Kelly's Update

I’m finally glad to be home, sorry the newsletter is a little delayed, but getting moved out post session is its own challenge every year. Thanks for your patience over the last few weeks of intense session schedules:

May 31, 2025

It’s 9pm on the last day to pass a budget with a simple majority, with 3 hours to go until our scheduled adjournment. Majority Leader Robyn Gabel is presenting the budget bill, and since my desk is right behind hers on the House floor, I’m sharing my desk with a handful of Research and Appropriations staffers who are here to help support her in debate. If you ever watch our session on the livestream, you’ll sometimes see a staff person standing nearby when members are presenting. They’re there to help the sponsor pull up specific sections of the bill being debated and help provide support in responding to questions. Well, the budget is like 10 bills on steroids, so each segment of the bill has a staffer who specializes in a particular subject area.

After I’ve had a minute to catch up on sleep. I’ll get a more detailed analysis of the budget to share. This was a more complex budget than we’ve seen in a while, with a combination of revenue forecast shortfalls and significant uncertainty about looming federal funding cuts adding to the challenge. With a shortfall of nearly $1.5 billion, our work was cut out for us. A combination of cuts to operational and grant lines and some new revenues including a delinquent tax amnesty program, closure of some corporate tax loopholes, and fees on Pharmacy Benefit Managers brought us to a balanced budget that includes continued deposits into the state’s rainy day fund, making our full pension payment, continued investments into the Evidence Based Funding Formula for our K-12 schools statewide, cuts in agency operations, reductions in redundant agency, board, and task force functions. Look for more budget details in next week’s newsletter.

SUMMER PROJECTS 

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten out of Spring Session without some unfinished business. Some bills are just too big or challenging to make it through any given session. When that happens, we end up with what we call summer projects. I actually like having big issues to work on over the summer as it allows me to remain connected to my colleagues and to work out tougher issues outside of the crucible of the Capitol and session calendar.

Several big items didn’t make it over the finish line, and I feel confident that we’re going to be back sooner rather than later to address them. I’ll talk about my projects over the next few newsletters. But first, probably the biggest one of those unfinished business bills would be the solution to the transit fiscal cliff. In a nutshell, the working group and coalition members could not come to agreement on a workable solution that included both governance reform and desperately needed revenue to make our disparate transit systems workable for the people who depend on them.

This was definitely the item that generated the most constituent contact, with every high powered advocacy group employing every constituent contact tool possible. From signage and QR code links at transit stations to automatic push email functions embedded in delivery apps, there was a seemingly endless array of sometimes competing positions coming in within the last few days of session. I’ll come back to that in a minute, but I want to spend a moment on describing how this issue has evolved over the last several months. 

At the beginning of the legislative session, Speaker Welch appointed a diverse working group to address the transit issue. The working group model is a tool we use often in our caucus and has been a very good way to ensure that the full array of stakeholders and perspectives can be included in a way that allows for deeper dives into specific issues in smaller more manageable groups that can then socialize solutions to the broader caucus. This group met regularly throughout the session, in addition to participating in joint public hearings across the state in an effort to get a full picture of the needs and challenges being faced by all forms of public transit.

As a non-member of the working group, I’ve done my best to stay up to date on their progress, checking in periodically with members of the group to get a sense of what to expect. Throughout the bulk of the session, both publicly and in caucus meetings, we regularly heard that the intent was to address governance first, and fiscal issues later, stating that finance was not a legislative calendar issue and was best addressed after governance. As a result, the bulk of our information from the working group was reform and governance related.

With just a few days remaining in session, that position shifted dramatically as transit agencies began to warn of looming service cuts if funding wasn’t addressed, citing labor contracts requiring them to give significant notice of potential layoffs to impacted bargaining units. We began to take a deeper dive into the various potential sources of funding that had been identified as potential sources to fill the $770 million hole. Various stakeholders in the coalition had differing views of what funding source was most appropriate, activating constituent contact tools in rapid fire as ideas were floated and shot down. The coalition was in broader agreement that any funding source should have a link to transit and transportation generally. These ranged from a fee on deliveries that generated a ton of opposition based on concerns about it being a more regressive revenue source that would have a bigger impact on lower income people to expanding the sales tax to include services, something that the vast majority of states already do but that has never gotten anywhere close to getting off the ground here. Other suggestions included a tollway surcharge that was universally condemned by collar county leaders who objected that it would divert funds from tollway maintenance and local infrastructure to support primarily Chicago transit services. The simple truth is that while we had a great deal of broad-based support to do something, there was no consensus on how to pay for it. We’re still sorting through the volume of messages we got, but there’s a fair crossover between messages we received in favor of fixing transit with messages from the same person objecting to one or more funding options. I wish we had been able to build consensus for a funding option, and even hoped for the possibility of a last minute compromise that allowed for a trimmed down version of the funding combined with the agreed upon governance changes with an acknowledgement that we’re likely to be around this summer to get it done. It is my hope that these issues can be more broadly socialized and shared in the weeks ahead so that we can chart the right course forward. The leaders of the transit working group remain committed to the collaborative process they’ve been using. We’ll have more on this issue soon.

EFFORTS TO CENSURE ME FOR DEFENSE OF TRANS COMMUNITY

Over the course of the last few weeks, Republican colleagues stepped up their frequent attacks on trans youth, going so far as to share the name and image of a middle school student athlete. The family of this young person has faced horrific threats and abuse as a result of adults who want to foment hate and fear for political gain. 

Last week, at an event post session, one of those colleagues approached me wanting to know why I didn’t seem to like him anymore. I shared how hurtful his comments were, both to the families and communities targeted and to me as a member of the community with a non-binary spouse who is frequently misgendered and targeted for scrutiny. To that, he responded, “C’mon Kelly, you know the game!” I made clear that, to me, it’s not a game. That characterizing bullying children to the point of self harm is a pretty sick game that made me question his humanity. Over the course of the last two weeks, members of the Fearful Caucus have repeatedly attempted to have my previous comments stricken from the record as a breach of chamber decorum. They didn’t file a proper option to expunge my comments, so it was never addressed.

This week, I was told by a colleague that she’d overheard another Republican member bragging that they call their regular attacks on trans kids “Fishing for Cassidy.” I learned they’d been bragging about it among themselves in the men’s room all session, where LGBTQ staff members were forced to hear their trash talk and just take it. So Saturday morning, I decided I’d had enough. I rose on a point of personal privilege and shared my interaction with my colleague last week when he revealed that they don’t really care about trans kids or protecting women's sports, they’re playing a game for political attention. I went on to call out their childish bathroom antics and “Fishing for Cassidy,” reminding everyone in the chamber of the high rate of suicide and depression among trans youth and shared that one organization that serves families of trans kids reports that they’ve been contacted by families of 21 children who have attempted or committed suicide in Illinois since January, telling them they have those kids’ blood on their hands.

Not surprisingly, they were not pleased, and this time filed the right motion seeking to expunge my remarks from the record, claiming I’d breached the rules of decorum. When I spoke Saturday morning, I commented that their efforts to purge my words from the record were not unlike the efforts of their dear leader to purge the federal government of all evidence of LGBTQ people and their accomplishments, going so far as to delete a reference to the Enola Gay, the WWII plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, simply because someone apparently found it using a CTRL+F search. This time, they filed the proper motion, so at the end of our business, the motion was put to a vote. Under our rules, a motion to expunge comments from the House record requires a super majority vote of 71, so there was little risk of success on their part. Ultimately, the motion to expunge my remarks failed on a vote of 36 voting in favor and 72 opposed to censoring the House record, with another 10 not voting either way. Some of those not voting were already off the floor.

Rep. Cassidy speaking from the House floor on Saturday morning with fellow LGBTQ+ Caucus member, Rep. Murri Briel

We adjourned around 1:30am, passing the budget, revenue, and budget implementation bills. It’s not a perfect budget, and there were a lot of things to not like about it. But it reflected a process where rank and file members had greater input and engagement than in previous years, protected a lot of very important programs, and took steps to mitigate the impact of cuts on other programs, while granting the administration the flexibility they need to be able to react quickly when capricious federal actions impact our state. We’ve been told to be prepared to return for special session in the event we need to address federal funding impacts at some point this summer.

I’m looking forward to getting home, catching up on laundry and sleep, and reconnecting with family, friends, and neighbors. We’ve got some fun events coming up, including a Pokémon event on June 20th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Glenwood Ave Alfresco, right off the Morse Red Line stop where we will be giving away free packs of Pokémon trading cards and partnering with local trans advocacy groups and elected officials to show support for trans youth here in Illinois.

Additionally, congratulations to Alan Mills of Uptown People's Law Center on his retirement! Our office has partnered with Alan and UPLC on so many projects over the years. He was honored by Rep. Buckner, Rep. Cassidy, Rep. Huynh, Rep. Olickal, and Speaker Welch.

Need to Know Info

Our office is excited to announce our upcoming event! We are partnering with the West Ridge Community Response Team to host Pokémon & Pride: Trans Youth Resource Fair. We are encouraging friends and family to come out and show your support for the Trans youth in your life! We will have local elected officials and some amazing organizations on hand to offer resources, plus we will be giving away sets of Pokémon Trading Cards and have Pokémon GO lures active! June 20th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Glenwood Ave Alfresco, on Glenwood Ave between Lunt and Morse, right off the Morse Redline stop. Come and share in your love of Pokémon and the Trans community!

Thank you to our elected partners, Alderwoman Maria Hadden, State Senator Mike Simmons, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Cook County Board Commissioner Josina Morita, State Senator Ram Villivalam, and State Representative Kevin Olickal.

And our community partners, Chicago Therapy Collective, Trans Up Front Illinois, The Center on Halsted, Vivent Health + TPAN, Wonder Woods Chicago, and The Children & Family Benefits Unit of CPS.

We have two interns starting with us this week! They will be here with us for the summer and we are so excited to introduce them to you! Ro and Fiona, welcome to the 14th District office!

Ro (left)

I'm Ro, a fourth-year undergraduate at Loyola University Chicago from the Chicago suburbs. As someone with many interests and a love for social justice and theory, I'm majoring in philosophy, sociology and anthropology. I am also a student organizer for Students for Reproductive Justice, a non-university affiliated organization where I work on providing reproductive healthcare education and resources to my fellow students and the greater Loyola community. I'm extremely passionate about immigration, the environment, and LGBTQ+ rights! In my free time, I like to explore cafes in Chicago and create coffee and tea drinks at home. I'm super excited to be working with Rep. Cassidy's office for the summer!

Fiona (right)

My name is Fiona and I am from Oak Park and attend college at Hobart and William Smith in upstate New York. I am a rising senior with a double major in History and Writing and Rhetoric and a double minor in American Studies and Gender & Feminist Studies. On campus I am a member of the ice hockey team, work to assist my peers with writing in the center for teaching and learning and serve as the representative of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and the athletic study mentor for the women's ice hockey team. Outside of ice hockey and school I enjoy running, being outside and spending time with my friends and family. I am super excited to be working with Rep. Cassidy's office this summer! 

Click above for a message from Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to keep on the lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” that threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges.

The text messages are phishing attempts designed to trick residents into giving up personal or financial information. Recipients should not respond or open any links found in unsolicited texts and emails.

“Phishing scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, seeking to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,” Giannoulias said. “Please remain vigilant to avoid these scams and report them to protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraud schemes.”

The office only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status.

Illinoisans are encouraged to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Northside Community Resources & The Northside Community Development Corporation are hosting their 13th Annual Northside Housing Fair, which is being held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Truman College (Cafeteria), located at 1145 W. Wilson Avenue in Chicago. Doors will open for onsite registration at 9:30 a.m., for attendees who have not preregistered.

Learn about home-buying processes, financing solutions, fair housing practices, and many other housing resources and services available to the public. In addition, this event will feature mini-workshops on topics such as Credit & Home-buying 101 and Tenants' Rights & Fair Housing. Each year, this event has resulted in countless people achieving homeownership, securing and maintaining rental housing, and even avoiding foreclosure.

This is a free event!

To learn more, click HERE!

Neighborhood Shoutout

A picture from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Annual Member Meeting on May 28th, attended by District Office Manager Rauly

On May 28th the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Member Meeting at the Chicago Mosaic School. It was so great to hear about all of the amazing things they have accomplished this year, and their plans for the future.

We thank the Board and Staff for all the amazing work they do, and look forward to their upcoming events we have highlighted below.

Chicago’s ONLY Monday farmers market is returning for the 2025 season. Edgewater Monday Market will take place every Monday from 3pm to 7pm at the southeast corner of Broadway & Thorndale, in the Broadway Armory parking lot (approx. 5917 N. Broadway).

The market runs from June 2nd to September 29th and will feature 45+ vendors over the course of the season, including a mix of weekly vendors, and rotating pop-up vendors. Featured vendors include a curated selection of local farmers, produce, specialty foods, bakers, prepared foods, craft goods, and artisans. This year’s market will also include various activities, musicians, and a chef’s table for demonstrations and samples on select dates

You can see a list of vendors here.

Come stroll around the coolest and thriftiest neighborhood on the north side with friends, neighbors, and visitors during the Edgewater Sidewalk Sale. Dozens of your favorite retail stores, shops, and cafes will be open with special discounts and deals. Hunt for treasures, unique gifts, or that one item you’ve always been searching for.

Edgewater Chamber works closely with several neighborhood block clubs to host this event on the SAME DAY at the SAME TIME as the legendary Edgewater Yard Sale so you can hit everything on one day.

The Edgewater Yard and Sidewalk Sale returns on Saturday, June 7 from 9AM-5PM! With over 200 participating households and businesses from Foster to Devon and Clark to Sheridan, shoppers can hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures all day long. This beloved neighborhood tradition brings the community together while supporting a great cause—proceeds benefit Care for Real. More info here!

Rachel Bowen, Members Services and Market Manager for RPBA

Ribbon Cutting, (From left to right) District Office Manager Rauly Luna, RPBA Member Services and Market Manager Rachel Bowen, Rogers Park Business Alliance Board President & Third Coast Comics owner Terry Gant, 49th Ward Chief of Staff Shenicka Hohenkirk

The Glenwood Sunday Market is now officially open! Hosted by Rogers Park Business Alliance, the Market is open for the season. From 9am - 2pm on Sundays between Lunt and Morse on Glenwood. They accept SNAP/Link and have amazing produce, fresh breads, and some amazing art for purchase!

Our District Office Manager Rauly represented our office at the ribbon cutting this past Sunday and had a great time!

Fundraisers and Surveys

Extreme heat is a growing public health threat in our city, especially for vulnerable communities. The Defusing Disasters Project—a collaboration between community members, academics, health care professionals, and government agencies—is developing a citywide Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) to identify areas most at risk and shape life-saving heat resilience strategies. 

As we approach the anniversary of the 1995 Heat wave, they need your input! Your vote could save lives. Their team has drafted 30 community-informed policy and program recommendations to address heat-related health risks. They're asking you to help choose the top 7 ideas to advance to the City Council for action. 

The deadline to take the survey is June 10th at 5:00pm.



You can take the survey by:

Clicking here for English

Clicking here for Spanish

Chi City Bakes is having their Summer Community Bake Sale on Sunday, June 22nd at Gracie O'Malley's Edgewater (6334 N. Clark St.). All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Broadway Youth Center.

Partnering with neighborhood establishments and nonprofit organizations based in and serving Chicago communities, Chi City Bakes hosts fun and impactful community bake sales throughout the city. They sell treats and donate all proceeds to these important causes.

You can sign up to bake treats for the event here.

District Events

The Northside AARP Community Group meets the first Tuesday of the month. Their next meeting is June 3rd. This month's special guest will be Cook County Sheriff's Canine Unit.

June 3rd, 12:30pm

Third Space at Lake View Presbyterian Church,

2nd Floor Classroom (ELEVATOR ACCESSIBLE)

716 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613

This summer, A Just Harvest is celebrating the 5th anniversary of Saturdays in June Community Safety & Wellness Saturdays! Each Saturday in June, they are bringing our community together to celebrate and invest in our community through fun and free to attend events. 

June 7: 5k Community Wellness Celebration and Health Fair

June 14: Annual Summer Kick-Off Collaboration

June 21: Juneteenth Celebration

June 28: BIPOC and Queer Business Pop-up

Join A Just Harvest at 7649 N. Paulina Saturdays in June from 11AM-3PM!

Monday, June 9 at 6:00 pm at the Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway): 20th District Council June 2025 monthly meeting. We will be learning about and providing feedback that will inform the ongoing CPD Workforce Allocation Study. We will also have the opportunity to take action in support of a fully-funded Public Health and Safety budget for Chicago for 2026. As always, we encourage 20th District residents to join us and share your questions and concerns about policing in the district. See you there!

Centro Romero's Annual Health Fair 2025 take place at 6216 N. Clark on June 10th from 9:00am-2:00pm. This event focuses on health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. This event is free and open to all!

Midsommarfest returns to Andersonville for its 59th year—and it’s your official invitation to celebrate in the streets and kick off Pride season with joy, visibility, and community.

Join us for three nights and two days of celebration as over 80,000 neighbors, friends, and chosen family come together for this iconic Swedish summer tradition. Expect live music across multiple stages, mouthwatering local eats, one-of-a-kind vendors, and endless fun up and down Clark Street. Opening ceremonies and the raising of the annual raising of the maypole takes place at 11AM on Saturday, June 14.

Friday, June 13 | 5–10PM

Saturday, June 14 | 12–10PM

Sunday, June 15 | 12–9PM

Foster to Gregory

Show your support and help keep the party going—pre-sale packages are available now!

You can find a list of Vendors here.

Indigenous people are central to the story of popular culture in the Western Hemisphere and popular culture is important to many Indigenous people and experiences. Will Hansen, co-curator of the exhibition Native Pop! at the Newberry Library, will share highlights from four centuries of Indigenous creators, athletes, activists, and fans engaged with pop — from pamphlets to comic books, and from daguerreotypes to video games.

Registration is recommended but not required. You may register on the library’s website, by phone, or in person at any Chicago Public Library location.

Held in partnership with Friends of the Edgewater Library.

The 32nd Annual Artists of the Wall Festival is coming up, this beloved painting event is truly a celebration of community, creativity and music for everyone to enjoy. Held each summer over Father’s Day weekend, neighbors of all ages come together to collaborate on the 600-foot mural at Loyola Park Beach between Farwell and Morse Avenues. The artists finished works remain until May of the following year when the wall is again prepped, whitewashed and readied for the next eager participants.

Theme: All Together Now

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 and Sunday, June 15, 2025

Location: Pratt Beach at Farwell and the Lake

Join Femme De Violette and her fabulous cohort of plus size performers for an unforgettable extravaganza presented in collaboration with Fat Theatre Project! $20 gets you entry to this evening of sensational performances, NA beverages, and incredible raffle prizes. Bring tips, your biggest smile, and your loudest cheering voices, and join for this one-of-a-kind event on June 21!

Doors open at 7:30PM and the show begins at 8:00PM

The Coach House Theater at Berger Park located at 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

This show is for adult audiences only.

Tickets can be bought here.

Get ready to shine bright at Jarvis Square Family Pride! We're looking forward to a fantastic day dedicated to connecting, celebrating, and having an absolute blast with all our amazing families. Come share in the happiness and feel the warmth of our incredible community. It's going to be a day full of smiles, fun, and pride!

Sunday, June 29th | 12-9 PM | Jarvis Square (1500 block of Jarvis)

Theatre

Raven Theatre's Season 42 ends with a stunning world premiere, GORGEOUS by Keiko Green! This funny, complicated, and one-of-a-kind production- directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald- is a hilarious and charming show you do not want to miss.

Jenny has a simple life; she takes care of the elderly and shows dogs professionally. When her just-a-little-bit-older boyfriend Bill dies suddenly, all Jenny wants is to get rid of his stuff and continue to show his champion Bulldog, GORGEOUS. Enter Bernie, a tornado of a woman. Amid the boxes of things that made up Bill’s life, Jenny and Bernie must find a way forward for themselves and the dog.

Gorgeous runs May 1-June 7th, at Raven Theatre

6157 N Clark St

You can get tickets here.

Based on the novel by H.G. Wells

Adapted by ensemble member John Hildreth

Directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Breaking news: the Martians have landed…in Chicago! Our world is watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than ours, yet just as mortal. They regard Earth with envious eyes as they craft their violent plans to destroy us. How on Earth will we survive? This world premiere adaptation of the novel by H.G. Wells brings razor-sharp satire to this infamous thriller. Ensemble members John Hildreth and Heather Currie, the team behind Cat’s Cradle, reimagine this sci-fi masterpiece for a modern audience.

Running May 23 – July 13, 2025

$25 Previews: May 23 – June 1 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.)

$45 Regular Run: June 6 – July 13 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.); Military, senior, and student discounts available

Tickets can be purchased here.

Theatre Above the Law presents the Jeff Awards recommended play Matt & Ben by Mindy Kaling (The Office, Mindy Project) & Brenda Withers May 30-June 29 at The Jarvis Square Theater, 1439 W. Jarvis.

The comical play explores what if Matt Damon and Ben Affleck did not write Good Will Hunting but instead it fell from the ceiling, or sky as it were. This 75 minute play is performed by 2 local actresses as both Matt and Ben. Yes, both. The audience chooses each performance who will portray Matt and who will play Ben.

Performances are 7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm Sundays. Tickets are available at theatreatl.org. Use the discount code C-look into my eyes for $15 tickets (subject to availability, online only).

For questions, please email tony@theatreatl.org.

Youth & Teen

Volunteer at Care for Real with their Summer Teen program and make a difference in your community! Care for Real volunteers help serve neighbors in need at their brand new Edgewater location and their site in Rogers Park. With volunteer shifts for teens 6 days a week, they aim to have opportunities that work for your busy schedule. Their teen volunteers help carry Care for Real through the busiest season, packing groceries, helping distribute food, and assisting in their clothing closet. Teens age 14+ can come on their own to volunteer, or they can come with a parent/guardian.

Sign up for an account to schedule shifts to volunteer this summer. If you already have an account, search for the word "teen" under the events listing to choose your shifts. Invite a friend to join you or meet new people at CfR! They can sign off on any required hours for school or other service learning requirements.

Summer is almost here! Make sure your kids have a wild time - register them for Lifeline's summer drama camp! We'll build magical worlds as creatures and bugs of the forest, construct creative characters, imagine new worlds, and go on theatrical adventures!

Did you know that all of Lifeline Theatre's productions begin as books? Summer campers have the opportunity to follow Lifeline's unique model and create short plays. Brigade campers (6-10 year olds) will adapt the books Du Iz Tak? and The Perfect Plan, while Theatre Intensive campers (10-13 year olds) will collaborate as an ensemble and use the book Ten Word Tiny Tales to Inspire and Unsettle as a creative jumping off point for their original play. All campers will share their original pieces on the Lifeline stage on their final day of camp! 

Chicago nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) is now accepting Chicago teens for their Summer programs running June 23 - August 1. Teens ages 14-18 can choose from hundreds of programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, to discover their passions and develop new skills for life beyond high school.

This Summer: 

• Chicago teens ages 14 & 15 can choose from programs offering stipends for participation. 
• Chicago teens ages 16+ can choose from Internship programs, which will provide an hourly wage of $16.60/hour. 

Applications are now open and can be found here.

For more information about ASM and how you can support Chicago teens, visit: www.afterschoolmatters.org

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Student Advisory Council (SAC). The ISBE SAC provides students with an opportunity to build advocacy and leadership skills and lend their voices to policy development and important issues in education. The SAC meets with stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners virtually and in-person each month to examine research, brainstorm new ideas, and develop policy recommendations to present to the Board from a student perspective.​ You can learn more about the board on ISBE's Student Voices Page.

Applications are open until June 30th. You can apply here.

Hiring

Cook County is hiring! The Cook County Job Fair is on Thursday, June 26, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM for on-the-spot interviews and opportunities across multiple government sectors.

Secure your future in public service—register now here!

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626