The latest mass shooting in Highland Park was another tragic reminder of the urgent need to ban assault weapons both in Illinois and our country. I was the first co-sponsor of HB5522, legislation to ban assault weapons, because I know that these weapons of war have no place on our streets. I am advocating that my colleagues and I return to Springfield as soon as possible to vote on this legislation.
This past session, I was the chief sponsor of HB4156, which would make any manufacturer, importer, or dealer of a firearm strictly liable for any bodily harm or injury if it resulted from the unlawful discharge of a firearm. I introduced this legislation because these gun companies should be held accountable for the guns flooding into our neighborhoods and killing innocent people.
It is past time to implement bold policies so that our children can go to school safely, we can attend community events without the threat of violence, and we prevent these senseless acts from continuing to destroy lives.
I will continue to do everything in my power to push for common-sense gun legislation in Springfield.
In the Community
AIDS Memorial Garden
Chicago kicked off Pride Month in June by celebrating the opening of the AIDS Memorial Garden at Belmont Harbor!
ATPC Panel
The American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC) board members invited Rep. Gonzalez, Rep. Avelar, and me, to speak about the priorities and opportunities surrounding cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion in Illinois.
Lincoln Park Early Learning Center
My team and I toured the future Lincoln Park Early Learning Center alongside Principal Quinlan! The school is a part of Chicago’s expansion of universal full-day preschool programs, and I look forward to seeing the ways this school will bring together the community!
Old Town Art Fair Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
I joined Congressman Quigley, Sen. Feigenholtz, Ald. Smith, Ald. Hopkins, and Old Town Triangle Leaders in celebrating the opening of the Old Town Art Fair.
Lincoln Park “Pitch in for the Parks”
We participated in the first “Pitch in for the Parks” of the season with the Gold Coast Neighbors Association and the Chicago Parks Foundation. Join us at the next volunteer opportunity on July 16th!
Pride Festival
The Northalsted neighborhood welcomed back the annual Pride Festival on Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th. My office enjoyed meeting each of you who stopped by and said hello! We will see you at the Taste of Lincoln Avenue!
Pride Parade
After two years, we finally welcomed back the Chicago Pride Parade! My team (including our amazing volunteers) marched with LGBTQIA+ allies to celebrate Pride Month. PJ was ecstatic to finally join in on the fun!
Upcoming Events
GCNA Park Clean up
Join the Chicago Parks Foundation and the Gold Coast Neighbors Association for the upcoming “Pitch in for the Parks” on July 16th from 9am – 11am at the southern end of Lincoln Park. The initiative brings together volunteers in the community to help keep one of Chicago’s most beloved parks clean. Sign up here!
Taste of Lincoln Ave
The Taste of Lincoln Avenue is back! The festival will run from Friday, July 22nd until Sunday, July 24th. There will be live music, food, activities, and a variety of vendors. Hope to see you there!
Community Updates
Our website now has a new page under the Resources tab where you can find information on what we are doing to combat crime and promote safety at the state level. Keeping our communities safe is my top priority and I want to make sure you have all the information necessary to learn about what state lawmakers are doing and how you can help.
Chicago’s City’s at Home vaccination program is now offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine right at their home for anyone ages 6 months and older.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) recently introduced the Private Sector Camera Initiative. The program will allow homeowners, condominiums, and businesses to link their private exterior cameras with OEMC and Homeland Security Directors to create additional points of contact during an emergency throughout Chicago.
The City of Chicago launched the Home and Business Protection Rebate Program to provide any Chicagoan, business owner, or anyone who leases/owns a vehicle registered within the city to receive reimbursement for security technology. The program will cover a portion of the cost of outdoor security cameras, one year of video cloud storage, outdoor motion sensor lighting, and vehicle GPS trackers.
PAWS Chicago Partnership
We have a new PAWS Chicago pal to introduce for July: Meet Sweater!
Sweater is a six-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat who is extremely cuddly, playful, and loves human attention. She can even high-five! If you are interested in adopting Sweater (or any of her friends), check out PAWS Chicago!
Small Business Shoutout
Every month we highlight one small business from our district. For July, we are thrilled to feature Nyssa!
“We believe that when women are given the means to care for themselves during times of transformation— and all the ‘unmentionables’ that come along for the ride— we can turn ‘deal with it’ into something positive, empowering, and enlivening.
We started Nyssa because we were shocked by the lack of solutions available to help us heal after birth. We dealt with it by creating our first item: FourthWear Postpartum Recovery Underwear.
Today we collaborate with OB-GYNs, pelvic floor therapists, doulas, sex educators and women around the world to ensure that our designs deliver real results that help each of us deal with the physical and emotional transformations that we all share, yet experience in entirely unique ways.”
If you have a favorite store, restaurant, or other business in the district for future Small Business Shoutouts, let us know!
Have a safe and fun summer! Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.
