Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, "it’s #WellnessWednesday, and today we’re highlighting ways to practice radical self-care in a time where so many are victims racial trauma, with even more being constantly exposed to this trauma in the news and on social media."
Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) tweeted about personnel changes at the Illinois Tollway. "Yesterday we held a hearing to push for answers regarding the sudden change in the Illinois Tollway's chain of command," she wrote. "It's important to ensure that we are providing the most transparent process by effectively and efficiently operating the Tollway.
Sen. John Connor (D-Crest Hill) tweeted about funding coming to the Joliet Regional Airport, writing “The commitment to safety and service displayed by the staff at the Joliet Regional Airport is outstanding. I am pleased to see that our airport will receive the funding it needs to continue to benefit our community for years to come.”
Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Woodhill) posted to Facebook, "when we prioritize expanding industry and business-friendly legislation for Illinois, we help create jobs, opportunity, and freedom for hard-working families. From trade to tech, I am passionate about connecting with entrepreneurs and business owners to clear the way for prosperity creating growth."
District Dispatches December 09, 2021
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is offering in-person and online pesticide exam options this season, the department announced Wednesday. “Online pesticide exams are available now and utilize an online exam proctoring service. There will be a small fee of $12 paid directly to the online proctoring service for those who take the online exam,” according to the announcement. More information is available online.
Springfield Announcements December 09, 2021
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The Department of Water Management (DWM) crews will soon begin to install a new water main on Armitage from Kedzie to Western, and on Point St from Francis to Armitage. This new water main project will replace the old water main which dates back to 1888.”
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) shared information about a virtual public engagement session on the RMG/Southside Recycling health impact assessment scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and wrote “The 10th Ward Office has just received this information from CDPH, a day before the meeting. The 10th Ward Aldermanic Office finds it very disrespectful and unprofessional that our community is continually notified of these events on a last minute basis.”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Another emergency authorization ordinance by @chicagosmayor, this time giving Lightfoot contracting authority TEN TIMES the current limit requiring City Council approval. What’s the “emergency” this time? Omicron, supply chains, or just weak reelection prospects?"
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Over the last few days and in recent weeks, our #community has experienced incidents of violence. We need to discuss citywide #violenceprevention efforts and focused, local efforts to ensure #safety to all residents.”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “One of my favorite people in this world has decided to run for Congress. @Delia4Congress is rooted in community and ready to bring our values to DC to legislate for the many. I’m so proud of you sister. You are our abuela’s wildest dreams.”
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Join me in supporting @Delia4Congress”
Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted photos of herself at a groundbreaking and wrote “Yesterday, I attended the groundbreaking for the newly renamed Sheffield of Lincoln Park and renovation of the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments . The Sheffield of Lincoln Park will welcome a community of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds.”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “My pre-pandemic initiatives have not changed since COVIDs arrival. In fact, the pandemic has escalated the need for homeless aid, mental health services, open democratic involvement, and trust within the community.”
Ward Reports December 09, 2021
The Chicago Department of Public Health issued an alert on Wednesday of a syphilis outbreak “among older heterosexual men in the Far South Side Roseland community area.” Department data for 2020 indicate that there were 919 reported syphilis cases in the City of Chicago, which represents a 13 percent increase from the same period of 2019.
Chicago Announcements December 09, 2021
Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted "Today, I’m proud to be serving a state that stands up for women’s health care and voting rights, believes in teaching ALL of our shared history, and invests in clean energy & infrastructure. #NationalIllinoisDay"
Rep. Mary McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, "Evil and tyranny exist, and always will. Good men and women must always answer the call to protect freedom and liberty. The “Greatest Generation” rose to the challenge. God bless them all. #PearlHarbor"
Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) posted to Facebook about his recently signed law against student sexual abuse: "More on the new law that adds safeguards to protect students from sexual abuse in schools. I served on the task force that made these recommendations and co-sponsored the bill to put them into law."
Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted in support of Secretary of State Candidate Alexi Giannoulias, writing "This is big!!"
Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted about the death of a Chicago Public Schools Teacher. Tonight my heart is with the family, friends, colleagues & students of jonL Bush - especially his little girl, who is now left without a father. jonL’s tragic and unnecessary death is a reminder that we can and, in fact, do have a moral obligation, to *proactively* protect...our school communities."
Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) posted to Facebook about the remap court cases. "If the governor had kept his promise and actually pushed Democrats to support independent maps, there would be no court case and voters would have better representation in Springfield," he wrote. "Instead, Democrats once again chose political insiders over what’s best for Illinois families."
District Dispatches December 08, 2021
Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new round of applications for state funding to avoid water shutoffs Tuesday. $42 million is available to residents who are facing water disconnection, have already had their water shut off or who owe more than $250 in back bills. The funds will be available until August 2023 or until they run off. To apply, visit http://www.helpillinoisfamilies.com. The relief funding is coming from Illinois' share of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Springfield Announcements December 08, 2021
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Eleven banks responded to our municipal depository RFP. Zero of those banks make loans to qualified buyers of Chicago Community Land Trust units. That has to change.”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “#TeamLopez vaccinated on their own. No #LightfootMandate required!”
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “The attack on Pearl Harbor was a military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, just before 08:00, on Sun, Dec. 7, 1941. Never forget those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “It’s that time again! How would you spend $1,000,000 to improve our ward in 2022? Our PB program allocates Ward funds democratically, for projects proposed and supported by Ward residents. Visit https://bit.ly/2022PB to vote and let your voice be heard! 40th Ward only!”
Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “For the record - my staff and I are all vaxxed and I encourage all my constituents to get vaccinated as well.”
Ward Reports December 08, 2021
The Illinois Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for up to $25,000 in rental assistance, officials announced Monday. Applicants must be residents of Illinois and must have experienced a change in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords are also eligible for financial assistance if their tenants are behind on rent. Applications will be open until Jan. 9, 2022. Assistance is also available through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announced the appointment of Gregg Webb as the new chair of the association’s Board of Directors. Webb is vice president for state government relations at Archer Daniels Midland Company, a Chicago-based food processing and commodities trading corporation.
Chicago Announcements December 08, 2021
Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) posted to Facebook about National Miner's Day, writing "I have a Lincoln bust made of coal proudly displayed in my office. Thanks to the miners who helped build our communities and continue to!
Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) posted to Facebook about her recent town hall series and violence in Chicago. "The #1 issue that kept coming up was the ongoing violence in Chicago and suburbs. People rightfully don’t feel safe. It’s terrible that this CTA driver, who was just doing his job, was violently and senselessly attacked. Do you think downtown Chicago is safe at night??," she wrote.
Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted congratulations to the new president of the Service Employees International United Illinois State council: "There goes an Alpha Man! Congrats to my friend and fellow @PTHSD209 graduate Greg Kelley!"
Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) tweeted about funding for the St. Louis Regional Airport: "The St. Louis Regional Airport offers high-quality services to pilots and travelers alike. The $1.7 million investment in state funds will help maintain and develop the area to help workers thrive and contribute to our region’s success," she wrote.
Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) tweeted about getting children access to medical cannabis, writing "the Surin & Grenrock families, who fight every day for much-needed medicine for their children, are my heroes and motivation for improving public policy,. #AshleysLawIL is a meaningful step for children who need access to medical cannabis, but much work remains."
Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, "I'll raise you one, go for 7%" in response to a tweet asking "everyone to be 6% nicer today."
District Dispatches December 07, 2021
The Illinois Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for up to $25,000 in rental assistance, officials announced Monday. Applicants must be residents of Illinois and must have experienced a change in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords are also eligible for financial assistance if their tenants are behind on rent. Applications will be open until Jan. 9, 2022. Assistance is also available through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announced the appointment of Gregg Webb as the new chair of the association’s Board of Directors. Webb is vice president for state government relations at Archer Daniels Midland Company, a Chicago-based food processing and commodities trading corporation.
Springfield Announcements December 07, 2021
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Whether you've lost someone to COVID-19, violence, or other causes - or if you simply have questions about death and loss - we welcome you to join the 1st Ward Peace & Health Commission's Good Mourning series, tomorrow, Dec. 7 & Wednesday, Dec. 8”
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Join your community in reimagining Commercial Avenue in South Chicago! The second virtual public meeting regarding corridor improvements for Commercial Avenue is scheduled for December 14th from 6 to 7:30 PM.”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Gang violence isn’t limited to the streets. Last week a student was attacked by a student/gang banger inside Back of the College Prep. The attacks are growing in frequency. It’s foolish to think it is contained in the building. These Instagram posts show students’ reality.”
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “The City of #Chicago today announced it will acquire more than six acres of a vacant lot at the intersection of 18th and Peoria streets, the largest single parcel of developable vacant land in #Pilsen.”
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Congratulations to the Minoso family for this great recognition. Mr. Minoso was the first Black Cuban in the major leagues and the first black player in White Sox history.”
Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “To be clear: 100% of 43rdWard staff is vaccinated and reported their status to the City.”
Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today I shared my priority to bring a 100% Affordable Development to 5853 N. Broadway in the 48th Ward. This project - as well as other investments in affordable housing - will provide needed quality, stable housing for families, aging adults and working people.”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a Rogers Edge Reporter story and tweeted “The city's commitment to mental health services and homelessness is the first of many necessary changes needed following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And with funding, we can eventually launch a pilot for the Crisis Response Team in Rogers Park.”
Ward Reports December 07, 2021
The Chicago Department of Human Resources reported on Monday that about 94.7 percent of city employees had complied with the city’s vaccination policy, about 81.5 percent of whom are fully vaccinated. About 89.3 percent of Chicago Police Department employees, more than 99 percent of Fire Department employees and 84.2 percent of City Council employees were in compliance with the policy.
The Metropolitan Planning Council will host a virtual event at noon on Dec. 16 called “Past, Present and Future: the MPC legacy.” The event will include a panel of Metropolitan Planning Council leaders and feature Melissa Washington, ComEd’s vice president for governmental and external affairs, as its keynote speaker. Online registration is required.
Chicago Announcements December 07, 2021
Rep. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Last month, Illinois Republicans were asked to file their proposed remedy with the court. Their remedial maps fix the flaws in the Democrats’ politician-drawn maps by creating more districts with minority voting-age populations above 50 percent that will better provide voters the ability to elect candidates of their choice.”
Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) wrote in a news release that “Members of Illinois’ Child Sexual and Physical Abuse Task Force met virtually for the first time Friday to discuss changes to the state’s Sexual Assault Survivor’s Emergency Treatment Act, under the leadership of” Crowe.
Sen. Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On this day in 1969, #FredHampton was killed by police in the early morning hours as he slept. As the IL Black Panther Party chairman, he sought to overcome the oppression of Black people. We continue to his fight today by seeking justice, equity and an end to systemic racism.”
Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) wrote in his latest newsletter that House Republicans “propose a one-time, limited tax credit of $200 for single tax filers making less than $75,000 and $400 for joint filers making up to $150,000. We believe that taxpayers would rather have an extra $200 in their pocket than continue to give it to free-spending politicians in Springfield.
Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Had a great time yesterday evening at the Pop up shop with JS Social networking Café Downtown. It was great to meet local entrepreneurs. Janene Stephenson, samantha Jane treatz & treasures, Travel-nista Boutique, Ebony Chanel Boutique, jazzy styles & creations, Sheilnina Thompson”
District Dispatches December 06, 2021
S&P Global Ratings affirmed Illinois State University’s bond rating at A- and upgraded its credit outlook from “stable” to “positive.” The change reflects the university’s “ability to consistently generate full accrual surpluses despite the pressures of the pandemic and even state funding challenges prior to that as well as its growth in financial resources, which we expect to continue," S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Sean Wiley wrote in a statement.
Springfield Announcements December 06, 2021
Ald. Raymond (15) tweeted, “Why does @chicagosmayor & politicians like her always give cover to criminals by equalizing them against thousands of good people? Saw it w/ Welcoming City debate, saw it w/ “righteous protest”-turned-looting, and we are seeing it again now. Good and bad are not equals. Enough!”
Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) wrote in his latest newsletter that his office will “co-host a telephone town hall meeting at 7:00pm along with Senator Bill Cunningham and Representative Fran Hurley. The call will include Dr. Jennifer Seo from the Chicago Department of Public Health and Commander Sean Joyce from the 22nd District Chicago Police Department to discuss their department's ongoing work in our community.” Online registration is required.
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “My abortion was one of the most important health care interventions I had in my life. I’m grateful I was able to have access at that time and I’m committed to fighting like hell for the right of EVERYONE to have an abortion when they need it.”
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “Hear me out: The Ashland Bus Rapit Transit (BRT) proposal gave BRT a bad name in Chicago. Much of North Ashland Avenue is just a 10 minute walk from a train. For many Chicagoans, it felt like a proposal to make transit rich neighborhoods on the northside even richer.”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “Today I canvassed the the block where a homicide and robbery attempt occurred this past Wednesday morning. I was joined by [Ex-Cons For Community & Social Change], a violence prevention group, to show our neighbors that our community comes together to build presence in the neighborhood!
Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “While it's possible that voters may be asked to choose between revised versions of both maps during the primary election next June, I'm hopeful that the City Council will come together and agree on a single map that includes Chicago's first ever majority Asian-American ward and that is consistent with the federal Voting Rights Act.”
Ward Reports December 06, 2021
The Chicago Board of Local Improvements, overseen by the Chicago Department of Transportation, will host meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday to discuss special tax assessments in the Lakeshore East area. The application set for consideration in the meeting is “necessary in order to divide the parcel into separate real estate parcels and allow for development and sale of residential apartments,” according to a Friday announcement. The meeting will be held in City Hall room 1103.
Chicago Announcements December 06, 2021
Rep. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) posted on Facebook, “Exciting new projects were announced for several Southern Illinois Airports! Reviving our airports is another key piece to making Southern Illinois a premiere destination which is why I’m thrilled to report that the Cairo Regional Airport, Southern Illinois Airport and Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois were awarded more than $2.5 million in funding to begin making capital improvements.”
Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) tweeted, “Second win for today! I am proud to announce that after presenting and passing HB 1063, the bill has been included in the 2021 NBCL National Model Legislation. #endhivstigma”
Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) retweeted a tweet from Illinois Manufacturing Association president Mark Denzler thanking him and Rep. Jim Durkin (D-Western Springs) for “for joining the [Illinois Manufacting Association] to discuss manufacturing issues. We appreciate [ADM] - a global leader - for hosting the discussion with manufacturing leaders from across Illinois.”
Sen. Don Dewitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “I was happy to meet with Family Service Association of Greater Elgin yesterday to hear about their plans for the future.”
Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Join me in the fight against COVID-19 by getting your vaccine. The CTU is offering all doses of the vaccine tomorrow between 3 and 7pm.”
District Dispatches December 03, 2021
The Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday authorized the use of $3.1 million from the Multi-Modal Transportation Bond Fund to pay for grade separation at the West Grand Avenue highway-rail crossing in Elmwood Park. A Metra train struck cars on the tracks at the site in 2005, injuring 16 people, according to state officials.
Springfield Announcements December 03, 2021
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Midway International Airport is hosting a hiring event on Wednesday, December 8th, from 10-12 pm! This event will take place at the airport on the 2nd floor mezzanine.”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The Coalition Map keeps communities together. It is not designed for the sole purpose of incumbent protection. Voters will not be duped by their back room map!”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We will fight for our humanity and the right to control our reproduction. We will protect each other.”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) posted on Facebook that his chief of staff Jessica Peters and Director of Policy and Economic Development Geoffrey Cubbage will step down from their roles at the end of the year. Lindsay Tillman, who previously oversaw communications for Vasquez, will take over as chief of staff.
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted a link to the Rules Committee’s ward map proposal and wrote “For all those who were grumping about the grainy printed Rules Committee Map yesterday - here’s what you were waiting for”
Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Thank you to @cbschicago for highlighting #WorldAIDSDay yesterday and the essential work of AIDS Garden Chicago to mark the history of the early HIV/AIDS epidemic”
Ward Reports December 03, 2021
Chicago Public Schools will host two virtual public forums this month to review the district’s finances and budgetmaking process. “The sessions will provide an overview of CPS' current funding methodologies and other aspects of the current FY2022 budget, and an opportunity to participate in facilitated small group discussions,” according to a Wednesday announcement. The forums will take place at 6 p.m. next Tuesday and 4 p.m. Thursday. Online registration is required.








