Kelly's Update

This week, we’re heading back to Springfield, mostly for the Governor’s Budget Address on Wednesday, but we have scheduled some hearings to get started on our Spring work. For the Governor’s speech, the House will convene at 11:30, invite the Senate in to join us in joint session, then admit the Governor with a Committee of Escort. In some ways, it might be easy to dismiss the pomp and circumstance of some of our traditions in the legislature, but they are rooted in the principle of separate but equal branches of government and mutual respect for each other’s chambers. Honestly, maybe recognizing that underlying principle as the reason for our procedures might be a good step towards restoring that respect that is so fragile right now. The Governor’s speech will start around 12, depending on how long it takes to get the Senate and other statewide officers into the chamber and settled. The whole thing will be streamed live on the General Assembly’s website (streaming link here), which is also your key to looking up bills, committee schedules, witness slip filings, and ultimately roll calls.

Last week, I had some great opportunities to talk to folks doing amazing work in our community, continued hearing from advocates about legislative proposals for this session, and got to learn about something completely outside my experience which I’ve often described as one of the very best things about this job. Over the years, I’ve been able to connect with experts in so many fields, whether getting to drive a combine at harvest time with my adopted farm bureau county, or visiting a lab grown meat facility, or this week’s chance to visit Malcom X College’s Surgical Tech Program and mock hospital learning lab. We heard a bill last year that would create standards for the education of these highly trained specialists, but it was quite enlightening to see the intensity of their training and the incredible responsibility these professionals carry into operating rooms. Scroll down to see pictures and more details about the efforts to set minimum standards for surgical technologist training. 

On Saturday, I was excited to join with 7 of my House colleagues, 8 of my Senate colleagues and an assortment of other electeds at the annual Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Policy Summit at the Greater Chicago Food Depository to affirm our support for this session’s policy agenda. The energy in the room was electric, and it was energizing to be with so many folks who put their heart and soul into helping people every day. I have proudly stood with ICIRR since my first days in office and as a first generation kid, I always will.

In addition to the Governor’s address this week, I’ll be participating in my first five committee hearings of this session. All of the hearings for the week can be seen here. I’ll be participating in Ethics & Elections and Judiciary - Criminal Law on Tuesday and Human Services, Gun Violence Prevention, and Labor and Commerce on Wednesday. While only bills that are posted can be heard, all bills currently posted might not be heard this week. A lot of factors can play into whether a sponsor’s bill gets called, including whether a bill is still being negotiated, availability of witnesses, sponsor or chair priorities, or time limits. The deadline to pass bills out of committee is March 27th, so there’s still a bit of time to allow sponsors to prepare for hearings.

I’m looking forward to seeing Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and Alderwoman Maria Hadden for our annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Pottowatomie Park on Friday, February 20th from 5-7pm. In the meantime, stop by the office for your lucky red envelope, courtesy of Commissioner Morita!

Depending on how I do at the Hustle Up The Hancock on Sunday the 22nd, I hope to make it to the Loyola Park Black History Month Celebration at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse from 12-2. It’s always a great community gathering, highlighting the creativity, talent, and diversity of our community. 

Further down in the newsletter, you’ll see some information about becoming an election judge. This critical role could not be more important than it is now as we face daily threats to the sanctity of our elections from the Trump administration. We still have some vacancies for Election Day judges in the area, so if you’re able to work Election Day, please check out the links below to apply.

Early voting has begun at downtown locations, the new Chicago Board of Elections Supersite (137 S. State Street - State & Adams) and the Chicago Board of Elections Office (69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor) and will begin in all fifty wards on March 2. While nothing but a complete media diet can possibly stop the flow of campaign ads, early voting will get you updated off the lists for mail, texts, and calls. It won’t stop every form of communication, but it will stop the bulk of the influx of glossy fliers and “Hi Friend” texts.

A word about mail in voting: the United State’s Postal Service recently announced a significant change to their operating practices - specifically when they will postmark mail. In the past, you could count on your mail being postmarked the day you placed it into the mailbox as long as it was within the pickup hours. That practice has been fundamentally changed. Now, your mail will not be postmarked until it reaches a processing center, which could take days depending on where you live and the efficiency of your postal service. For folks who are accustomed to using mail in ballots, it’s critically important that you allow extra time for your ballot to be processed or take the step of dropping your ballot off at a ballot drop box at any early voting site, whether at the downtown super sites or in the ward based locations when they open. If you have questions or concerns about your voter registration, early voting, or vote by mail, please reach out to us either via phone or email and we’ll be sure to get you the information you need.

More on session and introduced bills coming soon!

State Representatives Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago, Michael Crawford (D-Chicago) and Lindsay LaPointe (D-Chicago) toured Malcom X' College's state- of- the- art Interprofessional Simulation and Virtual Hospital today, as special guests of College President David Sanders and Health Science Dean Nate Mendes, MD. 

To gain a better understanding of the complex role surgical technologists play in the O.R., they "scrubbed in" to a mock surgery.  Surgical technologists ensure the equipment, instrumentation, and sterile field are all in proper form and work directly alongside the surgeon during the entire operation, a profession that requires specialized knowledge, skill and expertise in this area.

Malcom X College is one of 20 accredited Surgical Technology Programs throughout Illinois. The Operating Room Patient Safety Act is pending in Springfield, which requires accredited training and certification for newly hired surgical technologists. 

This morning, Rauly and Jordan joined the RPBA team and the 49th Ward Alder office for a few ribbon cuttings! Congratulations to Alexander's Restaurant (top left), Vohra Tax & Accounting (top right), and Rogers Park Counselors (middle)!

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.

GROW is an entrepreneurial training program dedicated to and designed for future entrepreneurs interested in starting a business. This yearly program, sponsored by Rogers Park Business Alliance, allows community members to formalize their business ideas through a dynamic and interactive curriculum! 

The Complete Program consists of 8 sessions, 2 hours each. You will learn the basics on how to develop your business idea, write your business plan and establish your business.

GROW: The 8 Week Program

When: Thurs, Mar 12 - Apr 30, 6 - 8pm

Where: Online

No cost, register here. Interviews are required. 

The Illinois Accountability Commission has opened a form to report misconduct of federal officers during the ICE operation “Midway Blitz.” 

“Operation Midway Blitz” was an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operation from September 2025. This form is looking for reports of misconduct carried out by federal agents between September and the end of 2025.

Below is the link to the interest form from the Illinois Accountability Commission.

Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) Misconduct Information Form

Healing Without Fear is an initiative to provide compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care to individuals and families affected by the current immigration, detention and deportation crisis here in Chicago. They have a confidential network of mental health clinicians who volunteer their time and talent to offer pro bono therapy sessions. These sessions are available to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing stress, trauma, or other mental health challenges related to the current immigration, detention, and deportation threats.

They offer at minimum five therapy sessions (with the possibility of extension), provided by licensed clinicians at no cost. Spanish-speaking therapists are available but in limited quantities.

If you know of individuals or families who may benefit from these services, please have them fill out this form. Once the form is complete, someone from Healing Without Fear will follow up.

If you have any questions, please reach out to healingwithoutfear@gmail.com.

If you’re a worker or parent in Illinois, filing your taxes this year can put hundreds– even up to $650– back in your pocket.

Illinois has DOUBLED the Child Tax Credit and expanded the Earned Income Credit, making these benefits available to more families. These credits come back to you as cash that can help you cover everyday expenses like groceries, rent, utility bills, childcare, and school supplies.

But there’s an important catch: you must file a return to receive these credits. Even if you earned little or no income last year, you may still qualify, so make sure to file a return!

Free and low-cost tax help is available across Illinois to help families file securely and claim every dollar they’re eligible for. Go to MyTaxIllinois.gov to learn more and start filing today.

The third hearing of the Illinois Accountability Commission will be held on February 24th. The focus of this hearing will be on the community-level impacts of federal enforcement actions in Illinois, including Operation Midway Blitz. The hearing is intended to examine whether these actions have made communities safer as claimed by the federal administration — and to interrogate what “safety” means when viewed through the lens of social well-being and the social determinants of health.

CIMH will be providing testimony at the hearing. They hope to collect anonymous testimonials, anecdotes from clinicians, and data points from multiple healthcare organizations affiliated with CIMH for the testimony. If you are interested/able to participate, please complete this brief survey.

Your responses are anonymous and will be crucial in ensuring CIMH accurately represents the impact of federal enforcement actions on the well-being of immigrants and refugees. 

Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. Voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them.

All Early Voting locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible to voters with disabilities. 

Downtown Chicago Early Voting has begun for the March 17, 2026 Midterm Primary Election at two locations:

137 South State Street - NEW LOCATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN SUPERSITE!

69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor

Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

March 2nd Early Voting locations open in all 50 Wards in the City.

You can click here for a list of early voting locations.

March 2 through March 17

Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Election Day (March 17): 6:00am - 7:00pm

There is still time to apply to become an Election Judge before the March 17th Primary! Election Judges are paid to manage the precinct polling place and assist voters. Judges share these responsibilities:

Arrive at 5 a.m. on Election Day to set up equipment;

Open the polls on time at 6 a.m. on Election Day;

Issue the correct ballots to each voter and help voters with registration and other questions, from 6 a.m. through 7 p.m.

Completing all reports after the polls close. 

To apply online, go to: pollworker.chicagoelections.gov 

Neighborhood Shoutout

Huge news! Jordan Elementary School now has their own custom designed Book Vending Machine. This machine will be regularly stocked with books of various languages, to excite and incentivize students to get tokens as rewards, to use to "purchase" books to keep. Rep. Cassidy, Taylor, and our intern, Jordan (not of relation to the school), went to check out the reveal!

District Events

Help the 48th Ward office spend up to $1 million in public infrastructure funds! Over the past few months, neighbors have shared project ideas online and at community meetings and now, it's time to vote! Voting is open online and in person Friday, January 30 - Sunday, March 1.

You can see a list of proposed projects here.

You can vote online here.

Join the 48th Ward for an in-person community meeting at Emanuel Congregation to discuss the proposed synagogue redevelopment. The meeting will include a presentation by the development team including a summary of the most recent community feedback, potential concept modifications under consideration based on feedback received at this time, and a Q&A session. Interested participants may enter from the north entry door. No parking is available on site at this time, so please plan accordingly.

Register by clicking the flyer above.

The Berger Park Advisory Council is having an open house for the Gunder Mansion on February 20th. This open house is an opportunity to share information, ask questions, and help shape a shared vision for this important community asset.

Friday, February 20th

Doors open at 6:30pm

Gunder Mansion, Berger Park

6205 N Sheridan Rd

Join in celebrating Black History Month next Sunday at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse!

This gathering is an opportunity to come together as a community to honor Black history, culture, and contributions, and to celebrate the stories, creativity, and resilience that continue to shape our neighborhoods and our shared future. 

Sign up to help set up and clean up this great annual event!

Hosted by On the Spot Theater and Dancing on the Spot, learn the basics of swing dance! A free one hour workshop with two hours of social dancing to follow! No previous dance experience required. Individual dancers and couples are welcome to join in! Adults of all ages and dance levels are welcome! 

Saturday, February 21st and Saturday, March 14th

1:30-4:30pm

In the library room in the main building of Berger Park

At 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. Chicago

In honor of Black History Month, the film series, "Life Within the Lens," which showcases some of Chicago's talented Black creators, will occur on Monday, February 23rd at the Music Box Theater (3733 N Southport Ave). The event will run from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and will feature a post-screening Q&A and a gathering in the Music Box Lounge.

You can access more information and tickets at this link.

The Rogers Park branch of the Chicago Public Library is now hosting a monthly open mic night! Participants have five to seven minutes to share their creative work with the community or sit in the audience to cheer on the community. The first open mic night will be on Monday, February 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the community room of the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St).

Edgewater Chamber is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase the best activities, classes, camps, and programs for kids ages 0-17 in preparation for the summer.

SAT 2/28

10am-2pm

Broadway Armory

(5917 N. Broadway)

Over 25 different organizations will be on site in the 2nd floor ballroom at Broadway Armory from 10am-2pm to showcase their offerings. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents and kids to meet, greet and register with awesome organizations from all over Edgewater and the surrounding area. 

The event is taking place at the same time as Edgewater Indoor Market. Bring the kids, bring the fam, get some eats downstairs at the market then swing by the Kids Activity Open House on the 2nd floor.

Applications for the 2026 Glenwood Sunday Market are now live. Rogers Park Business Alliance is celebrating 17 seasons of community, farmers, and food everyone loves! If you are a farmer or a food artisan, don’t miss your chance to be part of the Glenwood Sunday Market this season. 

Applications close Friday, March 6.

For more information and to apply, click here.

​Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) seeks a Chicago-based Latine artist to design and paint temporary window artwork on 10 – 15 business storefronts on Camino Clark in Rogers Park during the spring (April) of 2026.

Proposals must be received via email no later than Monday, March 9, 2026. Proposals received after this date will not be accepted.

Spring Window Art Initiative RFP

Proposals must be emailed to Ana Bermúdez at by March 9, 2026.

All inquiries relating to this RFP should be directed to:

Ana Bermúdez

Marketing & Communications Manager

abermudez@rpba.org

773-508-5885 ext. 2

Residents and visitors alike eagerly anticipate the arrival of Andersonville Midsommarfest, an annual celebration which transforms Clark Street into a haven of music, dance, and community spirit. Inspired by the Swedish Midsommar tradition, the festival takes place the second weekend in June, ushering in the summer season with a diverse array of festivities. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of live musical performances across multiple stages and a curated street fair featuring an eclectic mix of food vendors, artisans, not-for-profits, and local businesses.

If you are interested in applying, click here. The deadline is March 22nd.

The Edgewater Musical Fest is now accepting vendor applications! If you're a restaurant, food truck, artist, maker, artisan, or retailer, now is the time to bop on over to edgewater.org to apply to be part of the coolest street fest on the North Side.

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

Tickets can be purchased here.

Trapped in a white space, three men who should be focused on escape or explanation can’t seem to stop talking about acclaimed film director Stanley Kubrick. This trippy existential show is a haunting and hilarious look at masculinity, creativity, and capitalism.

The Factory Theatre

Written by Zack Peercy

Directed by AJ Schwartz

Show dates: Feb 20 – March 15, Friday & Saturday @ 8:00pm, Sunday @ 3:00pm

You can find more information and purchase tickets here.

The purpose of these curated nights is to grow and engage the BE community in new, innovative ways - from showcases and game nights, to screenings and themed parties. It's only right to kick things off during Black History Month, so join us on February 19th as we celebrate Black Love and History! 

Join the Black Ensemble Theater in their coming events! Click the flyer above to purchase your tickets.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation based on Jack and the Beanstalk.

By ensemble member Jess Wright Buha in collaboration with Miles and Molly Buha

With music by John Szymanski

Directed by ensemble member Calvin Adams

In the alleys of a sunless Big City, sibling stray cats Kitty and Tom use the garbage around them to make their world a more magical place. But when Kitty trades one of Tom's precious creations for some magic beans, Tom angrily throws them away–only to have them sprout into a magnificent beanstalk. When they climb it, they discover why the sun has vanished from the city below (hint: a giant is involved). 

A world premiere with music for kids ages 4-10 and their families.

You can purchase tickets here.

Youth

Each year, since 1989, the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund awards funds to graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges/universities. A total of $403,500 has been awarded to 236 students.

Find more information and applications here.

Hiring

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.

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