|
December 21, 2025
Dear neighbors,
On Saturday, my colleagues and I voted to pass a historic City Council-led budget for 2026 that stands up for working people, does not cut services, pays down our pension obligations, protects our bond ratings, and does not include a Head Tax that would have pushed small and midsize businesses closer to the financial breaking point, harming the economic engine that our city is known for.
I’d like to thank my colleagues, all the City Departments that presented to council two or more times over the last four months, and to everyone who voiced their opinion to my office about their budget priorities for their neighborhood and communities. I heard from many constituents about their views and while we didn’t agree on all aspects (just like the city council) my commitment remains steadfast, that we protect vital services that serve and protect our community.
I am proud of the compromises the majority of City Council came together on including increased funding for domestic and gender-based violence support (the Mayor’s budget had originally cut this funding by 40% at a time where crimes in this area are up nearly 40%), restoration of funding for Chicago Public Library’s book collection budget, and ensuring the cuts to positions the Mayor originally proposed were also restored.
Chicago Public Libraries are funded through a property tax levy that is separate from the one that funds the operations of the City. This levy has not been raised for at least three years, and the cuts would have meant fewer library staff and laying off 100+ security officers. Here in the 11th Ward and across the city, our libraries are treasured anchors in our communities. They are safe places for people to gather, especially our young people, where the littles learn to read and expand their worlds through books, where job seekers can use computers for free and where our library staff support everyone who walks through their doors. The cost to the City was a $9 million increase to the CPL levy. Here in the 11th Ward, it means an average increase of less than $10 for properties assessed at $400,00 or less.
We’re all hoping in the City Council that this effort to push back against the Mayor Office’s agenda sets a precedent that carries us over the next year and half: this Council is not a rubber stamp. We don’t back down when it comes to making hard decisions, putting in the hard work, or coming up with solutions for hard problems.
The Mayor still might veto the budget we passed. We’ll be meeting as a full City Council on December 29th. I am hoping we will not have to override a veto and that we can instead certify the passage of our budget before the end of the year. Our City workers deserve to know immediately if they will be facing lost paychecks right after the holidays due to a government shutdown caused by a mayoral veto, so I hope the Mayor swiftly announces his decision either way. Leaving people hanging in the balance like this is a cruel way to end the year.
In other news, I was happy to stop in at the 9th District Police Senior Club Holiday Meeting at the Xilin Club though the budget meetings kept me from the McGuane Park Senior Holiday Party on Wednesday, and the Wilson Senior Club on Friday! Congratulations to The Stockyard Coffeehouse, one of our great Latina-owned neighborhood businesses, on their 7 year anniversary.
If you’re still looking for gifts for the holidays, the Misericorida Heartstrings Gift Shop is running a 30% sale through the week at both of their stores.
The #9 bus, which runs on Ashland, will be becoming one of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Frequent Routes which aims to increase service on routes to every 10 minutes or sooner. This updated route frequency will be taking effect before the end of the year, and the route change will happen specifically on weekdays.
Public Safety
This week, Attorney General Kwame Raul, alongside a coalition of AGs from 34 other states, won a lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai for providing insufficient safety and anti-theft features on cars they sold in the United States (vs. the same models sold in other countries which actually had anti-theft immobilizers to prevent the vehicle from operating without a key or key fob.) As a result of that lawsuit, Illinoisans who bought Hyundais and Kias impacted by the lawsuit are eligible for zinc-reinforced ignition protectors installed on their cars for free. Those who experienced theft or attempted theft of their cars after downloading software updates that were supposed to make cars safer can also file claims here for restitution.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth released a statement noting that this was the first year she did not vote in favor of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA outlines funding for the U.S. Department of Defense. Senator Duckworth was concerned about the deployment of troops being sent into our own cities, like we’re seeing yet again right now with this recent round of ICE/Customs and Border Protection raids. If you have issues with ICE or need help, please contact the ward office.
State Laws for 2026 Laws PT II
Continuing our segment from last week, a few notable laws going into effect in 2026.
Sonya Massey’s Bill
-
SB1593 was created in response to the tragic shooting of Springfield resident Sonya Massey in 2024. This law strengthens background checks for law enforcement officers.
Safe Schools for All Act
- This month, Governor Pritzker signed a bill to extend protections to all children (including those with any stage of immigration status) to be able to attend public schools from K-12. Schools cannot require a certain immigration status or request a social security number for enrollment, and processes are put in place to further protect children from immigration enforcement officials entering school grounds.
Nursing Mothers in Workplace
HB 3385
- Requires Illinois public colleges and universities to provide access to mental health professionals for students.
Safe Gun Storage Act
- Firearms that are kept on the premises with minors have to be stored in a lock box.
Upcoming in City Council
The next two full City Council meetings we have on the books are:
Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10AM
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10AM
On Monday, December 22 at noon, we have a meeting scheduled for The Committee on Government and Budget Operations, of which I am Vice Chair. The agenda for this committee will depend on the actions the Mayor takes between now and then, namely: Will he veto the budget already passed in City Council and move us towards a City government shutdown in the new year?
Around the Ward
Armour Park is enrolling for new Out of School Events for individuals with disabilities, ages 8-15, who are currently enrolled in school. These Out of School Events provide a safe, engaging, and fun environment for students on days when school is not in session. Each day is filled with activities such as arts and crafts, group games, and Special Olympics skills and drills. All events will be held at Armour Square Park from 9AM-3PM, and the cost is just $12 a day. Families may register for a single date or multiple dates. The first program date is January 5, 2026 and the other dates are still TBD.
This program is designed for individuals with primary intellectual and/or developmental disability. Please contact Mandy Chauncey with the Special Recreation Department for enrollment or questions: mandy.liu@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
11th Ward Volleyball
Commissioner Daley and I were thrilled to meet some of the teams that participated in the annual 11th Ward Volleyball tournament which was held last week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Taylor-Lauridsen Park. Big thanks to Megan Hughes for spearheading the effort. We had 12 teams participate from schools around the ward. Below is a list of the winners, congratulations to all!
Varsity:
St. Gabe’s won Varsity, beating St. Jerome’s!
JV:
St. Gabe’s 6th beat St. Gabe’s 5th to win JV!
If you’re looking to have a special holiday dog or cat to put under the Christmas tree or beyond, note that all pets that have been at city shelters—like the one nearby on 2741 S. Western Ave—for over 30 days have their adoption fees waived currently.
FYI, the elevators at 69 W. Washington in the County Building are currently inoperable, so for veterans going downtown for appointments, or for other visitors, be aware that you may need to reschedule any appointments without this accessibility accommodation available.
Merry Christmas and happy last nights of Hannukuh!! A good week to all those celebrating Kwanzaa! May you have silent and holy nights all week in every denomination.
We will have different hours throughout the holiday season, but remain open to serve you:
Dec. 22 - 24 10am - 2pm
Dec. 25-26 CLOSED
Dec. 29-31 10am - 2pm
Jan. 1-4 CLOSED
Jan. 5 Normal Hours
On Saturday, we honored the anniversary of the passing of our Bridgeport Mayor Richard J. Daley. May he rest in peace.
Alderwoman Nicole Lee
| 
