Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted about Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s new “Chicagwa” canned tap water, saying “Free at the Weiner Circle, $30.79 per 1000 cubic feet from your tap, a rate up over 300% since 2006. But we’re going to change that with the Water For All ordinance, so no one is too poor to afford such a basic necessity.”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Women should have the ability to control their own bodies period!”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “We cannot allow the radical majority on the Supreme Court jeopardize the health and lives of women. We are going to fight tooth and nail for all our daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Reproductive health rights are basic fundamental human rights. Women, specifically women of color, and all people with uteruses have been fighting for far too long for this to be taken away from them.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “This is the time to strengthen the structures of solidarity & care we have in place to protect each other. I just signed up for monthly donations to the @ChiAbortionFund. This fund supports people receiving care in IL from all 50 states. Donate if you can!”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Congratulations to @LakeViewHighSc2's choir teacher, Puja Ramaswamy, for winning the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, one of the highest honors a teacher can receive in Illinois!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The 24th District Police will be holding an in-person CAPS meeting for Beat 2411 tonight (May 3). The meeting will be held at Bethesda International Academy, 6803 N Campbell, at 7 PM.” 

Chicago remains in the Centers for Disease Control “low risk” category for COVID-19, but the city could move into the “medium risk” category by the end of this week if it surpasses 200 daily new cases per 100,000 residents, Chicago Department of Public Health Comm. Allison Arwady said in a news release Tuesday. “Residents should continue to feel comfortable going to work, going to school, and traveling on CTA buses and trains, but should exercise caution, not only for themselves, but to protect others.” Arwady said.  

The Chicago Federation of Labor’s delegates voted unanimously late Tuesday to reelect Bob Reiter and Don Villar to new four-year terms as president and secretary-treasurer of the union, the group announced. The entire “solidarity slate” headed by Reiter and Villar ran unopposed.  

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) will host an event with James Smith of Sow Community Development Corporation at 3906 W Gladys Ave. in Chicago at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to “discuss solutions to the affordable housing crisis,” according to an event notice. They will hold a news conference to “showcase successful solutions to the shortage of affordable housing and building generational wealth.” 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This #TeacherAppreciationWeek, I appreciate the amazing teachers of @CTULocal1 for relentlessly defending the needs of our students, schools, and communities. Proud to have stood with you on the picket lines, and to have your back every day.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I encourage all eligible organizations to apply for the new round of community anti-violence grants. We want every single community to get the public safety everyone deserves!”  

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) tweeted, “HB 4434 recently passed the Senate unanimously, meaning the @ChicagoFire, @chicagosky, and @chicagoredstars license plates are on the way. Once available, every license plate purchased will raise money for Illinois public schools. @WNBA@NWSL@MLS"  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Great to start the week off in South Shore to announce funding for violence prevention ahead of the Summer. Honored to stand with the people and organizations who are doing the work to make us ALL safer.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “This weekend, I had the pleasure of joining @ABATEofIllinois for their Freedom Rally in Springfield, where I was honored to accept a Senator of the Year award. Thank you to ABATE of Illinois for this recognition, and for all of the great work you do!”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday, I stopped by the Lincolnwood Baseball and Softball Association's picture day. No matter the weather, there is nothing like having youth baseball and softball thriving in our community.”  

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Massive congrats to @taft_hs art teacher Jennifer Trejo for winning the @Teach_Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching! Day in and day out, Jennifer dedicates herself to enriching the lives of her students and growing Taft's wonderful art department. Much deserved.” 

Jessica Genova is leaving her position as chief of staff to Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago) to join the Democratic Party of Illinois as a regional political organizer. Claudia Peralta will take over as the new chief of staff.   

Illinois will use $84 million from a settlement with Volkswagon on electric transportation, including replacing diesel buses with electric buses, electric public transportation vehicles and charging stations.   

The Illinois Department of Public Health is making $3.7 million of grants available to all counties except Cook County for implementing COVID-19 health equity strategies. The grants are part of the federally funded Activating Relationships In Illinois for Systemic Equity.  

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the state was making $113 million of grants available for anti-violence programs through the Reimagine Public Safety Act. The funding is expected to be ready for the summer. The $113 million is in addition to $73 million already sent out by the Department of Human Services and $71.8 million still awaiting distribution. The grants are designed to combat gun violence in Illinois cities.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you @RTMetroChicago for your commitment to helping families in need of home improvements throughout the Chicagoland region! Bringing business and labor together for our residents is a model for success everyone should follow.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Eid Mubarak to the beautiful people of Palestine. May solidarity manifest in collective action and the struggle for liberation shine bright and win.” She also shared an article from Harper’s Bazaar.   

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I want to thank all of our educators for their tireless work to support our students and their community. Take time this week to celebrate the educators who've made a positive difference in your life!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) in a thread tweeted “Lake Michigan Rescue Equipment Act was passed by both houses of the state’s Congress following a community push for increased safety measures after many drownings in recent years. The bill was filed by @RepKellyCassidy 

on Oct 5 and passed on March 29...We will still need to be diligent this summer, as the bill has not been passed into law yet. Please continue to observe lakefront safety signage and exercise caution near high-incident piers.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Today is Eid al-Fitr, an important Islamic holiday marking the end of the month of Ramadan. I would like to wish the 50th Ward’s entire Muslim community a very happy holiday! Eid Mubarak!” 

The Chicago Department of Housing has closed its fourth round of Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds, the department announced Monday. The last round of the program, dubbed ERAP2, included $102 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and provided up to 18 months of rental assistance and utility payment assistance for impacted renters, officials said. 

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's always an honor and pleasure to stand in solidarity with my fellow legislators, activists, advocates, and the LGBTQ+ community. Yesterday we recognized that many trans women and specifically, Black trans women continue to go missing and are murdered at an alarming rate.”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “Claudia’s electric bill is going to *decrease* this summer because of my vote on historic climate legislation, the Clean Energy Jobs Act.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Recently, SCOTUS rejected the principle of equality under the law when it comes to Puerto Rico. This week, @senatoraquino & I were on Capitol Hill to meet with Congressional leaders & urge support for the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Checks and balances need to be restored to ensure Illinoisans have the honest state government they deserve.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “Today, on the the legislative anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, we observe Workers' Memorial Day. Please take a moment today to remember those we have lost as a result of insufficient safety measures in the workplace.”  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “When we invest in public ed, we invest in the future of our state. From school board members to school librarians to the teachers in the classroom, everyone who plays a part in our education system helps shape a bright future for IL. I'm glad to see them receive this support.”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It was an honor to stand in solidarity yesterday evening alongside my colleagues, activists, advocates, and the LGBTQ+ community. Restorative space was held for all the trans women who remain missing, who have been murdered or unnamed.”  

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) tweeted, “The @ADLMidwest reported a historically high level of anti-Semitic incidents in 2021, including a 15% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois from 2020 to 2021. We must work together to stand up against hatred in our communities.” 

The University of Illinois-Springfield Public Affairs Reporting program will host a Wednesday, May 4 at 12 p.m. on the status of statehouse reporting in Illinois and around the country. The discussion will feature Illinois state government reporters Brendan Moore from Lee Enterprises, Hannah Meisel from NPR Illinois and Jerry Nowicki from Capitol News Illinois. Registration can be found online.   

The Assyrian American National Republican Coaltion will host a forum for Republican candidates for office statewide offices and some local races in Skokie on Sunday. The event is at 5 p.m. at 9131 Niles Center Road.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “It's past time that #WaterForAll come up for a vote. That is why, this morning, I submitted a Rule 39 letter to the City Clerk and Chairman @aldcardenas, signed by a quorum of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Thank you to the seniors that joined us today at the Senior Appreciation event at  the @thepenthousehydepark. This was our first senior event in two years and we were happy to see everyone. Special thanks to @premierhealthchicago for providing the Covid19 rapid testing.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “The CTA's Better Streets for Buses project wants your feedback! Visit http://betterstreetsforbuses.com to share your input. Virtual public meetings will be held on May 4th, May 12th and May 17th. To register for a meeting, call or text 312-722-5496."  

Ald. Derrick Curtis (18) wrote in his latest newsletter, “I'm proud to announce that demolition has started this past Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the old Ultra Foods, located at 3250 W. 87th Street. Pete's Fresh Market will open in 2023. Thank You so much for your patience!”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote “On Wednesday, May 4th, my office will cohost a webinar on how to appeal your property tax assessment with Board of Review Commissioner Michael Carbonargi. The webinar will include both a general presentation on how to file an appeal of your assessment and a question-and-answer portion to ask more specific questions to Board of Review staff.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) in his latest newsletter wrote “People mean well when they give propane tanks to those living in tents, but these tanks have led to serious fires and explosions that risk killing people. The Chicago Fire Department is strongly opposed to anyone issuing these tanks to people living in the streets given the safety risk to both those living under and passing through the viaducts.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Celebrate Chicago River Month with us next month at Burning Bush Brewery. Hear updates about environmental issues from the Alderman and get connected with fantastic organizations like @chicagoriver!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Today is Yom HaShoah, when we remember the millions of victims of the Holocaust. We must all remember the past and work towards a more enlightened future. Never forget. #NeverAgain” 

The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation will host an all-day symposium on May 16 titled “Beyond the single-family home: zoning, equity and access.” It will include a panel at 3 p.m. to discuss “the political realities of zoning reform” with Ald. Michele Smith (43), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) and Ald. Matt Martin (47). Online registration is required. 

The Illinois Manufactures’ Association announced Rivian’s electric pickup truck was the winner of the “Makers Madness” competition and is the coolest thing made in Illinois. The truck is manufactured at Rivian’s plant in Normal.   

The Illinois Commerce Commission announced Commonwealth Edison submitted a filing to provide customers with a 3.087 cents per kWh credit on their for a year beginning June 1, which will save the average customer $19.71 per month. Gov. JB Pritzker credited the rate reduction to a provision in the state’s new Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that allows current carbon-free power generators to create a rate credit.

Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) tweeted, “Today, ComEd filed new rates with the Illinois Commerce Commission that will provide direct credits of more than $1 billion to customers as a result of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “By lowering the eligible age for paraprofessionals from 19 to 18 years old, Illinois can offer this opportunity to aspiring educators or other responsible adults. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2023”  

Rep. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “Illinois, like everywhere else in the country, is facing challenges with recruiting and retaining teachers. I am thrilled we are providing some relief to educators across our state under two new bills that were signed into law today.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Thank you @NancyRotering for the opportunity to speak to the next generation of student leaders from @NorthwesternU  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “This guy did as much to save the Union as Abe, including continuing Lincoln's work. He's been disparaged, lied about, and his legacy diminished due to those who pushed the lost cause. In our 246 year history, he should be viewed as one of our American giants. HBD 200 to #18”  

Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Chicago) tweeted, “So excited that SB3988, a bill I carried in the House, is being signed today by @GovPritzker. This bill will help address the teacher shortage by allowing 18 year-olds to get their paraprofessional license. Looking forward to continuing the work to fight for educators” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “One day Chicago will have a mayor that understands the rules of the Chamber, respects them and follows them. That day can’t come soon enough.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “One day Chicago will have good government that takes cares of the needs of our people without PR stunts. And that will be a great day.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Mayor Lightfoot defending her taxpayer-funded gas-card giveaway to City Council: ‘We have huge stretches of our city that don't have transportation.’ Precisely, and that won't be solved by a one-time gas card give away that will go to less than 2% of Chicago residents."  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted a statement about “recent zoning decisions” in his ward.  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The City Council today passed financing for the Chicago Moves program. Households in need can now apply for prepaid gas cards and transit cards to provide much needed relief. Apply online at http://chicago.gov/ChicagoMoves or fill out a paper application at any Chicago Public Library.” 

Applications are open for “Chicago Moves,” the gas and transit card giveaway approved by the City Council on Wednesday. To be eligible, applicants must live in Chicago, be at least 18 years old and earn less than the city’s median income, which is $65,300 for an individual or $93,200 for a family of four. People can apply online, by mail or in person at any Chicago Public Library branch. Cards will be given out each month between May and September. 

Rep. Delia Rameriz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot is now accepting applications! This innovative program and other Guaranteed Basic Income programs being piloted across our state were made possible by state legislation I sponsored and passed in 2019 in partnership with State Senator Aquino”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Illinoisans are tired of a government that continues to fail its citizens. Pritzker's DCFS is a failure and we have to demand better.”  

Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) tweeted, “April 30th is #TakeBackDay and @IllinoisRali is partnering with organizations across Illinois to encourage the safe disposal of old or unused medicines. Make safe disposal part of your spring-cleaning routine.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Proud to support my friend @JDMcClintonIL and look forward to seeing him get to work on the Cook County Board!”  

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) tweeted, “@dailyherald: Republican state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi has introduced a bill to prevent municipalities and counties from using red-light cameras "associated with civil or criminal corruption charges."”  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Metro East working families and teachers will see lower back-to-school shopping costs this fall.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Politicians want to punish doctors for having medical opinions!?! A proposed bill in California would strip doctors of their medical licenses who disagree with government positions on Covid. Coming soon to Illinois?”  

Sen. Christina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “ICYMI: Medicaid coverage will soon be available to all low-income residents of Illinois 42 and over regardless of immigration status! Everyone deserves access to meaningful healthcare, and this expansion is getting us closer to that goal.” 

A study by the University of Illinois-Chicago's Institute of Government and Public Affairs found flat tax structures can also “redistribute tax burdens” despite a commonly held belief that only graduated structures can do that. The research found there are several factors that can impact a tax structure’s distribution including tax rates. The full study can be found online. 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Share your casino thoughts with the City at [email protected] and make sure to Cc me at [email protected]. Other casino links, artists grants, and CPS jobs also included in today's eblast....”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “I just tested positive for Covid. Over the last couple of days I’ve had cold like symptoms- scratchy throat, slight fever and congestion. My symptoms are mild. Fortunate to be vaccinated and boosted. Make sure that you are too! And please continue to wear your mask.”  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted “Alderman Sawyer attended the Grand Opening of the Artists on the 9ine located at 735 East 79th St.  This gives artist a place to come and share their work as well as develop their skills.”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) shared a Tribune article and tweeted “Happy to support parents, teachers and community members calling on CPS to restore budget cuts to our schools.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “We have a national mental health crisis among our youth, CPS is sitting on almost $1.4 billion of federal funds that can be used for programming, social workers, nurses, among other urgent needs in our schools.  @ChiPubSchools proposed cuts under current conditions are criminal.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Go to this link and contact your Alder to ask them for co-sponsorship of the #AnjanetteYoungOrdinance”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and @ChiPubSchools officials met with @ElementaryNixon's administration and Local School Council members to provide an update on Nixon's new playground today.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) shared the latest episode of A.D. Q&A and tweeted “Just did an extensive interview about the state of downtown Chicago and the challenges and opportunities right around the corner…”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “CPD raided 1,334 homes in 2019–mostly in Chicago’s Black and Brown neighborhoods. We need transparency from our police! We need the #AnjanetteYoungOrdinance #IAmHer” 

The Public Building Commission is inviting construction firms to a Subcontractor Outreach Session at LaFollette Park on May 5 to “learn about potential subcontractor opportunities with BOWA Construction and Berglund/Brown & Momen JV,” which are leading construction of the Joint Public Safety Training Campus. 

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “It was a pleasure to join State Representative Jehan Gordon Booth, Mayor Rita Ali, Police Chief, Eric Echevarria, Sheriff Brian Asbell and other state and local leaders this afternoon to discuss public safety investment coming to Peoria and the surrounding communities.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Cindy and I visited KAM Shooting Sports in Morton today. I support the Second Amendment and will always stand up and fight to defend your freedoms.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Nice to be back in person for my monthly radio at WCSJ with Kevin Schramm and news director Justin Ritz Talked about state budget, crime/safety, cost of living increases”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I missed getting out and seeing my seniors. At Lake Vista Senior Buildings, I shared news of the $14 million in state funds I and my neighboring colleagues in the Legislature secured for a new senior center, and a legislative update on the recently ended session in Springfield.”  

Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) tweeted, “Great to see so many enthusiastic young volunteers for our @A4GL Beach Clean Up at Dempster Beach in Evanston yesterday! Thank you to everyone who participated in all of the beach clean ups this weekend in honor of Earth Day.”  

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) tweeted, “Thank you to the Daily Herald for featuring the hard, ongoing work being done on the Environment and Conservation Committee! Read more from me and other climate activists in Friday’s cover story.”