Kelly's Update

Last week was expected to be a bit intense given that it was the second to last week before the Third Reading deadline for the House and the last week before bill limits would be imposed. As we head into the final week of floor action, all members have been informed that there will be a limit of five bills for each member heading into deadline week. Bills that have not completed negotiations or bills that have a still active counterpart in the Senate that is likely to come to the House may get pushed further down the list in order to advance bills that are closer to being “soup.” Some may become what sometimes are called “summer projects” as there can be a benefit to allowing parties to cool off and resume negotiations over the summer in anticipation of the fall Veto Session or a possible lame duck session in January before the end of the 104th General Assembly.

I passed three bills last week: 

HB4826 regulates continuing professional regulation credits. The floor debate was immediately targeted at the state’s ban on the abusive practice known as conversion therapy. A Republican colleague erroneously declared that the US Supreme Court had overturned Colorado’s ban and I interrupted her to correct the record and push back on misinformation - the reality that the case will be back before the court in short order for final action is bad enough. Another asked if the law would prevent him as a physician from attending a training on abortion reversal. I responded that since the state had not yet prohibited the scientifically debunked treatment, it wouldn’t apply at this time. The bill passed by a vote of 71-37 and now heads to the Senate.

HB4834 continues our work to ensure that the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) is used to protect the public health and not for government or law enforcement fishing expeditions by ordering the removal of records related to testosterone prescriptions from the current PMP and prohibiting the inclusion of several reproductive and gender affirming care medications the federal government is working towards adding to the program. Once again, floor debate focused on debunked claims about abortion and gender affirming care, but the bill passed 68-37.

HB4839 addresses confusion over documentation needed to access funeral home services for fetal remains. Under current law, a hospital can issue a fetal death certificate for remains when a spontaneous termination (miscarriage) occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. This documentation satisfies the requirements funeral homes have in order to accept remains for disposition, but there was nothing available for people who either experienced spontaneous termination prior to 20 weeks or for anyone who had an abortion. Because of public health data collection issues, it was not practical to expand the fetal death certificate to the other categories, so the bill will permit the Department of Public Health to create a form that will allow any family who seeks to access formal disposition of remains through a funeral home to do so.

While all of this was going on on the House floor, we were also busily moving amendments through committees and attempting to connect with the huge number of advocacy groups in town for lobby days. I wrote about my concerns about the clear lack of coordination between the House and Senate calendars and the potential impact on our constituents in an earlier edition of the newsletter, but last week really drove the point home. I feel like I was able to see maybe ⅓ of the folks who were there and trying to connect and as frustrating as that is for me, I can only imagine the impact on folks who came all the way down to Springfield only to be in such unnavigable crowds.

This week promises to be even worse. After we reached the point where we had 29 separate meeting requests for a single afternoon, we started telling folks to check in with my Legislative Coordinator who will attempt to get them to wherever I am for at least a quick hello. This is truly unsustainable and I hope we never have a calendar like this again.

As busy as this week will be in Springfield, next weekend promises to be jam packed here in the district. Next Saturday, I’m looking forward to joining with some of our team for Care For Real’s Trivia Night on Saturday night, then Sunday brings the Swedish American Museum’s 50th Anniversary Community Kickoff and the Glenwood Sunday Market’s Spiral Into Spring Fundraiser. It’ll be a busy weekend, but full of fun.

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: 

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  

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. 

Additionally, the Cook County Circuit Court does NOT send text notices of court hearings or traffic violations. If you receive this kind of text from the Clerk's office, please do not scan QR codes or share any personal information.

City Clerk Anna Valencia is bringing back Amnesty April! The Office of the City Clerk is waiving City Sticker late fees and back charges for drivers from April 1-30, 2026.

For more information from The Office of the City Clerk, please click here.

Spring has sprung! With the weather beginning to turn, there's no better time to put up a new "Please pick up after your pet" yard sign in your yard or parkway. The 48th Ward office has free signs while supplies last! Stop by 1129 W Bryn Mawr to claim yours. 

On Saturday, April 18th, the 40th Ward Office is hosting a Bears-themed shred event at 5333 N. Western Avenue from 11:30am-2:00pm (or until trucks are full)! Bring up to two boxes to shred (no spiral bound notebooks, please). You can also recycle any expired or unused medications with the Cook County Sheriff's Office and hard-to-recycle materials with the Mobile CHARM center (check out cookcountyil.gov/CHaRMCenter for a list of accepted items). The Friendship Center will also be accepting donations of cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and kitchen items-bring any of these items to donate if you're able to help our neighbors in need!

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting entrepreneurs, small business owners and aspiring founders to attend the office’s first-ever free Business Services Resource Fair, an event designed to help Illinoisans turn business ideas into real opportunities. Hosted in partnership with state, county and city agencies, as well as private-sector business development organizations, the fair will bring together the people and resources entrepreneurs need to start, grow and sustain a successful business – all under one roof.

Register here.

Neighborhood Shoutout

The people have voted in the Chicago History Pizza Madness competition and our very own JB Albertos has come out the victor! Congratulations to JB Albertos who took on Chicago giant Giordanos in the final round of the competition! They are a great neighborhood business and tonight are also helping to support a great cause. Use the code word "Harvest" tonight (4/13) to donate 20% of your purchase to A Just Harvest.

District Events

Edgewater Mutual Aid has released the dates of their April Food Distributions. Doors open at 11:45am and numbers are being distributed at noon! Their free food and supplies distribution takes place in the dining hall on the east side of Edgewater Presbyterian Church. They have groceries, KN95 masks, Covid tests, toilet paper, laundry detergent, clothing and more!

There is a random number system for the distribution line, which is equitable and reduces the need for neighbors to arrive early to the church.

Edgewater Presbyterian Church

1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave

Every summer, the Waterfront Café presents complimentary music by local musicians. They are looking for groups who can help create a relaxing and inviting environment for their dining guests while not being too distracting from engaging dinner conversations as well as respecting the open-aired environment of Berger Park. Any interested musicians can send inquiries, music links, and relevant information to waterfrontcafechicago@gmail.com.

Start your morning off right with Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and Colvin House.

Coffee, breakfast bites, brief introductions, open networking, and an opportunity to linger and work from Colvin House, if you're not in a hurry to get back to the office!

Make sure to register in advance here.

Thursday, 4/16

9am to 10:30am

Colvin House

5940 N. Sheridan Road

The 49th Ward Office will be hosting a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, April 18th from 10:00am - 1:00pm. Supply pick up will be at the Ward Office (1447 W. Morse Ave) from 10am-12pm. You can sign up here!

Join Loyola Park Advisory Council on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM as they come together to care for Loyola Park.

They will be spreading mulch, picking up litter, and getting the park ready for a busy summer season.

All are welcome—just bring your energy and love for the park. Gloves and supplies will be provided. It’s a great way to connect with neighbors and make a visible difference in just a couple of hours.

You can sign up here.

Bring your crew. Make it a night. Support a worthy cause. 

Join Care for Real’s Trivia Night on Saturday, April 18 and turn a fun night out into real impact for neighbors facing food insecurity. 

Whether it’s a group of friends, family, coworkers, or fellow volunteers, this is a great chance to come together for a great night and a great purpose. Fill a table, claim some bragging rights, and help Care For Real continue to serve the community. 

Purchase a table, tickets, or donate if you can’t make it at careforreal.org/trivia.

Looking for a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Meet up at the Edgewater Library for adult coloring, a popular therapeutic activity used to reduce stress, improve mindfulness and foster creativity.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of coloring can include improved sleep and decreased fatigue, fewer body aches, and decreased anxiety and depression. And besides, it’s fun!  

All materials and light refreshments will be provided.

Edgewater Library

6000 N Broadway

Sunday, April 19, 2026 

2:00PM – 4:00PM

Registration is recommended but not required. Please register online or at the Edgewater Branch reference desk.

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.

CALLING QUEER ARTISTS! Brave Space Alliance is looking for artists in the community to spotlight in their merch this Pride Month! (Black, trans artists highly encouraged 🏳️‍⚧️)

We are looking for designs that highlight trans and queer joy, center trans and LGBQ+ pride, and show off your identity as an artist. 🎨 Five pieces will be chosen to be BSA’s limited edition 2026 Pride Month sticker designs and their artists will be compensated and spotlighted on BSA’s socials and in-person Pride events.

Submit up to three designs by April 20th here.

Email any questions to ElaM@bravespacealliance.org!

Saturday, April 25 • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Meet at Igor’s Bike Shack 3650 N. Recreation Drive. Meet at 4:45 PM, roll out at 5:00 PM.

Chicago’s lakefront isn’t just great for biking — it’s also one of the best bird migration corridors in the country.

The ride will be lead by a ride leader from the Chicago Ornithological Society, who will help everyone spot and learn about the birds that pass through the lakefront every spring.

Expect:

A 2-hour relaxed ride

Bird spotting along the lakefront

BIRDO - like BINGO, with birds

A fun mix of bikes, nature, and good conversation

You don’t need to be a bird expert or a bike expert! Just come curious and ready to ride.

Join the Edgewater Environmental Coalition and other local environmental organizations for Love Our Lakefront, a celebration of nature in the city! Activities include a nature walk, a tree tour, beach stewardship, resource & craft fair, and more!

This event will be hosted on Sunday, April 26th from 9am-1:30pm at 5800 N Marine (Kathy Osterman Beach). Learn more and register online here!

The Edgewater Environmental Coalition has released a calendar of all of their recurring volunteer days. They will be posting for one-off volunteering opportunities as they progress through the season. For now, you can see what kind of days they offer from Vedgewater Volunteer Days, Beach Stewardship days, Parkway for Pollinator Days and more!

The Unitarian Church of Evanston is holding their annual Rummage Sale on May 1st & 2nd! Their annual Rummage Sale helps them deepen their community relationships while serving as a vital source of funding in support of their mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole.

Unitarian Church of Evanston

1330 Ridge Ave

Evanston, IL

Hey local musicians and performers, this one's for you!

Loyola Park Advisory Council is looking for bands, musicians, and performers to take the stage at the Artists of the Wall Festival, happening over Father’s Day weekend (June 20–21, 2026) in Loyola Park.

Compensated gig

Free for the community to attend

One of the best weekends of the year

Applications are due May 2—don’t sleep on it!

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/aotwmusic

Know someone who should be on that stage? Share this opportunity and spread the word!

Theatre

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.

Written by Preston Max Allen

Directed by Landree Fleming

March 19 – April 18, 2026

Schwartz Stage at Raven Theatre

6157 N Clark St

Set in present day New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut, this world premiere is the queer and trans rom-com you’ve been waiting for. After his partner of five years abruptly ends their relationship, 28-year-old Adam must navigate the world of dating for the first time since coming out as a trans man. But Adam’s hopes for a fresh start are quickly derailed when a chaotic new girlfriend, the return of his ex, and long-ignored personal demons force him to finally confront his complicated relationship to his own identity.

You can learn more and buy tickets here!

April 2-18, 2026 (Wed-Sat)

Berger Park Coach House Theater

6205 N Sheridan Rd

Kassandra at the Top of the World is an exploration of the Greek prophetess cursed never to be believed. This piece finds Kassandra on a mountaintop, bearing witness to the annihilation of humanity from climate collapse—at once mythic and urgently contemporary. She battles inner demons, the ghosts of the past, and a fear of the future.

This piece is appropriate for audiences 14+.

The Coach House Theater is wheelchair and walker accessible. Please call 773-761-0376 with any access needs.

Purchase tickets here.

Youth

Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH) is pleased to open up registration for their 2026 Summer Adventure Camp. Eligible youth are refugee and asylum-seeking youth (boys and girls) between the ages of 10 and 18, who primarily live in Chicago's north side neighborhoods (Rogers Park, West Ridge, Albany Park, Edgewater) or nearby suburbs.

Summer Adventure Day Camp Sessions:  REACH will offer four weekly day camp sessions (Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 4 pm) during which participants will engage in adventure sports and place-based education activities such as archery, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, nature hikes, fishing, forest restoration, and river clean-ups. [REACH will coordinate bus or van transportation based on enrollees' residential neighborhoods. However, some families may need coordinate their own transport to the pick-up location.]

Session One: June 29 - July 2

Session Two: July 6 - July 9

Session Three: August 3 - August 6

Session Four: August 10 - August 13

Summer Adventure Overnight Camping Trips:  REACH will offer three overnight (1 night / 2-days) tent camping trips (one girls only, one boys only, one co-ed), including team building activities (scavenger hunts, improv skits), nature education (macroinvertebrate investigations, outdoor cooking, habitat assessments), adventure sports (kayaking, climbing, hiking), and leadership development (problem solving, cooperative learning). [REACH will transport all participating youth via van or charter bus rentals.]

Girls' Only Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, July 11-12, 2026

Boys' Only Camping Trip: Sun-Mon, July 12-13, 2026

Co-Ed Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, August 15-16, 2026

Family Picnic & Award Ceremony: This is an end-of-summer celebration for all participating youth and their family members. 

Family Picnic: Saturday, August 22, 12-3 PM

You can fill out the preliminary registration form here - REACH Summer 2026 Pre-Registration Form, and a home visit will be scheduled with each family to complete the registration interview process. 

Remember: all camps are FREE, but registration will be limited to 30 youth per weekly session. Registration closes on June 5, 2026, or when camps reach capacity. 

Specific questions about summer camp registration can be directed to Shana Wills at swills@reachinchicago.org or Ellie Hease at ehease@reachinchicago.org.  

Summer day camp registration is coming April 20 & 21! In preparation, the Chicago Park District invites the public to an informational webinar to learn about new improvements to the 2026 Summer Day Camp sign-up process, including a new interactive map to highlight real-time camp openings & a revamped preparation checklist.

Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/day-camp to submit your questions about the Summer Day Camp registration process & register for the webinar being offered at 12pm & 6 pm on Tuesday, April 14.

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 apply, go to their website here.

Discover new worlds at Lifeline Theatre’s Drama Camps! Children explore their imaginations and hone their natural performing abilities while gaining sound theatre training in a fun-filled atmosphere. Lifeline's camps not only teach kids how to embody characters and act out stories, they also help them to gain confidence, express themselves, and work patiently and respectfully with each other. For ages 4-14.

Register by April 1st to get 15% off! You can learn more and register here.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible Chicago residents pursuing higher education. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and may be applied toward tuition and institutional fees for the Fall 2026 semester/quarter. In 2026, the city is investing in the whole student by providing additional resources such as financial education and personal development. Learn more and apply online by May 6. 

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 Senior Program Officer collaborates closely with the Director of Programs to ensure that CFW’s grantmaking strategies align with the Foundation’s strategic plan, values, and commitment to trust‑based philanthropy. They identify and recommend new and emerging opportunities that deepen CFW’s impact and respond to the evolving needs and priorities of community organizations across the Chicagoland region.

The Senior Program Officer leads the Foundation’s core grantmaking activities and coordinates CFW’s trust‑based process. This includes organizing a cross-section of CFW’s stakeholders to ensure that the community voice is centered and to promote transparency and shared learning.

As the primary point of contact for grantee partners, the Senior Program Officer provides relationship‑centered support—offering clear guidance on funding opportunities across CFW’s portfolios and initiatives, connecting organizations to resources, and ensuring a responsive, accessible application experience. They cultivate authentic partnerships grounded in mutual respect, open communication, and a commitment to long‑term impact.

The ideal Senior Program Officer is a skilled relationship builder and thoughtful project manager who brings curiosity, humility, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills. They model CFW’s culture of community, transparency, equity, and shared power in all aspects of their work.

To learn more and 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.

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