Kelly's Update

Last week was a bit of a whirlwind, and leaving for Springfield early Wednesday morning after being up late watching election returns meant I was a bit bleary all week between lack of sleep and having our usual weekly rhythm pushed off by a day - meaning committees that regularly meet on Tuesdays would meet on Wednesday as it was our first session day of the week. That shift was enough to have me constantly wondering whether I was coming or going, but we got a lot of bills moved between my bills that went through their respective committees or the committee hearings I participated in where other bills were presented.

One example of a bill that caught my interest was HB4565 from Rep. Laura Faver Dias. This bill was heard in the Labor and Commerce Committee and addresses the practical impacts non compete clauses in contracts with doctors and other health care providers can have on access to care in areas impacted by provider shortages. Much like the law prohibiting such clauses in low wage jobs argued that the particular impact on those subject to the clauses and the overall community justified the prohibition, the public health impacts of medical professionals being prohibited from practicing medicine in their home communities can be devastating in communities already experiencing access issues. Hospital systems argue that the cost of providing care in healthcare deserts requires the ability to inhibit competition. We had a spirited debate in committee on March 19th and the bill advanced to second reading with the likelihood that further talks could lead to a possible amendment and a follow up hearing.

Friday’s hearing in the House Restorative Justice and Public Safety Committee mostly focused on bills that are still being negotiated and will have substantive hearings after this week’s deadline once amendment language is finalized. Some of the bills we heard about include HB4135 sponsored by Leader Kam Buckner. Inspired by the Department of Corrections’ revelation last year that they were unable to calculate and report on recidivism rates in our prison system, the bill will require the Department of Corrections to submit a recidivism report to the General Assembly which the Department will post on its website and make publicly available. In addition, the committee heard testimony on two potential task forces proposed to take a deeper dive into complex legal issues impacting the criminal justice system. HB5091 sponsored by Rep. Michael Crawford proposes a broad array of experts to examine the various ways that people who have been incarcerated and returned to their communities continue to experience impediments to successful reentry. Representative Lisa Davis, who is also a practicing Public Defender, proposed a task force in HB5434 to examine the ways our juvenile and criminal justice systems contemplate accountability and rehabilitation with regard to young adults and the growing understanding of adolescent brain development extending into the mid twenties.

This week will be a bit cattywhumpus with 17 bills posted to committee with a deadline on Friday for bills to move out of committee, although all of them will not necessarily be heard before the deadline. There are some that are more likely to become part of budget discussions and so they won’t need hearings on this timeline, while others represent the beginnings of a conversation that could result in meaningful discussions over the summer. And some others will fall victim to opponents successfully utilizing the greatest tool in their playbook: delay and deny. This tactic, to suggest a willingness to negotiate but slow walk actual amendment language is a tried and true method that more often than not results in a possibly longer path to change, but one that results in change just the same.

After this week’s committee deadline, it’ll be a lot clearer what we can expect to move through the rest of the legislative process. Next newsletter, I’ll highlight some bills colleagues are focusing on that might not cross my path until later in session in the case of bills that will go through committees I don’t sit on. 

Last week brought horrific news of the murder of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University student who was on the pier at Pratt with a group of friends when she was shot and killed. We recently learned that a suspect was arrested after he was traced to a building in the neighborhood. As a mom with two kids off at college, I can not begin to imagine the grief and pain her parents are experiencing. When we send our kids off to school, there are a million things to be worried about, including the unthinkable. 

I am grateful to CPD for their strident detective work that led to this arrest and charges. The perpetrator can now be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for this crime. This is an important step toward justice for Ms. Gorman’s family and the Loyola University Community. We must also resist the cynical efforts of the Trump administration and its allies to exploit this terrible tragedy in their continued campaign to demonize all migrants. Our community deserves peace and closure after this terrifying moment, and we won't be used as a pawn in a larger effort to scapegoat immigrants.

For folks not joining us in Springfield for deadline week, there are some fun things happening in district this week and weekend. See our “District Events” section of the newsletter for more details!

Need to Know Info

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 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.

North Side Queer Pride is being proposed by a collaborative group of neighbors, small business owners, artists, and community organizations who care deeply about our community. We are looking to align existing pride events under one umbrella to create a vibrant, inclusive weekend of celebration.

Your thoughts will help inform and create the weekend of celebration. Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey and help build a fabulous weekend.

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If you get a text claiming to be from the "DMV" or "Illinois Secretary of State" threatening suspension or enforcement - DO NOT click on any links or reply. The Illinois Secretary of State will never send texts for payment or personal information. Stay vigilant and report scams by sending the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov. 

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) would like to share an announcement regarding the launch of their new VACCC Volunteer Program, which is open to Veterans and Veteran family members who would like to support the VACCC’s mission in the community.

Volunteers will assist their office at outreach events, community initiatives, and other Veteran-focused activities. Participants will complete a brief training (approximately one hour) covering VACCC services, programs, and how to assist Veterans at events. Once trained, volunteers may be contacted periodically to help support outreach efforts.

Individuals interested in participating must complete the registration form found here, sign a release form, and consent to a brief background check to ensure they can appropriately represent our office.

State Senator Mike Simmons' Office is seeking donations of nonperishable canned items. They have received the most requests for the items above. If you would like to donate, their hours for accepting donations are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM and on Fridays from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Rogers Park Business Alliance announced this week that Business District Manager Carolina Juarez was chosen for the 2026 class of the Pete Garcia Community Economic Development Fellowship, a post on Facebook read:

 Big congratulations to Carolina Juarez on being selected as a 2026 Pete Garcia Fellow!

For 14 years, Carolina has been a steady, passionate force behind the work we do, building relationships, supporting businesses, and helping shape a stronger, more connected Rogers Park. As our Business District Manager, her impact is felt on every block and in every conversation.

This fellowship is a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and dedication to community development. We’re excited to see her bring new insights, ideas, and energy back to the work she’s been championing for so long.



Thank you to National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) for continuing to invest in leaders who are making a difference in communities like ours.

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this moment with you, Carolina

More about the Fellowship from the NALCAB site:

The Pete Garcia Fellowship is a year-long leadership program that brings together rising community development leaders serving the Latino community through economic development. Named after one of NALCAB’s Founders and original board members, the fellowship is celebrating 15 years of cultivating the next generation of community leaders. Each cohort consists of 20 rising community development leaders from across the United States with a curriculum designed to build more effective leaders through leadership development, technical training, and facilitating peer networks. The program is designed and led by NALCAB’s Training and Leadership team.

District Events

Andersonville Restaurant Week is back! The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is excited to once again showcase the abundance of great restaurants throughout the district. Restaurant Week is a great way to try a new spot, explore the diverse cuisine and fine dining in Andersonville, and support small businesses! The wide variety of restaurants will offer $30 / $45 / $60 special prix fixe menus* to enjoy. *Prices vary by location.

You can see the list of participating businesses here.

The Japanese American Service Committee is pleased to announce a free repair day for wheelchairs, walkers, and canes on Thursday, March 26. This event is open to everyone in the community, and will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at JASC (5700 N Lincoln).

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome back its annual InSidewalk Sale, as retailers make way for spring by clearing out winter merchandise. Throughout the weekend of March 27 – 29, 2026, shop for some of the year’s best deals on merchandise, food and personal care services at 25 neighborhood retailers.

You can see a list of participating retailers here.

Kick off International Women’s Day with Mimosas & Momentum, a morning of inspiration, connection, and celebration! Hosted by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (LSRCC), the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and 8 Northside Chambers, this exclusive networking event is designed for women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals looking to expand their networks in a welcoming and empowering environment.

Enjoy fresh pastries, mimosas (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), and coffee while engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow businesswomen. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and gain momentum for your business.

Space is limited—register today and raise a glass to the incredible women shaping our business community!

On Saturday, March 28th, local Rogers Park businesses up and down Howard Street are hosting a bunny hop! Check out the details below:

When: Sat, Mar 28 4 - 6pm

Where: Sweet Temptations - 607 W. Howard St., Evanston

Palmhouse - 619 W. Howard St., Evanston

Peckish Pig - 623 W. Howard St., Evanston

Badou Senegalese Cuisine - 1947 W. Howard St.

Beard & Bellas - 751 W. Howard St., Evanston

Hop along Howard Street and visit participating businesses to collect colorful Easter eggs. There’s no set route—explore at your own pace and stop by each Hop Stop along the way.

Once you’ve collected eggs from all five businesses, make your way to Peckish Pig to meet the Easter Bunny, snap a photo, and pick up your prize. Stick around for dinner specials and keep the celebration going!

Join the Chicago Park District on Saturday, March 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a Bunny Bonanza Brunch at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers)! Come get tattoo stickers, arts & crafts, an egg hunt, and more!

Tickets cost $5 per person, and you can purchase tickets here.

New Life Church will be holding an easter egg hunt on Sunday, March 29, at Touhy Park (7325 N Clark) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Stop by for face painting, rabbit petting, and more!

Alight X Unique Recovery is a collaborative program series created by Alight Movement and Uniquely Fit, offering yoga, dance, fitness, mobility, and restorative classes—alongside assisted stretching, mobility assessments, and recovery services for active bodies and wellness professionals. You can check out their latest classes and more at their website here.

Share what you like about Andersonville and what kinds of things would improve your experience. Your feedback will help Andersonville Special Service Area (SSA) #22 continue to make Andersonville a vibrant, welcoming, and inviting place. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is an easy way to help shape the future of Andersonville. Please take the survey here!

Synapse Arts is currently hosting adult movement classes that are rooted in a values approach. They serve families and professional dancers year-round and periodically provide intensive study at other locations through workshops and residencies. Current classes are taught at the Berger Park Cultural Center where Synapse Arts works as an Arts Partner in Residence with the Chicago Park District.

You can learn more and sign up for classes here.

The Final 5 Campaign and Circles and Ciphers is excited to invite you to join them for a very special moment as they officially launch The Final 5 Campaign's "ONNA WAY BACK Reentry Toolkit" during their upcoming Reentry Resource Fair in collaboration with Circles & Ciphers. This event represents an important step forward in their collective work to support young people returning home and ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

The event will include a variety of resources and opportunities for returning citizens and community members, including:

• Free haircuts

• Free food

• Restorative circles

• Employment opportunities

• Education opportunities

• Community resources, support services and more!

Event Details:

April 10, 2026

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

1643 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

Celebrate spring, community, and fresh food at Spiral Into Spring, a festive evening supporting Glenwood Sunday Market’s mission to make nutritious, locally grown food accessible to all. Enjoy delicious bites, drinks, local vendors, and lively carnival-style games, all while helping SNAP customers double their dollars to purchase fresh, healthy food.

What to Expect

GSM Vendor Sneak Peeks & Samples: Get a taste of the market before the 2026 season begins.

Carnival Games & Raffles: Try your luck and win raffle tickets for great bundles of prizes.

Giving Moments: See how your donations create hope and stability in our community with SNAP.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Vendor Applications and Opportunities

Artist and Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 25th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest!

The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is Rogers Park’s annual outdoor celebration of arts and community, run by a volunteer planning committee to showcase our neighborhood’s arts, talents, and businesses. For more information visit glenwoodave.org.

In 2025, 88.9% of vendors felt they were able to have positive interactions with their customers at the Fest. Join us for a weekend of art, community, and fun!

Click here for Artist Application.

Click here for Food Vendor Application.

Rogers Park Business Alliance is excited to invite you to be a part of their Mother's Day - MERCADITO on Sunday, May 10th | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase your products, connect with local buyers, and join a vibrant community market.

Whether you sell crafts or unique goods, we want you to be part of this exciting event! Reserve your spot today and don't miss out! 

You can apply here: Mother's Day - Mercadito 2026 Application

The deadline to submit the form is April 03, 2026.

For more information or questions, feel free to contact RPBA at cjuarez@rpba.org.

Theatre

From an Algonquin round table boasting some of history’s most notable women, to the halls of the Top Girls Employment Agency, Marlene’s exchanges with the women around her create a vivid and compelling exploration of their aspirations through time. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, Caryl Churchill’s TOP GIRLS directed by Lucky Stiff navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society.

Throughout the run, TOP GIRLS will be presented alongside Raven Theatre resident company The Story Theatre’s World Premiere of POT GIRLS by Paul Michael Thomson, directed by Ayanna Bria Bakari. POT GIRLS is a smoky riff on TOP GIRLS that pays loving homage while charting bold new ground. Celebrating The Story Theatre’s seven-year residency at Raven, this collaboration reflects a mutual desire to expand artistic partnership between the companies.

TOP GIRLS

By Caryl Churchill

Directed by Lucky Stiff

February 12 – March 22 Now Extended Till March 29!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Written and directed by Jackie Taylor

We can’t think of a better way to kick off the 50th Anniversary Season than to bring back The Jackie Wilson Story! Jackie Wilson premiered at the Black Ensemble Theater in 2000. This outstanding production started its successful national tour in 2002. The tour included a record-breaking run at the famous Apollo Theater in New York. In 2012, Jackie Wilson made history by opening the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center. This award-winning production continues its historical run as it opens our 50th Anniversary season. Experience this tribute to the most dynamic and electrifying entertainer of all time, Mr. Excitement – Jackie Wilson.

Black Ensemble Theater

4450 N Clark

You can get more information and purchase tickets here.

Cyrano

By Michael Dalberg

Directed by Tony Lawry

March 13-April 12

In this Original TATL adaptation by Michael Dalberg (Grimm, The Blood Countess, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) Cyrano cannot share her love to the multi-courted Roxanne. Thus, she speaks her truth through dim witted Christian, Roxanne’s true desire. In a romantically comical retelling of the classic, body image, self-doubt and misogyny are central themes. With some food fights along the way you’ll see that sometimes love is right in front of your nose!

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm at the Jarvis Square Theater located at 1439 W. Jarvis. Please visit theatreatl.org for tickets.

Use the Rogers Park coupon code unclecardinal at checkout for $10 OFF THE REGULAR $25 ticket price. Subject to availability, not valid opening or closing weekends.

Rent

Directed by DeRon Williams

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

March 26 - April 12

Newhart Family Theatre

Lower East Side of New York City. End of the millennium. Mark and Roger are roommates, and they can’t afford rent (again). But they don’t let that stop them from enjoying life while they can. They find solace in their community of fellow artists and activists who are also trying to make ends meet as they struggle through life, love, their art, the AIDS crisis, and paying (or not paying) rent. Jonathan Larson’s final musical still resonates today about the importance of trying to get your voice heard, even if it seems no one is listening.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Youth

Four dynamic positions are available in parks over the summer for ages 16 and up: Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for day camp), Special Recreation Leader (for day camps for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+. 

To learn more and to apply go to their website here.

Click image above for downloadable pdf

In honor of Dr. Carl Bell’s Memorial Award, this year’s topic underscores a focal point of Dr. Bell’s work. Dr. Bell developed community-based mental health initiatives which encouraged inclusivity in psychiatry developing stronger communities. This year’s essay topic: The 24/7 digital world allows the ability to “always be on". Does this promote engagement on issues (such as climate change, politics, social media outlets, etc.), or does it create a path for emotional burnout, or a combination of both? What are strategies to maintain a positive outlook?

The award recipient will receive a $500 cash prize. Their submission will also be presented at the 2025 IPS Annual Meeting and published in “Mind Matters,” the official IPS newsletter publication and invited to our Annual Meeting in September. Second and third place award recipients will receive a $250 cash prize.

Deadline for Essay Submissions: May 15, 2026

To learn more or to apply click here.

Hiring

The Membership & Events Manager will oversee Edgewater Chamber’s membership sales, member database, benefits, business outreach, and contact management system while simultaneously facilitating Edgewater Chamber’s events & programs, including (but not limited to) street festivals, networking events, education programs, vendor fairs, and community events. This position will work closely with the Executive Director to design and facilitate programming, partnerships, and initiatives that drive membership, revenue, and engagement in Edgewater Chamber. This position acts as the go-to resource for businesses in the community to engage with Edgewater Chamber and learn about chamber membership, business services, and events. 

To learn more and to apply click here.

The Federal Advocacy Manager is a new position that will lead CCH’s federal advocacy efforts in close coordination with CCH’s public policy, community organizing, communications, and Law Project staff. In response to a host of federal budget and policy changes that threaten to eliminate the use of best practices and send thousands of more Illinoisians into homelessness and poverty, CCH is increasing its federal advocacy capacity. This role will ensure CCH is leading solutions grounded in the needs of people with lived experience with homelessness.

To learn more and apply, click here.

Pure Brite Facility Services is hiring Part-Time Day Porters to support daily cleaning operations at Skokie School District 73.5. The ideal candidate will help maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for students and staff.

Qualifications

• Must be 25 years of age or older
• Minimum 6 months of cleaning experience preferred (training available for those without experience)
• Must speak English (bilingual candidates encouraged to apply)

Must successfully complete:

• State-mandated fingerprint background check through the School District
• State-mandated DCFS background check
• Identification: ID (DL, State ID, Permanent ID, Social Security Card, ITIN)

You can apply in person at 1523 W Morse Ave.

Greencorps Chicago, the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment, is hiring! Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50, and receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance finding full-time employment upon completion of the program. 

To learn more and to apply, click here.

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.

Harry S. Truman College, in partnership with Equus Workforce Solutions and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, is hosting their Spring 2026 Career & Internship Fair. This event brings together job seekers, career resources, and employers from multiple industries.

Event Details

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Harry S. Truman College – Main Lobby

1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640

To register, click 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