Kelly's Update

Welcome 2025

Apologies for the extra long newsletter as it’s really a combo of the last few weeks.

It’s been a long seven days in Springfield for the Lame Duck session Saturday the 4th through Tuesday the 7th, with our swearing in and the start of the 104th General Assembly on Wednesday. When we adjourn Thursday the 9th, we’ll be out of session for a couple of weeks until January 28th. During that down time, folks in Springfield will be doing the work of getting us organized for the new session, setting up and moving folks’ offices and desks on the floor, assigning parking spaces, and organizing our substantive committees so that we’re ready to get to work when we reconvene. 

The Swearing-in of the 104th General Assembly

Another thing that will be different when we reconvene at the end of the month is the Speaker’s senior staff. Earlier this week, we were informed that his Chief of Staff Tiffany Moy would be leaving this month, being replaced by Clayton Harris. You may recall him from his recent candidacy in the Democratic Primary for Cook County State’s Attorney. His experience both in government and the private sector will serve him well as he takes the reins to steer our chamber through what promises to be a challenging session. We later learned that 3 other senior staff members were also leaving: our House Counsel Kendra Piercy, our Legislative Director Kylie Kelly, and our Press Spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll. The impact of their departure will be huge, and even though my independent streak sometimes means dealing with me can be a pain for our caucus staff, these women were always just consummate professionals who were always ready to provide the support I needed to represent our community. In particular, Tiffany, Kendra, and Jaclyn were a huge part of our success in passing our post Dobbs agenda, forging a bond that will endure long after they’ve moved on. I’m endlessly thankful to all 4 of these incredible professionals and wish them all the best in their next adventures. The roles of House Counsel and Legislative Director will be filled by Cat Bray and Nora Walsh who have each served as deputy directors of those departments, while the Press Spokesperson position will remain vacant while there’s a search for a replacement.

Representative Cassidy at the Inauguration Ceremony

Unlike the last Lame Duck session where we passed several big bills related to Supreme Court decisions, this Lame Duck did not feature anything from the Dobbs Working Group, although we do anticipate taking up some issues in the regular session, especially as we see exactly how the new administration plans to follow through on their threats related to immigration and trans care, among other issues. I am so thankful for having taken the last step to complete our work to protect chronic pain patients and their health care providers by accepting a final amendment that the Senate added during the Veto Session. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk after a long and challenging 4 year process. 

Unfortunately, we were not able to pass HB3158, the bill inspired by constituents who introduced me to the new funeral method known as Natural Organic Reduction, sometimes referred to as human composting or terramation. While we had bipartisan support in the House, we were unable to overcome resistance in the Senate, largely driven by the opposition of the Cemetery Association which seems to see the practice as a threat to their business model even though in the six states that have added NOR as an option, it’s very common to see cemetery operators offering the option themselves or partnering with a provider to create a memorial garden for the deposit of the compost. Senator Simmons and I are regrouping and trying again this session.

The Governor’s office was pushing hard to finally address concerns about synthetic hemp derived THC, something that has been pending for years. In fact, the first bill to regulate hemp derived CBD and THC was passed immediately after the original cannabis bill and has languished ever since, even as we have seen multiple cases of these stores selling unregulated products to minors who end up in the hospital. In a tumultuous caucus meeting where passions ran high, many members pushed back against the idea of banning the products, going so far as to inappropriately attack the character of staff people from the Governor’s office, resulting in them leaving caucus in tears and a well deserved rebuke from the Governor’s office. The bill was not called before we adjourned the 103rd General Assembly and its fate in the 104th remains unclear. Other bills that moved during the Lame Duck Session include:

HB4144 - Karina’s Law (Originally SB2633/HB 4469)

SB867 - Shabbona Land Return

HB5373 - Illinois Controlled Substances Act (Chronic Pain)

HB5164 - Name Change Bill

As we prepare for the 104th General Assembly and all that 2025 has to offer, let’s also take a moment to highlight some of what we accomplished and experienced in 2024, the good, bad, and ugly:

Session highlights - Spring session adjournment at 4am after parliamentary maneuvers necessitated by absences in our caucus nearly derailed the budget as moderate members withheld votes from the revenue bill but not the spending bill to send a message, having the opportunity to lead our caucus’ work on several bills on gender based violence, passage of 27 bills and resolutions in the 103rd GA, incredible partnerships with legislators in other states forged via collaborative efforts organized by the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council, and several White House visits focusing on their unprecedented support for state level legislative efforts.

In-district highlights - countless ribbon cuttings as we welcomed new businesses to the district, with the long awaited opening of the Petersen Avenue Metra Station topping the list, an amazing team of current and former staff laser focused on addressing constituent service needs, so much fun at the Morse Avenue Candy Crawl on Halloween, Pride History Story Time at Family Pride North, (with a special shout out to our neighbor James McIntrye) a much needed upgrade to our rapidly growing monstera plant in the office window, and the delight of seeing little ones visiting the window to see the model trucks or the Pokemon holiday decorations.

Taylor and Rauly Pictured with Christmas Decorations and Ginormous Monstera

Personal highlights - nailing the empty nest life while somehow still maintaining an incredibly full house, an over-abundance of luffa from a garden experiment gone wild, amazing adult kids doing incredibly cool things, 4 legged critters to contribute to the fabulous chaos, a family of friends who carry each other through whatever the world throws our way, and an incredible spouse who rolls with all of the above with joy and patience and bottomless love.

I hope that even though we know 2025 will bring more than its fair share of challenges, we also find moments of joy to embrace. I am deeply grateful to my constituents for sending me back to Springfield for another term as your Representative. This was my 7th inauguration as I was appointed to my first term a few months after the 97th General Assembly was sworn in and it never fails to take my breath away that I have the honor of serving in this body. At yesterday’s swearing in, I wore 2 bracelets that my Chief of Staff made me for my birthday bearing the guiding principle of our legislative work: Nothing For Us Without Us. I promise to continue to center the stakeholders most directly affected by our work in the development of bills and strategies.

Bracelets made by Chief of Staff Taylor Ortiz!

Next week’s newsletter will be a more manageable length, I promise. But I’m excited to get to work on next session’s bill introductions and will start to share those as well.

Need to Know Info

State Representative Kelly Cassidy is partnering with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer on February 10, 2025 to help residents find and claim their lost funds! I-Cash representatives will be available from 11 AM to 3 PM to answer questions and help residents file unclaimed property claims. The Office of the Illinois State Treasurer is holding over $5 billion in unclaimed property—including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance claims—and is seeking to return these funds to their rightful owners/heirs. You can see if you have unclaimed property here. We encourage attendees to bring an active State ID, a social security card, or other relevant records. 

The event is free and open to all! For more information about this event or to schedule your appointment, please contact our district office at 773-784-2002 and ask to speak to our District Office Manager Rauly, or you can email him directly at Rauly@repcassidy.com.

Public voting to select the new design of the Illinois State flag is now open! The Secretary of State will be accepting votes until February 14th, and your input will help guide the 104th General Assembly in selecting the new State Flag!

To learn more about this historic initiative, click HERE!

To vote on the State Flag design, click HERE!

Walmart invites communities to prioritize their health in the new year at Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday, January 11 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. local time. This community event provides free health screenings, free and low-cost immunizations, and the opportunity to talk with a local Walmart pharmacist at more than 4,600 stores nationwide.

During the event, affordable immunizations like flu, HPV, tetanus, hepatitis and more will be available. Customers can also participate in free health screenings for blood pressure and more. Insurance is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which is available at no cost, and other vaccines are covered under most major insurance plans.

Walmart pharmacies have hosted Walmart Wellness Days since 2014 and have contributed more than 5 million free health screenings for customers.

To find a free event in your neighborhood, visit Walmart.com/wellnesshub.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Family Matters and Tapestry 360 Health are partnering with VOSH-Volunteer Optometrists Serving Humanity and Swedish Hospital to host a FREE Eye Exam at Gale Community Academy (7650 N Marshfield) with Free Glasses on Saturday, January 11, from 9:00 am to 1:15 pm. Free parking will be available for this event. This event is available to Rogers Park residents who are 18+ and without vision insurance.

Be sure to bring your prescription glasses, if you have them, to the event. Do not wear contacts. Also, note that the exam will include pupil dilation.

Click this LINK to register!

Fundraisers and Drives

Trilogy's annual winter clothing drive has begun and they will be accepting new and gently used winter clothing through February 2025. You can drop off all donations locally at their Rogers Park location at 1400 W. Greenleaf.

The Edgewater Beach Neighborhood Association is still accepting donations for its winter gear drive! The organization is requesting donations of new or gently-used winter clothing including coats, gloves, scarves, and hats in mens sizes M-XL.

Drop off donations at Philadelphia Church (5437 North Clark). You can also contact 773-386-4565 to sponsor a new pair of shoes. 

District Events

The Syrian Community Network is hosting an Illinois Immigration Town Hall that allows participants to understand the rights of all immigrants under a second Trump Presidency. Discussed topics will include legal protections under the TRUST and Way Forward Acts, the role of law enforcement, and finding trustworthy legal representation, among others. Other partnering agencies will be in attendance. This event will be held on January 15th at 6 pm at the Edge Theater (5451 N Broadway.)

RSVP for this event by clicking HERE.

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Indoor market on select Saturdays this winter at the Broadway Armory (5817 N. Broadway Ave). The indoor market will feature 30+ vendors selling prepared foods, baked goods, winter produce, warm drinks, local treats, and more! Entry to the market is free and open to the public. 

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Coffee and Cocoa Crawl on February 1st from 10 am to 2 pm.

From the Andersonville Chamber's website:

The Andersonville Coffee & Cocoa Crawl returns as a part of Fika Fest! Each route invites you to explore specialty offerings that may include coffee, hot cocoa, bakery items, and more! Check in begins at 9AM on February 1 at the Swedish American Museum, located at 5211 N Clark. At check in you will receive your route card (Bean or Brew) & your commemorative special event mug for sampling.

Children attendees are $10 each with an adult purchase. Children receive smaller portions & treats and do not include a mug.

Folks are encouraged to drop off puzzles during the check in for the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange, happening at the Swedish American Museum on the following day, February 2.

To learn more about this event, click HERE!

Jarvis Square Tavern (1502 W Jarvis) is hosting its annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, February 2nd, from 3 to 5 pm! Contestants can compete for a $100 judge's winner prize and a $50 popular vote prize. To register, be sure to email renee@jarvissquaretavern.com to participate. Only 12 entries will be accepted!

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is hosting "The Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange" on Sunday, February 2nd at The Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark.)

From The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Facebook:

Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle! The Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange returns Sunday, February 2 from 10 AM-2 PM at the Swedish American Museum located at 5211 N Clark. Bring puzzles and take as many as you like up to the number you brought! Please make sure your puzzles are not missing any pieces (that's a huge bummer). And don't miss The Great Andersonville Puzzle Throw-down happening during Puzzle Exchange. Contestants will compete to see who can finish a secret 48-piece puzzle the fastest! Come cheer them on!

Puzzles will be Collected at the Swedish American Museum on Friday, January 24 & Friday, January 31, between the hours of 10 AM-4M

Please note that:

Puzzles MUST have all pieces

Puzzle boxes should be in good condition

If the puzzle is open, the pieces must be sealed in a clear storage bag.

Limit max 15 puzzles for early drop off per person

Early Drop-offs at the Swedish American Museum will be given a ticket for redemption to be turned in at the puzzle exchange.

More information can be found by clicking HERE!

To sign up for the Puzzle Throw Down, click HERE!

Theatre

The City Lit Theater (1020 W Bryn Mawr) is premiering its newest production "Glassheart," on Friday, January 10th! The production runs until February 23rd.

From City Lit's website:

A modern-day reimagining of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.

After centuries of living under a curse, the Beast and his one remaining magical servant have moved into a shabby apartment near a 7-11, hoping for a lower cost of living and better luck with girls. Their building manager, a fellow immigrant with a taste for gingerbread and children, offers help in navigating this threatening, impossible, completely mundane world, but all her gifts come with a price. When an eligible maiden moves into the second floor apartment, Beast’s servant (a relentlessly cheery lamp) colludes with the landlady to kidnap the girl. The servant finds herself assimilating the girl’s identity, her name, and bookstore job. As she becomes increasingly human, and the Beast becomes increasingly lost, she discovers what– and who– must be sacrificed for an ordinary life.

To purchase tickets, click HERE!

Production Productions is presenting the Tragedy of Macbeth as a visiting company at the Raven Theatre from January 10th to January 26th!

From the Raven Theatre's website:

MACBETH is one of William Shakespeare’s most powerful and popular tragedies, exploring the destructive power of ambition, guilt, and the supernatural. Set in Scotland, the play follows the rise and fall of Macbeth, a valiant warrior who, spurred by a prophecy from three witches and the manipulations of his wife, Lady Macbeth, murders King Duncan to seize the throne. As Macbeth ascends to power, his reign is marked by paranoia, madness, and further bloodshed, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

The Goodman Theatre is partnering with Willye B. White Park (1610 W. Howard St) to host GENARRATIONS, a FREE six-week writing and performance class for adults 55 and older on Tuesdays starting February 3rd from 10 am to 2 pm. Participants in GeNarrations meet once a week for two hours to write five-minute stories based on themes raised by Goodman Productions. Classes will be facilitated by Goodman Theatre Teaching Artist, Liam Collier. Writers of all experience levels are welcome!

For information on registration beginning January 11th, please reach out to genarrations@goodmantheatre.org.

The Lifeline Theater (6912 N Glenwood) is starting a new production on Friday, January 17th, through Sunday, February 16th, called "The Kid Prince and Pablo."

From Lifeline Theater's website:

In the divided Capital City, the ruling class has banned rap and dance after an attempted revolution by the People. Kid Prince is set to inherit the throne…that is, until he meets Pablo, a drummer who performs for underground rap battles. When the two hatch a plan to switch identities, mayhem and music ensue. But by standing in each other’s shoes, Kid Prince and Pablo discover connections that could start a whole new revolution. Don’t miss the Midwest premiere of this incredible hip-hop adaptation of a classic piece set to inspire a new generation!

Lifeline is also offering a preview run of the production for $25 from January 5th through the 12th.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE.

The Factory Theater (1623 W Howard) is running a new production called "Greetings" starting Thursday, January 23rd until Saturday, February 1st!

From Factory Theater's Website:

GREETINGS by Zack Peercy is the story of Amy and Caroline, two friends growing up and growing apart. Directed by Taylor Pasche and starring Liz Falstreau as Amy and Theresa Liebhart as Caroline. Overtime productions at The Factory are an opportunity for our ensemble and collaborators to bring short form stories to the stage for a limited time.

To purchase tickets, click HERE!

Loyola University is beginning a new production called "Notes From The Field" starting February 13th and running until February 23rd at The Newhart Family Theatre (1020 W Sheridan Rd.)

From the Loyola Fine and Performing Arts website:

When fiction isn’t enough, stories must be told as they actually happened. Using verbatim transcripts of real-life interviews, Notes from the Field tackles incarceration, police brutality, and systemic educational issues with heart and hope. Anna Deavere Smith’s striking piece of documentary theatre shows the school-to-prison nexus not in allegorical critique, but in grotesquely real detail. Shattering notions of punishment and the justification of violent force, Notes from the Field interrogates what is activism, what is performance, and what you can do about it.

Loyola is also participating in the Chicago Theater Week, which runs from February 6th through the 16th. As a part of this, tickets will be offered HALF OFF using code CTW25 at checkout.

To purchase tickets for this production, click HERE!

Youth & Teen

The Edgewater Castle Football Club will be hosting FREE Indoor Youth Soccer programs at Broadway Armory Park and at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse from January until March! Program information and registration can be found by clicking this LINK.

Olive-Harvey College (10001 S Woodlawn Ave) is offering a drone piloting course for youth in grades 6 to 12. The course runs Saturday from March 1st to March 22nd from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. The course is in person with a course fee of 50$. Adult courses are also available in this subject.

Information on how to register can be found in the graphic above.

Job Openings

The 48th ward is hiring for a Director or Development position. See the graphic above for a breif description of the position or visit this LINK to see a more detailed summation of qualifications and role expectations.

The Illinois Department of Human Services Is Hiring!

Explore career opportunities in professional, healthcare, administration, technical, clerical/administrative, and service roles—across the entire state of Illinois!

Join their next Virtual Recruitment Presentation to:

Discover the benefits of working with the State of Illinois.

Learn about future career opportunities.

Get a clear understanding of the online application process.

Receive tips to help you successfully complete your application.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Click to register for our next presentation (English and Spanish available)

Oliver Harvey College (10001 S Woodlawn Ave) is offering a Sheet Metal Aviation Tech training course! A couple of date ranges are available to suit your schedule. Information on how to apply is listed above!

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626