Kelly's Update

As I prepare to leave for Springfield for a week of committee hearings to queue up some bills for floor action when we get back to business after the March 17th primary election, I’ll confess I’m moving a little bit slowly today. I was really happy to have participated in the Respiratory Health Association’s annual fundraiser, Hustle Up The Hancock, which is exactly what it sounds like. Y’all…there are folks out there who can literally fly up those stairs at 1,632 stairs (94 floors) in 11ish minutes. For my part, I was just delighted to have actually made it to the top without passing out. 

When I agreed to participate, I thought it would be a good way to expand on my resolution to stick to the stairs in the Capitol, and it was. Although a series of respiratory infections in the fall and early winter and a light early session calendar meant my training was not what I’d hoped for, I was pretty comfortable but nervous heading into the climb. Josh agreed to join me for the event, although I didn’t see him after the starting line as he finished in an amazing sub 17 minutes. We saw Reps. Barbara Hernandez and Dagmara Avelar who were in earlier waves as they finished while we were waiting for our start time and were in the same starting group as Rep. Lindsey LaPointe. I was definitely the caboose of our little crew and there were certainly moments where I could hear the siren call of the elevators just outside the stairway doors promising me an easy trip back down. Right around the 70th floor, I was ready to tap out. Some encouraging texts and tips from Josh and a chat with a 74 year old on his 10th Hustle got me back in the game. I stopped as often as I needed to, used music to motivate me, and eventually just counted down the steps and floors until I was at the top. Seeing Lindsay and Josh waiting for me at the finish line was awesome. And while I’m definitely a little sore today, I’m better than I thought I’d be, so I’m taking the win!

As I mentioned, this week will be our last session days until March 18, leaving just seven session days until the House deadline to move bills out of substantive committees. Here’s the link to this week’s schedule of committee hearings, with a caveat: at this stage of the session, folks are still negotiating bills, the bulk of the bills introduced have not been assigned to a committee, and it’s not unusual for hearings to get cancelled if a sponsor isn’t ready or a committee chair chooses to postpone hearings until more bills are assigned. This is also when you can submit witness slips on bills you support or oppose, but again, there’s a really really important note on the witness slip game.

Filing a witness slip does not mean you’ve communicated with your legislator. Let me say that once more for the organizers in the back who rely on witness slips to activate their members: FILING A WITNESS SLIP DOES NOT MEAN YOU’VE COMMUNICATED WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR! (Sorry to yell, but I have strong feelings about effective legislative organizing.) Also, when we’re in a hearing and we get to a hot bill with thousands of witness slips on each side, those names are too voluminous to be read into the record, so committee chairs can at best try to give a representative sample of who has weighed in. In fact, when you file a witness slip, you’re not even asked to provide your zip code, much less an address that could result in the system generating a notice to your Representative or Senator. So for folks who are working on issues they care deeply about, there’s truly no substitute for direct contact with your legislator. I often speak to constituents who genuinely thought their witness slip somehow reached me and when I point out the lack of information they’re asked to provide they realize there’s no way it could have, but they clicked a link in an email from a group they support. So, until there’s a better way, (and really there has to be) click responsibly folks and take that extra step to send your friendly neighborhood legislator a note sharing your opinion. 

Last week brought another reminder of the amazing power of community and collective effort with the shocking story of the 8 month old baby who was in a stroller by the lake when a gust of wind blew the whole stroller into the lake. Bystanders intervened, with one man jumping into the water to keep the stroller afloat, another using a Cubs jacket as a lifeline, and another bringing one of the lakefront life rings to bring the baby and her rescuer to safety. As a side note, I was immediately reminded of the time I was with Josh at the Lincoln Park Zoo. One of his favorite things to do was to watch the seals and go back and forth from the stands above their pool to the tunnel to watch underwater. I’d taken him out of his stroller at the top of the stairs to the seating bowl and we were happily watching the seals play when I heard a commotion behind me and looked up to see our stroller flying down the steps toward us with several folks trying to catch it thinking a baby was still inside. It’s amazing how quickly something like this can happen and my heart goes out to the caregiver who must be beating herself up over this experience.

Every time there’s a story like this, I am immediately transported to a meeting near the Pratt Pier that included the family of a young man who drowned by the pier, Alderwoman Hadden’s team, community members who had been advocating for safety equipment for years, and representatives of the Park District. The meeting was called after weeks of community members installing donated life rings overnight only to have the Park District remove them in the morning. To the District’s credit, they did return the golf cart full of life rings it took for them to agree to meet. At that meeting, attorneys for the district continued to make excuses for why life rings were not the answer, including suggesting that installing them would create a liability risk for the district. When I asked if the mandated life rings on every bridge in the country were a liability risk, they didn’t really have an answer and so just went back to saying “no.” So, along with Senator Robert Peters who represents the southern end of the city’s lakefront, we introduced a bill that mandated life rings at all Lake Michigan shorelines in the state and became the first state in the Great Lakes to do so. In short order, there was new leadership at the Chicago Park District and to their credit, they began installing the equipment before the bill became law.

More information on the bill 

ILGA: HB4165

Block Club Chicago: State Bill Would Require Life Rings At All Lake Michigan Public Beaches, Piers And Other Access Points

WTTW: New Law Requires Lifesaving Equipment Along Illinois’ Lake Michigan Shores

Every time I see a story of a lake rescue, I am blown away by what is possible when people work collaboratively, put all the tools at their disposal to work together, and refuse to take no for an answer. I joined the effort basically in the ninth inning -  Neighbors like Halle Quezada Rasmussen and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project who fought for more than a decade to get people to address what in reality should have been a really simple solution are the heroes here (along with the late night life ring installers, of course!). That our collective effort means that the life rings are available beyond Chicago is a great outcome for sure.

Taylor and Delaney at the Loyola Inside Government Internship Fair last Thursday!

Rep. Cassidy attended the ribbon cutting for the brand new DM Apothecary, at 5430 N. Broadway! Check them out for all your wellness needs!

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.

Wednesday, March 11th from 5:00pm-6:00pm, at the Rogers Park Library (6907 N Clark St), come meet with experts at a drop in Record Relief, Legal, and Fair Housing Clinic. No RSVPs needed.  

We are excited to partner with the James B Moran Center for Youth Advocacy along with Safer Foundation, New Leaf Illinois, Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, Open Communities, Alderwoman Maria Hadden, Westside Justice Center, Illinois Access to Justice, Rep. Robyn Gabel, and Commissioner Josina Morita.

Our office is hosting a FREE vaccination clinic in partnership with IDPH on Thursday, March 12th! Imagine this: it's October, the weather is getting chilly, and you keep saying "I'm going to go get my flu and Covid boosters next week!" Then the holidays hit, and all of a sudden you're sick in bed, wishing you had just gotten that dang booster. Our office was hit hard by seasonal sickness this year, so we're hoping that this late-winter/early-spring vaccine clinic will help folks stay healthy!

No ID or insurance required. Please register for an appointment here. Walk-ins will also be accepted. If you do have insurance, our partners at IDPH will accept it.

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

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 

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is sharing a new statewide flyer designed to help Veterans quickly identify and connect with the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) that serves their county of residence.

Veterans Assistance Commissions are county-based resources that provide Emergency Financial Services, VA Claims and Benefits Assistance through accredited Veterans Service Officers, and referrals to trusted community partners. This flyer includes a QR code that easily connects Veterans to their appropriate VAC based on the county they reside in. If unable to scan the QR code, visit the link here.

The office of Maria Hadden invites you to celebrate Chicago’s birthday at their first town hall of the year with community, music, and food! Meet your neighbors and connect with organizations at their resource fair.

Our office will be tabling and Kelly will be joining Alderwoman Maria Hadden and County Officials to give updates!

The town hall will be in the auditorium of Sullivan High School, located at 6631 N Bosworth Ave, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4th. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m

Neighborhood Shoutout

Loyola Park Advisory Council named Kyle Richer the 2026 winner of the Artists of the Wall poster contest!

An excerpt from their announcement reads:

"Kyle is a graphic designer and illustrator who lives in Rogers Park, and his connection to the park and the painted wall is deeply personal. As a longtime neighborhood resident, Kyle shared how meaningful it has been to see this event take place year after year—and how the wall has become a place he proudly brings visitors to experience the creativity and care that define our community.

Kyle’s winning design was inspired by this year’s theme, “We Are All Neighbors.” In his words, spending time in the park throughout the seasons highlights the many overlapping communities that make up our neighborhood. Neighbors are not only those who live nearby, but everyone we encounter and share space with each day. His design reflects that collective spirit—bringing people together, working alongside one another, and celebrating what it means to be part of a shared community."

Congratulations, Kyle! Thank you for your commitment to our community, and your beautiful art!

District Events

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

You can see the list of participating businesses here.

Join the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights for a virtual Immigration Workshop on the Travel Ban! Along with our partners from CAIR, United African Organization, MIRA, Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC), Syrian Community Network, United Communities Network, Family Focus Nuestra Familia, and Illinois Venezuelan Alliance, we will discuss the ban, what restrictions it includes, who it impacts, and what options are available for those impacted.

Event details: 

·     When: Tuesday, February, 24th from 6pm-7pm

·     Where: On Zoom

·     Language: This event will be only in English.

Register at the link here.

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).

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.

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.

R Public House is hosting a fundraiser for the Art in STEM contest that Willye B. White Park is organizing for all Rogers Park elementary students. The proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to buy prizes for the students.

Location: R Public House, 1508 W Jarvis Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

When: Sunday, 3/1/26, 11am-1pm

What: Bingo Brunch Fundraiser

Chicago Northside AARP Community Group's next meeting is Tuesday March 3rd at 12:30pm. Third Space at Lake View Presbyterian Church,716 W. Addison St. To participate via Zoom they ask that you email northsideaarpcommunitygroup@gmail.com before March 3rd.

They will be showing a short video titled 6 Surprising Facts About the 19th Amendment - History of Women's Suffrage.

The Edgewater Historical Society invites you to the 2026 Annual Meeting, presenting candidates for your Board of Directors and telling you about plans for 2026-27.

How can communities across Chicago grapple with preserving the best of their built environments in the face of growing pressure for new housing development and the up-zoning that would facilitate it? Ward Miller, the Richard H. Driehaus Executive Director of Preservation Chicago, will address this critical issue of the day as well as review his organization’s current list of the most endangered structures in Chicago.

The program is free to the public, and light refreshments will be served. No reservations are required.

Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room of the Edgewater Branch Library, 6000 N. Broadway

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, March 14th

1:30-4:30pm

In the library room in the main building of Berger Park

At 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. Chicago

Vendor Applications and Opportunities

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.

Are you a vendor looking to showcase your unique products or art? Jarvis Square Events is excited to feature a diverse range of items at their upcoming events!

They have applications for Pride, Pierogifest, Oktoberfest and more! 

To secure your spot, please fill out a vendor application here.

Please note: All food vendors should email Jenni directly at jenni@jsqevents.com to discuss specific requirements and availability.

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.

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.

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.

Youth

Attention students! Looking for something to do this summer? Check out the 2026 summer programs through the Chicago Park District! These internships are for Chicago teens, ages 16-18, and are a great way to get hands-on experience with zoo operations. Applications are due by Monday, March 9.

You can learn more and apply here.

If you are planning to apply to one of the zoo’s summer teen programs and have questions about how to submit a high-quality application, drop by one of their virtual information sessions on Zoom to chat directly with Teen Programs staff:

Thursday, February 26, 5–6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 5, 5–6:30 p.m.

You can register for the sessions here.

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