I wanted let you know that I am a member of the newly formed Bi-Partisan Task Force on Government Reform and Spending Reductions. We have been asked to review suggestions made by the Governor's Taxpayer Action Board (TAB) and the Senate's Committee on Deficit Reduction and to submit ideas believed to have merit and be worthy of further consideration by the committee.

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This summer has been perfect for getting out and connecting with neighbors. I hope you are finding time to enjoy block parties, summer concerts and walks in the neighborhood with friends and family. To find fun events in within the District, please click here to view my community event calendar.

Be sure to check out the following upcoming events:

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Effective June 1st, United States citizens entering the country from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean must present a valid passport or secure I.D. to re-enter the country.

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The General Assembly is in its final week of the regular legislative session. In these closing days, we have focused on the state budget, a capital construction bill and government reform. While progress has been made to address the difficult economic climate our state faces, there remains much work to be done.

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May 12, 2009

Dear Friends,

As your representative in Springfield, I strongly rely on your feedback and guidance. As we begin the final rounds of legislative action and budget negotiations, I encourage your continued interest and comments so that I can best represent you in the Capitol.

Over the past several weeks, hundreds of local residents like you have contacted me on various issues of importance. Whether you are contacting me to share your support for the Civil Unions bill, opposition to house slaughter or disagreement over the Governor's proposed budget, I want to keep hearing from you.

In April, more than 50 constituents attended the Community Advisory Panels I convened to share their feedback on following issues: Economic Development, Housing, Seniors, Crime & Safety, Human Rights, Public Health, Education, Good Government, and Transportation.

Here’s a brief re-cap from each panel:

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Chicago Reader - Apr 5, 2010 - The city ponies up $11 million to bring artists to Logan Square/Avondale.

History of Avondale, Albany Park, Irving Park, Mayfair and other Northwest side neighborhoods.

Family Living in Avondale

Wee Windy City Blog - Feb 23, 2010 - The next family-friendly neighborhood in the spotlight is Avondale. I am pleased to welcome guest author Kathleen Reynolds who lives in Avondale with her husband and two daughters (ages 1 and 4).

State Legislators Call For National Clean Energy Legislation

Albany Park begins initiative to display artwork in vacant storefronts

True/slant - Jan 19, 2010 - Following the success of the Pop-Up Art Loop Program and Edgewater Artists in Motion, I decided to stop by the North River Commission (an umbrella group that also includes the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce) here in Albany Park to see if they were engaging in a similar initiative.

Avondale history lesson

Red Eye - Jan 20, 2010 - The trilingual Sunday mass schedule at St. Wenceslaus Church embodies the deep Polish roots and recent Latino influx found in the Avondale community.

Chicago's next hot 'hood?

Red Eye - Jan 19, 2010 - Haven't heard of Avondale? Here's a hint: It may well be the next Wicker Park, at least according to some insiders.

A "Send Off," and Search for a Balanced Budget

Gapers Block - ‎Jul 13, 2009‎ - About 30 people gathered outside Representative Deb Mell's office in the 40th District at 3657 N. Kedzie Ave. in Albany Park today, chanting and circling ...

State Rep. Deb Mell makes an appearance on WTTW's Chicago Tonight

June 4, 2009 - State Rep. Deborah Mell sits down with Carol Marin and talks about the special challenges of being Rod Blagojevich's sister-in-law during her freshman year in the Illinois legislature.

Daley defend police efforts to reduce violence

WGN - July 7, 2009 - Despite a bloody holiday weekend that left nearly a dozen dead across the city, Mayor Richard Daley today defended police efforts to reduce violence -- and denied they were focused too much on the Taste of Chicago

450000 cheer Pride Parade

Chicago Sun-Times - Sandra Guy - ‎Jun 29, 2009‎ - Sara Feigenholtz, Deborah Mell, Julie Hamos and Rep. Greg Harris were among the politicos who took part in the march

Here Come the Brides

MSNBC - ‎Mar 6, 2009‎ - Deb Mell, who is gay, said 648 state laws -- on topics from inheritance to health care -- help married couples. "I find it very strange that I can be ...

Civil Union bill passes Illinois House Committee

ChicagoPride.com - ‎Mar 5, 2009‎ - Deborah Mell and Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie. Other Illinois House members that have signed on as Co-Sponsors of the Civil Union Bill include Rep. ...

Civil unions bill moves to Ill. House floor

Chicago Tribune - ‎Mar 5, 2009‎ - Deb Mell, who is gay, said 648 state laws -- on topics from inheritance to health care -- help married couples. "I find it very strange that I can be ...

Illinois House Panel Approves Lang Bill to Boost Foster Parent ...

6 Mar 2009 by Marge Berglind - State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Deb Mell (D-Chicago) and Eddie Washington (D-Waukegan) are the bill’s co-chief sponsors. The measure now moves to the full House floor. Explore posts in the same categories: DCFS, ...

Results of HB 226 House Hearing

5 Mar 2009 by Colette - After what was characterized by many present, of some of the most fabulous and compelling testimony that has ever been presented in the Illinois ...

Illinois Legislation Would Prevent Forcible Sterilization of Disabled People ...

2 Mar 2009 by Cara - Quick update: I just talked to State Representative Deb Mell, and she is adding her name as a co-sponsor of the bill.

Deb Mell: Breaking New Ground

October 29, 2008 - Windy City Times

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These are historic times and I can't thank you enough for your support and generosity in helping me become your State Representative. Having lived in the 40th District for most of my life, I know so many of you and the concerns you share.

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