“We’ve just got a lot of folks who are financially insecure here, particularly in the housing insecurity area,” Cassidy said. “This is something that we’ve been trying to find a solution for, for folks … there’s a lot of pressure to address the ban on rent control. That would involve us being in session, so that’s been a challenge.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Cassidy has been involved with the Rogers Park Community Response Team, an effort organized by 49th Ward Ald. Maria Hadden and local community groups to provide residents with food, hygienic supplies and access to services.
The important thing, Cassidy says, is “really making sure that even after we reopen, that we continue to be present for our neighbors that are vulnerable. I’m really proud of how Rogers Park has responded … it’s amazing.”
While the coronavirus has shuttered local economies across Illinois, officials say it will also lead to billions of dollars in a state budget shortfall.
Cassidy says major cuts are on the table to help make that up, and that further federal relief for state and local governments is critically important.
“That’s one of the biggest open questions that’s preventing us from making a lot of progress on the budget,” she said.
Community Reporting Series
“Chicago Tonight” is expanding its community reporting. We’re hitting the streets to speak with your neighbors, local businesses, agencies and leaders about COVID-19, the economy, racial justice, education and more. See where we’ve been and what we’ve learned by using the map below. Or select a community using the drop-down menu. Points in red represent our series COVID-19 Across Chicago; blue marks our series “Chicago Tonight” in Your Neighborhood.