Have you heard about the Back to School State Sales Tax Holiday?
Dear Neighbor,
I wanted to let you know about the upcoming assistance that we included in this year’s state budget. From Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 16, there will be a Back to School State Sales Tax Holiday that will allow for families to pay lower sales taxes on the purchases they need to prepare their kids for the upcoming school year.
Throughout Illinois, the state sales tax will be reduced on school and office supplies like paper, pens, pencils, calculators, backpacks, and lunchboxes, as well as on certain pieces of clothing like school uniforms and seasonal apparel like coats, rain jackets, swimwear, hats, and gloves. Learn more about the sales tax holiday and on qualifying items here.
For concerns regarding state agencies or to connect to other resources and services, please reach out to my office by calling (773) 853-2570 or sending an email to will@repguzzardi.com.
All my best,
Will
Working Family Office Hours
On the last Tuesdays of the month, on July 28, August 25, and September 29, stop by my office, 3001 N Central Park Ave, from 12 to 7pm for Working Family Office Hours! These extended hours are meant for individuals and families who need assistance navigating state agencies and resources but aren't able to stop by during the regular workday.
Back to School Fair
Join us for our Back to School Fair with Sen. Graciela Guzman and Northwest Center on Saturday, August 15 from 10am to 1pm at Kelvyn Park, 4438 W Wrightwood Ave. for:
🎒 free backpacks, while supplies lasts!
✏️ free school supplies, while supplies lasts!
🚐 BlueCross BlueShield/CDPH Van with vaccines (register for a vaccine appointment here: tinyurl.com/55h6ts9s)
🪥 Humboldt Park Health Dental Van
💇♂️ free haircuts for kids
🏥 healthcare services
💚 community resources
☀️ family activities
Back to School Supply Drive
From July 13 through August 7, our offices are collecting NEW school supplies to fill backpacks to distribute to students at our Back to School Fair. We’re looking for NEW donations of:
Backpacks
Pencil cases
Pencils
Pens
Highlighters
Paper
Plain color folders
Binders
Notebooks
Small tissue packs
Hand sanitizer
Calculators
Erasers
Pencil sharpeners
Crayons
Markers
Sen. Guzman’s office at 3140 W. Montrose and my office at 3001 N. Central Park will be donation drop-off locations. For the full list of drop-off locations, scan the QR code on the flyer!
Legislative Town Hall
Join Rep. Lilian Jimenez, Sen. Graciela Guzman, Sen. Omar Aquino, and me on Tuesday, August 18 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Grace and Peace Church, 1856 N Leclaire Ave. for our legislative town hall. We’ll gather to discuss the state budget, highlight key legislation passed during the spring session, and look ahead to what’s on the agenda for the upcoming fall veto session. Come with your questions, share your thoughts, and enjoy some tacos! Be sure to RSVP here: bit.ly/2026LTH.
Non-Citizen Advisory Council
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has established a Non-Citizen Advisory Council (NAC), a volunteer group of Chicago residents who help ensure that the perspectives and experiences of non-citizen and newly arrived Chicagoans are meaningfully represented in the Commission’s work.
CCPSA is currently accepting applications to fill multiple vacancies on the NAC.
All Chicagoans are encouraged to apply, regardless of immigration status. CCPSA especially welcomes applications from non-citizen residents and individuals who advocate for immigrant and refugee communities.
Applicants will not be asked to disclose their immigration status or share personal information with any government agency. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, August 9. Learn more and apply here.
Youth Town Hall
State Rep. LaPointe and State Sen. Martwick are hosting a Youth Town Hall for young people ages 14–19 on Wednesday, July 29, from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Irving Park YMCA, 4251 W. Irving Park Rd.
The event will bring together elected officials and community organizations to discuss issues that matter most to young people, including immigration, public safety, and the environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their perspectives, learn about advocacy, and connect with local leaders and organizations. RSVP here.