Happy March! As we head into Spring, I hope this month brings you fresh beginnings and sunny days.
Last month, Governor JB Pritzker addressed the Illinois General Assembly at the State Capitol for his annual State of the State. This address marks the beginning of the budget negotiation process between legislators, government agencies, and the Governor’s Office.
In his address, Governor Pritzker laid out his key priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, all tied to fiscal responsibility coupled with compassionate governance. He reassured Illinoisans that there would be no tax increases and emphasized the state’s dedication to fulfilling its pension obligations, continuing his commitment to long-term financial stability for the state. The Governor also proposed contributing an extra $78 million to meet pension safe harbor requirements and $350 million to the evidence-based funding formula for public education.
Beyond fiscal matters, Governor Pritzker outlined several key policy initiatives. He announced a proposal to lower prescription drug costs and healthcare expenses overall, recognizing the significant burden these costs place on Illinois families. He proposed initiatives to increase the inventory of affordable housing to ensure all residents have access to safe and stable living conditions. The Governor advocated for a statewide ban on cellphone usage in classrooms, an issue near and dear to my heart, a policy he considers vital for improving both students’ academic performance and their mental health.
Throughout his address, Governor Pritzker emphasized his administration’s commitment to fighting injustices observed at the federal level and standing in solidarity with communities across the state. He portrayed a vision of a state that not only maintains its footing, but actively strives to advance. Just like the Governor, I will continue to prioritize policies that benefit families and avoid placing undue financial burdens on them and fight for a balanced budget that invests in our state, because I also believe that a compassionate budget and a fiscally responsible one are not mutually exclusive.
Last week in Springfield I received the Railroader of the Year award alongside Representative Jeff Keicher. This award signifies an understanding of freight rail’s critical importance to Illinois’s economy and our nation’s transportation network, and I am honored to have received this recognition. I will continue my work with the Illinois Railroad Association on a range of issues, and I express deep appreciation for their members’ dedication in delivering the goods we depend on each day.
Women’s History Month
Happy Women’s History Month! This March, let’s not only celebrate the achievements of women, but also recommit to the ongoing fight for gender equality. We recognize that there is still work to be done to break down barriers and create a world where all women are empowered.
Discover some of the ways you can celebrate and honor Women’s History Month in Chicago:
Explore the city with Choose Chicago’s guide, How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Chicago, where you can find events that honor women across industries all month long.
Expand your understanding of how women impact the world (and vice versa) through one of the many podcasts that explore various topics around women in history and modern society. Check out Women for Women International for a comprehensive list.
Time Magazine published their 100 Women of the Year project, where they spotlight influential women who are often overshadowed. To learn more about the project and for the full list, click here.
In the Community
Loyola University Inside Government Internship Fair
While I’ve been in Springfield for session, my team in the 12th District has been actively engaging with the community. Recently, they participated in the Loyola Inside Government Internship Fair. Our spring interns, Akua and Felipe, shared their internship experiences with fellow undergraduate students and my Director of Community Engagement, Olivia, provided details about our summer internship program. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to info@repcroke.com by March 31. Learn more here.
OTTA’S Old Town Art Affair Fundraiser
Attending OTTA’s Old Town Art Affair fundraiser was a true pleasure, especially as we celebrated 75 years of the iconic Old Town Art Fair. The event’s longevity is a testament to the enduring spirit of this community. As always, it was great chatting with Tracy Sefl and Alderman Timmy Knudsen!
Governmental Updates
IRS Direct File
Good news, Illinois taxpayers! The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) just launched Direct File, a new way to file your taxes for free. To learn more and to see if you are eligible, visit directfile.irs.gov. It could save you time, money, and a headache.
REAL ID
As you may know, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has instituted a requirement to obtain a REAL ID if you are seeking to travel by plane beginning on May 7, 2025. If you have any questions or if you are not sure if you need a REAL ID, please head to the Illinois’ Secretary of State website linked here. You can also read this article from NBC to learn more.
Senior Illinois Hall of Fame
The Illinois Department on Aging honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older by having a Senior Illinois Hall of Fame. Each year, four older adults are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their work in arts, sports, and entertainment; community service; education; or the labor force. To be considered for the 2025 induction class, all nominations must be submitted no later than June 2, 2025. To learn more or to nominate someone, click here.
Grant Opportunities
Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program
The Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program is looking to assist Illinois-based small businesses with capital resources that can be used for infrastructure improvements, acquisition of essential equipment, or purchase of new property. To be eligible, the business must be owned by Socially Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) with a maximum of 25 full-time permanent employees OR Very Small Businesses (VSB) with fewer than 10 employees. To learn more about the grant, more information can be found here.
Need help navigating DCEO’s process for the The Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program? Grantees may contact Tiffany Hawkins by email at CEO.OE3Grant@illinois.gov.
Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant
The Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program will empower and equip individuals and communities with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to use the internet to fully participate in Illinois’ modern society and economy. Recognizing that achieving digital equality for all people is a matter of social and economic justice, this NOFO seeks to enable any entity that is awarded a grant under this program to better address systemic barriers to digital equity, resulting in improved outcomes in health, education, economic stability, and quality of life. For more information, click here.
The application deadline is Thursday, May 8, 2025. For any questions, email Devon Braunstein (devon.braunstein@illinois.gov).
CAR Family Care Plan Pilot Program
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) is offering the CAR Family Care Plan Pilot Grant. This grant is intended to ensure the safety and well-being of an infant with prenatal substance exposure and the pregnant person by addressing the health and substance use disorder treatment needs of both the infant and the affected family or caregiver. Eligible applicants are county governments, city or township governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations.
Applicants can see grant awards of up to $250,000. The deadline for the grant is June 6th, 2025, by 5:00 PM (CST). For more eligibility information, please click the link here.
For more details, please contact Leslie S. Rice at (312)-328-2953 or through email atDCFS.GATA@Illinois.gov.
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.
Upcoming Events and Community Meetings
Senior Citizen Law Enforcement Academy
Every Wednesday from 10 AM -12 PM from March 5th to April 9th (1001 N. Crosby Street), The Cook County Sheriff’s office will be hosting sessions for senior citizens on how to protect yourself from crime, communicate with law enforcement, and more. To register or receive more information, call 708-865-7341.
Savor Lincoln Park
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting Savor Lincoln Park on Wednesday, March 19, from 6 to 9 PM at 2401 N. DuSable Lake Shore. Savor Lincoln Park is the ultimate indoor food fest featuring delicious bites, sips, and samples from Lincoln Park restaurants and bars, set against gorgeous lakefront views. To reserve tickets, click here.
18th District CAPS Older Adults Training
The 18th Police District is hosting a couple of Older Adults Training events in March. On Thursday, March 20 at 11am, there is a training on public safety and awareness to offer tips and strategies on how to stay safe at home and in public. On Thursday, March 27 at 11:00 AM (2045 N. Lincoln Park), the 18th Police District is hosting a Stop the Bleed training to cover topics such as Narcan, CPR, and AED. To register or to learn more, call 312-742-5778.
Old Town and Lincoln Park Earth Day
Join the Old Town Triangle Association and many other community groups on Saturday, May 10 from 9am-12pm (333 West Wisconsin Avenue) to give back to our planet. Some of the projects include gardening, painting, planting, mulching and more. There is no cost to participate but please RSVP here.
18th Police District Council Meeting
The 18th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Tuesday, March 25at 6PM at (location TBD). 18th District Commander Barz will provide an update on public safety issues. To RSVP, please see here.
19th Police District Council Meeting
The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Wednesday, March 19 at Lane Tech College Prep High School (2501 W. Addison St). This meeting will focus on taking action to expand CARE. The Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) is a Chicago program that sends mental health professionals to non-emergency 911 calls, sometimes alongside police officers. To RSVP, please see here.
Resources
Summer job applications for the Chicago Park District are open! Chicago residents, ages 16+, can apply for any of the 3,700 summer employment opportunities available, including Recreational Leaders, Lifeguards, Junior Laborers, Special Recreation Leaders & specialty positions. These jobs provide valuable work experience for all ages. Summer jobs pay between $17.02 & $19.75 an hour. Click here to learn more and to apply.
LGBTQ+ Resources
For the full Trans Legal Survival Guide by Advocates for Trans Equality, click here.
Equality Illinois also has a resource list from legal groups to health clinics. Click here.
As a reminder, here are three ways you can take action:
If you witness discriminatory practices (e.g., at a school, healthcare facility, or other institution), report it to Equality Illinois, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and/or the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Please reach out to our office as well.
Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community in your area by connecting with local leaders, members, and organizations. Reach out personally and share messages of support on social media.
Don’t allow federal attacks on equality to dictate our aspirations for a more inclusive Illinois.
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.
Cook County Health Birthday Health Screening Program
Cook County Health is now offering free breast and prostate cancer screenings to eligible residents during their birthday month. Call 312-864-4289 to learn more and to schedule an appointment.
Free Tax Assistance Program
Tax season is here. Now through Tuesday, April 15th, Ladder Up is providing free tax assistance to eligible Illinois residents. To learn more, click here.
Small Business Shoutout
For Women’s History Month, we are highlighting TWO amazing women-owned small businesses in the 12th District.
The Kismet Table
The Kismet Table (2142 N Halsted St) is a retail shop in Lincoln Park that offers an eclectic menu of go-to provisions and small-batch gourmet. Taryn Huebner, the owner and Oprah Winfrey’s former Chef, prides herself on twenty years of professional cooking experience and hopes to inspire others to be imaginative and fearless in the kitchen.
The Colette Collection
The Colette Collection (2858 N Clark St) is a boutique in Lakeview that features styles from up-and-coming fashion brands to deliver the highest quality at reasonable prices. Lauren, the owner, and her knowledgeable sales staff help each customer find pieces that work best for their own style. The Colette Collection boutique receives an array of new arrivals regularly, so you will discover something special on every visit.
PAWS Shoutout
We have a PAWS Chicago pal to introduce for March: meet Elani!
Elani has charmed both volunteers and staff with her sweet and loving personality. She is seeking a calm and peaceful home where she can truly relax and blossom. In a quiet environment, Elani will show her true colors as a loyal and affectionate companion. While she may need a little time to warm up to new people and places, once she feels comfortable, Elani loves nothing more than to snuggle up on the couch with her favorite humans. She also enjoys playtime with her toys and exploring the neighborhood on leisurely walks.
Make an adoption appointment using the link below or email adoptionconcierge@pawschicago.org with any additional questions.
Social Media
For the latest updates on bills, Springfield happenings, and helpful resources, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Wishing you a safe and healthy March. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
