CHICAGO- State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, celebrates the redevelopment plan that will turn a vacant elementary school into stable, affordable and accessible housing in the 4th district. We thank Alderperson Fuentes, the City Council and Mayor Johnson for approving the funding needed to move forward with this project.

“Every day working families are finding it difficult to obtain affordable housing due to rising costs, inflation and displacement,” said Jiménez. “Housing should be accessible to all regardless of income status. I support this ambitious project because it will change the lives of many in our community by allowing more families to raise their children, live and work and retire in their community.”

The Humboldt Village project, first introduced in 2016, was a proposal that would redevelop Von Humboldt Elementary School, a CPS school closed in 2013, into an affordable housing complex. The project secured $66.2 million in funding after there were multiple federal funding delays for affordable housing projects. 

This complex would have over 100 apartments, a fitness room, bike room, a Community Center and more amenities. The apartments would be available for people earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. 

Cases of displacement and rising property taxes continue to limit the housing options for natives of the community.  The Institute for Housing Studies claim that 48% of total households including over 59% of renters in the Humboldt Park  neighborhood spent too much on housing. 

This is more than 30% of their annual income when 70% of Humboldt Park households make less than $100,000 in 2025. 

“As the Chair of the Housing Committee, I see firsthand the housing issues happening in my community and all over the state,” said Jiménez. “I am ensuring that district housing projects remain truly accessible and affordable even when the federal government refuses to help our communities. I am also working every day to protect cultural communities like mine from displacement and gentrification. This project is one that is good for the community and for Chicago as it will improve the access to social and community facilities and even create job opportunities.” 

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. –With colder weather approaching, state Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, is encouraging qualified residents to take advantage of the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program as the application period opens up Thursday, Oct. 1 for those age 60+, individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 or younger and households disconnected from utilities.

All other eligible households can apply starting Nov. 1.

“Shelter is a human right. No family should have to sleep in their winter coats just to stay warm at home,” Grasse said. “Across Illinois, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps our neighbors keep the heat on when winter arrives. When we look out for the most vulnerable among us, we all live in a stronger, kinder community.”

Households that meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. The priority application system is designed to ensure those most in need are able to apply first, a group that is expected to represent more than half of this year’s applicants. This year’s income eligibility is found below:

Additional information and an online application will be available starting Oct. 1 on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at dceo.illinois.gov.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – A measure raising palliative and hospice healthcare cost reporting requirements in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), led by state Rep. Nicolle Grasse, D-Arlington Heights, was recently signed into law.

“Palliative and hospice care in our corrections system is vital, but it too often goes overlooked. At a time when federal funding cuts demand that we look carefully at how we use taxpayer dollars, we need better information to make smart, responsible reforms,” Grasse. “Right now, we do not have a clear picture of end-of-life care costs in Illinois correctional facilities, and those costs can vary significantly. Collecting this data is a common-sense, fiscally responsible step that will help us identify opportunities for more consistent, compassionate and efficient care.”

Continuing her push for smart reforms that promote fiscal responsibility, Grasse sponsored House Bill 4665, which requires the IDOC to include the costs of end-of-life care for people who die of natural causes without hospice or palliative programs in its annual report data. This requirement is an expansion of the Eddie Thomas Act, which requires the IDOC gather and post online other health data on palliative and hospice care for incarcerated individuals.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, releases the following statement regarding patients at Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJH) receiving notice that their health insurance provider, Aetna, will no longer be accepted at BJH or WashU Medicine on Jan. 1, 2027:

“For retired state workers in the Metro East and beyond, Aetna is the only insurance plan available. Countless people in our area count on Aetna to provide Medicare and standard healthcare coverage for everything from routine exams to emergency care to specialized treatment.

“Aetna has begun sending notices that patients are losing coverage for treatments at Barnes Jewish Hospital or through WashU Medicine. Patients will soon be out of network for their primary physicians, specialists and more. Patients currently undergoing cancer treatments at our closest cancer specialist may be forced to pay out of pocket or forgo their lifesaving care. This is absolutely unacceptable.

“Aetna is choosing to abandon thousands of patients who don’t have access to alternative health insurance plans. Health insurance should cover patients unilaterally, not only when the company deems they’ve made enough profit.

“I hope Aetna and BJH can come to an agreement that will continue necessary healthcare coverage for retirees and others across our community who rely on their respective insurance and healthcare. My community’s health is not a money-making scheme. I have implored Aetna privately and now publicly to do the right thing and ensure our community’s access to health insurance is continued.

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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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WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, release the following statement regarding the attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in Aurora this past Sunday: 

“I am deeply disturbed by reports that a Palatine man planned and tried to execute an attack at a Hindu temple in Aurora. No one should have to fear violence, intimidation or persecution because of their faith. Every person in Illinois deserves the freedom to worship, practice their beliefs and gather with their community without fear.

“I commend the community members and law enforcement officials whose actions helped address this alleged threat and protect our community. Their work underscores the importance of taking threats of violence seriously and acting decisively before lives are put at risk.

“Hate has no place in Illinois. Period.

“Antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Hindu hate, racism and every form of religious bigotry must be confronted—not ignored, excused or normalized. An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the fundamental freedoms that bind our communities together.

“As Chair of the Illinois House Gun Violence Prevention Committee, I know that preventing violence requires more than responding after a tragedy. It demands vigilance, responsible policies, strong community partnerships and a willingness to confront threats before they become deadly. We must continue working together to protect our neighbors and ensure that our places of worship remain sanctuaries—not targets.

“To the Hindu community in Aurora and throughout Illinois: you belong here, your faith deserves respect and you have the right to worship in peace. We will not allow hate to dictate who feels safe in our communities.”

WESTMONT, Ill. — State Rep. Marti Deuter, D-Elmhurst, issued the following statement after law enforcement detained a 19-year old individual accused of plotting a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora:                  

“A serious tragedy was avoided this week, one that could have ripped families apart and left a gaping hole in the fabric of our communities. Thanks to the actions of law enforcement and one concerned individual, that tragedy was avoided. It’s important now more than ever that we turn down the hate-filled rhetoric that encourages crimes like these. 

“Diversity is not a weakness of the United States; it is a great strength. I encourage all of us to see friends and neighbors as one community and focus on our similarities and our shared human experience.”

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. –  State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, is congratulating ParkLands Foundation for securing nearly $100,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resource for local conservation efforts.

“I’m so proud of the work ParkLands has been doing to preserve nature in Central Illinois for decades,” said Chung. “We sometimes think of Illinois as miles and miles of farm land, but we’re home to countless native plants and wildlife. Our environment deserves proper stewardship.”

ParkLands Foundation is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Normal aiming to “protect, restore, and manage natural lands” across Central Illinois. The fourth-oldest conservation land trust in Illinois, ParkLands has restored and conserved over 3,600 acres across Woodford, McLean and Tazewell Counties.

ParkLands is receiving $98,340.46 to improve their process of removing invasive species and increase their capacity and presence across four of their preserves, including land, water and nature preservation.

As a member of the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee, Chung has sponsored and supported various environmental efforts, including her law allowing wastewater to be recycled for machine use.

“I love hiking on ParkLand’s trails, on top of appreciating all the work they do to preserve our environment and create spaces for everyone in our community to experience the beauty of the great outdoors,” said Chung. 

Learn more about the ParkLands Foundation here.

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