The first half of Veto Session is in the books, with the bulk of our work likely happening in the second week. Some of the amendatory vetoes that we discussed in last week’s newsletter will likely come back as revised bills in the Spring rather than taking action on the amendatory veto message. This is largely due to a legal opinion limiting the extent to which an AV can alter the original intent of the underlying bill, making it sometimes easier to just start over rather than having to accept or reject language that might be a legal issue later.
The House canceled Thursday, while the Senate continued their work and sent over some items where they had to take the first action. Before adjourning on Wednesday, Speaker Welch presented a bill that will begin the process of enabling staff of the General Assembly to organize and join a union. The Illinois Legislative Staff Association has been advocating for recognition by the Speaker’s office since earlier this year. Based on legal opinions regarding statutory and constitutional provisions, he introduced HB4148 which would create a mechanism whereby all employees of the General Assembly would have the option of forming a union. The bill passed the House and is awaiting action in the Senate. Several outstanding issues remain, including how to account for the different ways members organize their district offices and which levels of employees are eligible for union membership, but if passed it will provide a blueprint for other states to follow.
I’m excited about all of the fun Halloween activities coming up in the days ahead. We’ve not gotten around to getting our Halloween decorations up, but I’m hoping Skelly and her pals make it out of the basement this weekend. Then I’ll try to cobble together a costume and head over to the Family Fest at Jarvis Square for a bit of fun. On Monday, the team will be out on Morse meeting trick-or-treaters after school at Alderwoman Hadden’s Candy Crawl. There are haunted houses and neighborhood displays all over, so have fun and get your spooky on! One last quick note! Care for Real received deliveries of eggs in bulk. Volunteers normally repack eggs into recycled cartons to distribute to clients. They are running low on cartons to fill. Feel free to put your empty cartons aside to donate to CFR at their Edgewater location at 5339 N Sheridan from Monday - Saturday between 12 pm and 3 pm. However, my office at 1507 W. Morse will also be a location drop-off site for egg cartons. We are open Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
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2023 Annual Winter Coat Drive | |
It is time for our annual Winter Coat Drive in the 14th District!!! We are collecting new & lightly used winter coats, gloves, mittens, hats & scarves. We ask that all used items be laundered and in good wearable condition. We will not accept light or fall items. If you have any questions about what is acceptable to donate please call our office at 773-784-2002. | |
Link Card & TANF Workshop | |
Our office is partnering with other elected officials to host an information session on Link Card and TANF Theft prevention. The event is taking place on Thursday, November 16th from 12-2PM at the Indo American Center (6328 N California Ave).
To register for this event, visit the following LINK.
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FREE Halloween Haunted House | |
Pottawattomie Park Advisory Council is pleased to present their annual Halloween Haunted House. This event is free to all and will have spooky and scary levels appropriate for all ages. Please stop by and experience the indoor haunted house from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday October 31st Halloween Night. There will be a huge pile of candy, games and other spooky fun. | |
Our office will be taking part in the Halloween Candy Crawl, hosted by Alderwoman Hadden's Office, on Monday, October 30th from 4-7PM! Stop by our office at 1507 W Morse Ave to fill your bags with candy and take a look at our Halloween decorations! | |
Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Funding | |
The annual Trick-Or-Treating in the Andersonville Business District is taking place this Saturday from 12-3PM!
To see a full list of participating business and other Halloween events in the neighborhood, visit this LINK.
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Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Funding | |
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is offering rebates on electric vehicles (EV's). Applications for this rebate will not be accepted or reviewed if sent prior to November 1st. Low income applicants are given priority for this program. Applicants must apply within 90 days of purchasing the vehicle. The Illinois EPA expects funding to run out in about 4-6 weeks and recommend that applicants thoroughly review their application as funding can run out before applicants have the opportunity to correct the error.
To apply and to learn more about this program, visit the following LINK.
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Healing Illinois Grant Application Now Open | |
The Healing Illinois Grant Application is now open! This grant, in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois, will distribute $4.5 million in grants to organizations across the state that facilitate racial healing activities, lead equity work and engage in meaningful dialogue. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 1, 2023 or until an expansion of funding.
To learn more about the program and to apply, visit the following LINK.
To register for upcoming info sessions, visit the following LINK.
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SKOL Annual Viking Pub Crawl | |
Andersonville's annual Viking pub crawl is back on November 18th! The pub crawl takes you through many of the best pubs in Andersonville with a Scandinavian twist. Ticket holders receive a commemorative glass, an appetizer at check in courtesy of Chef Jacquelyn of The Dinner Belle and access to drink specials at all participating locations. All participants are encouraged to come in costume!
To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit the following LINK.
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Beginning today, The Secretary of State has launched two “Senior Only” walk-in centers in the Chicago area. The two locations include the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 N. Ridge Rd. Evanston, IL 60201 and Seat Geek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. Bridgeview, IL 60455. Seniors at these locations will not need appointments, as these walk-in centers are specifically designed to meet their needs. Please reach out to our office at 773-784-2002 if you have any additional questions. | |
Edgewater Annual Pumpkin Smash | |
The Edgewater Environmental Coalition is hosting its annual pumpkin smash Saturday, November 4th from 12pm- 4pm at 6040 N Clark St! Compost your pumpkins and learn how to compost at home to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food waste!
For more information visit the following LINK.
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LIHEAP Assistance: South-East Asia Center | |
The South-East Asia center is providing assistance in signing up for LIHEAP which helps low income households manage their energy bills. To apply, you and those within your household must all provide social security numbers, proof of income, and utility bills.
For assistance, visit the center at 5120 N. Broadway, call 773-989-6927, or visit seacenergy.com
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Amtrak Academic Scholarship | |
Collective Resource Compost | |
The City Colleges of Chicago and Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor are partnering to host a Citywide Hiring Fair on Saturday, October 21st and Saturday, October 28th from 10 AM-2 PM at the above listed locations.
If you represent a business and are interested in vending at the events, fill out this signup form. For Questions or more information, email Lanessa.Young@cityofchicago.org or ayana.clark@cityofchicago.org
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Collective Resource Compost | |
Collective Resource Compost is hiring full and part-time drivers and washers. Starting pay is $17.50 an hour for drivers and $14.50 for compost washers. Applicants will work out of the organization's site in Skokie (near McCormick, between Howard and Touhy)
To apply, email customerservice@collectiveresource.us. For a detailed job description visit the following LINK
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
1507 W. Morse Ave
Chicago IL 60626
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773 - 784 - 2002 (phone)
repcassidy@gmail.com
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