Kelly's Update

It was a bit of a hectic week both here and in Springfield. Construction work on the Capitol complex resulted in a broken pipe and water in a couple of offices in the Stratton building where our offices are housed next to the Capitol. Given the building’s age, any repairs have to include precautions around and abatement of the asbestos in the ceilings and floors. Our Legislative Coordinator and all of the other LCs in our wing had to temporarily relocate to vacant desks elsewhere in the building for the week, so apologies if anyone had challenges reaching our Springfield team. The work is apparently almost complete, although I’m just going to assume that the office will need some putting back together before we start our work next week in Springfield. Fingers crossed it’s not too bad as we really just got ourselves settled into that new space and it was really feeling like home.


Back here at home, we’re meeting with advocates, colleagues, and stakeholders about bills being proposed by our office and others as folks try to solidify language and support so we can start moving bills next week in committees. The schedule of committee hearings for this week, including bills posted for the hearings and links for submitting witness slips is here.


Torrence and I attended a joint meeting of the 20th and 24th Police District Councils cohosted by 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth to discuss the recent shooting in Edgewater that left one Senn High School Student dead and two others injured. The meeting was also attended by the mother and grandmother of Daveon Gibson, the young man who was killed in the shooting. Also participating in the panel were city officials representing public safety and human rights agencies sharing information about resources and policy opportunities aimed at addressing the root causes of violence. A representative of Chicago Public Schools talked about a fund they’re administering to provide funds to upgrade security needs in and around schools that have been used for additional cameras along school property and high traffic paths to and from school among other projects. I have made a request of our CPS liaison for information on any projects this fund has supported in schools in our area and will share that data when we get it.

I had the great honor last night to join the Consul General of Ireland and Loyola’s Political Science and Theology departments for a riveting talk by Mary McAleese, the former president of Ireland from 1997-2011. She succeeded Ireland’s first woman President, Mary Robinson, marking the first time a woman succeeded another woman as President of any country. Growing up in a first generation Irish household, I was fascinated by both of them and had the chance to tell President McAleese that the two of them were my “if you can see it, you can be it,” as a young woman. Her talk had the capacity crowd riveted, with the Mundelein Center auditorium completely silent as she shared stories of growing up in Belfast during the troubles, her early career and work on the Good Friday Accords, her faith, and the parallels she sees between the peace process in Ireland and the current conflict in the middle east.

This week in Springfield will bring some committee hearings that you can check out at the link above, but our primary function will be to receive the Governor’s Budget Address on Wednesday. We’ll share links to follow live on our social channels on Wednesday, but if you’re someone who just wants to always be ready to check out what’s happening in the capitol, this link will get you to anything that’s streaming from the House side of the Capitol. For the last few months, the word has been to expect a leaner budget than in recent years, largely due to the end of pandemic related federal funds that have supported many critical functions. Once we’re in receipt of the Governor’s budget proposal, the work of our five appropriations committees will begin in earnest as department heads and advocates begin to make their case for protecting their funding in the event of cuts. When I chaired an appropriations committee, I always hoped to include voices of advocates and constituents, but you’d be surprised how little public feedback is offered in those hearings. If there is a particular program, department, or project that you feel strongly about, I encourage you to use the committee schedule link above to find out when the appropriate committee is meeting and submit your testimony for the committee’s consideration. If you’re not sure where to start, but want to weigh in, reach out to our office and we’ll help you navigate the process.


For those of us who like to take advantage of early voting, on Friday the Appellate Court ordered that early voting at the downtown supersite be paused to remove a candidate’s name from the ballot, causing the Board of Elections to need to reprogram the touchscreen machines being utilized. There’s no word yet on when Early Voting will resume downtown, but the Board of Elections confirmed that Vote by Mail ballots have not yet been mailed so that process has not been impacted by this ruling and those ballots should be mailed shortly. Early Voting in all 50 wards will begin Monday, March 4 at 9am. The Early Voting locations in the 14th district include Budlong Woods Library at 5630 N. Lincoln for the 40th ward, Edgewater Library at 6000 N. Broadway for the 48th ward, Willye B. White Park at 1610 N. Howard for the 49th ward, and Northtown Library at 6800 N. Western for the 50th ward. Once open, all sites will be in operation from 9-6 weekdays, 9-5 Saturday, 10-4 Sunday, and 6am-7pm Election Day.


Just a reminder that this Monday is Presidents’ Day, and our office will be closed in observance of the holiday. We’ll be open at 9am on Tuesday and ready to assist you.

New Office Email Address

Our email address (repcassidy@gmail.com) is no longer in use due to the need to increase our email security protections. We apologize for the inconvenience. We now have a new general email account for anyone needing to reach our office. Please email all communications moving forward to info@repcassidy.com. Please note that this new account will still be directly monitored by all staff and Rep. Cassidy.

New Office Schedule

Office Closed in Observance of President's Day

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 19th in observance of President's Day. As always, for urgent communication please email info@respcassidy.com.

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Jordan Black Owned Business Fair

Jordan School is having its first black owned business fair on Thursday, Feb 29th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.


They are hoping that ALL residents of the greater Rogers Park area feel encouraged to come out and support locally Black owned businesses!!

Archie's Cafe and Roman Susan Art Foundation Petitions

In part of the collaborative efforts between Alderwoman Hadden's office and the owners of these beloved businesses, Alderwoman Hadden's office has been asked to circulate two petitions among the Rogers Park community. These petitions demand for Loyola University to provide an equitable pathway for the university to coexist with vital neighborhood gathering spaces, and demand for the university's real estate decisions to adhere to its Anchor Mission. 


Please consider supporting the petitions started by Roberta Schmatz, owner of Archie's Cafe, and Kristin Abhalter & Nathan Abhalter Smith, owners of the Roman Susan Art Foundation.


You can access Archie's Cafe's petition for LUC Accountability by clicking here: https://buff.ly/49BIlpv 


You can access Roman Susan's letter to Loyola University and add your name as a supporter by clicking here: https://buff.ly/3OM2SQa 


Additionally, you can view the open letter to to Loyola University, with all co-signers and comments by clicking here: https://buff.ly/3uqzY1n

In the District

Preview Party for New Rogers Park Food Co-Op Wild Onion

Just a few months from opening for business, the Wild Onion Market grocery co-op invites the public to a Preview Party on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wild Onion Market is at 7007 N Clark in Chicago. The locally-owned grocery will serve communities in the Rogers Park area and in Evanston.


The Preview Party is a free event open to all. Due to limited space, however, registering ahead of time is requested. RSVP. The event will feature a presentation about the co-op, tours of the store, and a chance to meet prospective local vendors. Refreshments will be provided. The store is now fully equipped with all its shelving, refrigeration units and cashier counters in place. It also features distinctive touches like a mural from world-renowned muralist Ryan Tova Katz. When it opens later this spring, the full-service grocery will offer a coffee shop, bulk foods, fresh local produce, prepared foods and more.


As a cooperative grocery, Wild Onion Market is literally owned by local people - 1838 so far - who have each invested $250 to become owners. Wild Onion Market would like to have 2,000 or more owners onboard before the store opens.


BECOME AN OWNER.

RSVP for the Preview Party and learn how to become an owner at wildonionmarket.com.

Rogers Park Taproom And Coffeehouse To Replace Sol Cafe

We were all saddened by the closure of Sol Cafe. They were tremendous for our community as it was a place where neighbors connected and got involved with local community organizations. It was more than just a cafe; it was a community hub. I was happy to see the news that a combination taproom and coffee shop is coming to Howard Street less than a year after the street lost its cafe and brewery.


Rogers Park Taproom and Coffeehouse is opening this spring at 1615 W. Howard St. It is taking over the longtime home of Sol Cafe, which closed over the summer after 10 years in business.


For more info regarding this story click here.

Northside Restaurant Week

Several of the friendly neighborhood Chambers of Commerce have joined forces to showcase the abundance of great restaurants to be discovered on the north side. North Side Restaurant Week is a great way to explore cuisine and fine dining at restaurants throughout our diverse communities. Enjoy flavors spanning the globe - from Argentinian, French, and Italian to southern comfort food, new American classics and more.


Restaurants in Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Edgewater, Northcenter, Rogers Park, and Uptown will show off their wide range of dining options throughout the week with special prix fixe menus to enjoy.


To learn more visit the following LINK

Loyola Park Black History Month Celebrration

Join the Loyola Park Advisory Council: FEB. 25th 12:30 – 2:30 PM 1230 W. Greenleaf in the Fieldhouse. This event is free and open to the public.

2024 THEME: A Perspective: African American Women Artists


Did you know that Loyola Park has hosted a Black History Celebration for 25 years? Let’s celebrate and acknowledge the historic achievements of Black Americans and highlight their undeniable impact on American history! Featuring a pop-up art gallery! Every year, we welcome students of Acero Cruz, Gale Community Academy, Joyce Kilmer, New Field, Chicago Math & Science Academy, Senn High School, Sullivan High School, and others to participate by creating art around a theme. 

Property Taxes - First Installment

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has mailed nearly 1.8 million Tax Year 2023 First Installment property tax bills. Payments are due March 1, 2024.


The First Installment is 55% of the previous year's total tax. Exemptions that can reduce a property owner’s taxes are applied to the Second Installment bill.


Since Pappas posted the bills on cookcountytreasurer.com in mid-December, more than 11,000 property owners have visited the website to pay their property taxes.


“More people use our website each year to pay their property tax bills online,” Pappas said. “People like the convenience of paying online and not having to come downtown to pay in person or writing a check and paying for postage.”


To make a payment online, visit cookcountytreasurer.com and follow these steps:


Select the blue box labeled “Pay Online for Free”

Enter your address or 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN)

A picture of your property should appear so you’ll know you’re paying the correct bill. There is no fee to pay online from your bank account. The Treasurer’s Office accepts partial payments but First Installment taxes must be paid by March 1 to avoid a late charge of 0.75 percent per month, as mandated by Illinois law.


You can also use cookcountytreasurer.com to:


Search $93 million in available refunds.

Check if you are missing out on $57 million in property tax exemptions, which lower your tax bill.

Read the Pappas Studies, a series of research projects that includes a 20-year history of Cook County property taxes.

Care for Real Drive

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.

Andersonville Kids Activities Fair

Join the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Rogers Park Montessori School at the Kids Activities Fair on Saturday, February 24, from 9:30AM-12:30PM. Showcase your summer camps and year-round youth programming to parents, caregivers, and the community. Limited spots available, free for not-for-profits, $50 fee for for-profits. Sponsorship opportunities at $250 welcomed. Secure your spot by signing up before the deadline on January 31, at 5PM. For demonstration inquiries, email info@andersonville.org by February 5. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a vibrant kids' event!

Youth & Teen

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless 2024 Scholarship

After School Matters Spring Application Open

After School Matters is accepting applications for its spring program!


Programs run from February 26 through May 11 and are open to teens ages 14-18. Every ASM program allows you to explore your passions, learn new skills, and earn money at the same time!


To learn more about the program and to apply, visit the following LINK.

Employment Resources

Wild Onion Market General Manager

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.

Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Hiring

Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is hiring a Community Development & Business Services Manager!


Are you an extremely organized, detailed-oriented program manager with experience managing a Special Service Area, Business Improvement District, Economic Development Corporation or membership association? If yes, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is looking for you!


To learn more about this position and to apply, click here.

Sincerely,


Kelly Cassidy

State Representative, 14th District




Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy


1507 W. Morse Ave

Chicago IL 60626


repcassidy.com

773-784-2002 (phone)

Info@repcassidy.com

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