The leaves have turned and the fall season is officially upon us. That means we are now entering one of the most important times of the year for our neighbors in need: Giving Season.
If you know of any community groups conducting a charitable effort this season, please share it with my team so we can help you get the word out.
This email will include information about a basic needs drive happening in Wheaton until the end of the month, along with some other activities I’ve been engaged in across DuPage County.
As always, if you need anything please contact my office at 331-218-4182.
– Amy Grant | 47th District State Representative
Rep. Grant Hosts Law Enforcement Roundtable to Discuss SAFE-T Act Fallout
Nearly one month after the SAFE-T Act took effect, State Representative Amy Grant, hosted a law enforcement roundtable with local police chiefs and law enforcement officers from the 47th District.
The discussion centered around the current status of public safety in DuPage County and the State of Illinois at large.
Specifically, the discussion highlighted the need to support and uplift our police departments and law enforcement agencies. At a time when there’s a clear shift to favor criminals over victims, the emphasis must return to recruiting and retaining dedicated and qualified law enforcement professionals and fixing the problems caused by the SAFE-T Act.
The flaws that still remain with the SAFE-T Act can be fixed if we adopt changes similar to the New Jersey model of pre-trial release. Their model, which is praised by prosecutors, judges, and defense attorneys, grants judges the discretion to keep offenders charged with any criminal offense in jail before their trial.
Click here to read more about public safety in DuPage County…
Illinois Small Businesses Face Sharp Revenue Decline
Illinois tops the nation in declining small business revenues, according to a recent survey by Allignable. A staggering 61% of small businesses in the state reported earning half or less of their pre-pandemic monthly revenues in August, marking a 24% increase from July. This alarming trend is closely followed by Massachusetts and Minnesota, with both states surpassing the 60% threshold.
Nationally, 50% of small businesses are grappling with significant revenue challenges, the largest surge seen this year. Factors contributing to this downfall include interest rate hikes, inflation, and decreased consumer spending. Particularly hard-hit sectors include gyms, beauty salons, and educational services, with 64% of gym owners reporting less than half of their pre-pandemic earnings.
The study was based on feedback from nearly 5,000 small business owners polled between August 5 and 30, supplemented with insights from over 35,000 responses in earlier 2023 studies. Researchers remain hopeful for a stronger Q4.
Rep. Grant Hosts Blood Drive Amidst Blood Shortage in Chicagoland
Major blood suppliers in Chicago, including the American Red Cross of Illinois, Versiti, and Vitalant, have been appealing for blood donations amidst a severe blood shortage that could bring about rationing in hospitals. Post-pandemic disruptions have drastically reduced area blood supplies, with Versiti’s inventory dropping to only 2,800 units, far from its 10,000-unit target.
The situation underscores the importance of regular donations which is why I am always happy to host blood collectors for drive. If you’re prepared to give an immediate donation, please consider donating at versiti.org, redcrossblood.org, or vitalant.org.
Abundant Children & Family Services Basic Needs Drive
Every day, families in our community face tough choices. For some, it’s deciding between essential medicine or basic necessities like toothpaste and shampoo. Others struggle to afford household essentials not covered by their food card.
Will you join me and ABUNDANT CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY shine a light on this issue and donate to their Basic Needs Drive?
The best items to donate can be found at the dollar store or other local retailers. Every item makes a difference.
Here’s what we need:
– Toothbrushes & toothpaste
– Mouthwash & body wash
– Combs & brushes
– Shampoo & conditioner
– Bleach & laundry detergent
– Dish detergent, clothes baskets, toilet paper, and paper towels.
Drop-off your donations between now and October 31, 2023
The Wheaton Oaks Building, 416 East Roosevelt Road. Wheaton, IL 60187
-or –
30 West Liberty Drive, Suite 200. Wheaton, IL 60187
For more information or if you have questions, please visit www.abundantcfsa.org.
Wheaton Multi-Cultural Fest
I enjoyed celebrating our community at the Wheaton Multi-Cultural Festival this past month. Always great to enjoy moments like this with the people who make our community so special!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Sadly, domestic violence is more common than people think. We can all do our part to encourage healthy, safe relationships this Domestic Violence Awareness Month by learning the warning signs of abuse and sharing resources to help.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a free, confidential service that is available 24/7. Learn more about domestic violence and how to get help at https://www.thehotline.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse, call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
Check your Child’s Car Seat
Ensure the safety of your young ones on the road. Car crashes remain a significant threat to children aged 1-13. Statistics reveal that more than a third of kids under 13 involved in car crashes aren’t adequately secured. By using the right car seats, we can significantly reduce risks: lowering infant and toddler fatalities by 71% and 54% respectively. Shockingly, over 100,000 children under 13 face injuries in traffic crashes yearly. Make the right choice for their safety – always check if your child is in the right car seat. Learn more at www.nhtsa.gov/therightseat
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt.
- Women 40 and older should have mammograms every 1 or 2 years.
- Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their healthcare professional whether mammograms are advisable and how often to have them.
- Even women who have no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time.
Learn more about how to schedule a mammogram this National Mammography Day at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/how-to-schedule-a-mammogram/
NEW HELPLINE – 211 DuPage
Do you ever need help but aren’t exactly sure where to go? Then 2-1-1 DuPage is the resource for you.
The new helpline for the county can help residents find what their looking for in a quick and easy way.
The hotline and website can help with some of the following:
Housing and Utility Help; Transportation; Disaster Services; Legal & Public Safety; Health Wellness & Dental; Mental Health; Individual & Family Support; Income & Employment Resources; Education; Veterans; Persons with Disabilities; and Consumer Protection.
Visit the website and check it out for yourself! Home (211dupage.gov)
Tell your legislator to Invest in Kids!
Since its inception, the Invest in Kids program has raised a staggering $283,300,000 and funded nearly 38,000 scholarships. The average family benefiting from this program has an income of approximately $45,000.
Sign my petition to Invest in Kids!
Got questions? Call my office at 331-218-4182
– Amy Grant | 47th District State Representative