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As we drove home Friday afternoon, the ride was silent in spite of how full the car was. In addition to my usual carpool partner, Kyle Hillman who lives in the neighborhood and works for the National Association of Social Workers, Candace and Jack joined me this week, but between the tiredness related to Election Day this week and the full schedule of committee hearings Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, there wasn’t a lot left over for small talk on the ride home. Even Jack snored most of the way. I had planned to write my newsletter update on the way home, but I realized too late that I’d not charged my ipad battery and took the metaphor to heart and told the team this week’s newsletter would be a Monday/Spring Break special edition.
We’re on break this week for spring break and the Easter holiday. Ironically enough, none of the kids are on break this week! I’m looking forward to catching up on some long neglected tasks at home and in-district as well as maybe finding a chance to see friends who aren’t Springfield based.
I was proud to stand with several of my House and Senate colleagues at a rally of sexual assault service providers organized by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault reminding lawmakers and the Governor’s office that the funding for these agencies has been flat for over two decades, combined with a massive cut at the federal level that has led to dramatically reduced access to advocates, with 15 more hospitals losing access to sexual assault survivor advocates this year alone. Increasing their funding to $20 million/year will help to make up the shortfall and allow the 30 sexual assault crisis centers and 57 satellite offices to continue to serve survivors when they most need support.
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Last week, we advanced a few more bills out of committee, including the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s priority policy bill, HB5417, the Treatment & Linkage to Care (HIV TLC) Act, seeks to eliminate barriers to speedy access to care, require insurance coverage for home test kits, and ensure that jails and prisons are providing education, testing, and treatment for some of the most vulnerable populations for infection. In addition, we advanced four other bills:
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HB4959 - will establish a Creative Economy Task Force in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to explore ways to strengthen opportunities for the arts in our state economy
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HB5377 - represents ongoing implementation clean up issues as the state works towards implementation of the Community Emergency Services and Support Act that will ultimately create a statewide system of mental health first responders
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HB5431 - will eliminate the use of restraints on pregnant people in custody and prohibit the use of Electronic Monitoring ankle bracelets during labor and delivery, or in instances where a physician indicates a health risk. Powerful testimony from Shanice Paige of the Women’s Justice Institute about her experience of pregnancy in custody and labor and delivery with a heavy bracelet that her leg had swelled to fill uncomfortably was incredibly compelling. It was her first time testifying before a legislative committee in her new role as Reclamation Specialist and Care Coordinator, but you never would have known it. Sharing something that personal and painful is never easy, but her poise and determination to protect others from repeating her experience shone through.
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HB5373 will begin to address some of the ways our attempt to respond to the opioid crisis have actually made things worse by limiting the use of the Prescription Management Program to clinical use only unless there is a specific crime being investigated to cut down on harassment of physicians who specialize in treatment of chronic pain and aligning Illinois’ prescription thresholds with current CDC recommendations for chronic pain management.
This is another bill that’s very close to my heart as it was brought to me by a constituent who came to us in desperation after losing access to the medication she relies on to function due to her multiple chronic conditions. It has taken us too long to get to this stage of being able to advance the bill as there remain some within the state regulatory framework who don’t believe that the current system has led to more people seeking drugs on the illicit market, leading to more overdoses. The CDC has updated their guidance to reflect the reality that through appropriately regulated access to pain medication, chronic pain (as opposed to acute pain) patients can achieve higher quality of life with less risk of addiction and overdose than those driven to seek relief in the illicit market. Kat Hatziavramidis shared in painful detail the impacts lack of access to physicians and medication has on her life, essentially making being sick a full time job. She spoke of physicians who left the practice of pain management after relentless harassment by law enforcement and regulators, calling all over the state to find a pharmacy with her medication in stock and frequently needing to drive hours out of her way when she did find her meds. She shared fears of losing friends to overdose or suicide when the work of being sick became too much to bear. Having worked with Kat and some of her colleagues for the last 3 years, I have often found myself overwhelmed with the urgency of the task to help secure their access to care, and just as often inspired by their drive to fix the broken system that’s causing them such harm. We are still negotiating some of the provisions with state agencies, but feel great to have made this huge step forward. Sen. Laura Fine is ready to catch the bill if we’re able to get it over to the Senate, so we’ll be in good hands.
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(pictured above is Kat Hatziavramidis and Thomas Curran who both testified and expressed their story) | |
While I’ve got a moderate schedule of meetings and stuff this week, I’m hoping to get at least a little bit of time out in the yard getting things ready for spring. My list includes cleaning off the patio, addressing the regular supply of debris that makes it inside the garden, inspecting/cleaning containers and figuring out how much potting soil to get…and way too much more, but hopefully I’ll get at least one of those things done before we go back to session on April 2nd (and opening day on 4/1…Go Cubs!!). | |
District Staffer Carlos Visits the Capitol | |
Our District Staffer Carlos visited the capitol last week for his first visit since he was eight years old! He has since traded the long gone days of gleefully rolling about on the capitol lawn for a gleeful stroll, House of Representatives staff badge equipped (pictured above), through the Illinois Capitol corridors. He sampled all the different flavors of Capitol life from dining at Springfield classics, taking part in the ICASA rally (read more about it above), and hanging out in the coolest, most coziest, and certainly most awesomest capitol office around (that being team 14's). All in all, Carlos had a memorable, illuminating, and inspiring trip downstate. | |
Eclipse Glasses Available at our District Office! | |
Our office currently has a supply of Eclipse Glasses for the solar eclipse on April 8! Supplies are limited, so please call ahead at 773-784-2002 or email info@repcassidy.com and state the number of glasses you would like reserved. Our district office is located at 1507 W. Morse Ave and our office hours are 9AM-5PM Monday-Thursday. | |
Rogers Park Township Property Tax Appeals Workshop | |
Jayden Perkins Family Support Fund | |
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*The Description Below is Adapted From the Jayden Perkins Family Support Fund Donation Page*
"The Jayden Perkins family support fund was created in loving memory of Jayden Perkins, an 11-year-old student whose untimely loss has left our community devastated, we have created this fund to support his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Jayden was a cherished member of both the Peirce Elementary and Gus Giordano communities. He was known for his love of spending time with friends, playing sports, and performing. His infectious laughter and kind heart touched the lives of everyone he met.
His mother, Laterria Smith, was a beloved member of the Peirce Elementary staff for several years before transitioning to the medical field. As a recess coach at Peirce Elementary, Laterria made a lasting impact on the lives of students, supporting them in their daily activities and fostering a sense of belonging. Now, as Laterria navigates her role in the medical field, we stand united in offering our support and condolences to her and her family during this difficult time of loss and grief.
Jayden's younger brother is a student at Peirce Elementary. Together, they shared a special bond, and Jayden's presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Jayden was an exceptional young man, respected by his peers and admired by his teachers. He excelled academically, earning straight A's and consistently making the honor roll. He was also deeply involved in extracurricular activities, participating in cross country, football, and the arts. Jayden had a passion for performing and theater, and he had the lead role in several school plays, including "Finding Nemo" at Peirce Elementary.
In addition to his academic and artistic talents, Jayden was known for his leadership qualities and compassionate nature. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and had a knack for resolving conflicts among his friends. His positive energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Please join us in honoring Jayden's memory and supporting his family during this difficult time. Your contributions to the Jayden Perkins Family Support Fund will help provide financial assistance to his family as they navigate this tragic loss. Together, we can offer comfort and compassion to Jayden's family and ensure that Jayden's legacy lives on in our hearts forever.
Thank you for your generosity and support."
To contribute to this support fund, visit the following LINK.
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Chicago Police Department Tip Submission | |
If you have information to share about a crime, you can now send anonymous tips through www.CPDTIP.com. The Chicago Police Department can reward up to $1,000 for a tip leading to a felony from Cook County Crime Stoppers. As always, for emergency services call 911. | |
Chinese Mutual Aid Association Seeking Tutors | |
The Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is looking for volunteer tutors for Adult English and Citizenship learners! If you have a passion for helping new arrivals and want to make a meaningful difference in your community, get involved with CMAA. Interested? Email tutoring@chinesemutualaid.org | |
Our office (1507 W. Morse) will serve as a drop off location for The Diaper and Menstrual Care Drive that will support Care for Real. We are accepting drop offs Monday - Friday from 9am-5pm. Please call 773-784-2002 to make sure we will be in the office. | |
One Summer Chicago Now Accepting Applications | |
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Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) have launched the One Summer Chicago (OSC) application portal. OSC aims to connect an additional 4,000 young people to jobs this summer.
Access the portal at OneSummerChicago.org
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Chicago Coalition for the Homeless 2024 Scholarship | |
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The Chicago Park District is hosting a series of summer opportunity fairs for teens. Teens can earn a paycheck, make friends, keep active, have fun, and make a difference by working in the parks!
A variety of employment opportunities are available to suit all interests, schedules, and experience levels.
Positions available for Chicago residents ages 16 and older include Lifeguard, Recreation Leader (for Day Camp), and Junior Laborer (landscape maintenance). Additional positions are available for ages 18+.
To learn more visit the following LINK.
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Wild Onion Market General Manager | |
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The Wild Onion Market is accepting applications for its first General manager Position.
Per the job description: The General Manager (GM) plays a pivotal role in leading our cooperatively owned grocery store to achieve the mission, vision, and Policy Governance as articulated by the Wild Onion Market Board of Directors and ownership. This is an onsite, store-based role with extensive public contact in a dynamic environment.
To learn more about this position, visit the following LINK.
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
1507 W. Morse Ave
Chicago IL 60626
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773-784-2002 (phone)
Info@repcassidy.com
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