FW: [aneinu] Chicago's 50th Ward Newsletter

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From: myysbyy via chicago-aneinu <chicago-aneinu@googlegroups.com>

Date: 9/4/20 2:48 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: myysbyy@aol.com

Subject: [chicago-aneinu] Chicago's 50th Ward Newsletter

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From: Alderman Silverstein <info@50thwardchicago.com>
To: Neighbor <myysbyy@aol.com>
Sent: Fri, Sep 4, 2020 2:08 pm
Subject: Chicago's 50th Ward Newsletter

News From 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein

Chicago's 50th Ward Newsletter September 4, 2020 Dear Neighbor,    First Day of School As the summer comes to an end, our children are preparing to go back to school. This school year will be unique, as many students learn from home, while others attend radically different COVID-conscious school buildings. If your children attend CPS, the district has prepared resources to help make sure your family is ready for the first day of school. Visit cps.edu/reopening2020 for training videos; details on obtaining free laptops, tablets and high-speed Internet; back-to-school packets for each grade level; and more. Private school families should also contact their schools to make sure they have everything they need to start strong from day one. Whatever form schooling takes this year, I know our children are up to the challenge. If you have any questions going into the school year, or you need help accessing available resources, please reach out to me.   2021 Budget Forecast Mayor Lori Lightfoot released the city's budget forecast this week, which projects a $1.2 billion gap for fiscal year 2021. This budget gap, the largest in Chicago's history, is largely attributed to the devastating and continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our local economy. The economic destruction caused by coronavirus has been devastating to our city. Unemployment has increased to 18.7 percent, Chicago's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped by 10 percent, and consumer spending has fallen 12 percent. Budget revenue has similarly decreased due to COVID, costing Chicago $886.6 million so far in sales tax, transportation tax, and other funding sources the city was relying on.    Unfortunately, our city is going to have to make tough financial decisions in the coming months, as experts expect COVID related problems to continue well into 2021. The City has been holding virtual townhall meetings all week, where residents can learn about the budget issues that affect us all. The final townhall will be today at 6 p.m., streaming on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/ChicagoMayorsOffice. The topic will be "Neighborhood and Economic Development," and it will focus on planning and development, housing, business licensing, and small business support. You can ask questions in advance at webapps1.chicago.gov/eforms/budgetweek.  Videos of the previous townhall meetings, as well as the complete 2021 Budget Forecast and a graphic Forecast Summary can be viewed at www.chicago.gov/2021budget. All residents are also encouraged to complete a Budget Survey at chi.gov/budgetsurvey. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about priorities in city resources and spending. The survey will be open through September 13.   Jefferson Township Appeals The appeals period for Jefferson Township has officially opened through the Cook County Assessor's Office. Successful appeals will be reflected on second installment property tax bills issued in 2021. I am partnering with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer to offer virtual property tax appeal assistance. Assistance will be offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the appeal period from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact District10@cookcountyil.gov or (312) 603-4210 for help. The assessment of your home is one of the most important factors in determining how much you will pay in property taxes. The good news is that you can appeal your valuation and potentially lower your taxes. The appeals period will be open until Friday, October 2. Jefferson Township encompasses the area of the 50th Ward that is south of Devon and west of Western. File an appeal at www.cookcountyassessor.com/online-appeals.   Happy Labor Day! This Monday is Labor Day. This is an important holiday in which we pay tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. You can learn more about the history of Labor Day at the US Department of Labor's website here. In observance of the holiday, there will be a change to garbage and recycling collection this upcoming week. All city-collected refuse and recycling will be serviced Tuesday through Friday. Residents should ensure all black and blue carts are accessible throughout the entire week, not just on their regular day of collection. Please remember to celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly. Coronavirus is still a very real threat, and we must all take necessary precautions. Maintain proper social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and always remember to wear your mask. If we all work together, we can have a happy and safe Labor Day!   Sincerely, Debra L. Silverstein Alderman, 50th Ward Local COVID-19 Numbers The City of Chicago had a positivity rate of 7.8% for the week ending 8/29/2020, which was an increase from the previous week. The case rate was 60.6 per 100,000 population.   Zip code 60645 had a positivity rate of 11.7% for the week ending 8/29/2020, which was an increase from the previous week. The case rate was 77.5 per 100,000 population, which was higher than the citywide number.   Zip code 60659 had a positivity rate of 8.2% for the week ending 8/29/2020, which was a decrease from the previous week. The case rate was 46.3 per 100,000 population, which was lower than the citywide number.   50th Ward Donation Drive   We are collecting donations of food, clothing, and household essentials at the 50th Ward Office. Many of our neighbors are still grappling with the economic ramifications of COVID-19, and any goods you can spare will make a tremendous difference to those in need. Drop off donations at 2949 W. Devon during regular business hours. Call before coming to make sure a staff member is available to pick up the donation outside the office. Staff will wear masks and gloves and follow social distancing procedures. Please consider donating non-perishable food, clothing, and any other goods you can spare—every item helps!   Election Judges Needed The Chicago Board of Elections is working hard to ensure a safe and fair election this November, despite the pandemic. You can do your part by signing up to be an Election Judge and earn $170 for the day (more if you complete an online training course). If you are interested in serving, you can apply online at chipollworker.com. Paper applications are also available in the 50th Ward Office. Call (773) 262-1050 or email info@50thwardchicago.com to request one.   Election judges manage precinct polling places on Election Day and make sure everyone is able to exercise their democratic rights. You can learn more about the opportunity at chicagoelections.gov/en/serving-as-a-judge-of-election.html.   Free Community COVID-19 Testing     Northwestern COVID-19 Study     Census Takers Going Door to Door   Address: 2949 W. Devon Avenue Phone: 773-262-1050 Fax: 773-381-2970 Hours: M-T 9am-4:30pm; F 9am-3:30pm Ward Night: Monday 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Facebook Twitter Website Copyright © 2020 Alderman Debra Silverstein, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Alderman Debra Silverstein 2949 W. Devon Chicago, Illinois 60659

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