ELGIN, Ill. – Encouraging residents from northwest Illinois communities to share their thoughts and stay informed on pending legislation, budget developments and other state issues, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, will host a Town Hall at the Gail Borden Public Library on Monday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

“As summer starts to die down and we transition from community events to gearing up for a fall legislative session in the next few months, it’s more important than ever to create space for families to ask questions, share concerns and stay informed on issues that affect them,” said Ness. “I remain committed to being available, transparent and connected to the residents of my district.” 

Rep. Ness’ Town Hall will take place Monday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. in-person at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, located at 270 N. Grove Ave, in the Meadows Community Room B&C. Registration is not required. For more information, please email info@repsnessil66.com. 

“I believe in meeting people where they are,” said Ness. “With that said, I look forward to engaging with neighbors and answering their questions.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, has been selected to join the Women’s Legislative Network Executive Board of NCSL (National Conference of State Legislatures) as an At-Large member for her dedication to public service.

“It’s an honor to receive this appointment and I look forward to joining the Women’s Legislative Network Executive Board as an At-Large member. This grants a greater opportunity to closely engage with women across the country on shared policy goals and values, while continuing to positively influence participation, empowerment and leadership of women legislators—and those who will follow in our footsteps,” said Ness. “Inclusion is integral to good policy. Thank you to

NCSL and the nominating board for this recognition, which I will use to advance participation and accessibility for women here and nationwide.” Ness’ appointment to the Women’s Legislative Network Executive Board was announced late last week prior to NCSL’s annual convention in Chicago. Ness was formally elected at the network’s board meeting Tuesday.

For more information, please contact info@repsnessil66.com.

EAST DUNDEE, Ill. – An initiative improving disability savings and services for young families and children in Illinois is now law, thanks to work led by state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, who successfully championed a bipartisan measure promoting access to ABLE account cost-saving benefits for Illinoisans with disabilities. 

“This measure ensures every Illinois family has the information needed to plan ahead and plan safely for themselves, a newborn or any other loved one who has a disability. ABLE accounts act just like a college-savings account and allow families to start planning for medical and other expenses relating to their child’s disability as soon as possible,” said Ness.

Ness led House Bill 4620 with bipartisan support this spring legislative session to address a gap in care for young families with children with disabilities who don’t receive adequate connections or resources to services needed most. Ness’ measure addresses this concern by connecting Illinoisans who have disabilities to cost-saving programs early on in their lives, preferably as soon as a patient receives a diagnosis. 

Specifically, the measure focuses on promoting ABLE accounts, which stands for “Achieving a Better Life Experience,” and helps those who have disabilities save for critical expenses, including home adaptations, like ramps, or medical devices necessary for their health and safety. By expanding access to ABLE savings program information, young families and their children can seamlessly plan and save for school, housing and other expenses, as well as earn social security and tax benefits. 

“Many families struggle to find adequate connections and resources that fit their child’s needs,” said Ness. “ABLE accounts act as a bridge to not only connect families to services but let them have the financial assurance that they aren’t going through this alone.”

Gov. Pritzker signed House Bill 4620 into law June 26. The measure goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027. 

ALGONQUIN, Ill. — State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, is hosting a coffee hour at Churros Y Chocolate in Algonquin this Tuesday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to connect with the community in a casual setting and learn more about local concerns.

“This is a very relaxed event where community members can come and go as they choose, discuss issues that matter most to them, all while supporting one of our local businesses,” said Ness. “It’s always been important to me in this role that our neighbors have access to state-level insight and can ask questions about what our government is doing to serve them well. We’ve had great engagement at our previous coffee hours and I hope to see the same levels of participation so we can continue to discuss how our community can reach its fullest potential.”

Ness’ “Coffee in Your Community” event will take place at Churros Y Chocolate, located at 2533 Algonquin Rd., starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Algonquin Police Chief Dennis Walker will be in attendance.

The event is open to the public and registration is not required. For more information, please contact info@repsnessil66.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On the heels of last week’s legislative session adjournment, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, is highlighting a series of bills passing both chambers, landing on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk for consideration to be signed into law. 

“I’m thrilled to see several measures at the very final steps of being signed into law. This spring I prioritized real issues that real people are facing—working to ensure our seniors and aging adults are protected from unlicensed care, supporting our residents with disabilities through enhanced programs, helping families with children with disabilities save for the future, and so much more to strengthen our neighborhoods and community at-large,” said Ness. “There’s more work to do, and I look forward to being back up north, engaging with community members and paving a path for greater change.” 

Ness wrapped up the 2026 spring legislative session by leading the following measures now on the governor’s desk for approval:

• • House Bill 4620 connects young families who have children with disabilities to cost-saving programs, specifically ABLE accounts, as soon as a patient receives a diagnosis; helping plan and save for school, housing and other expenses, as well as earn social security and tax benefits. 

• • House Bill 4612 protects seniors from predatory care by requiring assisted living homes refer residents only to licensed providers and disclose risks of unlicensed care.

• • House Bill 4829 cuts government waste and streamlines Illinois EPA’s authority by removing outdated mandates and a former advisory committee to address new audit findings.

• • Senate Bill 3434 strengthens support for Illinoisans with disabilities by establishing community day services (CDS) to provide social skill-building and encourage residents’ independence in local, public settings.

The above bills passed with bipartisan approval from both House and Senate chambers.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to cut costs and support working families across the northwest suburbs, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, passed this year’s state budget bringing direct relief to Illinoisans with no new taxes and no severe service cuts—while finding new government efficiencies to reinvest in resources relied on most.

“Splitting my time between our Carpentersville community and here in Springfield, I’ve heard countless personal stories of families and individuals across our state that are facing the unthinkable—the current cost-of-living challenge is not just affecting one neighborhood or one community—it’s affecting families statewide,” said Ness. “While the federal government pulls the plug on services helping families make ends meet, and where everyday seems harder and more expensive, I was proud to support this smart yet compassionate plan to set Illinoisans on a path forward in the year to come.”

Facing turmoil from the federal government that’s raised the prices of everything from groceries to gas, Ness is delivering a balanced budget crafted to be fiscally and socially responsible—while trimming $65 million in state government operations to reinvest in Illinois’ most critical state services at risk of federal funding losses or elimination. 

This notably includes a provision to provide direct relief to over 100,000 Illinoisans removed from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to receive a one-time credit of up to $500 and investing in affordable school lunches—so no Illinoisan goes hungry, with a goal of families connecting with food assistance agencies to reactivate benefits.

Additional highlights of the FY27 budget include:

• Freezing the state gas tax to address skyrocketing fuel prices.
• Supporting a back-to-school sales tax holiday to cut costs on clothing, office supplies and hygiene items.
• Investing more than $300 million in new funding for classroom education and full funding for after school programs, while restoring property tax relief grants for schools.
• Fully funding public safety initiatives including homelessness prevention and community-based violence prevention.
• Fully funding safety-net hospitals, with an additional $10 million dedicated to support Federally Qualified Health Centers for the most vulnerable families.

“I know there’s more work to do and I’m ready to get started,” said Ness. “Next step is to head back home to engage with our neighbors on how we can continue to make positive change for the lives of Illinoisans.” 

The Ness-backed FY27 budget was passed by House Democrats June 1 and concludes the spring legislative session. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, is celebrating a local woman’s retirement from an impressive service career as director of the Johnsburg Public Library while also highlighting her fight battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) amid ALS Awareness Month.

“Beth Ryan is well known throughout our community for her wit, kindness and genuine spirit which have touched and continue to touch the lives of so, so many. Beth began her library career over twenty years ago in Woodstock and our community is lucky enough to have had her serve our public library for almost a decade now,” said Ness.

In addition to serving the Johnsburg Public Library, Ryan regularly engaged in community outreach and served as a public library representative on the PrairieCat Administrative Council. House Resolution 909 was passed through the House chamber unanimously to recognize Ryan’s career and to honor her continued fight with ALS during May’s ALS Awareness Month.

“Beth’s recent diagnosis of ALS earlier this year did nothing to change her unwavering positive attitude and trademark sense of humor, and she’s remained a source of profound inspiration to her colleagues and neighbors around our community. It’s absolutely fitting that the state honor her through a formal resolution for the invaluable touch she’s had on countless families, children and residents alike not only in McHenry County but, truly, across the state,” said Ness.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to improve disability savings and services, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, is sending a bill to the governor for consideration promoting access to ABLE account cost-saving benefits for Illinoisans with disabilities. 

“ABLE accounts act just like a college-savings account and allow families to start planning for medical and other expenses relating to their child’s disability as soon as possible. Many families struggle to find adequate connections and resources that fit their child’s needs—ABLE accounts fill that gap,” said Ness. 

Ness’ House Bill 4620 seeks to connect Illinoisans who have disabilities to cost-saving programs early on in their lives, preferably as soon as a patient receives a diagnosis. The measure focuses on promoting ABLE accounts, which stands for “Achieving a Better Life Experience,” and helps those who have disabilities save for critical expenses, including home adaptations, like ramps, or medical devices necessary for their health and safety. By expanding access to ABLE savings program information, young families and their children can seamlessly plan and save for school, housing and other expenses, as well as earn social security and tax benefits. 

“I’m thrilled to see this measure at the very final steps of being signed into law. ABLE accounts have helped people across Illinois save and budget for expenses that can be untenable for even well-off families,” said Ness. “This bill ensures every Illinois family has the information needed to plan ahead and plan safely for themselves or loved ones who have a disability.” 

The bipartisan measure passed unanimously through both House and Senate chambers and awaits the governor’s signature.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators (COWL), is highlighting COWL’s annual Taste of the Capers event this Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the State House Inn located at 101 E. Adams St. in Springfield, Illinois. 

“Being a part of COWL is extremely rewarding as I get to connect with women across the state, whether elected officials, advocates or other powerful leaders that have the same mission as I do—helping our next generation of women obtain their dream education,” said Ness. “Many women face heightened responsibilities starting right out of high school that can affect their ability to go off to college or trade school—caregiving reasons, especially. That’s why COWL’s mission is to uplift these women starting in their mid-twenties so they can return to school and seek the education they deserve.” 

COWL’s Taste of the Capers brings together legislators and advocates to celebrate women in leadership and advocate for women’s continued education. All donations during the event will go towards COWL’s scholarship program, which helps Illinois women starting in their mid-twenties attend an accredited school in Illinois as an undergraduate student, alleviating financial burdens and other obstacles that have otherwise prevented them from continuing their education. 

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the evening. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m., with COWL’s featured program beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Legislative talent, including live music acts, will be featured.

“This is one of COWL’s most anticipated events, and I’m super excited to see this year’s turnout. The proceeds go to an amazing cause of supporting Illinois women who want to make a difference in the world, but just need an extra lift. That goal is what will continue to drive COWL and the dedicated women that contribute to and support our conference,” said Ness. “I hope to see many at the State House Inn on Wednesday!”

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, met with local leaders and elected officials Monday to unveil a new Salvation Army Canteen, a critical addition to the organization’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) unit at The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps Community Center.

“I’m excited for our local Salvation Army center and their renewed ability to aid and assist hundreds of people facing emergency situations like natural disasters with this new and improved canteen,” said Ness. “This simply couldn’t be possible without the help of some amazing EDS Canteen volunteers, many of whom are retired firefighters from right here in our community.”

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) units, established around the state, rely on a team of local volunteers to support first responders and survivors during Illinois disasters, which
frequently include tornadoes, floods and house fires. The new canteen, to be stationed at The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps Community Center, will replace a retired 1998 model and act as a mobile ‘food truck’ equipped with ovens, refrigerators, power and water to prepare and provide hundreds to thousands of meals to distressed communities.

“This new canteen is so important to not only help local families, but also to travel miles beyond our immediate borders to assist other communities hit by disaster. Clean water, hot food and a neighbor’s helping hand is truly irreplaceable in these times of need. As a community, we are beyond thankful for these wonderful volunteers,” said Ness.