I hope everyone is enjoying the crisp fall weather. The recent Veto Session focused on securing the future of Illinois transit, protecting the rights of our immigrant communities, and addressing high energy costs across the state.
I first want to thank you all for your advocacy regarding these important issues. It would not have been possible without all of us coming together as a team and I encourage you to keep reaching out to my office with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Veto Session Update
Transportation
I am proud to share that the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (SB2111)
passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. This bill addresses the fiscal cliff while also reforming the system so that it serves taxpayers effectively.
The bill integrates the CTA, Metra, and Pace systems to a unified “One Fare” structure, which means no more confusing or expensive transfers between city and suburban lines. The bill also tackles safety and service concerns head-on by creating an Office of Transit Safety and Experience. This office will oversee the new Transit Ambassador Program, which puts trained, unarmed staff on platforms and vehicles to increase human presence, help riders, and generally make the entire system feel safer.
To address the fiscal cliff, the state will use existing state funds and revenue streams. Specifically, the bill redirects about $860 million from the state’s sales tax on gasoline and utilizes an additional $200 million from the fund’s interest earnings, steering a total of $1.06 billion toward mass transit services (CTA, Metra, and Pace). The bill will also raise the existing Regional Transportation Authority sales tax by 0.25% which will generate $478 million in funding. Finally, to fund tollway capital projects, a tollway surcharge tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be implemented, while still keeping Illinois’ tolls among the lowest in the country.
Immigration
Like you, I am angry, frustrated and heartbroken over what ICE agents are doing to so many good, hard-working individuals who are simply trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. This is why now more than ever before, we need to look out for one another.
That is exactly why I became a co-sponsor of HB1312, which passed both chambers. This bill creates a 1,000-foot safe zone around courthouses to prevent civil arrests, a practice regularly used by immigration agents instead of obtaining judicial warrants. The bill would also require universities, colleges, hospitals, and daycare centers to develop policies on how to deal with immigration enforcement. This bill focuses solely on federal officers, as they are the only ones responsible for customs enforcement. State and local officers are already prohibited from assisting with these actions under the TRUST Act.
I know these times feel uncertain, but Chicagoans are so strong and resilient. I’ve never been so proud of our people and to call this city my home!
Energy
Both chambers also passed The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SB25) which addresses the skyrocketing power bills many of us have experienced. This legislation offers a comprehensive plan to strengthen our electric grid and prioritize affordability for consumers. The CRGA Act aims to add 3 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage to the grid, give Illinois consumers tools like increased rebates, to make their homes more energy-efficient, and reduce utility bills.
There is always more than can be done, but I am proud of all the hard work my colleagues and I accomplished. While the General Assembly will not officially convene until January for the start of the regular legislative session, I look forward to returning home to spend time with my family and remaining actively engaged in the district. My office doors are always open, and I encourage you to contact us with any state-level concerns or assistance you may need.
Virtual Snap Town Hall
Join us Wednesday, November 5th at noon for a virtual SNAP Town Hall with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). Representatives from the GCFD will walk us through the impacts of the SNAP cuts and answer your questions about how you can help our neighbors in need. To register, click here.
43rd Ward Shred Event
Alderman Knudsen’s fall shred event will be held on Sunday, October 16th from 10AM-1PM outside of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N Cannon Dr). For questions, call (773) 348-9500.
In the Community
Speaking at Walter Payton College Prep
It was a pleasure to discuss the minimum wage, the work of our State Legislature, and to hear directly what issues matter most to Walter Payton College Prep’s AP Economic students. I also want to express my gratitude for the teacher and staff’s dedication to the students of Walter Payton. Their efforts are making a clear, positive impact, and I truly appreciate the work they do every day to shape our future leaders.
Volunteering at Nourishing Hope Food Pantry
In preparation for the canned food drive at Howler at Bauler, Team Croke spent a morning volunteering at Nourishing Hope. It was inspiring to see the incredible work they do for our community, and Team Croke loved getting hands-on with sorting and packing to help their mission.
The Gold Coast Neighbors Association Annual Meeting
It’s wonderful to be among friends and colleagues like Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Alderman Brendan Reilly, Alderman Timmy Knudsen, and Alderman Brian Hopkins at the Gold Coast Neighbors Association Annual meeting. It is always so special to see our community gather to discuss important matters.
44th Ward Shred Event
Team Croke joined Alderman Bennett Lawson for their Fall Paper Shredding event. Thank you to everyone who came by, and thank you to Midway Shredding, for providing their expertise!
Canned Food Drive and Pumpkin Giveaway at Howler at Bauler
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Pumpkin Giveaway and Canned Food Drive at Lincoln Central Association’s Howler at Bauler! We collected over 116 canned goods and other non-perishable items for Nourishing Hope. With the uncertainty of SNAP benefits for November, the need for food banks like Nourishing Hope is critical now more than ever. Please consider supporting their mission by volunteering or donating today.
Government Updates
Illinois Department of Human Services
Following a court order on November 3rd, the federal government will fund only half of SNAP benefits in November. Recognizing the severe stress this places on families, Governor JB Pritzker has signed an executive order launching a statewide response to protect food access, supported by a $20 million investment in Illinois food banks, with funds split equally between the Budget Reserve for Immediate Disbursements and Governmental Emergencies Fund and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the most up-to-date information and to find food locally.
Secretary of State
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is excited to announce the opening of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award application process for 2025. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding young leaders in Illinois who are committed to community service, civic engagement, and positive change, following the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis.
The deadline to apply is Monday, November 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. Find all details and the link to the application forms here: John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.
If you have any questions, email jlyouthaward@ilsos.gov or call (312) 814-1148. For more information, you can also review the FAQ for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.
Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network
As we approach Veterans Day, the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation wants to ensure that low-income veterans and military members know about a valuable resource available to them. IL-AFLAN is funded by the State of Illinois and provides free legal assistance to low-income veterans and active military members on critical issues including housing and eviction prevention, family law matters, accessing VA benefits, consumer debt issues. To learn more, click here.
Grant and Scholarship Opportunities
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have a variety of grants available:
- The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program will provide funding to support the development of community solar projects to promote community ownership and energy sovereignty. The program provides capital on solar and renewable energy projects for individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups. The Department prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate direct and tangible benefits to the local community.The deadline to apply for this grant is December 31st by 5pm CST and rewards range from $50,000 – $1,000,000. For more details contact Matthew Swaine at Matthew.Swaine@Illinois.gov or click here.
- The Illinois Reproductive Grant Extension Program will provide grants for pregnancy centers which include organizations or facilities that have health care employees, volunteers, or agents who are licensed health care professionals. Pregnancy-related services include any medical service, or health counseling service, related to the prevention, preservation, or termination of pregnancy.The application deadline is rolling and the rewards range from $50,000 – $500,000. For more details, contact Julia Griffin (CEO.ILReprodHealth@illinois.gov) or click here.
Upcoming Events and Community Meetings
19th Police District Council Meeting
The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Wednesday, November 19th at 6:30pm (location is TBD), For more information, click here.
18th Police District Council Meeting
29th Annual John Buciak Old St. Pat’s Blood Drive
Old St. Pat’s will be holding their 29th Annual John Buciak Blood Drive on Sunday, November 9th from 7 AM – 2 PM at 129 S. Desplaines St. Schedule your (recommended) donor appointment today, but walk-ins will also be accepted. Donors need to be 18 and over. Free parking as well at 625 W. Adams. For questions, please contact vinceg@oldstpats.com.
Lincoln Park ZooLights
Enjoy one of Chicagoland’s favorite holiday traditions from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026: the Lincoln Park ZooLights. Enjoy over 3 million lights, nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences. Buy tickets and learn more here.
Old Town Merchants and Residents Association Tree Lighting
Welcome winter at the Annual Old Town Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, November 18th at 5:30pm at Burton Place Park (1501 N. Wells). To learn more, click here.
Shoppers Extravaganza and Holiday Treat Stroll
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce makes holiday shopping easy and fun by offering both a special discount and a festive event! On Saturday, December 6th, from 11 am to 3 pm, get 25% off local gift cards (accepted at 200+ businesses, $500 max per household) when you purchase them at the Broadway Chamber office (3138 N. Broadway). Plus, enjoy the annual Holiday Treat Stroll while you shop, where local merchants hand out treats for everyone who stops in!
Clark Street Cookie Crawl
Kick off the holiday season with sweet treats and festive fun at the Clark Street Cookie Crawl! Visit businesses along Clark Street to collect a variety of delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy surprises along the way including carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends! To buy tickets, click here.
Resources
Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights is vital for all individuals in the United States. The information above provides helpful guidance for encounters with ICE. For further support and resources, visit the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Legal Deportation Assistance website or Organized Communities Against Deportations’ Resource Guide.
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 shoutout for October: Meet Aquarius!
Aquarius is an adorable one year old pup bursting with curiosity, energy, and smarts. While she’s full of enthusiasm, Aquarius can be a little cautious when faced with new things, so she’ll thrive with patient people who can help her build confidence at her own pace. She’s comfortable spending time in her crate when needed and is eager to keep learning with a family who can provide structure and training.
Aquarius is available for adoption at PAWS Chicago’s Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center, located at 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue. Visit pawschicago.org and make your adoption appointment today!
Nonprofit Shoutout
Diaper Dollars
Diaper Dollars gives families direct funds through a digital wallet so they can buy the diapers they need, when and where they need them. Their goal is to solve diaper needs because no parent should have to choose between diapers and dinner.
Nearly half of American families struggle to afford diapers. SNAP and WIC don’t cover them, which forces parents to choose between food, childcare, and their baby’s basic needs.
Diaper Dollars provides a monthly digital diaper stipend, redeemable instantly at Jewel-Osco, Walmart, Walgreens and many other retailers. It’s a simple, dignified fix to a solvable problem.
Donate at givediaperdollars.org. $50 per month supports one baby. Follow @diaperdollars on Instagram and TikTok.
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 November. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns. We are always here as a resource!
