Reflecting on Roe v. Wade’s End |
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Yesterday’s news of the final decision in the Dobbs case eliminating the protections afforded under Roe v Wade certainly wasn’t a surprise. Since the draft leaked on May 3rd, advocates and legislators have spent the mornings of “decision days,” the days the Supreme Court schedules to release decisions, refreshing our computers on the SCOTUS Blog and other news sources dreading the day they released the final Dobbs decision. On those mornings full of anticipation, anxiety, and dread, we’d cycle through as each day brought 4-5 decisions but not Dobbs. Those days didn’t represent relief however, on a day that didn’t bring the Dobbs decision we still had plenty to lament in the decisions that were handed down: effectively eliminating the protections of Miranda rights for arrestees, mandating state support of religious schools in voucher programs, and eviscerating common-sense restrictions on carrying weapons were among the many truly stunning outcomes this term. We started this week with a dwindling number of outstanding decisions and 2 scheduled days to announce, but after the completion of Thursday’s decisions they announced that there would be additional decisions announced Friday and Monday of next week. That evening during my regular strategy meeting with pro-choice leaders, legislators, and advocates from across the country, we spent time speculating about which day would bring the decision with many noting that the court has traditionally saved the most controversial decision for the last day and some suggesting that this court seems to have little regard for their traditions. I went to bed Thursday night with a mix of feelings: wanting to get it over with, fretting that Friday’s schedule would be much harder to reschedule to accommodate reaction events than Monday’s, and imagining being a patient in a waiting room on either morning wondering if today would be the day time ran out. That last item was certainly the product of learning on the strategy call about the various precautions being taken by clinics and abortion funds in anticipation of their state’s trigger laws kicking in and criminalizing their work immediately upon release of the decision.
Friday was supposed to begin with a celebration of the signing of HB4430, a bill I sponsored that expands access to life-saving HIV prevention medications by making it possible for patients to access PEP and PrEP via a pharmacist rather than limiting authority to doctors. In anticipation of the potential decision, we had a plan b to pivot to a reaction press conference involving the advocates and legislators who led the fight to build protections in our state. As I got ready for what I hoped would be a celebration of a lifesaving legislative achievement with beloved colleagues and advocates, I asked Candace to monitor the blog while I finished getting ready. Not long after, I heard them call up the stairs “it’s done.” In spite of knowing this day was coming, in spite of having read the leaked draft, those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I collapsed and just sat on my bedroom floor trying to catch my breath and organize my thoughts. Holding back tears, I pulled myself together and headed to Howard Brown Health Care to prepare for the press conference.
All of the advocates who were meant to be in the PEP/PrEP event were there as we waited for the Governor and pro-choice advocates to arrive and a shocked and somber mood hung over the room as we greeted each other with hugs and tears. I gave up trying to preserve my make-up as colleagues I’ve spent decades working side by side with to protect choice arrived. Seeing Colleen Connell, now the Executive Director of the ACLU of Illinois arrive was maybe the hardest moment as we’ve been on this journey together since the early 90s when she was the lead attorney on their Reproductive Rights Project and I was the Legislative Director at the Chicago office of the National Organization for Women. We held onto each other in a circle of grief and rage with Khadine Bennett who leads legislative affairs for the ACLU and is one of my most frequent collaborators on legislation. The Governor arrived and his emotion was palpable. I wanted to reassure him that our work hasn’t been for naught and shared that the previous night’s strategy call included a lot of gratitude for what Illinois means to the country right now as an island of abortion access surrounded by states where access will disappear either immediately in the case of trigger law states or in very short order for several other surrounding states.
We began the press conference and speaker after speaker shared their stories full of grief, rage, gratitude for our state’s protections, and concerns over how tenuous those protections really are. As I stood between Colleen Connell and Sen. Christina Pacione-Zayas, we held onto each other as the tears flowed. In my comments, I shared that it was fitting that this event was meant to be a celebration of the PEP/PrEP bill as it represents yet another way that Illinois is taking steps to ensure access to the full spectrum of reproductive and sexual health and preservation of bodily autonomy as well as highlighting the array of services threatened by the end of the protections derived from the Roe decision. I went on to thank the Governor and Speaker Welch for announcing the plan to call us into a special session to build on our protections and shared that we have been working in anticipation of this to write legislation that will provide protections to patients and providers who are fleeing their home states to access reproductive and gender-affirming care here.
Next, I headed downtown to Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ headquarters where I stood with their CEO Jennifer Welch, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Sen. Melinda Bush, City Clerk Anna Valencia, and Senate Leader Jaqueline Collins to decry the impact of the decision and outline the critical need to make sure that providers and logistics advocates have the resources they need to handle the anticipated annual influx of 20 to 30 thousand additional out of state patients seeking care from restrictive states. To view my speech click here.
From there, we briefly “returned to our regularly scheduled program” to attend an LGBTQ Leadership Summit hosted by Engel & Volkers real estate where we were planning to discuss the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in government. The audience had lots of thoughtful questions about the expected impacts on our community, which are very real given Justice Thomas’ explicit invitation to challenge decisions such as Griswold which legalized contraception, Lawrence which overturned the nation’s sodomy laws, and Obergefell which legalized marriage equality.
Physically and emotionally drained, I headed downtown to Federal Plaza for a planned rally at Federal Plaza. We arrived late to find an enormous crowd spilling over into Dearborn and Adams streets. Seeing so many people expressing their outrage, hugging colleagues, hearing the roars of the crowd over the speakers, and marveling at so many clever signs helped recharge my batteries a bit. After, while sitting at my neighborhood pub for a much-needed late dinner, we overheard the couple next to us wondering if their marriage from Wisconsin was safe. We struck up a conversation and I shared that our state marriage equality law would protect them as long as we held onto the existing majorities in our legislature and state Supreme Court. I introduced myself as their State Representative and learned they were relatively new to Rogers Park and we had a laugh about constituent service being 24/7. I was just glad to have had the chance to reassure them and give them some practical tips to navigate the weeks and months ahead.
This morning as I was reflecting on the day, looking at pictures from yesterday, and finally allowing myself to feel the impact of the decision, I found myself remembering the Mayor’s words at Planned Parenthood yesterday; “Don’t be resigned, be resolved.” We don’t yet know exactly when we’ll be back to special session, or exactly what legislation will be considered, but I’ll share some more about that in the days ahead. I just know that my intention is to ensure inclusive protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care.
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Rep. Cassidy with Rep. Delia Ramirez and Rep. Will Guzzardi |
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Rep. Cassidy with her intern Carlos Barragan and her Constituent Advocate, Taylor Ortiz |
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Image taken from downtown rally |
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Image taken from downtown rally |
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Image taken from downtown rally |
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Image taken from downtown rally |
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Reaction to the Decision From Our Constituent Advocate, Taylor Ortiz |
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As I write this, I find myself struggling to find words to describe how I'm feeling about the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Roe v Wade. As a woman, I am devastated. Less for myself, but for the people less privileged than I am across our country seeking abortions who will no longer have access. I am devasted for those who will be criminalized for simply choosing how they wish to shape their future, for the communities of color that will disproportionately face the consequences of this ruling, as well as for the fierce abortion activists who fought as young people years before me who never thought they would see later generations of young people picking up exactly where they left off.
While pursuing my Master's degree, I was the President of the University of Chicago Harris School's Women in Public Policy student organization on campus. Being given the great gift of advocating for the voice of gender minorities in policy makes a day like this even more surreal and our call to action to ban together and fight for autonomy over our own bodies even more urgent. For me, it's hard to be a woman today.
Yet, I am still inspired every day by the fight Representative Cassidy and other Illinois legislators put forth for the right to reproductive healthcare and putting forth fierce protections to keep abortion accessible in Illinois. I am also so inspired by the organizations near and far who work to make abortion affordable and work with those traveling to Illinois for refuge. Working in this office, you see wonderful changemakers around you fighting endlessly for progress in the community. And in all this hurt, these surroundings still give me the drive to do whatever I can to fight for this cause myself. Whether that's going to the voting booth this Tuesday and this November, attending rallies and protests, or participating in the work we do at this office-I will do everything I can. And I hope you will too.
-Taylor Ortiz, Constituent Advocate
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Water Rescue Bill Memorial Ceremony & Artists of the Wall Festival |
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In a break from the scorching heat that swept through our district last week, we were treated to an absolutely lovely and certainly much cooler Saturday. I spent part of my day at the Artists of the Wall Festival at Loyola Beach to celebrate the passing of the Water Rescue Bill and honor those who have lost their lives to our beloved Lake Michigan. At the ceremony, advocates of the bill spoke, progress was commemorated, and a demonstration was given on how to effectively use the newly installed life rings by the U.S. coast guard. Upon its conclusion, we asked those who wanted to celebrate the life of someone lost to our lake to sign a banner which will be displayed at the Loyola Beach tennis courts. Check out a recap of the ceremony on CBS and WGN. |
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I was also excited to participate once again in the Artists of the Wall Festival. This year, to commemorate the passing of the Water Rescue Bill, I asked those who lost a loved one to the lake and members of our community to put their handprint on my space. |
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A Just Harvest Juneteenth Celebration |
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This past weekend we had another amazing neighborhood Juneteenth celebration off of Paulina Street in Rogers Park. A Just Harvest had banners for people to leave messages regarding those who are no longer with us and who have been discriminated against. There was great music and camaraderie. My Chief of Staff, Torrence Gardner, who is pictured above helped spearhead making Juneteenth a city holiday spoke about his efforts and how critical this holiday is to spur on more change that is needed. |
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Wine & Conversation Event June 30th |
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Please join us this Thursday, June 30th at Taste Food & Wine for beverages and a legislative wrap-up by Representative Cassidy. It will be especially important to discuss legislation in Illinois after the recent Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. Register at bit.ly/Drinks14Taste. |
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Care For Real Donation Drive |
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Our office is hosting a Menstrual Hygiene Product Drive for our neighbors at Care for Real. Care for Real is a wonderful local organization that provides food, clothing, referral, and additional services to low-income residents in need. Care for Real relies on "Neighbors helping Neighbors" and needs your help!
We will be collecting menstrual hygiene products such as pads and tampons of different sizes. You can drop off donations at our office located at 5533 N. Broadway Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. You can also purchase items from our Target wishlist directly at bit.ly/CareForReal-Drive.
You can find a full list of their other needs here.
Thank you for donating-we want to support Care for Real for all that they do and those who menstruate in our community so they can experience their periods with dignity.
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Primary Election This Tuesday! |
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This Tuesday, June 28th is the Illinois Primary Election!
You can vote early in person at any of the Early Voting locations listed here. However, Early Voting locations in the 14th state district are Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway
Willye B White Park, 1610 W. Howard St.
If you are voting by mail, ballots must be postmarked by June 28th in order to be counted. Mail ballots may also be returned to secure ballot boxes at any of the Early Voting locations until June 28th.
To vote in-person on Election Day, June 28th, you must vote at your designated polling place. To find your polling place, click here.
Are you a new voter? Or have a name/address change?
All Early Voting locations and Election Day polling places will have voter registration services. Those wanting to register to vote for the first time or under a new name or address must show two forms of ID, one of which must reflect the current address of the voter. More information and acceptable forms of ID are listed here.
Want a sample ballot before the real thing?
Based on your address, the Chicago Board of Elections can provide your polling location as well as your sample ballot ahead of voting at this website. After inputting your information and clicking "search," click on the second tab located at the top reading "Sample Ballot."
Happy Voting!
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Angel Lopez Needs Your Help |
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Credit: Leen Yassine/Block Club Chicago
Rogers Park resident Angel Lopez has sold ice cream and refreshments on northside beaches for years, making him a familiar face for neighbors in the area. Selling these items is Lopez's main source of income, but his cart has broken, and he's reaching out to the neighborhood for help so he can get back to work. Frequent beachgoer Manar Elkhier launched a GoFundMe to raise money to buy him a new one and preserve the smiles and sense of community he brings to Rogers Park. You can donate to Lopez's fundraiser here. |
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Rhapsody Theater Is Now Open! |
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Thanks to Dr. Rosenkranz and his business partner Tim Friedman Rhapsody Theater is now open! This location at 1328 W. Morse used to be known formally as The Mayne Stage. Thanks to a lot of work put into this venue it is back up and running.
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Visit the Bryn Mawrket Today! |
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The 48th Ward Office, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and the young artist-boosting nonprofits Agora and GetFlea have partnered to host the Bryn Mawrket this Friday (June 24) from 1-9pm. The new pop-up market celebrates young artists and entrepreneurs and aims to revitalize a business district hit hard by the pandemic. Featured business types include fashion designers, vintage clothing retailers, painters, dancers, and musicians.
The event is free and open to the public. To read more, click here.
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Jarvis Square Family Pride Street Festival |
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Jarvis square is hosting its own pride event this Sunday, June 26 starting at 12:30 pm. Pride in Jarvis square is family friendly and will feature music and entrainment for kids as well as music and libations for adults.
Our office will be hanging out there from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. Feel free to drop by and say hi!
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Pride North Returns to Glenwood Avenue |
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Pride North is happening this weekend and will be from Friday, June 24th - Sunday, June 26th on Glenwood Ave in Rogers Park. In response to last year's issues festival organizers have agreed not to collect donations at all. Alderwoman Hadden's office worked with other community stakeholders in addressing issues and any potential security concerns for this year's event. |
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Edgewater Historical Society Walking Tours |
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The Edgewater Historical Society is offering walking tours of the neighborhood from June until August. Appreciate all that makes Edgewater unique from the ground level as you gaze at its stunning architecture and learn about its storied history. Tours are 15$ and are filling up fast! Register here. |
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Mango Pickle, an Indian-American Atelier located at 5842 N Broadway, is gearing up for the fourth edition of their '21 Days of Thali' progressive supper series.
This seasonal supper consists of a one time menu made up of a variety of preparations, colors, tastes and textures served over 5 courses. The series runs June 24 - July 10. To make a reservation for this event, click here. |
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Cook County is once again experiencing a High Community Level risk for COVID-19. It is currently recommended that everyone wear masks in crowded indoor settings. In an additional update, the CDC has approved both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to be safe for children as young as 6 months old. Please stay up to date with your vaccines and get tested if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed.
Illinois health officials reported 27,094 new COVID-19 cases over the past week. There have been at least 3,407,189 total COVID cases including at least 34,076 related deaths in the state since the pandemic began.
June 24th Update:
- Total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 IL residents in the past 7 days: 30.4
- New COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 IL residents in the past 7 days: 101
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The percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by IL COVID-19 patients: 20%
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.
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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, June 24th:
Statewide Totals: 3,407,189 confirmed cases and 34,076 deaths
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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New Course Offering with the Chinese Mutual Aid Association |
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The Chinese Mutual Aid Association is offering a new technology course that aims to prepare students for administrative jobs in a variety of fields and industries. The class begins July 11 and continues Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am - 12pm.
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Free ESL Classes with the CMAA |
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CMAA provides free English classes to adult immigrants and refugees with limited language proficiency. Classes are offered in levels ranging from beginner to advanced and focus on preparing students for integration into the workforce. Classes are offered in the morning and evening during the week and on Saturdays.
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Free Healthcare English Language Class with the CMAA |
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Funded by the Illinois Community College Board, CMAA's Healthcare Employment Preparation Program offers healthcare literacy courses and holistic case management to program participants. The class is for adult learners interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The class focuses on strengthening participants’ employability skills, English reading and writing skills, and preparing students to enter a career within the healthcare industry or pursue further educational opportunities. Students will receive exposure to healthcare industry professions and earn an Adult/Pediatric CPR & First Aid Certification from the American Red Cross.
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Medicaid Users: Update Your Home Address Today! |
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CPS created a website - cps.edu/summerprograms — with the district's summer programming information and links to programs that are offered through CPS and through other city agencies.
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ComEd EV Rally Application Now Open |
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After a two-year COVID hiatus, ComEd is bringing back its big summer STEM event!
This year, they're are evolving the Icebox Derby to become the EV Rally. Much like Icebox Derby, six teams of young women will work with ComEd mentors to build an EV race cart over four build nights. The event will culminate in a race this summer. Each participant who completes the program will receive a $2,000 scholarship and an iPad.
ComEd is recruiting 30 young women, aged 13-18, to participate. They can be in middle school or high school but they must be at least 13 by June 1 and no older than 18 on race day. Young women from anywhere in Illinois are eligible to apply.
Information about the event and the application are available at ComEdEVRally.com.
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Work at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service
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Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service is now hiring for EMT and Paramedic positions in Chicago and Evanston. They provide emergency response services to special events like sporting events and concerts. The program includes 12 weeks of training, a free accelerated EMT course, and a guaranteed job. For more information, visit emsjobs.org or email emtclass@superiorambulance.com.
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Heartland Alliance is Hiring on the Northside |
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Heartland Alliance is dedicated to advancing human rights and championing human dignity through services and solutions both locally and globally. Their approach is multi-faceted, and stretches through multiple arms of the organization.
Heartland Alliance is offering many different positions in Chicago's Northside, such as Case Worker, Community Health Worker, Refugee Specialist, Cook, among many others.
More information on careers with Heartland Alliance can be found here. |
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The Chicago Park District is Hiring |
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The Chicago Park district is hiring for both seasonal and part time positions. To view available positions, click here. |
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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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