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I’m often asked how I’m enjoying “my downtime” during the summer when we’re out of session. And while it is really nice having dinner with my family and getting time to work in my garden, it doesn’t really amount to down time. Things have been pretty busy in the district and as summer starts to wane, we’re turning back to legislative issues in preparation for the fall veto session and next session. This week was another example of there being no typical day in the life of a State Legislator.
I started the week meeting with a constituent about environmental priorities including pending legislation protecting wetlands and clarifying access to Illinois rivers and streams for recreational purposes, then pivoted to a briefing by state and federal Emergency Management agencies about the process of evaluating storm damage for state and federal emergency relief. The week continued with discussions about the role of charter schools, ensuring access to gender-affirming care for inbound patients, and a tour of a facility that both Sen. Mike Simmons and I supported with capital bill funds to allow PACTT to expand their school and adult programs for people with autism. Friday afternoon, I will participate in the first meeting of the National Conference of State Legislators Pre-trial Fellows before meeting with a colleague about jump-starting a bill to bring more transparency to our court system.
Last night, Torrence and I attended the packed meeting at the Broadway Armory organized by city agencies to try to get a sense of what information we can share with constituents who may be impacted by the decision to move much of the programming off-site in order to accommodate the growing influx of asylum seekers being bussed here from Texas and Florida. We have had a couple of briefings along the way as the city has worked through this process but didn’t really feel like we’d gotten a clear picture of the ever-changing situation. More than anything else, we went hoping there’d be some explanation of the ways families and park users would be supported in the move to other locations. Unfortunately, the meeting was more of a showdown between those who wish to welcome our new neighbors and those who believe it’s unfair to ask park users to accommodate the crushing need to provide safe shelter for the ever-growing influx of arrivals and I left feeling the weight of that conflict and saddened by much of what I’d heard.
Over the last several weeks, we’ve heard from constituents who ask why the migrants can’t be housed somewhere else - often listing specific potential locations. While I am not privy to the city process for vetting privately held facilities to determine if they’re appropriate for shelter use, nor am I familiar with what is involved legally or financially in securing the facilities, based on the sheer volume of folks already here in need of immediate shelter to get out of police district lobbies, it sure sounds like we need all the space we can get. There’s not really a question of where they can stay instead - it’s how many places can we get online and how quickly and how many more can we find for the next wave. However, I deeply understand people’s frustrations around feeling like they were not provided clear info on what was going to happen with this site. Moving forward, the city needs to be more transparent and engaging with communities being asked to convert facilities into shelters.
It is my fervent hope that the city is actively in discussions with property owners such as the Archdiocese and others who may have vacant school buildings or other large facilities that can be converted to add capacity. Additionally, I am hoping to step in to get some information about ways families who may not have the capacity to get to the alternate facilities can be supported while the Armory is used for shelter space. If I am able to get more information about how private buildings are vetted, or additional support for park users, I will share it here and on my social channels. To see what the Chicago Park District shared click this link here and for link to the presentation that was shared with the community click here.
Similarly, I’m hopeful that swift action can be taken at the federal level to grant asylum seekers work permits. This is the thing I hear most often from the folks in the shelters, they want to work, they want to be self-sufficient. Failing to grant them work permits not only perpetuates the problem but also leaves them vulnerable to exploitation if they choose to work in the underground economy, which also jeopardizes their asylum application.
Now that the decision has been made, we all need to pivot toward making the situation as smooth as possible for everyone involved. There were several mutual aid organizations on hand last night to share ways folks can get involved in providing support to our new neighbors. Some of the mutual aid organizations that were highlighted that people should connect with are:
Living in the 49th ward where we’ve had folks housed in a few sites for a while, we’ve seen families out exploring the neighborhood and appreciated the neighbors who have stepped up to ensure folks have access to suitable food and personal needs. At the end of the day, we’re talking about people who fled their homes and have been on a grueling and dangerous journey for months, with no end in sight. They’ve been manipulated and misled onto buses and planes and sent here with no real idea of what’s ahead only to find themselves sleeping on the floor of police stations. All of this is for folks pursuing a legal path to entry to the U.S. through the asylum process.
I get that this is a frustrating situation and the lack of more timely, detailed communication compounds that, especially for the folks whose programming is being interrupted, but let’s not be divided and turn against each other when the real villains are the politicians in other states deceiving vulnerable people and shipping them off to us. It won’t be easy, but we can and should address the needs of the park patrons who are being inconvenienced while also recognizing that the sheer scale of this humanitarian crisis means we’re all going to be touched in some way as we live our values as a welcoming city.
The weekend is bringing us more intense heat, so please take care and be safe and stay hydrated!
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Below is the list of bills that I sponsored which have now been signed into law by Governor Pritzker. We have just a few more awaiting his signature of the twelve bills I passed this session. HB3026 and SB2260 are expected to be signed today. HB3026 sought to include time served in county jail as part of the sentence that must be served before awarding sentence credit. SB2260 sufficiently defines what qualifies for a resentencing hearing for a criminalized survivor of gender-based violence who is eligible to petition when evidence of their abuse was not taken into consideration in their trial. | |
ICC Public Comment Opportunity on People's Gas | |
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The Illinois Commerce Commission would like to share with you the attached information flyer regarding an upcoming Public Hearing
ICC will hold a Public Hearing to allow Peoples Gas customers an opportunity to offer comments on the company’s proposed general rate increase. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 6:00PM at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum, located at 725 West Roosevelt Road in Chicago, IL.
Verbal or written public comments may be submitted to the Administrative Law Judge and ICC staff at the hearing. Verbal comments will be limited to 3 minutes per person. For those who are unable to attend the hearing, public comments can be filed in the case available on the ICC’s e-Docket website: Public Comments for 23-0069 (illinois.gov). Comments can also be filed with the ICC’s Consumer Services Division by calling 1-800-524-0795 and asking to speak with a Consumer Counselor who can take and file customer comments.
Peoples Gas filed a petition with the ICC in January 2023 seeking approval of a general rate increase. A Proposed Order summarizing the case and making recommendations is expected to be filed by the ALJ’s in the fall, and a final Order must be issued by the Commissioners before the end of the year. All documents related to the petition are available on the ICC’s e-Docket website: Documents for 23-0069 (illinois.gov).
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Secretary Giannoulias' Launches Skip the Line Program | |
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Secretary Giannoulias Announces Skip-the-Line Program at High-Volume DMVs
Appointments and new extended hours are part of the new initiative to save customers’ time.
In an effort to improve customer service and eliminate the unpredictability of wait times at Illinois DMVs, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will implement the Skip-the-Line program on September 1.
- Required appointments will reduce wait times.
- Extended hours offer more availability.
- ILSOS.gov offers a variety of services that do not require an in-person visit to a facility or office.
The Skip-the-Line Program includes:
Appointment scheduling — Customers will be required to make appointments for in-person visits at 44 of the busiest DMVs. All Chicago and suburban locations and select central and downstate DMVs will require an appointment for REAL IDs, driver’s licenses and ID card services, and in-car driving tests.
New extended hours of operation — Every DMV will extend hours of operation beginning September 1.
Select facilities will be open six days a week – Monday through Saturday.
All DMVs will have hours of operation from Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
16 DMVs will be open on Saturday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(Please visit ilsos.gov for location information.)
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Seeking Part-Time Constituent Advocate | |
Go-Fund Me created for Rewired Pizza Cafe | |
Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar, 1100 W. Thorndale, a favorite neighborhood restaurant and meeting place since 2020, was destroyed following a fire on July 18. The owner of Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar established a GoFundMe account to financially support the former Rewired employees. The link is here. | |
Meet Chief, Our Rogers Park 'Aldercat' | |
Meet Chief! Rogers Park has its own longtime resident and local leader. He's a confident, friendly, and sometimes grumpy, tuxedo cat who is long familiar with the blocks of North Greenview and West Farwell. Learn more about Chief, the 'Aldercat' of Rogers Park, here. | |
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Our office is collecting school supplies for CPS students. A list of desired school supplies can be found here. School supply donations can be made at the three following locations:
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District Office (1507 W. Morse) Tues-Thurs 9am-5pm
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Women & Children First (5233 N. Clark) Tues-Sun 11am-6pm
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R Public House (1508 W. Jarvis) Mon-Thurs 3pm-10pm; Friday 3pm-12am; Saturday & Sunday 10am-12am
School Supply List: https://bit.ly/CPSList24
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Gus Presents 70th Jazz Show Spectacular | |
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Gus is celebrating 70 years! Join them for the 70th Jazz Show Spectacular on Friday, July 28, at Nicholas Senn Theater (5900 N Glenwood) at 7pm.
Gus 70th Jazz Show Spectacular is a variety dance showcase featuring cheoreography from Jazz Masters who trained under Gus Giordana and Gus' favorite signature piece SING SING SING. All ticket proceeds benefit the Gus Legacy Foundation, a non-profit that provides dance scholarships to underdeserved youth and young adults. Visit guslegacy.org for tickets and more information!
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Andersonville Sidewalk Sale | |
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The Andersonville Sidewalk Sale is upon us! From Friday, July 29th to Sunday, July 31, over 30 Andersonville neighborhood businesses will be offering deals, discounts, and promos for you to peruse. Make your way from 4800 N Clark to 5800 N Clark and find something for everyone (or just for yourself!)
For more information, click here.
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Andersonville's next Movie & Skate Night is on Tuesday, August 1 from 6-10pm at 1500 W Catalpa! They'll be showing Mamma Mia! at dusk (8ish). No purchase necessary! It's BYOS (bring your own skates) as they will not have rentals. Waivers must be signed before skating. | |
22nd Annual Glenwood Ave Arts Fest | |
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Come out to the 22nd annual Glenwood Ave. Arts Fest on Saturday, August 19th from 11AM-9PM and Sunday, August 20th from 11AM-7PM. Located at 6900 N/1400 W blocks, entry is free. The festival features over 130 artists, 2 stages, 24 bands, and plenty of local food and drink.
For more information, click here.
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Rogers Park Community Garden Walk | |
Join your neighbors at the Rogers Park Community Garden Walk on Saturday, July 29th from 10AM-1PM! The group will meet at Jarvis Square Pottery (1443 W. Jarvis) at 9:30AM to begin a walking tour of North Rogers Park's community gardens and orchards. To RSVP and for more information, click here. | |
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When: August 9th 5-8pm
Where: 5344 N. Clark
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Tickets are now on sale for the annual Taste of Andersonville! Two routes are available for attendees to sample different small plates and drinks from a variety of local restaurants, cafes, and more. Tickets are $40 in advance for single routes and $75 in advance for both routes. Tickets will increase in price on August 1st.
More information, including the participating locations, can be found here.
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Chicagoland talent will be performing all month long in the beautiful parlor of the historic Colvin House, located at 5940 N. Sheridan Road.
Tues, August 1st: Tony Richards Duo ft. Joe Policastro
While RSVP is free, there is a suggested donation that goes toward paying the musicians and staff for their efforts in producing these community concerts.
For more information, click here.
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Theatre Above the Law Carnival Fundraiser | |
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When: Sun, July 30th 12 - 4pm
Where: Jarvis Square, between the Redline and Greenview
Join Theatre Above the Law at an all-ages carnival in Jarvis Square. The carnival will feature live music, fun booths and games for the whole family!
Admission to the event is FREE!
Tickets are available for the raffle, booths and carnival-style games. Enjoy rubber duck races, fortune telling, bozo buckets, dunk tank and more.
More information here.
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Midsommer Flight Free Shakespeare Showing | |
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Since 2012, Midsommer Flight has been producing high-quality, accessible performances of Shakespeare’s plays in Chicago’s Parks with diverse casts and crews for free. They are entirely grant and donation-funded and work in partnership with the Parks District as part of the ‘Mayor’s Night Out in the Parks’ program.
They are proud to return to Touhy Park August 11-13 this year with ‘Cymbeline’ to close out our season!
Please join Midsommer Flight at this free showing of Cymbeline in Touhy Park (7348 N. Paulina) at 6PM on August 11th and 12th, and at 2PM on August 13th.
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49th Ward Participatory Budgeting Cycle Begins! | |
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Join the 49th Ward as they launch the next Participatory Budgeting (PB) Cycle in the 49th Ward! This is the Ward’s 14th PB Cycle that hopes to bring improvements to Rogers Park by using $1 Million to develop your ideas.
The first step is to attend a PB Community Assembly to learn about what PB is and how it’s implemented in the 49th Ward. You’ll also learn about how to propose an idea and how to get involved. Everyone is welcome to join the meetings!
Register for Zoom
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Congresswoman Schakowsky's Weekly Neighborhood Office Hours | |
Congresswoman Schakowsky's office will be hosting weekly neighborhood office hours to help connect 9th District constituents with a variety of federal government resources. The office hours will take place every Friday, from 10 am to 2 pm, in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room at the Edgewater Library, 6000 N. Broadway. | |
CTO $5,000 Scholarship Opportunity | |
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Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and the Chicago Treasurer’s Office (CTO) will award first-ever Empowerment Scholarships to first-year students entering a two or four-year accredited institution in the fall of 2023. The one-time, $5,000 award will be presented to students residing in Chicago during the CTO’s “Financial Youth Symposium and Step Show” program at Chicago State University on August 31.
The Empowerment Scholarship is the first being awarded to Chicago students as part of the CTO’s 2023-2024 college scholarship program sponsored by community partners BMO, Discover, and Providence Bank & Trust. To be eligible for the $5,000 award, which can be used to pay for any education-related expenses, a student must be enrolled in an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2023 and submit a completed application, including an essay, high school transcripts and other materials, to monique.cook-bey@cityofchicago.org by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 6.
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Northwestern Medicine Jobs | |
The Northwestern Medical team is looking to hire several key positions. Urgent positions include: Certified Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, Pharmacy Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Registered Nurse. The following are the most requested and popular Northwestern Medicine entry/intermediate level roles: Material Service Coordinator, Patient Access Specialist, Patient Escort, and Patient Service Representative. For more information and to see all openings, please visit jobs.nm.org. | |
CTA's Second Chance Program | |
The CTA's Second Chance is hiring! If interested, complete a survey of interest at https://transitchicago.questionpro.com/CTASecondChanceProgram. All job seekers who complete a Second Chance Program interest survey and meet eligibility requirements will then be invited to attend a direct recruitment event. | |
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
1507 W. Morse Ave
Chicago IL 60626
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773 - 784 - 2002 (phone)
repcassidy@gmail.com
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