Kelly's Update

I’m not sure where to start today. Since Tuesday night, I’ve received a steady stream of messages, calls, emails, and in-person questions about what to expect under a second Trump presidency and what we can do in Illinois to keep people safe. These are absolutely natural questions to ask, especially in light of the clear intentions announced during the campaign to implement mass deportations, ban access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, and gut the administrative and regulatory infrastructure of our country responsible for environmental protections, emergency response to disasters, and school policies just to name some of the highlights of the Project 2025 document released shortly before the election. As we head back to Springfield next week for Veto Session, these issues are top of mind.

First, the good news. Illinois has already done a lot of the work to protect against much of what’s been threatened. Our Shield law is one of the strongest in the country, and patients and providers are currently protected from overreach from states with bans and the Reproductive Health Act established a fundamental right to care here in Illinois. Similarly, we have implemented protections for marriage equality by removing a long-enjoined trigger law that could have resulted in our marriage equality law being invalidated in the event the Obergefeld decision that legalized our marriages nationwide is overturned. We have some more work to do before we adjourn and will be working closely with our colleagues in the Senate and the Governor’s office to ensure we close any gaps between now and Lame Duck session at the beginning of January. I was pleased to hear the Governor make clear that he was not going to allow our people to be terrorized:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2024/11/07/pritzker-donald-trump-second-term-defend-illinois-remarks

One of the unanswered questions of this week is which party will win control of the US House of Representatives, which will help determine the extent to which the Trump administration can carry out its plans. And for those of us who have hoped for the end of the filibuster in the Senate, that’s going to be our friend now too given that the projected partisan split in the chamber is 53-47, giving the Republicans a simple majority, but not the 60 votes needed to end debate during a filibuster. This could represent the difference between a national abortion ban passing and failing.

I’ve gotten several questions about the prospects for a state constitutional amendment protecting access to abortion and gender-affirming care in addition to some questions about adding marriage equality to the state constitution. These discussions have been ongoing since the Dobbs decision and will remain top of mind as we move towards the next election cycle. As a reminder, any proposed constitutional amendment has to be passed with a supermajority of both chambers and signed by the Governor at least 6 months prior to the general election at which voters will be asked to consider it and must be supported by either three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election.

The other thing I’m getting questions about is whether Governor Pritzker should follow the lead of California Governor Newsom in calling a special session. First, it’s important to understand that each state has different legislative rules and schedules. We’re currently scheduled to be in session for the next two weeks in a regularly scheduled session where we can begin looking at unfinished protection work for our state and we have already been preparing for this scenario by planning to have several days of Lame Duck session on the calendar after the first of the year. This is important for a very specific reason. Under the Illinois Constitution, anything the General Assembly passes between June 1 and December 31 has a delayed effective date of June 1 of the following year unless it receives a super-majority vote. The work that we need to do will require an immediate effective date, making the Lame Duck session the more appropriate time.

Finally, please grant each other some grace. Folks are tired, scared, confused, angry, and sometimes all of the above. If you have the bandwidth, check in on friends in vulnerable communities and let them know you are here for them. 

One of the biggest things we can do right now is resolve ourselves to support and stand up for each other in the face of threats. I was mortified to see reports of campus chants and TikTok comments of “your body, my choice” directed at young women threatening them with rape, text messages to Black students notifying them to report to a plantation, marches on college campuses declaring women and slaves as property. Like many, I wanted to believe we were better than this. I talked to my sons about their role in this moment and my expectation that they will be the ones putting themselves between this ugliness and the people being targeted if they witness it. I’m proud of the men they’ve become and hope that they and others like them will have the courage of their convictions when confronted with ugliness like this.

Thursday November 14th Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita's office will be hosting a Free Turkey Giveaway here at our office 1505 W Morse Ave. Join us along with A Just Harvest and the offices of Alderwoman Maria Hadden, State Senator Ram Villivalam, State Rep Kevin Olickal, and Alderman Andre Vasquez

Thursday November 14th, from 6pm-8pm

1505 W Morse Ave

Turkeys are first come first serve and available until we run out.

Our office will be closed on Monday, November 11th. For any inquiries, please email info@repcassidy.com and a staffer will get in touch with you shortly following!

Friday, we joined with Edgewater Neighbors and members of Congregation Emanuel to rename the park at the corner of Sheridan and Thorndale from Park 517 to Interfaith Park. Efforts to rename the park in honor of Rabbi Herman Schaalman and his wife Lotte began many years ago under the leadership of the late Alderwoman Mary Ann Smith who ensured that the corner was preserved as public space and continued under former Alderman Harry Osterman, led by members of the congregation. Naming the park Interfaith Park is in honor of his work to foster interfaith dialogue and cooperation and his long history of bringing people together to improve our community.

Neighborhood Shoutouts

From Block Club: "Calling all Far North Side knitters, crocheters and embroiderers: A store selling yarn, needles and more is opening soon in Andersonville.

The Dropped Stitch is opening Wednesday at 1524 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., said owner Hannah Wilson, who partially funded the venture through her winnings on “Jeopardy!”

The LGBTQ+-owned store will stock dozens of yarn colors and textures from about eight brands, Wilson said. Most of the yarns will be made of natural fibers like wool, alpaca or cotton, except for some sock yarns that include nylon, Wilson said.

The store also carries some of the best knitting and crochet needles on the market, as well as make-it-yourself embroidery and felting kits, Wilson said."

You can check out their website here,

Loyola Athletics partnered with Loyola Votes, a university-led initiative that helps drive civic engagement on campus and in the community by promoting voter registration and education ahead of federal, state and local elections. Student-athletes also reached 100 percent voter registration in preparation for the 2020 presidential election thanks to Loyola Votes. 

This year the program partnered with Loyola's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to connect with student-athletes and amplify their impact on campus. 

With their early achievement of 100 percent voter registration, the Ramblers continue to show that their drive extends beyond the court and the field. Loyola Votes not only empowers student-athletes but demonstrates the university's commitment to civic engagement and fostering a culture where every student's voice counts.  

In the District

Events in Rogers Park

We are excited to announce the upcoming opening of North Side Housing and Supportive Services’ brand-new, trauma-informed shelter in Rogers Park this fall. This shelter will provide 70 men with a safe, warm place to escape the winter cold, three meals a day, free laundry, healthcare, and access to supportive services that will help them transition out of homelessness for good. 

Want to see the shelter for yourself? Join them for a special Open House event next Wednesday, November 13th from 6 PM - 8 PM. This free event will offer light refreshments, and the Open House style allows you to come at a time that works best for you.

While the event is free, North Side Housing does ask that you Register Here.

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.

Live Lit (n): A fast-growing genre of live performance that involves a microphone, a story and an audience, typically performed in a bar or bookstore.

Chicago’s premiere storytelling and Live Lit festival returns for its 28th year! Lifeline Theatre presents a vibrant celebration featuring a diverse array of performers, including a dozen storytelling collectives and numerous solo artists. The festival offers two weeks of powerful personal stories, spanning comedy, drama, and more. You don’t want to miss this chance to experience the rich tapestry of Chicago’s storytellers.

Catch the festival at two different locations; Lifeline Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood Ave.) and The Rhapsody Theater (1328 W Morse Ave.) in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.

This event takes place from November 8th through the 17th. There is also a FREE kick-off event at Rapsody Theater on November 6th at 7 pm.

Single event tickets are being sold for $12 and festival passes are offered at $45.

To learn more about this event and all of the performers taking part in it, click HERE.

Click HERE to purchase tickets for a single event or a festival pass.

The 24th district is hosting a series of community conversations to discuss the 2025 strategic plan. The second meeting will be held at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N Rogers Ave) at 6:30 pm on November 14th.

For more information about this event, please contact the 24th district community policing office at 312-744-6321.

To register for this event, please click HERE.

The Friends of Rogers Park are hosting a blood drive at the Rogers Park Library (6907 N. CLARK ST) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 01:00 pm - 05:00 pm. You can register here to give blood!

Events in Edgewater

11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9

Edgewater Branch Library, 6000 N. Broadway

Chicago has the country’s third-largest urban population of South Asian people (a community that includes Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and Nepalis) – and a vibrant South Asian food scene. 

Food historian Colleen Taylor Sen will tell the story of this community from the early 20th century when a small community lived on the Far South Side to the present. She’ll also talk about the evolution of the city’s South Asian grocery stores and restaurants, including the transformation of Devon  Avenue on the Far North Side from a mainly Jewish shopping district in the 1960s to a mecca for South Asian shoppers from all over the Midwest.

Light Indian snacks will be available for tasting! In addition, copies of Colleen’s books will be offered for sale, including Curry and Feasts and Fasts. Email edgewater@chipublib.org to register.

This free program is a partnership with 

Friends of the Edgewater Library

and the Edgewater Branch.

https://www.foelchicago.org/

The Edgewater Environmental Coalition, in partnership with other local offices, is hosting its annual pumpkin smash on Saturday, November 9th from 10 am to 2 pm at 6040 N Clark. This is a great opportunity to not only dispose of your pumpkins in an environmentally conscious way, but to also learn more about composting!

The EEC is also looking for volunteers to help staff the event! There are a variety of open positions available, and more information can be found by clicking this LINK.

Nothing Without a Company is a nonprofit planting theatre around Chicago by telling the stories of historically marginalized voices through immersive and site-specific productions in reclaimed environments. Sofa King Queer is its first full production since COVID, with book, music & lyrics by Chicago playwright and company literary manager Kevin Sparrow, directed by JD Caudill, and music directed by Ron Attreau. The story follows a young queer man as his family and partners confront him with a choice between community and solitude, less than 24 hours before a breakaway concert. As his apartment above a punk rock venue becomes crowded with unexpected guests, a group of people navigate desire, family bonds, and societal pressures amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. 

Performances are held at Edgewater's Berger Park Cultural Center in the coach house (6205 N. Sheridan Road). For tickets and performance times click here.

The Edgewater Memory Cafe is hosting its monthly tech talk at the Edgewater Libray ( 6000 N Broadway) on Thursday, November 14th from 1-2 pm in the Betty A Barkley Community Room. This monthly program helps older adults and new users understand their personal computer, phone, or tablet.

This month's topic is: "Take Control of Your Email"

This event is FREE and no RSVP is required!

A group of friends, some old, some new, find themselves in a mansion on the north side of Chicago for a writer's retreat and reunion. Something begins to weave its way into their minds and bodies. Not evil, just persuasive.

THRALL is an intimate psychological horror piece created by the artists on stage. No gore and no jump scares.

Performances are Nov 14-17, 7pm (and another late show at 9pm on Fri and Sat). Tickets are free, one weekend only!

For Tickets, times, and dates click here!

Chicago’s Uptown arose in the early 20th century due to advances in public transportation. In less than 20 years, what had been a hamlet transformed into a bustling district.

Located just south of Edgewater, Uptown is one of Chicago’s most lively, colorful and architecturally distinct communities. Join author Jacob Lewis Hall, who recently published a new pictorial tour of the community, looking back on both its glory days and long-time struggles.

Saturday, November 16th at 2:00 p.m.

Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library

Betty A. Barclay Community Room

6000 N. Broadway

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides flu and COVID vaccines for all Chicago residents ages 6 months and older. The 48th ward office is partnering with CDPH and Ismaili CIVIC to bring a vaccine clinic to the ward.

Saturday, November 23 from 9am-1pm

Ismaili Jamatkhana (1124 W Rosemont)

Click here to make an appointment online!

Events in Andersonville

On the second Saturday of each month, the Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark) will be offering a free (with admission) guided tour of the Museum's new core exhibit, We Are America. Tours will last approximately 45 minutes. We Are America tells the story of Swedish immigration to Chicago. Visitors will encounter environmental displays, artifacts, images, interactives, and kid-friendly elements. They will learn about the lives Swedish immigrants built in the U.S., from employment to recreation to religion to home life, and even about Swedish-American businesses and clubs that still form an integral part of Chicago today. We Are America also invites visitors to compare the Swedish immigration story with others from Chicago, and to reflect on their own histories and experiences.

To sign up and check out the other offerings of the Swedish American Museum Click Here

Laughs at the Loft, a Women, LGBTQIA+, and Non Binary Open Mic will be held on Tuesday November 12th at the Bramble Arts Loft (5545 N Clark St)

Sign Ups are at 6:30pm and the show is at 7pm.

For more info, click HERE!

Get ready to unleash your inner Viking at the annual Viking Pub Crawl in Andersonville on Sunday, November 17 from 3-6 PM! Join your Andersonville neighbors as they journey through Andersonville’s best bars and restaurants, enjoying drinks, laughs, and camaraderie with fellow Norse enthusiasts!

Dress in your Viking best, because the costume contest is back! Show off your creativity and spirit for a chance to win amazing prizes. Whether you’re a fierce warrior or a Viking royalty, this pub crawl promises a memorable day in the heart of Andersonville. So gather your crew, don your finest faux furs, and let your imagination run wild!

Group discount for groups of 6 or more. Contact info@andersonville.org for a group ticket buy.

For more information on participating businesses, click HERE.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Youth & Teen

No School Day Camps: Mon Nov 4th-Tues Nov 5th (CPS Report card pickup and Election Day closures). Camp theme: Standing up for others

Looking for fun, interactive, and empowering Day camp options for the days when CPS is closed? Culture of Safety’s No School Day Camps are empowering and emphasize accessibility and support for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ youth. Located @ 6961 North Clark Street (Clark & Morse). Open to kids age 6-12. Pricing is sliding scale. All camp days include karate basics and mindfulness exercises as well as verbal practice, discussions, and other activities around the camp theme of the day. 

To see the full Fall schedule and sign up online, click HERE.  

If you are a young person aged 16-24 who's interested in pursuing a healthcare career but either don't know where to start or can't afford the training you need, we can help! YJC has partnered with TTI Medical School and Chicago Instruction Center to connect interested young people with training and certification in the following categories:

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

EKG Technician

Phlebotomy Technician Training Certification

Email our healthcare program coordinator Sara at algawerash@youthjobcenter.org to learn more

Job Openings

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Workforce Reporting, Performance Unit Manager

✔️ CEJA Small Business Manager

✔️ Deputy Chief Internal Auditor

✔️ Corporate Accountability Program Manager

Apply today!

The Howard and Evanston Area Community Center is seeking applicants for multiple positions on their team. Some open roles include Program Aide, Preschool Teacher, and Mentor Program Coordinator. For more information and a list of all roles, please click HERE. 

Contact Moon Parker with any questions and submit your resume and cover letter at: mparker@howardarea.org.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has put to gether a listing of resources available locally and nationally to support creatives, from job boards, to professional advancement programs, to emergency funding. If you are a creative professional or interested in advancing a career in creative pathways, please click the link HERE to view more information!

Chicago Conservation Corps’ Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community. You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already invested in sustainability work. After completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

To participate in the training course, you must be 18+, attend an information session, and submit a short application. Class will be held online via zoom on Wednesday evenings, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, October 2nd - November 20th. Visit chicagoconservationcorps.org or email c3@naturemuseum.org with questions. 

Info Session Dates:

Virtual on Thursday, September 19 @ 12:00pm

In person at the Nature Museum on Saturday, September 21 @ 6:00pm

We'll also have a recorded version available on C3's website shortly after.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626