If April showers bring May flowers, then Lincoln Park will be in full bloom next month based on the weather we’ve had the past few days! I hope for a peaceful and reflective Passover for those observing, and to those celebrating Easter, may it be a joyful occasion filled with warmth and delight. My own three children are certainly looking forward to the Easter Bunny’s visit!
Please read on for legislative and government updates, events that I am hosting or co-hosting with other elected officials, and more!
Legislative Updates
I’m pleased to report significant progress since my last update. Several pieces of legislation that I’m sponsoring have successfully advanced from their respective committees, all with unanimous or bipartisan support. Some of these bills include:
- The Restaurant Anti-Piracy Act (HB2456): Prohibits third party sites from selling restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s explicit permission. This legislation aims to protect the hospitality industry and small businesses. I spoke with Eater Chicago about this bill – read more here.
- The Anti-Flyering Act (HB3023): Establishes civil actions against threatening leafletting. This legislation aims to to protect Illinoisans from hate speech regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and more.
Over the coming weeks, the Illinois General Assembly will prioritize moving legislation between the House and Senate before we adjourn at the end of May. I’ve also dedicated substantial time to analyzing the Governor’s proposed FY26 budget, carefully examining its potential impact on the 12th District and beyond.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at (773) 348-8974 or by email at info@repcroke.com.
In the Community
Secretary of State Flagship Center Grand Opening
While my work in Springfield kept me busy throughout March, I attended the grand opening of the Secretary of State’s Flagship Center (125 W Monroe St), alongside State Representatives Theresa Mah and Kim Du Buclet, and Alderman Bill Conway. This center represents a significant step forward in modernizing DMV services and showcases Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ commitment to serving Illinoisians. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I experienced the efficient process of getting my REAL ID.
For questions about REAL ID, read below or click here.
Government Updates
Kennedy Expressway Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Rehabilitation work on the Kennedy Expressway’s outbound lanes has resumed, prompting overnight ramp and lane closures between Ohio Street and Montrose Avenue from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. During this phase, the reversible express lanes will operate outbound only, with two mainline outbound lanes closed, and the reversible mid-gate entrance/exit will be inaccessible until mid-July, forcing O’Hare-bound traffic to remain on the mainline.
REAL ID
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.
In order to support existing efforts to serve the increased demand for REAL IDs, the Secretary of State launched a new REAL ID Supercenter in the Loop. The facility offers walk-in services from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 191 N. Clark St.
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
The 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. 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. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 7th.
For questions or assistance, 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).
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
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.
District-Sponsored and District-Co-Sponsored Events
Insurance Seminar with IDOI
Join the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) and your Northside elected officials on Wednesday, April 16th at 6 PM for an informative virtual seminar focused on Weather and Climate-related Property and Casualty Insurance. This seminar will provide valuable insights into common homeowners, renters, and condo insurance coverages, and highlight critical gaps that are often overlooked, such as flood, sewage backup, and earthquake protection.
RSVP now to secure your spot: IDOIseminar.eventbrite.com. Once you RSVP, the Webex link will be sent closer to the event date.
For questions, please contact our office at (773) 348-8974 or via email at info@repcroke.com.
Shred Event with 43rd Ward
The 43rd Ward is hosting a Spring Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event on Sunday, April 27th from 10 am – 1 pm at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N Cannon Dr.). Each household will be limited to two boxes/containers. For questions, please email the 43rd Ward at yourvoice@ward43.org.
IDFPR Professional Licensing Application Assistance
Have you or someone you know been experiencing delayed wait times or other issues in your application for professional licensure? We invite you to attend our upcoming IDFPR licensing event, hosted by our office, Senator Feigenholtz, Representative Ann Williams, Senator Collins, Representative Morris, and Representative Jawaharial Williams. Personnel from IDFPR will be present to assist with applications, provide guidance with deficiencies, and answer any other questions you may have. This event will take place on Monday, May 12th from 2-6PM at the Lincoln Park Chicago Public Library (1150 W Fullerton Ave).
We kindly ask that those interested in attending fill out the RSVP form so that one of the legislative offices may contact you to ensure that you have all materials prepared for best results.
For questions, please contact our office at (773) 348-8974 or via email at info@repcroke.com
Upcoming Events and Community Meetings
18th Police District Council Meeting
The 18th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6 PM (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, April 23rd at 6:30 PM at the Athenaeum Center (2936 N Southport Ave). This meeting will focus on Restorative Justice. To RSVP, please click here.
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.
Job Opportunities
Chicago Park District
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.
Secretary of State Summer Internship
The Illinois Secretary of State is accepting applications for summer jobs, offering $17/hour for college/trade school students and $25/hour for graduate/law students, with positions in various offices and departments. Interested applicants can apply at www.ilsos.gov/summerjobs and must submit a resume, application, and cover letter explaining their interest in working at the Secretary of State’s office. Please reach out to publicengagement@ilsos.gov with any questions.
Airport Expo and Job Fair
Find contracting and employment opportunities at O’Hare and Midway airports at the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Airport Expo and Job Fair. This is a free event on Thursday, May 1 (the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road). Click here to register
Resources
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.
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.
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.
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 Shoutout
We have a PAWS Chicago pal to introduce for April: meet Graceful!
Graceful is a sweet and timid five-year-old dog who is looking for a loving home where she can live her best life. While Graceful does have some health complications, including a luxating patella and some mobility challenges, that does not stop her from being a sweet and loving companion. She’s still active despite her injuries and loves going on walks and being outside. If you’re looking for a calm and loving dog who will enjoy the outdoors with you, Graceful is the one!
Make an adoption appointment by emailing adoptionconcierge@pawschicago.org or with any additional questions.
Small Business Shoutout
Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop
Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop ( 2425 N Clark St) is a dog-themed independent coffee shop in Lincoln Park. It features a menu of traditional coffee drinks, seasonal specials, and fresh pastries. Ludlow Charlingtons has partnered with Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (FCACC) to raise money and awareness for the city dog shelter, and its walls are decorated with elegant portraits of dogs dressed in victorian era attire; all dogs being from CACC, many of which were adopted at events held in front of the coffee shop.
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 April. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
