Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) wrote in a statement Wednesday calling on the General Assembly to “support an immediate filing of a previously-agreed-upon bill that would implement much-needed nursing home rate reform. This will allow associations to then file amendments to the language, providing a transparent process for legislatures.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In response to concern about escalating crime in our community and throughout the city, today I joined [Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Ald. Matt Martin (47), Ald. Tom Tunney (44)] and officers from the @ChicagoCAPS19 police district to hear from local business owners and residents.” 

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “Beginning today and through the end of the year, I will highlight a few and the new laws that are hitting the books on January 1. I will begin with this one. Illinois employers are bracing for another increase in the minimum wage. On January 1, the minimum wage increases to $12 per hour and will continue to increase on January 1 each year until it hits $15 per hour on January 1, 2025.” 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “I’m thrilled to receive the 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Democrat!” 

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “In September, I sponsored an energy bill -SB2408- that saved the Byron Nuclear Plant. I had the opportunity to visit a local peaker plant which helps maintain and safeguard our energy grid.”

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) will not seek reelection in 2022, she announced Wednesday. ““I’m immensely proud to have helped advance policies that have moved our state forward: making Illinois the most pro-choice state in America; passing landmark legislation to make Illinois a global leader in the fight against climate change; changing the way our state funds education to ensure all students, regardless of zip code or economic status, receive a quality education; and so much more,” Bush wrote in a statement. “While I will not be seeking re-election, I will remain an engaged voice on behalf of my community and am committed to lifting up the voices of women throughout Illinois.” 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “My colleague Alderman Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez and I introduced a call for the City to establish a public bathroom pilot. Every person in Chicago deserves access to clean sanitation infrastructure, and this investment benefits everyone.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I believe I am the reigning champ of birthday resolutions, regardless of election season” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I lost count of the times I’ve been out with my child and struggle to find a public bathroom without having to buy something. One example of how to do this is here: https://portlandloo.com We are calling for a hearing to start a conversation about how we get this for our City.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Today my office and the 19th Police District held a business safety meeting with all three of the Lakeview area chambers of commerce. Over 50 businesses joined us to discuss proactive steps to address crime.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “DFSS services are available to the victims of the Glenwood fire from last Thursday night. Victims can reach out to the DFSS North Area Community Center.”

The Cook County Department of Public Health on Wednesday reported the first known case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in suburban Cook County. The person “is asymptomatic and has received at least two doses of the vaccine,” according to the announcement. The county health department reported a seven-day average of 824 new daily cases on Tuesday, down from 1,179 one week earlier. 

The University of Chicago Institute of Politics announced former Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson as one of its new Pritzker Fellows. Ferguson will teach weekly seminars “about the role of Inspectors General in holding local and national governments accountable and will lead several seminars on police accountability in Chicago.” 

Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) sent a news release celebrating Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature of a bill allowing the licensure of midwives, writing, “The demand for home birth services has been on the rise, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this law will help ensure that mothers who opt for a home birth can have one safely.”  

Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) posted on Facebook, “I had a great tour at Dynamic Utility Solutions in Carol Stream yesterday! Dynamic Utility Solutions is a Latina owned utility contractor. We had a great discussion on how to bolster the pipeline for electrical trades.” 

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) posted on Facebook, “Prep call for the American Nuclear Webinar tomorrow-  Subject-US Nuclear Power Plants: Clean Energy Assets at Risk. I’ll be discussing the energy bill passed in IL that preserved our nuclear power plants.” 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We convened our People’s Legislative Council for seniors at Levy House. We dove into legislation & how to implement co-governance into policymaking. [Jane Addams Senior Caucus] joined us to build community & empower folks through advocacy. We’re building policy systems that work for seniors!  

Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) tweeted, “Thankful to hear a full investigation of what happened during the tragic events this past weekend will take place. All employees deserve a safe working environment.” 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture on Wednesday will open the third year of the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program, which offers a “premium discount of $5 per acre on the following year’s crop insurance for every acre of cover crop enrolled and verified in the program.” Due to the program’s success 100,000 acres are available for 2022, up from 50,000 the previous growing season, according to the announcement. More information is available online. 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Today, I proudly accept the @cookcodems endorsement by acclamation and feel privileged to work alongside the party to achieve transparency, accessibility and true collaboration when I am elected to the Cook County Board of Review.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Motion to lay the item on the table in two separate meetings at the same time. Oy ve”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today I will vote in support of the Glenstar development, creating 297 housing units, 59 of which will be affordable. It will provide new housing opportunities for O’Hare workers, school professionals, retirees and more. Supporting this project is what our City deserves” 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Picked up a large donation for the 50th Ward food drive courtesy of the Five Star Resident Council at Northtown Apartments. Thank you all for your generosity and commitment to our community!” 

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners on Tuesday certified dates and deadlines on the 2022 Election Calendar. Party candidates may begin circulating ballot petitions on Jan. 13 and submit signatures by March 14, but judicial candidates filing vacancies that arise between Feb. 21 and March 13 may take until April 4 to submit ballot petitions. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health added California and Mississippi to the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory, bringing the list to 42 states. They were added because their average new daily caseloads exceeded 15 per 100,000 residents.

The Chicago Department of Aviation will host a webinar at 9:30 a.m. Friday on “How to Open a Concession at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.” City aviation officials will discuss the “Request for Proposals (RFP) process,” “Operating at the Airport” and the “Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program,” according to an announcement. Online registration is required. 

The Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance will host a Zoom call at noon on Wednesday “to learn about an opportunity” that Chicago landlords “may all consider to provide a home for one or more of the many Afghan refugees who will soon arriving in Chicago,” according to an announcement. “JCFS Chicago has committed to resettling 110 refugee families from Afghanistan and around the world in the Chicago area. They are currently looking for apartments for up to 15 Afghan families that are coming in the initial phase beginning in January.” 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) wrote in a fundraising email, “These past 4 years I have worked hard to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare, fought for sensible gun control laws, passed historic climate change legislation, and so much more. But there is still so much work to be done- and I need your help to do that work by working with me to get my name on the ballot again.”  

Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) wrote in a news release that he and Rep. Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) “are encouraging the public to review violence prevention program grantee lists now posted on ilga.gov in advance of a Monday hearing on the efforts.” 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) wrote on Facebook, “After touring the scene in Edwardsville, I was left speechless by the destruction, the recovery efforts and ultimately my realization of the painful toll this tragedy has taken on so many in our region.” She posted a link to donate to the Edwardsville Community Foundation disaster relief fund. 

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) posted on Facebook, “I am proud to have received an A + from Gun Violence Prevention Illinois. Gun violence is a public health crisis and I will continue to advocate for common sense solutions that keep our communities safe.” 

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) posted on Facebook, “The Schaumburg Airport is a staple of our community – providing dozens of jobs and an efficient way to support residents and the business community. I'm glad to see it receive state funds to make much-needed repairs and modifications. https://bit.ly/3GpIqxX” 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday issued a disaster proclamation for counties across central and southern Illinois that were impacted by recent storms and tornadoes, his office announced Monday. A disaster proclamation grants the State of Illinois the ability to expedite the use of state resources, personnel, or equipment, and allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to procure additional resources to help communities recover from the storms. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency submitted amendments to 35 Illinois Administrative Codes to the Illinois Pollution Control Board to “update toxicity data for various chemicals, update exposure factors, and introduce groundwater quality standards for five Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals,” according to a Monday announcement. More information on the updates is available online. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) in his latest newsletter wrote that “Infrastructure repairs are expected to begin this month on Elston Avenue, Concord Place and Throop Street. These projects will occur in three (3) phases, with the initial phase anticipated to last approximately three (3) weeks, the second phase approximately four (4) months and the third phase approximately two (2) months. These infrastructure upgrades were approved in conjunction with the Lincoln Yards Planned Development.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Finance Committee members are giving you a play-by-play of Democratic Party slating in the background for your convenience.”  

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted photos from her fundraiser and wrote “Thank you to everyone for supporting my fundraiser last week. Y’all are the true inspiration for my work.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Join the 49th Ward office on Tuesday, December 14, at 6 pm for a community meeting to learn more regarding a potential zoning change of the Mobil gas station located at 7201 N. Clark.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I am very upset to report that there was a shooting in the 50th Ward this morning. The victim was shot in the arm and is currently in the hospital in stable condition. Area 3 detectives are investigating.”

Sterling Bay is set on Tuesday to host an open house at the Lincoln Yards Experience Center for attendees to “view plans associated with Lincoln Yards South parcels C1, D1 and the Park, all of which are included in the Lincoln Yards Planned Development approved in 2019,” according to Ald. Brian Hopkins’ (2) most recent newsletter. Representatives from Sterling Bay and the project’s site development team will be on-hand during the open house event “to engage directly with members of the community, answering questions on plans for each parcel,” Hopkins wrote in his newsletter. Information will be available on the city’s Department of Planning and Development’s website, according to Hopkins’ newsletter. The event is set to run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. People interested in attending are required to email their contact information to [email protected]. Additionally, proof of vaccination or negative rapid test results are required for entry. Masks must be worn while on site. 

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted to Facebook about the legal cases attached to the Democrat-run remap process: “A ruling on the constitutionality of the Democrats' second map is expected before Christmas. Will the federal judges throw out their gerrymandered map?”

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) posted to Facebook about new infrastructure investments coming to Alto Pass, Ill., writing “With this funding, the community will be able to update its sewage system which will not only create jobs for the community but is vital to ensuring residents of Alto Pass can remain safely in their homes.” 

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Highwood) tweeted about a Thursday meeting of the Senate Health Committee, writing “we have an opportunity to rely on the data and innovation behind the booming health care and IT industries and start to forecast our health care future.”

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s been six months since the #TEAACH Act was signed into law. I’m proud of the work that advocates, organizers, and elected officials put into ensuring curriculum fully reflects all of our stories.”

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted about an in-person help event for those who need to apply for rental assistance money. 

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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Friday announced eight grants totaling $456,000 to land trusts in Illinois to “support stewardship on land protected by Illinois Nature Preserves Commission programs,” according to an announcement. Eligible grant recipients are exempt from taxation. The grants include $20,000 for the Land Conservartion Foundation, $55,786 for The Nature Conservancy, $50,879 for Prairie Hills Resource Conservation & Development, $60,000 for the Illinois Audobon Society, $82,500 for The Conservation Foundation, $71,534 for Grand Prairie Friends, $60,296 for The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and $55,000 for the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) wrote in her latest newsletter, “Safety continues to be a concern in the ward and a priority for our office as we tackle various incidents throughout the ward and the city. Our concern has been particularly highlighted over the last weeks with shootings in Grand Boulevard, North Kenwood Oakland and Hyde Park; a pattern of vehicular jackings in Douglas; and the attempted vehicular jacking in the south loop and Oakland.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Lightfoot’s strategy is not about lifting Chicago’s tide & raising all boats but rather to lower the societal standards, bringing all communities to the lowest starting point possible. Her leadership is not about equity. It’s about forcing negative equality onto all communities.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “I just finished my last paper for the 3rd semester of my MSW at @NEIU and I’m exhausted and very very proud.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “When you're driving west on Barry in Lakeview you see some garish city McMansions, but then it's okay because you pass the one-story brick house with the curved glass block wall at Barry and Leavitt. If you know, you know.  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted about a potential citywide vaccine mandate and wrote, “It makes perfect sense to do this. In the winter people will be more closely packed into space and we have variants. The fact that this is a debate is what’s ridiculous.” 

 Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter that he is “asking residents to participate in a postcard writing campaign to State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Office and Chief Judge Evans t express concerns about the lack of accountability and releasing individuals accused of violent crimes on electronic monitoring.    

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter  that he “hosted a town hall during which State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, 33rd Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and representatives from Thresholds and the city of Albuquerque discussed a recently created pilot in the 19th Police District in which police officers are paired with paramedics and crisis workers to respond to certain mental-health-related 911 calls.”  

Cook County Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) wrote in his latest newsletter of the Jussie Smollett conviction: “So the question remains, what happens next? It's very clear that Kim Foxx's office had its thumb squarely on the scale of justice for a celebrity friend. Elected officials in Cook County should muster their courage and call for her to resign, I’ll start!”  

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on Friday announced the launch of “Chicago Made,” a workforce development program and public awareness campaign designed to boost the city’s TV and film industry. The workforce development program will offer job training and placement for Chicago residents ages 24 to 50, with applications due on Wednesday. The public awareness campaign will “highlight the vital role Chicago’s TV and film industry plays in our city,” according to Friday’s announcement. 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) sent a news release directing people to the Illinois Rental Payment Program, saying “help is here for those who need it most.” 

Sen. Jill Tracy (R-Carbondale) wrote in her latest newsletter, “We are hopeful that the court will accept our maps and find the Democrats’ second round of maps also unconstitutional, bringing better representation for you and your fellow residents. Illinoisans deserve a government that works for them, not for incumbent politicians and their interests.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) posted on Facebook, “I had a wonderful time at Plumbers Local 130’s annual event! It was great to see so many of my colleagues and strong supporters of labor. Thank you to the plumbers for all of their hard work maintaining our infrastructure and protecting our water.” 

Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) tweeted photos of himself with Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) at the the First Midwest Bank Annual Christmas Party. 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted, “I want to thank @IllinoisDNR officials Mike Mason, David Huck, Jim Gowen & Natalie Phelps Finnie for meeting with me today to discuss current & future projects slated for Frank Holten State Park. I'm happy to announce the banquet room is being rehabbed & upgraded as we speak!” 

Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northrbook) released a statement that he is withdrawing his dropping his proposed bill (HB 4259) that would require unvaccinated people to pay out-of-pocket for COVID-19-related health care expenses. “Based on feedback and further reflection, we need to heal as a country and work together on common-sense solutions to put the pandemic behind us.”

The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies released details on various new funding programs for child care centers, including the Childcare Workforce Bonus. The bonus will provide bonuses of up to $1,000 for eligible child care providers. Applications are open through March 11, 2022. 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Make your voice heard! The 2nd virtual public meeting for South Chicago Commercial Avenue Corridor Improvement Project is just a few days away! Join the meeting with @ChicagoDOT by phone or web on Tuesday, 12/14 at 6pm to participate.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Little Village is generating more economic activity than the Mag Mile. Why is @chicagosmayor not sending resources to protect those businesses? I know she’s been there so it’s not like she never heard of La Villita” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Finally boosted. Get your COVID booster shot (or first dose) at Avondale's St. Nicolai Church (3000 N. Kedzie) every Thursday from 11:30am to 2pm.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote that the Christmas-themed bar crawl “TBOX” is returning to Clark Street in his ward this weekend. “Be advised of large crowds and potential street closures on Clark. If you do not plan to participate we recommend that you avoid the area. My office has worked closely with participating businesses, event organizers, and the 19th District Police to ensure a safe event.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Expanded Outdoor Dining (EOD) has changed the game for many of small businesses and I'm glad that the program is being extended. I'd love to work to make this a permanent program for our City.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) will join Southeast Side environmental activists from Alliance of the SouthEast to stage a protest at Jonquil Park at 5 p.m. Friday to protest the permitting process for RMG to open a metal shredding plant on the Southeast Side. The protest will lead to a demonstration outside the home of Chicago Department of Public Health Comm. Allison Arwady.