- Published: Thursday, May 26, 2022 10:58 AM
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Dear friend,
Good news! COVID-19 booster shots have now been approved for children age 5 to 11, and they are recommended by the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Vaccines are the best way to protect you and your family. Find options to get vaccinated with the Chicago Vaccine Finder or come out to my office vaccine clinic on May 31 from 3-6 p.m. at 3140 W. Montrose Ave.
Additionally, the deadlines for utility and house payment assistance is coming up next week. Read on to learn more and apply for assistance, or also to learn more about legislative measures that were recently signed into law.
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,
State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas | 20th District
Resources
Resources for navigating trauma
Visit my website for a list of resources to help navigate the stress, grief, and trauma associated with recent tragedies in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas, as well as the recent anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.
Update address to ensure you don’t lose Medicaid coverage
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is encouraging Medicaid recipients to update their addresses to ensure you receive all the paperwork you need to keep your health insurance. Updating your address is easy, fast and free—call 877-805-5312 from 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. or visit www2.illinois.gov/hfs/address
LIHEAP assistance available until May 31
LIHEAP funds are still available for eligible households to get help paying for home energy services. This includes assistance with heating, gas, propane and electricity. Illinoisans can still apply through their local administering agency through May 31, 2022. Learn more HERE or call 1-833-711-0374.
Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund application due by May 31
Illinois is accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. Learn more and apply by May 31 at www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf.
Need help with rent payments? Visit here for local assistance resources.
Department of Human Services offers resources for baby formula
As the U.S. confronts a critical baby formula shortage nationwide, IDHS is providing information and answers to the many questions surrounding some specialty and medically-prescribed infant formulas. Learn more and get the resources you may need at www.DHS.Illinois.Gov/BabyFormula.
ISBE Student Advisory Council seeking high school applicants
The Student Advisory Council to the Illinois State Board of Education provides student voice on educational issues. Selected students participate virtually and attend meetings in Springfield throughout the school year. Apply here.
Grants for early childhood education and care organizations
These grants will provide $6 million in funding for local community outreach to increase enrollment. Funding will be based on the number of children under 12 in each county and will range from $24,000–$2,000,000 per Birth to Five region. Learn more and apply here.
Job opportunities
The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is hiring
Are you interested in advancing your professional career related to Illinois government in a fast-paced, inclusive work environment? The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is hiring in both their Springfield office and regional offices across the state. View all job postings at www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/contact-us/employment
Metropolitan Family Services offers a pre-construction training program
Learn more about the construction industry and get coaching on interviews, resume creation and more with this new program through Metropolitan Family Services. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
North Park Village Nature Center hiring Program Specialist
Learn more and apply by June 4 here.
Legislative update
Too Young to Test Act signed into law
Standardized testing has historically served to keep groups out of institutions, and we know that the value in our education system of using these assessments is highly questionable. This law acknowledges well-established brain science research that asserts the fluidity of child development during the early years rendering standardized tests as developmentally inappropriate. Read more.
Making sure incarcerated people have access to information is vital
To ensure a fairer justice system, I spearheaded a measure to allow a person in the state justice system and their attorney to efficiently access a comprehensive record of vital information needed for a person's legal defense. The measure was recently signed into law. Read more.
Two new laws encourage apprenticeships and work in the trades
During the spring legislative session, I was proud to support and sponsor measures to encourage more people to get into the field of trade work through education and apprenticeship programs. Read more.
Crime Reduction Task Force to tackle violence prevention
The root causes of violence do not have just one fix. Having a diverse set of participants, including justice-involved members of the public, people from civil liberties and domestic violence prevention organizations and more will give survivors of violence a true seat at the table in addressing violence in our communities. Read more.
Upcoming Events
June 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 3140 W. Montrose: Free Family Legal Aid Clinic
If you are in need of assistance regarding family legal aid, call 312-986-4105 and leave a voicemail to make an appointment for a legal aid clinic at my district office, 3140 W. Montrose, June 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
