved water quality. The event featured insights from Jen Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council, as well as local officials including Sarra Hinshaw and Frankie Garcia. Speakers shared perspectives on sustainability initiatives and environmental protection efforts in Illinois and Kane County. The gathering highlighted collaboration, education, and community involvement as key to protecting natural resources.
Cardunal Cares Senior Food Pantry Grand Opening
On March 13th, our staff attended the grand opening of the Cardunal Community Cares Senior Food Pantry in East Dundee. The event highlighted a new partnership between Cardunal and Keeping Families Covered, aimed at better supporting local seniors. For over five years, the pantry has played an important role in providing food and essential services to older adults in the community. The collaboration is expected to expand resources and improve access to necessities for seniors who rely on this support. Attendees toured the facility at 611 E. Main Street in East Dundee and learned more about how the organization operates and the impact it continues to make.
Know Your Rights: Civil Rights Town Hall Meeting
On March 10, State Representative Anna Moeller hosted a virtual “Know Your Rights” town hall in partnership with the ACLU of Illinois and State Representative Maura Hirschauer to help residents better understand their legal protections and how to navigate interactions with authorities. The event focused on empowering community members with knowledge to assert their rights safely and effectively.
Key topics included First Amendment protections—especially what activities do and do not require permits—along with best practices for engaging with law enforcement and strategies for protecting oneself in potentially high-risk situations. The session also covered important constitutional safeguards under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, as well as Illinois-specific laws such as the TRUST Act and SAFE-T Act. Additional discussion addressed voting rights, including Know Your Rights (KYR) guidance while voting, and common myths about elections.
Library Stop & Talk with Representative Moeller
On March 9, State Representative Anna Moeller hosted a library stop at the Poplar Creek Public Library, bringing together community members for an informal discussion on key local and statewide concerns. The conversation focused heavily on nursing home reform, with participants raising issues about quality of care, staffing shortages, and accountability for facilities serving vulnerable residents. Attendees emphasized the need for stronger oversight and policies to ensure dignity and safety for seniors. Another major topic was predatory housing and rental practices. The group discussed community experiences with rising rents, unfair lease terms, inadequate property maintenance, and landlords exploiting legal loopholes.
The Power of RE: International Women’s Day Panel
On March 5th, State Representative Anna Moeller participated as a panelist at Accenture’s 22nd Annual International Women’s Day celebration, themed “The Power of Re: Reinvention. Resilience. Realness.” The event brought together community members to honor women’s achievements, reflect on progress toward gender equality, and foster meaningful dialogue about building a stronger sense of belonging. As part of the panel, Moeller contributed to discussions centered on empowerment, personal growth, and the importance of inclusive spaces in both professional and community settings. The gathering emphasized the ongoing need to support and advance opportunities for women while recognizing the strides already made.
Community Advisory Committees
On March 3rd and 4th, State Representative Anna Moeller convened a series of 7 advisory committee meetings to bring together constituents to share input on key policy areas. Community members participated in discussions focused on education, public safety, senior citizens, business and economic development, social services, environmental issues, and veterans’ affairs. These forums created space for residents, local leaders, and stakeholders to voice concerns, exchange ideas, and offer recommendations grounded in their lived experiences. Thank you to everyone who attended.
Larkin Athletic Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony
On February 24, our staff attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Larkin High School’s new Athletic Complex. Despite cold weather, the event was marked by enthusiasm and community pride as students, staff, and local supporters gathered to celebrate the long-anticipated project. The new facility represents a significant investment in the school and is expected to provide expanded opportunities for students to grow, compete, and strengthen school spirit. The complex will benefit generations of students and serve as a valuable addition to the Larkin High School community.
Help & Resources
Homeowner Assistance
Illinois has launched a new program to make homeownership more attainable for working families. Announced on March 11, IHDAccess Home offers eligible first-time homebuyers up to $15,000 in assistance for down payments and closing costs—two of the biggest financial hurdles to home ownership. The support comes as a 0% interest loan with deferred repayment, meaning buyers won’t need to repay it until they sell or refinance the home, or after 30 years.
To qualify, applicants must purchase a primary residence in Illinois, have a minimum credit score of 640, meet income and home price limits, and complete pre-purchase homeownership counseling. The program is part of the state’s broader effort to expand housing access and support economic stability for families.
Prospective buyers can learn more and apply through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s website: https://www.ihdamortgage.org
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 IDHS ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener to determine eligibility or seek exemptions.
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.
Housing Protections
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