Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “This weekend I joined Dan Johnson, Goodwill CEO and Johanna Wagner, who leads the veterans program at Goodwill for their 14th annual Stand Down for Veterans event. Goodwill is exemplary in all the good work they do for the veterans of our community.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Thank you @LFCollege for the invitation to speak to one of your classes. I had such a great time with Christine Walker's Public Policy Study class. I always love speaking with students and discussing important rising matters.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “It’s October 17, 2022, and it’s our anniversary. Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife Shawnte. 12 down and a lifetime to go”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “This week the @Springfield_IL flag flies from our home in advance of Saturday's 105th birthday of this beautiful banner, designed via a @SpringfieldArt contest in 1917. SAA: maybe we can start an annual event encouraging our citizens to fly this great flag?!” 

Gov. JB Pritzker issued an updated executive order Monday ending the weekly testing requirement for unvaccinated health care workers and ending the mask requirement in health care facilities and long-term care facilities. The new order falls in line with federal regulations and guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends masking in places with high community transmission of COVID-19. Health care workers and long-term care employees also no longer fall under a vaccine mandate from the state, but federal rules from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services require employees at Medicaid and Medicare-certified facilities to be vaccinated.   

A federal judge issued a ruling Monday that blocks a state law passed in the spring prohibiting out-of-state contributions to judicial campaigns and limiting contributions to $500,000 from a single source to a judicial campaign. Plaintiffs sued the state with assistance from the Liberty Justice Center to block the law from taking effect during the 2022 election cycle. The ruling means expenditures in judicial races are no longer capped to $500,000 from a single source and out-of-state funds are permitted. Both Illinois Supreme Court races had self-funding caps removed earlier this year.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “We need a fully staffed CDPH to achieve our robust public safety and public health goals. Chicago needs a fully funded public health infrastructure to deliver this programming.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Attention 10th Ward Residents:  There will be a closure on 122nd street between Torrence and Stoney Island due to track repair. The repairs are scheduled from 10/18 through 10/21 and should be open afterwards!” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Taking deep breaths at this CDPH budget hearing. God help me.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “This is not going to end anytime soon and this is why the @ChiLatinoCaucus has demanded the @chicagosmayor declare a state of emergency. We must ensure those seeking asylum are treated with dignity and our not for profits have the necessary resources to provide services.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Had a great weekend with #mariafor49 meet and greets and joining the campaign launch of our community candidates for the 24th District Council EdVetté Jones, Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks and Veronica Arreola. Learn more about the candidates at http://uniting24.com” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) is hosting a “Transportation and Infrastructure Ward Night Out” at Martyrs,’ 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., at 7 p.m. Thursday. Martin and ward staff will discuss work they have done to increase bike and pedestrian safety, what they’re working on and how more work can be done citywide. Martin’s newsletter says the event is part of “a new initiative in our office to bring ward office services directly to you!” Additional information and registration is available online.  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, ““State Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, was among the more passionate panelists Friday. “In Illinois, money bond prioritizes access to wealth over public safety,” Peters said. “Cash bail ends up being a tax on poor communities. It deprives families of money they need to pay rent.””  

Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook) tweeted, “I’m a proud member of the “gang of 19” who demanded new leadership in Springfield. That’s why I supported leadership term limits and stricter ethic guidelines.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “To keep all our elections free from dark money, I am proud to have been appointed to the Public Financing of Judicial Elections Task Force. The task force will look into overhauling how we fund judicial elections to ensure they are fair and free from outside influence.”  

Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) tweeted, “The Teachers Unions have done more harm to student achievement & wellbeing than any other entity-especially in Chicago. It’s time to prioritize students.”  

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, ““Environment created by Democratic machine” as another company faces charges in Madigan pay-to-play scheme… had enough yet??” 

AT&T will admit guilt and pay a $23 million fine as a result of a criminal investigation into the company’s attempts to influence former House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), federal prosecutors announced Friday. The company made payments to former Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago), though he was not a registered lobbyist for AT&T. Federal prosecutors also announced new conspiracy charges against Madigan and his associate Mike McClain for directing payments to a political ally in the AT&T scheme.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “We are creating safe and healthy communities in every corner of the ward. Thanks to Family & Support Services, our office, & CPD, the Harrison Street Viaduct between Financial and LaSalle no longer has any tents. People are getting the services - including housing - they need.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Chicago will keep having bike lane issues as long as we continue to force bikes & cars to fight for space. As Mayor, I will end the nonsense & direct @ChicagoDOT to put bike lanes on the parkway above the curb line. I saw this work in Tel Aviv & know we can make it work here!”  

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. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “TOMORROW — If you live in the 19th Police District (much of the 47th ward), come meet three candidates for the new police district councils. This will be an important election, and the first time these new positions are on your ballot.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I am very sad to report that a local 13-year-old boy was shot and killed at Lerner Park on Friday evening. The police are investigating, but the shooting appears to have been an accident.”  

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. 

The city’s Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and Score Chicago will host a Holiday Marketing Strategies webinar at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. The webinar will help attendees prepare for holiday marketing and advertising by offering a variety of strategies to increase revenue and attract new customers. Registration is available online.  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Thanks to amazing organizations like Personal PAC, Illinois has continued to protect reproductive rights. I also want to congratulate my friend in the House, Leader Greg Harris, who was recognized for his commitment to ensuring Illinois remains 100% pro-choice now and always.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I stand in solidarity with these Field Museum workers as they come together and fight for an @afscme31 union. Our museums are important treasures for our city and without these hard workers none of it would be possible.”  

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) tweeted, “Scott's Law is named after Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway. Honor his memory today and every day-- slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.”  

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Wood) tweeted, “Thanks to the SAFE-T Act, on January 1 judges will have limited ability to keep those arrested in jail while awaiting trial. We have to stop this now.”  

Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) tweeted, “For months, the Public Safety Working Group has been meeting regularly with stakeholders from across the state to discuss ways we can improve and ensure successful implementation of the SAFE-T Act. Ford and Hurley’s task force has never been tasked with these conversations.”  

Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) tweeted, “I passed PA 102-0648 to provide affordable internet to residents in IL. I’m proud to be able to represent the State of IL at the NCSL Telecommunications conference and share best practices with other legislatures across the country” 

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is hosting their annual conference Friday and Saturday. The conference will cover a series of topics important to the caucus such as business development, youth engagement, equity in the cannabis industry, the caucus’ Four Pillars passed in 2021, and judicial issues.

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Want to help create the 2023 strategic plan for the 4th district police? Join the virtual session on Tuesday October 18th from 6-8PM. Join the in person session Thursday October 27th at Sacred Heart at 6PM.”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “This bears game is painful watching, yikes”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “First Lori, now Tom! Does anyone obey election laws in this city other than me?” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Ive said that this man needs to resign way too many times. He somehow manages to have a never ending stream of racist thoughts that he needs to share. There’s no place for Catanzara’s racism in Chicago. #AbolishColumbusDay”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Would the Bears have scored any first half points if they were playing in Arlington Heights tonight?” 

As of Thursday evening, 1,525 Chicagoans had voted early for the Nov. 8 General Election, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Additionally, 7,444 ballots had been mailed in for a total of 8,969 ballots cast so far. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “I was honored to speak at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting. We could not do the work to move our state forward without our businesses and strong business leaders. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “Yesterday I was pleased to join the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to present a check for $45k to Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois. Thank you for everything you do for our community!”  

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Two years ago, @IllinoisStand was one of the first to stand with me in my first run for state rep. Since then, we’ve passed bills to help student mental health, support educators through the pandemic, and ease substitute teacher shortages. Thank you for your continued trust.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Agriculture is one of Illinois’ top employers and industries. As a a farmer myself, I have a deep appreciation for Illinois agriculture. Thank you to all of the hardworking farmers across the state who help fuel our economy and feed the world! #NationalFarmersDay"  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “I always appreciate the opportunity to interact w/community leaders including fellow legislators @DanMcConchie @Chris_Bos at the annual Barrington Area Leg Breakfast. Thanks to @BacogNews @bacc_tweet @barrington220 for providing a forum for greats and conversations.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart works hard to keep families safe, and that's why he supports the SAFE-T Act. He wants you to know the truth about how this law makes communities safer, and makes the justice system smarter and more equitable.” 

The state’s Secure Choice retirement savings program reached $90 million of investments from Illinois workers, according to the Treasurer’s Office. The program was created in 2015 as an alternative for employers not offering a retirement savings program. The program is meant to provide another source of retirement income to workers beyond traditional sources such as Social Security.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) shared a WTTW article and tweeted “I'm proud to serve Hyde Park and every corner of the 4th ward - and we're just getting started with fostering positive change in every community and neighborhood. Please support your local restaurants and small businesses!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “As Chicago continues to be hostile to business, both in terms of safety as well as bureaucracy, the slow-boil closure economy will continue. As mayor, I will roll out the 5th Floor welcome mat both for existing businesses as well as new businesses seeking to call our city home!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Join @dleonjaime and Audrey Jonas for a Stand Up Comedy Fundraiser in support of our 35th Ward re-election campaign! Tuesday, October 18 at 7 pm at Cole's Bar in Logan Square.” 

As of Wednesday evening, 1,269 Chicagoans had voted early for the Nov. 8 General Election, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. Additionally, 5,071 ballots had been mailed in for a total of 6,340 ballots cast so far. 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I had a great time at my District Office Open House last Friday! We had +60 people come through, including members of our policy roundtable program and neighbors who were recent arrivals from the Southern border. I was happy to meet and discuss policy issues with everyone!”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Tomorrow, Oct. 12, I will join Representative Kam Buckner to host a virtual panel on the SAFE-T Act from 6-7 p.m. The panel of experts will dispel myths about the Pretrial Fairness Act and discuss how to build safe communities.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Cindy and I had an excellent radio interview yesterday connecting further with the Polish Community! Thank you to Paulina for arranging this interview and having us on!”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As the first openly gay person to serve in the Illinois Senate, I was very proud to share my own story and thoughts on #NationalComingOutDay. LGBTQ+ communities are being targeted all around the country.”  

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’m the wife of a DACA recipient and for me this is personal. It’s past time we pass the Dream Act. Enough talk, it’s time for the Senate to act!” 

The week of Oct. 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week in Illinois and the Illinois Fire Marshal is encouraging people to make and practice an evacuation plan from their home in the event of a fire. They recommend including in the plan ways to assist anyone in the home with a disability, installing smoke alarms, designating two escapes through doors or windows out of a room, establishing a meeting place outside the house, and practicing a fire drill twice a year.  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Happy Day Of The Girl!!”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Today on #NationalComingOutDay and on all days, I stand with the LGBTQIA+ community. Never doubt that you are loved and appreciated for being exactly who you are.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We knock doors when it’s nice and when it rains and when the sun is out and when it’s dark out because we won’t go back to corrupt machine politics in the 33rd ward.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “I am proud to endorse the @19thTogether Team for 19th District Council.  As District Councilors, Sam, Jenny, and Maurilio will elevate community voices and serve as ambassadors between our community and public safety stakeholders. Come Meet Them! http://bit.ly/ecps19”  

Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) tweeted “Coming out takes courage and happens every day. Whether at a law firm or in City Council, I’m proud of who I am and hope the visibility of all LGBTQ people shines through on #ComingOutDay. Hear how my name is part of my story in @fspielman’s podcast”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a WTTW article and tweeted “I remain determined to ban the predatory practice of private booting and have my own personal judgments about whether lobbying is the right way to use one’s access to Council or one’s former status.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, public policy housing leaders and city officials on Tuesday broke ground on the National Public Housing Museum at former site of the Jane Addams Homes on the Near West Side. The museum will eventually host programs and exhibits featuring historic objects and art. The National Public Housing Museum will be an African American Historic Site.