I hope you enjoyed the Labor Day Weekend. With kiddos back in school and the long weekend over, it feels like summer is officially coming to an end. The remainder of our team’s summer was spent out in the community, planning constituent service events for this fall, and preparing for the upcoming legislative session. Please see below for updates from our office, district, and beyond.
IDFPR Professional Licensing Event
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is taking its services on the road, and Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Representative Ann Williams, and I are teaming up with the agency to bring professional licensing services to Lincoln Park!
Join us on Thursday, September 19th from 4-7PM at the Chicago Public Library Lincoln Park Branch (1150 W Fullerton Ave) for one-on-one assistance from IDFPR personnel. They will be able to assist with applications, provide guidance with deficient applications, and answer any questions you may have. Please note that you must bring all documents necessary for licensure for best results. To RSVP, please fill out the form found here.
Care Packages for 18th CPD Officers
As a way to support the police officers who worked tirelessly to keep our city safe and maintain order during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Representative Kam Buckner and I put together care packages for our 18th Chicago Police District officers. While not the prettiest (we wanted to use compostable bags!), they included everything from protein bars, hand sanitizer, chewing gum, and electrolyte drink mixes.
Legislative Updates
I’m happy to share that a number of the bills that I sponsored in the 103rd General Assembly have been signed into law this summer!
- SB773 (formerly referred to as HB4112) removes the four-round limitation on private insurance-covered IVF treatments. After the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, it is more important than ever before to protect and expand reproductive rights here in Illinois. This legislation will go into effect on January 1, 2026. Check out the video below for a recap on SB773.
- HB4175 bans corporal punishment in private schools. No child in Illinois schools will have to fear the infliction of physical punishment in their classroom. This legislation will go into effect on January 1, 2025. For more on this bill’s background and its passage, read more from the Associated Press here.
- HB4951 (also known as the Revenue Omnibus) includes my bill HB4657 to prevent the sunset of the Housing Opportunity Area abatement through 2034. This tax abatement program promotes more equitable housing access and economic diversification throughout cities in Illinois. By benefitting both property owners and those seeking low-income housing, it is my hope that this program continues to be a means for opportunity.
Illinois Environmental Council Scorecard
I’m happy to share that I’ve received a one hundred percent rating on the Illinois Environmental Council’s (IEC) 2024 Environmental Scorecard! The IEC releases a scorecard every year to rate state legislators based on how they voted on bills affecting the environment. I am committed to a greener future, and I look forward to continuing to vote for legislation that will help us get there.
Upcoming Veto Session
Speaking of legislation, the state legislature will return to Springfield in mid-November for “Veto Session.” This special session is an opportunity for legislators to review bills that were originally vetoed by the Governor and address other issues.
As I continue to engage in conversations with my colleagues ahead of Veto Session, I am always looking for input from constituents to ensure your voice is being heard. If you have any questions or concerns on legislation, please reach out to my office.
Diaper Drive for Families in Need
Our diaper and baby wipe drive with the Old Town Triangle Association and Alderman Knudsen’s office is taking place now through September 29th! All proceeds will go to help those living in our city’s shelters. We’re happy to announce that thanks to your kindness and a generous donation from Amazon, we’ve collected over 96 diaper cases and 51 baby wipe cases. Thank you!
To contribute to this drive, please visit our Amazon Wishlist to have these items delivered directly to the Old Town Triangle Center (1763 N North Park), or you can drop items off at the Old Town Triangle Center, Alderman Knudsen’s office (2523 N Halsted), or our office (3223 N Sheffield).
For any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at (773) 348-3974. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this donation drive to benefit our most vulnerable neighbors.
In the Community
National Night Out
My team was at the 1st and 18th Chicago Police Districts’ National Night Out event! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to say hello and grab a treat from Lincoln Park’s Vanille Patisserie, and thank you to 18th District Commander Barz, Sergeant Schenk, and the entire CAPS team for hosting this great event for the community.
Visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
My office and I went to Skokie to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. This organization does the critical job of preserving the stories of those who endured the atrocities of genocide, and leaves museum goers with the powerful message that everyone has the ability to stand up for others to prevent current and future tragedies. For more information on the museum and their educational programming, please visit their website here.
Grant Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is looking to assist Illinois-based businesses and organizations seeking federal grants through their Federal Grant Support Program! The state-funded grant will help Illinois compete for additional federal funding to strengthen our businesses and communities that align with the State’s economic development objectives. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to have part of their match covered by state dollars. Applicants can apply for this program while they are preparing an application for a federal grant. More information can be found here.
Need help navigating DCEO’s grant process? Grantees may contact the Grant Help Desk by e-mail at CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or submit a question using this form.
Do you want to stay up-to-date on active state grant opportunities? Subscribe to Illinois NOFO Notifications to receive a weekly digest of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) offered by state agencies.
To subscribe, send a blank email (subject and body) to subscribe-omb-gata-grants@lists.illinois.gov.
Governmental Updates
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State’s office announced that the Illinois Flag Commission will accept public submissions for a new state flag design now through October 18th! The Illinois Flag Commission was established in 2023 to evaluate if a new state flag would better represent the state’s diversity of urban, suburban, and rural communities and inspire renewed state pride amongst Illinoisans. Those interested in submitting designs can do so online or via mail. For any questions, please visit the Flag Commission’s website linked above, or contact ilflagcommission@ilsos.gov.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
IDFPR has expanded its ePay pilot program to include a total of 21 paper applications as well as 20 professional licenses for individuals seeking to restore or reinstate their licenses. This program allows for easier and faster payment choices for select applicants, offered 24/7. For more information, please visit their website here.
IDFPR launched a new process for active-duty service members and their spouses to apply for licensure with reduced requirements. Eligible applicants include those with active-duty orders to be stationed in Illinois, those with active licenses in their profession from another state and those who have lawfully worked within the last two years in that profession. For more information, please visit their website here.
Cook County ARPA Community Voices Survey
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was the largest investment in local communities since the New Deal, offering an opportunity to invest in long-term initiatives that can have a transformative impact on local communities. Such initiatives include Cook County programs such as the Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, the Medical Debt Relief Initiative, and Violence Prevention grants.
Although there are over seventy ARPA programs offered through the county, many of which were meant to be short-term, focusing on pandemic recovery, and will expire in 2026. Cook County is currently in the process of determining which American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) programs to continue beyond 2026, and would like your input.
To take their quick survey, please visit their website here.
Need help with a State Agency?
My office is happy to offer assistance! Examples of state-related programs and common constituent inquiries include:
- The State Treasurer’s I-Cash Program
- The Department of Aging
- The Department of Human Services
- SNAP
- The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- The Department of Employment Security
- Consumer Complaints
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
If you are not sure who to contact regarding an issue pertaining to government affairs, my team is always happy to connect you with the appropriate resource. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (773) 348-8974 or via email at info@repcroke.com.
Upcoming Events and Community Meetings:
44th Ward Senior Picnic
Alderman Lawson’s annual Senior Picnic will take place on Thursday, September 5th from 11AM-1PM at Wellington and Lake Shore Drive, south of Picnic Grove 13. To RSVP, call (773) 525-6034. We hope to see you there for music, lunch, and an exciting raffle!
Lincoln Park Uncorked
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s Lincoln Park Uncorked event is back this fall! Explore Lincoln Avenue businesses between Diversey and Webster as they transform into pop-up tasting rooms featuring wine selections from Vin Chicago! Tickets include wine samples and light fare from local businesses. The wine stroll will take place on September 12th from 6-9PM with check-in at Junior Chefs Kitchen (2448 N Lincoln). For more information, please visit Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s website here.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
The 19th Annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts will take place on Saturday, September 14th, and Sunday, September 15th, from 11AM-7PM each day. This street festival will take place on Broadway from Belmont to Hawthorne, exhibiting over 120 of the nation’s most talented artists, live music performances, local food vendors, and a kidzone with family friendly activities. For more information on this event, please visit the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce’s website here.
Lincoln Central Association’s Evening in the Garden
Lincoln Central Association’s Evening in the Garden celebrates the close of summer, their garden volunteers, and the garden harvest. This garden party is used to honor the heart put into many neighborhood achievements including retiring police officers and especially the volunteers who make our parks such special gathering places. This event will take place on Sunday, September 15th from 5-7PM at Fire Station Park (1990 N Larrabee St) and will include food, wine and beverages from neighborhood restaurants and businesses. The event is free and open to the public.
East Lakeview Neighbors Oktoberfest
East Lakeview Neighbors’ annual Oktoberfest will take place on Sunday, September 15th from 3:30-7:30PM at Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 N Sheffield). This event will feature a $500 door prize, over $20,000 in silent auction items, a pig roast, traditional German food and drink, and a live band. All proceeds will benefit local charities. To purchase your ticket ahead of time for $30, please visit here.
Serve as a Poll Worker
The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners is seeking poll workers for the Presidential General Election coming up on November 5th. For more information, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections’ website here.
Cook County Sheriff’s Office Tracked Vehicle Partnership
This Cook County Sheriff’s office program allows the public to give consent to law enforcement to access their vehicle tracking information through the manufacturer in the event their vehicle is stolen. Access to this information will help local law enforcement immediately track and recover a stolen vehicle. If you’re interested in registering your vehicle for this program, please fill out the vehicle consent form.
Resources
After School Matters Programming for Teens
Chicago nonprofit After School Matters (ASM) is now accepting Chicago teens’ applications for their Fall programs running September 23 – December 14. Teens ages 14-18 can choose from hundreds of programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, to discover their passions and develop new skills for life beyond high school. Teens earn a stipend for their participation. To apply, please visit After School Matters’ website here.
Explore More Illinois: Digital Museum Passes through Chicago Public Libraries
Chicago Public Library’s museum passes are now digital and expanded across Illinois! New attractions include a wide range of museums, historical societies, zoos and more. This pass program is accessible online 24/7, with no need to visit a CPL location to check out or return a pass.
To reserve digital passes, visit CPL’s website here, log in with your library card number and PIN to see all the amazing offers from familiar and new attractions, and make your reservation online. Remember to bring confirmation of your reservation to your destination.
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response
Residents of the 19th Police District are encouraged to keep the above contact information for Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a mental health crisis, please utilize these resources.
PAWS Chicago Partnership
We have a new PAWS Chicago pal to introduce for September: meet Nancy!
Nancy is a sweet, friendly girl who recently returned to her PAWS home when her adopter passed away. She has lived with canine and feline siblings and is good with human children as well! She enjoys a good game of fetch, as well as cuddles and pets. If left alone at home, she prefers to roam freely, but be sure to lock the door firmly behind you – if Nancy finds a way to sneak out, she can run like the wind!
Nancy is currently adjusting to the changes in her life. A home with a yard where she can safely resume her favorite activities and continue her training would be ideal. Add to that a patient, loving family and watch her re-emerge into her sweet, friendly self!
If you’re interested in adopting Nancy or another furry friend, visit PAWS Chicago for more information.
Here’s to a great fall! Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. We’re always happy to be a resource for you.
