CHICAGO, Ill. – Following the contentious aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Chiles v. Salazar ruling, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, is partnering with the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Trevor Project to host a 90-minute webinar addressing new constitutional questions about professional speech, state police powers, and protections for LGBTQ+ youth. This event will be virtual, on Thursday, June 18th at 12pm CT. The webinar will examine the Chiles decision and Colorado state’s legislative response, and how lawyers and lawmakers can similarly address conversion therapy within constitutional constraints.

“Eleven years ago, myself and other legislators passed a ban on the unethical practice of conversion abuse at the hands of medical professionals. While our state’s ban was not directly impacted by the Chiles decision, we must prepare for the possibility that future decisions will build on this one” Cassidy said. “I’m proud to work with the American Bar Association and the Trevor Project to explore legislative options and bring much-needed awareness to the battle ahead.”

The webinar will also explore the American Bar Association’s policy positions, Model Rules guidance, available ABA resources, and will conclude with concrete guidance on how lawyers can counsel clients, engage in policy work, and navigate their ethical responsibilities in this evolving area.

For more information, click here.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, which ruled state bans on conversion therapy as violations of the 1st amendment of the U.S. Constitution:

“As the lead sponsor on the state’s 11 year old ban on the unethical practice of conversion abuse at the hands of medical professionals, I remain committed to ensuring that our state continues to lead the way in finding ways to protect our LGBTQ+ community from increasingly aggressive federal attacks on state laws protecting the community.

“While the timing of the decision being released on Transgender Day of Visibility is a cruel one, this decision is a technical one, essentially instructing the Colorado courts to reexamine the case under a more intense legal analysis. As such, our state’s ban is not directly impacted by this decision, although we are working closely with advocates to prepare for the possibility that future decisions will.

“It’s also very important to note what this decision does not do: it does not impact the various organizations representing licensed medical professionals whose codes of ethics prohibit the debunked practice often referred to as ‘conversion therapy,’ so even in a world where the courts ultimately overturn state bans, there are still disciplinary and license consequences for medical professionals who engage in conversion abuse via those professional organizations, nor does it impact the ability to use civil courts to sue for malpractice.”

Kyle Hillman, Director of Legislative Affairs of National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter, added:

“Today’s decision is a painful reminder of how much work remains to protect the young people most vulnerable to harm. Conversion ‘therapy’ is not therapy. It is abuse, and it causes documented psychological damage. No ethical social worker or mental health clinician should be engaging in this practice, full stop, regardless of what any court decides. We stand with the legislators and advocates who have spent more than a decade fighting to protect LGBTQ+ youth in this state, and we will keep fighting alongside them.”

CHICAGO — Working to expand an initiative that resulted in over $320,000 in funding to 45 neighborhood businesses for security improvements including cameras, deadbolts, outdoor lighting, window security bars and safety courses, Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, is partnering with Rogers Park Business Alliance to relaunch the 14th District Small Business Security Infrastructure Grant.

“Building up the security of our small businesses means we’re directly investing in the safety of our local families,” said Cassidy. “It’s been a scary few months. We’ve seen families torn apart and businesses close their doors to protect themselves from a regime that seeks to divide and dehumanize. I encourage the small businesses around our community to apply for this grant. Safety is of the utmost importance to keep our communities thriving.”

The grant, led by Cassidy and funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will provide community businesses funds to install emergency door-buzzers. The initiative seeks to improve the safety and security of small business owners in response to the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE/CBP operations in local commercial corridors around the city of Chicago.

“We at South of the Border Restaurant feel more alert and secure with this 14th district security initiative grant. I would like to thank Representative Cassidy and the 14th District staff for your support for small businesses,” said Antonio Diaz, owner of South of the Border Restaurant. “We were able to install cameras inside the business, the back alley and in front of our business. In addition, we at South of the Border restaurant are in the process of getting new glass windows for the front of the store.”

“This grant allowed us to update our security system to a modern, user-friendly setup that helps my staff and myself feel more peace of mind,” said Jenni Smith, owner of R Public House.Over the spring legislative session, Cassidy secured a general security grant for small businesses in her communities. This additional effort will provide and install basic door entry control systems for up to 90 vulnerable, for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses within Cassidy’s 14th District. Eligible businesses must be located in the district, be in good standing with the State of Illinois, hold a valid Chicago business license, and complete the required application. 

More information on the grant can be found at www.14sbsig.org. Applications can be found in both English and Spanish.

English: www.tinyurl.com/DoorBuzzerProgram
Spanish: www.tinyurl.com/TimbresDePuerta

CHICAGO – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, was presented the 2025 Legacy Award today from The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence for her expansive legislative work supporting gender-based violence survivors and services.

“Advocating for survivors of gender-based violence means consistently looking at our laws to ensure that no victim is falling through the cracks when seeking necessary and, at times, life- saving care,” said Cassidy. “I’m thankful for this recognition, but ultimately, I’m proud to work alongside groups like The Network to improve how we approach survivor-based care and protect patients recovering from traumatic, life-altering experiences.”

Cassidy has led significant legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to improve survivor care and services. Notably, Cassidy was a sponsor and staunch advocate of Karina’s Law (House Bill 4144) which strengthens protections for domestic violence victims who have orders of protection in place by enabling judges to remove firearms from dangerous offenders.

Additional Cassidy-led legislation includes:

● Improving survivor care and healthcare training: By allowing transfer hospitals to grant service vouchers for survivors’ necessary medical care and follow-up appointments. The law also expands training for nurses helping patient trauma and improving the quality of forensic evidence collection—Upping the likelihood of offender prosecution (Senate Bill 1602).

● Restoring survivors’ rights: By reaffirming that survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence, who many are criminalized for actions directly tied to the violence they endured, are able to receive resentencing even if originally plead guilty—allowing survivors a second chance whose abuse and trauma weren’t fully considered at their original trial (Senate Bill 3285).

● Strengthening standards for survivor protection: By refining how the state’s Prisoner Review Board treats gender-based violence cases—adding mandatory training, requiring victims to be notified once their offender is released, and giving survivors a stronger voice in hearings (Senate Bill 19).

“We’ve taken significant steps forward to reflect better support, better services and less stigma, for survivors of gender-based violence,” said Cassidy. “This award is a testament to the advocates statewide that dedicate their careers and personal lives to ensuring survivors receive timely, safe care to begin healing. Thank you for your continued work to ensure all survivors are safe, seen and supported. ”

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, passed a measure with bipartisan support on Thursday to ban insurance companies from using prior authorizations on HIV treatment and prevention medications.

“I’m proud to join AIDS Foundation Chicago and the countless advocates who want to see an end to the HIV epidemic not only in Illinois but across the country,” Cassidy said. “As I came of age in the 80s, the disease was decimating the LGBTQ community while our government looked the other way. At that time, an HIV diagnosis was a death sentence. Through strength in community, scientific breakthroughs and patient-centered legislation such as this, we’ve changed that narrative and the reality for so many. Passing this legislation is another step towards getting Illinois to zero new HIV transmissions, and I will be ready every step of the way to help make that goal a reality.”

Cassidy’s House Bill 2584 would ban the use of prior authorization for HIV treatment and prevention medications. Pre-authorization is a process by which a doctor prescribing a treatment, medication or procedure must first check and receive approval from the patient’s insurance plan before approving a course of action. Under this legislation, the power to make decisions about using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) would be returned to a patient and their doctor. Cassidy’s legislation also requires coverage of sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, kidney function analysis, routine laboratory testing, and routine provider visits, highlighting the comprehensive approach needed to fulfill the goal of reaching zero new HIV transmissions.

“The bipartisan committee vote to advance HB2584 is a critical step toward eliminating barriers to life-saving HIV prevention and treatment in Illinois,” said Aces Lira, Senior Manager of State Policy and Advocacy at AIDS Foundation Chicago. “Prior Authorization delays put people at risk, especially in communities that are disproportionately impacted by HIV. By removing these restrictions, Illinois is reaffirming its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and ensuring that everyone can access the care they need without unnecessary obstacles.”

House Bill 2584 passed out of the House Insurance committee on Thursday, Mar. 13 on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. The bill is supported and championed by AIDS Foundation Chicago, Illinois Harm Reduction & Recovery Coalition, among others.

For more information on Kelly’s legislative priorities visit ILGA.gov. For more information on AIDS Foundation Chicago’s Getting to Zero Illinois plan, visit gtzillinois.hiv.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement clarifying that President Trump’s chaotic and confusing executive order restricting access to lawful health care for transgender youth and young adults has no impact on access in Illinois and reinforcing his and thirteen other Attorneys Generals’ commitment to fight efforts to interfere with access to life saving health care in our state. The House Dobbs Working Group is grateful to AG Raoul and his partners in 13 states for recognizing the importance of reinforcing our commitment to protecting the LGBTQ+ community from the hateful attacks coming from the administration.

“AG Raoul has been a steadfast partner in our working group’s efforts to establish meaningful protections for reproductive and gender affirming care since day one. His statement today provides critical reassurance to patients, families, and providers who are understandably frightened and confused as we’ve seen facilities around the country comply in advance with these outrageous orders without a fight,” said Working Group Chair Kelly Cassidy. “Taken alongside yesterday’s reassurance from Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, it’s a clear message that at this point the words in the EO are simply that.”

Families and providers are encouraged to follow reliable resources, such as Advocates for Trans Equality, for updates as the situation evolves and the administration takes steps to implement it. House Dobbs Working Group members:

Dagmara Avelar – 85th district

“In Illinois, we continue to protect women and all people who are seeking reproductive and gender affirming care. The Trump administration continues to reduce rights to minorities, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, but the House Dobbs Working Group will continue to assure all Illinois residents that they are seen and protected. In this state, healthcare, whether it be reproductive or gender affirming, will continue to be provided to the communities and people who need them because it’s a necessary service to live happy healthy lives.”

Mary Beth Canty – 54th district

“During my time in the Dobbs Working Group, Attorney General Raoul has been a great ally fighting the radical interest groups looking to curtail access to essential healthcare. Our approach as lawmakers has to be policy-focused, but not neglectful of the need for clear and prompt communication,” said Rep. Mary Beth Canty. “Fear and doubt regarding the rights to personal freedom and bodily autonomy can do serious damage. Reassurances like Attorney General Raoul’s are vital to the common good.”

Terra Costa Howard – 42nd district

“Personal health decisions should be made by patients in consultation with their healthcare teams,” said Rep. Terra Costa Howard. “There is no place for government interference in these private decisions, and I am proud that the State of Illinois is standing up against this Administration’s attacks on our fundamental rights.”

Margaret Croke – 12th district

“While the Trump administration lacks regard for human impact, here in Illinois, we’re fighting for what’s best for our residents. That means continuing to protect the rights of the many patients and families who rely on reproductive and gender-affirming care, which not only allows people to authentically be their best selves, but also in many cases, saves lives,” said Rep. Margaret Croke.

Kim duBuclet – 5th district

“While Washington tries to strip away fundamental rights and dignity, we’re moving Illinois in a better direction,” DuBuclet said. “They may do everything in their power to take away a person’s right to control their own body, but we remain committed to protecting gender-affirming care so that everyone can live with dignity and fulfillment.”

Lilian Jimenez – 4th district

“I applaud the Attorney General’s efforts to defend the right to essential lifesaving medical treatment in Illinois,” Rep. Lilian Jiménez said. “President Trump’s attacks on trans and queer youth are cruel, but the cruelty is the point. His abuse of executive power to strip away healthcare access, particularly for those seeking gender affirming care, is yet another calculated assault on our communities. I am committed to confronting these injustices head on and defending the right to lifesaving medical care. Access to affordable, high-quality care is already a significant challenge for everyday working families, and we will not allow this to continue. More work can, must, and will be done.”

Gregg Johnson – 72nd district

“The right to make medical decisions – without interference from politicians – is under attack in this country once again. Trump’s callous executive order targets some of the most vulnerable kids in our communities and it has no place in our state,” said state Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island. “I’m proud to be working with Attorney General Raoul and the rest of my colleagues to craft a future where medical decisions in Illinois are kept safe from political interference.”

Anna Moeller – 43rd district

“It’s unfortunate, but sadly unsurprising, that rather than using the ‘bully pulpit’ to lead, President Trump is instead using it just to be a bully,” said Rep. Anna Moeller. “Here in Illinois, we’re not having it, and I’m looking forward to continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with AG Raoul and my colleagues in the House to keep our state safe and supportive for all.”

Yolonda Morris – 9th district

“Everyone has the right to make choices about their bodies,” Rep. Yolonda Morris said. “Ensuring that young people have access to a full range of care is critical not only to their wellbeing, but to the compassionate communities we aim to build.”

Kevin Olickal – 16th district

“Trans people have always existed – and always will,” said Rep. Kevin Olickal. “Attacks on their access to safety and healthcare only fuel fear and harm, making an already vulnerable community even more unsafe. I remain an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and will always advocate for their right to live safely and openly.”

Ann Williams – 11th district

“I am proud to have worked on landmark protections for those seeking and providing reproductive care in the state of Illinois, including blocking out of state prosecutors from criminally charging individuals crossing state lines and codifying coverage of reproductive and HIV treatment medications,” Rep. Ann Williams said. “There’s no doubt that the next four years will put our ability to safeguard reproductive care to the test. Along with the Dobbs Working Group, I am committed to creating accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare at home and taking the fight to those who would take us back.”

And Jehan Gordon-Booth – 92nd district

Attorney General Raoul’s Statement:

https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-reaffirms- commitment-to-protecting-access-to-gender-affirming-care

Lurie Children’s Hospital Statement:

GENDER CARE

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is proud to provide access to comprehensive, family-centric, and developmentally appropriate healthcare in a safe and inclusive clinical space. We are reviewing the recent Executive Orders addressing gender care and assessing any potential impact to the clinical services we offer to our patient families.

Our team will continue to advocate for access to medically necessary care, grounded in science and compassion for the patient-families we are so privileged to serve.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, returned to Springfield to be sworn in for a new term in the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday and issued the following statement:

“Illinois is facing unprecedented challenges to the rights and freedoms we have held dear for so long, but through these challenges, justice under the law and equality for all will prevail. I have spent my life advocating for others; I will not let a second, more radical Trump Presidency stop me from continuing that work.

“I have had the privilege of leading the charge in the Illinois House for an individual’s right to choose and access to the lifesaving HIV medication generations of queer people fought for, and I still have more to contribute.

“We are going further to encourage teachers and nurses who are subject to extreme right-wing laws to come to Illinois and pursue their passions under a state government that supports, not vilifies, them. And we are doubling down on our Illinois values to make HIV prevention and treatment medication available to everyone who needs them, not just those you can afford them. We are also cracking down on a longstanding, and unjust, practice that has discouraged countless survivors from reporting their abuse. We do not keep ourselves and our streets safer by letting abuse run unchecked or by discouraging our neighbors from filing a report and seeking justice.

“While I look back fondly on my years in the Illinois House at the progress we have made, I am under no impression that the work to continue protecting us from right-wing extremism will be easy. But, I continue to look towards a bright future for Illinoisans that our constituents deserve. We will continue to stand against injustice regressive politics and a vision of the future that leaves people behind. I’m ready to get back to work.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, praised Gov Pritzker’s focus on maternal mortality following the Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday:

“In his budget address, the governor set a starting point for the work to come, with a strong focus on reproductive justice and healthcare equity. By focusing on solutions to the maternal mortality crisis in Illinois, Gov. Pritzker is centering long needed solutions in this budget. In the coming weeks, I will work closely with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor’s office to prioritize funding for full-service birth and reproductive care centers for historically underserved communities of color to ultimately end the unfathomable inequality in maternal mortality rates across our state. As other Midwestern states turn their back on women of color and those seeking basic reproductive care, I will make sure Illinois goes above and beyond to secure this care and bring equity to a historically unequal system of care. We owe it to our communities to finally demand and create the change that is long overdue.”

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CHICAGO – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, will bring a strong voice for workers’ rights and human rights to the House Labor & Commerce Committee. Cassidy was appointed to a spot on the panel last week. 

“I’ve spent my career fighting for the rights  of working people, because workplace justice is critical to social justice,” Cassidy said. “To this end, I’ve helped put workers’ rights into our Constitution, raised the minimum wage, and fought for equal pay for all. There is more work to be done, and serving on this committee, hearing testimony from dedicated stakeholders and fighting for the causes that will shape a better future for Illinois workers is something I am excited about.” 

Cassidy is a member of the following committees: 

• Restorative Justice, Chair
• Special Issues Subcommittee, Chair 
• Criminal Administration and Enforcement 
• Ethics & Elections 
• Firearms & Firearm Safety Subcommittee
• Housing 
• Human Services
• Judiciary: Criminal 
• Juvenile Justice and System Involved Youth Subcommittee
• Mental Health & Addiction 
• Sentencing, Penalties and Criminal Procedure Subcommittee
• Sex Offenses and Sex Offender Registration Subcommittee

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CHICAGO – State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, will attend the White House’s State Legislative Convening on Reproductive Rights online tomorrow where she will join with legislators from (states) as a panelist discussing protections for patients and providers, focusing on the work Illinois has done such as the Patient and Provider Protection Act.

“Illinois has made significant progress protecting reproductive freedoms, and it’s time that we work with states across the country to coordinate efforts and lay the groundwork for future legislation,” Cassidy said. “In Illinois, we’ve stopped disinformation at crisis pregnancy centers, ensured that out-of-state prosecutors can’t punish people for crossing state lines for their critical healthcare needs, and much more. I am excited to meet with our panel’s other outstanding members and continue to preserve a person’s right to choose.” 

Cassidy led the House’s efforts to pass the Patient and Provider Protection Act in January and continues to coordinate further legislation as part of the  Reproductive Health and Dobbs Decision Working Group. 

Moderated by Elisabeth Smith, representing the Center for Reproductive Rights, panelists from Illinois, New York, Colorado and Connecticut will discuss their and their state’s efforts to pass legislation that protects patients and providers in the reproductive healthcare space. For more information, please contact repcassidy@gmail.com.