Kelly's Update

Last week was our last session week until March 18th. We will be back in the districts for the next two weeks, but continuing the work of negotiating bill amendments and lining up supporters and witnesses in anticipation of the two week sprint to the committee deadline when we return. 

We were able to advance one bill through committee, HB4826 that would improve the quality of continuing professional education by prohibiting licensed professionals from claiming continuing education credits for trainings on practices or procedures that are prohibited in the state of Illinois. Republicans on the committee questioned whether this was needed and tried to characterize it as interference with professional organizations that are authorized to provide training, even though we already have laws and rules concerning content and qualifications for these training organizations. A dental hygienist who listened in on the hearing and heard opponents try to characterize it as unnecessary reached out on Friday to share a real world example she has encountered. Some states allow licensed dental hygienists to administer Botox injections, but Illinois does not, yet she regularly sees ads for training on the topic that do not apply to the scope of practice for dental hygienists in Illinois.

I also presented HR697, calling for the Department of Justice and the Trump administration to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, condemning the corrupt and careless manner with which they conducted redactions that resulted in more than 100 survivors’ identities being revealed, and denouncing the ways that the Attorney General and the Department have surveilled and interfered with members of Congress’ legally guaranteed oversight rights by tracking their reviews of the unredacted files and keeping notes on the documents they examined. On the House floor on Wednesday, I made clear that unlike the current administration, I do not want to protect anyone who has trafficked and abused children regardless of their party affiliation: they should all be brought to justice and stripped of any positions of power or influence.

Video of Kelly presenting HR697

What I didn’t know as I was working with caucus staff on the Epstein resolutions was that one of my colleagues, Rep. Harry Benton, was about to be abruptly removed from the House Democratic Caucus and stripped of all committee assignments. I, along with everyone I spoke to in our caucus learned about this through the media, so reliable information is limited. While the events leading up to that decision remain unclear and will likely end up a subject of a Legislative Inspector General investigation, the rumor mill immediately kicked into high gear, with many assuming that we’ve got another #MeToo issue under the dome. I spoke with colleagues who were honestly feeling a bit of flashback at the possibility that we could once again be dealing with inappropriate sexual behavior and/or harassment. I get that and had my own feelings of sadness and frustration on contemplating the possibility. 

But more than anything else, as I moved through the Capitol and heard folks speculating, my mind turned to not only the possible victims in this instance, but all of the people still working in the building who went through the scandals of the Madigan era. I’m still in contact with folks who shared their experiences of misconduct and harassment from that time and more than anything wanted to tell folks who were casually speculating about this as the hot topic of the week rather than an event that may have forever changed someone’s life and career that they should be aware that they could be talking to a victim, or in earshot of one and to please resist the urge to trivialize or sensationalize the situation. This stuff isn’t sport and it’s not political theater. It’s people’s lives and livelihoods. Honestly, one of the things that often keeps people from coming forward is to avoid becoming a subject of office gossip. 

Need to Know Info

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.

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.

Join Mike Quigley's Office for an important immigration community forum at the Mundelein Center for Performing Arts at Loyola University's northside campus. In anticipation of increased CBP and ICE activity, multiple levels of government and organizations will provide updates to the community at large on what is happening and the different approaches being taken to protect our communities.

There will be a series of panels, including one hosted by Kelly! Please submit your questions at registration. There will also be an opportunity to submit questions prior to the event's start.

The event is free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Doors open at 9:00 AM

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.

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

Click the image above for a downloadable PDF

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, including on Election Day.

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

40th Ward Early Voting Location: Budlong Woods Library

49th Ward Early Voting Location: Willye B. White Park

48th Ward Early Voting Location: Broadway Armory

50th Ward Early Voting Location: Northtown Library

Same Day Registration is available at all Early Voting sites, including 51 sites open as Vote Centers on Election Day. You will need two forms of ID, one with your current address - click here for acceptable forms of ID.

Early voters may choose to vote in one of 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. 

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

Roots & Ritual is a mother-daughter owned shop with an intentional and curated selection of goods that bring everyday magic to life, including witchcraft supplies, tarot decks, books, perfumes, teas, art prints, candles, and more. They also host regular community events and workshops. Previously in a shop on Kedvale, they are moving into the connected storefront to Solar Intentions at 1056 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

They will be having a ribbon cutting on March 21st from 11:00am-5pm!

District Events

Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) is joining forces with other friendly neighborhood organizations to host North Side Restaurant Week. Participants will be able to discover hidden gems with diverse tastes within each community all while supporting local businesses.

Restaurants in Rogers Park, Albany Park, Edgewater, Lincoln Square/Ravenswood and Northcenter will each offer a fixed-price menu highlighting their cuisine, with offerings that may include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Savor all the wide range of dining options throughout the week with flavors spanning the globe – from Argentinian, French, Indian, Italian, Cambodian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Mexican, Salvadorean, Senegalese, Thai, to southern comfort food, new American classics and more.

You can find menus and participating restaurants here.

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.

Power Construction is leading the development of Loyola University Chicago’s new 196,000-SF, six-story sciences and nurse training facility. Local residents and businesses are invited to get connected with local opportunities to be hired.

New to the trades, building your career, or running a small business? Attend Power Construction’s Open House at Loyola, meet top organizations and get seen by exhibitors like Chicago Women in Trades, HACIA, HIRE360, Revolution Workshop, Lewis Institute for Workforce Education, Metropolitan Family Services, Loyola Facilities, union construction trades, City of Chicago agencies and more!

Registration is helpful but not required, you can register here.

Northtown Garden Society will be hosting a virtual tour of Graceland Cemetery, led by Amanda Piotrowski, on Thursday, March 5th at 7 p.m. The event will be held at Warren Park (6601 N Western Ave), and will be all about this pivotal Chicago landmark. For more information, check out their website here.

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

Tree House is proud to partner with the Chicagoland Humane Coalition in offering free TNVR surgeries and $60 off spay/neuter surgeries for owned pet cats from March 10–13. This opportunity is available to residents of 60645, 60639, 60659, 60625, 60626, 60651, and 60644.

You can learn more and schedule appointments here.

The LAST Edgewater Indoor Market is on Saturday, March 14th! Stop by Broadway Armory from 10am-2pm to check out and support local businesses at the market.

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

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.

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.

Hiring

Chicago Animal Care and Control is hiring for two full-time positions:

• Animal Care Clerk – apply by March 12

• Staff Assistant – apply by March 13

These roles support daily shelter operations, serve the public, and help ensure the care and safety of animals in Chicago.

What will you do as an Animal Care Clerk?

Assist with animal intake, adoptions, and return to owner services

Provide customer service and guidance on CACC programs

Manage records, transactions, and front desk operations

What will you do as a Staff Assistant?

Support executive and departmental operations

Help develop and implement policies and procedures

Serve as a liaison and support leadership initiatives

Are you a team player?

Ready to make a difference for Chicago’s animals and residents?

Important: You must apply online through the City of Chicago’s careers site, applications are not accepted in person at the shelter.

Apply online: chi.gov/caccjobs

Pure Brite Facility Services is hiring Part Time Day Porters to support daily cleaning operations at Skokie School District 73.5. The ideal candidate will help maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for students and staff.

Qualifications

Must be 25 years of age or older

Minimum 6 months of cleaning experience preferred (training available for those without experience)

Must speak English (bilingual candidates encouraged to apply)

Must successfully complete:

o State-mandated fingerprint background check through the School District

o State-mandated DCFS background check

o Identification: ID (DL, State ID Permanent ID, Social Security Card, ITIN

You can apply in person at 1523 W Morse Ave

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