Kelly's Update

Friday was the deadline to submit bill drafting requests to the agency known as the Legislative Reference Bureau. Over the next two weeks, bill drafts will be circulating, amendments will be drafted as negotiations continue, and we’ll start to see the legislative agenda for the spring take shape. The deadline to introduce bills for this spring is February 6th, but most bills introduced and still alive in the 104th General Assembly can be considered. 

2026 Session Calendar

Over the last couple of weeks as people have sought sponsors for legislative ideas, we’ve had meetings with a wide assortment of organizations and residents, all asking what to expect in the session ahead. Many of these requests pertain to the impact of federal actions on our budget and ability to enforce our laws protecting against the threats of the Trump administration. These are deeply challenging conversations, as it’s frankly impossible to accurately predict what to expect in the weeks ahead, not to mention how we’ll be able to sustain services in the event that threatened funding cuts come to pass. Representing a district that is always among the areas hurt most by cuts to social services, the conversations we’re having with our neighbors about pending cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, the threatened cuts to child care or substance abuse and mental health treatment grants are all very real life and death matters for my constituents, many of whom are already under threat due to the ongoing attacks on the immigrant community.

As we head back to session on Tuesday, I am painfully aware of how badly our neighbors need us to work together on solutions that will keep them safe, housed, and healthy. The stories my constituents share are compelling, and I wish my colleagues in areas not as deeply impacted by these co-occurring crises could hear from them directly. Honestly, that in person contact has been the difference in passing so many meaningful changes over the years. People with lived experience sharing their experiences reentering the community after incarceration have built a much deeper understanding of the harms of collateral consequences and the power of education, supportive employment, and housing in reducing recidivism has completely changed the conversation around reentry in our Capitol. During the pandemic, the building was eerily quiet without the cacophony of lobby day groups and school visits. The Capitol is truly the people’s house, and I get sappy thinking about the worn marble of the stairs and whose feet have contributed to the building’s history.

Which brings me to this year’s session calendar. While there are inevitably some differences between the House and Senate calendars every year, this year’s calendar is the least aligned I have ever seen - nine of the spring’s seventeen session weeks will have only one chamber present in the building. While there are some really obvious reasons why this isn’t great such as the inconvenience for staff and lobbyists who have to be there every week without getting to take advantage of break weeks. These breaks don’t just represent a chance to reconnect with family (as important as that is) but also important chances to negotiate away from the pressure of the Capitol. Then there’s the cost and challenge of the increased staffing required for a session week whether we’re all there or not. During many of my conversations over the last few weeks, I realized the challenge this represents to our representative democracy.

With only 20 weeks between the start of the session last week with a Senate only session and May 31st where both chambers are present, the impact on the ability of our constituents to directly engage with their state government is not insignificant. Nearly every week of session, there are groups who have coordinated visits to the Capitol from a small group of a few carpools seeking support for something deeply local, to large organizations chartering buses. These are logistically challenging and frequently costly undertakings that also usually involve folks taking a day off work or school and it’s simply not practical to do twice in order to connect with both chambers. At the end of the day, the impact will mean that even if folks are able to schedule visits during the few opportunities to connect with both chambers, the place will be so mobbed as to make meaningful connection deeply challenging if not impossible. I don’t know the reason for the communication disconnect, and I don’t believe that the intent was to impede constituent input, but that’s the consequence, unintended or not. There are a ton of reasons for our chambers to better cooperate on scheduling, but the most compelling should be being available to the people who sent us there.

HHS Attack on Lurie Children’s Hospital

This weekend also brought unsettling news on the ongoing challenges to accessing gender affirming care. Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services tweeted an announcement that they were referring several pediatric hospitals with gender affirming care programs for investigation. Although it is unclear if this tweet actually initiated an investigative process, it is clear that this is another moment where this federal administration is targeting trans youth and their ability to access medically necessary care.

This was the second set of hospitals targeted via tweet, with more hospitals targeted in an earlier tweet. Last year, the Lurie Chicago Hospital responded to federal threats by ending the surgical component of their program, resulting in protests and fury from families whose scheduled procedures were cancelled.

The HHS investigation comes while a larger threat to care looms:  there are two proposed rules attacking gender affirming care currently in a federal comment period. If finalized, the first rule results in hospitals losing their ability to participate in Medicaid for any type of care if they continue to provide gender affirming care to minors, regardless of whether those minor patients are on Medicaid. The second rule would prohibit federal Medicaid funding from being used to reimburse gender affirming care for young people. It’s expected that we’ll know the outcome of that rule-making process sometime in March, but in the meantime, these tweets are a way for the federal government to open up a second attack meant to destabilize life saving care via these investigative threats.

Lurie Children’s is currently contacting their patients and explaining the impact of a newly announced policy on each family. Effective immediately, they will continue to accept new patients in their gender affirming care program for behavioral health treatment, but not medication. Any patient currently on medication will be able to continue their treatment, but medication therapy will not be available to new patients. Patients with scheduled hormonal implant procedures will be contacted on a case by case basis concerning their care. 

We have been in contact with several patient families, as well as advocates and government partners and are working to identify resources for impacted families and will continue to explore policy solutions where possible. Illinois has robust protections in place for providers, including our shield law that protects against out of state subpoenas and legal action but we are limited in our ability to protect from federal overreach. Our capacity to replace untold millions in Medicaid dollars is similarly constrained. We continue to connect with legislators and advocacy partners across the country to brainstorm solutions in spite of the limitations we face. As we learn more, we’ll make information available via our newsletter and on our socials. 

Need to Know Info

The federal government passed a new law that makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link in Illinois. Our office is partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to give a community presentation on what these changes are, how they may affect you, and what you should do by February 1st to ensure that you maintain your benefits.

When: Thursday January 22nd, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:00pm

Where: 1507 W Morse and Online

You can register for the meeting here. This will be a hybrid in-person/online presentation. Please indicate if you would like to attend in person or via Zoom when you register.

SNAP customers can now check to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements. Use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener. 

Additional Information on New SNAP Work Requirements  

Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) applied to adults ages 18-54 who had: 

• No kids under 18 living at home 
• No disabilities

Now, more people must meet or be exempt from work requirements, like: 

• People who are homeless  
• People with kids at home who are only 14 or older 
• Veterans 
• People with no disabilities, ages 55-64  

Important Dates: 

February 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only get SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period.  

May 1, 2026: ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements will lose benefits. 

IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs. 

Illinois DHS will also continue to provide updates on: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov  

The federal government passed a new law that makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Link in Illinois. Follow these steps before February 1st so you don’t lose your food and grocery benefits:

1) Update your information: Report any changes in your income or changes to your household to the Illinois Department of Human Services.

2) Review work requirements: Find out if you need to be connected to a job, volunteer opportunity or education & training program for at least 80 hours per month. If you qualify for an exemption, apply for one.

3) Stay informed! Get the latest updates and share this information with family and friends. Don’t wait until your benefits stop. Take action today!

Support is available. No one should go hungry because of paperwork. Visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository to get help managing your benefits or to sign up for SNAP today

The 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant has launched an emergency door-buzzer initiative in response to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE/CBP operations in local commercial corridors.

Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and led by State Representative Kelly Cassidy in partnership with Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA), the program has already delivered over $320,000 in security support to 45 neighborhood businesses.

This new effort will provide and install basic door entry control systems for up to 90 vulnerable, for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses within the 14th District. Eligible businesses must be located in the district, be in good standing with the State of Illinois, hold a valid Chicago business license, and complete the required application.

For more information on who qualifies and how to apply, visit the grant website here.

Please click image above for full PDF

As part of their vicious and continuing attacks on transgender people, the Trump Administration recently proposed two new rules that purposefully and cruelly limit access to gender affirming care for young people. This attack is just the latest from this administration that targets families with trans youth and these children’s ability to live healthy, happy lives. These rules not only threaten access to gender affirming care, they also threaten states’ abilities to provide comprehensive, proven, and necessary care to patients – including patients not using Medicaid or Medicare and patients seeking care other than gender affirming care.

ACLU Illinois has provided a sheet of need to know information regarding these new rules you can access by clicking above.

The next election in Chicago is coming up on March 17, 2026 - step up and serve as an Election Judge and earn up to $230! To apply, check out the website here.

Judges of Elections must meet all of the requirements listed in the application, including being:

• a US citizen
• a registered voter in Cook County (if 18 or older)
• able to speak, read and write English

You can learn more information about becoming an Election Judge here.

High schoolers can also be Election Judges! See below or click here for more information!

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) has announced their Monthly Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Benefit Brief & Claims Clinic, designed to provide Veterans with trauma-informed education, confidential support, and direct assistance with VA benefits and claims.

This clinic offers a safe, Veteran-centered, and judgment-free space for Veterans impacted by Military Sexual Trauma. Veterans do not need to have previously reported MST in service to attend or receive assistance.

Clinic Details:

69 W. Washington Street, Suite 1420, Chicago, IL 60602

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

February 3, 2026

Held the first Tuesday of every month (January–November 2026)

In-person or via Microsoft Teams

Each session focuses on a specific MST-related topic, including mental health, women Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans, student Veterans, homelessness and reentry populations, claims evidence, and barriers to reporting. Veterans may attend for education, one-on-one assistance, or both.

Registration & Contact Information:

Register: Click HERE.

Call or Text: 773-520-6950

Email: justyna.berry@cookcountyil.gov

ComEd is now accepting grant applications for three of its Power for Good Grant Programs. This year’s annual program will provide a total of $515,000 in funding to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to strengthen environmental

sustainability efforts, advance public safety and clean transportation projects and broaden access to arts programs.

The three Power for Good grant programs accepting applications are Green Region, administered by Openlands; Powering Safe Communities, administered by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus; and Powering the Arts, administered by the League of Chicago Theatres.

Organizations and municipalities are encouraged to apply for these grant programs and visit ComEd.com/Grants for application instructions. Applications will be accepted for all three grant programs through 5 p.m. CT on March 13, 2026.

Healing Without Fear is an initiative to provide compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care to individuals and families affected by the current immigration, detention and deportation crisis here in Chicago. They have a confidential network of mental health clinicians who volunteer their time and talent to offer pro bono therapy sessions. These sessions are available to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing stress, trauma, or other mental health challenges related to the current immigration, detention, and deportation threats.

They offer at minimum five therapy sessions (with the possibility of extension), provided by licensed clinicians at no cost. Spanish-speaking therapists are available but in limited quantities.

If you know of individuals or families who may benefit from these services, please have them fill out this form. Once the form is complete someone from Healing Without Fear will follow up.

If you have any questions please reach out to

healingwithoutfear@gmail.com

Neighborhood Shoutout

6311arts is a new Chicago-based art center housing over 3000-square-feet of

gallery, retail, and workshop space. Located at 6311 N. Clark St., they are an inclusive center focused on supporting and empowering local artists.

The gallery spaces feature rotating exhibitions of work by Chicago’s northside residents in particular, giving them a platform to share their work and reach a wider audience. For more information and to get involved, go to www.6311arts.com, or follow them on social media at @6311arts!

District Events

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program helps property owners repair their sidewalks at discounted rates by sharing the cost with the City. Older adults and people with disabilities may qualify for additional discounts.

You can apply through 311 or by visiting the 311 Chicago website here.

Women & Children First is celebrating its eighth annual gift card drive supporting Chicago Books to Women in Prison. This all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization sends books free of charge to women and trans people in prisons nationwide. Starting January 12 through Valentine’s Day visit the CBWP wish list and buy a gift card of any amount. It will go to CBWP so they can buy books in high demand but rarely donated.

Women & Children First

5233 N. Clark St. 

Chicago, IL 60640

773.769.9299

Drop off your non-working holiday lights at the 48th Ward office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) during office hours. Reduce Waste Chicago will recycle them safely. Be sure to separate lights from other decorations before dropping them off. The last day to drop off lights is January 31, 2026.

Here’s your chance to leave your creative mark on one of Rogers Park’s most beloved festivals. The Loyola Park Advisory Council is inviting artists to design the official poster for the 33rd Annual Artists of the Wall Festival, featured on event promotions and festival t-shirts.

✨ Theme: We’re All Neighbors

💰 Artist Prize: $250

🖼️ Bonus: Artists retain full rights to their work

Your poster must include:

• 33rd Annual Artists of the Wall Festival

• We’re All Neighbors

• June 20 – 21, 2026

• Loyola Park, Chicago

• Hosted by Loyola Park Advisory Council

Design details:

• Size: 8 x 10

• Preferred: CMYK (four color), all styles welcome

• File type: High-resolution JPEG or PDF

📩 Submit entries to: loyolaparkac@gmail.com

🗓️ Deadline: January 23, 2026 (earlier submissions encouraged)

As part of their annual Säg Hej Health & Wellness celebration this January, The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce invites you to discover Explore & Restore, a district-wide wellness open house designed for curious minds and healthy living.

On Saturday, January 24 from 10AM-2PM, stroll through Andersonville and explore a wide range of wellness-focused businesses offering interactive experiences. Discover services that support physical and mental health, financial well-being, home design, organization, and more. Enjoy short demos, mini workshops, consultations, samples, and hands-on activities, all created to help you feel informed, inspired, and restored. Whether you're looking to try something new or deepen existing routines, Explore & Restore offers a fresh way to experience wellness in the neighborhood.

To see participating businesses you can click here.

The 48th Ward is hosting their annual virtual town hall on Wednesday, January 28th. Scan the QR code or click here to RSVP!

Queer Slide Deck Match Making has arrived in Chicago! Join Pitch Your Peeps Chi at their new location, Nobody’s Darling for an fun event that let friends take the stage to pitch their (35+) queer, trans and gender expansive friends to others who are interested in finding their match–No dating apps! No swiping! No phones!-- Just a slide deck lovingly made by a friend (or family member!) about their hot and consenting baddie of a friend and an audience full of potential connections. The friend being pitched will also be there!

But wait, there’s more! The audience can also get in on the action of making new connections off stage. Everyone attending can also wear a color coded name tag to signal to others what types of connections they might be interested in. And we even have a missed connections box for you shy queers!!

To see more information and to sign up to Pitch Your Peep go to their site here.

Igor Does My Bike is turning TWO! 🎉 Join them Sunday, Feb 1st for their 2nd Anniversary Party—everything is FREE and open to the public, plus they are celebrating with some pretty great deals. Drop in for an hour or stay all day!

Party Schedule:

☕ 10am Coffee & Pastries

🎨 11am Kids Crafts & Storytime

🌮 12pm Taco Truck: Free Tacos for the first 40 people!

🚲 2pm Fix-a-Flat Class

🎟 3pm Free Raffle

🎶 5pm Live Music: The Bootleggers @bootleggerschi

🍕 6pm Pizza & Dancing

Anniversary Specials (Feb 1 only):

✨ 50% off merch

✨ 20% off accessories

✨ 15% off used bikes

✨ 10% off new bikes

✨ $20 off tune-ups (Feb 1 drop-off only)

Bring the kids, bring your friends, bring your bike and celebrate 2 years of community!

Igor Does My Bike

5454 N Broadway St

Starting at 10:00am

Dementia Friends is a global movement to support those with dementia in local communities. Learn about dementia, how it affects people, and the small things you can do to make a difference in the lives of your neighbors and friends with the disease.

People living with dementia deserve to be understood and supported. You can help by attending this session and becoming a Dementia Friend!

Also learn about Dementia Friendly UARE (Uptown, Andersonville, Rogers Park and Edgewater) and how you can support this growing movement.

Presented by Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, a social worker with Rush University Hospital’s Alzheimer's Disease Center.

Held in partnership with Edgewater Village Chicago and Chicago Methodist Senior Services. Register here

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 

6:30PM – 7:30PM

Edgewater Library

6000 N Broadway

Theatre

As a part of their Concert Reading Series, Lifeline Theatre presents Miss Holmes Returns!

A play inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

By Christopher M. Walsh 

Directed by Elise Kauzlaric

Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson are back on the case! After a string of successes in assisting Scotland Yard, a seemingly clear-cut murder case finds itself at the detective’s feet. The powers that be know for certain the murderer was a young woman of immigrant heritage, but Holmes and Watson aren’t as sure. Can they find the truth before the authorities catch and convict their suspect? The game is afoot in this provocative Midwest premiere sequel to the hit play Miss Holmes, based on familiar characters from the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Date: January 25th

Schedule of Events:

11:30 a.m Light brunch & coffee/mimosas served

12:30 p.m. Performances start (approximately two and a half hours in length)

3:00 p.m. Dessert served and Talk-Back with cast

Tickets can be purchased here.

Lavender Laugh Lounge books Chicago's best comedians and celebrates the talented women and LGBTQ+ performers in the city.

Join them for Lavender Laugh Lounge to see Chicago's hottest comedians. This stand-up showcase features the talented women, LGBTQ+ performers, and friends in the city. It's the best way to spend every first Saturday of the month in the Edgewater / Rogers Park neighborhood.

Next show is February 7th!

Enjoy an hour-long, stand-up sober-friendly comedy show - all are welcome to meet and mingle. Come for the laughter & stay for the social hour to catch up with friends, get tarot readings, and more.

Produced by Elaine Golden, Lily Ellora Newton, and Rey Tang.

Admission is free. Donations are accepted at the end of the show.

The show runs from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Loaves & Witches opens at 7 am and is dedicated to creating a safe, sober, and inclusive environment, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking meaningful connections.

Join the Theatre Above the Law ensemble and Friends for a one time only event. The Princess Bride: A Valentine's Reading. Attendees will be treated to Dark Chocolate dipped Strawberries and some bubbly before the reading. A themed dinner pairing with Taste Food and Wine is also available. Limited tickets for both available at theatreatl.org.

Saturday February 14th

6:00pm Tasting, 7:30pm Performance

Jarvis Square Theatre

1439 W. Jarvis 

Chicago, IL 60626

Youth

Find your people in this new, safe, low-pressure space for neurodivergent teens ages 16-19. Connect over shared interests, build confidence, and navigate the social world together, on your own terms. Activities will be shaped by input from the participants and lightly supervised by an adult. Email kathyherwig@gmail.com to get involved. 

Gym Wheel and Home Work is a unique after-school program that combines fun and healthy physical work on the Gym Wheel and homework. Their mission is to help each kid in the program to:

• Have personal goals that they are excited to reach
• Learn the importance of hard work
• Feel that they are good at something
• Trust and respect themselves and the people around them
• Be part of a group where they feel comfortable and appreciated

​Course includes pick-up from your children's school (2.5-mile range, NOT available for drop-in), snacks, and supervised circus activities, including acrobatics, gym wheels, aerials, juggling and circus games.

Add homework assistance ($2 per hour) and provide a structured and supportive space for homework time.​

You can contact info@cirquesexperience.org or you can visit their website for more information and to register.

Each year, since 1989, the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund awards funds to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities. A total of $403,500 has been awarded to 236 students.

Find more information and applications here.

Hiring

The Obama Presidential Center is hiring! With multiple positions available for many of their roles, this is a rare opportunity to join a team from the very beginning and help shape a world-class institution. The Obama Presidential Center is more than a few buildings; it's a hub for citizenship and a place where people can come together to make a difference. Be a part of a mission that will inspire generations to come!

To see a list of positions available and to apply visit their website here.

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provides assistance to people who need career assistance. Assistance is available to youth and adults. All services are free.

Please call in advance to get information about hours, orientation, and workshop details.

1145 West Wilson Avenue

Room 1917

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 831-5221

Compassionate caretakers wanted! Join Misericordia, Heart of Mercy and be part of a community where every day is about connection and empowerment. As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll work with residents with disabilities, helping them achieve goals and thrive. If you’re seeking purpose-filled work, click here to learn more and get started.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626