Kelly's Update

We’re excited to share the video and survey from our Transit Town Hall with Reps. Ann Williams and Eva-Dina Delgado we held a couple of weeks ago. The survey is asking your opinion on several different options for financing the improvements needed to consolidate and reform our multiple transit oversight agencies. Keep in mind that we are charged with finding roughly $1.5 billion, which will require multiple sources of funding while keeping to the intention of the working group to ensure that the funding source should have a transit or transportation nexus. Your insights into the proposed sources will help us gauge the impact of various options, so do your best to select options that add up to our goal.

Last week, I was glad to meet Jim Montgomery, the new Director of the Prisoner Review Board to discuss their progress implementing the PRB reform bill we passed last session, with Rep. Will Guzzardi and Sen. Robert Peters taking the lead on the package that addressed structural reforms, expanded the pool of available candidates to serve on the board, required gender based violence training for board members, and for the first time in the history of the board, established procedures for victims and survivors to be included and considered in the board’s proceedings, among other broad changes intended to equip the board to address concerns raised by multiple high profile cases and successfully manage their broad mission.

On Wednesday, the House Ethics and Elections Committee met for a subject matter hearing entitled Voter Engagement: Aligning Local Elections and HB2718. We heard from national election experts about the impact of aligning local elections with state and national ones on voter turnout. Illinois is among 24 states that do not align their local elections with state and national elections which traditionally see lower voter turnout. We heard from experts who cited significantly higher voter turnout in areas that had aligned their local elections, and from others including the Chicago Board of Elections who pointed to cost and logistical challenges, including voter drop off from exceedingly long ballots while also acknowledging the administrative challenge of launching the ballot access process for municipal elections while preparing for the general election.

We moved into a discussion of HB2718, a bill that would establish mandatory participation in elections, but without any penalty for failing to do so. The discussion was very much a preliminary one, with pretty much everyone in agreement that increasing voter engagement is important and a worthy goal we should pursue, but with a wide array of reactions to the idea of a mandate with or without a penalty. The hearing was subject matter only, so no votes were scheduled or taken, and we anticipate the conversation will continue. 

We continue to work closely with the offices of Rep. Hoan Huyn, Sen. Mike Simmons, Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and Alderwoman Angela Clay in an effort to find a way to save Weiss Hospital. While the hospital is not in the 14th district, but 3685 residents of the district turned to the hospital for care in 2024, and we need as many voices as possible to stay on top of the appeals process underway to reinstate the hospital’s ability to treat Medicaid and Medicare patients. Last week, we joined together to continue to push the hospital’s current ownership to follow through with the CMS appeals process that is critical to restoring the hospital to full function, whether under the current ownership or new owners.

On Thursday, I was proud to stand with reproductive health colleagues including providers, advocates, and fellow elected officials to acknowledge the news that Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin had announced their intention to pause providing abortion services to their patients in an effort to sustain operations in light of federal policies revoking Medicaid billing eligibility for any health care provider who performs abortions. We stood with the new CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois Adrienne White-Faines, who in her 4th week in the role was assuring Illinois and Wisconsin patients that Illinois is prepared to provide the care they need here in Illinois. We were joined by leaders from the Chicago Abortion Fund along with independent and hospital based providers to announce their cooperative efforts to ensure none of these patients will fall through the cracks. In Illinois, Planned Parenthood of Illinois as well as Planned Parenthood Great Rivers which is based in Missouri but operates a clinic in Fairview Heights, IL, provide reproductive and gender affirming care to patients all over the state both in person and via telehealth. 

As we get closer to Veto Session in October, we will start to see committee hearings scheduled as well as legislative language related to issues we anticipate taking up this fall, including transit reform and a potential energy bill. We have multiple briefings scheduled between now and then on these and many other issues, including pending federal cuts to health care and SNAP food benefits among others.

Ribbon cutting for Mica's Mexican Restaurant

Ribbon cutting for new mural outside The Fish Keg

Ribbon cutting for new mural outside 7 Star Venue

Transit Town Hall Recap

(Left to right) Rep Ann Williams, Rep Kelly Cassidy, Rep Eva-Dina Delgado, and Amy Rynell of Active Transportation Alliance.

Last week, we hosted a Transit Town Hall at Center on Halsted partnered with Representative Ann Williams' office. We welcomed speakers Representative Eva-Dina Delgado and Amy Rynell, Executive Director of Active Transportation Alliance, to provide expert information about the topic. Rep. Williams' office also facilitated an interactive poll to survey support on various revenue proposals. The results were quite fascinating, there being support for a lot of the initiatives. You can find the results here.

Additionally, for our constituents who did not get to participate in the Town Hall, we'd like to offer you a chance to have your voice heard. We have converted our poll into a survey constituents can take. If interested in taking our Transit survey, please click here or visit bit.ly/ILTransitSurvey.

For a comprehensive recap of our Town Hall, you can visit Streetblog Chicago.

To view the Zoom recording of the Town Hall, visit here.

Please visit the following links if you would like access to the slides used during each presentation, as well as a one-pager provided by Active Transportation Alliance.

Rep. Delgado's Slide Presentation

Active Transport Alliance Slide Presentation

Active Transport Alliance One-Pager

Need to Know Info

We have added some new resources to our Know Your Rights Resources page. Keep up to date with new information by visiting our website.

This Saturday, Ald. Andre Vasquez is hosting a workshop for those who have expressed interest in joining efforts to support our immigrant communities in the 40th Ward and surrounding areas. To register for the event, please click here.

The Illinois Department on Aging is hosting constituent engagement sessions across Illinois to gather input on its Multi-Sector Plan for Aging. While the in-person events are out of district, please refer to the virtual option below!

Virtual (WebEx)

Thursday, October 2nd at 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Please click here to register.

The office of Alderwoman Maria Hadden is collaborating with Law Center for Better Housing and Northside Community Resources to host a Tenants Rights Training at Sullivan High School on Tuesday, October 14 at 6pm. Renters can come and learn about their rights and get their questions answered.

The office of Alderwoman Maria Hadden is collaborating with Cook County Clerk Spyropoulos to host an Expungement Information Session on Wednesday, October 8th. Constituents may come and learn about criminal record expungement for certain traffic and non-violent crimes.

We are one of many partners working with Alderman Andre Vasquez's office to co-host a shred event! Join us for a free community paper shredding event on Saturday, October 11th at 5333 N Western Ave from 11:30am-2pm (or until trucks are full).

We will also be partnering with Share our Spare and The Friendship Center to collect diapers, nursing materials, hygiene products, and non-perishables.

Additionally, we will be partnering with the Cook County Sheriff's Office to collect expired and unused medications! 

Interested in volunteering? We are searching volunteers to assist with: guiding vehicles, box collection, box breakdown, and shred assistance. Please note that volunteering at this event may require heavy lifting and standing for extended periods of time. Constituents can drop off up to two boxes of paper to shred. Hope to see you there!

For more information, please contact Santos Moreno at santos@40thward.org.

Last week, the Chicago Sun Times published this article detailing the status of loans allocated to help replace lead pipes within the city. As the city's lead pipe replacement programs continue, you can request a Lead Testing Kit from the Chicago Department of Water Management. This kit is free, and more information can be accessed here.

Neighborhood Shoutout

With the Edgewater Night Market closing out it's 2025 season tonight, we wanted to give a shoutout to Soap Box Co-op! Representative Cassidy had the pleasure of meeting this Chicago local, employee owned co-op that is aiming to create all natural, organic, and plastic free soap for our communities. Check out their products here!

District Events

The Rogers Park Singers is a small group of 15+ individuals with a variety of vocal ranges and experience levels who love to sing together. Their goal is to provide an opportunity for singers to participate in a choral community, improve individual vocal skills, and experience choral performances. RPS is an inclusive group that practices and performs a variety of genres, both sacred and secular. Members are not just from Rogers Park but come from across the city. The choir has developed a supportive and fun community while working hard on improving their skills and creating beautiful music. The choir rehearses on Saturdays from 12pm-1:30pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale) and performs occasionally at local community events and concerts. Anyone interested in the choir is encouraged to check out their website and fill out an interest form. Each 10 week session costs $120, but no interested members will be turned away for lack of experience or inability to pay the session fee.

Upcoming Fall 2025 Session Dates: October 4,11,18,25, November 1, 8, 15, 22

Family Matters partners with youth, families, and communities to cultivate a way of living in the world that develops strong relationships, meaningful communication, and safe environments for courageous social change.

Tutor-Mentors are matched in a one-to-one relationship with youth in grades 1-12. During the academic year, tutor-mentors meet with youth once per week (Monday through Thursday) for 90 minutes in the evening (from 6:30 to 8:00 PM). Tutor-Mentors are supported through individualized lesson plans and trainings.

If you are interested in volunteering you can learn more here or email pl@familymatterschicago.org.

Triton College is excited to be hosting a career fair on October 1st! This event will showcase careers opportunities in health care, manufacturing, hospitality, criminal justice, business and retail. Attendees are encouraged to bring clean, unfolded copies of their resume in a folder and to dress in professional attire.

Click HERE to register.

Join the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for the 21st annual Arts Weekend! The event kicks off Friday, October 3, with opening parties & artist receptions and continues through the weekend with 30+ local businesses hosting artists from across Chicago.

This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Todd Mack, beloved artist and founder of Foursided, whose visionary spirit and commitment to uplifting fellow creatives helped shape Andersonville’s artistic identity.

To learn more and see which artists will be displayed go to their website here.

Friends of the Edgewater Library is hosting its annual used book sale. All proceeds will support materials, services and programming at the branch. Hardcover titles will sell for $3 each or 2 for $5; paperbacks are $2 each or 3 for $5; and children's books are $0.50 each or 5 for $2. From 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a special rate of $5 to fill a bag! Cash and credit cards will be accepted. If possible, please bring your own bags.

Sunday October 5th from 2:00pm-5:00pm. The Andersonville Fall Wine Walk turns businesses throughout the district into wine tasting destinations!

Early Bird Tickets: $45 (Through 9/30)

Standard Tickets: $50

Check in location: Andersonville Chamber office at 5706 N Clark

Check in between 1PM-3:30PM

If you do not check in by 3:30PM, the tickets will be released at the check in location on a first come, first served basis

No Refunds or Exchanges / This event is rain or shine

There will be two routes. To purchase tickets and to see what comes with each route, visit their website.

Join the Chicago Northside AARP Community Group for an informational meeting on evaluating media news. Meeting options include in-person and on Zoom! Check out the above flyer for more details.

CMAA provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adult immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiency in both Chicago and Elgin. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on preparing students for workforce integration and participation in society. Higher-level students can attend civics-focused ESL classes that include information about citizenship, health resources, and community resources relevant to life in Chicago and beyond. All classes incorporate employability skills and workforce readiness, ensuring students are prepared for the Chicago job market or further education opportunities.

Classes are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings throughout the week, as well as on Saturdays. Fall classes begin on October 13th. Students are encouraged to commit to the full length of the class term for maximum benefit.

Please check out their website for more information and to sign up.

Get ready for Tailwind for Tools 2025, The Recyclery's annual fundraiser and bike party! Mark your calendars for October 19th, 3-7pm, at 1502 W Jarvis Ave, Chicago, just steps from Howard Street, where everyone is welcome. Join us for a celebration of our bike community with food, drinks, games, alley kitten races, live music, raffle prizes, and more. All proceeds support The Recyclery's programs to get more people on bikes, keep parts out of landfills, and promote sustainable communities.

October 19th

3pm-7pm

1502 W Jarvis

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.

A world premiere play by Kimberly Dixon-Mays and directed by Christopher Wayland:

In the pursuit of joy, does method matter? Two siblings - opposites and estranged - take one last shot at putting grief behind them to create the joy they both seek. But their daring project can only succeed if they can accept each other's special magic. A world premiere original play by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, Rabbits In Their Pockets began in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop.

Running September 6th-October 5th

Lifeline Theatre

6912 N Glenwood Ave

Tickets can be purchased here.

Raven Theatre is hosting 3 single-day theater camps on CPS days off - designed for kids who love stories, adventure, and imagination! From 9am-3pm, campers dive into the worlds of their favorite books, exploring characters, plots, and magical adventures through acting, movement, improv, and hands-on projects. For more information and to register, click here!

Here’s The Exit is thrilled to present the Chicago premiere of wayfinding by Whitney Rowland, an exquisite new story about grief, connection, and finding the way home. Jane is an emotionally-numbed new widow. Harrison is an inattentive, self-sabotaging fiancé. In seeking escape, these two strangers collide, tangling their life lines and setting them on a time-bending journey. Catch this new show at the Berger Park Coach House (6216 N. Sheridan Road) from October 6th-18th!

Based on the book by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Originally published by Simon & Schuster, used with the permission of Pippin Properties Inc

Adapted by ensemble member James E. Grote

Music and lyrics by George Howe

Directed by ensemble member Amanda Link

It’s Halloween! Duck, Pig, Cow, and Hen can’t wait to throw a party. But when mean ol’ Farmer Brown refuses to allow the festivities, it’s going to take some clever trickery to enjoy the tasty treats. Join the beloved barnyard crew as they teach Farmer Brown that sometimes a little scare can be big fun, in this musical adaptation from the beloved Click, Clack, Moo series. 

Recommended for kids 5 and up and their families. Click Clack BOO! is the fifth musical adaptation in Lifeline’s popular Click Clack Moo series.

For more information and tickets click here.

Weekly Markets

The Edgewater Monday market is Chicago's only Monday farmers market featuring a diverse lineup of more than 40 vendors, including food, activities and more!

The market is every Monday from 3pm - 7pm through the month of September in the Broadway Armory parking lot (5917 N. Broadway).

The last 2025 Edgewater Monday Market will be TODAY-Monday, September 29th.

Check out a list of vendors here.

The Andersonville Farmers Market is back at a brand new location at 1500 W Winona! The market will be there every Wednesday through October 22nd from 3pm to 7pm featuring over 40 local vendors!

The last 2025 Andersonville Farmers Market will be Wednesday, October 22nd.

Click here for a list of vendors and pop up vendors!

Glenwood Sunday Market (GSM) is a farmers market in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, devoted to providing local, sustainably grown, and produced foods that are also organic whenever possible. Composed entirely of farmers and food artisans who work in a local food shed, their mission is to make sustainable, regionally produced foods accessible to the whole community. 

The last 2025 Glenwood Sunday Market will be Sunday, October 26th.

You can learn more about vendors and food access programs here!

Youth & Teen

Need help with your homework? Want to improve your math, writing, or reading skills? The Teacher in the Library is back at the Rogers Park Library!

Location: Rogers Park Library, 6907 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626

The Teacher will be available at the following times:

Monday, 4 PM to 7 PM.

Tuesday, 4 PM to 6 PM.

Wednesday, 4 PM to 7 PM.

Thursday, 4 PM to 6 PM.

For more information, call (312) 744-0156.

The Teacher in the Library is funded by the Chicago Public Library Foundation, 

dedicated to the curious.

Fight Like a Girl is a boxing and leadership development program that helps girls aged 10 and up build confidence, develop a growth mindset, and, build healthy habits. Participants will learn the fundamentals of boxing and how to transfer lessons from boxing into other areas of their lives. Fight Like a Girl is run by Box United, a nonprofit on a mission to help girls use boxing to build physical and mental well-being.

The following locations are free programs for all Chicago girls.

North Side: Rogers Park 

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 PM
• Loyola Park Field House: 1230 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

South Side: South Shore 

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 PM 
• Pump High Energy Fitness Center: 1945 E 71st Street 

*The first 30 minutes of program each day is reserved for homework or individual training. Coaches will be available to provide academic support during this time. If fighter's don't have homework, they are able to practice boxing independently or with a coach until group training starts at 4pm.

ComEd today announced it is now accepting applications for $175,000 worth of college and trades scholarships made available through its Future of Energy scholarship program. Now through November 16, 2025, students who are pursuing a future career in energy, either through a trades training program or a STEM-related college major, can apply for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

The Future of Energy scholarship program offers financial assistance to cover tuition and education-related expenses for both college and trade programs. The program awards up to $10,000 for college STEM programs, and up to $2,500 for trades schools, such as electrical and line work, HVAC, mechanic/electric vehicle, drafting and design, and plumbing and construction. In addition to the financial award, selected applicants enrolled in a college program may also be eligible for internship opportunities with ComEd.

To qualify for scholarships, students must be enrolled in an eligible two or four-year college or trade program, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8, and submit an application along with two references. Find more information or apply for the ComEd Future of Energy scholarship at ComEd.com/FutureofEnergy.

For more information on ComEd's workforce and education programs, please visit ComEd.com/CleanEnergyJobs.

Hiring

Click the image above for full job description document.

Chicago House empowers persons living with or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS to

lead healthy and dignified lives, through housing and compassionate,

client-centered support services. They are hiring a paralegal:

The paralegal will assist the legal director in providing holistic and

affirming legal services, self-help legal assistance, and legal education to transgender and gender expansive people; assist policy advocacy efforts and support the overall mission of the TransLife Cares Program. This position is primarily remote but will require some in person work including staffing drop in clinics on the north, west and south sides of Chicago. The primary practice areas of the program are legal name changes, public benefits appeals,

criminal records sealing and expungement, employment law (wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment) and housing and public accommodations discrimination.

Click on image above to obtain full job listing.

The PRB is currently seeking candidates for a newly-created Commissioner role. Commissioners must be attorneys licensed in the State of Illinois. This is a part-time contractual role that will be paid an hourly rate. 

Illinois Senate Bill 19, which recently became law, allows the PRB to “appoint commissioners to assist it in such manner as it directs and may discharge them at will.” Commissioners must be attorneys licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. They are required to take trainings at the start of their service and before they take part in any hearings, as well as continuing education throughout the year. Commissioners will be compensated for the training hours. The PRB is in the process of identifying an initial group of Commissioners to help pilot this new role. During this pilot phase, the precise work that Commissioners will perform is subject to change.

To apply or learn more about this opportunity, please email a resume, including a list of references, to the PRB Chief of Staff, Melissa Brandenburg at Melissa.m.brandenburg@illinois.gov. 

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.

The MWRD is an award-winning wastewater and stormwater management agency. They have been protecting Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and other local waterways from pollution for over 130 years. Also, for 20 years they have been leading efforts to reduce flooding throughout the Chicago region. They have contributed to technological advances that have changed how the world treats wastewater and how communities manage stormwater and flooding.

If you are looking for new career opportunities, consider the MWRD. You can visit their online employment center to apply and learn more about employment opportunities and the selection process. 

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626