This month I secured $12.2M in Community Project Funding for our district! Welcome to my March wrap-up newsletter

March Update in white text over a blue background

Dear friend,

Happy spring! Welcome to my March wrap-up newsletter. Early this month, President Biden delivered his third State of the Union Address, and I was proud to bring my constituent Abby Favro as my guest. Abby works at Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and does crucial work to ensure that people in Illinois and those traveling to our state seeking abortion care and reproductive care are able to access the services they need. We met with other Members of Congress who brought guests fighting for reproductive rights and spoke to the media about the importance of these issues.

I was also proud to secure $12.2 million in Community Project Funding for 14 projects as part of an appropriations package for fiscal year 2024 that passed a few weeks ago. Below is a map of the projects that were funded this year.

At the bottom of this email you will find information on upcoming events my office is hosting, including opportunities for youth!

Touring the PAV YMCA

I visited the PAV YMCA in Berwyn with State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid. We met with staff and volunteers and learned more about the incredible work they do at this important community hub.

Fighting for Reproductive Rights

Since Roe was overturned, Illinois has become a safe haven for reproductive rights. I convened a roundtable with special guest State Senator Celina Villanueva and leaders in our community who are doing important work to protect and expand reproductive rights.

Supporting the EPA's Investigation into Collateral Channel Pollution

The Southwest Side of Chicago has long been a dumping ground for the city's industrial waste, including the Collateral Channel in Little Village. My constituents have complained about its foul smell and associated headaches and nausea—health concerns I echo. In partnership with state and local elected officials, I led a letter urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a thorough investigation of Channel pollution and plan for remediation. You can read more about the letter here.

Upcoming Events

April 15th: Property Tax Exemption Workshop

My team and special guests from the office of the Cook County Assessor will be providing individual assistance to those looking to apply for property tax exemptions. Assistance is by appointment. Please RSVP here.
Time: 5pm - 8pm CT

Location: Office of Congressman García | 125 N. 19th Ave, Suite A, Melrose Park, IL

April 20th: Citizenship Workshop

Ready to become a U.S. Citizen? Join us for our monthly Citizenship Workshop. This workshop is by appointment only. To register, call 773-475-0833 or 773-342-0774.

¿Listo para convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense? ¡Acompáñanos a un taller de ciudadanía! Este taller es solo con cita previa. Para registrarse llame al 773-475-0833 o al 773-342-0774.

Congressional Art Competition

Calling all high schoolers in Illinois’ 4th Congressional District! Submit your original artwork for a chance to have it displayed in the U.S. Capitol. My office is accepting submissions for the Congressional Art Competition until April 19th at 11:59pm CT. For details and submission information, click here.

District Summer Internship

We are now accepting applications for summer interns in my District offices! This is an opportunity to develop professionally, learn office management skills, and serve the people of Illinois’ 4th Congressional District!

The deadline to apply is May 5th at 11:59pm CT. For more information and to apply click here.

Preparing for Tax Day

Don’t forget that Tax Day is April 15th! The IRS offers several free tax preparation assistance programs to qualifying individuals. IRS Free File allows individuals to prepare and file federal income taxes using online guided software. The IRS also offers Free Fillable Forms to help you file and in-person support.

The IRS is also partnering with local organizations to offer free tax workshops in IL-04. The locations are listed below.

(These centers will be open until Saturday, April 13th.)

Chicago

Brighton Park | Brighton Park Chicago Public Library 4314 S. Archer Ave, Chicago, IL

Fridays 10am - 2pm

Saturdays 10am - 1pm

Cicero

Unity Junior High School | 2100 S. Laramie St, Cicero, IL

Saturdays 9am - 12pm

Melrose Park

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - Casa Esperanza | 1116 N. 22nd Ave, Melrose Park, IL

Saturdays 9am - 12pm

Need Help with a Federal Agency?

Our office has a dedicated team of caseworkers that assist constituents with many federal services. Some services we can help with:

Social Security claims
Medicare and Medicaid claims
Passport requests
SBA loans
Veterans benefits
Immigration case inquiries

Click here to request help.