We continue to prepare for Veto and next spring session while also keeping up a steady pace with the Dobbs Working Group as we continue to take input from stakeholders, study policy proposals, and collaborate with colleagues across the country on crafting solutions addressing the influx of patients from restrictive states and the risks faced by providers and supporters here due to efforts to criminalize health care by neighboring states.

To that end, I was so pleased to join with colleagues from other proactive states in a virtual meeting convened by the White House. It was a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from the architects of some of the laws passed by states that were still in session when Dobbs came down about the steps they have already taken as well as any changes they’re considering for next session. Having the White House convene us and actively participate also meant getting a chance to advocate for more federal action and support.

We’re eager to get back to session for Veto to try and get a couple of bills from this year’s Spring session across the finish line. Two bills that I passed out of the House and are awaiting action in the Senate are:

• HB2542 which will ease the process for name change for people with certain felony backgrounds to allow transgender people, trafficking survivors, and survivors of gender based violence to live safely and authentically.
• HB4847 which will clear up ambiguity in our state’s Domestic Violence Reesentencing Act. We already have a law allowing incarcerated survivors to petition for a new hearing when their abuse was not sufficiently considered at trial. Unfortunately, this has not led to a significant number of resentencing hearings over the years due to vague language that has resulted in frustrating outcomes. In one case where trial transcripts confirm that there wasn’t a single mention of abuse at the defendant’s trial, the judge still denied the petition noting that he saw that she was in a neck brace at the time of the original trial and that was sufficient evidence. We are seeking to make it more clear when someone should be granted a resentencing hearing and expanding eligibility to all incarcerated survivors of gender based violence.

In the House, I have been working with Rep. LaShawn Ford and the Department of Human Services on HB110. Modeled after programs in Vancouver, Barcelona, & New York City that have been shown to dramatically reduce overdose deaths and increase access to treatment, this bill will create a pilot program in Chicago to establish an overdose prevention site where drug users can access clean needles staffed by harm reduction specialists and stocked with items such as fentanyl test strips and and naloxone to reverse overdoses. With this week’s announcement of yet another penalty enhancement bill proposed by a group of Republican colleagues as their solution to the fentanyl crisis, it’s a good time to acknowledge that the so called tough on crime policies of the war on drugs have failed to make a dent in the problem and have instead contributed to the problem through destruction of communities resulting from mass incarceration.

Next week, I’ll join with my family to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and welcome the Jewish New Year 5783. Shana Tova to all who celebrate. Later in the week, Torrence and I will be attending the Illinois Environmental Council annual dinner where we’re excited to see our very own Alderwoman Maria Hadden be honored for her work on environmental justice issues. Thursday will bring a special meeting of the Resentencing Task Force. In a rare public hearing at a state correctional center, we will hear testimony on the impact of resentencing from stakeholders both live and virtually. If you’re interested in participating or viewing the meeting, the Sentencing Policy Advisory Council is our convening agency and more information on the task force and meetings is here. 

As I write this message a little later than I usually do, I’m just getting home from helping out at Alderwoman Hadden’s Shred-A-Thon. Thanks to Midway Moving and Storage for helping to make these events some of the most popular every year. Thanks to all the volunteers who came out to help folks with their boxes and sort out those pesky paperclips for helping so many of our neighbors safely dispose of sensitive documents.

I hope everyone has a safe and restful weekend.

Rincon Family Services, 3942 W. North, and ICIRR, 228 S. Wabash, are seeking support and donations to go directly to families that have recently arrived in Chicago. 

The organization is seeking gift cards, large suitcases/duffle bags, clothing (in new or like-new condition), undergarments, strollers, toys, sippy cups and toddler plates, and reusable water bottles. 

For more information, please email MArrez@rinconfamilyservices.org.

Our office and various other government offices are also drop-off locations for items needed for migrants coming to Chicago. See above for items we are collecting and for a drop-off location near you. Please make sure all items are new. 

Our office is located at 5533 N. Broadway, open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. For any questions, contact us at 773-784-2002 or repcassidy@gmail.com.

City Key Event with Clerk Valencia's Office

We were pleased to partner with City Clerk Anna Valencia and the amazing team at Centro Romero to provide an opportunity to get the City Key ID. Seventy-five people got an ID, several accessed information about getting their Temporary Visitors Drivers License, and everyone was able to learn about the services available through Centro Romero. 

Clerk Valencia’s team is traveling the city to make it easier for people to get a City Key OD. For more information on the uses of City Key or to find out how to get one yourself, click here.

Madonna Mission celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Saturday, September 17, 2022 with a party that included food, entertainment, and tours of their home on Morse Ave. The organization provides education and support services to refugees in Chicago, with a focus on women and elementary school aged children.

My Chief of Staff Torrence Gardner participated in what is known as the North Shore Century Ride. It's one of Chicagoland's premiere invitational rides. You can choose from many different distances to ride that day, the major being the full 100 miles. Congratulations to Torrence for completing his first 100-mile ride which starts from Evanston, Illinois to Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and back. It's a risky race that tests the true limits of a person's endurance and mental strength.

Edgewater Historical Society 20th Anniversary Celebration

Berger Park Cultural Center Members' Show

Jarvis Square Oktoberfest

The Jarvis Square Oktoberfest is happening this Sunday, September 25 from 2p-7p. Located just steps off the Jarvis Redline stop, join the fun with a brat toss competition at 4 p.m., live music by Frank Duo from 2 - 4 p.m. and Pieptone from 5 - 7 p.m. plus lots of beer and brats!

Andersonville Arts Weekend

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Bramble Arts Loft and Connect Gallery, is pleased to welcome back its 18th annual Andersonville Arts Weekend, with the neighborhood transformed into a “walkable art gallery” from Friday, September 30–Sunday, October 2, 2022. The three-day event includes over 40 businesses and more than 100 artists representing multiple genres including visual art, theatre, dance, music, makers, film, culinary, student art and much more. Returning Arts Weekend mainstays include the Self-Guided Art Walk on all three days and the popular Night of Parties, an evening of artist receptions kicking-off on Friday, September 30 at 5 pm. New this year is the Andersonville Wine Art Walk, a curated wine and art experience on Sunday, October 2 from 3-6 pm.

Friday, September 23rd Update:

• Total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 IL residents: 19.5
• Daily new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 IL residents: 98
• Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by IL COVID-19 patients: 19%
• Statewide Totals: 3,751,275 confirmed cases and 34,947 deaths

For more details regarding the status of COVID in Illinois click here.

Please click here to see the status of COVID in our zip codes.

Being vaccinated and boosted is critical to limit the major impacts of future pandemic waves we are to face as new variants come along. Please be up to date with your vaccines and continue to test when needed.

To find a vaccine clinic within the City of Chicago click here.

For questions or info regarding COVID-19 testing click here.

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

One of our amazing local organizations, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, has provided us with some helpful informational graphics about LIHEAP utility assistance and how to apply. Please see the posters below. 

You can also reach out to CMAA to help process LIHEAP applications or for questions along the way. Visit their website www.chinesemutualaid.org for more information or give them a call at 773-784-2900.

comed is Hiring 

Madonna Mission is a not-for-profit that provides education and resettlement support programs for refugee families with a strong focus on women and elementary-aged children. They are currently seeking a full time Communications Coordinator and Office Administrator. 

Job Description: This position requires an individual with a combination of skills: careful organizational skills necessary to manage the administration of our programs and office; energy and enthusiasm to wear many hats; and creativity to produce marketing materials, social media content, and website design.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

1. Act as the welcoming face of Madonna Mission – greet and assist guests; welcome our students as they arrive; manage the office phone.
2. Manage administrative duties of the programs – attendance rosters, communication with families, receive snack and maintain GCFD records, technology management.
3. Assist program directors as needed during program hours – tutoring, babysitting, gym supervisor, snack distribution
4. Maintain DonorSnap database and generate acknowledgement letters. Requires meticulous attention to detail
5. Work with Development team to create marketing/development materials
6. Identify and compile key metrics from all 3 programs - to create graphics, charts, statistics and quotes for use in marketing materials.
7. Develop and manage email marketing content (experience with Constant Contact a plus)
8. Website design and maintenance (experience with Squarespace a plus)
9. Create content and manage Social Media Platforms
10. Other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, self-motivated and detail oriented. He or she will have previous work experience in a similar role and truly enjoy working with the families who walk through our doors. Hands-on expertise with Google Suite and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PP) is necessary. Ability to work independently as well as part of a small team is crucial. College degree preferred.

• Full-time position
• In person
• Monday to Friday
• 40 hours per week
• Salary: $45,000

Please submit cover letter and resume to Peggy Forbes, Executive Director, at peggy@madonnamission.com.

The Chicago Board of Elections is seeking election judges and election coordinators for the general election this November 8th. Election judges can earn up to $230 and election coordinators can earn up to $450 working Election Day. Requirements of election judges include:

• Must be U.S. citizens.
• If they are 18 or older, they must be registered voters in Cook County.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in English. The Board of Elections encourages bilingual judges — especially those who speak Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog — to apply right away.
• High school and college students can also apply.

The responsibilities of election judges include:

• Arriving to the polling place 5 a.m. for setup.
• Opening the polls at 6 a.m.
• Issuing the correct ballots to each voter and helping voters with registration and other questions through 7 p.m.
• Completing reports after polls close.

More information and how to apply, visit the Chicago Board of Elections website here. 

Requirements of election coordinators include:

• Must be U.S. citizens.
• If they are 18 or older, they must be registered voters in Cook County.
• Must have be able to speak and understand English.
• Must have expertise in the operation, maintenance and proper use of a wide range of computer technologies.
• Must have a cellphone available for making and receiving calls and text messages on Election Day.
• Must complete all required training courses and successfully pass the examination after each class.
• High school and college students can also apply.

Responsibilities of election coordinators include: 

• Ensuring the polling place is accessible to voters with disabilities by following an accessibility guideline/check-off list.
• Serving all day on Election Day from 5 a.m. until all work is completed after the polls close and until election judges have secured their materials and are about to leave to deliver those materials to the receiving station.
• Having extensive knowledge of the Election Day registration procedures and directing the voter-registration activities on the e-poll book in the precinct.
• Assisting election judges with Election Day processes and procedures.
• Troubleshooting equipment problems and making minor repairs, such as changing the paper tape rolls.
• Assisting election judges with completing polling place closing paperwork

More information and how to apply, visit the Chicago Board of Elections website website. 

NAMI Chicago is looking to hire for positions in Mental Health Services. The following job opportunities are now open for application. Click on each link to see the full job description.

• Helpline Peer Support Specialist
• Helpline Specialist
• Controller

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

5533 N Broadway

Chicago IL 60640