CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is partnering with Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi to host an Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment webinar Dec. 22 and is encouraging everyone who needs assistance to participate.
“Property taxes are expensive, and the assessment process is confusing,” Martwick said. “We’re offering this free webinar to help people understand more about the taxes they’re paying and to answer questions about how to appeal.”
This free online webinar will explain the property tax appeal process and help people appeal. The commissioner and Sen. Martwick will be giving a brief presentation on the subject, and an analyst will be available to answer questions.
Residents can visit www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/vabonargi to register for the webinar or file an appeal. Appeals are currently open in Jefferson Township.
Anyone who needs an appeal form mailed to them can contact Martwick’s district office at (773) 286-1115 or email
On behalf of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, we want to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
As 2020 comes to a close, we’re looking ahead to the measures taking effect Jan. 1, 2021. In the new year, diabetes patients can expect lower out-of-pocket insulin costs, survivors of domestic violence can conceal their personal information from their abusers, and more—read the full list of new laws:
Bill Number | Sponsor | Description |
HB 2708 | Munoz | Creates a process for using DNA to attempt to identify and locate a missing person |
HB 2818 | Glowiak Hilton | Allows sexual assault and stalking survivors to participate in an attorney general-managed address confidentiality program |
SB 0667 | Manar | Creates consumer price caps for insulin for many in-state insurance providers |
SB 0687 | Hutchinson | Would have created income tax brackets, had the Fair Tax amendment passed |
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We also want to draw attention to some laws you might have missed during this unprecedented year, including new road safety measures and a more inclusive, civic-minded curriculum for public school students.
Take a look at these recent legislative highlights below.
Three members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined together to speak on behalf of residents struggling to stay healthy and pay their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn yesterday.
Together, they urged Gov. Pritzker and fellow members of the legislature to close corporate tax loopholes to preserve education, health care and other essential community services.
“People in Illinois are in extreme pain,” said State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Black Caucus, whose district stretches from Chicago’s loop to the Indiana border. “While so many people struggle, 651 billionaires saw their combined wealth jump over a trillion dollars during this pandemic. They are so rich that they could give every American $3,000 and still have more money than they had at the start of the pandemic. It’s time for those who have made money hand over fist to pay their fair share.”
Read more: Manar, Peters, and Villivalam call for the closure of corporate tax loopholes
GLENVIEW – To help Illinoisans enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) partnered with the Conference of Women Legislators and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to host a virtual Q&A on coping with mental health challenges over the holidays.
Senator Fine was joined by NAMI Illinois State Program Director Teri Latter and Professor Mary E. Garrison, a professor of social work at Millikin University, who offered expert advice to help residents stay well during times of stress. State Representative Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) and State Representative Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) also joined the conversation.
“We are in the middle of a holiday season like no other, and it’s critical that we have the tools and resources to care for our mental health during this time,” Senator Fine said. “I learned so much from Teri and Mary about how to process the emotions we’re all experiencing, and I hope others can watch the video and benefit from the conversation as well.”
The panelists discussed ways to manage a variety of common stressors facing families this year, including being separated from loved ones and maintaining holiday traditions during the pandemic.
“There's no doubt that the holidays, while being a great time for family gatherings and celebrations, are often fraught with stress, anxiety and even depression. Layer COVID on top of that, and many people will be struggling this year,” Latter said. “That's why it's so important to acknowledge that, take care of ourselves and have frank discussions on how to manage things so that the holidays can be enjoyable for everyone.”
Legislators also asked about helping older adults feel included even when they can’t physically be together, negotiating personal relationships in a divisive political climate, and dealing with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and burnout.
The Q&A was cosponsored by the Conference of Women Legislators, a bicameral, bipartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of all Illinois women through state, local and federal initiatives.
“It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Stay in tune with your emotions, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support,” Senator Fine said. “If you’re feeling hopeless or overwhelmed—or even if you just need someone to talk to—NAMI Illinois can help.”
A recording of the conversation is available here.
For more information on support groups, webinars and other resources NAMI offers, visit NAMIIllinois.org or call 1-800-950-NAMI. Those in crisis can reach anonymous, confidential support 24/7 via the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
SPRINGFIELD – Law enforcement agencies can face roadblocks with collecting DNA samples when trying to locate missing people, but now that process will be a bit easier thanks to a measure passed by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).
“DNA testing can help reunite missing people with their families,” Munoz said. “If a family member of yours is missing, you can now provide DNA samples to law enforcement to help find them.”
CHICAGO – As Chairperson of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is urging drivers to visit the Department of Transportation’s GettingAroundIllinois.com to track winter road conditions.
“With winter weather and the pandemic, staying home this holiday season is the safest option,” Villivalam said. “If you have to travel, though, make sure your path is safe by visiting Getting Around Illinois for instant updates.”
GettingAroundIllinois.com is available online and optimized for smartphones. Road conditions are recorded by plow drivers out in the field and relayed via network to GettingAroundIllinois.com to provide an up-to-date general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.
Holiday travelers should also make sure they have emergency items in their vehicle in case of a weather emergency or breakdown. The National Safety Council recommends every vehicle have a blanket, first aid kit, spare tire and tools, jumper cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in case of emergency.
BUFFALO GROVE — As the colder months begin and more people are struggling financially due to the ongoing public health crisis, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting a winter coat drive to help families in need stay warm.
“Winter coats can be quite expensive — especially for families who have multiple children,” Johnson said. “It’s getting cold, and there are many people who don't have coats – including some children who are wearing coats that don't properly fit them. Please help our community by donating new coats this year.”
To make it more convenient for people to donate, Senator Johnson will host a number of temporary drop-off locations throughout the district.
The dates and locations are as follows:
Senator Johnson’s office will be wearing masks and following COVID-19 protocols at each location. People who would like to donate can simply pull into the parking lot and hand the coats off through their car window.
Donated coats will be given to a number of non-profits and townships in need throughout the district.
Anyone with additional questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-4395 or
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, hosted by the Joint Caucus of Black Elected Officials and the Illinois Urban League Affiliates, will host a virtual town hall to inform community members about their plan to rid the state of systemic racism and seek public input. It will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The four pillars of the plan include:
Read more: Black leaders and Urban League seek public input on efforts to end systemic racism
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