Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I was born hard of hearing, and I am a strong advocate for increased access to hearing aids. Over the counter hearing aids will take a huge burden off the lives of millions of Illinoisans and eliminate communication barriers for so many”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “If temporary tax relief is a great idea three months BEFORE an election, why isn’t it a great idea for the three years AFTER the election?? Asking for 12 million Illinois friends, families and businesses.”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “I know families are hurting. While the state can't control inflation, we did pass $1.8 billion in relief to families across the state. I voted to cut the grocery tax and freeze the gas tax because I'll always fight for working families in our district and in Illinois.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “I enjoyed playing for Team Illinois in the 2022 Bi-State Softball Showdown against Missouri lawmakers at Busch Stadium.”  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last night the 47th Ward Youth Council held a back-to-school rally to support a ban on assault weapons. Glad to see neighbors come to the park support the youth.” 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) announced James Hartmann will be taking over as chief counsel to the speaker. Justin Cox, who has worked for the House Democratic Caucus for 13 years, is leaving to pursue other opportunities, according to a news release. Hartmann has worked as deputy counsel since 2017.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “We had a great time at the 93rd annual Bud Billiken Day Parade on Saturday! This incredible celebration has been held since 1929 in Chicago and is the largest African-American parade in the United States of America. Thanks to everyone who came out to march with our office.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “This Friday (10:00am) CPD Officer Danny Golden will receive a police escort home from the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. The 19th Ward community will line 103rd Street from Vincennes Ave to Pulaski Rd to welcome Danny home."  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Now that I've announced I'm retiring at the end of my City Council term, it's safe to come out of the closet (again). It's true.... I only put mayonnaise on my hotdog.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “At last night's back to school rally, young leaders shared a powerful message: enough is enough. We need a statewide ban on assault weapons”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Thank you to all the neighbors who joined us last night at Senn for our Back to School event! I had an amazing time getting to know students and families excited for this school year to start!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I attended a flag hoisting ceremony in Daley Plaza celebrating 75 years of India's independence. The 50th Ward has a large and vibrant Indian-American community, and it was an honor to participate! Thank you to the Federation of Indian Associations for hosting.” 

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a webinar at 3 p.m. Wednesday titled “How to Open a Concession at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.” Attendees will learn about operating a business at the airport and how to navigate the city’s Request for Proposals process. Registration and more information is available online. 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Wishing all who celebrate a happy Indian Independence Day! 76 years ago on August 15, the Republic of India was freed from British Colonial rule. Today and everyday, we celebrate our heritage, and the values of freedom and democracy.”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As the Chairperson of the Tourism Committee, I want to welcome everyone attending the Illinois State Fair. The State Fair brings nearly 500,000 people and an estimated $86 million into the Illinois economy every year. #IllinoisStateFair2022"  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “Through his own words, Darren Bailey has revealed himself to be wholly unfit to serve as our Governor. The Jewish Caucus stands in solidarity with those who seek to unite our diverse communities and stand against bad actors that seek to tear us apart.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Monday the state will establish a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to better meet the needs of Illinois seniors. The program will expand options for community care for seniors rather than nursing homes. The goal of the program is to give seniors more flexibility with their health care options so they can continue living in their homes.  

The Department of Central Management Services issued an Invitation for Bid for the Damen Silos in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood. The site is owned by the state but has been abandoned since an explosion at the grain silos in the 1970s. The state will accept bids until Oct. 19.   

Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College, the Illinois State Police and Southern Illinois University are partnering to establish a law enforcement-focused college at Lindenwood University’s former Belleville campus. Southwestern Illinois College will run the campus, which will house programs for third year law students at SIU to intern at criminal justice-focused offices and a police training academy at Southwestern Illinois College for up to 130 students in the fall.   

Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign will host country singer Chris Young at the Illinois State Fair’s Governors’ Day event on Wednesday. Young will perform after a rally with Pritzker and other Illinois Democrats.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “I am so happy to see the ground breaking work that our office’s Michael Reese Development Advisory Committee did being adopted as a national model. The Bronzeville Lakefront development shows a truly equitable way that we can all move #FurtherTogether!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Such beautiful weather to celebrate Velika Gospa in the Bridgeport community, a tradition that has ran uninterrupted for over a century. As neighborhoods change, it is these traditions that continue to unite next generations of Chicagoans for decades to come.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Feeling familiar as we set up the new campaign office at 5234 N Damen, just one storefront away from our first campaign office!” 

The Chicago Department of Transportation on Monday began installing concrete curb protections along the Kinzie Street bike lane east of Des Plaines Street.  The concrete curbs are part of a citywide initiative to convert all the city's existing protected bike lanes to concrete curb-protected bike lanes by the end of 2023.

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “I want to hear from you! Please join me next Wednesday at the @hplibrary from 6-7PM!”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Great way to start the @ILStateFair by cutting the ribbon on @KnightsAction owning the Giant Slide and going for a Slide Down 66 with @ILRoute66 @SpringfieldTrip @GrowSangamon and Sen. Sally Turner from @ILSenateGOP"  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday I met Fernando Verdasco (the #6 Tennis player in the world, from Spain). He played at the BMW Tennis Tournament at the sprawling XS Tennis Foundation facility in Washington Park. He took time out of his busy schedule to address children who are prospective tennis pros.”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As an educator, I loved seeing the passion my students brought to the classroom every day. For international Youth Day, I want to highlight the great work youth in our community do. Comment with an organization that helps our youth reach their full potential.” 

The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issued five more Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses Friday, bringing the total number of licenses issued to 182. The department can issue up to 185 licenses.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “This election let us show Chicago how to be rivals without being enemies! #ChiMayor2023”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “Thanks to everyone who came out today to support Danny Golden. We ran out of merchandise today but will have more soon.”  

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) tweeted “There's a few weekends left to visit Chicago Farmers markets, like @LakeviewRoscoe mkt open to noon. One of the regulars: @southsidegrinds w great coffee and teas.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Let us know what you think about the proposed Catalpa Plaza in Andersonville! Fill out the survey here: https://bit.ly/CatalpaSurvey”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Good to see CPD foot patrols roving River North this evening. Thanks to Commander Hein & @ChicagoCAPS18”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Grateful to the firefighters who came out to share their work with neighbors on Columbia at the block party. The kids had fun and so did I!”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Beth Beatty will serve as her new Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs beginning Sept. 6. Beaty will replace Manuel Perez who has served in the role since September 2020. Beaty previously served as Managing Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Deputy Director of Financial Policy in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My team and I also gave out 50+ backpacks to get kids ready for the upcoming school year! Thank you to Ald. Hadden @ChiAlderwoman and to the local block club for joining in on the fun!”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “6 - count em - credit upgrades and over $1B in our rainy day fund! IL continues to lead with fiscal responsibility”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I love ribbon cuttings. Today we officially celebrated the completion and opening of the Hub at Prairie Shores. Grateful for this investment in the community that I represent and that I get to call home. Thanks to @farpointdev, Golub & Co., Gensler & all the partners.”

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for Madison and St. Clair Counties following a large warehouse fire in Madison Wednesday. The disaster proclamation allows the state to prioritize resources for the impacted area. As of Thursday afternoon, Metro East and St. Louis-area fire departments were still fighting the blaze at Interco, a recycling facility. The fire is expected to burn for two days. Officials in Madison issued a shelter-in place order for residents within one mile of the fire because of potentially toxic smoke from the fire. The order was later rescinded Thursday.   

Comptroller Susana Mendoza deposited $180 million into the state’s “rainy day” fund, bringing the total amount deposited into the account to over $1 billion—the highest funding level ever for the fund. State lawmakers passed legislation committing funds from Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 to the account to bring its total to $1 billion.

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “There will be a free vaccine and microchip event at Calumet Park on August 27th from 11AM-3PM. Tickets will be handed out at 10:30AM. 500 animals served or until supplies run out.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Not a single TIF dollar more to @ChicagoParks if @chicagosmayor chooses to defile our city’s tribute to those who served this country. Call your Alderman/Alderwoman. Tell them to stand strong in defense of our city’s values! Co-sponsor my order today”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Would people be game to create a vacation rental network to help with shelter for people seeking reproductive care in Chicago? With an abortion ban in Indiana we will see a lot of people coming to Chicago and we will need that kind of solidarity.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I am bringing the 50th Ward Office to you this summer! Meet me in the Ward this Monday (August 15) from 4-6 p.m. at the corner of Peterson & Drake. My staff and I will be ready to help you with any of your city service needs.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a free webinar titled “Inside the Industry: Restaurant” beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday. The monthly series focuses on different industries and provides attendees with information on industry trends, opportunities, how to handle challenges and an outlook on the industry. Those interested can register at Chicago.gov/BusinessEducation. 

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “With CHIPS Act, environmental investments, gun control and economic recovery -- the Federal Administration is following the models of Illinois legislation already passed. They're not quite up to Illinois standards yet, and have yet to do protections of reproductive rights.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Earlier this summer, I cheered on nearly 500 racers at the @mundelein_il 2022 Grand Prix hosted by @TightHeadBrew. Congratulations to the participants, organizers and volunteers on a successful community event.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “It's always a joy getting to speak to new educators and principals as they prepare for the upcoming school year, eager to make a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you, Joliet Chamber of Commerce, for inviting me to the Annual New Educators Welcome Event.”

Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt and Deputy Director Jake Lewis announced to party staff they will leave their positions with the party, NBC-5 reported. Lewis’s last day will be Friday while Witt will stay on through August. The changes come after the party’s State Central Committee unanimously selected Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) as party chair on July 30, ousting U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) from the job.   

The Civic Federation is seeking nominations for the Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service Award. The award is given out each year to a non-elected public official in state or local government “who has made an extraordinary impact on the quality of government services.” Past recipients include former Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike and Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady. Nominations that include the person’s name, title, government and email address, along with a couple of sentences that overview the nominee’s achievements and why they are deserving of the award can be sent to [email protected] by Sept. 19.   

The Department of Public Health will provide a million rapid COVID-19 tests to Illinois K-12 public schools outside Chicago for the upcoming school year. Schools can receive the tests for no cost. The state will continue to offer SHEILD testing for COVID-19. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “In @chicagosmayor first budget there were 3,100 vacant yet fully funded jobs in the her budget. In 2022 she was at 4,000. Taxpayers are asked to pay in advance for these job for services not being provided. Chicago doesn’t need a tax increase for jobs she has no desire filling!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “If you believe in the work we are doing in this city, please come thru. We have several volunteer orientations to support our campaign coming up! We can only do this together.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “On Saturday, 9am-4pm, CDPH will be offering over 2000 first doses of the monkeypox vax. The closest clinic to Lakeview with available appointments is Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson. To sign-up for an appointment visit http://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/xudqs/ and use the voucher code 813MPV”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Come join me at Koval, 4241 N. Ravenswood, next Thursday at 7PM, for our re-election kickoff!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The Rogers Park Metra station is slated for renovation. Join our office and reps from Metra to learn more about the scope of the project, timeline, and how to provide feedback. Zoom meeting is Mon, Aug. 15, at 6p. Register: http://buff.ly/3P8DwJK. Spanish translation available.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I joined many of my neighbors today for "Coffee With the Commander" at Bond Coffee Collective. Thank you to Commander Joseph Brennan and the 24th District police for hosting this important event.”

Chicago Announcements: (Tag; NL-CHI-ANN) 

Chicagoans can now apply to vote by mail for the Nov. 8 General Election. The application is available online, and voters can choose to receive their ballots in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean and Tagalog. Ballots will begin to be sent to voters on Sept. 29.