Rep. Mark Wallker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Illinois is first in the nation to protect rights, again.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Praying for the @UVA community as they wait for an all-clear message. As Highland Park experienced on July 4th, being locked down after a mass shooting exponentially increases the trauma, with heart-pounding fears of further violence.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran-Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “It was great celebrating our nation's heroes at the Romeoville Veterans Day Service Breakfast! Few possess the integrity and bravery to put their lives on the line for complete strangers. That is what makes the observance of our service members so important an occasion.” 

The Illinois House will meet Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the Speaker’s office announced Monday. The regularly scheduled Thursday session is cancelled. The Senate is still scheduled to meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and will meet in the Howlett Auditorium in the Howlett Building on the south side of the Capitol Complex. Ongoing construction on the north wing of the capitol has closed the Senate for renovations. COVID-19 precautions, including required COVID-19 tests for access to Senate spaces, have been lifted in both the House and Senate.   

Amendment 1, known as the Workers’ Rights Amendment, was passed by Illinois voters with 53 percent of voters participating in the election supporting the amendment. The amendment makes collective bargaining a constitutional right in Illinois.   

Democratic committee members in the 1st Senate District unanimously selected Javier Loera Cervantes of Chicago to succeed former Sen. Tony Munoz (D-Chicago), who resigned his seat in October. Cervantes won the uncontested election for the seat last week and was the only person who applied to fill the remainder of Munoz’s term.  

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation on Monday announced six community garden sites that will accept organic waste materials for composting. The sites were launched in collaboration with NeighborSpace and partially funded by a grant from the Natural Resources Defense Council. Three bins at each site will collect fruit and vegetable scraps, garden trimmings, eggshells, coffee grounds and tea bags, according to a news release from Lightfoot’s office. The six sites are: Stockyard Garden at 5136-58 S. Carpenter St., El Paseo Garden at 944 W. 21st St., Merchant Park Community Garden at 4200 W. Addison St., Hermitage Street Community Garden at 5647 S. Hermitage Ave., Fulton Street Flower and Vegetable Garden at 4427 W. Fulton St. and Montrose Metra Community Gardens at 4386 N. Ravenswood Ave. 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33) tweeted “We’ve been fighting to #BringChicagoHome since we came in in 2019. We are trying to ask the people of Chicago if they want a luxury real estate transfer tax on properties worth over 1M to end homelessness. We are fighting for it til we get it. Who is elected to council matters.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “A flat tire is not how I planned on setting my day.”  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The #BringChicagoHome campaign would be a transformative measure to end homelessness in this city, yet 25 alders couldn't even come to a City Council meeting to discuss it. Profoundly disappointing for housed and unhoused Chicagoans but we keep fighting.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “This morning, my team attended Harm Reduction Training by @ChiPublicHealthwhere they learned about overdose response and prevention. Thanks to  

@ChiPublicHealth, my office now has available Fentanyl testing strips and Narcan (a legal medication that rapidly reverses an overdose).”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Very pleased to help dedicate the beautiful new Gan Avigail community park at the @jccchicago Horwich campus. Excited to have a new, fully accessible playground, walking path, and fields in the neighborhood!”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted about a Nov. 15 meeting in her ward saying “Please join us tomorrow for the Grand Boulevard Advisory Council's Development Meeting to discuss the new development on the South Side of 47th Street from Champlain to St. Lawrence. Grand Boulevard residents will have the opportunity to ask questions. https://t.co/D4GKfe8qVW ” 

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted “PSA for adults w/hs seniors in their lives: unless you’re an actual college admissions professional (& maybe not even then) please don’t declare it impossible to get into X school without a unicorn & your own squad of flying monkeys. You’re not helping. Also, you’re an ass.”  

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted “November is #NationalAlzheimersDiseaseAwarenessMonth and so we wanted to share a few facts about Alzheimer's disease as well as the Alzheimer's Association website: https://alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted “We have an historic set of opportunities. We passed a capital bill for the first time in a decade, the motor fuel tax is tied to inflation, there’s dedicated public transit funds & a $1.2 T infrastructure law w/ $550 B in new-program spending for state and local governments.”  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted “I'm so proud that Illinois is among the 10 states filing Amicus  Briefs with the U.S. Court  of Appeals to protect the rights of Trans youth. Thank you so much Attorney General @KwameRaoul for defending all our rights!” 

The Illinois General Assembly’s six-day veto session is set to begin Tuesday. Lawmakers are scheduled to gather for veto session Nov. 15-17 and Nov. 29-Dec. 1. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “allowing the SARS2 virus to spread mostly unimpeded, and rapidly mutate into immune evasive variants, is not sustainable. If we continue on this course of constant reinfection, the eventual result (5 years? 10?) is chronic, disabling disease and death at an unimaginable scale”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Attacking airline personnel on an aircraft should land someone permanently on the no-fly list. Period!”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “Please keep the Saint Ignatius community in your thoughts and prayers.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Great evening at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) annual fundraising gala. Tremendous leaders in the Ukrainian community are raising funds to support the culture. Thank you Marta, Natalia, and Tunia for the invitation. #SlavaUkraini”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “What a tremendous turnout out the weekend after Election Day for the Andrefor40th Our Turn Canvass! Shout out to @peopleslobbyusa, @MidAmCarpenters, @slowstreetsorg, @deirdrejane23 and our neighbors for demonstrating what #Our40th is all about!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “We're having an Open House! Join us on Sunday, November 20 from 1-3pm at our campaign office for hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies to celebrate our new campaign headquarters (1505 W. Morse). Stop by, grab a cookie, and say hi! We hope to see you next Sunday.” 

The city’s Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett will speak at the City Club of Chicago at noon Monday at Maggiano's Banquets at 111 W. Grand Ave. Doors for the event open at 11:30 a.m. and Bennett’s speech will be streamed online. Additional information is available online. 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted “It was great to be back at my old stomping grounds  

@DePaulLaw today to speak with Law Students about Criminal legal reform, public policy and how they intersect with the law. Excited for these bright young minds. Thanks for having me.”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted “Marines have been America’s elite first line of defense for 247 years. Created by the Second Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps has fought in every U.S. conflict with honor, courage and commitment befitting ‘the few, the proud.’ Thank you! Semper Fi!” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “I want to thank the 39,044 voters who cast their ballots in the election for the 8th State Senate District and voted to send me back to Springfield for a second term.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “Put your shovels down! Last week I was able to attend Burr Oak’s Storm Sewer Completion Ceremony. Great seeing the amazing progress that the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is completing. Continue to follow me for more updates and to follow upcoming projects” 

Illinois driver services facilities and offices of the secretary of state will be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day. 

Comm. Sean Morrison (17) tweeted “Not all hero’s wear capes, some work alone and wear a badge! BIG Respect! God bless our Law enforcement hero’s.👏👏👍🇺🇸” in response to a video of a female Chicago police officer grappling with a person.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Sanctuary and welcoming city policies should be for people who want to positively contribute to society. Violent criminals should not be protected which is EXACTLY why I voted against removing exemptions that protect them in Chicago.”

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) shared a WGN article titled “City officials sound off following WGN Investigates report on deficiencies within CPD’s mental health program”

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Let's get a Dept of Environment to coordinate carbon footprint reduction across all city developments!” in quoting a tweet which mentioned the alderman’s questions about city housing department and planning and development department coordination on decarbonization.

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Gale School has been growing kids for 100 years! We had such a wonderful time tonight celebrating Gale’s centennial! Thank you to the Principal Leal, the LSC, Centennial Committee and the teachers and staff that made this all possible. Here’s to the next hundred years!”

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I have been pressuring the City for a greater police presence in the 50th Ward. Understanding the need for additional law enforcement officers, the @CCSOPIO has dispatched two teams to the 24th District. Expect to see extra officers in the neighborhood tonight.”

Aldermanic offices, city government offices and Chicago Public Libraries are closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day. 

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I have no words to express the gratitude and emotion I feel right. We’re going to Congress y’all! We #shatteredglassceiling last night!”  

Rep. Maurie West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Best part about last night’s election was that babygirl hung with me while we watched the results. I made a commitment to the 67th district last night; but my promise to Brein is I am daddy first, Rep West second ALWAYS. I love you Brein. I love you 67th District. Thank you”  

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Thank you to the 41st district community of Naperville, Warrenville, and Bolingbrook for trusting me to represent you and your families for another two years. It has been and continues to be the honor of a lifetime to represent us in Springfield.”  

Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) tweeted, “Thank You! I am honored to be elected as your next State Senator in the 24th District! I look forward to representing all of us in Springfield for the next 4 years!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Congratulations to my friends and colleagues in the Illinois House. Winners do the work! Together, we worked in Springfield for Illinois families. Then we came home and worked even harder to earn the support of our communities. I am incredibly proud of you. Onward and upward!”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Now that it’s over, for the provocateurs that put those nasty signs all over the place, come pick them up! And for the signs I liked from the people I love, come pick those up too! Don’t claim to be an Environmental Champion and we’re still seeing your signs this time next yr.” 

Illinois has seen less than 70,000 unemployment claims in the last week for the 26th straight week, according to the Department of Employment Security. There were 57,000 claims reported last week, according to the department. The department called the six-month streak of low unemployment claims “unprecedented.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago needs a mayoral candidate and a mayor that can build a citywide coalition of Black, white, and Latino residents to deliver for every block and every neighbor. @Brandon4Chicago is that bridge builder. Let's go!”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Climate change is a real threat to the quality of life to people across the world but especially to working class communities. That is why I take the #NoFossilFuelMoney pledge.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Wednesday, November 16th, my office & St Cajetan School will host a Thanksgiving Food Drive in support of Pat’s Pantry (3509 W 111th St), 10:00am-12:00pm. @BevRevNews @stcajetanschool @ChicagoAgHS @thomasj_hurley @repfranhurley35 @SenCunningham”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Whoa! Be very careful criticizing the Mayor. She may put you on her ‘Sexist, Racist, Homophobe List’ for presenting hard facts & raising concerns about code enforcement.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Good morning Chicago - this election is over. Go enjoy what makes you happy.” 

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation on Wednesday commended the Chicago Community Trust for announcing earlier this month that former interim President and Chief Executive Officer Andrea Sáenz would be the permanent CEO following a nationwide search. “Congratulations to Ms. Sáenz, and we look forward to supporting you in your work and leadership at The Chicago Community Trust,” Executive Director Oswaldo Alvarez was quoted as saying in a news release.  

Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “It’s Election Day! A beautiful day for voting! It has been an honor and privilege serving the people of our community. Thank you for the opportunity to do it again! Good luck to all candidates, their families and supporters today!”  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “Today’s Election Day!! Make sure you go vote! Polls close at 7pm!”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's a beautiful day to be a voter! And for me, a special one — a lot of friends on the ballot this year.”  

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Woke up this morning with so much energy and excitement! I was so proud to be able to cast my vote with my mom this morning in my precinct and have my husband alongside me, supporting me each step of the way.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted pictures of the lunar eclipse: “Happy Election Day! Here is this morning's Blood Moon from your Illinois State Capitol!” 

A group of consolidated lawsuits filed by Illinois state’s attorneys challenging the SAFE-T Act will be heard in Kankakee County court on Dec. 7, the State Journal-Register reported. Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe will be the lead plaintiff in a case that names Gov. JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul as defendants. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Almost halfway through Election Day and great to see so many people out voting! Remember you can be IN LINE at 7:00 pm and still vote. There are really meaningful referenda on workers rights, the forest preserves, and mental healthcare access that need your support!”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “The system is rigged against working class people to benefit the rich &  corporations, no one is going to change this fact but US, the people. Vote YES for Workers’ Rights Amendment & sign our petition along @Brandon4Chicago Si se puede! #SocialismOrBarbarism #PeopleOverProfit”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Every single person I’ve talked to out here petitioning for my opponent works at the Cook County Clerks office. The machine is back.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “MAGA Republican @MayraFlores2022 LOST tonight. Progressive Democrat @DeliaCRamirez WON tonight. That's it. That's the tweet.”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “It’s Election Day! I’ve been out since 5:30am delivering donuts and checking on polling places with the amazing #43rdWard Dem Committeeman  

@LucyMoog. Check http://illinoisvotes2022.com to find your polling place or ballot dropbox.” 

The Chicago Board of Elections reported that as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, 636,931 ballots had been cast in Chicago, leaving citywide turnout for the General Election at 41.3 percent. The number of ballots cast includes early votes and mailed in ballots but is expected to grow as additional mailed in ballots are received and counted.