Kelly's Update

We’re really in the home stretch now. Now that Senate bills have advanced out of committees, we’ll start to see longer stretches of floor time as bills reach final negotiations and are ready for a full vote. I’m taking advantage of good weekend weather to get everything finalized in the garden and then hope for the best while the rest of the household takes care of watering duties in my absence. If you’re on my social media, you may have seen that I expanded the garden to my Springfield apartment fire escape. Last Thursday, I didn’t have any late committees and needed to get a new fridge for the office (it’s a very sad story), so headed over to see what I could find. Of course, the Lowe’s I found also had a garden center, so I decided to give myself a little something to take care of for the next few weeks and got 2 jalapeño plants and a self watering patio container. It’s entirely possible that a farmers market plant or two might end up joining Holly and Penny out there before too long. If you’ve never been to the Springfield Farmers Market and get a chance to go, do it. It’s a really great market and folks come as much for the wandering and people watching as anything they’re there to buy!

Kelly's Springfield plants, Holly and Penny!

While I do not sit on any appropriations committees anymore, we’re starting to dig more deeply into the budget. For months, a group of colleagues has been meeting to discuss concerns about the need to address federal cuts and increased costs while avoiding doing so on the backs of those who can least afford it. When I voted against the Mega Projects/Bears bill, it was largely informed by how many times in recent months I’ve sat with service providers, advocates, and stakeholders and had to say that in spite of their program clearly being something worthy of support, we’re going to have a really tough budget cycle, with even more pain looming next year. Finding ways to raise sufficient revenue to provide the services our residents need, while also allowing the state to explore economic development initiatives, should be top of mind.

As we prepare for the long session days ahead, I’m also struck by a recent development in Tennessee. The Republican majority retaliated against almost every member of the Democratic caucus for protesting the racially gerrymandered maps recently adopted during a special session by stripping them of all committee memberships and access to staff until November 2026. In Tennessee, committees and subcommittees continue to meet post adjournment, meaning that substantive work will be conducted without Democratic representation on those panels. In addition, committee staff are a vital resource for research and drafting support, further disadvantaging those members.

It’s the blatant disregard for any semblance of respect for the constitution, the rule of law, and common decency that honestly just takes my breath away. I know members of the Tennessee Democratic caucus from my work with national reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ organizations and have spoken about the differences in our legislative experiences. When they describe the frustrations of operating in a super minority and talk about the ways their super-majority Republican caucus operates, I can’t help but think about my Republican colleagues and how frustrating their experiences can be not having the power to enact the policies they want to pursue. 

But what’s happening in Tennessee and in other Republican controlled legislatures around the country goes far beyond that: I truly can’t imagine our Speaker or Senate President excluding our Republican colleagues from the public business of our chambers. Calling out blatant abuses of power is all of our jobs right now, and what’s happening in Tennessee should alarm everyone. As a dear former colleague now living there recently said, “This is a five alarm fire!” The very principles of democracy are being undermined and attacked at every turn. The escalation shown by the Tennessee House is not a one off - it’s a test to see how much we’ll let them get away with. This is not a time to look away and hope it doesn’t affect us. 

In contrast to what we’re seeing in Tennessee, one of the things I have always been proud to point to is my record of working in a very intentionally bipartisan fashion. Prior to the passage of the Reproductive Health Act in 2019, I had never had a strictly partisan roll call. It was something I had approached purposefully, and honestly the effort of working every roll call on the other side of the aisle has paid benefits in so many ways. I have real and meaningful friendships with folks who I share little in common with beyond our shared humanity. I have the trust of members of that caucus who seek to partner with me to find common ground on issues they are passionate about. Probably most importantly, I have the opportunity to learn about parts of the state I’ve never visited and gain an understanding of the ways our lives are similar and different. 

While we are definitely more polarized than we’ve ever been in my 15 years in the House, there is still opportunity for collaboration and respectful debate between our two caucuses.  Sometimes that takes a little more effort, and it can carry a bit more risk as well in an area where cooperation can be cynically characterized as capitulation. We’ve seen that play out here in attacks against members in the minority caucus who believe in working collaboratively. 

All of that said, it bears repeating that working across the aisle simply does not extend to compromising on anyone’s right to exist. Whether we’re talking about attacks on the voting rights act aimed at returning to Jim Crow era policies, criminalizing accessing reproductive health care, or demonizing and targeting our transgender siblings, frankly you can lose me with suggestions that there’s room for compromise. Here’s a compromise: I’ll acknowledge your humanity if you acknowledge mine. 

Speaking of the last 15 years, this weekend marked the 15th anniversary of my first day in the House. In some ways, it feels like yesterday. That said, 15 years of 3 ½ hour drives feels exactly the way you’d think it does too. The commute has its drawbacks but it remains the most challenging, satisfying, and meaningful work I’ve ever done (and I’ve learned to enjoy the chance to see hawks soaring and appreciate the agricultural cycle as the fields along I-55 change). Last week, I was able to spend a few minutes with a group of students from Peirce School who were in town for their 8th grade trip. Two questions stood out: one from a young person with blue hair who told me their mom said to look for me by finding the person with matching hair and wondered why I’d changed my color, and another who asked me what bill I was most proud of passing. In some ways, I really don’t have a favorite, or a consistent favorite because there are so many things both big and small that have had an impact I am proud of. In this instance, I asked them if they’d noticed the red life rings all along the lakefront that started appearing in 2022 and they all had. I shared the backstory of the bill that made them happen - the years of effort to convince the Chicago Park District to do the right thing as neighbors experienced tragic and preventable deaths in our lake, the neighbors who took matters into their own hands to install life rings themselves that the park district repeatedly removed, and the remarkable feeling whenever the rings save another life. The kids were rather gobsmacked at the idea that the Park District refused to do the right thing in the first place and like me, wondered why we needed a law.

I’m looking forward to Wednesday’s Home Stretch Virtual Town Hall (and really hoping the session schedule doesn’t throw a wrench into things). If things get weird, we’ll figure it out, even if I’m zooming with you from the break room in the back of the chamber between debates! I am very thankful to Leader Will Guzzardi for joining us to share his perspective as both a Budgeteer and a Progressive Caucus leader, as well as Rep. Lindsay LaPointe who will share updates on her work as a leader of the bicameral Affordability and Tax Justice Coalition seeking sustainable ways to raise revenue to meet the challenges brought on by federal funding cuts. This is a bit of an experiment brought on by the challenges of staying connected to the district during the busiest stretches of session, so bear with us as we work out the kinks. 

Need to Know Info

Join our office on Wednesday May 20th from 6:00pm-7:30pm for a virtual town hall. We will be giving updates on Kelly's bills, the budget, and the end of session, with guest speakers State Representative Lindsey LaPointe and State Representative Will Guzzardi. We would also like to hear from constituents, let us know what topics you want to hear about when you register, and take the opportunity to ask our office a question! You can scan the QR code above or follow this link to register for our town hall. Zoom links will be sent out the day of the event. 

With Summer right around the corner now is a great time to start thinking about signing up to use our Museum Pass! Summer is always an exciting time to visit any of our local Chicago museums and the museum pass is good for up to 4 visitors to get free general admission. You must be a constituent to reserve the pass.

You can sign up here to reserve the museum pass!

The Pokémon Fossil Museum Exhibition will make its North American debut at the Field Museum on May 22, 2026! This exhibition is not included in general admission and requires a separate ticket. 

Learn more about the exhibit and purchase tickets here.

On May 1, many Illinois SNAP customers lost benefits due to new restrictions imposed by the federal government. Customers who lost their benefits can find out if they may qualify for an exemption and how to meet work requirements by working, volunteering, and/or participating in a training or education program here: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

For additional information on who is subject to the SNAP Work Requirement, exemptions from the SNAP Work Requirement, and more please reference this SNAP Work Requirements & Exemptions FAQ and use the SNAP Work Requirements Screener.

The Network established the Survivor Fund to address critical gaps in the safety net for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking.

Eligibility requirements, application processes, and amount of funding available vary depending on the current funder(s) and grants. 

The basic eligibility to receive funding is that you are a victim/survivor of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking and/or human trafficking and you have not received funding from The Network in the last 12 months. To learn more about their Survivor Fund, see https://the-network.org/survivor-fund/.  

Summer EBT is back to help eligible families access food during the summer months.  Each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120.  

Most eligible children will receive benefits automatically, while some households may need to apply.  

Visit abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal to: 

• Use the screener to check eligibility 

• Find out if you need to apply 

• Get the latest Summer EBT updates

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The CityArts Program aims to support a diverse group of arts and culture nonprofits reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape through flexible and strategic grant funding. Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts grants.

In 2026, the CityArts Program will offer two types of grants:

• General Operating Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations
• Project Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations

You can learn more and apply here.

The Queer Future project will be asking participants at North Side Queer Pride

2026 to imagine, write, draw, print-make, and tell stories through

interviews about visions of the future as we imagine it. Using various

mediums for art-making, community members will be asked to respond to

the question: "What is the queerest possible future you can image?" Fest

goers that participate will get to contribute to a larger collaborative zine,

as well as assemble smaller take-home art pieces during the festival.

Interested contributors can email ghostmelonart@proton.me

North Side Queer Pride is also looking for volunteers to help throughout the weekend! If you are interested in volunteering for the North Side's newest Pride event you can use the QR code above or follow this link!

Neighborhood Shoutout

Rogers Park Business Alliance went all around Rogers Park last week to welcome five new businesses and the latest art initiative on Camino Clark to the neighborhood! Welcome to High Voltage Records, the PR Method Fitness, Wheelie Good Bikes, Max Foods and Tobacco, and Thrifty Whiskers, we are so excited to have you in the neighborhood.

District Events

Berger Park is offering a slew of dance, yoga, and fitness classes this summer! Offered by Alight Movement, these 8-10 week courses begin on June 15th, 2026. Scan the QR code above for more information!

The Jarvis Square Artisan Market returned this past Saturday, May 16th, bringing even more creativity, connection and community spirit to the heart of the neighborhood.

Stroll through a thoughtfully curated mix of local artisans, makers and small businesses showcasing everything from handcrafted goods and original art to one-of-a-kind gifts and delicious gourmet treats. Come for the shopping, stay for the community.

Calling all Rogers Park Township property owners! Free one-on-one property tax appeal help will be available at the 50th Ward Office on Tuesday, May 19 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Rogers Park Township property owners are invited to meet with analysts and receive help filing tax appeals. Due to high demand, pre-registration will be required.

You can use the link here to register.

Now is your chance to say it like it is, and just get it off your chest! Join your host Sid Kingston with special guest Winter Diorr for this month's B*tch & Wine at Taste Wine and Food, 1506 W Jarvis at 7:00pm. This month's theme is Mother, for anyone who's been one, had one, lost one, or redefined on.

You can sign up to B*tch & Wine here.

The 24th District is excited to announce its May 2026 movie feature: We Grown Now! The screening will take place at the 24th District Police Station (6464 N Clark) at 1:00 p.m. on May 20. Spots are limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible by emailing Daniel.Gajewski@chicagopolice.org.

Announced on International Jazz Day, the Red Line Jazz Project is a new public arts initiative that brings live jazz performances into CTA Red Line stations and nearby community spaces across Chicago. Curated by acclaimed musician and Mandala Artist-in-Residence Fareed Haque, the series transforms everyday transit environments into sites of cultural exchange—creating moments of connection for commuters and neighborhood residents alike.

The project opens on Thursday, May 21 with:

• Howard Station (4–6 PM)

• Pottawattamie Park (6–8 PM)

The full schedule includes:

• June 25, 6–8 PM — Mahalia Jackson Court (79th)

• July 2, 4–6 PM — Sox-35th Station

• July 30, 4–6 PM — Cermak–Chinatown Station

• July 30, 5–7 PM — Chinatown Visitor Center

• August 13, 4–6 PM — Argyle Station

• August 27, 6–8 PM — Taylor Park

• September 10, 4–6 PM — 95th/Dan Ryan Station

Join Families Together (1500 W Elmdale) for a messy morning playtime on Saturday, May 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. You and your child will have the opportunity to participate in sensory play through playdough, paint, and more, to learn how play-based learning supports children's development. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to businessmanager@ftcns.org.

If you are looking for a way to connect with non-profits in the 49th Ward, great news! Jarvis Square will be hosting a Match-Up Market at Jarvis/Greenview on Saturday, May 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants can meet local non-profits and learn about the many opportunities to get involved in the City of Chicago. Feel free to email charmersonjarvis@gmail.com to participate as a non-profit.

Join Minyoli Taiwanese Noodles (5420 N Clark St) for an evening of drag and delicious Taiwanese eats on May 26th from 6-8pm!

Hosted by Holly Berry Blossom & Ryne Stone and featuring the talents of Stariana, Phillippe Mignon, and Sleepie!

Tickets are $40 if you pre-order before May 26th, $45 at the door. Ticket includes a buffet of Minyoli favorites. Bar will be available to purchase drinks from. 

Stop by Sullivan High School on Monday, June 1, for a free community car wash from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., located at Parking Lot B on Greenview (6631 N Bosworth). There will be a lunch break from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Arts Alliance Illinois and Lawyers for the Creative Arts are kicking off their Worker Rights Webinar Series in June! The series is designed to equip artists and creative workers across Illinois with the tools, knowledge, and protections they need to thrive.

The virtual series kicks off on June 4 from 12 to 1:30pm with Worker Rights 101, an essential session grounding participants in the fundamentals of worker classification, labor rights and protections.

You can learn more and register here.

Theatre

A world premiere rock musical based on Norse mythology at the Lifeline Theater!

Music and Lyrics by George Howe

Book by ensemble member Christina Calvit

Developed with and directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Welcome to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll show not on Earth! LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets—but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology?

Content Advisory: This production contains simulated violence, explicit language, and mature themes. Recommended for audiences ages 13+.

LOKI runs from April 24 – June 14, 2026 at the Lifeline Theater with the following pricing options:

$55 Opening: May 3 at 2:30pm (Ticket includes access to the Opening Reception with complimentary drinks & light bites)

$45 Regular Run: May 8 – June 14 (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.

Written by Caridad Svich

Directed by Kamille Dawkins

In this play with broken songs, Shakespeare’s Ophelia rises out of the water dreaming of reclaiming her life. She finds herself in a neo-Elizabethan Appalachian setting where Gertrude runs a brothel, Hamlet is a Rude Boy and nothing is what it seems. In this mirrored world of word-scraps and cold sex, Ophelia cuts a new path for herself. 

The Factory Theater 

1623 W. Howard St. 

Chicago, IL 60626

Performances

April 10-May 24, 2026

To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.

Octet

by Dave Malloy

directed by Keira Fromm

music directed by Nick Sula

choreography by Laura Savage

Raven Theatre

6157 N Clark St

April 30 – June 7

In an anonymous meeting room, a group of people —always eight—gather to sing. Best known for the Broadway hit NATASHA, PIERRE, & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, Dave Malloy’s OCTET uses chamber-inspired a cappella music to explore the total impact of life online. Hailed by the New York Times as “the most original and topical musical of the year” for its 2019 Off-Broadway premiere, this inventive and acutely relevant piece reflects the perils of the digital age.

You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

Life has been difficult for Jessie and her hope for the future has faded. Spiraling between a failed marriage and caretaker fatigue due to her criminal son and aging mother, Jessie is determined to take control of her life in the only way left to her. When society and technology isolate Jessie, when the world turns to chaos around her, and a promised future fades away: Jessie digs up her father’s old pistol with the intention to end her life. Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize winning play launches us through a mother and daughter’s darkest night together.

Red Twist Theatre

1044 W Bryn Mawr Ave

Chicago, IL 60660

You can purchase tickets here.

Farmers Markets

Now in its 17th year, the Andersonville Farmers Market has gained a reputation in Chicago and beyond for creating an inclusive, vibrant gathering space that helps close the gap between the community and local foods. The market celebrates the diversity of the Midwest through a wide range of high quality products and goods from local farms and vendors.

The 2026 Farmers Market is open for business from 3PM to 7PM every Wednesday May 13 through October 21. The Market operates rain or shine.

The Market is located on Winona St. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. and the adjacent AT&T parking lot in the bustling Andersonville neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. 

For more information about the market please visit www.andersonvillemarket.org  

Youth

Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH) is pleased to open up registration for their 2026 Summer Adventure Camp. Eligible youth are refugee and asylum-seeking youth (boys and girls) between the ages of 10 and 18, who primarily live in Chicago's north side neighborhoods (Rogers Park, West Ridge, Albany Park, Edgewater) or nearby suburbs.

Summer Adventure Day Camp Sessions:  REACH will offer four weekly day camp sessions (Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 4 pm) during which participants will engage in adventure sports and place-based education activities such as archery, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, nature hikes, fishing, forest restoration, and river clean-ups. [REACH will coordinate bus or van transportation based on enrollees' residential neighborhoods. However, some families may need coordinate their own transport to the pick-up location.]

Session One: June 29 - July 2

Session Two: July 6 - July 9

Session Three: August 3 - August 6

Session Four: August 10 - August 13

Summer Adventure Overnight Camping Trips:  REACH will offer three overnight (1 night / 2-days) tent camping trips (one girls only, one boys only, one co-ed), including team building activities (scavenger hunts, improv skits), nature education (macroinvertebrate investigations, outdoor cooking, habitat assessments), adventure sports (kayaking, climbing, hiking), and leadership development (problem solving, cooperative learning). [REACH will transport all participating youth via van or charter bus rentals.]

Girls' Only Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, July 11-12, 2026

Boys' Only Camping Trip: Sun-Mon, July 12-13, 2026

Co-Ed Camping Trip: Sat-Sun, August 15-16, 2026

Family Picnic & Award Ceremony: This is an end-of-summer celebration for all participating youth and their family members. 

Family Picnic: Saturday, August 22, 12-3 PM

You can fill out the preliminary registration form here - REACH Summer 2026 Pre-Registration Form, and a home visit will be scheduled with each family to complete the registration interview process. 

Remember: all camps are FREE, but registration will be limited to 30 youth per weekly session. Registration closes on June 5, 2026, or when camps reach capacity. 

Specific questions about summer camp registration can be directed to Shana Wills at swills@reachinchicago.org or Ellie Hease at ehease@reachinchicago.org.  

Families, get ready for an unforgettable summer! Pottawattomie Park is now enrolling for their summer camps. Join them for 6 weeks of exciting activities, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories! For more information, head to this link.

The Office of the Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is excited to announce the launch of the “Illinois to America: Stories that Shape Us” student essay contest for America’s 250th Anniversary. This contest is open to students in 6th-12th grade.  

Winners will have their essays displayed in the Lt. Governor’s Chicago and Springfield offices and highlighted at the Lt. Governor’s tent at the state fair. In addition, they will receive a letter, certificate, and Challenge Coin from the Lieutenant Governor. There may also be some special surprises!  

The contest is open from April 13th through 11:59pm CST on May 31st. Winners will be announced on July 4th. To learn more about the guidelines and submission process, visit the contest website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to mahi.patel@illinois.gov or ltgov.policy@illinois.gov.  

Hiring

Looking to start a new career? Find the right fit to help make a difference. IDHS offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Explore open career opportunities throughout Illinois here.

Visit an American Job Center to access employment resources, information about job training and more. Each center has knowledgeable staff that provide 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