Kelly's Update

We’re in that odd window between the end of Veto Session and the holidays, so this is a really good time to dust off those legislative ideas and shoot ‘em over before we’re crashing on drafting deadlines in January. This is the second year of the 104th General Assembly, so bills that were introduced this year are still technically viable for next session, although sometimes sponsors or advocates decide to “start fresh” with new bill numbers. Both approaches are valid, one just puts a little more pressure on the drafters on our staff and in the Legislative Reference Bureau, so I try to avoid redrafting unless it’s really necessary.

We are in the very early stages of looking at what bills we’ll be pushing forward next session, so it’s a great time to shoot over your ideas, whether they’re fully baked or not. Some recent meetings have included a discussion with a Republican Senate colleague who is interested in passing legislation to permit our specialty court system to explicitly permit DUI Specialty Courts that would be aimed at reducing recidivism and collateral consequences for first time DUI defendants and a preliminary discussion with the constituent who brought us the idea for the chronic pain bill we passed last year to address challenges many patients face at pharmacies. Our deadline for bill drafting requests is January 16th, with the bill introduction deadline set for February 6th of next year. Here’s a link to the House calendar. For the hard core General Assembly junkies, please note that the House and Senate have pretty dramatically different schedules this year, which doesn’t make life easy for folks trying to keep up with the action in the Capitol, but it happens. Here’s the Senate calendar for next spring. The good news is that while we won’t be in session at the same time in January, those drafting and introduction deadlines are mercifully aligned.

I’m on the road again this week, participating in an international convening of reproductive justice leaders to share insights, strategies, and policy ideas. I’m excited to get a chance to take a deep dive with colleagues from around the country and look for ideas to advance issues of reproductive justice in our state, where maternal and infant mortality and morbidity is shamefully high in spite of concerted efforts over the years. Access to care in a time of closing hospitals and clinics remains a huge challenge, and that’s a piece of a much larger problem with our overall health care system. Fixing these flaws will take time, creativity, and collaboration.

Aisha Davis, Senior Policy Counsel of the ACLU of Illinois, presenting at our seminar on the Illinois Human Rights Act and the SAFE-T Act.

This past Sunday, the office attended the ONE Northside Townhall 2025 at Senn High School.

Need to Know Info

11/14/2025 Update!

A message from the Illinois Department of Human Services:

"We have good news to share today. IDHS is able to restore full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended. 

IDHS anticipates that the remaining benefit payments will be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20.

The lapse in SNAP funding created unnecessary hardship for 1.9 million Illinoisans and businesses who rely on this federally funded program. The crisis was entirely avoidable – the Trump Administration had the funding to fully support SNAP but chose not to, putting tens of millions of Americans at risk of hunger.

1.9 million Illinoisans rely on SNAP for healthy food. 45% of SNAP households have children, 44% have a person with a disability, and 37% include older adults living in the home.

IDHS is grateful for all the partners who came together to defend this program and who valiantly tried to fill the unfillable gaps, especially during this season that is meant for giving thanks and sharing with those in need.

Nonetheless, SNAP is still in trouble. H.R.1 – Trump’s budget bill – seeks to disqualify many of the hardworking families and individuals who rely on it for nutrition. Continue to visit SNAP Federal Impact Center for updates and resources to find food."



SNAP information and food resources are available here: SNAP Federal Impact Center

Our office is excited to share that we partnering with Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Chicago City Clerk Anna M. Valencia to host a Mobile DMV + City Key event!

On Wednesday, December 10th from 11:00am-2:00pm both offices will be available for appointments at 1507 W Morse in our office space.

Attendees will be able to apply for or renew IL State or Real IDs, renew drivers licenses, and get vehicle registration stickers from the Secretary of State’s office. They will also have the opportunity to get a City Key, a handy identification card that doubles as a library card and Ventra card from the City Clerk’s office!

This has always been a very popular event and each office requires an appointment. Please reach out to District Office Manager Rauly Luna by email at rauly@repcassidy.com or by phone at (773) 784 2002 to schedule an appointment.

Click here to see a list of necessary documents for Mobile DMV.

Click here to see a list of necessary documents for City Key.

While we wait for SNAP benefits to be dispersed, please see above for a list of food resources in the district. You can also check the Greater Chicago Food Depository's website to see a larger list of city wide food banks.

Though SNAP has been restored with the Federal Government reopening, these organizations are still accepting donations, particularly with the holiday season coming up. Scan the QR codes or visit the following links for more information.

Howard and Evanston Community Center

• Donate Money Directly 

A Just Harvest

• Donate Money Directly
• Wish List of Items
• Donate Food

Ignatian Mission Center

• Donate Money Directly
• Amazon Wish List

Care For Friends

• Donate to the Food For Friends (Hot Meal) Program
• Donate to the Corner Store For Friends Program

Care For Real

• Donate Money Directly
• Amazon Wish List
• Target Wish List
• Chewy Wish List

Senator Simmons’ office is accepting donations of non-perishable food, reusable grocery bags, new toiletries/diapers/cleaning supplies. Drop off donations Monday-Friday from 10am-3pm at 1040 W Bryn Mawr. For questions, email senatormikesimmons@gmail.com or call 773-769-1717.

ONE WEEK LEFT! Our office is partnering with R Public House and Women & Children First to collect new and lightly used winter items for Care For Real! You can help out a neighbor in need this winter by donating items such as winter coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats at one of our drop off locations.

District Office of State Rep Kelly Cassidy

1507 W Morse Ave

R Public House

1508 W Jarvis Ave

Women & Children First

5233 N Clark St.

The Illinois Secretary of State has announced its third year of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. This award was created by the National Association of Secretaries of State following U.S. Congressman John Lewis' death in 2021 to encourage young people ages 18 to 25 to demonstrate civic engagement in the spirit of the late U.S. Congressman.

The 2025 award process and application details can be found here.

The deadline for completed submissions for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award has been extended to Monday, December 1.



Email to jlyouthaward@ilsos.gov.

The CEJA EV Charging Round 3 will open for grant applications on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 9:00am. This Round 3 funds public Level 2 and Level 3 fast charging across Illinois and is estimated to be $20 million. Funding will be on a first come, first served basis. For more information and to review the application materials before that time, see the grants submission portal here

Also, the EV Rebate Program opened on October 28, 2025. Money is still available. Please see any additional updates on the EV Rebate program webpage.

December 1st is World Aids Day! The Chicago Park Foundation, in partnership with Center on Halsted, is hosting a community gathering with memories, tributes, and celebration. The event will take place at 11:30am in the AIDS Garden Chicago, on the lakefront south of Belmont at the Keith Haring Sculpture. No RSVP is required!

Neighborhood Shoutout

As shared in the 49th Ward Newsletter:

Congratulations to Northwestern professor, filmmaker, and Rogers Park resident Kyle Henry for his 2018 film, titled Rogers Park. The movie is available for FREE for the next three months via Tubi, which you can access here.

The film follows two Chicago couples who struggle to keep their love alive when secrets and long-simmering resentments rise to the surface. It currently has a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and gives a fantastic portrayal of our wonderful neighborhood. Congratulations, Kyle!

You can read a 2018 Chicago Reader interview with Kyle about the film here.

District Events

Support your favorite local businesses this holiday season! Now through December 31, 2025, collect receipts from at least four independently-owned Rogers Park businesses and earn up to $75 back.

This year, it is starting three weeks earlier to help local shops thrive and yes, your Small Business Saturday and Mercadito purchases count toward your rebate!

Don’t wait! Shop early, save your receipts and get rewarded for supporting the vibrant Rogers Park community.

Click here for more information.

Each Monday Jarvis Square Tavern will be featuring food from restaurants in Rogers Park that are seeing a decline in business due to ICE activity in the neighborhood. They will also be putting together whistle kits for neighbors. Join them starting at 5pm on Mondays.

Jarvis Square Tavern

1502 W Jarvis Ave

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is now accepting vendor applications for the Clark Street Trading Post pop-up space during Small Business Saturday Weekend, November 28–30, located at 5706 N Clark. Space is limited, and all applications are subject to review. This is a chance for business owners to showcase their products, connect with shoppers, and be a part of one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year!

You can apply here!

El Comité de Derechos de los Inmigrantes y Refugiados de la Ciudad de Chicago y la Concejal Maria Hadden, Distrito 49th, la Concejal Silverstein, Disitrto 50th, El representante Huynh, la concejala Angela Clay, la concejala Leni Hoppenworth, el concejal Martin, Rogers Park Business Alliance, Arise Chicago, y Centro Romero, están organizando un evento para informar a las empresas y empleados locales sobre cómo prepararse para posibles redadas y auditorías del gobierno federal.

Hablaremos sobre cómo proteger los derechos de empleados y clientes durante las interacciones con las autoridades federales de inmigración. También proporcionaremos recursos de "Conozca sus derechos" que puede compartir con su personal y la comunidad.

Cuando: Martes 18 de noviembre a las 10am-11:30am 

Donde: Inglesia Unida de Rogers Park 1545 W Morse Ave Chicago IL 60626

Se requiere registro presencial o virtual y este evento será en español

*This event will only be in Spanish.

The City of Chicago's Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee and Alderwoman Maria Hadden, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein, Representative Hoan Huynh, Alderwoman Angela Clay, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Alderman Matt Martin, Rogers Park Business Alliance, Arise Chicago, and Centro Romero are hosting an event to inform local businesses and employees about how to prepare for potential federal government raids and audits.

The Chicago City Council’s Committee on Immigration & Refugee Rights, Chaired by Ald. Andre Vasquez, invites you to join their tentatively monthly Immigration Briefings virtual series to ensure we all understand the changes to immigration law occurring at the federal level and their practical effects on Chicagoans. 

They will discuss changes that may be brought by presidential actions, congressional actions, federal agency policy changes, and judicial actions. The Council knows that immigration issues are broad and often complicated to understand so they're partnering with immigration attorneys to provide some insight. 

This event will be only English.  

Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1PM.

Virtually; registration is required.

Community Agreements for Participants:

1. No screenshots, no sharing slides from this event externally; you may be subject to future removal

2. Removal of disruptive and/or hateful and/or harmful behavior

3. Automatic removal of: AI aides, phone call-ins (since you cannot rename yourself) and those who do not add first and last name, initials or organization name on your profile. 

What is the Tea Room? A safe, welcoming space for young adults to relax, connect, and access support. Celebrate gratitude, connection, and community this Thanksgiving, Tea Room style! LGBTQ+ Young Adults & Allies (aged 18–29) are invited to join Vivent Health + TPAN for music, food, drinks, fun activities, and goody bags!

Tuesday, November 25 from 4 PM to 6 PM

The Tea Room at 5537 N Broadway Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Registration is required. Please RSVP by November 21st.

Mercadito is a vibrant craft fair hosted by Rogers Park Business Alliance that celebrates the creativity, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of Camino Clark.

At Mercadito, local artists and small business owners showcase handcrafted goods that reflect the neighborhood’s unique traditions and diversity — from jewelry, pottery, and artwork to baked treats, stationery, home décor, and accessories. Every piece tells a story rooted in Rogers Park’s cultural heartbeat.

Special Additions for this year:

Free Gift Wrapping from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., courtesy of St. Jerome Church. While it’s a free service, donations benefiting St. Jerome are appreciated. (Limit 2 gifts per person; oversized items not accepted.)

Free Ponche from La Casa Vieja. Served while supplies last.

Click here to see a list of vendors.

A Just Harvest (7649 N Paulina St) will be hosting a Thanksgiving Turkey giveaway on November 22nd. Make sure to stop by anytime between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and remember to bring your own cart or shopping bag. First-come, first-served, so get there early!

Santa Claus returns to The Guesthouse Hotel on Sunday, November 23 from 11AM-4PM to kick off the holiday season with a special photoshoot! Bring the whole family for professional photos with Santa and make this year’s holiday memories extra special.

This festive occasion allows families to reserve a spot ahead of time and capture wonderful memories with Santa Claus by professional photographer Juancho SC. Photos will be made available to you after the shoot for your personal use.

Imagine a visit with Jane Austen, one of the most beloved and intriguing novelists of the 19th century. Jane's visit is from the autumn of 1815 – during the most vibrant and hopeful time of her life. Her first three novels, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park are published, and Emma is complete.

Drawing from letters, juvenilia, and novels, this historical performance by actress Debra Ann Miller delves into Jane’s writing, personal life, and the loves and losses that shaped and informed her perception of the world.

A Q&A will follow the free presentation, which is suitable for those who are unfamiliar with her novels, casual readers of them, and the most devoted “Janeites.”

Sunday, November 30th

3:00pm-4:00pm

Edgewater Branch

6000 N. Broadway

Join the Friends of the Edgewater Library for a celebration of winter by making your own wreath. They will supply the décor, you supply the imagination! Registration required, call the branch at 312-742-1945 or visit our events page.

Saturday December 6th at 10:00am

Edgewater Branch

6000 N. Broadway

Jarvis Square, the historic commercial district in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, announced the return of its beloved holiday tradition: the 17th Annual Shop Jarvis Square Holiday Market. The one-day-only event will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, bringing together over 40 local artisans, festive food, and family-friendly entertainment.

Join the Loyola Park Advisory Council for their next meeting on Monday, December 8. At this meeting, they’ll be selecting the theme for the 2026 Artists of the Wall (AOTW) festival.

You can cast your vote for the next theme here.

Your ideas and input are an important part of shaping this beloved community event, and they’d love to have you there as they discuss options and make the final choice.

Meeting Details

📅 Monday, December 8

🕒 6:30- 7:30PM

📍 Loyola Park Fieldhouse, 1230 W. Greenleaf

Theatre

Enjoy two hour long solo performances from local creatives, comics, and performers at Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan.. There will be a short intermission between shows. You can learn more here.

LAST WEEK!

Written by: Marjorie Muller

Directed by: Kayla Menz

16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding, bitterness, and perhaps a little bit of violence too (as a treat). The Sporting Life is a ‘this girl is a woman now’ story brutally snapped open to expose the, sometimes literal, entrails of growing up girl.

The Sporting Life runs October 17th-November 22nd

The Factory Theatre

1623 W Howard St

You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

Theatre Above the Law presents Black Comedy, a farce by Peter Schafer.

Struggling sculptor Brindsley Miller and his fiancé Carol are having a party with the aim of impressing Carol's bombastic father, Colonel Melkett, and millionaire Georg Bamberger. They hope the two men might purchase some of Brindsley's sculptures. Without permission, they have borrowed the furniture of their fussy neighbor, Harold, to make their own flat more presentable. Just before the guests arrive, the main fuse blows, plunging the flat into darkness. What follows is a frantic romp with unexpected visitors, mistaken identities, and surprises lurking in every dark corner. Only we, the audience, can see the action that ensues in the dark. As you might expect, the results are chaotic, disastrous and downright hysterical.

STARTS THIS WEEK!

Jarvis Square Theater

1439 W. Jarvis

November 21-December 21.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Hiring

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

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? The Chicago Fire Department is hiring licensed Paramedics/EMT-Ps to join their team of dedicated professionals saving lives every day.

Starting Salary: $74,626 (effective 1/1/2026)

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM CT on December 2, 2025

Requirements:

• Illinois Paramedic/EMT-P or pending IDPH license

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Attach all required documents at the time of application

Apply today and answer the call to serve!

Scan the QR code or visit this link for details.

Greater West Town will start new vocational classes December 1st for

Shipping & Receiving Training, and Wood Products Manufacturing Training.

Both classes run for 12 weeks and are free to income-eligible participants.

Illinois residents who are 18 years old or over and low-income eligible can train at no cost. For decades these programs have successfully equipped community residents with technical, in-demand skills and placed them in jobs in their industries with decent wages. The courses include basic math and reading skills, lifting the academic proficiency of students; as well as career readiness classes to aid participants in a successful job search. Job placement and transportation assistance are included.

To sign up and learn more visit their website here.

It’s that time again, Illinois! IDOT is hiring 1,600+ temporary Winter Highway Maintainers across the state for the 2025–2026 snow and ice season. Help maintain and repair roads, bridges, and more — and keep Illinois moving safely this winter.

Requirements:

✔️ HS diploma or equivalent

✔️ CDL B with N or X (Class A by year 3)

✔️ 1 year clean driving record

You can apply here!

Compassionate caretakers wanted! Join Misericordia, Heart of Mercy and be part of a community where every day is about connection and empowerment. As a Direct Support Professional, you’ll work with residents with disabilities, helping them achieve goals and thrive. If you’re seeking purpose-filled work, click here to learn more and get started.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626