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.

ALGONQUIN, Ill. -– District staff of state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, will host mobile office hours on Monday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Algonquin Area Public Library District to discuss state updates and help constituents navigate state agencies. 

“Providing my communities with the most up to date news is important as ever, especially for families who can’t always make it over to the Carpentersville office to share concerns or seek help. This mobile office is a chance to update neighbors on what the state is up to, what I’m up to, and how lawmakers alike plan to address top concerns,” said Ness. “My team will be ready to go to answer any questions community members may have, or if they’re needing assistance—we’ll be prepared to help.” 

The mobile office hours will be held at Algonquin Area Public Library District, located at 2600 Harnish Dr. in Algonquin from 10 a.m. to Noon. In addition to community Q&A, state resources will be available for those seeking assistance with unemployment benefits, student loans, small business support, senior services and other services.

Walk-ins are welcome and registration is not required. For more information or to schedule an appointment ahead of the event, please contact info@repsnessil66.com. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators (COWL), is highlighting a literacy forum on Tuesday morning that will bring together legislators, educators and advocates to discuss literacy challenges and identify policy solutions to support teachers and strengthen state reading rates for Illinois students.

“This is a great opportunity to hear from subject matter experts on issues they’re seeing in education and explore ways we can better equip both educators and students to improve literacy rates in areas across the state,” said Ness. “This information is invaluable as we get into the thick of budget negotiations and debate what money goes where to get the best deals for our residents and our local schools.”

The COWL Literacy Forum will take place on Tuesday, March 24 in the Stratton Building, located behind the Illinois State Capitol building, in Stratton Room 413. A complimentary breakfast will be provided from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m..; the main program will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Keynote speakers include Government Affairs Director Jessica Handy of Stand for Children, President Shira Raviv Schwartz of Everyone Reading Illinois, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Ronda Dawson of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and others.

“The state remains committed to strong investments in our local schools, but if we want the best outcomes for our students, it’s important we continue looking at programs that utilize the latest innovations and techniques,” said Ness. “By identifying actionable steps we can take to shore up curriculum, expand literacy programs and resources, and even improve ESL offerings, we’re renewing each and every student's chance to surpass state and national reading expectations.”

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, is inviting Kane and McHenry county residents to join a virtual town hall on Tuesday, March 31 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to discuss legislative updates and state budget developments that directly impact the district.

“This is a perfect opportunity for busy people and families to not only hear what’s happening in Springfield, but to ask questions, share concerns and engage in the democratic process all from the convenience and comfort of their home,” said Ness.

The virtual town hall will take place Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. on Zoom and will be followed by a Q&A. Registration is required. To register, please use this link or email info@repsnessil66.com.

“My team and I have been out and about the community these last few weeks meeting with neighbors and identifying top concerns,” said Ness. “This online town hall is one of the last stops before I head back to Springfield to continue advocating for us—from new families to senior communities. This feedback is so important as I debate budget items that directly affect our patch of the state.”

WEST DUNDEE, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, is holding an informal coffee hour at Elder & Oat in West Dundee on Tuesday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for community members to gather and ask questions or receive state service assistance.

“Being in this role is extremely rewarding, and that’s really due to how engaged my community is. This informal coffee hour is designed to meet people where they are to talk about real issues at hand, or if neighbors want to just stop by and say hello,” said Ness. “As a life-long resident of this area, it’s a priority for me to be out and about in the community to stay connected to the lives of the hardworking families I represent. I encourage anyone and everyone to head over to Elder & Oat on Wednesday, grab a fresh brew and chat with me about things that matter most to them.” 

Ness’ “Coffee in Your Community” hour will be held at Elder & Oat (124 W. Main St.) in West Dundee from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. The event is open to the public and registration is not required. For more information, please contact info@repsnessil66.com. 

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, released the following statement in response to Friday morning’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down significant portions of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff agenda:

“I’m very pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a significant set of tariffs unconstitutionally implemented by President Donald Trump. Our democracy is founded on checks and balances; no one, not even the president, has the power to unilaterally throw our economy on its side. Taxes are Congress’ job. Today marks a step forward in our fight towards restoring affordability for American consumers, manufacturers and small businesses who keep our economy viable, diverse and thriving.”

Studies show that U.S. citizens paid 96% of the tariffs implemented by the federal administration since the beginning of 2025, costing Americans roughly $160 billion, a number that was set to significantly increase in 2026. 

Ness has helped pass several formal resolutions condemning the federal administration’s tariff plan. Most recently, she supported House Resolution 623, which prompts the United States Treasury to issue $2,000 payments to every American household with an annual income below $250,000 to account for the lost wages and savings undone by Donald Trump’s tariff scheme that raised prices for every U.S. family. 

“While this is not an immediate fix, nor will it fully make up the losses felt by so many Americans, it is a step in the right direction,” said Ness.