What a week it has been! We started the week with a simple goal: meet the Friday deadline to pass House bills over to the Senate. While a “normal” deadline week provides more than enough drama, we started our session on Tuesday by going into a brief lockdown at the Capitol. There may have been a problem with the security system which triggered the alarm. We once again got delayed over Republican members refusing to follow the chamber’s face covering requirement. Members who were ejected were enabled to participate remotely. This is the third time this removal has occurred since the start of session back in January. Continuing on the theme of expecting the unexpected, Wednesday brought news that former Speaker Mike Madigan had been indicted, plunging the Capitol into a chaotic news cycle while members continued to try to move their bills before the deadline. More on that below.
Once again our team stayed focused and continued to get things done. My Chief of Staff Torrence Gardner and I stayed the course. We stay true to why we come down to Springfield and that is to pass bills that make a difference while rising above the drama. I am very happy to announce that we passed 5 of our bills out of the House and they are on their way to the Senate! The 5 bills are:
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HB4847: This bill would allow survivors of Gender-Based Violence whose criminal activity stemmed from abuse that wasn’t given significant consideration at trial a chance for a hearing seeking a reduced sentence based on both their experience as survivors as well as evidence of their recovery from the trauma that led to their incarceration. In addition, the bill will provide survivors who are coerced into criminal activity the right to present evidence of their abuse and coercion as a defense against charges. This in no way changes that people can still be arrested, can still be charged, and held accountable for criminal acts.
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HB3659: Under existing law, inmates at IDOC facilities are eligible for up to 6 months of Earned Discretionary Sentencing Credit after 60 days in custody, but the current law starts that 60 day clock when someone arrives at the IDOC facility. During the pandemic when the state stopped or slowed transferring people from county jails into state custody, what had previously been an infrequent challenge became the norm as people were left in county custody delaying their eligibility for these sentence credits. If enacted, this would simply allow time served in county custody to count towards the 60 day requirement. In debate, I described this bill as a unicorn due to the unusual assortment of advocates in support of the initiative: the Illinois Sheriffs Association, John Howard Association, the ACLU of Illinois, and The Women’s Justice Initiative were all listed as proponents.
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HB4430: This bill would allow pharmacists to dispense and administer HIV prevention drugs — including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to people at risk and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people who may have been recently exposed to HIV — without a prescription from a physician.
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HB4164: Allows that a member of the General Assembly may visit the institutions, facilities, and programs of the Department of Corrections, upon request of the member, for the purpose of inquiring into the affairs and conditions of the Department. Currently, the law only explicitly allows this access to the Governor, and legislators seek permission to visit which doesn’t allow for effective oversight.
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HB4165: This bill is in response to the tragic Lake Michigan drownings we have seen throughout the years within this district and our community’s long frustrating efforts to convince the Chicago Park District to install floatation devices along the lakefront. This bill would require the owner of a pier or drop-off on Lake Michigan to install public rescue equipment, including at a minimum ring life buoys, on piers and drop-offs along the Lake Michigan coast. While we were initially frustrated by the Chicago Park District’s refusal to provide this equipment which is what led us to introduce this bill, the new leadership of the district immediately dropped their opposition and began the process of installing the equipment and are expected to complete installation in time for this year’s swim season even before the law will take effect. We worked closely with park districts all over the state to ensure effective implementation.
To make history with the passage of HB4165 and HB4430 gave me chills. Many bills have meaning due to the advocates and the stories that are attached to them. Thank you to all the advocates! These victories are ours. Check below for some pictures of this week’s floor action:
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We are scheduled to return to Springfield next week for session Tuesday-Friday to continue to advance bills on the floor and undertake appropriations hearings while we also begin to see bills passed over to our chamber from the Senate. I'll be taking care of a needed health matter next week which will keep me away from Springfield but will be participating remotely as appropriate.
If you’re interested in following our work, the committee schedule, meetings, and bill assignments are posted here. |
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Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan Indicted |
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As I mentioned above, this week was full even before Wednesday brought news of the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. I’ve clearly had a lot to say over the years about Speaker Madigan’s methods and the allegations of corruption that have swirled for years. The news will continue to roll out in the months ahead as the various cases make their way through the legal system, but many people I talked to over the years doubted there would ever be sufficient evidence to indict the longest-serving House Speaker in the history of our country. His case adds to several cases associated with the ComEd scandal that include ComEd executives, lobbyist and Madigan confidante Mike McClain, and Madigan’s former Chief of Staff Tim Mapes.
When I first began to speak up about my reservations about Speaker Madigan I didn’t know what to expect or where it would lead. During the lead-up to the swearing-in of the 102nd General Assembly, it was clear that things had changed and there was a possibility that enough members would break with him and elect new leadership. Eventually, 19 members came forward with a commitment to withhold our votes and deprive Madigan of a majority and 19th term as Speaker. The members of “The 19,” as we came to be known, came to our positions for different reasons and on our own timelines but were unshakable in our resolve in spite of significant pressure to break ranks. In January of 2021, we issued our first joint statement cementing our position publicly, and eventually, Madigan was forced to acknowledge that he didn’t have a path to victory and the caucus elected Emanuel Chris Welch as Speaker, making history as the first Black Speaker in our state’s history.
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We do not yet know if or when there will be a trial, or what the outcome may be and he certainly deserves his chance to defend himself in court, but I am struck by the realization of what this week would have been like if he had prevailed and won another term as Speaker. While Wednesday’s news certainly caused some chaos in an already full schedule, it was relatively contained to Wednesday afternoon. Thursday morning we were back to work on the floor running through our very full calendar of bills to consider, something I can’t imagine being possible if he had been present in the Capitol when this happened. I remain eternally grateful for the people who took the risk of crossing the man often described as the most powerful man in Illinois politics to spare us that possibility. |
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IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike to Step Down March 14th |
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This week Governor JB Pritzker announced the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Dr. Ngozi Ezike is leaving the agency after three years of service. Dr. Ezike was handed the toughest challenge any person in her position could have faced when the pandemic hit in 2020. She handled the crisis with grace, class, and courage. While her professional duty is to monitor the health of our state, the challenges of a global pandemic are beyond what anyone could possibly expect to face in a new role. Dr. Ezike stepped up and we are the better for it. At a time when people questioned if the virus was evem real Dr. Ezike, remained a symbol of stability and commitment as tough decisions were made in order to ensure the health of our residents. |
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Happy Women's History Month! |
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March marks the beginning of Women's History Month. This month we celebrate all the accomplishments of women, past and present, and all the hard work that was needed to bring us to where we are today. To see a few of the great and influential women in history, visit here.
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Reproductive Health Act Discussion With Representative Cassidy |
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Illinois’ Reproductive Health Act
& the War on Women’s Choice:
History, Policy, and Practice
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Sunday, March 6, 2022
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Via Zoom
Co-sponsored by the Chicago Women’s History Center
and the Chicago Public Library’s Women’s History Month Committee
Join the Chicago Women's History Center for a discussion of the Reproductive Health Act passed in Illinois in 2019 which protects safe and legal abortions for women even if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Illinois is one of only six states to pass legislation maintaining access to legal abortion services while other states legislated restrictions. Panelists will discuss what the history of this act is and what its implications are for the future in Illinois.
To register, click here. Registration at least 24 hours before the event is required. You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the meeting.
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Loyola Ramblers Compete in the Missouri Valley Conference's March Madness Tournament |
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Good luck to our Loyola Ramblers as they compete in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament this weekend! Sister Jean's magic should continue to help lead the team to victories along with the hard work of the players and coaches.
For tournament details please click here. |
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Join the Campaign to Name The Pollard Family Park at 1732 West Lunt |
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According to the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, John and Amanda Pollard brought their small but growing family to the Village of Rogers Park in the 1880s, becoming the first African-American residents of the community. John opened a successful barbershop in the center of the village business district, and the family lived at 1928 West Lunt for more than 60 years. There, they raised eight children who went on to distinguished careers and a host of civic accomplishments in sports, the arts, the medical profession, and other fields.
My office has sent recently a letter of support to the Chicago Park District as I believe this name change is long overdue.
Sign a petition to support the Pollard Family name change here. |
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Share Your Ideas to Improve the Devon Business Corridor |
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Elevate Devon will focus on improving Devon Avenue between Ravenswood and Sheridan. This corridor has suffered not unlike many other business corridors during this pandemic.
Please visit the website at ElevateDevon.com and subscribe to the newsletter to ensure that you receive updates and information on how to share your thoughts and feedback.
It takes all of us to help improve our business corridors. This is a quick and easy way to get involved.
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COVID-19 cases continue to rapidly decline in Illinois. COVID-19 patients in hospitals continue to decline. As of Wednesday night, the state was averaging 881 COVID-19 hospitalized patients as compared to the records set during this surge when we were averaging more than 7,300 hospitalizations. As shown in the graph above from IDPH's website hospitalizations have dropped even further. As of this week, the state's test positivity rate has hovered around 1.7%. This is the lowest the positivity rate has been since mid-November.
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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, March 4th:
Statewide Totals: 3,037,199 confirmed cases, 32,926 deaths and tests performed 55,089,500
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 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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Free Tax Help Through the City of Chicago |
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The City of Chicago is offering free, confidential tax help, partnering with Ladder Up. Volunteer tax preparers who are trained to assist you can help complete and electronically file Federal and Illinois tax returns for 2021 and years prior in some circumstances. They also can help determine if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other tax credits.
The tax filing deadline is Monday, April 18. For more information, visit www.taxprepchicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment.
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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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Free Legal Help for Families and Students |
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Free Legal Help for Families and Students |
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Loyola's 2021-2022 free legal helpline is now open and taking calls. Stand Up For Each Other (SUFEO) Chicago is made up of a group of law students who provide free legal assistance, all under attorney supervision, to K-12 students facing a multitude of school-related issues.
Any K-12 students and their families who need help understanding their school rights can call the helpline at 773-800-0338. SUFEO Chicago also offers free know-your-rights trainings and education law workshops to students, families, and service providers-both virtually and in-person. You can contact SUFEO's Outreach Coordinators Sarah Bianchi and Brittany Haracz at sufeo-chicago@luc.edu with the subject line "Outreach Inquiry" for more information.
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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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Emergency Heating Repair Program Open Through April 1 |
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LIHEAP Utility Assistance |
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Utility Help Through CEDA |
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Utility Billing Relief (UBR) provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer tax as well as debt relief for those who demonstrate they can manage the reduced rate bills for one year. Benefits for UBR participants include:
- A reduced rate on water, sewer, and water-sewer tax
- No late payment penalties or debt collection activity including water shut-off
- Debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year with no past due balance
Operating in partnership with the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), who operates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the UBR program will utilize their expertise and extensive network of partner organizations to conduct outreach and enroll homeowners. For more information and how to apply, visit here.
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Chicago Recover Plan Development Grant Applications Open |
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Chicago Recovery Plan community development grants available to Chicago entrepreneurs, small businesses, and developers as a part of its $1.2 billion strategy for equitable economic recovery and support for thriving and safe communities.
The small grant program offers up to $250,000 and the large grant program offers up to $5 million for various types of projects. The second-round application deadline of March 10, 2022.
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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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Living Works Mini Golf Mania March 19 |
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Living Water Community Church is hosting a Mini Golf Mania to support its after-school program. Groups of 2-4 people will have the opportunity to play 18 holes for $20 each. There will be refreshments, a raffle, and fun for all ages.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 29, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Living Water Community Church, 6808 N. Ashland. Advanced registration is required
For more info please click here.
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ECPS Ordinance and District Council Teach-In March 12 |
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The Empowering Communities for Public Safety coalition is holding an ECPS Ordinance and District Council Teach-In on Saturday, March 12, from 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
This is a space to learn and ask questions about the new civilian oversight ECPS ordinance. The Coalition will share how ECPS was passed, highlights of the ordinance, and focus on the newly elected positions that the ordinance created.
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Rogers Park Pride Looking for Volunteers |
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CTA Second Chance Program |
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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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