State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) held a “Coffee and Conversation” event with a large group of 12th District constituents at Next Door Café on Wednesday.

The meeting, at 659 W. Diversey Parkway, is a reoccurring opportunity for members of the district to have their voices heard on state level concerns before the beginning of the state’s legislative session.

“This is one of the largest groups I’ve had for one of these events,” Feigenholtz said. “The judiciary is alive and well here!”

The free event was attended by members of the district, both new and longstanding, as well as a few subcircuit judge candidates rallying for votes in the upcoming election.

“I love what I do because I have the greatest constituents, and I have the greatest district,” said Feigenholtz.

The gathering, while casual in nature, was a platform for attendees to tout immerging local businesses, answer questions about previous legislative decisions including Feigenholtz’s sponsorship of a law that allows adopted children to access their birth certificates, as well as get direct feedback on moral and legal issues including egg personhood and the states’ stance on a right to choose.

Feigenholtz also asked what advice her constituents have for her, going to Springfield in a fiscally tough legislative season.

“Where do you start?” said Mike Dennis, a ward resident of 13 years. “Live within your means, and if you raise taxes don’t do it in an unfriendly way.”

The primary concern of residents focused around budgetary issues and the future of health care within the state. Many residents feel that they have been neglected by the state in regards to the cuts and were eager to insure that the representative was going to Springfield with their unease in mind.

“This is the most challenging year for health care in Illinois,” Feigenholtz said. “It’s a year of increasing efficiency and reforming budgets. Last year we had to do a lot with very little, and this year we have very little, to do a lot.”

The 12th District covers neighborhoods including Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Near North.