June 2026 Newsletter

The Spring legislative session has officially adjourned, and I’ll be back in the district full-time until we return to Springfield for veto session in the Fall. I look forward to seeing you all at some of the exciting events across the 12th District in the coming weeks!

Legislative Update

I am happy to share that two bills I championed this session passed both chambers and are on their way to the Governor’s desk.

The Know Before You Owe Act (HB 4754) increases transparency in the private student loan market by requiring lenders to report exact loan numbers and dollar amounts rather than vague estimates. This legislation introduces stricter reporting for cosigned loans and granular default data, helping the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation pinpoint predatory lending and high-risk products. The bill passed both chambers with unanimous support and aims to close information gaps and protect borrowers from the risks of private debt, which lack the safety nets found in federal programs.

The Children’s Social Media Safety Act (HB 5511), which I was a Chief Co-Sponsor of, aims to dismantle the ‘addictive architecture’ of modern social media. By prohibiting platforms from using personal data to fuel habit-forming algorithms for minors, the bill returns control to young users, ensuring their feeds are populated by accounts they intentionally follow rather than engagement-driven distractions.

Below are some of the many bills I voted for in the House:

  • We took a stand for consumer transparency by passing HB 228 to eliminate deceptive “junk fees” and ensure upfront pricing on everything from tickets to utilities.
  • HB 5024 creates new restrictions on immigration detention facilities in neighborhoods, restricting such operations within 1,500 feet of a home or apartment complex, as well as any school, day care center, public park, or house of worship.
  • Our commitment to protecting fundamental rights took center stage with the passage of the Reverend Jesse Jackson Voter Empowerment Act (HB 4339), expanding ballot access for marginalized communities.
  • We looked toward the future by advancing SB 315, which requires AI companies to create a framework to crack down on potential catastrophe including threats of property destruction, major injury, and even loss of life.

Budget Update

This legislative session, my focus has been on passing a balanced state budget that protects taxpayer dollars while investing in the services our community relies on.

To provide immediate cost-of-living relief, the budget freezes the state gas tax, expands medical debt relief programs, and creates a back-to-school sales tax holiday this August. We are also aggressively combating federal cuts to SNAP benefits by boosting funding for free and reduced school lunches by $8 million and launching the FRESH Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative that provides one-time direct payments to help families put food on the table while local food pantries help reactive benefits.

Beyond food and financial relief, this budget strengthens our schools and neighborhoods by investing $300 million in new funding into K-12 classrooms and providing $50 million to assist local school districts with property tax relief. We also fully funded community health centers and secured resources for our public safety and violence prevention initiatives to keep our streets secure. We achieved all of this without raising taxes on our working families and exercising strict fiscal responsibility, cutting $65 million in administrative waste and closing corporate tax loopholes.

I want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks to all of you. Your emails, phone calls, and visits to the office were instrumental in shaping my perspective over these last few months. I fought hard to ensure your voices were heard in Springfield, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.

Stay tuned for the July newsletter where I will provide a more comprehensive breakdown of the budget.

Pride Month

June is Pride Month, a time to reflect and improve on allyship and community. Our state’s active LGBTQ+ history reminds us to recognize the ongoing fight for equality, and to celebrate the inclusive policies we’ve fought for. This month, we celebrate and honor the resilience and ambition of this vibrant community, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.

Discover some ways you can celebrate Pride Month in our beautiful city and lively district:

For the full Trans Legal Survival Guide by Advocates for Trans Equality, click here.

Equality Illinois also has a resource list including organizations ranging 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.

Juneteenth

On June 19th, we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our nation’s journey toward justice and equality, and a time to reflect on the work still ahead. As we celebrate this day, let us honor the resilience, culture, and contributions of Black Americans, especially Black Illinoisians, throughout our history.

Obama Presidential Center Opening

Friday, June 19th also marks the opening of the Obama Presidential Center at  6001 S. Stony Island Ave. This new cultural landmark will serve as a community hub, complete with an event space, athletic fields and green space, a Chicago Public Library branch, and a museum dedicated to President Obama. The campus will be open Saturday June 20th and Sunday June 21st for a free open house featuring performances, food and more.

There will also be free admission each Tuesday for Illinois residents. Learn more and buy tickets here.

In the Community

44th Ward Shred Event

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 44th Ward Spring Shred Event right in front of our district office. Shred events are some of my favorites because they are a great way to bring the neighborhood together while also learning the importance of recycling. Thanks to Midway Moving and Storage for all their help!

East Lakeview Neighbors Mixer

While I was busy in Springfield, my Director of Community Engagement, Olivia, attended the East Lakeview Neighbors mixer at Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the new board and hear directly from residents about the issues shaping our neighborhood.

WOOGMS Memorial Day Parade

Team Croke was so proud to march in the WOOGMS Parade on Memorial Day.For 63 years this tradition has been a great way to celebrate our community and honor the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Government Updates

Illinois Department of Human Services

On May 1, many Illinois SNAP customers lost benefits due to new restrictions imposed by the federal government. Customers who lost their benefits can find out if they may qualify for an exemption and how to meet work requirements by working, volunteering, and/or participating in a training or education program here.

Illinois State Treasurer

The Illinois Treasurer’s office is currently safeguarding over $5 billion in unclaimed funds. These assets are held indefinitely until they are claimed by the original owners or their heirs. Visit icash.illinoistreasurer.gov today to see if you have property waiting for you. Claims are always processed free of charge with proper identification.

Chicago Transit Authority

Effective May 23, the #10 CTA route has a new name and destination! Now operating as the #10 Obama Presidential Center/Museum of Science & Industry Express, the route begins at the Water Tower and ends at the Obama Presidential Center main entrance (60th & Stony Island).

Grant Opportunities

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a variety of grants available to support small businesses.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Illinois SBDCs offer a wealth of resources for both startups and established companies, providing confidential business guidance, training, and assistance with securing capital. Whether you are working on a pre-revenue concept or looking to expand through exporting and marketing, the SBDC is here to help.

SBIR/STTR State Matching Program

The federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive grants that fund R&D for high-tech products. To further support our local innovators, Illinois provides a state matching program for companies that have successfully secured these federal awards.

Upcoming Events and Community Meetings

19th Police District Council Meeting

The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Tuesday June 30th at 6:30pm at Sulzer Library at 4455 N Lincoln Avenue.  For more information, click here.

18th Police District Council Meeting

The 18th Police District Council hosts their monthly public meeting on the 4th Tuesday of every month. For more information and updates, click here.

Lincoln Park Greek Fest

The St. George Greek Orthodox Church and the Lincoln Park Greek Community are proud to host the Lincoln Park Greek Fest on Friday, June 5th and Saturday June 6th, 2701 N Sheffield Avenue. Come enjoy the food and festivities! To learn more click here.

Lincoln Park Health & Wellness Weekend

Visit Lincoln Commons at 2345 N Lincoln Avenue on Saturday June 6th for the Health & Wellness Showcase, featuring a variety of local businesses specializing in health and wellness products and services. Enjoy learning about each business as they feature giveaways, run free health assessments, and conduct other interactive experiences. Learn more here.

Summer Nature Fest at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Summer Nature Fest on Friday June 12th from 4 PM to 8 PM is open for all to explore the museum inside and out after hours! It will be an evening of summer fun featuring live animals, music and more! Learn more here.

Old Town Art Fair

The Old Town Art Fair takes place on Saturday, June 13 (10:00am-7:00pm) and Sunday, June 14 (10:00am-6:00pm) in the heart of the Old Town Triangle Historic District. There will be 200+ nationally acclaimed artists, an estimated 35,000 art lovers, a Garden Walk, Live Music, Food Court and Children’s Corner. The Old Town Art Fair is one of the few public Chicago events that is completely planned, staffed and managed by volunteers, so they can always use the help! To learn more about volunteering, click here.

90’s Night at Lincoln Park Zoo

Enjoy a 21+ after hours event at Lincoln Park Zoo on Saturday June 13th from 6:30-10pm. At this adults-only evening, guests can sip drinks while strolling through the zoo’s lush gardens and visiting a variety of habitats where nearly 200 animal species live. To learn more, click here!

Food Safety & Sanitation Manager Certification

Join the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted) on Monday, June 15th for a Food Safety & Sanitation Manager Certification class hosted by the Safe Dining Association. This one-day, 8-hour course includes instruction and the certification exam, giving food service professionals the knowledge and credentials needed to safely oversee food storage, preparation, and service. The class is fully accredited by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, Prometric, and ServSafe, and upon passing, participants will be certified in Illinois and eligible to apply for City of Chicago certification. Click here to register.

Chicago Pride Fest

Chicago Pride Fest returns to the district on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st. The two day event on North Halsted celebrates the rich LGBTQ+ history in Chicago. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There is a $20 suggested donation that helps support performers, festival workers, local non-profits, and community programs. Learn more here.

Chicago Pride Parade

The Chicago Pride Parade, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, is on Sunday, June 28th at 11am. This year’s procession features celebrities, local musicians, and more! The route starts at North Broadway Avenue and West Montrose Avenue and heads south, ending near the intersection of West Diversey Parkway and North Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. Learn more here.

Resources

SNAP and Food Pantries

Food assistance programs are facing significant federal hurdles. As of February 1, 2026, new federal work requirements went into effect for many Illinoisans. My office is fighting to ensure no one in our district goes hungry during this transition. Please click here for the most recent official state updates regarding SNAP eligibility.

We also want to share resources for those seeking services or looking for ways to help their neighbors.

  • Nourishing Hope is one of Chicago’s largest and most established hunger-relief organizations. Beyond traditional food distribution, they offer grocery pickup, home delivery for seniors, and trauma-informed therapy all free of charge. The closest location to District 12 to donate or receive services is at 3945 N Sheridan Rd. To learn more, click here.
  • The Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) is the central hub for hunger relief across Cook County, acting as a resource that addresses both immediate food needs and long-term stability. The GCFD supplies a vast network of over 800 partner organizations (including pantries and soup kitchens) with millions of meals annually. Use their find food map to view hours, locations, and information for all of our Cook County and Chicago food pantries, meal programs and distribution partners.

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.

Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement Program (CARE)

Operating in areas like Lakeview and North Lincoln Park, the CARE team provides specialized 911 responses for mental health crises. Available weekdays from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, these behavioral health professionals offer de-escalation, assessments, referrals, and transport. To ensure ongoing support, the team conducts follow-up checks at 1, 7, and 30 days. To learn more, click here.

PAWS Shoutout

We have a PAWS shoutout for June: Meet Humberto!

Humberto is a goofy, playful boy who has so much love to give! When you want to relax, he’ll be right there with you, lounging and looking for belly rubs. Humberto is a big, strong boy, so harness training has been very helpful for him. Humberto would appreciate a home with teenage children or adults only. He would do well with another dog to play with, but he’s just as good on his own!

Humberto 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!

Wishing you a safe and healthy June! Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. We’re always here to help!

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