As we embark on this new legislative session, I'm focused on increasing fiscal responsibility, promoting economic development, and protecting the rights of women and families throughout Illinois.
This year more than ever, the members of the General Assembly must work together to keep our state government on a solid fiscal foundation while we defend the people of Illinois against any efforts to roll back reproductive freedoms or limit access to affordable health care.
We’re heading toward difficult, complicated decisions that may have impacts on the people of this state for years to come. Together, we must pledge to make fair, responsible choices and serve the priorities of our constituents and our communities.
Every day, I am filled with gratitude for this opportunity to serve the people of the 42nd District. I deeply appreciate the support of our communities, and I am honored to bring your voices to Springfield.
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I'm bringing mobile DMV and I-Cash to Glen Ellyn on TUESDAY, so reserve your spot!
We're bringing the mobile driver services unit to Glen Ellyn on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ackerman SFC, 800 St. Charles Road.
Employees from the Secretary of State's office will be on hand to help with a wide variety of services, including driver's license and state ID renewals (for those aged 74 and under), Real IDs, vehicle license plate sticker purchases, and organ donor registration. It's an easy, convenient way to get these routine tasks completed close to home.
Representatives from the Illinois Treasurer's office will be available to help people find and collect unclaimed cash from forgotten bank accounts, insurance policies, uncashed checks, and other sources through the I-CASH program. You can click here to search online for any unclaimed funds, and then stop by our event if you would like help claiming your funds.
To sign up for your time slot, or if you have any questions, please reach out to my office at reptch42@gmail.com or 630-812-9292.
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Buying an electric vehicle? Illinois' new rebate program opens Jan. 21
Are you thinking about buying an electric vehicle? You should know that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's next EV Rebate Program funding cycle will open on Jan. 21. There will be $14 million available for rebates in the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30.
You can get full details about the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program here. Please note: Applications mailed or postmarked prior to January 21 will be rejected.
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Help spice up someone's life with our January spice drive for local food pantries
Cinnamon-spiced baked apples. Spaghetti sauce fragrant with basil and oregano. Chili with a kick of cumin and cayenne.
Spices are integral to our cooking and our cultural heritage, but they're often overlooked when people make donations to our food pantries.
To help provide a full range of ingredients for all, my office is collecting spices for the month of January. Donations will benefit Glen House Food Pantry , West Suburban Community Pantry, and Outreach House.
To donate, you can shop our Amazon Wishlist to deliver spices directly to our office, or you can pick up an extra jar or two on your next trip to the grocery store. Contact our office at 630-812-9292 or email reptch42@gmail.com to schedule a time to drop off donations.
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Do you own a small business? Check out DCEO's Small Business Capital and Infrastructure grants
If you own a small business, you may be eligible for a Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant.
The grant program, which is now open for applications through April 7, offers financial support for infrastructure improvements, acquisition of essential equipment, or new property purchases.
These grants are targeted to very small businesses (with fewer than 10 employees) and businesses operating in disadvantaged areas or owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI). (Click here for the full definition of SEDI.)
DCEO will present a technical assistance webinar regarding the grant on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. to noon. It's not mandatory, but it will probably be helpful if you are thinking about submitting an application. You can register for the webinar here. To learn more about the grant program, you can click here.
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Lisle offers new grants to organizations hosting special events for the community
Lisle-based organizations are invited to apply for the Village of Lisle's new Special Events Grant Program, which will help support events that provide cultural, recreational, and educational enrichment, celebrate Lisle's diversity, history, and heritage, offer entertainment opportunities, or feature the arts.
Program information and application materials are available on the Special Events page. Applicants are required to participate in a grant application workshop. For more information, including the workshop schedule, you can click here. The first workshop will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16. Advance registration is required.
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It's getting cold, so don't miss Wheaton's Cocoa and Coffee Crawl on SATURDAY
When it's chilly outside, there's nothing like a hot beverage to help keep you warm. From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, you can gather the whole family to sample a long list of unique hot cocoas and artisan coffees at your favorite Downtown Wheaton shops and restaurants.
Event check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Wheaton Orthodontic Center, 116 W. Willow Ave., where you'll get your wristband and a map of tasting locations. Tickets are $18 per person, or $25 if you want a souvenir mug. Family tickets are $64 for four. All beverages are alcohol-free. To learn more and purchase tickets, you can click here.
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A new year means new blood drives in Lombard, starting on TUESDAY
Kick off the new year and National Blood Donor Month by donating at one of the Village of Lombard's blood drives on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
There will be a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Yorktown Shopping Center (on the lower level by Von Maur), 203 Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard. You can click here to schedule an appointment.
The blood drive continues from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main Street. To schedule an appointment, you can click here.
Please make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.
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High school seniors heading to college in Illinois can apply for Township Officials scholarships
The Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) Scholarship Fund offers grants to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities.
Since 1989, the scholarship program has awarded a total of $389,500 to 229 Illinois students.
Applicants must submit a 500-word essay on "The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society and in the Future." The essay must include information gained from an interview with an elected township official. There are a number of other application requirements, so take a look here.
The deadline for applications is March 1. Any questions may be directed to TOI at 217-744-2212 or teresa@toi.org.
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Hear about civic projects at LWV Glen Ellyn's Jan. 16 'State of the Village'
The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn will present the annual “State of the Village” session at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Glen Ellyn Police Station, 65 S. Park Blvd.
Glen Ellyn Village Manager Mark Franz and Acting Village President Donna Jean Simon will talk about recent and upcoming village projects. The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will include time for questions and answers.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m. For more information, you can visit here.
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Book now for 18 holes of mini golf – inside the Wheaton library! – on Jan. 17
If you're looking for a great way to get in the mood for Robert Burns Night, here's your chance: Join the Wheaton Public Library and the DuPage County Historical Museum at the 3rd annual Mad Fore Plaid miniature golf event.
On Friday, Jan. 17, the library will be transformed into an indoor miniature golf course. The event will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Library, 225 N. Cross St., followed by a 19th-Hole After-Party at Ivy Restaurant in Wheaton. Participants are asked to show their enthusiasm for golf's Scottish heritage by wearing their most exuberant plaids (or tartans, if you want to be finicky about it.)
This event, for ages 21 and older, includes 18 holes of mini golf, appetizers, live entertainment and awards. Golfers will be paired in foursomes for a shotgun-start style scramble. Tickets are $50 a person or $190 per foursome. The ticket price includes one drink, and there will be a cash bar available.
All event proceeds benefit the Wheaton Public Library Endowment Fund of the DuPage Foundation and the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. To learn more and purchase tickets, you can click here.
To learn more about Robert Burns Night, which is traditionally celebrated on Jan. 25 (the Scottish poet's birthday,) you can do an online search. Or better yet, you can head to the Wheaton Public Library – or any of our communities' great public libraries – and check out a book of Burns' poems.
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Enjoy an evening of vintage video games at Arcade Night in Glen Ellyn on Jan. 17
You're invited to put down that Nintendo Switch and take a trip down (video game) memory lane on Friday, Jan. 17, when the Glen Ellyn Park District will present Ackerman Arcade Night, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road.
You can refresh your arcade skills at old favorite games such as Pong, or play a game of Jenga with a giant tower of glowing blocks.
You must register to participate. Advance registration is free; day-of registration will be $5 per person. Game tickets, raffle tickets, and snacks will be available for purchase. Young children must be accompanied by an adult. To learn more and register, you can click here.
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Upcoming Events
We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!
Jan. 18: Glen Ellyn Preschool Open House, from 9 a.m. to noon at Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave.
Jan. 20: Naperville Restaurant Week, at Downtown Naperville Restaurants
Jan. 21: Glen Ellyn Community Blood and Food Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road
Jan. 22: GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families will present The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens, at noon and 7 p.m. via Zoom
Jan. 25: Family Building Day, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lisle Recreation Center (MP Room 1 & 2), 1925 Ohio St.
Jan. 25: Grandparent and Me Winter Tea, from 10 to 11:15 a.m at Maryknoll Clubhouse, 845 Pershing Ave. in Glen Ellyn
Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
Feb. 1: Winter Wonderland: A Family Adventure, at 10 a.m. at Lyman Woods, 901 31st St. in Downers Grove
If you have any questions about pending legislation or other issues related to your state government, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 630-812-9292 or RepTCH42@gmail.com.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong,
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Terra Costa Howard
State Representative
42nd District
913 S. Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 812-9292
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