Kelly's Update

I’m excited to get back to session next week. We reconvene on Tuesday to begin the work of the Spring Session, including legislative actions and next year’s budget. This year’s calendar is here. We will only be in session one week this month with Friday the 19th representing our first deadline of the session, the last day to submit drafting requests to the Legislative Reference Bureau with the bill introduction deadline on February 9th. We’re still working on finalizing our legislative agenda for the year and will start to feature some of those new bills as well as updates on some bills that are still pending from last session.

This week, I was honored to participate in an international convening of Reproductive Justice Leaders titled Beyond Borders: How the US can learn from the global abortion movement. It was a fascinating opportunity to hear about different legal, legislative, and organizing approaches taken by our peers in other countries. We heard from leaders from Mexico, Columbia, Poland, Kenya and India among others both about their movements and how they compare to ours as well as the ways reverberations from the Dobbs decision have impacted their countries.

I was all set to get back home, but the weather had other plans. When my flight was cancelled, I figured rather than fighting the inevitable, I’d take a bonus day in one of my favorite cities to wander. So often when I’m here for work events, I don’t get to see much beyond the window of a meeting space, so it was great to take advantage of a sunny (sorry y’all) 50 degree day and visit some monuments I haven’t seen in a while.

I walked for hours along the mall, encountered some birders and watched what we think was a juvenile red tailed hawk clumsily attempt to catch a squirrel. We were amazed how close we were and how unfazed this magnificent bird was. As I continued on my way along the mall, I stopped to point out the hawk to a family and chatted with the kids about how special it was to get to be so close to such a special bird and loved their enthusiastic reactions.

As I continued on my way along the mall, I stopped to point out the hawk to a family and chatted with the kids about how special it was to get to be so close to such a special bird and loved their enthusiastic reactions. I made my way past the Washington Monument to the Vietnam Memorial, the Lincoln Monument, and revisited the Military Women’s Memorial that I last visited at its opening with my mother, who was so proud of her service as one of the first women admitted to the Coast Guard in WWII.

I hope that everyone is faring as well as possible in this winter storm and dangerous cold we’re expecting this weekend. For a list of resources, including warming centers, keeping pets warm an shoveling click here.

As always if you need anything from my office please don't hesitate to respond to this email and one of my staff members will reach out. Stay safe & warm!

Office Closure January 15, 2024

Laws I Passed

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Sullivan Martin Luther King Hoops Tournament

Postponed

The 4th Annual Sullivan High School Martin Luther King Hoops tournament that was originally scheduled for Monday January 15th has been postponed due to inclement weather. The new date will be Presidents Day on Monday February 19. We will share further details as we receive them and get closer to that date.

In the District

Winter Parking Restrictions

The Winter Parking Ban is in effect through April 1st. Please make sure to check your surroundings and posted street signs when parking. For more information on parking restrictions within the City of Chicago click here.

Apply to Vote by Mail in the 2024 Primary Election

Chicago will hold a Primary Election on Tuesday, March 19. Candidates for President, and US Representative will be on the ballot, as well as candidates for state and county positions and ward committee person. Visit chicagoelections.gov to confirm your voter registration and make sure you are all ready for the election.

You can also apply now to vote by mail. Click here to fill out your application. You will be able to return your ballots by mail or through one of the secure drop boxes that will be in place at early voting sites.

PLEASE NOTE: You will not automatically receive a new vote by mail ballot unless you are already on the permanent roster. If you want to vote by mail and are not on the permanent roster, you must apply again now.

For more information on the election and how you can vote, visit chicagoelections.gov.

Chinese Mutual Aid Info Sessions Classes

Truman College Adult Education Classes

7th District Small Business Restoration Grant

State Senator Mike Simmons is announcing the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant, made possible by $2.5 million in funds that is meant to provide one-time, $10,000 grants to Illinois 7th District small businesses. The grant is provided in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Grant funds are intended for independently-owned small businesses that have missed out on previous grant opportunities, are in danger of closure and/or are facing financial hardship, and identify as historically underserved entrepreneurs located in the 7th District.

Applicants must operate in brick-and-mortar sites in the State of Illinois’ 7th District and must have first opened no later than Sun, Dec 31, 2021.

Applications are due on Fri, Feb 2 2024 5 pm.

Register here for the Tues, Jan 9 informational webinar at 3:30 pm.

For more information, click here. To apply, click here.

Chicago 20th Police District Council Monthly Meeting

Youth & Teen

Chicago Park District Winter Program Registration Has Opened

Winter fun in the parks starts soon! Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-programs now to check out programs for people of all ages and abilities throughout Chicago. Registration opened on December 4 and 5, and in-person registration for most parks began on December 9, 2023. From 3D printing tutorials to pickleball sessions for all ages, the Park District is keeping Chicagoans active and entertained all winter long. Spaces are limited, so start picking your favorite activities now so you’re ready when registration begins! The Winter Session starts January 8, 2024 and ends March 24, 2024.

Employment Resources

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is hiring a Community Development & Business Services Manager!

Are you an extremely organized, detailed-oriented program manager with experience managing a Special Service Area, Business Improvement District, Economic Development Corporation or membership association? If yes, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is looking for you!

To learn more about this position and to apply, click here.

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626