Kelly's Update

As we head back to Springfield for the last week of Veto Session, I’m eager to see the results of the various working groups and coalitions working on putting together bills that have been months in the making. I’m hopeful that the transit working group has come to agreement on a package that will both reform and restructure our public transportation systems statewide and provide the critically needed funds to provide sustainable public transportation to residents all over the state. Over the last few weeks, we have been sharing a survey on possible funding sources to support transit. The survey was the product of a town hall we held with Representatives Ann Williams and Eva-Dina Delgado. Rep. Delgado is one of two members of the House Democratic Caucus participating in negotiations with a broad coalition, so her insight was incredibly helpful. While we’re also seeing an uptick in emails opposing various proposed funding sources, our very unscientific survey showed majority support for pretty much every source that had been proposed at the time it was published. Ultimately, it’s clear that there’s broad support for doing what is necessary to fairly and sustainably fund our transit systems but there’s also deep concerns about regressive funding sources that push the burden for funding these critically needed transit systems on those least able to afford added costs. I will continue to push for more progressive funding sources while also pushing for greater accessibility and transparency in the operations of our transit systems.

I was honored to be recognized by The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence last week at their annual breakfast. I was honored with the 2025 Legacy Award and was thrilled to share the stage with Senator Celina Villanueva, Representative Maura Hirschauer, and Sam Tuttle of Legal Action Chicago. Having worked in partnership with The Network on many policies over the years, I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that survivors’ needs are centered at all levels of government. We were joined at the breakfast by Mayor Johnson who talked about the city’s budget that will now feature a dedicated funding source for domestic violence services, something that’s long been needed. What he didn’t talk about is that the budget actually represents a 43% cut to gender based violence funding. When I took the stage, I expressed my hope that the Mayor’s presence at the breakfast was an indication that the cut is a typo and funds will be restored. This is the worst possible time to be contemplating service reductions in the gender based violence space. With ICE agents stalking domestic violence courthouses, SNAP food benefits being cut off this week, and looming cuts to health care programs, families will be under more stress and pressure than ever and victims need to know there will be a path to safety, not policies that discourage survivors from seeking help.

Our whole team was able to participate in a CPR/First Aid/Stop the Bleed training provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Police and the American Heart Association last week. While most of us have had CPR training over the years, it was good to refresh things we’d learned along the way while learning concrete steps to take in an emergency. We’ve upgraded our office first aid kit as a result, and encourage others to review their supplies and knowledge. To request your own training, visit heart.org/cpr.

Investigator Jeff Juan from the IL Secretary of State's Department of Police leading the office's CPR/First Aid/Stop the Bleed training this past week.

Last week was a challenging one for all of the communities in the 14th district, but it was also an amazing opportunity to embrace how strong, resilient, and organized our communities are. Our team has been engaged with neighbors connecting with each other to ensure we can keep our neighbors safe. If you need a whistle, a Hands Off Chicago sign, Know Your Rights information or want to find out how to connect with mutual aid groups working in our area, let us know and we’ll get you the information you need.

On Sunday, I joined with neighbors from Edgewater and Andersonville who organized a community gathering at a playground I spent many hours at over the years with the boys to acknowledge the impact of last week’s ICE actions, remember the neighbors who were taken and share information and materials to help keep each other safe. Both Edgewater and Andersonville were heavily targeted by ICE operations last week and just as Rogers Park neighbors came together a couple of weeks ago, it was a powerful show of community connection and resolve. I shared my memories of walking to the polling place with my dad who would retell his immigration story and remind me of my responsibility to recognize and repay the amazing opportunity he and we benefitted from. When I see families torn apart, or hear others ask why migrants can’t just “do it the right way,” I’m reminded that my dad came here at a time when it was relatively easy to come to the states, and even then it wasn’t easy for him. 

We absolutely need comprehensive immigration policy reform, but right now what we need is a recognition of the rule of law and due process. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like rocket science to say that deploying tear gas in a residential neighborhood while families are setting up for a Halloween parade is a bad thing. Just as it seems like a pretty basic idea that ICE agents shouldn’t be speeding through school zones at drop off or pick up time. Or that ICE agents using the domestic violence courthouse as a hunting ground is a bad idea because victims will be discouraged from seeking justice. But this is our reality now. I continue to work with colleagues and allies to find ways to disseminate Know Your Rights information. 

Pictures from the community rally in Bromann Park this past Sunday.

This week will also bring the end of the month, and we have been informed that the federal government has chosen to not use their statutory authority to use emergency funds to pay for SNAP food benefits. At Sunday’s rally, along with Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth and Senator Mike Simmons, we called out the administration’s cruel decision to not fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown in spite of clear legal authority to do so as evidenced by the USDA’s originally published shutdown guidance that informed states that they were prepared to fund benefits under their emergency authority. That guidance has since been altered to suggest they do not have legal authority to pay even though this has happened many times over the years and benefits have always been paid. The cruelty and suffering is the point. Our offices will be doing everything we can to connect impacted people with the food they need during the shutdown. For more information and food resources in district, scroll down to our next section in the newsletter.

This week’s session will also likely bring an energy omnibus bill that will do a lot of things I am deeply supportive of such as protecting Illinois ratepayers from electric bill price spikes, providing ratepayers more tools to reduce their utility bills and requiring responsible state energy planning to ensure an affordable power grid. But it will also lift a longstanding moratorium on building nuclear facilities in Illinois, something I simply can not support. Last year, a bill was passed that allowed an exception for small facilities (it was referred to as the “mini nukes” bill at the time), and while it had strong opposition from the environmental community, the narrative around the bill at the time was that these facilities were a long way off from feasible and would be too cost prohibitive to build. That message has been used around the full ban as well, but recently Governor Pritzker announced that NANO Nuclear will establish operations in Illinois with incentive funding from the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles In Illinois (REV Illinois) Program to work in partnership with the University of Illinois on their lead project, the KRONOS MMR Microreactor Energy System. Given that this was characterized as science fiction just a year ago doesn’t give me confidence that lifting our full ban would not have an impact here.

Thank you to everyone who came out to A-Ville O’Ween on Saturday. We had a blast seeing all the kids and pets dressed up for Halloween. I’m really hoping to get back from Springfield in time for the Morse Avenue Candy Crawl we love cosponsoring with Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s office Thursday afternoon from 4-7pm. And don’t forget Trunk or Treat at Willye White Park on Friday (actual Halloween) from 3:30-5pm! 

Kelly, Rauly, and Aidan at Avill-O-Ween this past weekend having fun handing out candy.

Finally, we’ve shared this in previous newsletters, but given how much ICE activity we’ve been seeing in our area I want to highlight an important step anyone at risk for detention (which frankly is pretty much everyone now) can take today to make it easier for friends and family to find you. 

Just like our state offices have the ability to seek help with constituent needs from agency staff, so do our members of Congress. Just as our offices often require, most federal agencies require a privacy waiver before they can provide any information. Several Congressional offices have been recommending that folks fill out a DHS privacy waiver in advance and sign it but don’t date it (they expire in 90 days so this is really important!) and leave it with a trusted friend or relative. In the event you’re detained, your trusted person can date the form and get it to your member of Congress so they can start the process of trying to locate you. More information about this and links to the form can be found on our website as well as in the next section of our newsletter. 

Kelly and Candace attending the final Glenwood Sunday Market.

Need to Know Info

Federal officials with the Trump Administration have notified all states that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the federal government shutdown continues. As a result, SNAP customers will not receive November food benefits – unless there is further action from the Trump administration to reopen the government.

In previous government shutdowns, Congress and the President have come to a resolution before families were affected. The situation is evolving, and the State of Illinois is sharing the latest information in the interest of being transparent and helping those who rely on food benefits make the best plan for their families.

Illinois is awaiting further guidance from the federal government.

• Customer & provider updates will be added to snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.
• Read the press release about this announcement here.

For resources, please refer to our Constituent Service Guide under the "Food/Food Pantries" section.

Our office is partnering with R Public House and Women & Children First to collect new and lightly used winter items for Care For Real! You can help out a neighbor in need this winter by donating items such as winter coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats at one of our drop off locations.

District Office of State Rep Kelly Cassidy

1507 W Morse Ave

R Public House

1508 W Jarvis Ave

Women & Children First

5233 N Clark St.

Please continue to use our Know Your Rights Resources page as a place to find information during these times of ICE presence in our neighborhoods. Our office also has whistles, signs, and a small supply of Know Your Rights cards (pictured). We will keep you informed of when we receive a new stock of cards! However, to ensure we have what you need, please call us ahead of stopping by at 773-784-2002.

Instructions on how best to fill out the ICE Privacy Waiver, English (Left) and Spanish (Right). Click any image to download a PDF.

The office of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has provided us with ICE Privacy Waivers. These forms should be filled out by anyone at risk of detention and kept with important paperwork so that Congresswoman Schakowsky's office and/or legal representation can help as quickly as possible if you or a loved one is detained. Instructions for filling out the form and the form itself can be found above. Click on any image to be taken to a downloadable PDF. Since these forms are being filled out in advance, they should not be dated. Additionally, you should also leave the recipient portion blank to be filled in later.

In the event that a loved one is detained, contact Congresswoman Schakowsky's office at 773-506-7100 and let them know that you have already filled out an ICE Privacy Waiver form. After contacting them, it is also recommended you fill out their digital case work form.

You may have friends and family from outside of Chicago seeing what is happening in our amazing city and asking how they can help. The handy document above offers a list of things folks can do to help spread awareness of the situation in the city as well as help fund ongoing efforts to resist the Trump administration's occupation of Chicago. 

An important update from the Cook County Clerk’s Office regarding a service change designed to better serve residents and continue their ongoing efforts to modernize the Clerk’s Office.

Effective October 27, 2025, they will expand their appointment-based system for Vital Records services to the Clerk’s Office at the Skokie Courthouse, at 5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149. The appointment system is also being introduced at the location near the Maywood Courthouse.  

This system is aimed at streamlining access to vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates, and improving the overall customer experience.

How the New Appointment System Works:

• Book Online in Advance: Residents can schedule an appointment ahead of time by visiting cookcountyclerk.com/vitals.
• Schedule Onsite via QR Code: Upon arrival, customers may scan a QR code using their mobile device to quickly book an appointment.
• In-Person Assistance Available: Staff will be available onsite to assist individuals without internet access or smartphones, using Clerk’s Office laptops at the service counter.

This expansion follows the successful launch of the appointment system at the Markham Courthouse location in September. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents reporting shorter wait times and a smoother service experience.

The Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network is funded by the State of Illinois and provides free legal assistance to low-income veterans and active military members on critical issues including:

• Housing and eviction prevention
• Family law matters
• Accessing VA benefits
• Consumer debt issues

You can check out their website here for resources and more.

 A few weeks ago City Colleges of Chicago announced an expanded partnership with Greater Chicago Food Depository, now over the next few weeks, they will be hosting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Community Briefings together to help students and community members understand the recent changes to SNAP (Link/EBT in Illinois).

Major SNAP changes are taking effect. Many adults between the ages of 18 and 64 will face new work/volunteer reporting and administrative requirements to keep their benefits. These changes could impact nearly 2 million Illinoisans. Getting accurate information out early will help neighbors avoid gaps in benefits.

What to expect at each session:

• An overview of the changes and who is impacted.
• On-site benefits support/enrollment or a direct connection to a benefits team member to answer your questions, and resources to share with your networks

View the schedule below and use this link to sign up for the session you plan to attend.

Click either image below to get a downloadable PDF in either English or Spanish.

Vivent Health + TPAN present a new opportunity for community! Gay and bisexual Black men, ages 25-45, are invited to participate in the MPOWER program. This program is a space to build strength, clarity, and connection through discussions, education, and self-improvement. Participants receive $65 after completing the program. For more information, click here, or call/text Vivent Health + TPAN at 312-887-1635.

Neighborhood Shoutout

Congratulations to the Loyola Park Dolphins football team! This past weekend they won over the Calvin Park Hurricanes in their first year, reaching the top ranking at Soldier Field! Congratulations to the Program, the Coaches, and the team!

District Events

We will be joining the office of Alderwoman Maria Hadden and several local businesses for their Annual Candy Crawl on Thursday, October 30th from 4 pm to 7 pm! We invite all families to trick or treat at participating businesses across Morse Ave, between Sheridan and Clark. Costumes are encouraged! The Candy Crawl will start at the 49th Ward office, where families can pick up a map of participating businesses. 

Mark your calendar for Friday, October 31st from 3:30pm-5:00pm! The Chicago Park District will be hosting their Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat at Willye B. White Park, at 1610 W Howard Street. There will be trick or treating, face and pumpkin painting and popcorn!

Get ready for a frightfully fun evening at Loyola Park’s annual Boo Bash!

Hosted by the Chicago Park District and Loyola Park Advisory Council, this free community event invites families to celebrate Halloween together with music, games, and festive fun for all ages.

Children and grown-ups, too are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening filled with spooky activities, sweet treats, and lively entertainment. Whether you're stopping by for the games, the music, or just to show off your best Halloween look, Boo Bash is the perfect way to celebrate the season with neighbors and friends.

Loyola Park

1230 W. Greenleaf Ave

October 31st

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Join Syrian Community Network on Thursday, November 6th for a Meet and Greet with SCN's new Executive Director, Maya Atassi! Hear how SCN has evolved to work with individuals from 40+ countries, and how they will continue to adapt in the current political climate. This event will be held at their community center and lite bites will be provided. Doors will open at 7 PM with time for food and mingling until 7:30 PM, when they will start the conversation. For those attending virtually, additional information will be sent out on how to join closer to the event date. In-person and virtual attendees will need to register here.

November 6th, 7:00PM - 8:30PM

5439 N Broadway, Chicago 60640

Don’t trash your pumpkins after Halloween - give them new life as compost instead! Pumpkins will be accepted for free at all City of Chicago food scrap drop-off locations, and all Chicago residents are encouraged to participate. The pumpkins will be turned into nutrient-rich compost at a local composting facility. 

Learn more here.

No tires tus calabazas a la basura después de Halloween: ¡dales nueva vida como abono! Se aceptarán calabazas de forma gratuita en todos los lugares de entrega de restos de comida de la ciudad de Chicago, y se anima a todos los residentes de Chicago a participar. Las calabazas se convertirán en abono rico en nutrientes en una instalación de compostaje local.



Obtenga más información en Chicago.gov/PumpkinComposting.

The community is invited to honor loved ones at a Community Altar at GROW/PROGRESANDO (7056 N. Clark St.). Until October 30th you can bring a copy of a photo of a loved one who has passed to GROW/PROGRESANDO, between the hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Wednesday, or Thursday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. to add to the altar and see this special display. 

On November 1 and 2, participating Camino Clark businesses will have altars on display for viewing.

As the date gets closer, businesses will share specials and promotions they will be offering, so you can celebrate culture, community and local flavor along the corridor. Visitors will also find pamphlets sharing the history and meaning of the holiday, perfect for learning about the tradition and maybe even inspiring your own ofrenda in the future.

Please see the website here for a list of participating businesses and more information.

This Sunday, A Just Harvest is hosting its 3rd annual Freedom Concert! This free event is open and accessible to all neighbors seeking to celebrate community. Guests will enjoy a celebration of music that showcases the richness of our local community, while learning about the work of A Just Harvest.

Sunday, November 2nd

Willye B. White Park

1610 W Howard St

1:00pm-4:00pm

You are what you eat, so Vivent Health + TPAN wants to help you build a better you! They will be discussing the power of food and the benefits of good nutrition and eating habits. They will teach you new ways to feel full, the holistic benefits of certain foods, and pathways to food access. This is a free, in-person workshop. Partner organizations will be present to provide information on local services and food opportunities. This is an excellent way to meet people in the community and help create a healthier Chicago. They hope to see you there.

Wednesday, November 12

5:30 - 7:30pm, Presentation at 6:00pm

Vivent Health + TPAN

5537 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Please register ahead of time here.

See your local park in a new light! The Nature Oasis Community Bonfire Series invites community members to experience their park by firelight. Spend the evening in the park meeting your neighbors, learning about local wildlife and warming up next to a fire! Join them within the first 15 minutes of the event for a brief lesson on campfire building.

Friday, November 14th

5:00pm-7:00pm

Berger Park

6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

On November 4th, the Chicago Northside AARP Community Group will be meeting and discussing "How Native Americans showed us the 'Garden that Time Forgot'". Join them in person or via Zoom. Refer to the flyer above for details!

Theatre

The Workers Rights Board and About Face Veterans Against the War will be screening SIR! NO SIR!, a documentary, on Wednesday, October 29th, from 7pm to 10pm. A vets panel and audience discussion will follow the film. Free food and drink will be available, with wine and beer for purchase. Scan the QR code above for more details!

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.

Written by: Marjorie Muller

Directed by: Kayla Menz

16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding, bitterness, and perhaps a little bit of violence too (as a treat). The Sporting Life is a ‘this girl is a woman now’ story brutally snapped open to expose the, sometimes literal, entrails of growing up girl.

The Sporting Life runs October 17th-November 22nd

The Factory Theatre

1623 W Howard St

You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

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

Running until November 2, 2025

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.

Theatre Above the Law presents it's annual spooky production of Grimm by local playwright Michael Dalberg. 

The Jarvis Square Theater, 1439 W. Jarvis, is transformed into a cabaret bar where the survivors of Grimm fairytales reside and reenact several well known, and not so well known, stories. Hosted by the Wolf and Little Red they help Jakob Grimm find his brother Wilhelm through the stories.

The productions runs until November 2nd, tickets can be found here

Use the online code NEGSUCOD for $10 off the regular $25 price (subject to availability).

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

The Tesla Training Center (6910 N. Clark St) is hosting a Career Fair on Wednesday, November 5th, from 1 to 3pm.

This event connects skilled graduates in HVAC, Electrical, and related trades with employers seeking new talent. Participating companies will have the opportunity to meet candidates, share job openings, and build visibility within our growing workforce network.

If you would like to participate, please fill out their link here.

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.

Sincerely,

Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District



Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy

1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626