July 2026 Newsletter

I hope your summer is off to a great start!

July 1st marks the beginning of Fiscal Year 2027, meaning the budget we passed in this Spring’s legislative session officially goes into effect. As your Representative, my mission has always been clear: prioritize working families and protect your hard-earned money.

Here is a detailed breakdown of how this year’s balanced budget invests directly in our community, lowers your costs, and builds a stronger Illinois:

Health Care

Trump’s extreme agenda has jeopardized care for more than 500,000 Illinoisans, and raised premiums for even more. Our budget takes critical steps to meet the need for care:

  • Full funding for safety net hospitals that provide care to our most vulnerable.
  • $10 million in new funding for federally qualified health centers.
  • A fair and updated Medicaid rate increase for nursing homes.
  • $5 million to continue the work of the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program, which has already erased more than $1 billion in medical debt for more than 530,000 Illinoisans across all 102 counties.

Food Insecurity

Trump slashed SNAP access for more than 100,000 Illinoisans. While no state can backfill such extreme cuts, our budget takes innovative steps for those facing food insecurity:

  • Increased funding by $8 million for free and reduced lunch and breakfast at schools, to help young people facing food insecurity at home.
  • Creating a first-of-its-kind FRESH Program, which provides a one-time direct payment to help people put food on the table while local food pantries help reactive benefits.
  • Continuing our work to combat food deserts with a $15 million investment in the Illinois Grocery Initiative, which supports small businesses and access to fresh food in underserved communities.

Education

The future of our state depends on our young people getting a good education. The FY2027 budget continues our commitment to funding our schools:

  • $300 million in new funding for elementary and secondary education, as well as $50 million to help school districts provide property tax relief.
    • This accounts for a $2.5 billion increase in funding for elementary and secondary education since 2019.
  • Reinvest in our higher education infrastructure, and fund MAP Grants to help more than 145,000 students access financial aid.
  • Investments in career training through our Workforce Equity Initiative.

Housing

Across the country and throughout Illinois, the supply of quality, affordable homes does not meet the demand. There’s a growing “missing middle” of working people who do not qualify for traditional housing assistance, but also face a significant lack of quality homes in their price range. Our budget invests in affordable homes for the “missing middle.”

  • $500 million for affordable housing, including both resources for modest-income families, and new home development to meet the needs of the “missing middle.”
  • $250 million for new funding for missing middle and affordable housing programs at IHDA and DCEO.
  • $100 million for a new Missing Middle Housing Infrastructure (M2I) Grant Program at DCEO to help communities support housing development.
  • $100 million for missing middle and other affordable housing programs at IHDA.
  • $50 million for Opening Doors and SmartBuy down payment assistance programs at IHDA.

Public Safety

We rejected cuts to community-based violence prevention and fully funded the innovative Reimagine Public Safety initiative.

Economic Development

Building a resilient economy starts with investing in our people and our infrastructure. The following initiatives ensure a diverse and highly skilled workforce.

  • $50 million for the new Area Career Centers capital grant program to modernize facilities and strengthen high-quality career pathways.
  • $20 million for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to expand the state’s pipeline of qualified, diverse workers in the construction and building trades.
  • $20 million for Manufacturing Training Academies (MTA) to align workforce training capacity with industry demand through the creation of additional academies.

Property Taxes

While our property tax bills are set by towns, counties, and school boards, our focus is on giving local governments the tools they need to get serious about relief.

  • Restore $50 million in property tax relief grants for the school districts that are most dependent on property taxes.
  • Rejected efforts to cut the Local Government Distributive Fund, ensuring cities and towns have certainty and resources to fund critical services, without additional reliance on new property taxes.
  • Fund small and large development projects in communities across Illinois, building up local economies, investing in transportation, and strengthening infrastructure without new property taxes.

Fiscal Responsibility

This budget pushes state agencies to realize $65 million in reductions to government operations, reducing administrative costs so we can fully fund services that communities so desperately need right now. We’ve reduced duplication and improved efficiency by consolidating 19 state funds into similar existing accounts and repealing 7 obsolete funds.

Taxes and Fees

There is not one penny of new taxes on working families in this budget. We’re closing corporate loopholes and making big tech companies pay their fair share so families that are already struggling with Washington’s affordability crisis aren’t hit with new taxes or extreme cuts.

As always, please reach out to my office if you have any questions or need assistance navigating new programs.

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July! It is the 250th anniversary of our independence, an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how much work must still be done to protect our democracy. 

If you’re looking for events to make the most out of your holiday weekend, check out the Choose Chicago guide here. Below are some of my favorites:

  • Independence Day fireworks display at Navy Pier: This will be the longest and largest firework show in Navy Pier history, lasting a full 15 minutes. Catch the show at Navy Pier or along the lakefront on July 4th at 10pm, or every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer.
  • Grant Park Music Festival Independence Day Salute: Enjoy a performance with patriotic favorites at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on July 4th, 7:30pm.
  • American Writers Museum & Newberry Library: See special exhibits commemorating and reflecting upon the 250th anniversary of our nation throughout the summer.

In the Community

Old Town Art Fair Ribbon Cutting

Thank you to the Old Town Triangle Association for inviting me to participate in the opening day ribbon cutting ceremony alongside Commissioner Degnen, Congressman Quigley, Senator Feigenholtz, Alderman Hopkins, and Alderman Knudsen’s office to commemorate the Old Town Art Fair’s 76th year! It was another successful weekend, with an estimated 30,000 art lovers in attendance to admire the works of over 220 nationally acclaimed artists.

 

Alderman Lawson’s 44th Ward Bike Parade

On June 13th, Team Croke kicked off the morning with Alderman Bennett Lawson’s 5th Annual Bike Parade. Nearly 100 children and adults joined us, filling Broadway in East Lakeview with bikes, community spirit, and plenty of smiles. The face painter and the balloon artist were a great touch!

Pride Fest

Team Croke tabled at Pride Fest. Tabling is a wonderful way for us to meet community members where they are and share the resources we provide. We will be tabling at street festivals all summer long, so please feel free to stop by and say hi!

Pride Parade

I walked in the Chicago Pride Parade and also had the honor of standing alongside Governor Pritzker as he signed three LGBTQ+ rights bills into law.HB4834 removes testosterone from the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program which reduces barriers to essential care. HB5095 enshrines the self-selection process for gender markers on Illinois IDs and driver’s licenses, officially protecting the right to self-report as “male,” “female,” or “X.”  Lastly, HB5492 requires insurance companies to cover six months of prescribed hormone therapy making life-saving healthcare more accessible. With LGBTQ+ rights under attack across the country, coming together like this was a powerful and joyful way to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community.

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.

Upcoming Events and Community Meetings

19th Police District Council Meeting

The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Wednesday, July 29th at 6:30pm (location TBD).  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.

Dine Out on Broadway

On July 10th, 11th, and 12th, Broadway Street will be shut down from traffic and transformed into a patio heaven for Dine Out on Broadway. Make sure to book reservations, since tables fill up quite quickly! This event will further help local businesses and allow our community to enjoy open streets & expanded patios.

Lincoln Central Association’s Summer Block Party

Lincoln Central Association is excited to again partner with Carnival Grocery for the Summer Block Party on Saturday, July 11th from12-3PM at the intersection of W Dickens and N Lincoln Ave. This family-friendly event will feature face painting, a balloon artist, games from Lakeshore Sports and Fitness, music, and more. This event is free to enter and open to the public.

Armitage-Halsted-Webster Sidewalk Sale

On Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th from 11 AM to 5 PM, stroll down Armitage, Halsted, and Webster to shop the newest summer trends in the town’s best boutiques. The Armitage-Halsted-Webster Sidewalk Sale includes gifts, decor, accessories, summer clothing, and more! To learn more, click here.

Sheffield Garden Walk

The annual Sheffield Garden Walk is Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th! These tours will guide you through beautiful gardens and urban oases, bursting with color and life. If you are looking for a perfect way to spend a summer day and enjoy the outdoors and nature, or even just to hear lovely live music, make sure to mark your calendars. To learn more, click here.

Dearborn Garden Walk

On Sunday, July 19th, 2026, from 12 PM to 5 PM, explore one of the country’s oldest garden walks, hosted by the North Dearborn Association. This nationally recognized event invites visitors from around the globe to enjoy a one-day, self-guided tour of the stunning, hidden gardens tucked away in Chicago’s historic Near North and Gold Coast neighborhoods. To secure tickets, click here.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

On Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th, Taste of Lincoln Avenue will be taking place at 2500 N. Lincoln Ave. This massive street festival consists of bands from the Midwest, classic neighborhood food favorites, plenty of art & crafts, Kid’s Carnival, and of course, a dog parade on Saturday morning. To learn more, click here.

Family Fun Fur-iday at Lincoln Park Zoo

On Friday, July 31, from 6 PM to 9 PM, join the Lincoln Park Zoo for a summer afternoon of memories, fun, facepaint, and exclusive access to the zoo after hours! General admission is $15.98 and includes a live DJ, animal chats, games, facepaint, and so much more. To learn more, click 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.

 

Extreme Heat Protocol

With temperatures rising, taking care of yourself and your neighbors is priority number one. Please see the graphic above for helpful information regarding extreme heat, recognizing heat illness, and staying cool.

 

Thunderstorm Safety

As we’re in the midst of storm season, being prepared is key. Please see the graphic above for helpful information regarding upcoming thunderstorms, safety protocols, and what to expect. Stay weather-aware, stay indoors, and keep your devices charged!

PAWS Shoutout

We have a PAWS shoutout for July: Meet Denim!

Denim is an 8-month-old with a heart of gold. A sweet, playful pup who’ll brighten up any household,  Denim is a hearty puppy and does have jumpy behavior. He’s just really excited to meet new friends! Because of this, he’ll do best in a home with older children. With time and training, he will thrive.

Denim 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 July! Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. We’re always here to help!

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