Dear Neighbor –
Summer is in full swing which means so are the many community engagements that make our area so special. There is no shortage of parades, fairs, and festivals – each of which give us the opportunity to connect and grow with our neighbors.
My mission remains simple: make our neighborhoods the best they can be and keep the community engaged in the process.
This newsletter is filled with important updates, recaps from my first half of summer, my long-term goals, and ways for you to get engaged.
As always, reach out to my office if you have any questions, or would like to have a 1 on 1 meeting with me at 331-218-4182.
Regards,
Amy Grant | State Representative District 47
Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Clinic
Join me for a free Utility Fee Clinic on Thursday, July 27th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Wheaton Library, located at 225 North Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Participants will have the opportunity to review their utility bills on a one-on-one basis with a CUB staff member, giving a perfect opportunity to community members to learn about ways they can reduce their energy bills. Through this CUB clinic, participants will receive information on:
- Spotting unnecessary charges on natural gas, electric, and phone bills
- Energy efficiency programs and rebates that can help lower your utility bills
- Decoding your gas and electric bill, spotting errors, and avoiding scams
Rep. Grant on the SAFE-T Act Ruling
I issued a statement in response to the Illinois Supreme Court ruling that finds the no-cash bail element of the SAFE-T Act as constitutional. The law now makes all defendants eligible for pre-trial release without bail unless a court finds detention is necessary for public safety.
It saddens me that the Illinois Supreme Court has endorsed the no-cash bail component of the highly contentious SAFE-T Act. This ruling endangers the safety of everyone throughout Illinois and may increase the rate of hard-working families and businesses moving out of our communities.
Furthermore, this verdict inadvertently supports the method in which the General Assembly pushed through this significant change to the Illinois Constitution. For a decision of such magnitude to be enacted during an overnight session by outgoing ‘lame-duck’ lawmakers, allowing them to sidestep accountability and insulate themselves from potential backlash from concerned constituents is very unsettling.
Local Governments
The Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) in Illinois, established in 1969, originally allocated 10% of state income tax to local governments.
However, this share dropped to 6% in 2011 and further to 5.45% in 2017 due to economic strains. While the 2024 budget has raised it slightly to 6.47%, I will continue to advocate for a restoration to the initial 10%.
This funding is crucial for local services and programs. Despite claims of a balanced state budget, critics argue local communities are being shortchanged and state budget shortfalls are being covered by reallocating funds meant for municipalities. With inflation, the pandemic’s impact, and increasing pension costs, local governments face growing financial pressure.
I remain committed to supporting local governments as they are more in tune with the needs of their communities. Read more…
Its all about the kids…
Kids Fair
We held our Summer Kids Fair in June and it was certainly special. We had so many kids and families come out and enjoy all the fun we had to offer.
From educational presentations from the DuPage County Children’s Museum, the Brookfield Zoo, and the DuPage Forrest Preserve to popsicles from the local police station or face painting, there was something for every child to remember.
Check out the rest of our pictures from the day of fun here…
Childcare Educators
I took some time to meet with childcare educators from across DuPage County. Listening to their valuable industry experience was really a treat.
In the upcoming legislative session, I plan to work on reforms to the very complicated and confusing process that in-home day care are left to navigate.
Neighborhood Roll Call
Fostering strong and healthy relationships between the community, law enforcement, and first responders is crucial. Not only does it help make our community a happier place, but also makes their jobs easier.
That is why I was excited to participate in Wheaton PD’s June Neighborhood Roll Call, and take a tour of the Warrenville Fire Department.
Wheaton Police and Warrenville Fire always do a great job at keeping the many community events happening in our towns safe and secure!
Rep. Grant Around Town
Special Olympics Pancake Breakfast
Milton Township Food Pantry / Garden
Abundant Children and Family Services – Back to School Fair
Abundant Children and Family Services Agency is giving away free stuffed backpacks to the community this Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 1pm-3pm at The Compass Church in Wheaton (520 E. Roosevelt Road). They will have back to school items for the community such as bookbags, clothes for all ages, youth and adult, vendors, among other basic needs. My office encourages anyone in need of help to stop by this useful event. See flyer for details…
State Representative Amy Grant, is currently in her 3rd term as State Representative for House District 47 where she serves on the following committees: Adoption & Child Welfare, Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing. & Charter Schools; Foster Care Placement Subcommittee, Housing, Judiciary – Criminal, Juvenile Justice and System Involved Youth Subcommittee; and Mental Health & Addiction Committee. The 47th district is made up of several communities in DuPage County, including Naperville, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lisle, Carol Stream, Bartlett, West Chicago, Winfield, and Wayne.