From State Rep. Suzanne Ness:

Illinois State Representative – Suzanne Ness | May 2021

I’m sitting in my Springfield office as I write this.

It’s been a little over 100 days since I was sworn in and I’m excited for all that my office has been able to do in that time.

For the past 3 weeks, the General Assembly has gathered in Springfield to pass months worth of legislation.

I am proud to share that four bills that I drafted and sponsored were passed. (You can find more information on Rep. Ness’ passed legislation below).

Now that these bills have passed through the House, they move on to the Senate for debate and, hopefully, to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

I’ve appreciated hearing from so many of you regarding bills, whether you support them or oppose them.

Hearing your thoughts on issues that matter to you, your family, and our community is essential to the legislative process.

I promise that it makes a difference when I go to make decisions or vote.

In addition to legislation, our office has received 25 unemployment related cases, as well as numerous requests for FOID card services and help securing a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you haven’t received the vaccine yet, and you’d like to, please let my office know. My staff and I are here to serve you and navigate any barriers that are keeping you or your loved ones from getting the vaccine. For example, we successfully coordinated transportation for a couple who were unable to get vaccinated because they didn’t have access to a car.

As more people get vaccinated, the more we can begin seeing each other in person again and enjoying more of all of the amazing things District 66 has to offer together. I’m looking forward to concerts in the park, parades, and festivals. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to getting to connect with you out in our community.

Finally, If you have an issue or need help connecting to resources, reach out to our constituent services office. Even if we cannot directly help you, we will do what we can. Hannah, my amazing District Director, and I, are here and eager to serve.

LEGISLATION

Click on the links below to learn more about the following legislation bills.

• HB 2748-SCH CD-SPECIAL ED-MAXIMUM AGE
• HB 2748 allows for an additional year of in-person learning for students with developmental disabilities, and their families, who have “aged-out” of their schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. That last year is vital to what comes next for many of these students.
• HB 2433-NURSING HOMES-COMPLAINTS
• HB 2433 is a first step to explore collaborative opportunities for local county health departments to work with the State in improving response times and mitigation of nursing home complaints. Residents and their families deserve the sense of security knowing they are being cared for in the best manner possible. This bill also adds accountability requiring the State to report to the GA regarding nursing home complaints.
• HB 2741-IMDMA-STEP-PARENT; COUNSELING
• HB 2741 will serve as an important tool for those who work to protect children in our community. This bill is an example of how different groups can come together to ensure that policies and laws do what they are intended to do. Thank you to Beth Vonau for bringing this important issue to my attention.
• HB 2401-SOS DUTIES-SERVICE OF PROCESS