Legislative Update

The scheduled end of our Spring session came and went on Friday without a resolution on several outstanding issues, most notably the budget. We spent the week working through regular legislative items while negotiation teams worked on the budget and a handful of larger legislative efforts. When it became clear that the 19th was not a realistic finish line, we adjourned with plans to bring both chambers back this week from Wednesday to Friday in hopes that some of the more complicated issues could be resolved via weekend negotiations.

Since we had planned to be done Friday, Candace came down to help me shut down our apartment for the season. We got a lot done, which will make it easier to finish up when we do adjourn, but it also gave us the chance to enjoy a bit of fun in downtown Springfield. Saturday brought a plethora of fun outdoor activities: Springfield Pride Fest, The Capitol City Art Fair, and the opening weekend farmer’s market! Honestly, I couldn’t have come up with a better day! In addition to taking in the festivities of PrideFest, I got some more plants for my garden at the farmers market and bought a new crockery and some handmade wooden utensils I’m very excited to test out.

I’ll be heading back to Springfield hoping that the budget is resolved and that the folks working on Chicago School Board maps, and the various omnibus bills that are bubbling up (elections and cannabis), are closer to being soup. Both bills remain a work in progress, but some of the issues that have been discussed in committee are expected to end up in the final versions. For elections, that includes a ranked-choice voting task force to study if and how Illinois should adopt the approach, changes to reporting requirements, clarification on jurisdictional questions related to ballot access changes, and a new provision that would prevent Chicago’s Mayor from making appointments to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in the last 45 days of a term and retroactively removing anyone so appointed. This last one is particularly troubling to me and I raised the issue in the hearing: we just watched as Republicans in the US Senate prevented a sitting president from making US Supreme Court appointments. We have no business following that playbook here. The cannabis bill contains a few provisions I have advocated for on behalf of medical cannabis patients such as making curbside pickup permanent and permitting drive-through service, and granting some packaging flexibility for patients who struggle to open our containers. Other potential items include expanding allowable canopy space for craft growers, extending the deadline for new dispensary licensees to secure locations, and granting greater flexibility for social equity licensees to raise capital. None of these are final. Discussions on other issues continue, including voting in prison as a possible item for consideration in elections and regulation of hemp-derived thc products for the cannabis bill.

I’m looking forward to being back in the district and meeting up with neighbors for end-of-session updates soon!

Neighborhood Shoutout

Farmers Markets

Glenwood Sunday Market

Mark your calendars and join our office along with RPBA, Alderwoman Hadden and other local leaders for the kick-off of The Glenwood Sunday Market on Sunday June 4th at 8:45a. Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant community atmosphere where friends, family, and neighbors gather to celebrate the abundance of our region.

View a list of vendors and for more information here.

Edgewater Monday Market

On June 5, Edgewater's Monday Market returns to the Broadway Armory. The famers market is held every Monday from 3-7pm. More than 20 vendors will provide the finest quality meats, fruits & vegetables, fresh pastries, and a tasty selection of prepared foods. This year's market will be twice as big, using the entire Amory parking lot. There will also be activities for the whole family throughout the market season!

What to get involved? The Chamber is looking for volunteers to help in a number of different ways. If you're interested in volunteering, or to learn more email info@edgewater.org.

Andersonville Farmers Market

The Andersonville Farmers Market kicked off its 14^th season on Wednesday, May 10 from 3 –7 pm on Catalpa Ave. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. Featuring more than 30 vendors and 20 different pop-ups, the 24-week market is open every Wednesday through October 18, 2023.

Everything sold at the Andersonville Farmers Market is grown or produced within a 200-mile radius, offering the community access to fresh, local food. For a list of vendors click here.

Museum Pass

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Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeals

Rogers Park Township is now open for property tax appeals through the Cook County Assessor’s Office. The assessment of your home is one of the most important factors in determining how much you will pay in property taxes. The good news is that you can appeal your valuation and potentially lower your taxes.

Rogers Park Township encompasses the area of the 49th & 50th Wards that are north of Devon. The appeals period is open until May 25. You can file an appeal online at www.cookcountyassessor.com/online-appeals.

If your appeal is accepted, changes to your property's assessed value will be reflected in the second installment property tax bill you receive next year in 2024.

For any questions, please contact my office at (773) 784-2002 or contact Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita’s Office at (312) 603-6383.

Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth Newsletter Signup

In the District

Andersonville Midsommarfest

Midsommarfest returns Foster to Gregory on June 9 from 5-10PM and June 10 and 11 from 12-10PM. On Sunday, June 11 we are thrilled to be able to offer early shopping from 11-12PM for with immunocompromised folks. Please note that the Swedish Stage has been moved from Foster to Farragut this year to allow for a safer entrance into the festival at Foster. For a list of stages click here. Please email info@andersonville.org with any questions you may have for this year's event.

Whether you're a pro or a beginner, Roller-skate Midsommarfest is open to everyone who loves to skate. There will be music playing the latest hits to keep you energized. Get Your Tickets Now because time slots are limited and walk-up tickets are only based on leftover availability. 1 -50 minute skate session is $20 for adults 12+ and over. Children under 12+ are free but must be accompanied by a chaperone 18+. Two children permitted under 12 with the purchase of an adult skate session.

Follow this link for the hours of operation, information on skate rentals, and safety protocols. Tickets are going fast so invite your friends and family to join us for this exciting event. Don't miss out on the chance to make unforgettable memories with the people you love. See you there!

Edgewater Yard Sale

The Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale will be Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 9am to 5pm. Shop over 200 household and business yard and sidewalk sales; you never know what treasures you will find!

Participating households and businesses will be found between Foster to Devon and Clark to Sheridan. Don’t miss out on this long-running Edgewater tradition. If you are a resident and wish to participate, please fill out the online form HERE.

The deadline to register is 5/26/2023 to be on the printed map. Registrations received between 5/27-6/2 will be included on the online map only. Please visit there Facebook page where you can share the event with interested neighbors.

30th Annual Artists of the Wall

The Loyola Park Advisory Council is pleased to share this year's 30th anniversary poster, designed by teen artist Maude Hovey-Bradshaw! You'll see this poster promoting the 30th annual Artists of the Wall Festival. Pre-order posters and t-shirts here!

REGISTRATION - Registration will open on May 1, 3, and 5 at 8AM at this link . Please only purchase one space per household. This year's event will be on June 17 and 18, 2023 from 9AM-3PM with music from 12-3 each day.

VOLUNTEER - Volunteer for AOTW and the Loyola Park Advisory Council by filing out this form.

SPONSOR - Join us as a sponsor before May 15 to be on promotional materials. Information here.

Important Loyola Park Dates

May 1 - Next LPAC meeting at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse at 6:30

May 20 - Loyola Dunes workday from 9:30am-12:30PM

June 3 - Join us from 10AM-12PM for It's Your Park Day!

Resources

Early Childhood Access Scholarship

LIHEAP Program

Until May 31, 2023, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will accept applications for its next cycle of utility-bill assistance. LIHEAP provides a one-time grant, per program year, with no payback required, based on a household's income and size. Homeowners, renters, and subsidized housing tenants are eligible to apply for assistance, and customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.

For more information, to check eligibility, and to apply, residents of Cook County can call the LIHEAP hotline at 800-571-2332 or visit this website. You can also call our office at 773-784-2002 for more information.