Pritzker Outlines $45.4 Billion Budget Proposal |
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On the day that a major winter storm rocked our state along with much of the Midwest, Governor Pritzker gave an address on our fiscal situation as well as an overall view of our societal situation in Illinois. Wednesday, the Governor outlined a budget proposal that demonstrates that Illinois is on the strongest financial footing we’ve had in decades. He proposed a $45.4 billion general revenue budget plan. You can read the governor’s statement here. I applaud the governor’s leadership and thank his team for providing a balanced budget during a time of so much uncertainty for our state. Thanks to disciplined fiscal responsibility and stronger-than-expected revenue as we navigate the pandemic, we have significantly improved Illinois’ fiscal situation and for the first time I can remember are looking at a $1.7 billion surplus this year. The Governor’s proposal includes several very welcome fiscal moves to continue to improve the state’s financial health including an additional $500 million contribution to the Pension Fund on top of the required payment. This first-of-its-kind payment will reduce long-term liabilities by $1.8 billion. We can invest in the people and communities who need help the most, be great stewards of our finances, and set the stage for future growth.
Many Illinois residents are experiencing tough times as we face continued strains on our institutions brought on by COVID. Our residents face high prices at the gas pump and at the grocery stores. Hospitals have been strained beyond capacity, compounded by staffing shortages. Families have had to make tough decisions every day as it relates to their children and schooling. School districts are trying to maintain a delicate balance between safety and a robust learning environment. Public safety has been of top of mind to all residents as high-profile crimes have put residents on edge. Hate and intolerance remain an ongoing issue, from record-high levels of reported hate crimes against the Asian community to this week’s horrific anti-Semitic attacks on synagogues and bomb threats at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country. The situation we face is why this budget is so critical and why I am happy we have a surplus of funds. What we do with our funds expresses our values as a state.
With that values statement in mind, this budget seeks to provide $1 billion in direct tax relief for Illinois families. We recognize families are feeling the pain of inflation while still recovering from the financial hit of the pandemic. I am glad to see calls for a 1-year moratorium on state grocery taxes and a 1-year freeze on the gas tax. I’m also glad the Governor committed to making sure the moratorium on grocery taxes does not reduce funding for local governments. A property tax rebate program is proposed as we are seeing many of our homeowners continue to struggle. In light of the increases in hate-fueled attacks on communities, Governor Pritzker even included for the first time a $20 million appropriation towards the Illinois At-risk Nonprofit Security Grant Program aimed at ensuring that religious and cultural institutions have the security resources needed to continue to provide services while ensuring the safety of their communities. Overall this budget calls for an increase in many programs and departments that provide essential human services.
It is important to remember that this is not the final budget. While I am overall very pleased with the proposal, one glaring omission struck me: while the budget proposes provider rate increases for essential front line service providers funded by state government such as health care workers, home care providers, etc, the budget failed to include the workers providing services in the Domestic Violence space and only provided a minuscule $400,000 increase to the grant-funded domestic violence service providers, an amount that doesn’t even cover normal annual increased costs. Throughout the pandemic, providers in this space have reported unprecedented spikes in demand for services. Earlier this year, I was proud to join with 25 members of the General Assembly in asking the Governor to increase this funding by $50 million, and am disappointed to see that wasn’t addressed. I am committed to fighting to ensure this oversight is corrected.
The Governor is required to present his budget plan in February, and then the legislature starts our work on the final product. Over the weeks ahead, members of the various appropriations committees as well as our Budget Working Group of which I am a member will begin the process of going through all of the facets of the budget to craft the final budget. Negotiations are next up and then a vote will need to take place in the coming months. The devil is in the details. As the budget process moves forward my office will continue to keep you updated. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the budget as well by emailing repcassidy@gmail.com.
If you’re interested in following our work, the committee schedule, meetings, and bill assignments are posted here.
Upcoming newsletters will continue to update on the session schedule and budget and feature both the bills we’re introducing as well as interesting bills being presented by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
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Welcome Our New Intern Amy Lu! |
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Amy is a third-year at the University of Chicago studying Public Policy and English. Her focus is on education policy because education equity and reform are something she is very passionate about. In the past, she has worked at the Office of Equity in Chicago Public Schools as well as nonprofit education organizations like Common Sense Media. She is excited to join Representative Cassidy and her team and is looking forward to serving the 14th district.
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At a time when many of our Black Americans are under threat by so many different forces at play, whether that be continued discrimination by law enforcement or by legislators seeking to create obstacles to expanding voting rights, we need to truly show gratitude to the Black community. We also must do our part to support the efforts of the Black community. Without the Black community, we would not have the loving and vibrant culture that our country is made up of. From music to food to sports and to all other cultural delights we like to partake in we must never forget this was influenced by a group that has had to persevere through so many challenges.
It was Black Americans who ignited the civil rights movement which led to the voting rights act that has benefitted so many. It was Black Americans who literally built our institutions with no pay and no recognition. It was Black Americans that invented new ways to use crops such as the peanut. It was Black Americans that helped discover and implement new medical breakthroughs that many of us continue to reap the benefits of. For a list of achievements please click here.
Black history is more than just a month. It is American history. It is the type of history that we cannot run from because it makes some uncomfortable. We should embrace and support. Below is a link to a site that provides ways you can support racial justice.
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COVID-19 cases continue to rapidly decline in Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, deaths are starting to decline finally. Illinois is now averaging close to 108 deaths per day over the last week compared to around 150 in the previous week. COVID-19 patients in hospitals continue to decline per day which is a good sign. As of Wednesday night, the state was only averaging 3,645 COVID-19 hospitalized patients which again is an improvement compared to the records set during this surge that saw our state averaging more than 7,300 hospitalizations. As shown in the graph above from IDPH's website hospitalizations have dropped even further this past week. The graph above shows a decline of over 45 percent in just the last two weeks.
Boosters have recently been shown to offer significant protection against the effects of the Omicron variant. Please continue protecting yourself and limiting the spread as much as possible. There is talk of a new sub-variant called stealth omicron that has been shown to be on the rise. More is being looked into this new potential sub-variant and as we learn more from the CDC and IDPH we will keep you updated. According to officials at Northwestern University, the first case of the BA.2 omicron subvariant was detected in Illinois on Monday.
This sub-variant version of the coronavirus is widely considered stealthier than the original version of omicron because particular genetic traits make it somewhat harder to detect on PCR tests.
Get vaccinated. Get a booster. Get tested. Wear a mask indoors.
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To find a vaccine clinic within the City of Chicago click here.
For questions or info regarding COVID-19 testing click here.
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COVID-19 Count as of Friday, February 4th:
Statewide Totals: 2,957,563 confirmed cases, 31,296 deaths and tests performed 51,846,053
If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 800-889-3931
Email: dph.sick@illinois.gov
City of Chicago's Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 312-746-4835
Email: coronavirus@chicago.gov
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The Biden Administration to Begin Distributing Rapid At-Home COVID Tests |
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Americans are now able to order their tests online at COVIDTests.gov, and tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering. Every household is eligible to order 4 tests.
To ensure equity and access for all Americans, the Administration will also launch a call line to help those unable to access the website to place orders, and work with national and local community-based organizations to support the nation’s hardest-hit and highest-risk communities in requesting tests.
Individuals with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 test authorized, cleared, or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be able to have those test costs covered by their plan or insurance. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. That means a family of four, all on the same plan, would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. There is no limit on the number of tests, including at-home tests, that are covered if ordered or administered by a health care provider following an individualized clinical assessment, including for those who may need them due to underlying medical conditions.
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The Illinois Department of Public Health is proud to be partnering with the Rockefeller Foundation to offer free COVID-19 tests to households in identified priority zip codes across the state. Eligibility is based on zip codes with the highest risk of Covid-19, using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) combined with state data on Covid-19 burden.
The website is live. Constituents living in eligible zip codes can go to www.AccessCovidTests.org to order a free test kit.
- Each household will receive 1 kit with five tests within one to two weeks after ordering.
- No payment information is required — both the tests and shipping are free to eligible residents.
- The program is currently limited to one order per residential address.
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IDES has released this statement in regards to the 1099-G tax forms. For a FAQs sheet from the IDES on all your questions related to the 1099-G form, click here. For an information packet on how to navigate your ILogin account, click here. |
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Trilogy's New Mobile Crisis Response Service |
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The Restore, Reinvest, & Renew Grant Program Re-Opened |
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Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton recently
announced $45 million in Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) program funding to support community organizations that serve neighborhoods most impacted by economic disinvestment, violence, and the war on drugs. Organizations interested in applying for funding can review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by clicking here.
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Energy Assistance For Winter Applications Open Until May 31st 2022 |
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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Citizens Utility Board are reminding residents to apply for $200 million remaining in utility assistance under Gov. JB Pritzker’s Help Illinois Families initiative, an expansion of the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program under the American Rescue Plan.
This initiative remains available for all qualifying households with low income, regardless of how they may be affected COVID-19. The last day to apply online with the Request for Services form is April 15. After that date you can still apply through your local administering agency through May 31, 2022.
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LIHWAP Applications Open Until August 31st, 2023 |
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The LIHWAP benefit is a limited, one-time, assistance program designed to help households that are facing the threat of imminent disconnection, have already been disconnected or have past due (arrearage) balances over $250 for their water and wastewater services combined. Customers may apply one time for water and one time for wastewater for the life of the program, which is December 1, 2021 – August 31, 2023.
Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2023 or until funds run out. You can apply online here or call the hotline at 1-(833)-711-0374.
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Citizen Class with Chinese Mutual Aid of Chicago |
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2021 Exemptions Auto-Renewal |
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In response to COVID-19, the Cook County Assessor’s Office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities, and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions; the Homeowner and Senior Exemptions will continue to auto-renew every year.
If a homeowner received any of the aforementioned five exemptions last year (tax year 2020), they do not need to reapply this year (tax year 2021). If the Assessor's Office requires additional information from a homeowner to process the auto-renewal, they will be sent a booklet in March 2022 with instructions on how to reapply.
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Join the Andersonville Hygge Fest this weekend from Friday, February 4 to Sunday, February 6 for special deals at participating businesses and local stores. To see a full list of where to participate, visit here. |
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Jarvis Square Artisan Market |
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The 25th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival is still being served up HOT & FRESH! Next week marks the first of their LIVE events: a workshop led by 2nd Story on Wednesday, Feb. 2! Check out more details by REGISTERING TODAY on the Fillet website by clicking here!
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When: All month of February
Where: Rogers Park (Howard to Devon, Ridge to the Lake)
This winter season put your money where your heart is!
You can participate in weekly drawings throughout the month of February to win gift cards from local businesses. Support our local independently-owned business community by shopping small during this winter season.
Participants can win weekly gift card prizes for local businesses with a grand prize of $1,000 at the end of the month.
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Lunar New Year Event - Asia on Argyle |
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Join Uptown's Asia on Argyle Lunar New Year's Celebration. They will kick off the event with a celebration parade and will feature local organizations popping up with family-friendly activities.
Date: February 5
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Argyle & Winthrop, Uptown
Admission: Free!
For more information, visit their site. |
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Greencorps Chicago is Hiring |
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Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. They are currently recruiting candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program.
During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn Chicago minimum wage (currently $15). They also receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in various environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered a number of professional certifications, including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full-time employment upon completion of the program.
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Chicago Upholstery & Drapery is Hiring |
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Laborer / Workshop Assistant
Chicago Upholstery shop has immediate openings for PT General Laborers wanting to learn a trade or for those individuals just wanting a PT job. Ideal candidates must:
- Be prompt to work;
- Able to work with little supervision;
- Able to lift 75 Lbs;
- Accept that sometimes getting dirty goes with the job;
- Multitask when needed;
- Work well with others;
- Fast-paced candidates with knowledge of tools are a plus.
These PT positions can lead to FT for qualified and interested candidates. These positions require individuals lift furniture, remove fabric as needed, stain/polish wood as requested, clean as you go, clean shop/empty garbage and/or any other tasks requested. This is a workshop environment.
Seamstress / Tailor
Seeking experienced Sewing Operator to sew upholstery goods. Box cushions, pillows, drapes, etc. Must have:
- Hands-on experience
- Must be production paced
- Maintain clean workspace
- Proficient candidates will be asked to complete a 30 min technical as part of the interview.
This is a workshop environment.
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Misericordia is home to over 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at its 31-acre campus. They provide around-the-clock care to support residents and are looking to hire hardworking individuals to join its team in several key positions. The positions offer competitive pay rates and excellent employee benefits. For more information, see Misericordia's Careers website.
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Getir Chicago is seeking to hire delivery drivers and order packers for its locations throughout Chicago. For more information, see here.
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Collective Resource Compost is Hiring |
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Collective Resource Compost is a specialty waste hauler that collects food scraps for composting, working out of their site in Skokie. They are looking to hire Drivers and Compost Service Specialists, starting at $16 per hour and raising up to $17 after a 90-day review. They're looking for reliable, hard-working, tech-capable, and committed individuals who are passionate about reducing environmental harm.
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S&C Electric is hiring team members in the Rogers Park community. To learn more and apply, visit ww.sandc.com/careers.
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Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare is one of the leading community mental health organizations in Illinois, committed to excellence, diversity, and opportunity. For more information on current job openings, visit trilogyinc.org/careers.
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Heartland Alliance is Hiring |
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Heartland Alliance has several positions open across Chicago. These positions include a bilingual mental health clinical practitioner, a clinical supervisor, an LPN, case managers, and more. For more information on job openings, visit their website.
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Kokua is Hiring Substitute Teachers |
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
5533 N Broadway
Chicago IL 60640
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773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)
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