Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “I had a great time this morning at the Fox Valley Chapter of Credit Unions (Illinois Credit Union League) Legislator Appreciation Breakfast alongside a number of my colleagues. Thank you for having us!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “It was an honor to partner with NAIMA this past weekend to present Mexico En El Corazon in Millenium Park where I had a chance to emphasize that Illinois and Chicago will always welcome immigrants.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Aug. 31 was International Overdose Awareness Day, and I learned a lot at Nirco Northern IL Rco's event to highlight the prevalence in Lake County, reduce the stigma, and remember those lost.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On Wednesday night, a group of immigrants from Venezuela arrived in Chicago after they were “shipped out” on buses by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. I am proud that my state and my city continue to be the most welcoming places in the nation to our immigrant siblings.”  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “I join my colleagues in rejecting Governor Abbott’s abhorrent rhetoric demonizing immigrants. They risked a lot to find safety and opportunity in our country, and I am proud to call them my neighbors. I will always stand with the immigrant community”  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “Republican Texas Governor Abbott is risking the lives moms, dads and children fleeing violence and poverty in a disgusting political stunt. And this is the so-called "pro-life" party. Proud of our state for showing compassion and humanity in welcoming refugees.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Yesterday I was appointed to the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist in the creation of a statewide plan for high-speed rail and feeder networks across Illinois.” 

The Department of Transportation is seeking applications for “snowbirds” to help the department clear state roads and highways of snow and ice during the winter. The seasonal position will be filled by qualified snowplow drivers who are able to respond at any time or day to help the department clear Illinois roads. Applications can be found online until Sept. 12.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “I am thrilled to have worked with the City and our community partners to allocate $100,000 to priorities that you most frequently share with our office: violence prevention & public safety, affordable housing support services, and environmental policy.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “10th Ward Residents, From 2015 to the present, we have improved our infrastructure, revitalized our commercial districts, invested in our schools, secured significant employers, and increased educational and community based programming quality and availability.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Imagine being this miserable. @GovAbbott 

we are committed to being a sanctuary for immigrants and for all people in need of refuge. We are working to meet the needs of all the people you sent our way because unlike you we actually believe human life is sacred.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago is a welcoming city. While Governor Abbott treats immigrants like props for his political stunts, we are greeting our new immigrant neighbors with the dignity, compassion, and respect all of us deserve.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “I learned to ride a bike for the first time last years at age 42 thanks to the @ChicagoDOT Bike Ambassador Adult learners program. A year later, I’m riding with the Consulate General of The Netherlands to discuss our bike infrastructure and find ways to improve it. What a ride!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “chicago department of the environment”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a video and tweeted “Update on the migrants from Texas. The city coordinated with community partners to receive everyone and make them feel welcome medical care was also available for those who needed it.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health on Thursday reported this year’s first case of West Nile virus in a Chicago resident. The Chicago man in his mid-60s lives on the city’s Northwest Side and has been hospitalized, according to a news release from the department. Chicago’s public health department saw 13 reported human cases of West Nile virus but no deaths. West Nile virus cannot be spread from person to person and symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches lasting from a few days to a few weeks, according to the news release. Chicagoans can prevent mosquito bites by using “insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus,” eliminating standing water, keeping grass trimmed and wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outdoors, according to the news release.  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “The 40th Ward Office is HIRING for a PT Admin Assistant position $22/hr for 21 hrs a wk. Apply Here is interested: https://airtable.com/shr3oeBKwBuH1QRls”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Interested in becoming a PB49 Community Representative volunteer to help develop the ideas that the community has submitted? Sign-up for the PB49 Community Rep. Orientation set for Thursday, September 8th at 6pm via Zoom! Register for the meeting at http://buff.ly/3cESKJ8”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The annual 50th Ward Job Fair is back in person this year! Join us on September 15 from 10 AM - 12 PM at the Northtown Library, 6800 N. Western. Meet employers from a broad range of fields and find your next career! Job seekers can register at https://bit.ly/50THWARD.”

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Given that today is international #OverdoseAwareness day, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of lifesaving prevention & harm reduction tools like fentanyl testing strips - which will soon be more widely accessible in IL thanks to HB4556 signed into law in June”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This morning I joined @ThresholdsChi to learn about their Living Room program - a peer-led crisis respite center. As an alternative to hospitalization, they are a dedicated community resource center expanding mental health services.”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s Intl Drug Overdose Awareness Day & community stakeholders throughout the 8th District are leading with compassionate care as we fight to preserve & protect each other’s lives. Thank you to all of our community partners, organizing such an amazing event of awareness today!”  

Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) tweeted, “@DarrenBaileyIL May not be best articulating parents frustration about in state students not being accepted to U of I but I have documents of a 35 ACT 1570 SAT straight A student with LOTS OF extracurriculars NOT being admitted. Happy to share redacted docs with press.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “When I drop my child off at the front door of her school, my parental rights don’t end there, its where they just begin. School boards need to exert control and local authority representing their communities and the local property taxpayers who they serve”  

Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) tweeted, “People and job creators go where they are respected. Unfortunately, under @GovPritzker that is not Illinois.” 

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is making $300 million available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for families in need of assistance paying energy bills. The application for eligible families opens on Sept. 1 at helpillinoisfamilies.com.   

Gov. JB Pritzker announced new steps the state will take to fill thousands of vacant jobs at state agencies. The Department of Central Management Services will develop a statewide recruitment plan with a focus on filling on filling care jobs at state facilities such as veterans homes and nursing homes. Agencies will also partner with the Department of Employment Security to advertise unfilled positions to people looking for jobs. Open positions with the state can be found at work.illinois.gov. AFSCME officials applauded Pritzker’s plan Wednesday, noting about 7,000 state jobs were vacant at the beginning of the year. “The Pritzker Administration is moving forward to reduce the bureaucratic delays in the state hiring process that have been so frustrating to so many, and to redouble its efforts to recruit needed new hires. In the days ahead our union will do everything possible to advance these efforts,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said in a statement.  

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is partnering with Western Union to host a free Small Business Expo at Truman College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17.  

The expo is set to include workshops, a networking happy hour, resources from nonprofit and government agencies and a keynote address from entrepreneur Corey Gilkey. Registration is available online. 

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted a photo of a bill he filed: “Amends the Criminal Code of 2012, the knowing or reckless act of street racing if the activity results in the use of force or violence disturbing the public peace. Defines "street racing". Will be mob-action in Illinois.”  

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “Today I had the opportunity to visit Legacy Medical Care in East Dundee to learn more about the services they provide for clients who use Medicaid or are uninsured/under-insured. They have a beautiful space and provide meaningful and dignified care for our community.”  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “It was great to speak to @MedillChicago out of @NorthwesternU to speak about the need for a state and federal assault weapons ban. Not only do we need an assault weapons ban, we need stronger FRO and FOID systems that can help prevent these tragedies.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday an additional $100 million will be made available through the Reimagine Public Safety Act for municipalities to support gun violence prevention programs. The funds are in addition to $113 million that was made available in May and $10 million that went to Chicago as a proactive measure at the beginning of the summer.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “No better place to start gathering petitions than in the community that gave me my start: #WestEnglewood!”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Humanity must stand in solidarity with Pakistanis at this tragic time. Grateful for the organizers and leaders across the globe opposing, resisting, and organizing against fossil fuel corporations' crimes against humanity.  #ClimateEmergency”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “It’s Petition Day!  We are out collecting signatures with ECPS 20th District candidates Deirdre O’Connor and Anna Rubin! You can stop by 5234 N Damen to sign for us as well all day today!"  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Happy First Day of Petitions! I was out collecting petitions this morning at the Damen Brown Line, and I’ll need your help to get on the ballot for re-election. Join us for our petition launch on September 10th. https://secure.ngpvan.com/3MB25KGRS0ecCTP6c-guKA2 I can’t wait to see you there!” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) will host an “Urban Forestry Town Hall” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the city’s Urban Forestry Advisory Board, expanding and protecting the city’s tree canopy and how to get involved. Martin will be joined by the 47th Ward Green Council, Openlands and the Mayor's Office of Sustainability. Those interested can register online.  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2022 $5,000 scholarship program. Interested applicants can apply now until Sept. 16th.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Having long fought for debt cancelation & tuition-free community college, I see @POTUS's new relief plan as a crucial 1st step. Education from pre-school to grad school should be a right for every child.”  

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) tweeted, “At the Illinois Indian American Medical Association's Health Fair this weekend. IAMA President Dr. Suresh Reddy put together a fantastic event that included health screenings & other beneficial information for patients & physicians”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Having just got through a global pandemic, it is not enough to thank an essential worker. We must enact policies that will positively impact their lives. Gig workers, like all working people, deserve fair wages and dignified working conditions.” 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced the second round of the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program will open on Nov. 1 and run through Jan. 31, 2023. The first round will close on Sept. 30. The program gives rebates to owners of exclusively electric vehicles. Vehicles are only eligible for a rebate one time and the owner must own the vehicle for at least one year. Owners must apply for the rebate within 90 days of purchasing the vehicle. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Loved being at the Ukrainian Village Fest this weekend. Bought the ornament below as a reminder of this year of solidarity and the daughter I’m soon to meet.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We need #TreatmentNotTrauma in Chicago. I’ve spent the last 2 plus years fighting for it alongside @ccwchicago and my close allies like  

@CDRosa in City Council. We need an expanded non police mental health crisis response, 24/7 walk-in crisis centers and community based teams.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “It was a beautiful Sunday in the 36th Ward. We enjoyed the Ukrainian Village Fest this past weekend. UNITED FOR UKRAINE!!!!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Tomorrow is the first day to collect petition signatures to get on the ballot. In 2019, we knocked on every door — more than once. We’re ready to do it again. Sign up to join our amazing precinct captains and talk to neighbors on your block”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today I joined @chicagosmayor as she appointed the first 7 members of the interim Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability. I look forward to the work this important commission will do in strengthening the relationship between the police and Chicagoans.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The federal government will pause the free COVID-19 testing kit program on Friday due to a lack of funding. Make sure to order your free test kits before this Friday, September 2, by visiting https://covid.gov/tests.” 

Tuesday marks the first day to begin circulating nominating petitions for Chicago’s 2023 municipal election. Chicagoans next year will elect the positions of mayor, city clerk, treasurer, all 50 aldermen and police district councils. Candidates can file their petitions between Nov. 21 and Nov. 28. 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last night I joined concerned community members, friends and neighbors for the LGBTQ+ community safety town hall in South Shore. Talking about solutions, solidarity and Justice for Devonta Vivetter, Donald Huey and Jaylen Ausley.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We are still heartbroken about the tragedy at Schurz on Wednesday. But it's beautiful to see our community responding with love. Our young people deserve support.”  

Sen. Jacqui Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The pioneers of the suffrage movement would be proud to see the 102nd General Assembly. More than half of the 41 Illinois Democratic Senators are women, and nearly half are women of color. This is the most diverse #ILGA in history! #WomensEqualityDay #19thAmendmentAnniversary"  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “I had the privilege on this Illinois Constitution Day to visit our tremendous @ILSecOfState Illinois State Archives to view the originals of all four constitutions. It is awe-inspiring to see all four constitutions (1818, 1848, 1870, 1970) together.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Bailey is all “tough on crime” unless that crime is invading the US Capitol.” 

Illinois will use funding from the federal infrastructure bill to plug, cap and reclaim up to 20 percent of the state’s unused oil and gas wells in rural areas of Illinois, the Department of Natural Resources announces Friday. Illinois will receive $25 million from the U.S. Department of Interior for the projects and is one 24 states to receive funding. The funds will go toward capping 600 to 800 of the state’s 4,000 unused oil wells. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The City Council is losing one of its most fervent and vocal leaders in the progressive space. @5thWardChicago Ald. Hairston has championed and was an early supporter for many progressive causes. She will be missed!"  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Absolutely and completely disgraceful what the incompetent absent leadership of @chicagosmayor @ChiefDavidBrown allows to be acceptable in our communities. I will bring an end to this madness as our city’s next mayor!”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Sunday, September 11th, we will host the 2nd Annual Music on the Green featuring Gentlemen of Leisure,  craft beer festival & a fireworks show  at Morgan Park Academy. Get your tickets at http://the19thWard.com.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “We’ll be having our petition launch party this coming weekend and we have some new fresh tees for this cycle! RSVP for Sept 3rd so you can reserve yours!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “.@AnthonyJQuezada and I had a blast at St. Hyacinth Basilica's Parish Carnival yesterday. It was great to connect with Parish Council President Joe Jurek and Father Stan. I look forward to representing the parish and more of Avondale when the new ward boundaries go into effect.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “This weekend we had two blocks celebrating their first block party here in the 40th! Shout out to the 1700 Thorndale and 2400 Berwyn blocks for their organizing efforts!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “We got our groove on for Sunday Funday’s LGBTQ+ community fundraiser for our re-election campaign! Thank you to everyone who came out to eat, drink, and dance with us in celebration of our diverse community and excellent representation we have in our elected officials.” 

The Chicago Department of Transportation has completed its first concrete curb bike lane installation along Kinzie Street between Wells and Des Plaines streets as part of the department’s efforts to upgrade all existing delineator-protected lanes to concrete by the end of 2023, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) reported in his latest newsletter.