- Published: Tuesday, March 01, 2022 03:53 PM
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Dear Friend,
With the spring legislative session in full swing, I wanted to give you an update on important measures that I am sponsoring. These past two weeks, the Senate passed a measure to help families afford college through Children’s Savings Accounts, the Too Young to Test Act and legislation to give high schoolers and recent graduates more career options after graduation.
These measures will now go to the House for further consideration, while we wait for House bills to come to the Senate.
In addition, I have included some important resources in our community. Read on for information on tax assistance, job opportunities and more.
As always, feel free reach out to my office for assistance by calling 773-278-2020, sending a text message to 773-207-7838, or sending us a note at www.senatorpacionezayas.com/contact-us.
Sincerely,
Cristina Pacione-Zayas
State Senator | District 20
Resources
The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund application opening soon
Apply for up to $30,000 in emergency mortgage assistance paid directly to your mortgage servicer. Applications will open in April.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority and their partners will begin hosting information sessions to brief homeowners about the ILHAF program. Program information, updates and a schedule of the information sessions can be found at https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf.
Cook County Health seeking advisory council members
Cook County Health is establishing a Community Advisory Council for our new Belmont-Cragin Health Center. The council will have between 10 to 15 members and holds virtual quarterly meetings where they share input with CCH leaders and receive updates from the health system. Learn more and apply here.
We Will Chicago seeking community input
“We Will Chicago” is citywide planning initiative under Mayor Lightfoot to help address social and economic inequities and encourage neighborhood growth. Residents, businesses and organizations can get involved in the planning process – learn more at: https://wewillchicago.com/.
Local School Board application to run due March 4
Last year, I championed legislation to empower Local School Councils. Now, you have the opportunity to apply to run for your LSC.
Apply to run for your school’s LSC by March 4 on the CPS website: https://www.cps.edu/about/local-school-councils/.
Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance Available
The IRS Volunteer Income tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offers assistance to individuals who earn $58,000 a year or less, people aged 60 or older, people living with a disability and taxpayers with limited English-speaking skills.
In Chicago, the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program provides free basic tax return preparation for families earning up to $58,000 and individuals earning up to $32,000 per year.
Individuals with questions should contact IDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Division at 800-732-8866.
Job and Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship opportunities
- Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (Deadline March 4)
- National Puerto Rican Day Parade(Deadline March 26)
Job Opportunities
Events
Don’t miss my next virtual town on March 21! More information to follow.
Live in Avondale and interested in getting involved? Take the community survey and stop by the planning meeting on March 8 at from 6:30-8 p.m. at Avondale Logandale Elementary School, 3212 W George St.
ICYMI: Town Hall and Podcast
I hosted my monthly virtual town hall Monday, Feb. 28. Watch it now on Facebook, and stay tuned for a Spanish translated version!
I also sat down with the Sound of the State podcast to talk about how early childhood education is important for bringing up society’s future leaders. We discuss the state of early childhood care and education in Illinois and how we can support our childcare providers. Listen here or anywhere you stream podcasts: ilsendems.co/359R1b1
