Lost Wages Assistance Unemployment Program
On August 28, 2020, Illinois submitted its application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the new federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program to provide supplemental payments to unemployment benefits as a result of COVID-19. This program was established by a presidential memorandum. LWA will provide eligible claimants an additional $300 per week. At this time the department has not announced a timeline for when these funds will be distributed.

According to the presidential memorandum, the program prohibits claimants with less than a $100 weekly benefit (including the amount received for a dependent) from receiving these additional funds. LWA is a completely separate program from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC), which provided an additional $600 per week to all eligible claimants until its expiration on July 25, 2020. As more details become available we will be sharing updates in our upcoming newsletters.

To read the frequently asked questions documents click here.
Voter Information and Election Judges Needed
Worried about voting this year due to COVID-19? Make sure to complete your application to Vote by Mail by September 24th. For the General Election, Chicago voters may use any Early Voting & Registration location in the city from October 14-November 3rd. To register to vote or change your address click here. Ballots will be mailed starting September 24-October 5. Once you submit your ballot via the mail you will then be able to track your ballot through a secure link and receive a confirmation that your ballot has been processed. Alternatively you may drop off your ballot at any secure drop box in the city. Drop off locations will be released in September.


Covid-19 has caused a national shortage of poll workers and election judges all across Illinois, in order for us to have a fair, safe and secure election it is vital to have election judges and poll workers. To volunteer as an election judge click here.


*Every voter must wear a mask when voting in person, visiting an early voting site or dropping off your early vote at a secure dropbox. Please make sure to practice proper social distancing when doing so*
COVID-19 Count as of Tuesday, September 8:


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
Update on Census Totals
The census takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is available in 59 non English languages including American Sign Language. You can text your census related questions to 987-987 or complete the survey online here. Individuals can also call 844-330-2020 if they prefer to complete the survey over the phone. Everyone needs to be counted and it is so important to remember that there is no question of immigration status on the census in spite of the Trump administration’s efforts to quash inclusion in this census.

In the 2010 decennial census, 76.5% of the 14th District households mailed back their questionnaire, requiring more costly and difficult in-person follow up from the Census Bureau to count the remaining 23.5% (based on tracts from 2010 in the district's current boundaries). 
The above graph shows District 14's response rate at 64.9% (as of yesterday, September 7, 2020). The areas that are shaded in light blue have a response rate of 56% to 62%.
The above graph shows areas in the District that will be mailed a final paper question mailer to remind them to complete the census. To get more information on the mailings that were sent out click here.
Secretary of State Senior Extension
With the switch to remote online learning this school year is looking very different for many kids across Chicago. To keep some normalcy and get kids prepared to head back to class we are hosting a school supply drive in partnership Alderwoman Maria Hadden and Senator Heather Steans' offices. Thank you to those that contributed to our school supply drive in partnership with the 48th ward. Below is a list of day and time options to drop off your contributions directly at the schools and there are links to wish lists. Feel free to use any online vendor of your choosing and mail the items directly to the school of your choosing.
No-Cost Internet Access for CPS Students
FACE Learning Seminars
Family and Community Engagement (FACE) in education are offering a series of online virtual workshops to help families navigate the new learning process for the 2020-2021 school year. Virtual offerings will be curated by experts and include various topics:
  • Academics
  • Arts & Meditation
  • Socio-emotional support
  • Technology Assistance
  • Direct access to experts from the field
Face is offering these learning seminars throughout the month of September in the evening so parents may attend after work hours. To get more information click here.
Chicago Pet Health Fair
Howard Brown Health Live Chat
Howard Brown Health is excited to introduce the new live chat function on our website! You can now chat with one of our call center representatives six days a week. Our assistants through live chat provide assistance with scheduling appointments, getting refills, medical concerns, STI screening results, and more.

You can now chat with one of our call center representatives six days a week at howardbrown.org
Live Chat Hours
Sunday – Closed
Monday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

About COVID-19 Test Results
  • COVID-19 tests are available to patients at no cost across Chicago. Here’s what you can expect from your COVID-19 test:Most results are available within three to five business days
  • Patients with a positive COVID test will receive a call from a nurse or provider
  • Patients with a negative COVID test will receive a text from Howard Brown Health
  • If you receive a positive test result you will be contacted by one of our contact tracers via telephone (follow up call will last 15-20 minutes)
  • If you have any questions about your COVID-19 test results, you can chat with a Patient Services Representative or call 773.388.1600.
Volunteers Needed
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)