Discover How We’re Shaping Illinois’ Future Together!
Dear Friends,
April 17th was the deadline for House bills to move out of the chamber. With that procedural milestone behind us, the House is now taking up and advancing bills that passed out of the Senate. As the Illinois General Assembly continues its spring session, budget negotiations will begin in earnest in the coming weeks as revenue estimates and spending priorities are further refined.
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
Legislative Highlights
Investing in Illinois
House Bill 910, also known as the “Mega Projects Bill” is legislation aimed at strengthening Illinois’ ability to attract and support large-scale economic development projects while keeping everyday property owners and consumers in mind. The bill gives local governments the ability to negotiate property and sales tax agreements on projects that invest at least $500 million and requires that developers contribute to the statewide property tax relief fund.
The bill also sets clear expectations for job creation, prioritizes development in underserved areas and encourages participation from small and minority-owned businesses. That means more opportunities for local workers and blighted communities, and a stronger, more inclusive economy. By encouraging responsible growth and supporting job creation, House Bill 910 aims to strengthen our communities while helping keep Illinois a place people can afford to live and do business.
Ensuring Voter
Representation
As legislators, our responsibility is to ensure that every Illinoisan has a fair and meaningful voice in government. House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 is about strengthening how we draw legislative district maps after each census.
This proposal sets clear priorities for mapmaking. First, districts must have roughly equal populations so everyone’s vote carries similar weight. Second, it reinforces protections so no one is denied an equal opportunity to participate in elections based on race. It also allows for the creation of coalition districts where communities can work together to elect candidates of their choice. Finally, districts should remain geographically sensible—contiguous and compact.
Importantly, this is a constitutional amendment, meaning voters would have the final say and will appear on the 2026 General Election ballot for voter consideration. If adopted, these standards would guide redistricting starting in 2031.
Working Towards a Balanced and Compassionate FY27 Budget
Here in Illinois, demand for human services continues to rise, from behavioral health and substance use treatment to services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. At the same time, providers across our state face workforce shortages and cost pressures that threaten access and quality of care. Federal funding uncertainty only deepens these challenges, forcing state legislators to make hard decisions about how to allocate limited resources.
As Chair of the Human Services Appropriations Committee, I am working with colleagues to prioritize sustainable, stable investments that protect essential services. Our focus will remain on accountability, equity, and long-term stability, ensuring Illinois can meet today’s needs despite growing federal headwinds
In the Community
Mystery Reader
I had the fun opportunity to be a Mystery Reader for Elgin Math and Science Academy Literacy Week. EMSA celebrated with free books, local authors, and Mystery Readers from the community. During my visit to Ms. Davis’s second grade class; students not only enjoyed a shared reading experience but also sparked thoughtful and impressive conversations about nature and science.
I was impressed with the knowledge and curiosity of these young children. Literacy Week highlights the school’s commitment to fostering curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for reading.
Thriving After 55
My staff and Representative Suzanne Ness’ staff attended Elgin Community College’s annual Thriving After 55 resource fair. This popular event provided essential tools, resources, and information to maintain a fulfilling and active lifestyle. Attendees connected with local experts, explored products and services, and received free health screenings.
Exemption Workshop
The Hanover Township Assessor’s Office hosted a Tax Exemption Event at the Senior Center with the Cook County Assessor’s Office and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison. Residents were able to drop in to search and apply for qualifying property tax savings exemptions. We are always happy to serve and assist our constituents with concerns and problems with property tax assessments and bills.
Reading by the River
My office hosted our fourth annual Reading by the River event on April 18th at Gail Borden Public Library an event held along the Fox River to celebrate literacy and raise awareness of child abuse prevention. The program took place in the library’s newly renovated Kidspace, creating a welcoming environment for young readers and their families.
I appreciated the participation of guest readers Officer Jorge Juarez of the Elgin Police Department and representatives from Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning, Andrea Vargas and Karen Ceballos, who engaged children through storytelling and discussion.
Events like this underscore the importance of early learning, community partnerships, and accessible public spaces. It was encouraging to see families gathered to share books, ask questions, and connect with local leaders in such a positive setting.
ECC Job Fair
Elgin Community College hosted a job fair this month with over 120 employers in attendance, creating valuable connections between job seekers and local businesses. We were glad to be there to connect with attendees interested in summer internship opportunities and to share resources available through our office. Thank you to ECC for organizing a successful event that brings together so many opportunities under one roof and helps strengthen our local economy.
Town Hall with Congresswoman Ramirez
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, our office had the pleasure of tabling at Congresswoman Ramirez’s Elgin Town Hall at the U46 Welcoming Center. The event brought together community members to hear updates from Congresswoman Ramirez, who shared insights on her work in Washington, D.C., as well as her efforts across the district. The Congresswoman was joined by Dr. Erwin and Dianha Ortega-Ehreth, Centro de Informacion. Our office had the opportunity to engage with attendees as they arrived, share information about resources and community initiatives, and answer questions.
Help & Resources
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.
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.
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