SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to lowering costs for working families, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, advanced legislation this week to freeze utility surcharge rates while increasing access to low-income discount rate programs for gas and electric bills. 

“For families across our state, the rising price of everyday expenses is becoming a growing concern,” said Faver Dias. “With this legislation, we’re working to address this issue by lowering utility costs for working families.”

Faver Dias’s House Bill 4456 expands eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to 300% of the federal poverty level, allowing individuals with an annual income of up to $47,880, or a family of four with a household income of up to $99,000 to qualify for relief.

The measure also tackles utility surcharge rates that have been rising and becoming a growing concern for working families throughout Illinois. The legislation would permanently prevent an expected surcharge rate increase – providing long-term financial relief for all ratepayers. Altogether, House Bill 4456 would save consumers around $32 million statewide, according to Legal Action Chicago. 

“LIHEAP is an important lifeline for families throughout Illinois,” said Faver Dias. “It’s time that we allowed more people to apply and receive the support they need. That way they can focus on what really matters, instead of stressing about whether or not they can pay their utility bill.”

Additional information about LIHEAP, including how to apply, is available at https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/utilitybillassistance.html. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. 

This legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hoping to provide critical support to mothers and their newborn children, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, passed legislation Wednesday that would identify and create a support system to provide short-term universal newborn home visiting services. 

“For many of us, when we think about pregnancy and newborns, we’re reminded of some of our most cherished memories,” said Faver Dias. “But for many women, it can be an incredibly difficult time with stress, long nights and heightened emotions, especially if the mothers do not have a support system.”

House Bill 4606 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to identify, develop and manage administrative infrastructure needed to support existing and future short-term universal newborn home visiting services. 

By Jan. 1, 2028, IDHS may do the following:

• Create a list of voluntary universal newborn home visiting models,
• Coordinate with relevant state agencies to support the implementation of state-administered funding for local programs that support universal newborn home visiting, and
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to design infrastructure to support universal newborn home visiting services.

“Becoming a mother is one of the most difficult and rewarding things that I have ever done,” said Faver Dias. “I want to make sure that every woman going through the same process has a support system that lets them know that they aren’t alone. That’s what this legislation is all about, creating the foundation for new mothers to feel supported and seen.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to reduce the spread of inaccurate health information, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, is backing new legislation that would establish an expert team under the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor and counter the distribution of health misinformation damaging to Illinois residents and consumers. 

“Right now, accessing information has never been easier,” said Faver Dias. “But that also means misinformation is becoming more widespread, as noncredible sources can share their opinions and advice. This can be dangerous, especially in the medical field, where wrong information can have serious consequences. That’s why this legislation is so important, it allows us to take direct measures to tackle health misinformation hurting Illinois families and residents.”

Faver Dias backed House Bill 4596, which would establish the Health Misinformation Response Unit under IDPH to monitor the spread of health misinformation on social media, community forums or other web or news sources, in order to develop effective countermeasures, like public health advisories. The legislation aims to protect Illinois’ credibility as a repository of reliable health information, during a time where health decisions out of Washington are increasingly politically aligned, rather than evidence-based.

By utilizing state grants to implement health literacy programs, House Bill 4596 seeks to recruit and train messengers within the new unit to assist with communicating accurate health information to the public, while providing accurate sources for residents. This ensures that the health information sent out to the public comes directly from reviewed sources and is strictly science-based. It also establishes that entities who violate this Act will be held accountable and punished under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. 

“People need to have trusted sources for medical information,” said Faver Dias. “And that’s what we’re trying to deliver with this legislation. As misinformation continues to spread, it’s our responsibility to provide people with information that they can trust and rely upon to be accurate and reliable.”

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GRAYSLAKE, Ill. – On Monday, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, hosted an event with House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, at Carillon North, a senior living community, to share legislative updates focused on older adults.

“Having the opportunity to host these events is just so important to ensuring that people’s voices are heard,” said Faver Dias. “When I’m down in Springfield, I want to make sure that I am representing my district and solving problems that are affecting my community. It’s also important that I’m able to share legislative updates with constituents to give them peace of mind and let them know that they are my top priority.”

During the event, Faver Dias and Welch discussed legislation that plans to tackle senior issues and affordability. This includes House Bill 1867, which would allow the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption’s maximum income limitation to be adjusted each year by an annual cost-of-living increase. 

“No matter what phase of life someone is in, they deserve to feel recognized by their government,” said Faver Dias. “When we host these events, we’re providing people with the space to be seen and heard, while we also gain the opportunity to learn how to best serve them and their needs.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, released the following statement after Governor J.B. Pritzker’s annual budget address on Wednesday:

“Today we begin the process of developing a responsible and compassionate state budget that furthers the lives of working families by prioritizing key issues, such as affordability, health care, and school funding.

“Having once worked in the classroom, I understand how essential it is that schools have the resources they need to help our students thrive. Whether it’s ensuring that buildings and equipment are updated, or investing in quality staff to make sure each student receives the attention they deserve, we need to do all that we can to unlock the potential of every child.

“Supporting immigrant service organizations is also going to be a top priority for me, because it’s crucial that our state provides them with the funding and services they need, even when the federal government is against them. Our budget is meant to support everyone in Illinois, including people just starting their application to be a US citizen. 

“This budget document is going to reflect our values, and it’s critical we take a balanced approach that strengthens and uplifts our local communities. I look forward to reviewing the governor’s outline in detail, and ensuring our area’s voice is well heard as we develop a final plan.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In advance of Gov. JB Pritzker’s 2026 Budget Address, the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus released this statement outlining their budget priorities for promoting equity and opportunity despite attacks from the federal government:

“Major priorities for our caucus during the budget crafting process will include defending the rights of women, children and vulnerable communities, and promoting a future where privacy for women seeking an abortion is not at-risk, where women living under threat of domestic abuse have an economic safety net to support them if they leave, where single moms don’t have to work non-stop to afford childcare and where every woman can live a life of equity and opportunity,” said Caucus Chair, state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights. “Our caucus will not stand by while the Trump Administration targets millions of women with a misogynistic agenda designed to strip essential rights from women and claw back decades of progress for women and families.”

“At a moment when Washington is advancing cruel and reckless cuts, Illinois must lead with compassion and responsibility,” said Caucus Treasurer, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. “The IHDWC budget priorities are clear: protect access to healthcare so families can see a doctor, safeguard SNAP so no child goes hungry and preserve childcare subsidies so working parents can stay in the workforce. We refuse to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Illinois Democrats will continue to invest in people, stabilize communities and mitigate the real harm caused by extreme federal policies.”

“As we begin the budget process, we are committed to working relentlessly to ensure that the programs and legislation that support women and children receive the critical funding they need to succeed,” said Caucus Secretary, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake. “Illinois has a long and proud history of strengthening and protecting women’s rights, and we intend to build on that legacy. Despite the noise and chaos at the federal level, the women of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus remain laser focused on advancing policies that uplift the women, children and families of our state.”

“The Women’s Caucus remains committed to protecting the rights we’ve worked tirelessly to secure, especially in an anything-but-ordinary year where the current administration continually seeks to undermine them. It is also vitally important that we continue to provide services to our most vulnerable citizens—children, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and low-income seniors,” said Caucus Vice-Chair, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville. “With the uncertainty surrounding federal dollars, it’s vital that the state utilize our resources to the best of our ability without undermining or losing ground on all the important work we’ve done the past several years.”

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. – State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, has issued the following statement in response to the violent acts of ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota and across the country, as they have directly led to several deaths. 

“Over the weekend, I was sickened to learn that ICE agents had killed another human being. Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, was attempting to help a woman stand when Border Patrol agents shoved him to his hands and knees, and then shot him 10 times in the back. There is no place on Earth where that could ever be considered moral or acceptable behavior.

“Not only was Alex Pretti a strong advocate for human rights, he was also a VA nurse and a beloved son, and I am sending his parents love and healing as they mourn their son. Tragically, his family is not the only one facing bitter loss at the hands of federal immigration agents. Renee Good was killed two weeks ago by antagonistic ICE agents, leaving behind her parents, wife and children. 

“Minnesota isn’t the only state to feel the brutality of these federal immigration agents. In Los Angeles, Keith Porter Jr., a father of two, was killed by an off-duty ICE agent. Many more have died in ICE custody, including Luis Beltrán Yáñez–Cruz, a grandfather, who had been living in the United States for decades before he was detained. Geraldo Lunas Campos, a father of four, was also killed in ICE custody, with his death being ruled a homicide. 

“These deaths are inexcusable, and it is morally and Constitutionally wrong. Federal immigration officials are acting well outside of their purview and with minimal training, which has allowed them to act in ways that no official should ever consider appropriate. They’re supposed to be protecting the people of the United States, and instead, they are actively harming them.

“Anyone who sets foot on U.S. soil is protected by their Constitutional rights, but ICE and Border Patrol agents blindly and arbitrarily ignore these rights— the very foundation of our country— as they inflict fear and terror on fellow American citizens.

“We cannot stand by as their actions continue unchecked. Our protests need to be heard. While I will do everything in my power to help the people of Illinois at the state level, I urge you to call your federal representative and senator and let them know that you are watching and this cannot continue. From my office, I will continue to do everything I can to protect the people of Illinois, and I will seek accountability for those who are persecuting U.S. citizens.”

SPRINGFIELD, ILL – Faver Dias issued the following statement after two U.S. citizens working at a Minnesota Target were aggressively detained by federal agents during an immigration operation:

“This situation is beyond gutting to me. I have young boys, and this could have been them—caught in a horrific situation simply for being at their place of work and doing what they are supposed to do. What’s even more heartbreaking is that this has become our reality: federal agents violating people’s constitutional rights just because they look a certain way. Hate should have no home anywhere in America, yet since Trump became president, he has helped normalize it to push his own agenda. We must continue to do everything we can to protect our rights.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.— State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D–Grayslake, will continue her fight for the health and safety of local children and schools in the coming legislative session with new legislation strengthening notification requirements for pesticide applications near sensitive areas.

“We want to make sure that our vulnerable populations are taking the necessary precautions against pesticide exposure,” Faver Dias said. “In order for them to do that, they must be notified in a timely manner that pesticides will be used nearby so they can make informed decisions about their health and safety.”

Faver Dias’ House Bill 1596 requires certified pesticide applicators to provide written or email notice at least 72 hours before applying pesticides near schools and parks located within half a mile of the application site. The law also outlines additional notice requirements to ensure that communities are informed and protected.

The goal is for both applicators and the public to understand their rights and responsibilities.

GRAYSLAKE, ILL — A new law signed on Thursday will provide Illinoisans immediate and long-term utility bill relief by bringing down energy costs, thanks to legislation supported by state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake.

“We want to build a more reliable and equitable energy system for the future,” Faver Dias said. “That’s why this legislation is a win for every Illinois family struggling with high energy costs: it invests in clean energy, makes energy-efficiency programs more accessible, lowers utility bills, and creates jobs.”

Over the last year, many Illinois residents have grappled with untenable utility bill costs. Senate Bill 25, The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, puts Illinois on better footing to counteract rising energy prices by tapping into:

• Capturing clean energy: By capturing and redistributing energy already being produced, including from home solar panels, Ameren and ComEd customers can see immediate relief on monthly costs.
• Increasing battery storage: By building out our grid to increase the state’s battery storage, power systems will become more reliable and affordable to power millions of Illinois homes.
• Investing in energy efficiency programs: Senate Bill 25 directly expands energy efficiency programs for residents, lowering electricity prices by reducing overall demand, and improves equity in programs by allocating a minimum amount of funds to support low-income customers.

Additionally, the measure will create up to 115,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs caused by federal cuts.

Senate Bill 25 was signed Thursday.