I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm. With February’s unpredictable weather upon us, I want to ensure that everyone in our community has a reliable place to seek shelter from the cold
If you or someone you know needs a place to stay warm, please see below for the designated warming centers here in the 12th District:
- Merlo Branch, Chicago Public Library (644 W Belmont Ave)
- Lincoln Park Cultural Center (2045 North Lincoln Park West)
- Near North Branch, Chicago Public Library (310 W Division St)
For a full list of warming centers throughout Chicago, or to find a location open during extended hours, click here.
Statement on ICE in Minneapolis
I share your anger and heartbreak over the ongoing human rights violations committed by ICE, including the senseless murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. My deepest sympathies are with their families as they navigate this unimaginable grief. These tragedies, along with the unjust detainment and intimidation of our neighbors, are unacceptable. No one should be forced to live in fear.
Please be assured that I am doing everything I can on a state level to protect the rights and dignity of all Illinois residents. During Veto Session in the Fall, I co-sponsored HB1312 which 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 also requires universities, colleges, hospitals, and daycare centers to develop clear policies for handling immigration enforcement. Because state and local officers are already prohibited from assisting in these actions under the TRUST Act, this legislation directly addresses ongoing federal overreach.
While this is certainly a step in the right direction, there is always more than can be done. In Springfield, I will continue conversations with my colleagues to see what more we can do to protect our constituents from the Trump administration. This moment demands decisive action and I am prepared for the fight ahead.
State of the State Address
February brings the annual State of the State and Budget Address by Governor Pritzker, a moment that sets our legislative and fiscal priorities for the upcoming session. As we begin discussions about the FY27 budget, my focus remains clear: I will continue to prioritize policies that support our families, protect them from undue financial burdens, and invest in future generations. I firmly believe that a compassionate budget and a fiscally responsible one are not mutually exclusive. We can, and must, do both to ensure Illinois remains a place where all residents can thrive.
Black History Month
February marks Black History Month, a crucial time for both reflection and action. Our state’s history is shaped by the triumphs and struggles of Black Illinoisans, offering valuable lessons for us all. This month, we honor the enduring strength and resilience of the Black community, while acknowledging the ongoing work required to achieve true equity.
Discover some of the ways you can celebrate and honor Black History Month in Chicago:
- Explore the city with Choose Chicago’s guide, How to celebrate Black History Month in Chicago, which offers a variety of ways to experience Black history and culture.
- The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center holds more than 15,000 paintings, sculptures, print works and historical memorabilia that celebrates and memorializes Black culture. They also have free admission on Wednesdays.
- Visit Smithsonian’s Talking About Race page for resources on engaging in conversations about race and its impact on our lived experiences. They offer resources for a variety of topics from anti-racism and managing bias to exploring racial identity and self-care.
Update Regarding the Trump Administration’s Freeze to Crucial Child Care and Family Assistance Programs
As of late January 2026, a federal judge in New York has extended a Temporary Restraining Order blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze over $10 billion in critical social safety net funds. While this legal reprieve ensures that money continues to flow for now, the threat to Illinois’ most vulnerable residents remains.
The current attempt to freeze funding for essential child care and family assistance programs under the guise of immigration enforcement and fraud prevention represents a fundamental failure of governance. By targeting specific states and treating families as leverage, the administration has chosen a path of disruption over one of genuine reform.
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. 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
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
The RIFL ACT Press Conference
Last month, I was proud to stand with survivors, activists, and faith leaders at Saint Sabina to demand a new era of accountability for gun manufacturers. Illinoisans shoulder billions of dollars in costs related to gun violence each year, while the manufacturers remain financially immune from the consequences of their products.
That’s why I’m cosponsoring the RIFL Act (HB3320). This bill would hold manufacturers financially responsible and create a dedicated fund for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs that save lives. It’s a fiscally smart, commonsense way to prioritize prevention over aftermath and address the financial burden gun violence puts on victims, families, and taxpayers across our state.
Lincoln Central Association Annual Meeting
It may have been snowing and below freezing, but that did not stop my Director of Community Engagement, Olivia, from attending LCA’s annual meeting. While I was sad to miss it because I was in Springfield, she enjoyed catching up with friends and neighbors.
Old Town Triangle Association’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner
Team Croke attended OTTA’s Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner in their incredible new space. There’s nothing like sharing a meal and a conversation with our Old Town Triangle neighbors to remind us why we do this work.
Government Updates
Chicago Board of Elections
The Chicago Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the Primary on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026. To apply, you must meet the following requirements: a US citizen, a registered voter in Cook County (if 18 or older), and able to speak, read and write English. To learn more and apply, please visit the Board of Elections website.
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.
Illinois Secretary of State
Starting February 1st, travelers without REAL ID will face TSA’s $45 penalty just to pass through the airport and a $90 penalty if their trip lasts more than 10 days. To help you avoid the fee, the Illinois Secretary of State is making it easier than ever to get your REAL ID. To learn more, click here.
Grant Opportunities
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
DCEO has a variety of grants available for small businesses:
The Clean Energy Contract Incubator Grant helps equity-eligible small businesses, often contractors with backgrounds in construction, electrical work, roofing, HVAC, and other trades, gain the tools and support they need to enter and succeed in Illinois’ clean energy economy.
- Participants receive:
- Technical assistance to prepare for clean energy projects.
- Business support including accounting systems, bonding, and insurance guidance.
- One-on-one mentorship to become “project ready.”
- Connections to larger contractors and clean energy opportunities statewide.
The program’s goal is to reduce barriers so that small, disadvantaged, and underrepresented businesses can compete, grow, and thrive in the clean energy sector. The deadline to apply is February 16th by 5 PM. For questions or additional information, email Noah Bond (noah.bond@illinois.gov) or click here.
The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) located throughout the state provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources to start-up and existing small businesses. In addition, the Illinois SBDCs help clients with securing needed business capital, marketing, exporting, commercialization of new ideas, development of innovative products and services. Client Projects range from early-stage, pre-revenue concepts to established business operations.
The deadline is rolling. For questions or additional information, email Ericka A. White
(Ericka.White@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, February 25th at 6:30 PM at Uptown Church (1134 W Wilson 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.
Lakeview East Dive Bar Classic
Join the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce for the Dive Bar Classic, a heartfelt celebration of the local gems that make Lakeview East the wonderful neighborhood we all love. From February 9th to March 1st, visit every bar listed above in exchange for a free t-shirt. To learn more, click here.
Chicago Restaurant Week
It’s that time of year: Chicago Restaurant Week! Until 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.
2nd Ward Shred Event
The 2nd Ward Spring Shred Event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the My Parking Gold Coast Lot (1258 N State Pkwy). Please bring your documents, old electronics, and pharmaceuticals to this very popular shred event to ensure they are properly discarded.
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.
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.
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.
Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is launching regular monthly on-campus office hours at several major universities in Cook County including Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University.
- Loyola University Chicago: Every second Wednesday of the month 8:30am-4:30pm @ Military Veteran Student Services, 6443 N. Sheridan Road Suite 171, Granada Center
- DePaul University: Every fourth Monday of the Month 8:30am-4:30pm @ 1 E. Jackson Blvd. 11th Floor, Suite 6070
PAWS Shoutout
We have a PAWS shoutout for February: Meet Wafflefry!
Wafflefry’s trainers at PAWS describe him as a “wiggly, lovable pup with a big heart and a big personality.” This smart boy loves to learn new things and enjoys playtime as a reward. After a job well done, he will wriggle his way into your lap and melt into your arms. He’s never met a stranger and loves making new friends who give him plenty of attention. Wafflefry is never far from his favorite toys and his love of food means he’s a quick learner. This goofy boy has been entertaining everyone he’s met at PAWS and brings joy and laughter to whoever he encounters.
Wafflefry 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 February. As always, please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns. We are always here as a resource!
