We all know summer has flown by when the bell rings on the first day of school. On Monday, we saw joyful students and their parents flocking to schoolyards in anticipation of the year ahead.
Team Feigenholtz has spent a huge part of this summer at street festivals, farmers’ markets, and community meetings. With September rolling in, we look forward to seeing you at the many parades, Oktoberfests, eco fests, and one of my favorites, the Midnight Circus in Welles Park.
Summertime is also when the Governor signs legislation into law, which you can read about below.
This year, the legislature focused on providing relief to families who are struggling to make ends meet. Paychecks are not keeping pace with the rising cost of gas, groceries, medication, and rent. We provided some relief at the pump by suspending a portion of the gas tax and implementing a sales tax holiday on school supplies earlier in August.
Below, you can read more about bills I sponsored that the governor signed into law since our last newsletter.
I encourage everyone to spread the word and get neighbors to sign up for our newsletter and follow our fb and Insta pages to stay up to date with events and happenings district-wide.
Warmest Regards,
Sara Feigenholtz
State Senator | 6th District
Legislative Wins
Barriers removed to information for adult children of adopted parents
Illinois is continuing to break down barriers for adults whose lives have been touched by adoption. Public Act 104-0740expands the state’s confidential intermediary program to allow the children and grandchildren of deceased adopted individuals to seek information about their family history, building on a system that has already helped thousands of Illinois families reconnect
with the first chapters of their stories.
For years, I have worked to make this potentially life-saving information more accessible for those whose lives have been touched by adoption.
Illinois’ landmark 2010 law granting adopted adults access to their original birth certificates meant a great deal to adult adoptees seeking information or connection. However, sixteen years later, some very complicated cases have come across our desk, prompting the need for continued reforms.
Expanding the right to self-determination: Supported Decision Making
Illinois is expanding alternatives to traditional guardianship through Public Act 104-0663, which creates clear guidelines for supported decision-making. This allows individuals to choose someone they trust to help them understand information, weigh options, and make decisions about health care, finances, housing, and other important matters while preserving their independence and autonomy.
Everyone deserves the right to make choices about their own life. I was proud to sponsor this legislation to expand supported decision-making across Illinois and ensure individuals have the freedom, dignity, and support they need.
The coveted IEC scorecard is out, and once again, I am proud to have a 100% rating!
Voting to protect our environment every step of the way is non-negotiable.
This score reflects my commitment to fighting climate change, safeguarding clean air and water, and preserving the open spaces we all enjoy.
You can find more information about the Illinois Environmental Council here
Out and About this Summer!
Team Feigenholtz has made community outreach a top priority this summer! From neighborhood meetings and block parties to local festivals and police council meetings, our team has been out in full force — connecting with residents, listening to concerns, and celebrating what makes our community special.
Shred Success
Our August community shred event, hosted in partnership with the offices of Representative Croke, Commissioner Degnan, Alderman Knudsen, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, was a huge success.
Together, we shredded more than 3,000 pounds of paper, recycled various electronics, and safely disposed of expired medications with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Shredding events continue to be the most-requested service among our constituents. We lucked out on the weather, and it was wonderful to see so many neighbors.
These events are a simple way to protect personal information, keep recyclable materials out of landfills, and bring our community together. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
Dearborn Garden Walk
Staff volunteered at the lovely Dearborn Garden Walk, which celebrates the Preservation, Beautification, and Community of the Chicago Near North neighborhood
National Night Out
We joined Team Croke to celebrate the 19th District’s National Night Out, an annual event bringing neighbors, law enforcement, and community partners together to build stronger, safer, and more welcoming neighborhoods
Block Parties
Teams Feigenholtz and Croke have been stopping by block parties around the 6th Senate District, celebrating summer with neighbors along the way
Taco Fest
We had a blast at Taco Fest, joining up with Alderman Lawson’s office. From delicious tacos to great conversations, it was a wonderful day celebrating community
South Lakeview Neighbors Summer Festival
Summer means spending evenings with our neighbors. Thank you to South Lakeview Neighbors for a wonderful Summer Party and for bringing our community together. Looking forward to many more evenings like this
Chicago Cubs Celebrate 150
On August 29, the Chicago Cubs will celebrate 150 years since the franchise’s founding as a charter member of the National League in 1876. Wrigley Field will host a special anniversary celebration during the Cubs’ game against the Reds, capping off a season-long tribute.
To commemorate this milestone, I was proud to pass a joint Senate-House resolution with Representative Kelly Cassidy commending the Cubs and honoring the team’s storied history
Upcoming Events
The 2nd Ward Shredding and Recycling event will take place on Saturday, August 30th from 9-12 p.m. We are also accepting old electronics and prescription medications. Please remember to remove any metal or plastic materials from your papers
Additional Shredding Events
Streeterville: Sunday, September 13 | 9 am to 12 pm – 382 E Huron St – Northwestern University Lot (from Superior to Huron)
Lincoln Square: Saturday September 19 | 9 am- 11 am – Jewel Osco parking lot (4250 N Lincoln)
Lincoln Park: Sunday, September 20 | 9 am to 12 pm – 2121 N Clybourn – SPF Chicago
Come join Alderman Lawson’s annual Senior Picnic, featuring food, refreshments, community resources, and a chance to connect with neighbors and local elected officials. We look forward to another great afternoon celebrating our seniors
Don’t miss the annual WOOGMS Labor Day Parade on September 7th
Lincoln Park Wellness Weekend
Lincoln Park Health & Wellness Weekend is your chance to reset and recharge with free workout classes, a Showcase full of giveaways and mini treatments, and a Health & Wellness Passport that could win you an exclusive swag bag. Come spend the weekend prioritizing yourself in the heart of Lincoln Park
East Lakeview Neighbors’ Oktoberfest – September 26th
Mark your calendar for East Lake View Neighbors’ 26th annual Oktoberfest, happening September 26th at Murphy’s Bleachers with live music, beer, German fare, and a silent auction. Get details and grab your tickets here
Southport Yard Sale – September 19th On September 19, the Southport Neighbors Association (SNA) will host their 4th annual SNA Yard Sale. Click here for more information
Evening on Astor – September 9th
Join Gold Coast Neighbors for their 44th annual Evening on Astor, GCNA’s beloved block party fundraiser, bringing 1,000+ neighbors together on Astor Street for food, drinks, and music. Click here for more information
Midnight Circus is celebrating 20 years under the Big Top! Join them for gravity-defying thrills, boundless joy, & world-class circus! Shows from September 25th to October 4th at Welles Park
