Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted a CNN article about the recent passage of thee TEAACH Act, writing "I didn't see our community in our textbooks, and it was hard to understand who our community was in relation to everyone else. For Asian American students, [TEAACH] will be a chance to learn our history, the contributions our community has made."
Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) promoted the One Summer Chicago program for youth in a tweet.
In a newsletter, Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) promoted legislation he supported that was approved this session that meant to cut back on over prescription of opioids (HB 3596).
Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted about an upcoming town hall event to recap the legislative session: “Wondering what just happened (and didn't happen) in the hectic final days in Springfield?,” he wrote. “We've got a town hall for that!”
On Facebook, Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) promoted a Daily Herald article discussing a labor shortage, writing “We have a workforce here in the Fox Valley that is second to none, with an equally talented and diverse small business community. They are facing new challenges as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) posted to Facebook about population loss in Illinois, writing “It's time to prove to our residents that we are serious about making Illinois the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
District Dispatches June 08, 2021
Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted about a street festival taking place alongside the Chicago Auto Show.
Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19) tweeted about a train blocking a street crossing Monday morning, writing “I've tried to address these problems for 10+ years only to get finger pointing & excuses. When will public safety be the priority?”
Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26) promoted in-home vaccination opportunities for people unable to make it to clinics in a tweet.
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) retweeted a Crain’s article spotlighting an upcoming facility on the Northwest Side that will house facilities for the Chicago Fire soccer team.
Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted about his office’s used bike drive, inviting residents to drop one off until June 25.
Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted about the Red Purple Modernization project and the beginnings of fiberoptic cable installation in his ward.
Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) tweeted about the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance, which took effect last week: “The #CookCoRTLO has created safeguards against illegal lockouts, protections against leases eliminating rights to termination notices & procedures for withholding rent until issues are fixed,” he wrote.
Ward Reports June 08, 2021
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a virtual conference titled “Holding Healing Spaces for Youth” to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. City Hall is working alongside health providers, community groups and social advocacy groups to provide a program centered on “a holistic understanding of what trauma is and how to approach the healing process,” per a Monday news release. In a statement, Lightfoot said “This past year has been difficult for all of us, but it has taken an especially hard toll on our young people who have been adjusting to the many challenges that the pandemic has presented.” The program is part of her My CHI, My Future initiative, which targets Chicago’s young people for engagement and connection. More information is available on the city’s website.
Cook County Health announced that it will begin administering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Matteson mass vaccination site alongside the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The two mass vaccination sites that remain open besides Matteson are Des Plaines and Forest Park, all of which are taking walk-ins.
Chicago Announcements June 08, 2021
Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday appointed Tiffany Mathis to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Trustees, Mona Noriega as chair of the Human Rights Commission, Henry “H.O.” Brownback to continue serving on the Mid-America Intermodal Authority Port District Board, Saul Morse as chair of the Quality Care Board and Liliana Dago to the Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission. All the appointments require confirmation by the state Senate.
Springfield Announcements June 07, 2021
The Chicago Department of Public Health is launching a door-to-door vaccination outreach campaign in 13 neighborhoods as part of the next phase of its Protect Chicago Plus program, officials announced Friday. Canvassers show up to homes wearing branded vests, buttons and masks to help residents sign up for appointments. The first round of neighborhoods targeted by “block by block canvassing” are Auburn Gresham, Austin, Chatham, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Hegewisch, Montclare, Riverdale, Roseland, South Deering, South Shore, West Englewood, and West Garfield Park.
Chicago Announcements June 07, 2021
Rep. Edgard Gonzalez (D-Chicago) tweeted an endorsement of Secretary of State candidate Alexi Giannoulias.
Rep. Jamie Andrade (D-Chicago) similarly tweeted his endorsement for Giannoulias.
Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted about a pride event in his district.
District Dispatches June 07, 2021
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Director John Shaw are scheduled to hold a discussion at 10 a.m. Friday on “the work of the comptroller's office, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Illinois' finances, and more.” The discussion will take place virtually over Zoom and registration is required.
State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) are scheduled on June 10 to talk with David Orr of Good Government Illinois about the spring legislative session. The discussion is set to begin at 6 p.m. over Zoom and will include “big ticket items including the ethics package, a permanent expansion of voting access, adjustments to Illinois's cannabis licensing law, criminal justice reform bills, and more,” according to the event invitation. Registration is available online.
Springfield Announcements June 04, 2021
Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted “pension reform was virtually ignored in the 102nd General Assembly. Another lost opportunity to make a significant impact on Illinois’ $300 BILLION pension liability. But at least you can can [sic] a free beer with your Covid vax card.”
Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted images of a farmers market opening in her district.
Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) on Twitter offered to have his office help people applying for state programs and benefits.
Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) will host a “free shred day” on June 5 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted images from a groundbreaking event of the AIDS Garden Chicago.
District Dispatches June 04, 2021
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that applications are now open for the Chicago Works Community Challenge, an initiative which seeks out the “best public works projects in each of Chicago’s seven planning regions,” per a news release. The competition will award a total of $10 million to seven proposals as part of the city’s five-year capital plan, and all submitted projects will be retained by the city for future consideration. Any Chicago resident may apply for the competition, which will close on Aug. 30, and may attend an informational webinar on at 6 p.m. on June 9. The city will announce winners at the end of 2021.
Chicago Announcements June 03, 2021
Ald. Pat Dowell (3) shared a raft of construction projects and reopening announcements in her ward newsletter, asking residents to be patient with construction projects over the summer.
Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson (11) shared his observance of Memorial Day at the Canaryville Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony in his ward newsletter: “It is always such an honor to be standing amongst so many veterans commemorating the lives of those in the military who lost their lives in service to our Nation,” he wrote.
Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19) tweeted about his “Help aa Hero” program for military veterans having mental health problems.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) retweeted the Cook County Democrats’ statement congratulating “@robertmartwick and all the advocates who want families to have a voice in their children's education” following Senate approval of an elected school board bill.
Ald. Michele Smith (43) shared an update on a shooting in the 43rd Ward, city and state ethics reforms and new AirBnB regulations in her ward newsletter. “I am gratified that the General Assembly heeded our urging that Chicago’s lobbying laws would not be superseded,” she wrote. “In many critical respects, our laws are stricter than the new state law.”
Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Thank you to all who came to the groundbreaking of the Chicago AIDS Garden today! This @ChicagoParks location will help teach the ongoing history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Chicago. It was a very exciting way to begin Pride Month and the rainbow hard hats were a nice touch.”
Ward Reports June 03, 2021
Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) tweeted about the passage of SSB 2338, now headed to the governor’s desk. “Student-Athletes should be able to monetize off of their own Name, Image, and Likeness,” he wrote.”
Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) touted the extension of Illinois’ “cocktails to go” program in a news release. In a statement, she said, “Restaurants are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods. We should do all that we can to help them as we emerge from a global pandemic that put the economy into turmoil.”
Rep. Tim Butler (R-Capital Township) responded to a tweet by Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside), writing, “Mr. Speaker, respectfully, we are not at war. Yes, we have major policy differences, we may have sharp debates, but my hope is that we as public officials can do our best to get away from using phrases such as this to describe our legislative process.”
Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “let’s get this done!” alongside a tweet about the time remaining for the Illinois legislature to pass clean energy legislation.
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted an article by POLITICO discussing Evanston’s new reparations initiative.
District Dispatches June 03, 2021
Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed SB 104, which extends businesses’ ability to sell cocktails to-go until 2025 and lets restaurants and bars offer a free alcoholic beverage to residents who have received their COVID-19 vaccine. Under the bill, residents will have to show proof of their identity and vaccine to be eligible for either 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, five ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer. Bars and restaurants can only offer the free drinks between June 10 and July 10.
Springfield Announcements June 03, 2021
Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) tweeted, "it’s no secret that Illinois has needed reform for some time. Yesterday, we passed a comprehensive ethics package to address issues like lobbying and legislator salaries."
Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted about the bill to lower the cost of trailer license fees: "After receiving many phone calls from constituents complaining about the high cost of trailer fees, I was proud to be a Chief Co-sponsor of Senate Bill 58 which lowers the small trailer plate fees from $118 to $36," he wrote.
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted at "1:05 am June 1, 2021" about "the FY 2022 budget," calling it "a tall stack of bloated pork that we still haven’t voted on."
Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) joined the budget blast, writing "end of session and another last minute budget drop. ~3000 pages. There’s no way anyone here has read this. Ridiculous. So much for promises of transparency."
Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted her congratulations on the passage of SB 825 to Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford), calling the measure an " important effort to maximize voter engagement and participation."
Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, "a great way to end #AAPIHM! Congratulations to Rep. Gong-Gershowitz and the entire Asian American caucus on the passage of TEAACH, which requires every public school in Illinois to teach Asian American history!"
District Dispatches June 02, 2021
- The Cook County Democratic Party will host a virtual Secretary of State candidate forum at 10 a.m. Saturday. The forum was organized by 40th Ward committeeperson Maggie O’Keefe and 16th Ward Committeeperson Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16) and will be moderated by party chair and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. All 80 committeepeople will be allowed to ask questions after 20-minute introduction period for all five candidates. Online registration is required.
Springfield Announcements June 02, 2021
Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, "No longer will be called Alderman. I’m ok with that. First name or Last name works. I hope the Bible is not next though."
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, "A pleasure to join @chicagosmayor & @aldnapolitano41 to welcome the newest class of firefighters & EMTS!"
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted about the ongoing discussions about an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools. “@chicagosmayor again with platitudes. TODAY @ILSenDems will be voting on the ERSB. Mayor Lightfoot & her rich funders want to continue looting our children’s resources & oppose it. @DonHarmonIL listen to the people, an ERSB will bring democracy & investment to address violence,” he wrote.
Ald. Michele Smith (43) touted the city’s new restrictions on short-term rentals, which went into full effect on Tuesday.
Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted about the General Assembly's passage of legislation changing the title "alderman" to "alderperson:" "We stopped saying mailman, policeman, and fireman a long time ago, so it's about time for "alderman" to change," he wrote. "I would have preferred the term council member, but I'll take this."
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted in recognition of the beginning of Pride Month: "It’s June 1st, which means LGBTQ Pride month has begun. Pride month to me is about being able to show up as your full self. It’s about being able to be with who I love and be out and proud about that."
Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-14) tweeted, "I'm proud to announce that for the first time, @cookcountygov will raise a Pride Flag the entire month of June. Today, at 10 a.m., you're invited to join me, @TheDonnaMiller, and other officials to celebrate the beginning of #PrideMonth."
Ward Reports June 02, 2021
Chicago is “on track to join the State of Illinois in moving to Phase Five” on reopening on June 11, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office announced Thursday. More than 50 percent of Chicagoans are at least partially vaccinated, according to the mayor’s office, and Phase Five is set to include a “lifting of all COVID regulations at businesses.” Still, masks will be required on public transportation and in school and health care settings. Additional guidance on Phase Five is expected next week, according to Lightfoot’s office.
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is set to give a virtual “State of the Treasurer’s Office” address at 11 a.m. Monday. The address will broadcast live on her Facebook page.
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office is scheduled on June 17 to host a webinar titled “Understanding Cook County Property Tax Appeals.” The webinar is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and representatives from the assessor’s office will answer questions on topics including “how to file an appeal, when to file an appeal, what it means to be reassessed, how to apply for a Certificate of Error, an explanation of exemptions, and more,” according to the event invitation. Registration is available online.
Chicago Announcements June 04, 2021
- The Public Building Commission issued a notice of intent to issue a Request for Proposals for “design-build services” for the planned Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department training academy at 4433 W. Chicago Ave. The RFP will be issued after June 14, according to the announcement.
Chicago Announcements June 01, 2021
Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) posted to Facebook about a bill reducing fees for trailer licenses: "I voted for a bill we passed through the House yesterday that will reduce trailer fees from $118 to $36. This legislation now moves to the Senate for final consideration today before it goes to the Governor for his signature."
Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) posted to Facebook about ongoing energy talks, writing "as we enter the final day, there has not yet been a deal reached to save the Byron and Dresden nuclear plants. This is my top priority this session, and I continue to work with fellow legislators at all hours of the day and night to find a compromise and keep the plants open."
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted about weekend gun violence in Chicago, writing "not all of our fault, but definitely all of our responsibility. Fault emanates from choices already made. Responsibility emanates from choices in the present and the future. We have a choice to do what we need to in order to fix what’s broken."
Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted about House Bill 3308, which expands opportunities for patients to receive care through telehealth. "Make no mistake," she wrote. "This is a big win for Illinois patients.
Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted about two bills that passed the legislature Sunday: "SBs 661 & 662 address the student debt crisis & our shortage of professional, culturally competent social workers. As students return to in-person learning after remote classes, the need for social workers is more critical than ever.
District Dispatches June 01, 2021
- Speaker Chris Welch has appointed Representative LaToya Greenwood (D - East St. Louis) as Majority Conference Chairperson.
Springfield Announcements June 01, 2021
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, "Thank you Fr. Miguel, Larry Kulik & @boyscouts Troop 465 for keeping the @CatholicWarVets Post 500 tradition alive in our Brighton Park community at @ConceptionHoly!"
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted that Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park)"can expect massive mobilizations at his office if he denies Black & brown communities our right to an [elected Chicago school board]. This racist decision will not stand, enough experiments & disinvestment in our schools."
Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26) tweeted about Memorial Day, writing "Thank you to the families who lost a loved one in combat. They gave their lives for the liberty that we celebrate today. This Memorial Day, We Pause, We Honor, We Remember."
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, It's Memorial Day and I'm with friends, so I will accept "Alderperson" as a compromise. But the struggle for a gender neutral, age neutral, and non-ageist title, like "Council Member," continues.
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “so glad to see this!! It isn’t “Alder” but it’s close enough!! Glad to have raised this up at the city level!” regarding a proposal in Springfield to change the title of renaming City Council members to “alderperson” instead of “alderman.”
Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) tweeted, "Today we honor the fallen veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. God bless those who served and continue to serve this great nation."








