Dee Avelar

Dagmara "Dee" Avelar is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 85th district. She has been in office since January 13, 2021, and is currently serving as an Assistant Majority Leader. Avelar's district encompasses parts of several communities in the Chicago area, including Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Fairmont, Lemont, Lockport, Naperville, Romeoville, and Woodridge. Her background as a community organizer and her focus on issues affecting immigrants and healthcare access have shaped her legislative priorities.

Early life and career

Dee Avelar was born in Quito, Ecuador, and relocated to Bolingbrook, Illinois, with her family at the age of 12. This move marked the beginning of her journey in the United States, where she would later pursue her education and career. Avelar graduated from Bolingbrook High School in 2005, laying the foundation for her future academic and professional endeavors.

Following high school, Avelar attended Northeastern Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice Studies, complemented by a minor in Political Science, in 2010. Her education provided her with a strong understanding of the justice system and political processes, which would later inform her work as a legislator. Avelar continued her academic pursuits by enrolling in the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she is a candidate for a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Policy. This advanced education has equipped her with the skills necessary to address urban issues and advocate for effective policy solutions.

Avelar has been actively involved in community organizing since 2008, focusing on issues that impact immigrant communities and social justice. Her professional experience includes working at Instituto Del Progreso Latino, where she served as an accredited representative. In this role, she concentrated on citizenship and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs, assisting individuals in navigating the complexities of immigration processes. As of 2020, Avelar has held the position of Director of Programs at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, further solidifying her commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of immigrant populations.

Legislative service

Dee Avelar was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2020, succeeding outgoing State Representative John Connor, who transitioned to the Illinois Senate. Since taking office, Avelar has been an active member of the House, engaging in various legislative initiatives and serving on multiple committees. As of 2025, she holds the position of Assistant Majority Leader, a role that involves supporting the majority party's legislative agenda and facilitating communication among members.

In her capacity as a legislator, Avelar is a member of eight House committees and four House subcommittees. Her committee assignments include the Appropriations-Pensions & Personnel committee, the Economic Opportunity & Equity committee, the Health Care Availability & Access committee, the Labor & Commerce committee, the Personnel & Pensions committee, the Prescription Drug Affordability & Accessibility committee, the Revenue & Finance Committee, and the Transportation: Regulation, Roads, & Bridges committee. Additionally, she serves on subcommittees focused on Job & Workforce Development, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Sales Tax, and Tax Policy: Finance. These assignments reflect her commitment to addressing a wide range of issues, from healthcare accessibility to economic equity.

Throughout her legislative career, Avelar has sponsored and supported various bills that have successfully become law. Notable legislation includes an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act, which mandates groundwater monitoring at certain construction sites, thereby promoting environmental safety. She has also introduced legislation requiring hospitals to proactively offer charity care options to uninsured patients, addressing critical healthcare access issues. Furthermore, Avelar has worked on a statute that compels insurance companies issuing group accident and health policies to extend these offerings to local chambers of commerce, enhancing access to necessary health coverage for businesses and their employees.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of the 85th district, Dee Avelar's policy focus reflects the diverse needs of her constituents. The district encompasses a mix of suburban communities in the Chicago area, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. Avelar's background in community organizing and her personal experiences as an immigrant have significantly influenced her legislative priorities, particularly in areas related to immigrant rights, healthcare, and economic equity.

Avelar's commitment to immigrant and refugee rights is evident in her advocacy for policies that support these communities. Her work at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has provided her with insights into the challenges faced by immigrants, and she has sought to address these issues through her legislative efforts. By promoting inclusive policies, Avelar aims to ensure that all residents of her district have access to essential services and opportunities for advancement.

Healthcare accessibility is another critical area of focus for Avelar. Her legislation requiring hospitals to offer charity care options to uninsured patients highlights her dedication to ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the medical care they need. This initiative is particularly relevant in a district where many residents may face barriers to accessing healthcare services.

In addition to healthcare and immigrant rights, Avelar's work on economic equity reflects her understanding of the importance of creating opportunities for all constituents. Her involvement in committees related to economic opportunity and workforce development underscores her commitment to fostering a thriving local economy that benefits everyone in her district.

Overall, Dee Avelar's legislative service is characterized by her dedication to addressing the needs of her constituents in the 85th district. Through her work on various committees and her sponsorship of impactful legislation, she continues to advocate for policies that promote social justice, healthcare access, and economic equity. As she serves in the Illinois House of Representatives, Avelar remains focused on creating a positive impact in her community and ensuring that the voices of her constituents are heard in the legislative process.