CHICAGO, Ill. — As the holiday season nears, state Rep. Michael Kelly, D-Chicago, is working to reduce the number of children that go without presents during the holiday season by collecting donations for new, unwrapped toys at his district office as a part of the United States Marine Corps’ annual “Toys for Tots” drive.

“We all have an opportunity to make the difference between a child opening a present this holiday season and having their hopes broken,” said Kelly. “One small donation can make an incredible impact in the life of a child who would have otherwise gone without any presents this holiday season.”

The Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes the toys as gifts to less fortunate children in local communities. The Toys for Tots program is most in need of toys for children ages 7 to 14, with the most requested toys including footballs, soccer balls, skateboards, sports equipment, games, purses and small electronics. 

Residents may drop off donations at Kelly’s constituent service office, located at 4200 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The holiday season is about helping out those who might be down on their luck,” Kelly continued. “Knowing that our district’s donations could be the highlight of a child’s holiday season is why my office continues to participate in this great program.”

For more information, please contact Kelly’s constituent service office at 773.736.0218 or distrcit@repkelly.com.

CHICAGO – As Illinois continues implementation a new system designed to crack down on uninsured drivers who put other drivers, pedestrians and property owners at risk, state Rep. Michael Kelly, D-Chicago, is reminding motorists to make sure their insurance is current and meets minimum standards in order to avoid possible fees and license suspension.

“Secretary of State Jesse White’s office has highlighted the success of electronic verification, which has led to a nearly 50% decrease in the number of uninsured motorists on Illinois roadways,” Kelly said. “Having vehicle liability insurance is the law and that law is now better enforced. So, prevent unnecessary fines and possible suspension and make sure you’re looking out for others by being properly insured.”

The Illinois Insurance Verification System (ILIVS) now allows the Secretary of State to electronically verify required auto insurance coverage. If electronic verification fails, motorists will receive a letter by mail requesting proof of insurance. Failure to respond to this letter with the requested proof can result in added fees and suspension of a vehicle’s license plates. A driver operating a vehicle with suspended plates is also subject to a traffic citation. 

Kelly is reminding drivers that having current and adequate insurance is the best way to avoid issues with ILIVS. State law requires all vehicles operated in Illinois to be insured and provide coverage for least $20,000 for property damage, $25,000 related to injury or death of another person, and $50,000 related to injury or death of multiple people. Motorists can find information about Illinois’ mandatory vehicle insurance requirements by calling the Secretary of State’s office at 217-524-4946.

Motorists who receive a letter from ILIVS are cautioned not to visit or call Driver Services, and should instead contact their insurer with the reference number from the letter to obtain either required insurance or to have the insurer verify the insurance with the state. 

“This is not just for the protection of other motorists, but for the protection of the insured person as well, as the costs following an accident can be significant without sufficient insurance,” Kelly said. “Being properly insured is the law, it’s the only right thing to do, and it’s the smart thing to do financially.” 

Kelly’s constituent service office is reachable at 773-736-0218 or district@repkelly.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of his continued efforts to promote public safety, state Rep. Michael Kelly, D-Chicago, passed a bill to empower the Secretary of State’s office to suspend or revoke the driving privileges of individuals who commit certain offenses. This is Rep. Kelly’s first bill passed during his tenure as a state representative.

“From residential streets to highways, Illinois roadways see hundreds of thousands of drivers each day,” said Kelly. “Revoking the privileges of dangerous drivers protects motorists across the state and promotes careful and lawful driving.”

Senate Bill 3007 allows the Secretary of State to suspend or revoke the driving privileges of a driver possessing an Illinois license who commits an out-of-state offense similar to an Illinois restriction on the unlawful use of a license. The bill also allows the Secretary of State to do the same for a person under 21 possessing cannabis in a motor vehicle or provides false identification to a cannabis establishment. Among other restrictions, the bill permanently disqualifies a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person uses that vehicle to commit a felony involving human trafficking.

“This bill is full of simple, common-sense measures to make our roads safer for everyone,” said Kelly. “I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to support this legislation. When we work together, we make Illinois a better, safer place to live.”

Senate Bill 3007 passed both chambers of the General Assembly with bipartisan support, and now heads to the Governor’s office for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In the wake of high-profile cases of corruption in Illinois, state Rep. Michael Kelly, D-Chicago, is emphasizing the need to reinforce state ethical guidelines and support for a strong legislative inspector general who can hold lawmakers accountable.

“The residents of our state deserve representation that looks out for families, not self-interest,” Kelly said. “Too often in recent years, public servants have violated their oath and broken the trust our institutions need to work properly. It’s clear that we have more work to do, which is why I’m glad that one of my first votes was to help appoint a new legislative inspector general who will help bring integrity and accountability to our ethics system.”

Recently, Kelly supported the bipartisan confirmation of former federal judge Michael McCuskey as the state’s new legislative inspector general. Taking over a position that had been vacant for months, McCuskey is tasked with reviewing allegations of sexual misconduct, corruption and other possible ethics violations by members of the General Assembly and related staffs

Kelly has also staked his ethical priorities by sponsoring legislation that increases government transparency, funds oversight and eliminates lucrative lobbying loopholes for lawmakers. House Bill 4028, which was incorporated into a larger ethics package passed into law, prohibits General Assembly members from lobbying local governments for pay. Kelly also sponsored House Bill 4005, which updates Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws to require public bodies to take all reasonable steps possible to provide requested material in a readable format for the requester.

“State ethics, unfortunately, is a topic we must always be vigilant on,” Kelly said. “It’s important that we are supporting our oversight systems, and ensuring that every public servant understands that there will be accountability.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An effort supported by state Rep. Michael Kelly, D-Chicago, to protect consumers from surprise out-of-network medical bills passed the House Thursday with bipartisan support.

“When someone is facing a health emergency, particularly in these difficult times, they need to get the care they deserve without being worried about an unexpected balance bill that can further upend their life,” Kelly said. “This measure aligns Illinois with new federal protections, and could save families thousands of dollars.”

Kelly was a chief co-sponsor of House Bill 4703, which amends state law to reflect the recently-implemented federal No Surprises Act. Under the measure, consumers have new protections against unexpected “balance bills,” which are charged to patients when their health plan does not fully cover the bill from an out of network provider. The federal act restricts excessive out-of-pocket costs levied on consumers who may have received emergency care or air ambulance services from out-of-network providers, as well as care from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities.

Emergency services must continue to be covered without any prior authorization, regardless if the provider or facility is in-network. In addition to updating state laws to reflect the federal policy, House Bill 4703 creates a mechanism for out-of-network providers and health insurers to resolve disputes.

“Sometimes patients inadvertently receive care from someone out of network, and they don’t realize it until they receive the bill,” Kelly said. “I’m glad to see that action was taken on the federal level, let’s make sure we’re fully implementing these needed protections here in Illinois.”

CHICAGO, Ill. — State Representative Michael Kelly, D-Chicago is co-sponsoring a bill that would preserve and expand access to mental health care across the state. 

“Long wait times and lack of staff are barriers that prevent many people from getting mental health care,” said Kelly. “As a firefighter, I see these obstacles everyday. Responding to someone in crisis and then making them wait even longer to get mental health help is not fair. I am co-sponsoring House Bill 4238 to address these issues so that Illinoisans can get the care they need.”

House Bill 4238 establishes the Rebuild Illinois Mental Health Workforce Act, which provides millions of dollars of new funding for community mental health services. This funding would help mental health care providers gain and retain staff and decrease the waitlist for mental health service. The bill also creates the Substance Use Disorder Rate Equity Act which would increase reimbursement rates for community-based substance use treatment services.

“An investment in the mental health workforce and substance use treatments is an investment in the health of the state,” said Kelly. “I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill to improve mental health care for all.”

House Bill 4238 is under the consideration of the Appropriations-Human Services Committee. For more information on Rep. Kelly’s legislative agenda, please contact his district office at district@repkelly.com or (773) 736-0218.

CHICAGO, Ill. – Following his appointment as state Representative in the 15th district, state Rep. Michael Kelly, D-Chicago, is highlighting the different state services and assistance provided by his district office.

“I’m honored and humbled to begin serving residents of the 15th district,” said Kelly. “As a local firefighter, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges people face in our community, and I’m ready to take on the issues that matter most. I plan to hit the ground working as a new voice for our families, including connecting them with assistance that my office can provide.”

Kelly is highlighting the services that will be provided by his district constituent service office, which is located at 4200 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago. The office will be open Monday through Friday each week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and constituents can set up meetings by appointment by calling the office at 773-736-0218. Residents can also follow Kelly on Facebook for updates at Facebook.com/RepMikeKelly.

Kelly’s office will be available to assist with common state services including applications or issues with Medicaid, SNAP, FOID card applications/renewals, and other issues relating to state agencies and services. Kelly’s office will also be available to answer any questions relating to state topics or legislation currently pending in the Illinois House of Representatives. 

“Many residents encounter issues when applying for or renewing licenses or benefits through the state, and my office is available to provide assistance in any way possible,” said Kelly. “I look forward to meeting and talking with residents about the issues they face, and how I can be the strongest voice possible for our district in Springfield.”