Happy summer to all! I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend and enjoyed the beautiful day! Thank you for your patience as this newsletter is a few days late since I wrapped up session on May 31st. I passed HB 2977, SB 126, SB 1523, SB 1548, and SB 1605 which will now head to the Governor's desk.



One of the most important aspects of my job is providing input and voting on our state budget. This year was an extremely difficult year for many different reasons. However, my goal stays the same: Demand greater fiscal accountability and transparency from state government. Raising taxes on the working class should never be the first answer, especially when there are opportunities to eliminate inefficient spending and reform outdated systems.

In a year in which every aspect of our budgetmaking process has been affected by cuts in Washington, this balanced budget is crafted to be fiscally and socially responsible, because decisions in Washington can affect us in an instant. llinoisans are right to expect that their tax dollars are spent responsibly. I know these are trying times for most, and many are frustrated with rising costs on working families. I share that frustration. The budget was created to ensure it was not balanced on the backs of working people and seniors. That’s why the budget includes a significant amount of cuts to government and some revenues were aimed at big corporations that do business overseas and at high-volume gamblers. 

o $193 million in operational cuts

o $44 million in programmatic cuts

o $46 million dollars in efficiencies in the budgets of constitutional officers.

Notably, it will include a BRIDGE Fund (Budget Reserve for Immediate Disbursements and Governmental Emergencies Fund) which will reserve up to $150 million in contingency funds that can cover short-term emergencies and revenue shortfalls. If we need to return this summer to cover any other shortfalls, we will. It is easy to read a headline and jump to conclusions. The budgetmaking process is extremely complex, and I can promise you all we do have wins this year. I appreciate the input I have received from constituents on these issues.

Check out our events this month!.

On Thursday, June 5th, my office, in partnership with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), will host a webinar on Home Energy Savings + Internet Options and Data Privacy. If you would like to sign up, visit the19thwardmobile.com.

On Tuesday, June 3rd, join Ald. O'Shea and Chicago Police Department 22nd District Commander Brian Kinnane for a telephone townhall beginning at 7pm. To register, please visit the19thwardmobile.com. Registration will close at 4pm on June 3rd.

On Friday, June 13th, my office will host a FREE shred event from 12pm-2pm in the parking lot of Orland Park Public Library (14921 S Ravinia Ave). There is a 2 box or bag maximum per vehicle. Please come by and do some summer cleaning!

On Friday, June 13th, bring any old or tattered flags to our Flag Day Celebration at 7pm in St. Christina Fields (11100 S. Central Park Ave). Local boy and girl scout troops will be there to retire unserviceable flags in a dignified manner.

On Saturday, June 14th, my office will host another shred that is also a prescription drug drop-off event. Unused or expired medication will be disposed of by the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Join us at Crosswinds Church (10835 S Pulaski) from 9am-11am.

On Monday, June 23rd, Senator Bill Cunningham and I will host another Senior Advisory Board meeting at Apollo Recreation Center (12521 S Kostner Ave) from 10am-11am. Please call our office 773-445-8128 to RSVP.

On Saturday, June 28th, please join State. Representative Rick Ryan, State Sen. Bill Cunningham and I for a home insurance seminar with Corbin McGhee of the IL Dept. of Insurance. We will be at Chicago Ridge Library (10400 Oxford Ave) from 12pm-1pm.

The 95th Street Farmers' Market will continue every Sunday from 8am-1pm at 1835 W 95th Street. Come out and shop all the goods! View the full schedule of vendors at 95thstreetba.org.