I hope you are enjoying these fews days of respite from the Chicago cold!
Over the last month I have been initiating conversations with my colleagues, preparing to file legislation, and reviewing the state’s FY2026 forecast so that I can effectively serve the 12th District. As always, my commitment to our community is my top priority.
Last week, I brought my youngest daughter, Hattie, to Springfield. She had a great time hanging out in the House chambers and seeing my colleagues, including Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth and Assistant Majority Leader and Co-Budgeteer Eva-Dina Delgado.
In January, Speaker Welch announced the House Democratic committee assignments for the 104th General Assembly. Every new piece of legislation is assigned to a committee based on its subject matter, where members then review bills and vote on whether they should proceed to the House floor.
It’s an honor to continue to chair the Financial Institutions and Licensing Committee, and also contribute my expertise to the Gaming, Revenue & Finance, and Transportation: Vehicles & Safety Committees.
To track bills that I am sponsoring and co-sponsoring this session, visit the ILGA website.
My team and I want to hear directly from you! Please reach out to share your support or concerns about upcoming legislation, or to request background information on any legislative matters. I look forward to what we can accomplish together this year and will continue sharing updates in the weeks and months to come.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a crucial time for reflection and action. Our state’s vibrant Black history is filled with both triumphs and struggles, offering invaluable lessons for us all. This month, we honor the enduring strength and resilience of Black individuals, while acknowledging the ongoing work that needs to be done.
Discover some of the ways you can celebrate and honor Black History Month in Chicago:
- Explore the city with Choose Chicago’s guide, How to celebrate Black History Month in Chicago, which offers a variety of ways to experience Black history and culture across the city.
- The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center holds more than 15,000 paintings, sculpture, print works and historical memorabilia that celebrates and memorializes Black culture. They also have free admission on Wednesdays.
- Visit Smithsonian’s Talking About Race page for resources on engaging in conversations about race and its impact on our lived experiences. They offer resources for a variety of topics from anti-racism and managing bias to exploring racial identity and self-care.
Free Museum Days
Don’t let Chicago’s winter weather keep you indoors! Explore the city’s amazing museums with free and discounted days throughout the season. See below for some of the best offers, and click here to discover even more.
- Free admission every Monday, Thursday, and Friday from January 6th to March 14th, 2025. Don’t forget to reserve your free tickets online in advance.
- Free admission every Wednesday evening from 4 – 10 p.m. All tickets must be purchased online and in advance.
- Free admission February 4 – 6, 11 – 13, 18 – 20, and 25 – 27. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets.
In the Community
OTTA Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner
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Lincoln Central Association Annual meeting
I also had the pleasure of attending the Lincoln Central Association Annual meeting to give updates on my legislative goals for the 104th General Assembly and speak with constituents. Thank you for having me!
Governmental Updates
Secretary of State: Vote for Illinois’ New Flag
The Illinois Flag Commission selected its Top 10 finalists for the state flag redesign contest with public voting open now. The purposes of the Commission are to develop new State flag designs and to make recommendations to the General Assembly concerning whether the current State flag ought to be replaced with a redesigned one. If you would like to vote on one of these new designs, please visit the Secretary of State’s website here. The last day to vote is Friday, February 14th.
Cook County Treasurer: Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program
The Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program allows property owners aged 65 or older to “borrow” money from the state to cover their property taxes. This program operates as a loan with a simple annual interest rate of 3%, providing financial relief to eligible seniors. The program allows deferring up to $7,500 annually in property taxes. For eligibility and more information, please visit Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ website here. The last day to defer taxes is Saturday, March 1st.
Grant Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) 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.
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.
Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Education, The Nurse Educator Fellowship Program aims to retain qualified nursing faculty at colleges and universities by providing salary supplements. To be eligible, teachers need a master’s degree in nursing or higher, a full-time job at a school that offers nursing degrees, and a history of doing great work for their nursing program. Eligible candidates also need to have taught nurses for at least a year and cannot have received this grant in the last five years. Finally, they need to be nominated by the head of their nursing department.
Applicants can see grant awards of up to $10,000. The deadline for the grant is February 21st, 2025, by 4:00 PM (CST). To learn more, click the link: here.
For questions or assistance, contact Brook Stewart at (217)-866-1473 or through email at stewart@ibhe.org.
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@
Upcoming Events and Community Meetings
Essentials Drive to support LGBTQI+ Youth
Support LGBTQI+ youth by donating to YEPP’s essential drive. Drop off new, packaged items at the Merlo Branch Library (644 W Belmont) now through February 22nd during their open hours:
- Monday & Wednesday: 12-8 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday: 10-8 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 9-5 PM
- Sunday: 1-5 PM
Learn more here.
18th Police District Council Meeting
The 18th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Tuesday, February 25th at 6 PM, the location is to be determined. CPD 18th District Commander Barz will provide an update on public safety issues. To RSVP, please see the form linked here.
19th Police District Council Meeting
The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Wednesday, February 19th at 6:30 PM at the Chicagoland Community Church (836 W. Aldine Ave). To RSVP, please see the form linked here.
Resources
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.
PAWS Shoutout
We have a PAWS Chicago pal to introduce for February: meet Stella!
Stella’s been a trooper! After being surrendered this summer, she bravely adjusted to shelter life. Though shy at first, this loyal girl now greets her volunteer every day with enthusiasm. She’s ready for her forever home – ideally an adult-only space with a yard and maybe even some furry siblings. Could that be you? Come meet Stella!
If you’re interested in adopting Stella or another furry friend, visit PAWS Chicago for more information.
Wishing you a cozy and healthy February. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
