Happy New Year! As the calendar flips to 2026, I’ll be heading back to the State Capitol in Springfield for the start of the Spring legislative session.
In the coming weeks, I will continue having conversations with my colleagues about important legislation, file bills that directly address the needs of the 12th District, and review the state’s FY2027 fiscal forecast to ensure responsible and compassionate governance. As always, our community is my top priority and I look forward to sharing updates from Springfield with you.
To track bills that I am sponsoring or co-sponsoring, click here.
Update Regarding the Trump Administration’s Freeze to Crucial Child Care and Family Assistance Programs
On January 6th, the Trump Administration and Department of Health and Human Services announced the freezing of $10 billion in federal funds, including approximately $1 billion for Illinois that goes towards social services and child care programs.
I am disgusted by this blatant attempt to use our children as leverage in a political game, especially when I think of my own three children and the difficult situations this is creating for families across our state. This decision threatens the livelihoods of 100,000 families and the safety of over 152,000 children in our state who rely on the Child Care Assistance Program. By freezing CCDBG, TANF, and Social Services Block Grants, the federal government is punishing parents who are just trying to provide for their family.
For Governor Pritzker’s full press release on this decision and more information, click here.
I will continue to provide updates to our community as we get new information, and as always, please reach out to our office with any concerns.
SNAP Update and Resources
Food assistance programs are also facing significant federal hurdles, and starting February 1, 2026, new federal work requirements go 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
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.
Greater Chicago Food Depository
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.
In the Community
World AIDS Day
My team joined LGBTQ+ leaders and longtime activists at the AIDS Garden Chicago to observe World AIDS Day. The ceremony was a moving tribute that beautifully blended remembrance for those we have lost with a renewed call to action for the future. This gathering serves as a reminder that our work is far from over and that we must continue advocating for equitable healthcare for everyone.
43rd Ward Senior Bingo & Luncheon
It was so much fun to call a round of bingo at Alderman Knudsen’s annual Senior Luncheon! Thank you to the 43rd Ward for all of their hard work to make this event such a fun celebration for our Seniors.
Kelly Park Ground Breaking
Team Croke recently joined elected officials, partners, and community members for the groundbreaking of improvements at John Kelly Park, a 1.27-acre space in Lakeview named for Private First Class John H. Kelly, who was killed in action in France during World War II. The Lakeview community will benefit from park upgrades including new concrete pathways, improved drainage, seating, and signage. Importantly, the design of the new landscape and hardscape elements has been carefully planned to honor the rich history of Lakeview’s Japanese American community.
Hanukkah Celebration at East Chabad Lakeview
My Director of Community Engagement, Olivia, joined East Chabad Lakeview for their Community Hanukkah Celebration. It was a great event with a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers, live music, latkes & donuts, a grand Menorah lighting, and more!
Lighting of the State Menorah
On the second night of Hanukkah, I stood alongside Governor Pritzker, Jewish leaders, JUF, and the Israeli Consul General to light the Illinois State Menorah. In the wake of the horrific terror attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, this gathering was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people. It takes all of us standing together to combat rising antisemitism, and I was honored to have the opportunity to support the Jewish community in Illinois and join in this Hanukkah celebration.
Government Updates
Secretary of State
Illinoisans can now add their driver’s license or state ID to their Apple wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. Available now, you can present it in person, online, and in-app at select businesses, organizations and airports. For more information or for some frequently asked questions, click here.
Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), in partnership with the Chicago Park District, is hosting its annual Holiday Tree Recycling Program. Residents in the 12th District can utilize the Lincoln Park location, situated on the east side of Cannon Dr., north of Fullerton Ave.
Before dropping off your tree, please ensure you have removed all tinsel, lights, ornaments, tree stands, and plastic bags. The collected holiday trees will be chipped to create mulch, which will then be available for FREE pick up by residents at six locations, including the Lincoln Park site.
To learn more or to find other locations, click here.
Chicago Board of Elections
ComEd
ComEd also have a few updates to share:
- ComEd is launching a new Low-Income Discount (LID) program on January 1, 2026. This program will offer percentage-based discounts on monthly ComEd bills for customers who meet the income eligibility requirements.You can learn more here.
- Under the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), nuclear plants are required to reimburse customers when energy prices are high. As a result, more than $803 million will be returned to customers. This funding will benefit both residential and commercial customers through bill credits distributed over the first five months of 2026. To learn more, click here.
Grant Opportunities
Illinois Housing Development Authority
The Supportive Housing Institute (SHI) is an intensive training and technical assistance program for teams interested in developing supportive housing. The program covers the complex process from financing and service coordination to operations and property management.
Details:
- When: Begins March 2026.
- Format: 10 sessions over four months (eight in-person in Springfield, two virtual).
- Partners: IHDA and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).
This is an ideal opportunity for those looking to create supportive housing for vulnerable community members. Ideal teams include a developer, property manager, and supportive services partner. Including a person with lived experience is also highly encouraged.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Friday, January 30, 2026. For complete program information and application details, please click here.
Upcoming Events and Community Meetings
19th Police District Council Meeting
The 19th Police District Council will host their next meeting on Wednesday, January 28th, at 6:30 PM at Chicagoland Community Church (836 W. Aldine Ave). 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 Preschool Fair
Visit the Lincoln Park Preschool Fair on Saturday, January 24, from 9:30-11:30 AM at the Lincoln Park Branch Library (1150 W. Fullerton), for a free, one-stop event to meet and learn about some of the best preschools in the neighborhood — all in one convenient place!
Chicago Restaurant Week
It’s almost that time of year: Chicago Restaurant Week! From January 23rd to February 8th, Chicago’s hottest restaurants are offering fixed menus for lunch and dinner at a discounted rate. Click here to see a full list of participating restaurants, including many right here in the 12th District.
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.
Hotline and Warmline Behavioral Health Resources for Chicagoland Area
Jewish United Fund (JUF) has created a new Chicagoland Behavioral Health Hotline and Warmline Resource. Developed with community providers, this user-friendly reference is primarily intended for state and local legislative offices to aid constituent services. Community agencies (including houses of worship) are also welcome to use it. To access, click here.
Warming Centers
As the temperature drops, please refer to the picture above for helpful information to stay warm. You can also find a list of all Warming Centers in the city, including libraries and Park District facilities, here.
PAWS Shoutout
We have a PAWS shoutout for January: Meet Sakay and Satay!
Satay and Sakay are a gentle bonded pair of tabby brothers who bring calm, cozy charm wherever they go. These two shy boys love curling up together in baskets, boxes, or any snug hideaway they can squeeze into. Sakay is the slightly braver of the two, always ready to chase a crinkly toy or make biscuits when he’s feeling happy. Satay follows his brother’s lead, preferring quiet companionship and gentle pets from people who take the time to earn his trust.
Sakay and Satay are 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!
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 January. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns. We are always here as a resource!
