SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Northlake, issued the following statement upon the General Assembly’s adjournment this week:

“This spring legislative session has been entirely unprecedented. Early this year, my colleagues in the House joined ranks to bring an end to the decades-long leadership of the former Speaker by uniting to elect Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch as Speaker of the House for the 102^nd General Assembly. The time for new leadership and a new perspective is paving the way for an honest and open exchange of ideas in Springfield.

“Members of the General Assembly on both sides of the aisle have risen to the occasion and acted in good faith to adapt to remote committee hearings, which is unlike anything we have been accustomed to in the past. We have agreed on many issues facing Illinoisans far and wide by passing countless proposals which are creating jobs, putting Illinoisans back to work, and getting our economy back on track. We have also agreed to disagree at times, but we all share a fundamental willingness and desire to move Illinois forward for those who call it home.

“Our state’s budget lives within its means and is reflective of the challenging moment we are in. Honest and bipartisan negotiations have been held to identify budgetary efficiencies and cost savings, while ensuring essential services are maintained to care for the vulnerable, fund our schools, and reduce the tax burden on working Illinoisans trying their level best to rebound from the pandemic.

“I look forward to working in good faith with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle as we continue to enact meaningful and lasting reforms which are in the collective interest of Illinoisans across the state.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, co-chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, issued the following statement after the governor’s State of the State Address:

“For three years, the governor has time and time again ignored his duties, and blamed everyone else but himself for his inability to work across the aisle. It took Democrats and Republicans to come together—despite the governor’s objections—to pass a balanced budget that funds the programs and services that help Latino families succeed.

“As members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, our priorities are to make sure that working families have equal access to jobs and economic opportunity, education, quality health care, and social supports. Yet, while Donald Trump forced through his tax hike on working families and attempted to snatch health care coverage away from millions of Illinoisans, Governor Rauner stayed silent. When Donald Trump eliminated the DACA program and has since attempted to fuel hatred and fear towards Illinois’ 42,000 DREAMers, Governor Rauner has stayed silent.

“Illinois is our home and we want to maintain the state’s role as a leader of Latino advancement; but we cannot do that with a governor who lacks the courage to speak up on behalf of his citizens. It’s time for Governor Rauner to recognize that he is in charge, and start acting like it. There is a lot of work to be done and we are committed to work cooperatively to ensure that this year’s agenda addresses the issues that will improve our communities and ensure that every child has a clear path to a bright future.”

ADDISON, Ill. – Although many in the community will be celebrating with their family and friends this holiday season, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, reminds residents to think of those in need within their community.

“Unfortunately, many individuals and families in our community are struggling or are without homes this winter,” Willis said. “By giving in our community, we can help make the quality of life better for more people.”

To help others in need, residents can donate and volunteer with organizations such as local food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters.  Some places to donate are the Wooddale Food Pantry in Bensenville and the St. Joseph Food Pantry in Addison.  December 21^st is also National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day, where Americans are encouraged to look at ways of helping those without homes and to remember a demographic that is often overlooked or even ignored.

“Our residents should look out for their neighbors who may not be in the best place,” Willis continued. “Through donations and volunteering, our area will become a better place and we can help lift-up those in need.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77^th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.

ADDISON, Ill. – With environmental pollution on the rise and climate change an ever-growing threat, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, is urging residents to do their part to keep the air clean in observance of Clean Air Day.

“The negative impact of pollution in the air is undeniable,” Willis said. “Although we may not be able to repair the damage we have already caused, it is our responsibility to take steps to prevent more damage from occurring in our atmosphere.”

Clean Air Day commemorates the passage of the Clean Air Act, which was signed into law on December 17^th, 1963.  The law put more regulations in place to protect the environment as well as authorized government entities to research the effects of pollution on the environment.  Area residents can do their part by reducing the pollution that they put out on a day to day basis.

“Our residents can take simple measures such as conserving energy within their home as well as using mass transit during their commute,” Willis continued. “Air pollution is an issue that negatively impacts all of us, so we must work together to prevent the threat from growing.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77^th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.

CHICAGO – As a way to inform constituents about the issues affecting Illinois’ Latino community, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation (ILLCF) will host a Town Hall Meeting on Friday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 pm at Northeastern Illinois University’s Alumni Student Union Building, located at 3701 N. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago.

“Due to the times we’re living through, it’s important that we communicate the steps that we have taken to ensure that regardless of what happens in Washington, the Latino community can continue to prosper in Illinois,” state Rep. Fred Crespo, Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus said. “Our goal is to give the community a clear understanding about what’s happening in Springfield and answer any questions families may have. I encourage everyone to join us and be a part of the conversation so we can make sure that all voices are being heard in Springfield.”

Join the ILLCF, and business and community leaders to discuss the extraordinary year in politics, and be part of the discussion about the issues affecting the Latino community, including the economy, education, healthcare and immigration. Additionally, elected officials will be on hand to discuss how they have taken action at the state and local level to mitigate the effect of harmful policies being pushed at the federal level.

The event will be moderated and live streamed on Facebook by Univision Chicago. Admission is free, but attendees must register online at www.illcf.net

For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.illcf.net or call 224-366-8512.

NORTHLAKE, Ill. – As the next school year approaches, and the state still does not have the required evidence-based education funding formula in place, Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, issued the following statement:

“The bi-partisan state budget that cuts billions in spending and supports vital services requires a fair and equitable evidence-based funding formula to be in place for K-12 programs because we need to ensure that every tax dollar that is spent is being used fairly and efficiently.

“Senate Bill 1 will make sure that schools that serve poor students are getting the resources they need, while also protecting funding from other schools to make sure we are not pitting districts against each other.  This measure, will help prioritize investments in education, an area where Illinois is severely lacking.

“Despite the urgency of putting an equitable evidence-based funding model in place, Governor Rauner instead wants to play politics and veto the measure, thus severely compromising the abilities for schools to open for the new school year.  This is reckless and will have dire consequences for our children and working families.  I urge residents to call Governor Rauner at 217-782-0244 and tell him to keep his hands off our schools.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77^th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.

MELROSE PARK, Ill. – Local residents will be able to attend a free seminar hosted by state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, and learn the step-by-step process to appeal their property tax assessments and seek a lower amount owed on their bill.

“I hope residents take advantage of this free event to learn about ways they can save money on their property tax bills,” said Willis.  “Since taking office, I hold this event annually and there have been many families who attended and ended up saving money.”

The free event will take place on July 20th at 6:00 p.m. at the Melrose Park Village Hall, located at 1000 North 25th Avenue.  Officials from the Assessor’s Office will be on hand to help residents understand the process of appealing the assessed value of their homes.  The property value as assessed determines the amount owed on the tax bill, and residents can oftentimes receive a lower assessment upon appeal, meaning fewer taxes are paid by the appealing homeowner.  Residents will be able to submit their appeals on-site to the Cook County Assessor’s Office.  Attendees are urged to bring their recent property tax bills and valid forms of identification.  Residents are urged to call Rep. Willis’ constituent service office with any questions or concerns regarding the event.

“Since taking office, I have been a staunch advocate for property tax relief for our region,” said Willis.  “This fight continues for a state-wide property tax freeze in Springfield, but in the meantime I urge local residents to take advantage of this event and seek some immediate relief.”

 Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.

NORTHLAKE, IL – As the General Assembly seeks to reconvene in Springfield for a special session, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, released the following statement.

“With the passage of the regular session deadline, any solution to the budget impasse is going to need bi-partisan support and that means both sides must be willing to take the tough votes for what everybody agrees needs to be done.

“Since taking office, I have always worked to fashion bipartisan solutions to the issues that our state is facing. This budget impasse poses the greatest threat to the stability of our state in modern history and we must be willing to do what is necessary to get the job done.

“The calling of the special session and the release of the Republicans’ so-called ‘compromise’ rings hallow when taken with the fact that on the same day as the plan was unveiled, the Republican Party sent mail pieces into certain districts attacking Democratic members of the legislature. I believe actions speak louder than words, and the actions of the Governor and the Republican Party that he funds demonstrate an unwillingness to work together and intent to use the special session as a political exercise.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.

NORTHLAKE, Ill. – In an effort to fix Illinois’ outdated school funding formula, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, helped pass legislation that changes the current method of education funding and brings more money to local schools.

“The disparity between wealthy and struggling school districts is growing due to our flawed funding formula,” Willis said. “The plan I support will increase state funding for schools in Addison, Bensenville and Melrose Park. This will give our schools the tools they need to ensure all students in our community can receive a world-class education.”

Willis helped pass Senate Bill 1, which makes data driven changes to the state’s school funding formula. The new formula takes into account various factors including teacher to pupil ratio, technology costs, the number of low-income students and English learners. Additionally, the legislation factors in the ability for local taxpayers to contribute to school districts. This means that more financial assistance and state money will go to districts with greater need.

“Not a single district in the state will lose money under the new formula,” Willis said. “Schools in our community will receive over $3 million in additional funding that will lead to reduced class sizes, improvements in technology and better access to resources for English language learners. Students, teachers and the community as a whole will benefit from this vital reform.”

For more information, contact Willis’ full-time constituent service office at 708-562-6970 or email RepWillis77@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, is backing a resolution in Springfield to urge the United States Congress to stop efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and to instead expand Medicare coverage to residents in Illinois.

“We have seen the facts how many people will lose coverage under the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and how devastating it will be to people with pre-existing conditions,” said Willis.  “We need to let our representatives in Congress know that people’s lives are at risk and we cannot play politics when the stakes are this high.”

House Resolution 445 urges the federal government and President Trump to oppose the American Health Care Act, the replacement plan put forth by Republicans as an alternative to the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.”  The Republican replacement plan would allow states to waive coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.  It is estimated that millions of Illinois residents could lose healthcare coverage with the passage of the American Healthcare Act.

“Illinois has a lot on the line in the healthcare debate,” said Willis.  “We need to send a strong message that stripping the healthcare from millions of people is reckless and we will not stand for it.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.