Pritzker's Budget Proposal

It was great to be back in Springfield this week and have a chance to talk to colleagues about the bills we’re championing. The main business of the week was hearing Governor Pritzker’s combined State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday. There were few surprises in the Governor’s budget address. I’ll have more detail to share later, but really wanted to highlight his focus on reproductive justice and maternal mortality. In spite of having most of the policies recognized as best practices to combat maternal mortality on the books, Illinois ranks 36 among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in infant and maternal mortality. Click here to learn more.


I was please to hear the governor speak to the need to address care deserts by increasing the availability of freestanding birth centers. In 2023, in the Patient and Provider Protection Act, we expanded the scope of care these centers can provide to allow them to provide the full scope of reproductive health care and be a resource for their community beyond prenatal and birthing care. His plan to provide resources to allow birth centers to open in underserved areas will absolutely be a game changer in terms of bringing care to the communities that need it most. In a related development, Dobbs Working Group member Rep. Kevin Olickal introduced HB 4824 to address an issue that was raised in multiple discussions with birth center operators, specifically the dramatically lower Medicaid reimbursement rates they receive as compared to hospital births. Rep. Olickal is hoping to give birth centers a fighting chance to provide a sustainable source of care for communities in need.

Given the uncertain state of my Springfield office after the construction related flood and necessary asbestos abatement, I went down early on Monday so I’d have some time to put things back in order so I could work more easily in the office. I’m glad I did. Our crew did a great job of getting things mostly back where they belonged, but the effort to move things out of the way of the water resulted in some entertaining finds as I worked there all week. Random things were shoved in drawers and bins, so even after things were mostly put right, there were some hilarious moments when I opened drawers expecting to find files and instead found a bunch of framed photos and papers or a random coffee cup, but we made it work with a combination of patience and humor. 


I honestly can’t thank my Legislative Coordinator Mike Waszilewski enough for his near superhuman response to having two of his members’ offices flooded just hours from the bill filing deadline last week. He managed to disconnect electronics, alert maintenance, protect my kids’ art projects that were on the wall, and file nearly 100 bills by deadline for the four members he works with. Our Springfield staff have really challenging jobs, work crazy hours during session, and manage cranky members and the public regularly. So, join me in a hearty “THANKS WASZ!” for going above and beyond to keep us all safe and on task.


Since I had to leave earlier than expected for Springfield, I wasn’t able to check out the rescheduled Friends of Sullivan Presidents’ Day Basketball Tournament. We were happy to sponsor a team, and Torrence had a chance to check out a game or two. This is a great annual event, and I encourage anyone in our area to engage with the folks working to make sure our neighborhood schools have the resources they need to excel. Friends of Sullivan sponsored this event, but all of our neighborhood schools have neighborhood supporter organizations. If you need help connecting, let us know and we’ll make sure you are connected with the school group of your choice.


While the centerpiece of the week was supposed to be Governor Pritzker’s budget address, Tuesday morning brought news that White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf planned to come to town demanding $1 billion in state subsidies to build a new stadium for his team to forestall the possibility of the team leaving the state. I was feeling a little salty as I read the news over my morning coffee and fired off a tweet, not expecting it would turn into the thing I’d talk about the most of this week. Coverage of his visit and his full ask of nearly $2 billion including city subsidies reminded us of the Herculean effort in the 80’s when Governor Thompson pushed through the legislation that led to the construction of Guaranteed Rate Field, including the legendary moment when Speaker Madigan stopped the clock so the bill could be declared “passed” before the midnight deadline. Click here to learn more.


Even if the state wasn’t still paying for that stadium, I’d be vehemently opposed to subsidizing any entity that is wealthy enough to invest in their own business. Even absent my strong feelings about corporate subsidies, we’ve been telling service providers and vulnerable communities for the last 3 months to expect a tight budget and not to expect additional funds. This includes direct service professionals who are grossly underpaid compared to their private sector counterparts, the HIV/AIDS funds that have been flat funded for three years while we continue to see surging infection rates in underserved communities taking us further and further from our goal of Getting to Zero, sexual assault service providers facing federal funding cuts without having seen any state funding increases recently, and the list goes on. Reinsdorf’s tone deaf demand on the day the Governor unveiled his spending plan was shocking in its lack of forethought. As I said in my tweet #ReadTheRoomJerry. Below is a picture of Reinsdorf in the hall that is along the House floor chamber after meeting with leadership.

This morning, I participated in the second of two meetings of the Mental Health and Addiction Committee examining workforce issues in the behavioral health and substance use disorder communities. Over the course of two multi hour hearings, we have heard from consumers, advocates, and providers sharing problems and suggested solutions. Some of our actions have already shown positive movement. A bill passed by committee Chair Lindsey LaPointe that addressed concerns about a licensure exam that had been cited as having significant racial bias and therefore a significant racial disparity in passage rates that created an experienced based alternative path to licensure involving additional supervised practice hours has already resulted in a doubling of the number of Licensed Clinical Social Workers with 12% of the new licensees coming from other states and bringing their talents to Illinois. Fourteenth district resident and legislative director of the National Association of Social Workers - Illinois Chapter Kyle Hillman shared the results of the first few months of the law’s effectiveness and pointed to our bill HB5152 as another way to entice health care providers to come to our state to provide care for our residents.


We’ve got a kid coming home from college for his first spring break this weekend, so I’m going to try and keep a lighter schedule for the week. We have a family tradition of spring break hikes at some of our favorite state parks, so that’s likely on the agenda for at least a couple of days. But first, I’m so excited to get a peek at the almost ready to open Wild Onion Food Co-op tomorrow morning at their preview party! 

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.

Early Voting Has Begun Downtown

Beginning Wednesday February 21st early voting will be available at the Downtown Supersite (191 N. Clark) and Board Offices (69 W. Washington, 6th Floor). Any voter in Chicago can vote at any early voting location, no matter where they live in in the city.


All other early voting locations will open up across the city on Monday March 4th at 9:00am, You can find the site list and schedule for all other early voting locations here. You can also find your polling location (Or help family/friends find their polling locations) here.


HOURS OF OPERATION:

March 4 through March 19, 2024 (Election Day)


  • Weekdays: 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Election Day: 6:00am - 7:00pm (March 19)


Neighborhood Shoutouts

Andersonville Wins the Chicago Reader's Best North Side Neighborhood!

Andersonville, on top of being declared the Chicago Reader's best Northside neighborhood, also had winners in over 30 "best of" categories from Arts & Culture, to Music & Nightlife, to Buy Local, and so much more!


To see a complete list of Andersonville Winners, visit the following LINK.


For all non-Andersonville winners in the 14th District, see the provided list below.


Congratulations to all the winners!

Best barber

Mitch Koonce (Father and Son Barbershop)


Best board game store

Chicagoland Games Dice Dojo


Best garden supply

Gethsemane Garden Center


Best jewelry store

Bryn Mawr Jewelers


Best landscape company

First runner-up

Patch Landscaping and Snow Removal


Best cannabis supper club, home chef, or caterer

First runner-up

High Minded Events


Best alderperson

40th Ward – Andre Vasquez


Best alderperson

Second runner-up

49th Ward – Maria Hadden


Best state elected official

Second runner-up

State Senator Mike Simmons

Best elected official in Chicago

First runner-up (tie)

Alderperson Andre Vasquez


Best coffee roaster

First runner-up

Metropolis Coffee Company


Best taqueria

Second runner-up

Edgewater Tacos


Best vegan restaurant

Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen


Best lesbian bar

Whiskey Girl Tavern


Best new bar

Whiskey Girl Tavern


Best lake swimming spot

Second runner-up

Osterman Beach


Best block club

First runner-up

Edgewater Glen Association


Best charity

Second runner-up

Care For Real

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!!

In the District

Andersonville Kids Activity 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. This FREE event is intended for parents, caregivers, and the like to learn about summer camps, and year-round youth programming.


Participating organizations include: Jovie Nannies and Sitters, Lake Shore Schools & Tiny Giants, Little Chompers, Macaroni KID Chicago Northside, Merry Music Makers, School of Rock Andersonville, Senshi Karate, Swedish American Museum, Cirques Experience, Edgewater Environmental Coalition, and more!


The event is free, and you can RSVP HERE

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.

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. 

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

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.

2024 Glenwood Sunday Market Applications Are Open

The Glenwood Sunday Market is returning in June and they are looking for vendors! Bring your fresh produce and more directly to the community. The Glenwood Sunday Market has been making sustainable, regionally produced foods available to the community for 15 years, Running Sundays June 2 - October 27 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the southbound Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt Avenue.


Applications are open for vendors, if you are interested apply today!. The deadline for applications is Wednesday March 13th.


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

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube  Web  Twitter