EAST DUNDEE, Ill. – To better support families and hometown food pantries this fall, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, is encouraging community members to participate in her 6th Annual Diaper Drive starting Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Oct. 30.

“Our office’s annual diaper drive is right around the corner! As many of us know, being a new parent is no easy feat. Diapers and baby wipes add up, and in today’s economy, every dollar counts. With our community’s help, local families can receive these essential goods that keep them and their growing families safe and healthy, while also ensuring our food pantries are well stocked for the upcoming months,” said Ness. 

Ness’ 6th Annual Diaper Drive will accept donations Wednesday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 30 and will benefit the D300 Food Pantry, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, FISH Food Pantry, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Food Pantry and the Food for Greater Elgin Food Pantry. Last year, Ness’ drive received 27,725 diapers, 6,480 baby wipe packages and roughly $13,000 to invest in local families and food pantries.

Those interested in donating to Ness’ 6th Annual Diaper Drive can donate online via an Amazon wishlist, here, or drop off supplies at one of the following locations: 

• Algonquin Area Public Library 2600 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
• D300 Central Office 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
• Baird &Warner 1557 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin
• Fox River MedSpa 1543 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin
• Northern Kane County Chamber 20 S. Grove St., Carpentersville
• First Congregational Church 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake
• Alero Financial 1950 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
• Eastside Cafe 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee
• Rep. Ness’ District Office 611 E. Main St., East Dundee

“Thank you to everyone who has made this drive a success in the past and to those who will continue to uplift our efforts the next few weeks,” said Ness. “I’m extremely grateful to continue this drive year after year to directly help the families that make up this community we call home.” 

For more information, please contact info@repsnessil66.com or call 224-484-8620. 

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EAST DUNDEE, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, will launch her 6th Annual Diaper Drive on Oct. 21 through Oct. 30 to support families and hometown food pantries across northwest Illinois communities.

“Our annual diaper drive collects the most essential goods for the families and little ones in our communities who need support. Being a new parent is no easy feat. This drive’s goal is to ensure every baby and every parent has the supplies they need to grow safe and healthy families,” said Ness. 

Ness’ Annual Diaper Drive was first organized in 2021. Last year, Ness’ drive received 27,725 diapers, 6,480 baby wipe packages and roughly $13,000 to invest in families and local food pantries across District 66. This year, the D300 Food Pantry, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, FISH Food Pantry, Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Food Pantry and the Food for Greater Elgin Food Pantry will receive donations. 

If you are interested in donating to Ness’ 6th Annual Diaper Drive, please drop off supplies at one of the following locations: 

• • Algonquin Area Public Library 2600 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
  • D300 Central Office 2550 Harnish Dr., Algonquin
  • Baird & Warner 1557 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin
  • Fox River MedSpa 1543 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin
  • Northern Kane County Chamber 20 S. Grove St., Carpentersville
  • First Congregational Church 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake
  • Alero Financial 1950 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
  • Eastside Cafe 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee
  • Rep. Ness’ District Office 611 E. Main St., East Dundee

Online donations via an Amazon wish list will also be accepted here.

“A huge shoutout to Jacobs High School National Honor Society for their collection efforts this year. The more awareness we can raise, the more support our families here at home can benefit from. Thank you to everyone who has made this drive a success in the past and to those who will continue to uplift our efforts this October,” said Ness.

For more information, please contact info@repsnessil66.com or call 224-484-8620. 

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EAST DUNDEE, Ill. – Improving support for small businesses including farms, processing facilities and food hubs across Kane and McHenry counties, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, is highlighting $287,543 awarded through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program to ensure fresh food remains accessible and affordable to residents.

“With costs continuing to rise, families across Illinois deserve peace of mind knowing that fresh, locally sourced food remains within reach. Tandemly, it’s so important that our local farms and other industry-related businesses have the support and resources needed to keep operations running for the millions of residents they serve,” said Ness. 

Ness was integral to passing this year’s state budget, effectively allocating $1.8 million to the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program. This year, five grants were awarded to four local businesses in Ness’ district, which encompasses towns including Crystal Lake, East Dundee, Algonquin, Sleepy Hollow and Lake in the Hills, to improve infrastructure that will increase market access of Illinois agricultural projects to Illinois communities.

The following small businesses will receive funding: 

• Prairies Edge Garden, LLC will receive $1,959 to complete the installation of a walk-in cold storage facility on the farm. 
• Food for Greater Elgin, Inc. will receive $73,041 to purchase a refrigerated truck and delivery van to support its food pantry, the largest food pantry in Kane County.
• Rustic Road Farm, LLC will receive $75,000 to construct an on-site cold storage and freezer facility to improve the farm’s efficiency. 
• Prairiesburg Fields, Inc. will receive $137,543 to increase freezer and dry storage capacity for Country Village Meats, as well as increasing general freezer capacity for processed meats. 
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“Local farmers and food hubs have had to face major hurdles lately, from illegal tariffs and climate impacts to rising operational costs that threaten small-scale sustainability. I’m thrilled to see these grant dollars invested directly in our community so our local families and businesses can keep flourishing,” said Ness.

Ness voted to create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act in 2024. Grants are eligible for Illinois businesses with 50 employees or less, including nonprofits and local governments. To learn more about the grant or to apply in the future, please visit agr.illinois.gov/assistance/grant-programs.

For more information, please contact info@repsnessil66.com or call 224-484-8620. 

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EAST DUNDEE, Ill. – As co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) of the Illinois General Assembly, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-East Dundee, is encouraging women over the age of 25 to apply for COWL’s 2026 W.I.S.E. Scholarship, a one-year undergraduate scholarship that seeks to support women who have not had the opportunity to begin or complete their education.

“We’re quickly approaching another school season where students nationwide are heading back to school. For many people across the country though, especially women, higher education like colleges and universities are simply out of reach, whether it’s the exorbitant cost or responsibilities like childcare,” said Ness. “COWL recognizes this as an important opportunity to support women over the age of 25, who were never able to or didn’t have the opportunity to complete their education. This scholarship seeks to give women back that chance by providing dollars for tuition, books and other fees, including summer school.”

The 2026 W.I.S.E. Scholarship application is now live and available for Illinois women planning to attend an accredited school in Illinois, are over 25 years of age and did not have the opportunity to complete their education. Those interested in applying can do so at cowlil.com/scholarship-application. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sept. 5, 2026. Approximately 10 women will receive up to $2,500 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

COWL’s scholarship announcement follows Rep. Ness’ recent appointment as an At-Large member to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Women’s Legislative Network Executive Board. COWL and the board held a successful fundraising reception at this year’s NCSL conference in Chicago that brought together over 200 women leaders, legislators and advocates to support the next generation of women in public service.

“This scholarship can be life changing. I encourage women who want to continue or finish their education here in Illinois to take advantage of this amazing opportunity,” said Ness.

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.