Veto Session Update

This week, we returned to Springfield for the first time since our regular session adjourned in April. As I’ve mentioned in earlier newsletters, the fall Veto Session is primarily intended to address any veto actions taken by the Governor and emergency issues. Since the Governor didn't take any veto actions, we are primarily focused on issues that must be addressed before the end of the year while also planning for a Lame Duck Session after January 1st but before the beginning of the 103rd General Assembly on January 11th. For most of us, it was the first time we’ve seen each other since adjournment and the elections. It was also an opportunity to meet some of the newly elected members who will be joining us next year as a few came down to get acquainted. All of the new members will be present with us when we reconvene 11/29-12/1 as that will also be new member orientation.

We had an opportunity to hear from some of the working groups that have been meeting while we’ve been adjourned. The Public Safety Working Group shared that stakeholders have stayed at the table working through various issues needing clarification in the SafeT Act, reporting that only a small number of issues remain unresolved while talks remain productive. The Gun Safety Working Group similarly expressed optimism at producing meaningful and smart solutions from their process. As chair of the Reproductive Rights/Dobbs Decision Working Group, I reported that our group has heard from approximately 30 witnesses, experts, and stakeholders in large group and smaller breakout gatherings. At the same time, I have been regularly working with colleagues around the country gathering information about what we can expect as we move into the next legislative session. Our goal remains to produce meaningful and enforceable protections for patients, providers, family, and supporters as it applies to both reproductive health and gender affirming care. At the same time, it is imperative that we ensure that we are able to expand capacity so that residents of Illinois as well as inbound patients from hostile states are able to access the care they need when and where they need it.

After we adjourned on Wednesday, I was excited to join with my fellow members of the House Progressive Caucus for a legislative retreat. We were joined by four of the incoming members who made the trip down to observe session. I’m excited to meet the rest of my new colleagues when we convene for the second week of Veto Session after the holiday. Our retreat was a chance to review the last session, revisit our priorities, and get a chance to take a deeper dive into some of the issues we expect to address in the new session. It was exciting to get to hear from our new colleagues about what they hope to accomplish in their new roles and I look forward to helping them achieve those goals.

As we head into the holiday next week, please note that our office had to go remote today due to issues with our heating system. We are hopeful that we can resume in person service on Monday, but please check before coming to the office just in case. If you need in person service, please call the office at 773-784-2002 or email us at repcassidy@gmail.com. In addition, our holiday schedule means that we will be remote for half the day Wednesday and reopen after the holiday weekend.

We will get our newsletter out early next week with information on area Thanksgiving events, volunteer opportunities, and any updates we might have. If you have a favorite local tradition or know of organizations needing volunteer help next week, let us know and maybe we’ll feature it!

Take The U.S. Trans Survey

The U.S. Trans Survey is the largest survey of trans people, by trans people, in the United States. The USTS documents the lives and experiences of trans and nonbinary people ages 16+ in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

USTS reports have been a vital resource, including the reports on the experiences of people of color and reports by state. In 2015, nearly 28,000 people took the USTS. A lot has happened since then – and it’s time to conduct the USTS again in 2022. More than ever, it's important to ensure that trans voices will shape the future.

For more information and to take the survey, visit www.ustranssurvey.org.

Annual Coat Drive

We are still collecting for our Winter Coat Drive as we get closer to the holiday season! We kindly ask that all items are laundered, and are new or lightly used. We are collecting coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats to help keep our neighbors warm and safe this winter. We are not collecting light or fall items. Please make sure that all items are laundered.

For a more detailed list of items, please visit our Target wish list linked below:

https://bit.ly/winter-coat-drive22

You can drop off donations at R Public House, located at 1508 W. Jarvis, Monday through Thursday 3:00pm-10:00pm and Friday through Sunday 11:00am-10:00pm. You can also continue to drop off items at our district office at 5533 N. Broadway, Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Birthday Week in the Office!

Pictured: Wade Greer, Me (Kelly Cassidy), Timothy Jackson (Aids Foundation)

We celebrated two birthdays in the office this week! Along with me, my Director of Outreach & Constituent Services, Wade Greer, pictured next to me in the shorts also celebrated a big milestone! Happy birthday to Wade and thanks to all who celebrated with us to make our birthdays special!

In the District

TRANSGENDER WEEKEND OF RESILIENCE COMMEMORATION

Our trans community has been through a lot and they continue to fight and honor those we have lost. The Chicago Therapy Collective is hosting an event on Transgender Day of Resilience (November 20th) at 3pm at 5237 N Clark honoring the legacies of Elise Malary and Nukahh Hlaban, two local trans activists with mural offerings, a vigil, and a fire ceremony. To RSVP, click here. If you are looking for ways you can support the transgender community, visit the Chicago Therapy Collective website.

Two More Chances to Visit the Jarvis Square Artisan Market!

There are only two more chances to visit the Jarvis Square Artisan Market this season! This Saturday, November 19th, and Saturday, December 3rd.

The market brings local arts and craft vendors to the Jarvis Square Alfresco area where they can showcase and sell their creations. The market also has live music and food for patrons to enjoy.

Winter Bryn Mawrkets Opening!

Winter Bryn Mawrkets open on Friday, November 18th! The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to come shop Bryn Mawr, where you’ll find makers and artists from across the city gathered in the Bryn Mawr Historic District.

The Winter Bryn Mawrkets will run every Friday from 3-7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 1-5pm from November 18 to February 12.

The Winter Bryn Mawrkets turn Bryn Mawr Avenue into a destination spot for the community to celebrate the holidays, see one-of-a-kind art installations, and purchase art from local artists at the Winter Bryn Mawrkets Gallery!

COVID-19 Updates

November 18th Update

Friday, November 18th Update:

Total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 IL residents: 15.5
Daily new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 IL residents: 99
Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by IL COVID-19 patients: 17%
Statewide Totals: 3,848,711 confirmed cases and 4,808 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

Resources

Cook County Property Tax Bills Now Online

Cook County’s Second Installment property tax bills have been posted at cookcountytreasurer.com. You can view, download, and pay your property tax online for free. Bills will also be mailed to property owners by the end of the month. Property tax payments are due December 30th. For more information see the news release above or by visiting here.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Mental Health Resource Fair

DECEMBER 8TH

IHDA Reopening Mortgage Assistance Program

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) mortgage assistance program is designed to assist homeowners financially impacted by the pandemic. Applications are NOW OPEN! The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) provides up to $60,000 (double the previous grant amount)in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners—paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity—while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. Whether homeowners have a mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or are mortgage-free, the program can fund past due housing payments and up to three months of prospective mortgage payments.

The program is free and funds do not need to be repaid. Application, program information and updates can be found at illinoishousinghelp.org or by calling the ILHAF hotline at 1-866-IL-HELP (866-454-3571). Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.