Kelly's Update

Over the weekend, we learned that one of my colleagues, Rep. Harry Benton, resigned from the House and the November ballot over allegations of sexual harassment. Back in February of this year, the Speaker removed Rep. Benton from all committees, withdrew staff support, and prohibited him from participating in House Democratic Caucus meetings after receiving a complaint that he referred to the Legislative Inspector General for investigation. Last week, following established procedures the LIG provided both Speaker Welch and Rep. Benton with his report indicating the end of his investigation. While the contents of the report have not been made public, Speaker Welch responded to the report by calling for Rep. Benton’s immediate resignation and making clear that if he did not choose to resign he would initiate expulsion proceedings. As a member of the Legislative Ethics Commission, I am not yet privy to the details of the investigation or report at this phase of the process. Under the law, once the LIG delivered his report to Welch and Benton, that started a timeline that will eventually lead to the LEC making determinations about the report as well as whether it warrants publication. Rep. Benton resigned on July 3rd and indicated he would also be withdrawing from the ballot, but there’s been no public indication that he’s done that yet.

July 1 brought the beginning of state fiscal year 2027 and the implementation of this year’s budget. Our state’s $55.9 billion balanced budget was a bit of a mixed bag with some very good outcomes and some concerning ones as we look ahead to the next budget cycle with even more uncertainty about possible federal funding cuts on the horizon.

I was pleased that we were able to take up the long discussed digital advertising tax in this budget cycle, even though we know that anticipated litigation on the topic means we won’t see new revenue from the tax for a bit while the issue moves through the courts. We were also able to restore funds in several areas that were left out of the Governor’s proposed budget. Historically, when the Governor introduces his budget proposal, it doesn’t include any items that were added as legislative programs and that often sets off a round of communications about critical programs being cut, but it’s a normal part of the budget process for our budgeteers to go back through and evaluate programs for inclusion. There were several notable issues I was watching for restoration of funding for, including homeless prevention, HIV-AIDS funding, violence prevention funds, rate increases for home care workers, and several others. I was also pleased that after a pause of a year to study the impacts, we reinstated a property tax relief grant to school districts that are then required to abate property taxes for residents in the district. This component of our evidence based funding formula recognized that many of the poorest school districts had higher property tax rates than their wealthier counterparts. These grants were intended to provide relief to school districts struggling to achieve equity. The grant was paused last year to allow for a study of the effectiveness of the program and was funded for FY2027 after results showed relief was reaching those most in need, even if the amounts were insufficient to meet demand. 

While I spent several years as one of our chambers’ budget leads, it’s been a few years since I’ve been part of our negotiations. I’ve compiled a few different budget summaries that I found helpful from fellow members as well as advocates to share since it’s pretty much impossible to summarize the budget in a way that gives everyone the information they're looking for. If you have specific budget items you’d like more information about, please let us know and we’ll gather the relevant information.

Speaker Welch

Representative Avelar

Senator Simmons

ICIRR

ONE Northside

As we head into the heart of the summer, I’m looking forward to joining the team tabling at street fests, fairs, and farmers markets. We’re also working on setting up some coffee chats for the duration of the summer and should have some news on that soon. Speaking of coffee shops, a neighbor recently encouraged me to check out Monarch Community Cafe on Clark Street and I was so glad I did. I think they’ve been open about a month and the bright, airy space has plenty of comfortable seating whether you want to hang out on the couch and chat or are looking for a space to work solo or with coworkers. I had the signature drink, The Monarch which was a delicious iced brew with milk, cinnamon, and honey that was delightful. Candace had the espresso milkshake which was beyond decadent. Add a delicious pastry from their friends at pHlour Bakery (holy cow that tomato basil danish was beyond amazing) and you’ve got the perfect morning. Have you found a cool new gem in the neighborhood you can’t wait to go back to? Let us know and maybe we’ll add it to our coffee chat rotation!

Two weeks ago, Rep. Cassidy received the Friend of Rogers Park Award at RPBA's Best of Rogers Park Celebration!

Last week, Rep. Cassidy and Chief of Staff Taylor visited Chinese Mutual Aid Association's new location in West Ridge where they share space with Trellus. We learned about their services and how the organizations partner to offer resources to community members!

Need to Know Info

Help support our students by donating school supplies! Our office is hosting a school supply drive in collaboration with Alderwoman Maria Hadden's Office, State Senator Mike Simmons' Office, and C24/7 Father’s Arms Ministries, starting Monday, June 15th, through Thursday, July 30th. All items must be sealed or brand new.

You can stop by any of our offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday to drop off donations: 

1. 49th Ward Office: 1447 W Morse Ave
2. State Representative Kelly Cassidy Office: 1507 W Morse Ave
3. C24/7 Office: 1543 W Howard St (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday)

All supply donations will be distributed at our 49th Ward Back to School Bash on August 8th at Willye B. White Park. More details regarding this event will be published later in July.

On May 1, many Illinois SNAP customers lost benefits due to new restrictions imposed by the federal government. Customers who lost their benefits can find out if they may qualify for an exemption and how to meet work requirements by working, volunteering, and/or participating in a training or education program here: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

For additional information on who is subject to the SNAP Work Requirement, exemptions from the SNAP Work Requirement, and more please reference this SNAP Work Requirements & Exemptions FAQ and use the SNAP Work Requirements Screener.

Everyone deserves the essentials that help them feel normal, confident and ready for the day ahead, North Side Housing and Supportive Services is collecting new towels, underwear, hats, shoes, and socks for men experiencing homelessness at their life-changing shelter. You can see what items they are requesting on their wish list here. You can order from any of your favorite online retailers and have the delivered to:

Rogers Park Emergency Shelter

7464 N. Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60626

Neighborhood Shoutout

We're proud to announce that $1.5 million in capital funding has been secured for several organizations serving the 14th District. These investments will support critical capital improvements and infrastructure projects, strengthening the wonderful organizations in our neighborhoods every day. Congratulations to Lifeline Theatre, Swedish American Museum, Family Matters, Tree House Humane Society, Berger Park Cultural Center, and Steep Theatre!

District Events

Join Edgewater Glen Association for their 53rd Annual Garden Walk which will feature the gardens in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Norwood, Glenlake, Hood, and Granville. Attendees can pick up a garden map at Norwood and Glenwood. With a suggested $10 donation, attendees can enjoy an afternoon exploring one of Chicago's most charming neighborhoods.

Date: July 12

Time: 12pm-5pm

Listening to the sounds of nature and feeling the sensations of the sun and ground beneath your feet, participants will spend time being and relaxing at the lakefront. Sharon Naylor is a mindfulness teacher and Loyola Park dunes steward who combines her two passions to lead this gathering. Free of charge and open to all experience levels.

Date: Saturday, July 11th

Time: 11 am - 12 pm

Location: Leone Beach Park, 1222 W. Touhy

Meet near the Leone Beach Park fieldhouse at 1222 W. Touhy (Touhy and the lake) at the end of the parking lot. 

Bird Collisions in the Anthropocene is a national nonprofit project that uses art and community gatherings to engage the public in addressing the leading cause of bird mortality in the United States, bird building collisions. Every year, over 1 billion birds die after colliding with glass in the United States. At their crafting workshops, they lead community members in creating art, while educating them about the many solutions to prevent bird collisions, like treating windows and dimming unnecessary lights at night.

Date: Sunday, July 12th

Time: 2 - 4 pm

Location: Loyola Fieldhouse, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave

Join Trans Up Front for their pep rally/beach day!

Location: 4400 Lake Shore Dr, Montrose Beach

Time: 12:30PM- 4:30PM

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is offering Peoples Gas customers an in-person opportunity to provide comments on the utility’s proposed general rate increase. The public and media are invited to attend the public comment forum on Wednesday, July 15th.

Date: July 15, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Roosevelt University

        430 S Michigan Ave

        Ida B Wells Lounge, 2nd Floor

For more information, visit here.

Rogers Park Business Alliance is throwing a fiesta for TACOS and all the incredible Rogers Park spots along Camino Clark that serve up this beloved handheld treat! Tacos aren't just a meal they're a cultural treasure and a delicious tribute to Mexico's vibrant culinary heritage. Come and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to tacos, with plenty to savor and celebrate!

Choose from two tempting routes, each showcasing local culinary gems. Limited tickets will be available. The crawl will take place along Clark St. between Devon Ave. and Rogers Ave. on July 16th from 3pm-7pm.

Click here to see the list of participating restaurants and to purchase tickets.

Join Alderwoman Hadden's office as they host their Mid-Summer Block Party Town Hall on July 17th from 4pm-7pm with a performance from Circles and Ciphers!

Adopt-a-Beach cleanups are a fun, easy way to give back to your community and keep plastic pollution out of the Great Lakes.

Meeting place: Registration table will be in front of Blue Jay Cafe, 1230 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago IL 60626.

Parking: There is public parking space at 1150 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL 60626 and 1120 W Lunt Ave, Chicago, IL 60626.

Bathroom: Public bathroom is located at 1110 W Lunt Ave, Chicago, IL 60626.

Date: July 18

Time: 9am to 11:30am

Join the IL ABLE team for a webinar to learn:

• Who is eligible to own an IL ABLE Account

• Who can open an Account

• How an IL ABLE Account can be a savings tool for individuals with a disability

• How individuals receiving public benefits such as SSI and Medicaid benefits can build assets with an IL ABLE Account

• How IL ABLE Accounts work alongside other financial tools such as special needs trusts and retirement accounts

Who should attend this webinar: people with disabilities, parents, guardians, spouses, siblings, grandparents, Social Security representative payees, attorneys, financial advisors, disability advocates, social workers, healthcare workers, and others who support individuals living with a disability

If you require an accommodation to participate in this webinar, please email able@illinoistreasurer.gov.

Date: July 22, 12-1 PM

Register here.

Dance in the Parks will be performing a FREE, professional dance concert at Touhy Park on Friday, July 24th! The show features seven professional dancers performing six world‑premiere contemporary dance works by Chicago choreographers. The professional company will be joined by youth guest dancers from Synapse Arts. This family‑friendly, come‑as‑you‑are performance invites casual viewing, curious newcomers, and joyful dancing‑along from your lawn chair or blanket. Pack a picnic, grab a seat, and join in an evening of dance in your park at 6:30 pm!

Check their website and social platforms for day-of-show weather updates. 

ONE Northside's fourth annual summer celebration is back! They're partnering again with Voice of the People Chicago and Sunnyside Mall for a HUGE community party on July 25, from 11am-2pm.

The Back to School Summer Bash will feature:

• Free food fresh off the grill (while supplies last)
• A school supply giveaway (one per child - child must be present)
• Games, family activities, and prizes
• A live DJ and dancing
• Fun summer treats
• Community partner booths with resources and ways to get involved

They are also calling all volunteers who want to help make this event a success. Volunteers are needed to help with set up/clean up, sign in, booths, food, and more. Sign up to volunteer here.

RSVP for this event here.

The DIM SUM & THEN SOME: The Uptown 5k/10k & KIDS DASH is not just your average race, it combines the thrill of a 5K or 10K run/walk with the flavors of dim sum and bubble tea. The event draws thousands of participants, young and old, city and suburban. Participating in the Dim Sum 5K/10K as a runner and supporter contributes to a meaningful cause. All proceeds will go towards Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA)'s programs, where they empower immigrants and refugees to improve their English skills, find their first job, receive after-school/summer camp enrichment, prepare for citizenship, and learn to become entrepreneurs. 

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 7 am - 10 am 

Location: Argyle Street & Sheridan Road, Chicago 60640 

Event information can be found at www.dimsum5k.com.

Rivers and Roads Cafe is partnering with The Dropped Stitch to host Fiber Crafts Nights on the second Wednesday of every month! You can meet other fiber crafters and work on your projects while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of Rivers & Roads after hours.

Rivers and Roads Cafe

1259 W Devon Ave

Second Wednesday of every month

6pm-8pm

Adult Summer Reading Bingo is BACK! Check out their in-store displays for book inspiration! 

RULES: For every BINGO you achieve (5 squares in a row—vertical, horizontal, or diagonal), you can fill out an entry form to win prizes! More info HERE. You can also drop off your completed paper bingo card at the bookstore.

Bingo runs until September 8th! 

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce announced the first wave of artists performing at the 2026 Edgewater Music Fest, returning to Broadway from Thorndale Avenue on Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30. The neighborhood festival will once again feature more than 30 live performances across two

stages, a variety of more than 100 local vendors, food and beverage offerings, family-friendly activities and a weekend-long celebration of Chicago's vibrant music and arts scene.

Dates: August 28-30, 2026

Location: Broadway to Thorndale Avenue

Theatre

In 1988, wrestling legend King Kong Bruiser was murdered. His killer walked away clean. In 2019, Johanna Goodish, daughter of the Bruiser, can’t seem to step out of his shadow. So she’s going to do the one thing that might shake off the ghost: she’s going to kill the man who killed her dad. And she’s going to do it in the middle of the ring, live on pay-per-view.

You can buy tickets here.

Show dates: June 11-July 18, Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 8:00pm

Understudy Performance: July 6 @ 8:00pm

Industry Night: Monday, July 13 @ 8:00pm

Farmers Markets

Now in its 17th year, the Andersonville Farmers Market has gained a reputation in Chicago and beyond for creating an inclusive, vibrant gathering space that helps close the gap between the community and local foods. The market celebrates the diversity of the Midwest through a wide range of high quality products and goods from local farms and vendors.

The 2026 Farmers Market is open for business from 3PM to 7PM every Wednesday, May 13 through October 21. The Market operates rain or shine.

The Market is located on Winona St. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. and the adjacent AT&T parking lot in the bustling Andersonville neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. 

For more information about the market, please visit www.andersonvillemarket.org  

Edgewater Monday Market returns for the 2026 season! Chicago’s ONLY Monday farmers market feature a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, including food, activities, entertainment and more! EBT/Link, Match Link Vouchers, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons accepted.

Admission to the market is free for everyone and no advance registration is necessary. You can see the full list of vendors, schedule, and find out more information about the Edgewater Monday Market at Edgewater Chamber’s website.

Rogers Park Business Alliance has a great 17th season planned with veteran and loved food artisans and farmers. They invite everyone to come out and stroll the market to support local agriculture.

Find your favorite local foods, from fruits and veggies to baked goods & lunch items, to meats, cheeses, tofu and more at Rogers Park's favorite farmers market.

This is the place to get your grocery shopping done, meet a neighbor and support local farmers & food artisans.

Get ready to enjoy the very best seasonal foods from these amazing farmers and food artisans.

The Market will run Sundays from June 7 to October 25, 2026 (except June 28 and August 16).

This year, Jarvis Square is hosting a new farmers market on Monday nights! The Jarvis Square Twilight Markets run Mondays from 4:00pm-8:00pm, just steps from the Jarvis Red Line stop.

Youth

The City of Chicago is helping young people make the most of summer with a variety of free programs, events, and resources. From summer reading at the Chicago Public Library and activities in Chicago parks to youth opportunities through the My CHI app and community-led safe space events, the Get Into Summer initiative offers ways for teens and families to stay engaged, connected, and active throughout the season!

Hiring

Looking to start a new career? Find the right fit to help make a difference. IDHS offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Explore open career opportunities throughout Illinois here.

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provide 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

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626