Special One Day Session Overview |
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On Thursday of last week, President Biden approved a bipartisan bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Juneteenth is an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States; it recognizes the date (June 19, 1865) in which news of emancipation finally reached people in Galveston, Texas. While establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday is undoubtedly a monumental achievement — brought about my decades of activism and organizing by leaders like Opal Lee — there is still much work to be done to reconcile our country’s troubling history of slavery and racism.
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The finished BLM mural painted at A Just Harvest's Juneteenth Celebration captured via drone
Photo Credits: Alderwoman Maria Hadden's Office, 49th Ward
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This weekend I attended A Just Harvest's event to paint a mural in honor of Juneteenth in Rogers Park. I also joined neighbors in painting a mural at our Artists of the Wall festival. Thank you to all of those that came out after a year of not seeing each other it is great to be back in the community engaging with folks.
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Representative Cassidy meets a young constituent at A Just Harvest's Juneteenth event |
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The theme this year was “Poetic Painting," we have so many talented community members and this event always reflects the diversity of our community. This year’s fest also included a virtual component. View the work of the “Artists Off the Wall” here
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In my last newsletter, I mentioned the possibility of a special session happening in order to take some last minute final action on a few key pieces of legislation.
Last Tuesday, the Senate held a one-day special session in the hopes of passing a massive clean energy bill (HB 804 / SB 1718), also known as the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). This legislation aimed to transition the state of Illinois to 100% renewable energy by 2050. In an effort to encourage investment in more wind and solar energy, this bill also aimed to close natural gas plants by 2045 and close coal plants by 2035. However, due to the complexities of the legislation and major disagreements amongst stakeholders, the Senate was forced to put the bill on pause without holding a formal vote during the special session. Senate President Don Harmon stated that the bill likely would not have passed if it had been voted on at this time, but he and other Senators will continue to work on the bill moving forward until greater consensus is reached.
The House also met in a special session on Wednesday. Here is a list of some legislation that was passed during the House’s one-day special session, and now awaits approval from Governor Pritzker:
HB 2908: creates an elected school board for the city of Chicago. The bill passed the House by a 70 to 41 vote, after the Senate had approved the same bill by a 36 to 15 vote on June 1st. HB 2908 now awaits approval from Governor Pritzker, who has been a vocal supporter of an elected board. Since 1999, the Chicago Board of Education has been composed of seven members appointed by the mayor. Under this new legislation, 10 board members will be elected in November of 2024. After that, all 21 members — consisting of twenty representatives from specific districts and one board president — will be elected and sworn in by January of 2027.
HB 2643: aims to revise the Unemployment Insurance Act and address challenges faced by the Illinois Department of Employment Security during the state’s surge in unemployment. This bill would allow for regular state unemployment recipients to request a full waiver of repayment when an overpayment was due to no fault of their own. Current law only allows regular unemployment recipients who are overpaid to come to a repayment agreement and does not allow for a full waiver.
HB 562: digitizes and modernizes the state’s Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system. This legislation mandates background checks for all gun sales, allows gun owners to carry electronic FOID cards, and makes fingerprinting optional for FOID card holders. HB 562 also establishes a process through which law enforcement agencies can take guns away from individuals whose FOID cards have been revoked.
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Reopening Our District Office
As of next week our office will resume in person for appointment based services. Out of an abundance of caution we are asking that individuals wear face coverings when entering our shared office space. We will continue to offer virtual services and meetings or alternative venues for those that prefer to keep the remote options going while seeking assistance from our office.
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With the State and City officially entering Phase 5 we are excited to resume in person community events this summer. We will be hosting our first in person event in partnership with Senator Mike Simmons at Willye B. White Center this upcoming Monday, June 28th at 6pm. This event will be live streamed on facebook and posted on our website as a recording for those that cannot attend. Refreshments and snacks will be provided!
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Upcoming Coffee Chat with Rep. Cassidy
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Illinois Rental Payment Program
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The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA) is offering emergency rental assistance through the Illinois Rental Payment Program (IRPP) to support households that are unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional application period for tenants applying directly for rental assistance will open at 9AM on Monday, June 28. Tenants have until 11:59PM on Sunday, July 18 to complete their portion of the application. For more information, such as eligibility requirements and required documentation for tenants, visit this page.
You can find a list of Frequently Asked Questions here (also provided in other languages). You can also find a list of local housing assistance providers here.
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In June we celebrate Pride Month to honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots and rising activism for LGBTQ+ rights. Due to concerns about the pandemic, earlier this year, the city announced that the Pride Parade traditionally held the last Sunday in June will be delayed until October 3rd. We will be participating in Pride North this weekend! Stop by to say hi and join the festivities!
Pride North
DJ and music at a two-day block party event
Where: Glenwood Arts District of Rogers Park, Morse Red Line Stop
When: Saturday, June 26 and Sunday June 27 at 12PM
Admission: Free but must bring your vaccination card
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49th Ward Youth Council Prospective Members Meeting
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The 49th Ward is hosting a Prospective Members Meeting for their Youth Advisory Council on Tuesday, June 29th at 5pm over Zoom. At this meeting, you will learn about the Council, discuss the changes you’d like to see in our community, and learn about next steps to join the Council. See flyer for registration link and more information below. |
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Scholarship Opportunity (Applications Due June 30) |
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This year, the Security Traders Association of Chicago is offering up to $50,000 in scholarship funds. The fund also offers the $10,000 Michael J. Guzy III Memorial Award honoring one student athlete in hockey.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be enrolled in a two or four year accredited college as a full-time student, or enrolled in a minimum of two classes if the student is employed full-time.
- Must pursue a college or professional degree. High school seniors are welcome to apply.
- Must have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on a different scale).
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FEMA Funeral Assistance Program
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Illinois want to remind all Illinois residents that financial assistance is available to individuals who have incurred COVID-19 related funeral expenses. The assistance is being provided by FEMA for expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
According to the CDC, there are more than 21,000 families in Illinois that are eligible for federal funeral reimbursement funding. To date, more than $10.4 million has been approved for the more than 1,500 approved applicants in Illinois.
Residents can apply for FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The application process takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and multilingual services are available. If you have any issues with this process, your County Emergency Management Agency can contact IEMA for assistance.
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The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is warning residents to be on high alert for phishing schemes that are being used to commit identity theft. Fraudulent text messages, emails, and social media messages are being sent, posing as IDES, and other state agencies and constitutional offices to phish for personally identifiable information that can be used to claim benefits in your name or steal the benefits you already receive.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has provided steps you should follow to recognize and avoid phishing schemes. Residents should also take steps to strengthen and protect their online account information by using strong and unique passwords. Residents also should never share personal account information with untrustworthy sources.
If you have been the victim of identity theft-related unemployment insurance fraud, visit the IDES fraud webpage for information about how to report the claim.
You can see examples of fraudulent messages and link to more resources in this IDES provided document.
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Driver's License Suspension Update
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Starting July 1, 2021, Illinois will no longer suspend a license for any ticket debt, fines, or fees. This change includes suspension and holds due to: parking tickets, vehicle compliance tickets, red-light camera tickets, automatic speed camera tickets, traffic tickets, and abandoned vehicle fees. These changes are due to the SAFE-T Act passed in January. The Act also reinstates driving privileges for those who have already had their driver’s license suspended/revoked for failing to pay red-light camera tickets, speed camera tickets, traffic tickets, and abandoned vehicle fees. Reinstatement is free, automatic, and will occur by July 1, 2021.
Your license might still have a suspension or a hold if there were multiple reasons for suspension/hold on your record. Call the Secretary of State's automated phone number to determine if your license is valid: 217-782-6212, select option 2, then option 1. Have your Social Security Number and Driver's License Number handy.
The law does not eliminate any outstanding ticket debt. You must still pay off your tickets, but your license will no longer be suspended due to the debt.
Learn more about these reforms and how to get your license back here.
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Internship Opportunity with Violence Prevention Program
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Interns will assist the Violence Prevention program in the implementation of curriculum, community outreach, and specialized projects.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Participates in public speaking engagements, community outreach events, and enhances community awareness
- Facilitates Healthy Relationships curriculum and Teen Violence 101 in the community, minimum of 3 presentations per month.
- Completes assigned personal project that contributes to current program initiatives.
- Assists with annual Teen Summit planning and staffing.
- Generates original media content, including social media and blog posts
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be enrolled in a degree program and pursuing internship requirements. This program is tailored towards undergraduate students.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
- Self starter who is capable of working independently, while also being able to work as a team player
- Appreciation and understanding of PADV’s mission and goals
Compensation:
This is an unpaid position; however, a recommendation letter can be provided for those who successfully complete the program requirements.
Dates: Summer internship runs approximately June-August.
Contact: Ralph Edwards
Program Director
773-699-5636
Edwards3121@gmail.com
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Rogers Park Open for Property Assessment Appeals (Due July 19)
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Rogers Park homeowners may begin filing for a property tax assessment appeal of the new assessment mailed on June 15, 2021, if you believe your assessment is too high. You must file the appeal before July 19, 2021 in order for the appeal to be considered.
How to File
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You must create an account with a valid email address in order to file an appeal. You can do so here.
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After setting up an account you can file your appeal here.
Reminders
- The assessment you receive in 2021 will affect the tax bill you receive in 2022.
- You have two opportunities to appeal, first with the Cook County Assessor and later with the Cook County Board of Review. It is recommended that you do both if you feel your assessment is too high.
If you have any questions it may be helpful to contact your Cook County Commissioner directly. You can find yours here.
Property Tax Exemptions
There are over 250 individuals in our district who have not submitted tax exemptions. Please contact the Cook County Treasurer’s Office by phone at 312-443-5100 or you can make an online appointment/find email information at https://www.cookcountyassessor.com/. Feel free to contact us with any questions as well.
The Cook County Treasurer’s Office has also provided a brochure with helpful information about property taxes for homeowners. The brochure can be found here and is also provided in several different languages.
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Illinois Humanities COVID-19 Grants
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COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants (Due July 15)
Illinois Humanities is offering $1,000,000 in grants to Illinois-based humanities and cultural nonprofit organizations. The goal is to ensure the survival of these important organizations during the COVID-19 crisis.
General Operating Grants: range from $5,000-$10,000 and are available to humanities-based nonprofit organization with budgets under $2M.
Humanities Project Grants: $5,000 and available to all eligible nonprofits throughout Illinois.
Click here to watch an information session on the funding opportunities.
Click here to visit their website for more information.
Questions? Please reach out to Mark Hallett, director of grants programs, at mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org.
Envisioning Justice Grants
(Due September 1)
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Envisioning Justice Grants are offered to assist the creation or continuation of Illinois-based projects responding to the impacts of mass incarceration. These grants are available to both individuals and nonprofit organizations.
Click here to visit their website for more information.
Questions? Please reach out to Mark Hallett, director of grants programs, at mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org.
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COVID-19 Mortgage Relief (Deadline June 30) |
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Through the CARES Act, homeowners with federally-backed mortgages can put their loans into forbearance for six months to a year. At the end of the forbearance, the missed payments are either recapitalized through a modification or are put on the end of the loan as a non-interest-bearing balloon payment. Reverse mortgage borrowers, and borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage (or are even in foreclosure) are eligible. The deadline to request relief is June 30, 2021.
Residents of Cook County can also use a new, dedicated hotline: Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD), website. CCLAHD helps homeowners, renters, and debtors who are struggling to make ends meet due to COVID.
Again, time is short. Homeowners must ask for help before June 30, 2021. See the information below for more details.
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Andersonville Vintage Market |
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The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first outdoor Andersonville Vintage Market featuring antiques, home décor, jewelry, accessories, clothing, music and more partnering with local retailers and food vendors.
When:
Sunday, June 27,
Sunday, July 25
Sunday, August 22, 2021
10am – 3pm
Where:
Catalpa Ave. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave.
Pets are welcome. Admission $5 suggested donation (accepted via Venmo @avillechamber). For more information, visit the website.
Participating vendors include Andersonville Antiques, Bryn Mawr Jewelry, Edgewater Antique Mall, FOURSIDED, Foyer Shop, J. Emmett, Luvsick Plus, Lost Girls Vintage, Mercantile M, RareJule Vintage, Scout, Swedish American Museum, Transistor Chicago and Woolly Mammoth Chicago Antiques & Oddities. Special treats provided by Happy Lobster Truck and Downstate Donuts. For vendor updates throughout the summer, visit the Anderson Vintage Market page.
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SNAP Online Grocery Delivery and Pick-Up |
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The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has partnered with ALDI, Amazon, and Walmart in offering online SNAP purchasing to the State for Illinois’ SNAP customers. Participants can access fresh food and pantry staples from ALDI via Instacart’s same-day delivery and pick-up services.
To use SNAP benefits visit ALDI, Amazon, and Walmart sites then follow the instructions to complete your order. To sign up for SNAP and for more information visit here.
Retailers who are interested in the program can find more information on how to apply here.
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Care for Real wants to hear from you! |
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Care for Real has provided food, clothing, pet pantry, and other services. This year we are celebrating 50 years of caring and service to our community.
In order to help us plan for the future, we have begun a strategic planning process. The first step in this is a survey. We aspire to bring the broadest range of voices and perspectives into our process and this is one of the ways we are doing that. We love to hear from you as well! Your responses are anonymous will be kept in the strictest of confidence to aid us in our planning.
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Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
5533 N Broadway
Chicago IL 60640
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773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)
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