District Update

I hope everyone is having a good summer. The summer solstice just occurred this past Wednesday marking the first official day of summer. I was pleased to take part in a number of events this past weekend. There are more events coming up this weekend so please scroll down and take a look. I will be away this weekend for some much-needed rest and relaxation but I hope you all have a safe time while enjoying the many festivities coming up this weekend.

Artist of the Wall

Each summer I enjoy participating in our outstanding Artist of the Wall event organized by the Loyola Park Advisory Council. This year was the 30th anniversary of its inception. Pictured left shows the idea my spouse (Candace) and I decided to pursue with our part of the wall. It was such a beautiful day to be out on the lakefront.

Rogers Park Juneteenth Block Party

I had a blast attending our local Rogers Park Juneteenth block party hosted by A Just Harvest. Juneteenth is an important holiday that we should all deeply appreciate as we owe much to the Black community for what they have endured and what they continue to face. Pictured to the right is a Jesse White Tumbler. The tumblers were per usual impressive.

Pride Fest

I ventured just a little outside of our district due to an invitation to participate in Pride Fest. I felt honored and used that opportunity to let off some much-needed steam as our community continues to face attacks by mean-spirited politicians. It was great to see all the beautiful faces living their best lives despite the hate we continue to endure.

One Year After Dobbs, House Working Group Continues to Defend Personal Medical Decisions

Newest Intern

Rie is the newest intern in the office! Rie is a second-year student at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL studying Journalism, Legal Studies, and pursuing a Marketing certificate. She was born and raised by immigrant parents in Seattle, Washington. Through her internship, Rie hopes to learn more about government and interact with District 14 constituents to prepare for a career in public service.

Juneteenth Scholarship

In recognition of the upcoming Juneteenth festivities that will kick off later next week, the Chicago Juneteenth Planning Coalition has created a scholarship that runs through June 30th. Please review the flyer for details. To apply please scan QR code on flyer or click here.

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Chicago Honors Juneteenth Organizers

Chicago honored Juneteenth organizers this past week during city council with a resolution. All of Chicago's City Council Members expressed their gratitude for the work of the organizers in helping make it a city holiday. One of the folks honored that were honored was our very own Torrence Gardner pictured above.

Decatur Classical School Student Council

The Decatur Classical School Student Council volunteered with local organization Care For Real this past spring.

"I know you're a nonprofit, so where does the majority of your funding come from?"

"How can we get involved in the future?"

"How do you partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository? I've volunteered there before."

"What types of donations do you take?"

"What's the best way to get connected with a local nonprofit so I can have ongoing experience throughout high school?"

Those are just a few of the smart, thoughtful questions they asked Kate, the Director of Programs at Care for Real. Care for Real employees were blown away by the students’ level of engagement and enthusiasm. I am proud of these young volunteers, who remind us all that every member of the community can make a difference by getting involved.

In the District

A Just Harvest

June Events

Family Pride in Jarvis Square June 25th

Jarvis Square businesses will host their annual Family Pride in Jarvis Square event on Sunday, June 25, starting at noon. This family-friendly neighborhood block party features a kids' tent, a balloon man, and lots of great music.

For more information, click here.

Pride North Neighborhood Party

The Northside's largest neighborhood party! Come out and celebrate your pride!

Featuring DJs and live entertainment, great sponsorships and fun to be had by all. This is a FREE event from Friday, June 23rd from 3pm-10pm, Saturday, June 24th from 12noon-10pm, and Sunday, June 25th, from 12noon-10pm. The party takes place right off the Morse stop on the CTA Red Line. Event-goers must be 21 and over.

Chicago Pride Parade 2023

Chicago's Pride Month will culminate with the 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25th, 2023. The parade will begin at noon on Sunday, from Montrose and Broadway in the Uptown neighborhood. The parade will trek through the north side of the city, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. A link to the map can be found here.

Memorial for Don Selle on July 8th

Don Selle, a local resident who owned and operated Don's Coffee Club in the 1990s, passed away last November. A few close friends and family members are planning a memorial for him on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, from noon to 4pm. The memorial will be held at 1439 W. Jarvis, the former home of Don's Coffee Club. Refreshments will be served, and testimonials given. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to donscoffeeclubmemorial@gmail.com so they can get a rough headcount.

Monday Market

Edgewater's Monday Market is back! From 3-7pm every Monday until September 25th, the Market offers an expansive assortment of produce and goods, while emphasizing the vibrant connection between those in the Edgewater community.

Monday Market is an exciting opportunity to support local vendors and engage with other Edgewater residents in a welcoming and lively environment. Monday Market is located in The Broadway Armory at 5917 N Broadway. More information on Monday Market and a list of vendors can be found at https://www.edgewater.org/programs/farmers-market/.

P.O. Box Collective Medicaid Event

Miss Mack's Summer Youth Dance Classes

Click here for more information.

Wild Edible Picnic and Plant Walk

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.

Minimum Wage Increase and Fair Workweek Changes In Effect Starting July 1st, 2023

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), announced the annual scheduled increase in Chicago’s minimum wage and a scheduled enhancement of the Fair Workweek Ordinance requirements.

Every July 1, Chicago’s minimum wage increases per the Minimum Wage Ordinance. The Chicago minimum wage is tiered for large businesses with 21 or more employees and small businesses with 4 to 20 employees. The minimum wage for larger employees increases annually according to the Consumer Price Index or 2.5%, whichever is lower. The minimum wage as of July 1, 2023, will be: $15.80 for employers with 21 or more employees (including all domestic workers, regardless of the number employed)
$15.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees
The minimum wage for tipped employees will be $9.48 for employers with 21 or more employees, and $9.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees (employers must make up the difference between any tips received and the applicable minimum wage for non-tipped workers.)

Additionally, on July 1, 2023, the Fair Workweek Ordinance will include updated compensation metrics. Employees will be covered by the ordinance if they work in one of seven “covered” industries (building services, healthcare, hotel, manufacturing, restaurant, retail, or warehouse services), earn less than or equal to $30.80/hour or earn less than or equal to $59,161.50/year, and the employer has at least 100 employees globally (250 employees and 30 locations if operating a restaurant). The Fair Workweek Ordinance requires certain employers to provide workers with predictable work schedules and compensation for changes.