ššŖ 2025 Recap: Celebrating the past year in the 39th District!
Dear Neighbor,
As this new year begins, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished together across the 39th District in 2025. From hosting community events that brought much-needed services and resources into our neighborhoods, to legislative work and budgeteer responsibilities around the state budget, to navigating and resolving constituent casework, this year was one of meaningful, powerful progress.
Community Events
My office hosted, co-hosted, or attended over 80 community events throughout the district, including:
9 Town Halls
5 Senior Bingos
4 Coffee & Conversations
4 Grocery Giveaways
3 Shredding Events
3 Mobile DMV Events
Our events supported constituents with services and resources like:
1,078 backpacks given out at Aug. Back to School Fair
250 pieces of clothing given out at Dec. Coat Drive
350 job seekers at Dec. Job Fair
200 warm meals shared at April Unity Meal
75 vaccines administered at Oct. Family Health Fair
Legislative Work
I sponsored 5 bills that were signed into law:
HB1628: Tracks data on civil forfeiture to understand when police are seizing property
HB2546: Improves the process for youthful offenders to be eligible for parole
HB3616: Collects data on which communities in Illinois lack affordable housing for middle-class families
SB0019: Enhances the Prisoner Review Board's transparency and member qualifications and expands protections for victims of crime
SB1859: Creates the Climate Displacement Task Force Act to develop recommendations for supporting those displaced by climate change
As an Assistant Majority Leader and Co-Budgeteer, I worked on exploring new sources of state revenue:
$230 million from a tax amnesty program, offering penalty breaks to those who settle their tax debt now
$330 million by closing three tax loopholes used by large multi-national corporations to lower their bills
And budget investments like:
Record investments on early childhood education
Maintained historic investments in community-based violence prevention programs
Increased funding to safety net hospitals, free/charitable clinics, and federally qualified health centers
Constituent Cases
My office successfully resolved over 170 constituent cases in 2025! We helped constituents navigate services from a variety of state agencies, including the Dept. of Aging with the Benefit Access Program for license plate sticker discounts and senior transit passes, the Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation with professional licenses, and the Secretary of State with appointments and ID issues.
I also wanted to acknowledge that this year brought real hardships. ICE terrorized our neighborhoods, and the rising cost of living has made daily life more challenging for many families. In the midst of these difficult, dark times, I remain inspired by the resilience and strength of this community, taking care of one another through rapid response work, mutual aid, advocacy, solidarity, and beyond. Iām deeply grateful for the privilege of representing the 39th District.
As we look ahead to 2026, with more challenges both locally and nationally, Iām hopeful and determined to continue fighting for the betterment of our communities, toward a brighter, more just future. My team and I wish you a safe, healthy, and happy New Year. Thank you for being part of this incredible community.
All my best,
Will
Keep Warm Illinois
Extreme cold causes thousands of cold-related injuries each year. Illinois residents can find safe, accessible warming centers and a variety of other winter resources, like energy bill assistance, at KeepWarm.Illinois.Gov.
Digital Skills for Small Business
Center for Changing Lives is hosting a hybrid business education cohort called Digital Skills for Small Business in early 2026. In this course, participants will learn the key benefits of digital solutions for small businesses and how to take advantage of free and affordable online and digital resources to improve customer experience and reduce business costs.
The cohort will start on Tuesday, January 20 and will meet weekly from 12 to 2pm for 6 weeks. Register here by Wednesday, January 14.
Health Screenings and Grocery Giveaway
On Wednesday, January 21 from 10am to 1:30pm, Advocate Health Care will have their Mobile Health Van at St. Nicolai United Church of Christ, 3000 N Kedzie Ave., available for free health screenings, like blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checks.
Advocate Health Care and Northwest Side mutual aid groups also will host a free grocery giveaway that day from 12:30 to 1:30pm. All food will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID or registration necessary.
CCPSA Community Meeting
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is required by ordinance to hold a special meeting when it receives a petition signed by at least 2,000 Chicago residents. District Councils and community members submitted a petition requesting a public hearing on Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interactions. As a result, CCPSA will hold a special meeting on Thursday, January 8, at 6:30 pm at Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St.
This meeting will serve as a listening session and public comment forum, providing community members an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns related to CPD interactions with ICE. We are especially interested in hearing about any instances you or the communities you serve have witnessed and believe the Commission and the public should be aware of.
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom. Register here.
To sign up for virtual public comment, please email: CommunityCommissionPublicComment@cityofchicago.org. If there are more requests than time allows, speakers will be selected by random drawing. You may also submit written comments in person at the meeting or by email to the address above.