Kelly's Update

Wednesday on the House floor, the Republicans collectively walked off the floor to have a press conference condemning our caucus for condemning several actions by the Trump administration rather than staying in the chamber to defend the cruel policies they’ve been cheering on for two weeks. Last week, I wrote about how the Freedom Caucus has been getting up during session to crow about federal actions on immigration, trans youth, cuts to social services, tariffs, and the entire litany of harms caused by the endless flow of executive orders and undemocratic actions by this administration. I shared that our chamber, including most of their Republican colleagues, tends to ignore their grandstanding rants by continuing to go about our business on the floor. During one of these rants last week, I decided the targets of their bullying had heard enough and stood to speak in defense of trans youth and to condemn those who get their yah-ya’s from punching down on kids.

This week, our caucus presented five resolutions condemning the undemocratic actions of the administration and documenting the very real harm they are causing to some of the most vulnerable people we are elected to represent.

Rep. Anjelica Guerro-Cuellar is the wife of a Chicago Police officer who was recently gravely injured in the line of duty. She introduced HR118 calling out President Trump for pardoning the insurrectionists who attempted to prevent the peaceful transfer of power, ultimately resulting in the death of four officers. She shared her family’s experience of learning of her husband's injuries and his long recovery while pointing out that the members from the other side of the aisle claim to be law enforcement supporters but they couldn’t be bothered to be in the room to show their support for those officers and families.

Rep. Will Guzzardi introduced HR116. As one of our lead budget negotiators, Rep. Guzzardi lashed out at the immoral and illegal funding freeze impacting programs that mean the difference between life and death for so many who depend on support for child care, food assistance, housing, healthcare and so much more.

Rep. Dagmara Avelar shared her story as a formerly undocumented person as well as her history as an immigrant rights leader. She introduced HR115 which pushes back on the president’s unconstitutional efforts to double down on a broken immigration system along with his history of impeding meaningful bipartisan immigration reform.

Rep. Dave Vella chairs the House International Relations, Tourism, & Trade Committee and introduced HR119. He outlined the harms expected to come from the dangerous Trump trade agenda, including raising costs on nearly everything local families purchase. He warned that a new trade war would crush Illinois manufacturing and agriculture while raising costs.

Speaker Pro-Tempore Kam Buckner took on Trump’s attacks on workplace protections, pay equity, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in HR117. Buckner outlined the harms of rolling back protections in the workplace while forcefully speaking on the value of diversity in the workplace. 

Finally, Speaker Welch rose to condemn not only the impacts of the policies and actions addressed in the five resolutions, but also to point out the hypocrisy of our colleagues who left the floor rather than go on record supporting Trump's agenda. His powerful speech can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neAIrQ7Eg6o

Our caucus will not be deterred in our forceful advocacy for our constituents, nor will we allow our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to get away with hiding from the very real harms caused by this administration. We will continue to use every tool available to us to pass protections in our statutes, use our platforms to share information our constituents need to protect themselves and their rights, and call out the attacks on all of our communities.

This week brings us to our first deadline of the year as all new bills must be introduced by the end of the day Friday. We’ll start to feature the legislation I’ll be working on once the dust settles from the sprint to the deadline this week. We will not be in session next week due to the Lincoln’s Birthday State holiday on Wednesday, but expect to begin committee action when we return to session on the 18th. Reminder that our office will be closed on Wednesday the 12th for Lincoln’s Birthday and Monday the 17th for Presidents’ Day.

Need to Know Info

We have added some updates and new resources to our Know Your Rights and LGBTQ+ Preparedness web pages. To see what's new, visit our website at:

repcassidy.com/know-your-rights

repcassidy.com/lgbtq-preparedness



Our office will be closed on Wednesday, February 12th for the Illinois State Holiday of Lincoln's Birthday. You can email us at info@repcassidy.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible upon returning to the office on Thursday, February 13th.

Our office has secured State funds to provide support to qualified State of Illinois 14th District small businesses to implement violence prevention, business protection, and safety interventions. We are excited to give out grants of up to $25,000 to qualified businesses in the district. To see if you qualify, and to keep up to date with the grant, please visit our grant website https://www.14sbsig.org/ You can also reach out to us directly at info@repcassidy.com with any questions you may have.

We are excited to see everyone this Monday as we partner with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer 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.

The State of Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC) would like to invite you to attend its first Public Hearing of 2025, which will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at: 

Northwestern University

Norris University Center

McCormick Auditorium

1999 Campus Dr.

Evanston, IL 60208

Featured speakers will discuss the impacts of Housing Segregation, Separate & Unequal Education, Racism in Environment & Infrastructure, and the Unjust Legal System.

To sign up, click HERE.

Secretary Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to exercise caution and employ best practices when shopping for a used vehicle. This warning comes amid a rise in fraudulent vehicle purchases across the state. Our office has uncovered a growing number of fraudulent sales from out-of-state businesses licensed as wholesale dealers. These dealers are illegally falsifying the mileage shown on a used vehicle’s title and odometer to defraud car buyers.

For example, an Illinois car buyer thought they purchased a used vehicle from a wholesale dealer with 80,000 miles, only to find out the seller rolled back the odometer from over 200,000 miles and deliberately failed to disclose major mechanical problems with the car.

We strive to keep all Illinoisans safe. Please see the attachment HERE to learn best practices for buying from an individual seller.

Are you a disability advocate? Would you like to better understand how to make a difference at the federal level? How does Congress work? What does the White House do? What can you do to make a difference for people with disabilities? Join Access Living and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities to learn what issues matter at the federal level and how to advocate with Congress and the White House.

To register for February 12, click here. For more information, contact Jerome Palliser at (312) 640-2113 or jpalliser@accessliving.org.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Join friends and family for a Valentine’s Pop-Up Market in Jarvis Square (1500 W Jarvis) from 11 am-3 pm on Saturday, February 8th! The event is poised to be filled with love, local vendors, and unique gifts for that special someone—or yourself! Discover handcrafted goods, sweet treats, and romantic finds while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

Whether you're shopping for a loved one or indulging in a little self-care, our market has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the perfect way to celebrate the season of love!

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.

District Events

Lovebug Market is coming to Andersonville this weekend at 5117 N Clark! Come and interact with vintage vendors, Chicago artists, a charm bar, & more! The event will be held on Friday from 4 pm-8 pm and on Saturday + Sunday from 11am to 6 pm.

Join the Gerber/Hart Library tomorrow, Saturday, February 8th, at 5:00 PM to celebrate the opening of their newest exhibit!

“Forbidden Love at the Desert’s Edge” presents Hal Shipman’s innovative photography-based work, inspired by found archives. The opening reception will feature an artist’s talk with Shipman and an opportunity to discuss family secrets, lost archives, and the inspirations behind his works. The exhibit includes selections from the Gerber/Hart collections; featuring hidden stories, precious found artifacts and loves denied.

Tickets are $15 and include snacks and drinks. The exhibit will be on display through April 26th in the Sandfield Exhibition Gallery.

Learn more and purchase tickets here!

The Loyola Park Advisory Council is hosting a special Black History Month Celebration at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse (1230 W Greenleaf) on February 23rd from 12:30 pm to 2 pm! This year’s theme is Youth & Teen Entrepreneurship, shining a spotlight on the next generation of Black innovators and leaders. Plus, they are thrilled to unveil their NEW Teen Room—a dynamic space designed for creativity, connection, and opportunity!

🌟 Did you know? Loyola Park has proudly hosted a Black History Celebration for 25 years! Let’s come together to honor the achievements of Black Americans, recognize their profound impact on history, and inspire future trailblazers.

Join the LPAC for an afternoon of empowerment, community, and celebration. We can’t wait to see you there!

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. *Price varies by location.

To see the list of restaurants participating click here.

The Battle of Algiers (1966), directed by Gillo Pontecorvo, is a gripping, documentary-style portrayal of Algeria’s fight for independence from French colonial rule. Focusing on the 1950s urban guerrilla warfare in Algiers, it captures the brutal tactics and human cost on both sides, offering a stark, realistic depiction of colonial resistance.

Featuring live, virtual commentary from Algerian cultural activist Mohammed Benloulou, streaming directly from Algeria, along with additional guests TBA!! This event is presented by SpaceShift Collective.

*This film contains scenes of violence and graphic depictions of war that some viewers may find disturbing or triggering*

Space is limited, please RSVP here

The Loyola Basketball team invites residents of the 48th Ward to attend their game against George Washington on Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm! Tickets are discounted at $7.73, and the game will feature a 3-1-2 concessions menu with $3 sodas, $1 popcorn, and $2 hot dogs. Click HERE to reserve your tickets, pick out your seats, and select the 48th Ward ticket type to receive the discounted tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance of game day.

The Wild Onion Market, Rogers Park's grocery co-op, specializes in local foods and other products. This Saturday (2/8) from 10-2 they will be showcasing a number of them - and have giveaways and free samples!! You can check out everything they have going on by visiting their website.

Join The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for Sag Hej Day, an inaugural wellness fair dedicated to fostering connection and care within the Andersonville community and beyond. This special event will take place on Sunday, March 2nd, from 10AM to 3PM at Bramble Arts Loft (5545 N Clark).

They will be hosting a variety of interactive workshops designed to support your health and healing in the new year. There will also be free legal consultations available; with so many changes happening at the federal level lately you might have questions about your or your family's rights, get them answered! 

Hey Edgewater families and future explorers! Get ready to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 1, 2025 because Summer is in the air. Edgewater is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase and discover the best camps for kids (0 to 17). This exciting event is your golden ticket to discovering the coolest camps around, all in one place. Whether your kiddo dreams of diving into science experiments, exploring the world of nature, creating a masterpiece artwork for the fridge, or just making awesome new friends, this camp extravaganza has something for everyone! Don’t miss this chance to make your child’s summer the best one yet!

Theatre

"Queering Centerstage" is claiming main character energy and demanding that LGBTQ+ stories are held with care and power. It means standing in our truth. It means breaking through the status quo to a more just future.

We’re dedicated to the ongoing work of queering centerstage, contributing to our culture, and providing life-affirming care for our communities. We're also dedicated to resisting ignorance and hate that attempts to erase us. As we continue to uplift the people who came before, we will continue gathering as a beacon of hope and resistance. We hope you can join us!

QUEERING CENTERSTAGE

Wednesday, February 26 at 7PM at The Understudy

This event is free and open to the public

ASL will be provided and refreshments will be served

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!

Senn Arts begins its 2025 theatre showcase next week! Support Senn Arts by attending their Junior Monologue Showcase and Senior Monologue Showcase on February 12 and 13th, respectively.

For more information about Senn Arts, click HERE.

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.

Bramble Theatre Company proudly presents a workshop production of Racecar Racecar Racecar running February 13-23 at Bramble Arts Loft (5545 N Clark) Written by Kallan Dana and directed by ensemble member Spencer Huffman, this wild ride of a show offers performances Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30PM and Sundays at 2PM. The show runs 60 minutes without intermission. Tickets range from $5 to $35 and are available at BrambleTheatre.org. Use discount code NEIGHBORLY for $5 off any general or reserved ticket! 

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!

Seasonal Events

The Loyola Park Advisory Council is hosting a family sweetheart dance at Loyola Park (1230 W Greenleaf) on Friday, February 7 from 5:30-7:30 PM. Strike a pose at their festive photo station, enjoy a light dinner as you celebrate together, and create cherished moments with your loved ones! Tickets are $5 per person and children under 3 are free!

Don’t miss out on this magical night of fun and connection—grab your dancing shoes and join them!

Looking for a fun Pre-Valentine's activity to do with friends? This Galentine's Day, February 13th, R Public House is hosting a DIY pizza making party! Get your own heart-shaped pizza crust, choice of sauce, cheese, and toppings and build your own heart-shaped pizza! Once you assemble your pizza, our chef will fire it in our wood-burning oven and you can enjoy your creation with a specialty Four Roses cocktail! 

Thursday, February 13th, 6:00pm-9:00pm

R Public House: 1508 W Jarvis Ave

Tickets Available Here

Youth & Teen

Chicago nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) is now accepting applications from Chicago teens for their Spring programs, which run from February 24 - May 10! Teens ages 14-18 can choose from hundreds of programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, to discover their passions, develop new skills for life beyond high school, and earn a participation stipend in the process.

ASM Spring program participants can earn money all while exploring their future! Teens can apply here: https://afterschoolmatters.org/apply/

For more information about ASM, visit: www.afterschoolmatters.org  

Are you between 16-24 years old and passionate about making a difference in your Chicago community? Or do you have young people in your life who would enjoy this opportunity? Here’s your chance to get involved with something big. The Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago is looking for a diverse group of young people to help plan and shape the Youth Health Conference happening on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This conference is all about bringing young people and adult allies together to talk about important health issues like mental health, LGBTQ+ health, substance use prevention, harm reduction, preventing homelessness, HIV awareness, justice system impacts, and other systems that impact youth's well-being.

Interested? You can apply by filling out an online form or scheduling a time to meet with the team. You only need to complete one of these tasks to apply.

There is No School on February 25th for CPS Professional Development. We’re offering a Day Camp for kids 6 and up! It’s fun, affordable and interactive. Join Sensei Amy Jones, LSW, and Senpai Kyren Epperson, PhD, LMT to learn karate, mindfulness, play games, and more! All-day camps are LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodivergent-friendly.

Tuesday, February 25th

Camp runs 9am-3pm (drop off starts 8:45, pick-up by 3:15)

Late pick-up available for extra fee (must pick up by 4:15pm)

Learn more and register online here

The Broadway Armory has published their 2025 open gym schedule! Be sure to call them at 312-742-7502 for more information.

Job Openings

Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green-industry employment program with on-the-job training for individuals with barriers to employment.

Greencorps Chicago promotes environmental stewardship and improves the quality of life in Chicago by establishing, maintaining, and restoring natural and public spaces that are safe, healthy, and sustainable through hands-on involvement with program participants.

The outcome is healthier, safer, and more engaged communities and individuals who are prepared for employment through practical field experience and technical training in a variety of environmentally related jobs.

Greencorps Chicago is a public/private partnership between the Chicago Department of Transportation and WRD Environmental.

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 the next presentation (English and Spanish available)

Each year, the Illinois Secretary of State's office awards 100 grants for Adult Volunteer, Family and Workplace Literacy programming. One-on-one tutoring is essential to the success of the thousands of students enrolled in these programs.

Tutors are needed throughout Illinois. Volunteer to tutor basic math, reading, writing or English acquisition and the Illinois Literacy Foundation will refer you to one of our partners statewide.

Send your name, email, and zip code to info@illinoisliteracy.org or inquire HERE.

The Misericordia community needs hard working, dependable, compassionate and motivated individuals to give of themselves to help enrich the lives of our residents. They offer a highly competitive salary and an excellent benefits package in addition to paid training for employees hired as Direct Support Professionals and Certified Nursing Assistants who have passed their state boards or have state boards pending!

To see positions available and to apply click here.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626