Critical Votes Wednesday on Gun Violence
Senior Tax Exemption Expanded
Adams Waterpark Plans Reviewed
Dear Neighbors,

Tomorrow the Illinois legislature has an opportunity to address the tragic gun violence plaguing our nation and our city.  Here's how to help.

Several key votes are scheduled:
  • House Bill 1469, now named the "Commander Paul Bauer Act," would
    This weapon, used to kill Commander Bauer, has an extended magazine
    ban the sale of body armor and high-capacity gun magazines to anyone other than police officers, licensed security guards and members of the armed forces and will limit capacity of other magazines to ten rounds.
  • Senate Bill 1657, the Gun Dealer Licensing Act, authorizes Illinois to encourage better business practices among gun dealers and hold corrupt dealers accountable.  Email your legislator to vote "Yes" or Text "ILLINOIS" to 644-33 to be connected to your state representative and leave a message.
  • House Bill 1664 creates a Dangerous Person Hotline and toll free number to enable a person to notify the State Police if they have reason to believe someone is a clear and present danger.
  • House Bill 1465 Amendment #1 will raise the age to purchase an assault weapon to 21.
  • House Bill 1467 Amendment #1 will ban the sale of bump stocks in Illinois.
  • House Bill 1468 Amendment #1 will place a 72-hour waiting period on the sale of assault weapons.
Details of the legislation are on the 43rd Ward Facebook page .  

Please let your friends and family know of these measures and encourage their senators and representatives state-wide to support them today. If you Text "ILLINOIS" to 644-33, you can quickly find the name of your State Representative.

Also, please consider going to Springfield on Wednesday to join  Moms Demand Action for their Advocacy Day on February 28 and lobby for these new laws. 

If you can't go to Springfield,  please consider filling out a "witness slip," which is a on-line mechanism to let legislators know you are in favor of these laws.  Here is the link and here are directions.  

What Else You Can Do About Gun Violence

Regardless of Wednesday's vote in Springfield, much more needs to be done. The local chapter of Moms Demand Action, the organization formed in the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting, is meeting this Saturday, March 3rd, at noon at Fourth Presbyterian Church's Gratz Center, 126 East Chestnut. More information here.

Join the students organizing the #MarchforOurLives in seeking gun control legislation in Washington and Chicago.  The March is March 24th at 11 am. Details here.

Property Tax Exemption Increased
Senior Citizen Exemptions

As part of our push to restructure property taxes in Chicago, the city successfully increased the amount of the homeowner's exemption from $7,000 to $10,000, increased the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption from $5,000 to $8,000, and and raised the income limits for seniors eligible to receive the Senior Freeze Exemption from $55,000 to $65,000. 

If you believe you may be eligible, click here to fill out the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption, and here to fill out the Senior Freeze Exemption.  If you need assistance, please feel free to call my office at 773-348-9500. 
Adams Playlot Water Park Renovation

 

Community Meeting for Adams Playground Water Park Renovation

Wednesday, February 28th, 2018

Adams Park Playlot Fieldhouse

1919 N. Seminary

6:00 p.m.

 

The water park at Adams Playlot, built twenty years ago, has deteriorated substantially according to the Chicago Park District. 

The Park District is proposing changing the playground water feature.


 
Join my office, the Adams Park Advisory Council and RANCH Triangle for a community meeting with the Chicago Park District to view the proposals and register community feedback.   


Applications to Run for Local School Council Due This Week

The 2018 Local School Council (LSC) Elections take place  on April 18, for elementary schools and April 19, for high schools.   

Community members and parents are represented in the LSC.  If you'd like to run, please complete the LSC Candidate Form, which can be picked up at your school or at cps.edu/LSCelections. Learn more here or call (773) 553-1400.

Return the forms in person to your school by March 2.

2018 Recycling Schedule Posted

Recycling continues on its schedule for 2018, with this week a recycling week. The city has just posted the official schedule.  Alleys can be picked up any day of the week, but those with curbside pickup will have recycling picked up on the same day as the trash, on Wednesday.

  
Michele Signature

  Michele Smith
  43rd Ward Alderman


43rd Ward Office Hours: M 9 AM - 7 PM, T-F 9 AM - 6 PM 
 2523 N Halsted | 773-348-9500| yourvoice@ward43.org| www.ward43.org
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