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Newsletter Table of Contents

- Happy Holidays

- Rep. Evans in the Community

- Rep. Evans in Action

- Rep. Evans Leading Nationally and Globally

- Upcoming Events

- Chairman of Labor Committee

- Other Legislative Actions

- Jobs & Career Info

- Help & Assistance

- Volunteer

- Resources

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!

Rep. Evans wishes the community a season filled with warmth, joy, and togetherness. May the holidays bring peace to your homes and happiness to your hearts. Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our community.

Rep. Evans in the Community

Rep. Evans Tours Chicago Women in Trades Facility

Rep. Evans had an awesome experience meeting with the apprenticeship directors and students at the Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) facility!

Rep. Evans wants to thank Renee Jones and Beth Berendsen for the invitation and insight into their life-changing apprenticeship programs. They are leading the charge in making the trades more inclusive.

As a strong voice for labor, Rep. Evans believes in the importance of creating jobs and opportunities. We can positively transform a person, family, community, and the nation with jobs. We need to do all we can to create more jobs and more skilled workers.

Rep. Evans Meets With Seniors at Gary Comer College Prep

Rep. Evans had the pleasure of speaking to a group of senior students in their AP Government Class at Gary Comer College Prep.

Rep. Evans wants to thank their teacher, Jurema Gordon, for inviting him, and Principal JuDonne Hemingway for allowing him to share his knowledge and some of his life lessons with the students.

Back in high school at Morgan Park (c/o 2003), Rep. Evans took AP Government class and served on the Local School Council.

Rep. Evans Attends Advocate Health Care Trinity Hospital Breakfast

Rep. Evans attended the Advocate Health Care Trinity Hospital’s Partners in Health breakfast to discuss how we can work together to bring vital healthcare resources closer to home.

Advocate is making significant investments to improve the quality of health and healing by actively accessing the needs of our community and coming up with solutions to meet those needs.

Access to quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Rep. Evans looks forward to continuing this partnership to ensure our community thrives!

Rep. Evans thanks President Michelle Blakely, Aditi Singh, and the rest of the Trinity team for the invitation and for their dedication to the South Side.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗖. 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗝𝗿. 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲.

Rep. Evans Attends Unveiling of The Home Court Gym at the Obama Presidential Center

Rep. Evans had a wonderful time at the reception for The Home Court Gym. Being in that room, surrounded by people who care deeply about our youth and their futures, reminded him of why he does this work. The Home Court Gym is more than a building — it’s a commitment to giving our young people a safe, supportive space to grow, learn, and push toward their dreams. Rep. Evans is truly inspired by the vision behind this project and the love for community that drives it.

And on a personal note, Rep. Evans can’t express enough how excited he is for the Obama Presidential Center opening next year. As someone who has always admired President Barack Obama — his leadership, his compassion, and his belief in the power of service — this project means a great deal to him. It represents hope, opportunity, and pride for the South Side.

Rep. Evans wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to the leadership and staff of the Obama Foundation for their tireless work, dedication, and commitment to making this vision a reality. Your efforts will uplift generations and continue the legacy of inspiring people to lead, serve, and dream bigger.

The Home Court Gym and the Obama Presidential Center remind him that when we invest in community, we invest in people — and that’s how real, lasting progress happens. Rep Evans is honored to support this work and grateful for every partner helping move our neighborhoods forward.

Rep. Evans Celebrates Chicago State University Football Program Launch

The 33rd District Office was honored to be in attendance as Chicago State University announced the creation of the CSU Cougar D1 Football program at a press conference. Rep. Evans is excited to celebrate the addition of this vital student activity.

Rep. Evans Press Release About Chicago State University Football Program Launch

For Immediate Release

December 18, 2025

Press Contact: Brandon Heath, Chief of Staff,

(773) 783-8492, Brandon@repevans.com

Rep. Evans Celebrates Launch of Chicago State University Football Program and Vision for the Future

CHICAGO, IL – State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D-Chicago) is celebrating the historic launch of the Chicago State University (CSU) football program, hailing it as a vital step toward ensuring the university’s long-term sustainability and the prosperity of Chicago’s South Side.

Rep. Evans, a proud CSU alumnus, emphasizes that for a modern university to thrive, it must provide a vibrant ecosystem that serves both its students and the surrounding community. He views the addition of collegiate football as a critical milestone in transforming CSU into a premier "destination institution."

“The launch of the CSU football team is a major step in the right direction to sustain this university,” said Rep. Evans. “A football program is more than just a sport; it is a critical piece of the sustainability puzzle. It builds school spirit, increases enrollment, and makes space for the community to engage with the campus.” The new football team is a powerful addition to the current athletic lineup at CSU, which includes golf, volleyball, cross country track, and both men’s and women’s basketball.

Beyond athletics, Rep. Evans’ vision for a "fully integrated campus" involves developments, such as a housing village, modeled after successful urban campuses like UIC. “Chicago State University deserves a technology park, hotel, convention space, medical facility or a hospital, a football team, and all of the critical pieces of sustainability for a university. I celebrate this vital activity and push for the additional pieces to properly sustain our community institution. I love America, football, Harold’s Chicken, and my alma-mater CSU. Go Cougars!!!” Evans continued.

Rep. Evans also highlighted the transformative leadership of CSU President Dr. Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott, noting that her vision for the university is unprecedented. “Dr. Scott has a true vision for CSU unlike any other President. She has the expertise and the resolve to move this university forward,” Evans stated. “She deserves adequate support and the necessary funding to solidify CSU’s status as a top-tier university.”

Representative Evans remains committed to working alongside university leadership and state officials to secure the legislative resources required to turn this vision of a sustainable, modern campus into a reality.

# # #

State Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. serves in the Illinois House of Representatives as Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Labor & Commerce. www.RepEvans.com

Rep. Evans in Action

Rep. Evans Champions Transit Bill and Celebrates Its Passage

Governor Pritzker signs transformative transit bill into law

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2111 - the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (NITA) into law earlier this week. This Landmark Transit Funding and Reform Bill will provide an estimated $1.2 billion in annual funding and modernize how public transit is governed to help the Chicago area’s transit systems avoid deep service cuts and improve reliability. NITA will oversee CTA, Metra, and Pace, streamlining planning and operations, and securing stable funding without raising statewide taxes. The law also includes safety and coordination improvements and investments for transit service statewide. This sustainable funding means riders will not experience service cuts or fare increases in 2026 and instead will benefit from continued improvements to service frequency, reliability, and safety in the coming years.

Rep. Evans Leads NCSL Delegation to Taiwan

As NCSL President, Rep. Evans was honored to travel to Taiwan to strengthen the connection between them and NCSL

Taiwan welcomed Rep. Evans as he led a National Conference of State Legislatures delegation on its visit.

MOFA Deputy Minister Chen Ming-chi hosted the delegation for a welcome luncheon and highlighted the strengthening of the Taiwan-US partnership in trade, investment, education, and tech. He added that Taiwan is a critical hub for high-tech supply chains and is working to boost industrial cooperation with the US on semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

Twenty-five US states and Guam have set up trade offices in Taiwan or plan to in the near future, and Chen encouraged US governors to lead trade delegations there to expand bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors!

Rep Evans was deeply impressed by the hospitality and enthusiasm of the Taiwanese people during this trip. He believes that the NCSL, with membership in all 50 states, is an important bridge of communication between Taiwan and the US states. Rep. Evans expressed hope for closer links between Taiwan and the US going forward.

Rep. Evans is President of National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)

State Rep. Evans is President for NCSL from August 2025 to August 2026 representing all 50 legislatures and the U.S. territories

"I'm proud and honored to represent my chamber leader House Speaker Welch, Senate President Harmon, House Minority Leader McCombie, Senate Minority Leader Curran, and the entire Illinois legislature across the world as President of NCSL," said Rep. Evans. "I believe in the mission of NCSL and will do my part to maintain and strengthen that mission on behalf of all legislatures across the United States of America."

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Officers for 2025-2026

NCSL Officers:

Illinois Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

(Democrat) President

Montana Senator Barry Usher

(Republican) President-Elect

Connecticut Senator Bob Duff

(Democrat) Vice-President

Utah Senator Wayne Harper

(Republican) President Emeritus

Lonnie Edgar / Staff Chair

Aurora Hauke / Staff Vice-Chair

John Snyder / Immediate Past Staff Chair

𝘕𝘊𝘚𝘓 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜.𝘚. 𝘐𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴.

Upcoming Events

Village of Lansing

Holiday Tree Viewing

Fox Pointe

18138 Henry St., Lansing, IL 60438

Wednesday - Sunday | December 3 - 21 | 3 pm - 8 pm

Monday & Tuesday | December 22 & 23| 3 pm - 8 pm

Chicago Police and Firefighters

Training Academy for Current

CPS High School Sophomores

Applications for the Class of 2027

Open December 1, 2025, and Close May 1, 2026

First Information Session

Quinn Fire Academy

558 W. De Koven St., Chicago, IL 60607

Saturday | January 31, 2026 | 10am - 11:30am

*Click the button below for more information*

Building a Stronger Illinois Economy: A Message from the Chairman

As Chairman of the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee, I'm energized by the work ahead and proud of the progress we've made. Under the leadership of Speaker Welch, our mission remains clear: to build a more equitable and prosperous economy for all Illinoisans.

Our work is vital to the future of our state. That's why we're laser-focused on legislative ideas that will have a real impact on people's lives. This session, we're prioritizing bills that:

• Protect hardworking families and their rights in the workplace.
• Support small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.
• Drive innovation and job creation across every sector.

This isn't just about passing bills; it's about ensuring Illinois remains a place where opportunity thrives for everyone.

I invite you to stay connected and follow our progress. Together, we will continue to elevate the voices of working people and push for meaningful change.

Thank you for your continued support.

All the best,

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

State Representative, 33rd District of Illinois

Chairman, Labor & Commerce Committee

Labor & Commerce In the 33rd District

Uneven Illinois Job Growth in 2025



In early 2025, Illinois’s job market showed encouraging signs of growth, though challenges remain for many workers and industries. In March, the state reached a record 6,172,300 total nonfarm jobs, an increase of 34,200 jobs compared with the previous year, marking a 0.6% rise. Most of this growth came from government, private education and health services, and leisure and hospitality, while sectors like professional services and manufacturing lagged behind.

In the Chicago area, the metro division added roughly 10,000 jobs, a 0.5% increase, continuing a streak of steady year-over-year growth. Across the state, most metropolitan areas also saw declines in unemployment, reflecting the resilience of Illinois’s labor market despite ongoing challenges in certain industries.

Labor & Commerce In the State of Illinois

New Legislation Creating Lower Utility Bills and Clean Jobs

This summer, families were shocked to see how much their electricity bills had risen. Due to aging infrastructure, the fast-growing data economy, and thoughtless decisions by the federal administration, everyone in Illinois paid more for electricity. That’s why Rep. Evans helped pass Senate Bill 25, creating the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA). This legislation addresses Illinois’ energy needs by investing in clean technologies such as battery storage and energy efficiency programs. These investments will bring immediate relief to consumers across the state and keep us on the path to prosperity and growth.

They are also projected to create 115,000 good-paying jobs. Although this bill is new, Rep. Evans' dedication to clean energy and its potential has been consistent. In 2021, he passed the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which brought thousands of clean energy jobs to Illinois and set ambitious goals — including making the state 100% carbon-free by 2045. He will always fight for policies that protect our environment, create jobs, and lower the cost of living for working families.

Labor & Commerce Around the U.S.A.

Longest-Ever Government Shutdown Impact

On November 12, the House voted 222–209 to end the government shutdown, and that bill was signed by President Trump at 10:24 PM EST that night. This government shutdown surpassed the first Trump administration as the longest in U.S. history, and it negatively affected millions of Americans.

For example, air traffic controllers have gone unpaid, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce flight volume by as much as 10 percent at airports nationwide. With the holiday season approaching, a peak air travel period, shortages could result in price spikes and major delays that affect families around the country.

The shutdown also caused the suspension of SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to about 20% of American children. Illinois’ smart budgeting this year set aside a reserve fund for emergencies like these, and we are releasing $20 million to assist over 2,600 food pantries statewide, including in our community. A judge had also ordered the federal government to use contingency funds to partially restore benefits. However, that was not enough to overcome such a major misstep by the federal government, and working families will struggle during the holiday season.

It is shameful that this administration continues to weaponize food access against its own people — to the detriment of our health, economy, and national character.

Labor & Commerce Around the World

Global Trends Drive Mass Layoffs at Major Companies

As corporations continue to embrace artificial intelligence and weather the fallout of disastrous trade policy, many have cut thousands of jobs to remain profitable and responsive to changing market conditions. UPS, Amazon, and Target have collectively pledged to eliminate more than 60,000 jobs, mostly in managerial positions.

In Amazon’s case, this correction follows unprecedented pandemic-era growth that left the company overstaffed. The shipping giant still plans to expand its warehouse and delivery operations. Target, meanwhile, has seen revenues remain flat or decline in most quarterly reports over the past four years.

Additionally, grocery and consumer goods sales have dropped as more Americans struggle with inflation and the rising cost of everyday items — many of which have become more expensive due to tariffs.

Year-End Reflection and Preparing for the New Year

As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, legislative activity naturally slows, creating space to reflect on progress, revisit assumptions, and plan next steps. Rep. Evans is using this time to help close out remaining issues from the previous sessions and prepare for renewed collaboration in the new year.

Even during this seasonal slowdown, Rep. Evans remains engaged—filing legislation, staying connected with constituents, and participating in community events as schedules allow. His commitment to uplifting our neighborhoods and amplifying community voices continues to guide his work, with a full ramp-up of activity expected after the holidays.

The Issues

Education:

• Advocate and fight for more funding for all schools, specifically schools in my community
• Reduce the cost of higher education and college
• HB2698: Full Day Kindergarten
• HB3864: Grissom Elementary
• HB2517: Maternal Morality Education

Transportation and Infrastructure:

• Fight for funding to improve road & transportation infrastructure, for instance, fixing potholes and repairing road surfaces, in addition to, repairing bridges and overpasses
• HB3063: Gateway to Obama Center
• HB2963: Metro & Regional Transit Authority
• SB2466: Open Land Grants to Gov
• HB3063: Gateway to the Obama Center

Safety and Criminal Justice Reform: 

• Support legislation geared towards reducing crime, specifically gun regulation, violence reduction, and improvements to the justice system
• HB4781: Kinship in Demand
• HB3289: School Bus Database
• HB4090: Crim CD-Threatening Teacher

Economic Development:

• Fight to have more economic development opportunities in my community
• Advocate for resources to help single parents
• HB3654: Open Lands - Grants to Governments
• SB1976: Workers' Rights And Safety Act
• HB3309: EDU Labor Relations-Notice

 Health Care:

• Advocate for resources for safety net hospitals
• Fight to reduce healthcare disparities
• HB2628: Insurance Stuttering Coverage
• HB2532: Nurse Agency Civil Penalties

Clean Energy:

• Support efforts to move toward clean energy, while maintaining reliability. 
• Advocate for diversity and equity in growing clean energy industries
• HB3464: Rust Belt to Green Belt Pilot

Women’s Rights:

• Advocating for the rights and safety of all women.
• SB1561 Abortion Care Clinical Training Program Act
• HB2568 Trust Code-Unclaimed Property Senate

Follow all legislation & find out which bills passed

Track Bills 

Find out what bills Rep. Evans is sponsoring and/or co-sponsoring in the House of Representatives

Evans Bills

Exelon Foundation STEM Academy

DePaul University

2400 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

Classes: Sunday, June 21 - Friday, June 26, 2026

*Click the button below to apply*

Join the Chicago Police Department

Apply Today!

Illinois State Police is Hiring Civilians

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Career Opportunities

Chicago Department of Aviation

O'Hare & Midway Positions Available!

Cook County Sheriff's Office Is Hiring! Join Their Team!

Sworn Employment Opportunities | Civilian Employment Opportunities | Start Your Correctional Officer Application | Internship Opportunities | Clinical Training Externship Program

For more information: Call (773) 674-8427 or

Email ccso.hr@ccsheriff.org

Severe Weather Public Safety

WARMING CENTERS

City of Chicago: Warming Areas

OFFERING A WARM SPOT DURING EXTREME COLD

When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below, warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For a complete list, click on Warming Center near me..

• The warming areas are available for all residents in need of safe refuge and relief from extreme cold weather.

• Residents must wear a cloth face covering while in the warming areas due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

• City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas, if needed, including during evening hours, weekends, and holidays.

• For assistance after hours, residents should call 311 to be connected to available services – including placement in an available shelter bed.

• The Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie is open on a 24-hour basis to connect families and residents to emergency shelter.

• Unless specifically indicated, warming areas typically are not open when temperatures are higher than 32 degrees, on holidays, and evening hours.

• Hours and days may be extended under extreme conditions and/or at the direction of the City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications

• Call 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov:

• For up-to-date information on warming areas at any given time.

• To locate the warming area nearest to you.

• To request a well-being check for a neighbor, loved one, and/or friend.

• Report inadequate heat in a residential building

CEDA LIHEAP APPLICATION OPEN

For Heat & Electricity Bill Assistance

*Click the button below for more information*

IL Housing Development Authority

Court Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)

For Rental Assistance

*Click the button below for more information*

IL Benefit Access Program

Discounted License Plate Fee & Free Rides on Transit Systems

For Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities

*Click the button below for more information*

Chicago Survivors

CRISIS HELPLINE:

877-863-6338

County Resources

Cook County State's Attorney

Cook County Assessor

Cook County Clerk

Cook County Board of Review

Cook County Recorder of Deeds

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Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Cook County Sheriff