District Update

While we aren’t in session, things remain busy with in district meetings, constituent service needs, developing strategy for bills in the fall, and planning ahead for the next session. Our team has been juggling a lot this week, with the added challenges of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires and a set of particularly challenging United States Supreme Court decisions. Elsewhere in the newsletter, Torrence shares a thoughtful analysis of two of the most impactful decisions of this term: one that overturns affirmative action in college admissions and today’s decision encouraging discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Another weighing heavily on many is today’s decision to reverse the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness program. We hear regularly from folks burdened with student debt and the disappointment that this lifeline is being pulled away is palatable. The Court did leave open the possibility of another path forward on loan forgiveness as the question before the court was not whether the policy was appropriate, it was a question of Presidential authority. As we get more information as the decisions are analyzed, we will provide updates here and on our social media channels.

This weekend, I’m excited to spend some of my day tomorrow at Willye White Park. At 9 am, the District Councillors from the 24th Police District are hosting a community Summer Peace Rally. Later, Alderwoman Maria Hadden is hosting the first Community Softball Game at the park. I’m definitely no softball player, stereotypes about lesbians notwithstanding, but I’m a heckuva cheerleader. So lace up your kicks, grab a ball cap and join us for some pick-up softball fun starting at 1. It’s entirely possible some of the players and spectators could finish off the day with a cold one at Howard Street Brewing after, so join for any or all of the great opportunities to connect with neighbors on one of the most vibrant streets in our community.

As we close out LGBTQ Pride month and I reflect on the many years and ways I’ve celebrated, I am struck by how critical it is that we remember the origins of Pride - not a party, not a corporate-sponsored assortment of tchotchkes, but a riot borne of a community reaching the end of their tolerance for attacks and discrimination. Friends, we are terrifyingly close to that again in so many states around the country, including my home state of Florida. But we aren’t the only targets of the effort to turn back the clock and we don’t have to fight alone. This is the time for fierce allyship among the targets of the right-wing juggernaut that is our nation’s highest court. When they attack affirmative action, immigrants, reproductive care, workers' rights, affordable housing, health care access, or any of the other marginalized communities they take aim at, we have to step up together. When we passed marriage equality in Illinois, I spoke at a celebration and said “We don’t get to take our wedding cake and go home.”

We need to protect each other, lift each other up when it’s our turn to feel defeated and fight back with the same focus and intentionality that they seem to have in endless supply. I know I will fight with every breath in my body to protect our hard-won victories in Illinois. And I will do everything in my power to support folks taking the hard fights in states that haven’t made the promises of protection that we have here in Illinois.

The office will be closed for the 4th of July holiday on Tuesday as well as on Monday, July 3rd. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day!

Rep. Kelly Cassidy Condemns Court Actions Encouraging Discrimination

In two decisions (SFFA v. UNC and SFFA v. Harvard), the United States Supreme Court sided with a group called Students for Fair Admissions that effectively struck down affirmative action in college and university admission decisions. Conservative activists challenged the University of North Carolina and Harvard's affirmative action programs which will have wide-ranging impacts on all universities. The ruling will have repercussions beyond just higher education as this will put increased pressure on selective k-12 schools and any institution that wishes to come up with programs to foster racial diversity. Racial diversity programs used by employers may also be challenged in the future as this decision opens the door for that. Race-neutral programs to solve diversity problems have not been shown to work which is why this ruling is a tragedy. In the nine states that already ban the practice Black and Latino enrollment has been shown to lead to enrollment declines.

• Black students made up 7% of UCLA's student body before the ban, according to the New York Times. By 1998, that figure was below 4%.
• At the University of Michigan, Black undergraduate enrollment had been at 7% in 2006 before a local ban. It dropped after the ban to 4% in 2021, the Times reported.

While they cannot explicitly use proxies for race, schools may use factors to help create a diverse environment such as zip codes and personal essays describing lived experiences. 

What is the point of an Equal Protection Clause if we do not provide equal protection for all? The Supreme Court's ruling deems that diversity is no longer important under the Equal Protection Clause. Deja vu right? Last year this same Supreme Court rejected the Equal Protection Clause for the right to an abortion. Both decisions overturned decades of precedent. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's dissent sums it up best as “…this decision shows the Supreme Court with their let-them-eat-cake obliviousness announced colorblindness for all while ignoring racism's true realities in everyday life for millions of Americans.” However, I do not think they are oblivious. This is intentional. We must call it as we see it. To attack affirmative action but leave factors like legacy admissions or donor preferences untouched shows that our Supreme Court still holds a belief that others can be allowed to jump the line at the expense of those with a lack of resources and connections. 

Ironically, this same Supreme Court in the same week preserved democratic checks and balances. The Moore V. Harper case was essentially about which government officials can oversee federal elections. The court rules that state legislatures do not have unchecked power over elections and that other government officials can question and overturn their decisions. This ruling is critical as makes it difficult for partisan state legislatures to unfairly write election laws. Courts should always have the freedom to check any resemblance of the abuse of power of another branch of government and vice versa. For this to even be challenged is a scary reality that shows how there are people in this country continually seeking to erode our democratic institutions. 

To preserve our system of checks and balances is good but to in the same week ignore the plight of millions speaks to the ever-present hypocrisy our country is stained with and rooted in.

In the 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis case, the Supreme Court was asked whether a website designer that has chosen to open a business to the public has a constitutional right to discriminate against customers on the basis of their sexual orientation. 

• According to the ACLU, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) applies only to businesses that choose to serve the public and requires that they not discriminate on the basis of characteristics including race, sex, and sexual orientation in doing so. 303 Creative, a website design company, says it has a First Amendment right not to comply with the law because its service is “expressive,” “artistic,” and “customized,” and that it cannot be compelled to provide such services for a wedding to which it is ideologically opposed.

As we recently heard the Supreme Court turned back the clock on equality by allowing businesses to turn away customers because of who they are or who they love, undermining our nation’s promise of fair and equal treatment for all. Trying to use the First Amendment to justify bigotry is a disgraceful tactic. Any business open to the public must be open to all. Denying service based on a customer’s sexual orientation or any characteristics is fundamentally wrong. A new and dangerous loophole has seemingly been created for our civil rights protections and we await more analysis of the lasting impacts. However, what we know for sure is that this case was never about websites – it's about people.

I was reminded today that it's ok to cry. It's ok to feel the pain of what's going on. Do not ignore it. Use the pain to fight back even when it feels impossible. Push back with the tears in your eyes and ache in your heart as our ancestors have done. It's what we must do.

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Chicago Honors Juneteenth Organizers

In the District

Tea and Conversation End of Session Wrap Up

Join Representative Cassidy and special guest Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth to discuss this past legislative session and share your thoughts on issues you care about most. This event will be held at Eli Tea Bar on Tuesday, July 25th from 4-5:30pm. You must register for this event to attend. Register at bit.ly/14elitea.

Summer Peace Rally

Please join community leaders, CP4P (One Northside Communities Partnering for Peace), and the 24th District Police Council as they hold a Peace Rally at 9am at Willye B. White Park (1610 W. Howard St.

Family Bike Parade in Jarvis Square

20th Police District Monthly Meeting

The 20th Police District's July monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 10th, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Click here to register.

Edgewater Historical Society Walking Tours

The walking tours are back, and now is the time to sign up by going to www.EdgewaterHistory.org. They are allowing up to 20 participants on each tour. Masks are recommended, but optional.

Here is the schedule of walking tours of the Edgewater neighborhood as of 6/28/2023. The fee for each tour is $15. The schedule is subject to change. The link to register is bit.ly/ehswalk9.

Here are descriptions of walking tours and their scheduled dates/times: 

North Edgewater Beach: You will see seven Chicago landmarks and homes from the 1890s in the area around Granville and Kenmore. Learn from discussion of examples of each major residential building boom and housing transition in Edgewater since the 1890s. The walk is little over a mile, beginning at Kenmore and Granville (get coffee at Metropolis on Granville), and ending at the Colvin House on Thorndale and Sheridan.

DATE: JULY 12, 2023; TIME; 6 p.m.

DATE: August 16, 2023; TIME: 6:00 p.m.

Edgewater North: The tour begins at Broadway and Granville and extends throughout the neighborhood for about 1.5 miles. Along the way you’ll see a home that was featured in a Steven Seagal movie, and the home of Chicago’s first female judge, who was an advocate for child welfare in the early 20th century. The tour includes both single family homes and apartment buildings.

DATE: July 9, 2023; TIME: 1:00 p.m.

Surprising Broadway: This tour of the main business area of Edgewater has many surprises because it features several of the significant Motor Row buildings and a collection of two-flats built before the street was designated commercial. This tour captures a moment in Edgewater history when homes and businesses were side by side. The walk begins at St. Ita Catholic Church, on Broadway and Catalpa, and ends at Broadway and Rosedale, near the Broadway Armory.

DATE: July 16, 2023; TIME: 1:00 p.m.

Discover the Art Underfoot: This is a unique exploration of the hidden artwork along Edgewater’s lakefront. Join Edgewater’s Bill Swislow in the walk along the shore. The tour begins at the foot of the pier at Kathy Osterman Beach (Hollywood Avenue Breakwater).

DATE: July 22, 2023; TIME: 11:00 a.m.

Community Events in the Jarvis Square Alfresco

The Jarvis Square Alfresco is planning a variety of community events this summer. Make sure to mark your calendars for all these incredible events!

The Jarvis Square Alfresco is located just steps off the Jarvis Square Red Line station in the 1500 block of Jarvis Avenue. Have an idea for a free event you want to host? Email the Rogers Park Business Alliance at info@rpba.org to book the space! 

Glenwood Sunday Market

Monday Market

Edgewater's Monday Market is back! From 3-7pm every Monday until September 25th, the Market offers an expansive assortment of produce and goods, while emphasizing the vibrant connection between those in the Edgewater community.

Monday Market is an exciting opportunity to support local vendors and engage with other Edgewater residents in a welcoming and lively environment. Monday Market is located in The Broadway Armory at 5917 N Broadway. More information on Monday Market and a list of vendors can be found at https://www.edgewater.org/programs/farmers-market/.

P.O. Box Collective Medicaid Event

Taco Crawl 2023

Rogers Park is celebrating TACOS and all the Clark Street restaurants that serve the ultimate handheld delight that brings joy with every bite! Tacos are more than just food. They are a cultural icon. So, join us for an afternoon of tacos, tacos and más tacos.

Embark on a flavorful adventure with the Taco Crawl! Tickets are $20 in advance.

Choose from two tempting routes, each showcasing local culinary gems. Limited tickets will be available.

This will take place on July 20th from 3-7:00pm along Clark St. between Devon Ave. and Touhy Ave: rain or shine.

More information can be found here.

C24/7's Great Giveaway

C24/7's Great Giveaway was started a few years ago in honor of Nate (The Great) who passed away. This event is way to give back to the neighborhood with a day full of fun, laughter, and love. Almost 500 people came out with their kids last year. C24/7 is looking forward to brining the community together again this year on July 22! All are welcome, and volunteers, donations of funds, toys, food, and more are needed! Please visit c247fam.org/events to learn more and get involved!

Miss Mack's Summer Youth Dance Classes

Click here for more information.

Congresswoman Schakowsky's Weekly Neighborhood Office Hours

Congresswoman Schakowsky's office will be hosting weekly neighborhood office hours to help connect 9th District constituents with a variety of federal government resources. The office hours will take place every Friday, from 10 am to 2 pm, in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room at the Edgewater Library, 6000 N. Broadway. 

Minimum Wage Increase and Fair Workweek Changes In Effect Starting July 1st, 2023

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), announced the annual scheduled increase in Chicago’s minimum wage and a scheduled enhancement of the Fair Workweek Ordinance requirements.

• Every July 1, Chicago’s minimum wage increases per the Minimum Wage Ordinance. The Chicago minimum wage is tiered for large businesses with 21 or more employees and small businesses with 4 to 20 employees. The minimum wage for larger employees increases annually according to the Consumer Price Index or 2.5%, whichever is lower. The minimum wage as of July 1, 2023, will be:  $15.80 for employers with 21 or more employees (including all domestic workers, regardless of the number employed)    
• $15.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees   
• The minimum wage for tipped employees will be $9.48 for employers with 21 or more employees, and $9.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees (employers must make up the difference between any tips received and the applicable minimum wage for non-tipped workers.)    

Additionally, on July 1, 2023, the Fair Workweek Ordinance will include updated compensation metrics. Employees will be covered by the ordinance if they work in one of seven “covered” industries (building services, healthcare, hotel, manufacturing, restaurant, retail, or warehouse services), earn less than or equal to $30.80/hour or earn less than or equal to $59,161.50/year, and the employer has at least 100 employees globally (250 employees and 30 locations if operating a restaurant). The Fair Workweek Ordinance requires certain employers to provide workers with predictable work schedules and compensation for changes. 

Youth and Teens

Rogers Park Library Events

The Rogers Park Branch Library, 6907 N. Clark, offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages, but especially for the little ones. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here. 

Empower Youth

Job Resources

Mayor's Youth Commission

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626