Last week brought another chapter in what seems like an endless chain of questions and allegations concerning Speaker Madigan and his leadership of the House and the state Democratic Party. On Friday, the US Attorney’s office announced that Commonwealth Edison had entered into a deferred prosecution agreement, acknowledging that they had engaged in bribery to influence the Speaker in order to pass legislation favorable to the utility. Over the course of the lengthy investigation, the stories often referenced “Official A.” While it was widely acknowledged that they were likely referring to Speaker Madigan, the information released on Friday made clear that Official A was in fact Speaker Madigan. On the same day, the Speaker’s office was served with a subpoena seeking information about the Speaker’s interactions with several individuals and corporate entities, making clear that this story is far from over.

Soon after, I released a statement calling for the Speaker’s resignation if the investigations prove that he or those closest to him are involved in the scheme. This isn’t the first time I’ve spoken publicly about my concerns on Speaker Madigan’s leadership . What was different this time was the number of other members who did as well. Several of the members who spoke up are among the progressive leaders who were elected in 2018 and made the difference in securing the passage of the Reproductive Health Act last year. I couldn’t be more proud to serve with these members and wanted to share their statements with you as well. Their statements are linked here:



I expect that this story will continue to develop over the months ahead and as information becomes available, I’ll share it here.
City of Chicago Office of the Mayor : COVID-19 Restrictions Reinstated to Combat Rising Cases
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced Monday a re-tightening of COVID-19 restrictions for bars, restaurants, gyms and personal services as a precautionary move in response to a recent increase in community cases of the virus. Throughout the pandemic, data has guided every move made by the City, and the recent uptick in cases as well as surging COVID-19 activity in other states around the country is cause for concern and motivated this move to dial back reopening in certain high-risk environments.
 
The reinstatement of certain restrictions will go into effect Friday, July 24 at 12:01 a.m ., in order to allow businesses time to prepare. Restrictions will include:
  • Bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption without a Retail Food license will no longer be able to serve customers indoors.
  • Restaurants that serve alcohol will be allowed to continue to operate as long as they abide by ongoing COVID-19 guidance and existing regulations.
  • Establishments without food may still provide outdoor service as they did under phase three.
  • Maximum party size and table occupancy at restaurants, bars, taverns and breweries will be reduced to six people.
  • Indoor fitness class size will be reduced to a maximum of 10 people.
  • Personal services requiring the removal of face coverings will no longer be permitted (shaves, facials, etc.).
  • Residential property managers will be asked to limit guest entry to five per unit to avoid indoor gatherings and parties.

Click here for full coverage.
COVID-19 Count as of Wednesday, July 22:
1,624 new COVID cases, 20 additional 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
Unemployment Updates: End of Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (FEUC) Saturday, July 25
Expansion of unemployment benefits was created in the passage of the CARES Act by Congress. This historic bill not only expanded weeks of eligibility for individuals but it also created the pandemic unemployment assistance program and provided the additional $600 weekly in federal emergency unemployment compensation. Anyone who was entitled to a base pay through regular state unemployment or the pandemic unemployment assistance program was entitled to these additional funds. These additional funds are set to end on Saturday, July 25 unless the U.S. Senate acts to pass the HEROS Act. Below is a statement from U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky on updates to extend these benefits:

“It is crucial that individuals and families facing unemployment due to the ongoing pandemic receive help from their government. Unemployment benefits must be renewed before they expire at the end of the month. Cutting off enhanced unemployment benefits while the economy is still in crisis would ignore the millions of Americans who are still suffering. The House of Representatives acted at the end of May, passing the HEROES Act which extended these benefits, yet Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have sat on their hands and done nothing for months. With official negotiations finally starting this week, we will continue fighting to keep the pressure on McConnell and Trump to do the right thing and pass legislation before it is too late.”
Individuals who are receiving a base pay from regular state unemployment benefits or the pandemic unemployment assistance program will continue to receive those funds whether or not the U.S. Senate passes the HEROS Act.
Property Tax Appeals Virtual Q&A
In partnership with Commissioner Gainer, Commissioner Sufferdin and Senator Steans we are hosting a virtual Q&A event to answer your frequently asked questions on property taxes. Submit your questions ahead of time and click the flyer below for the zoom invitation. The appeals deadline for our township is August 5.
Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program Grant Increase: Apply Now
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is seeking information from community-based agencies in need of U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program grants to prevent, prepare for, or respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The application deadline is Friday, July 24 at 11:59 p.m.

Areas of focus must include:

  • Housing
  • Transitional and/or emergency housing for persons involved in the criminal justice system and/or those who have experienced violence. This may also include rent assistance allowing participants to remain in their existing housing.
  • Supportive Services
  • Supportive services for persons involved in the criminal justice system and/or those who have experienced violence. Services include advocacy, case management, legal services, mental and emotional support, clinical behavioral health services (includes substance use treatment) for adults and children.
  • Agency Support
  • Rent and utilities for community-based agencies operations.
  • COVID-19 related supplies and technology.
  • Foodbank
  • Receive and distribute food to community-based agencies for their participants.
  • Other
  • See Unallowable Costs section before selecting this option

A total of  $7,978,038 in CESF funds (originally $7.1 million) will be directed to areas that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus.

Click here for materials.
CTA Trains Will Not Stop at Edgewater Stations Through the End of July
There will be no Northbound service to three of the four Edgewater red line stations through the end of July. Affected stations include Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, and Granville. Southbound service will not be affected. This service interruption is necessitated by track and signal construction in preparation for the Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Project.

Click here for the full story.
Illinois Department of Human Services: Updates
The IL Youth Investment Program gives youth the support they need for long term career development. Providers interested in receiving funds can learn more here . The submission due date is August 3, 2020.

As a reminder, the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the self-response deadline to Oct 31, 2020. To complete the census, please visit https://my2020census.gov/ or call 1-844-330-2020 . For more information, text questions to 987987 or go to census.illinois.gov .

The federal government has approved continuing Emergency Allotments through July for all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households. These allotments ensure that families receive maximum SNAP funds for their household size during the pandemic. No action is required by the customer, and July 2020 SNAP Emergency Allotments will become available to active SNAP households between 07/19/20 and 07/30/2020. To apply for SNAP benefits, please visit abe.illinois.gov .
Illinois Commerce Commission: Updates
Rogers Park: Daddy Please Anti-Violence March
Daddy Please is an anti-violence march that will start at Willye B White Park and United Church of Rogers Park. After merging at Ashland Blvd and Touhy Ave, protesters will collectively march to Loyola Beach. Food and refreshments provided. See flyer for more details.
Charitable Trust: Food and Housing Assistance
A grant program to help small non-profit organizations provide food and housing assistance is accepting applications for the grant cycle of July 1-Sept. 30.
 
This cycle of the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund emphasizes food and housing assistance because the COVID‑19 pandemic has hurt so many working families and non-profits.
 
Charitable Trust assists small non-profits with annual budgets of $1 million or less. Money comes from filing fees non-profits pay when incorporating in Illinois, not personal or property tax dollars.
 
Grants of up to $12,500 are available from a pool of $375,000. An 11-member board will choose awardees and provide oversight. Previous grant recipients are eligible if the term of their grant has been complete for at least one calendar year.
 
Visit  here to apply  or call (217) 836-4590.
 
Since 2017, Charitable Trust has provided more than $2.2 million to 100 non-profits.
Dorothy Brown Second Chance: Virtual Expungement Summit
During this time of maintaining social distance to slow the spread of coronavirus, in our effort to protect the public and the staff members of governmental agencies, legal, judicial and community organizations, the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County will host the 16th Annual Dorothy Brown Second Chance Expungement Summit as a virtual event with an online Kick-Off presentation to be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 11 a.m . See flyer for more details.

Register here .
ICJIA Webinar:
 Consequences of Mass Incarceration: Lasting Effects on Communities and Reentry Strategies
Mass incarceration in the United States has disproportionately impacted people of color, particularly those residing in concentrated urban areas. Research indicates incarceration may increase crime as a result of negative consequences to the formerly incarcerated, their families, and their communities. In this webinar, presenters will discuss the prevalence, causes, and consequences of community concentration of prison admissions and returns, as well as highlight reentry efforts to reduce returns to corrections. This webinar will take place August 12, 2020 at 1 pm CST.

Presenters include:
  • Jessica Reichert, M.S., ICJIA Acting Research Director
  • Sherie Arriazola, Safer Foundation
  • Todd R. Clear, Ph.D., University Professor, Rutgers University
  • Jane Gubser, Psy.D., First Assistant Executive Director of Programs, Cook County Department of Corrections
  • Moderator: Emilee Green, ICJIA Research Analyst

Register here .
Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District

Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

5533 N Broadway

Chicago IL 60640
773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)