Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) sent a news release “highlighting the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) adoption of SMART™ health vaccination cards in its Vax Verify health information system.” The QR code verification system for COVID-19 vaccination can be accessed on the health department’s website.  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thank you to [CASA of Cook County] for honoring me today with the Champion of Children Award. I am proud to partner with CASA on bills such as House Bill 2410 to provide the needed resources to ensure kids in foster care and in uncertain family situations have safe, stable housing.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) shared a Daily Herald article about the Republican proposed “Voter Empowerment Project” constitutional amendments and tweeted that he is “proud to co-sponsor these initiatives. We want to give the power back to the people.  

Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) circulated a petition titled “Urge Lowe’s to apologize for racist bullying” and tweeted, “Heard about this incident yesterday on MLK Day and wrote up this petition to help out the woman it happened to.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I am pleased that the Education Design Development and Research Corporation (EDDR) Foundation will receive a $400,000 investment toward pre-apprenticeship programs.”

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted photos of himself delivering new trash bins and wrote “All hands on deck! Helping to deliver trash bins, stop and say hi if you see me!”  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted “Alderman Sawyer was out delivering masks this afternoon to Senior Suites Chatham and senior residents in need of masks.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “The Chicago Police Department has issued a Community Alert regarding vehicular hijackings at the Midpointe Apartment Complex (4050 W. 115th St).”  

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “He’s done more for working class families than any IL Governor in my lifetime. I’m with JB!”  

Ald. Michael Scott (24) tweeted “Our office is distributing KN95 masks while supplies last M-F from 9am - 1pm. You must bring proof of residency in the 24th Ward. If you have any questions please call our office at 773-533-2400.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Our sincere condolences to family  & friends of Dr. Janet Smith; researcher, housing advocate & dear friend of our community. Janet was also a champion of workers’ rights, she was President of the UIC faculty. Rest in power companera, you will be missed and your legacy lives on"  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I stopped by the Logan Square Starbucks today to order my coffee "Union Strong" & talk to the workers about their union effort. I left so inspired by these workers, our neighbors, fighting to improve their working conditions & the working conditions in our community. ¡Fuerza!” 

The Chicago Department of Human Resources reported Tuesday that 98.5 percent of all city employees had reported their vaccination status, 82.3 percent of whom are fully vaccinated.

Republican Senate Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) announced he will host a virtual news conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday to “renew Senate Republican calls to empower voters and give them a stronger voice in their democratic process.”  

Leaders of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus released a statement panning Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin’s gubernatorial campaign announcement, writing that “the co-opting of a day of great significance to justify a political platform that from its onset seeks to strip protections from working class families across Illinois, minimize the struggles of the past and roll back the progress that we’ve made to expand rights is highly disappointing.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “I suspect career Democrat Richard Irvin will be very popular among the establishment and weak-kneed Republicans who voted with Madigan and Pritzker to raise your taxes. They will attempt to mislead you because the political elites fear you standing up. Don’t be fooled. #twill”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “There’s a new Republican (emphasis on NEW) in the mix for #ILGov, but Illinoisans won’t be fooled. He’s just another guy with an anti-choice, anti-woman track record. Time & again, he’s tried to stand in the way of reproductive freedom. Illinoisans will remember at the ballot box”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Black Lives Matter isn’t exclusionary. In fact, it’s an acknowledgment that is only necessary because way too often in our history our lives have not mattered. This is wholly disheartening. 

The Illinois Commerce Commission announced Monday that it “approved the implementation” of the new 464 area code, which will “overlay” the existing 708 area code region in Chicago’s south and west suburbs. Starting on Jan. 21, “customers in the 708 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 464 area code when they request new service or an additional line,” according to the announcement.

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Fed elected officials are now demanding the denial of the permit to Sims & General Iron to protect health of SE side and SW side residents. TY [Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago)] [Comm. Alma Anaya (D-7)] [Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.)] for standing w/ the community #stopsims”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “Honoring #MLKDay today and everyday. ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ MLK”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted, “Today we honor Dr King’s legacy by answering his call to action. Consider supporting: 

• Heartland Alliance Ravenswood 
• Lincoln Square Friendship Center + Lakeview Pantry 
• Chicago Methodist Senior Services in Andersonville
• My Block My Hood My City’s winter drive for MLK Day 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “On this #MLK Day let’s highlight his message of solidarity. Dr. King understood that our struggles were connected and that the shared struggle for justice is what could unite us. Thank you to @JosinaMorita and the @IllinoisAAC for these lovely gifts and for your partnership.”

Officials in Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Sustainability Office will host a pair of virtual town hall meetings at 6 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Saturday to give input on Chicago’s Climate Action Plan. The plan “will include strategies to address climate change while also improving air quality and health, increasing household savings, expanding green space and increasing green jobs here in the City of Chicago,” according to the announcement. Members of the public are invited to “share what environmental and community priorities [they] would like to see addressed.” Online registration is required for the Wednesday event and the Saturday event.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “In 2021, we didn't shy away from getting big stuff done. In 2022, we won't either. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority.” 

Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) posted on Facebook, “Thank you to Wynndalco Enterprises, LLC for their generous donation of snow pants and snow boots for our collection drive! With the help of Wynndalco Enterprises and items collected at our office we were able to give 73 pairs of boots, 34 snow pants, and 23 hats and gloves to WeGo Together for Kids to be distributed to students in need.” 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On Jan. 31 at 6PM, my office, Rep. LaShawn Ford & Chicago Votes, will host a town hall on restoring the right to vote for people in state prisons, a key step in undoing the social harms of mass incarceration & expanding access to the ballot. Register at: https://bit.ly/sb828”  

Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I thank these consumer advocates and my fellow senators for their support in seeking what is owed to Illinois drivers. Charges should reflect actual data rather than being excessive and unfair. #ConsumerProtectionIL” 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Today's SCOTUS ruling confirms what we knew all along, Biden’s vaccine mandate on businesses is unconstitutional. As Governor, I’ll always stand up to federal overreach, like I stood up to Pritzker and his unilateral mandates that devastated businesses and working families.”

Secretary of State Jesse White announced Thursday that all department offices, including Driver Services facilities, will remain closed to in-person service until at least Jan. 24 " due to the continued high numbers of new COVID-19 cases statewide.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Another draconian performative measure by @chicagosmayor - are we going to see another 800 homicides before Lightfoot starts addressing the root causes of violence? Why do we still not have any civilian oversight of CPD? We passed ECPS bill last year. We reject this proposal.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted a poll asking, “What do you think? Should Chicago voters decide the next City of Chicago Ward Map at the ballot box?” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “My gratitude to @StreetsandSan & our 42nd Ward Supt. Anthony for their swift response to my request to clear the 4-inch thick ice sheet covering all of the block-long Ohio Street Dog Park. I (pet-friendly) salted it myself on Tuesday, without success - but these guys nailed it.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote “New public safety window signs are available for businesses and residents at my ward office. These signs, pictured below, are a way to show that you are watching out for the neighborhood and willing to call our 19th District Police for suspicious activity. Reporting suspicious behavior has recently led to several arrests in connection to robberies and carjackings here in Lakeview.”

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Glad to drop off KN95 masks at South East Asia Center yesterday to be distributed during their daily senior meals and childcare program!”

Chicago Public Schools sent a nine-page letter to all district families on Thursday outlining its new agreed-upon COVID-19 safety policy, including to “test a minimum of 10% of students at each school every week.” Additionally, “There are now set metrics in place to determine when COVID-19 cases/quarantines may send an entire school into remote learning. If a school meets these thresholds, the school’s Safety Committee will make the decision on whether or not to transition the entire school to remote learning,” according to the announcement. 

The University of Chicago Center for Effective Government at the Harris School of Public Policy announced its 2022 class of Civic Leadership Academy, comprising “30 of the area’s most promising government and nonprofit leaders,” the school announced. “The 2022 cohort includes 15 fellows from nonprofit organizations, eight from city government and seven from county government. 

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) in a news release touted a bill she sponsored (SB2962) raising the state’s cap on the community spouse resource allowance. “By aligning Illinois’ allowance for community spouses with the rest of the country, we are signaling to older adults that we care for them and wish to give them the ability to care for themselves and their spouse with no added stress,” she wrote.  

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) posted on Facebook, “It is DCFS' core responsibility to protect our state's most vulnerable children. We need immediate answers from the agency director and the Pritzker administration to fix these leadership failures and ensure every child in care is safe. 

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) posted on Facebook, “Our frontline workers who serve the kids and families under DCFS must not only feel safe when they enter a home, but know they are protected.”  

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I tested positive for COVID today. My initial reaction was to feel discouraged, but I encouraged myself to think of things to be thankful for. 1. I'm thankful that I am vaccinated and boosted. If you're not vaccinated - I encourage you to consider it.” 

Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “Biden handling of COVID and the economy numbers are big red flags for Dems. Unless I'm missing it, no question about crime in the script.” 

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I was proud to cosponsor the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act, which was signed into law on July 9th, 2021. The TEAACH Act ensures that Asian American history is recognized and celebrated across Illinois schools.”

The Illinois General Assembly will cancel all in-person session days scheduled for next week and will “continue remote committee work amid the ongoing Omicron surge,” legislative leaders announced Wednesday. “We have the capability to complete committee work remotely for the immediate future and we will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation,” Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) wrote in a statement.

Cook County Comm. Peter Silvestri (R-9) announced in a news release that he will not seek reelection this year, ending his tenure on the county Board of Commissioners at 28 years. ““It has been an extremely rewarding experience to work with the President and members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the many talented and dedicated administrators and employees of Cook County,” Silvestri wrote. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted a copy of a letter he wrote to Ald. Michelle Harris (8) explaining why he thinks the City Council Committee on Committees and Rules should meet in person to discuss the city ward remap and wrote “@AldermanHarris asked for a letter why we should meet in person. Here is mine.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “CDC Director should be fired given the huge national outbreak of omicron & poor response to prevent more cases and deaths. Complete failure at every level of government.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I'm told tonight's Logan Square UFO Club Meet-Up will include the debut of a new song about Lucy Gonzalez Parsons, titled ‘1,000 Rioters.’ Only in Logan Square!” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Today I dropped off KN-95 masks to all our local CPS schools and senior buildings. Here I am with a teacher from Hawthorne Elementary. Masks remain available, *for 44th Ward residents only*, at my 3223 N Sheffield  office while supplies last”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Need a KN95 mask for you or a family member to help with extra protection against covid? Come by the ward office, 1447 W. Morse Ave, this Saturday, January 15 between 1-3pm to get a couple from Alderwoman Hadden.” 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “We are officially out of KN95 face masks. Thank you to everyone who came into the office to receive their masks, and to all the community groups who are helping us distribute them to our neighborhood’s most vulnerable residents.”

Ald. Michael Scott (24) will host a virtual community meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday alongside Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) and Cook County Comm. Dennis Deer (D-2) to hear from Department of Planning and Development with updates on the Grace Manor complex, he announced. 

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted, “In 2022 I've decided not to seek re-election to IL House 54. It's been a distinct honor & privilege to represent our residents & fight in Springfield & here locally for conservative Republican principles. For now, it's time for others to take the baton.” 

Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) sent a news release “pushing for more covid resources for the West Side” alongside Chicago Principals & Administrators Association president Troy LaRaviere 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Thursday marks one year as Speaker of the Illinois House. I’m proud of the historic work we have done to transform the state and the Speaker’s Office, but there is still much to be done to ensure that Illinois stays on the right track.”  

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) touted a 100 percent rating from the Illinois Environmental Council and tweeted, “We made history last year in Illinois, passing a nation leading climate and jobs bill. I will continue to advocate for a clean and green future in Illinois. Everyone deserves access to clean water, green spaces, good jobs, and a safe future for our kids and grandkids.”

Rep. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Today is also National Milk Day. This day commemorates the first glass bottle deliveries of milk from all the way back in 1878. While this deliver service may no longer be around, milk and milk supplements are still an essential nutritional food item for a healthy diet.” 

The Illinois Department of Corrections is “temporarily pausing” intakes from county jails as it responds to COVID-19 outbreaks at correctional facilities, it announced Tuesday. “These facilities include the Graham, Logan, Menard and Northern Reception and Classification Centers where county jails transport new admissions,” officials said. The department is “utilizing space normally reserved for new admissions to safely quarantine and isolate incarcerated individuals who have been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19.”

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The administration is briefing their ‘Victims Justice Ordinance.’ In addition to the many reasons the ACLU has already given us to oppose this ordinance, it seems to categorize the City Council as a ‘streetgang.’” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “When you are afraid to discuss IN PUBLIC whether or not to meet in person, you’ve got problems! If schools can be open, why not the Council Chamber?” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “We need #MedicareForAll. Corporations, billionaires & their greed are destroying our ability to take care of one another, our ability to have access to basic public services. Access to health care is a human right.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Art Institute of Chicago workers are winning their union! SAIC votes must be counted next. So beautiful, what great news.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “So sorry, but we are already out of KN95 masks. If we get more, we will let you know.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “We're getting closer to making the Leland Greenway a reality. Join us for another community meeting to get an update from CDOT and provide feedback! Tues, Jan 18 @ 6 PM” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today, I dropped off 2,000 KN95 masks to each CPS school in the 48th Ward. Looking forward to having our teachers and students back in class together tomorrow!”

The Chicago Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday that it is extending “family vaccination clinics” at City Colleges of Chicago between Jan. 22 and Feb. 27. The events “will offer pediatric COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines, as well as the Pfizer vaccine for those age 12 and up, and booster doses to all eligible Chicagoans,” according to the announcement. The full list of available sites and registration are available online. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health did not add or remove any states or territories from its COVID-19 Travel Advisory since last week, it announced Tuesday. For the second consecutive week, every U.S. state and four territories are on the advisory.    

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) wrote in his latest newsletter that “During the [subcircuit redistricting] bill debate, the Senate President suggested that all chief judges were aware and informed about the process. I can tell you that the chief judges I spoke to had no idea that new judicial sub-circuits were even being created. It is yet another blatant example of the non-transparent process Democrats have used for all of their redistricting efforts this past year.  

Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) shared a Facebook webinar “going over the new requirements which have simplified getting your LSW in the state of Illinois as of January 1st, 2021. Senator Villa and Representative [Lindsey] LaPointe [D-West Chicago] both carried this legislation through and are happy to present this information with Kyle Hillman from NASW-IL to go over the new eligibility requirements and application process to receive your LSW.” 

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “HB 1742 allows for a family or household member to file a civil no contact order on behalf of the consent of victim of rape. #illinois #ildistrict84 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Senate Bill 3038 would prevent the state as well as local governments from entering into non-disclosure agreements in economic development deals, eliminating a tactic that frequently allows businesses to secretly lobby while extracting sweetheart deals without the knowledge or input of local residents. Similar legislation has also been introduced in Florida and New York.”  

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “We can win big if we work together. I’m proud to launch our campaign with a petition kick off this weekend with @RepSchakowsky, @Laura4Illinois, and Rep. Robyn Gabel. Join us!” 

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The progress we made at the state to protect the mental health of police officers across Illinois, including @Chicago_Police is being decimated by the City's decision to overwork the very people who are supposed to keep our streets safe.”