Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Reality check: Energy prices are up 4% Meat prices are up 12.2% Household gas prices are up 23.9% Car prices are up 40% Pritzker continues to recklessly spend your hard earned tax dollars instead of addressing the real issue”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Today Democrats joined organizations & youth from across IL to celebrate our fiscal health and the strong investments we've made in our community with this year's budget. Thank you to my colleagues and all the staff involved in making this a budget for the people of Illinois.”  

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last week, my colleagues and I took steps to equip our law enforcement officers with the resources needed to protect our communities. My bill, HB3699, enables law enforcement agencies to cooperate across jurisdictions to reduce carjackings.”   

Rep. Suzzane Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “HB3296 creates more career opportunities for students across Illinois, as well as providing more “career ready” employees for local businesses to hire and more collaboration between local businesses + schools.”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We have committed in Springfield this year to be smart on crime. We have taken votes to make our streets safer, support our law enforcement, stand with victims of violent crime, and still help people who are suffering from the toll of mental health issues and injustice.”  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last night, I stood alongside Governor JB Pritzker and others to celebrate Harold Washington’s 100th birthday at the library dedicated in his name. I also announced that a statue will be built in his honor.” 

The State Fire Marshal and Fire Safety Alliance received a donation of 1,000 smoke alarms from Vision 20/20. The alarms will be distributed to fire departments throughout the state as part of the “Be Alarmed!” fire safety program. 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) in a thread tweeted “Today, I'm proud to have presided over the passage of an ordinance which will strengthen our workplace protections against sexual harassment in Chicago. Through this ordinance, workers in Chicago will now have a year to report sexual harassment complaints with the Chicago Commission on Human Rights, businesses will be required to post sexual harassment protections at their locations, and violators will face stricter fines for misconduct. Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a new phenomenon - in fact, statistics show that over 80% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment, and over 40% of men.”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared a Tribune editorial arguing an independent commission should oversee the city’s remap and tweeted, “It’s hard to argue against this editorial. I still have faith that we can work this out. Let’s leave the egos at the door and make Chicago the city that it can be.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you Sheikh Mostafa Ismael, Mamon Hussein, Hassan Nijem and the entire Islamic Community Center of Illinois family for allowing me to join your Iftar with our first responders and other guests. #Ramadan”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record. Nearly 1 in 2 Americans has an immediate family member who's been jailed. The U.S. imprisons more of our people per capita than any other nation. And are we safer? No. The U.S. is obsessed with punishment, not safety.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Harold Washington is the greatest Mayor Chicago has ever had, and personal hero of mine. Harold taught us the power of coalition, and how to lead with love. He was “fairer than fair” and his leadership approach is one I try my best to model. Happy 100, Harold!”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Do you have any furniture you no longer need? Consider donating your gently used furniture to a cause that will help others” 

The Chicago Community Land Trust, a city-chartered nonprofit organization that collects homes and sets them aside to sell to income-restricted buyers, has rebranded as the Chicago Housing Trust. The trust launched a new website, where potential buyers can apply to participate.  

Cook County and the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement released a third collection of free educational videos in their joint Open Lectures for Residents series. It includes “ten videos in the Voices in Action series by environmental activists, public health executives, UChicago graduate students, educational advocates, and other civic leaders that will be released one per week for ten weeks.” The courses will be available on the University of Chicago’s civic engagement website and linked from the County’s website.

Rep. Suzzane Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “We're getting Illinois’ fiscal house in order by paying down $4B in unpaid bills - including all COVID-19-related borrowing, $900M in health insurance bills, and $500M in pension stabilization. The result is better credit ratings, lower interest payments + greater flexibility.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Instead of addressing the billions in state debt, Pritzker made sure there's over $1 billion in special projects for Democratic districts in the budget. But, he’s hoping you’ll forget about it by sending out $50 checks from the government.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I would like to remind all drivers that work zones are a sign to slow down. Help us keep the men and women who build our roads safe by slowing down and moving over when passing through a work zone.”  

Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “Join me, @Chris_Bos and @MartyForIL tomorrow Wednesday, April 13th from 6PM-7:30PM at the Ela Area Public Library as we discuss recent legislative action, the newly passed state budget, and answer your questions!”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “I can’t say this enough, VOID THE FOID!!! It’s not time to reform and add more bureaucracy to a broken, unconstitutional system, it’s time to eliminate it and allow all law abiding Illinoisans the opportunity to exercise their Second Amendment rights!!! #standingwithyouin2022"  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “#ICYMI Illinois Democrats pass a responsible, balanced billion budget, $1.8 billion tax relief plan during session grand finale.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “With Session wrapping up last week, I am proud of what we were able to accomplish. I am grateful to represent IL-District 58!” 

The Union League Club of Chicago will host a conversation with Tribune reporter Ray Long to discuss his new book “The House that Madigan Built” on April 21 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online.   

The Illinois Department of Public Health is making new changes to how it reports COVID-19 data following new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a news release, the department said their data will focus on vaccination rates to reflect the population eligible for the vaccine, the number of people admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and data on how many people are hospitalized and vaccinated.   

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Dawn Weekly public administrator and public guardian of Kankakee and Grundy Counties, Rodney Caffey to the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, Beth Shadur and Tamira Brennan Blodgett to the Illinois State Museum Board, Rebecca O’Neil as public administrator and public guardian of Saline, Union, Alexander, Franklin, Hardin, Massac, Johnson, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph and Williamson Counties, Roderick Bashir to the Secure Choice Savings Board, Patrick Devaney to the Energy Transition Workforce Commission and Brian Sullivan to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Chicago is not immune to this trend. We can incentivize employees to return to the Loop, starting with making it safe again to be there. Many businesses struggle to get employees to return to working in person because of the potential for crime and violence, not covid.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) shared an article from WBEZ and tweeted “A big thanks to ⁦Sarah Karp & WBEZ⁩ for visiting Morgan Park High School to observe the new music therapy program funded by Special Olympics Chicago.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Societies must learn to adapt and the pandemic has shown us that people can be every bit as productive by working remotely or hybrid. There are cost savings for companies in recognizing this also. You don’t have to keep an employee stuck in a cubicle to get results.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health wrote in its weekly COVID-19 update on Tuesday that while cases continue to climb, reaching an average of 414 new cases per day, hospitalizations remain at their lowest level since last summer. The city is seeing an average of 1.4 new COVID-related hospital admissions per 100,000 people per day, and fewer than 2 percent of the city’s intensive care beds are filled with COVID patients, putting the city firmly in the Center for Disease Control’s “low risk” category.  

The Chicago Department of Housing announced a new partnership with the University of Chicago Crown Family School for Social Work, Policy and Practice to research equitable housing policies. “This research will inform the department and others on what governments are doing to address and reverse decades of disinvestment and predatory housing practices that have prevented communities of color from building generational wealth through homeownership,” officials said. 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Today, ComEd announced Rockford as the next Community of the Future. With direction from a local advisory committee, investment in new technology will help to create a smart, efficient, and resilient power grid for the future.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “HB 4556 passed unanimously out of both chambers of the state legislature last week! This historic legislation takes a critical step towards combating the opioid epidemic by increasing access to lifesaving fentanyl testing strips. HB4556 is now headed to the Governor's desk!”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “What's the cure for getting your energy back after a marathon 2 week work session in Springfield? KIDS! I had so much fun today talking with 4th grade students at AGS in @BPS101. The future is BRIGHT with these smart, curious, and thoughtful kiddos at the helm!”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’m proud to be endorsed by @PPIAction. 2021 was the worst year for state attacks on abortion in decades, with nearly 600 restrictions introduced across the country. More than ever, I'm committed to ensuring we can make decisions about our families & our bodies. #BansOffOurBody"  

Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My colleagues & I ended session by passing a budget that provides financial relief to the communities that need it most. We expect to continue down the path of fiscal discipline while promoting public safety & giving Illinoisians the resources they need thrive. #MovingILForward"  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Democrats continue to deliver for the people of Illinois. We passed a balanced budget that invests in people, pays our debts, including millions more into our pension system, and returned money to taxpayers. We are paying our bills and working to help you pay yours. #Serving17"  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Crafting a $46.5 Billion budget that is morally and fiscally responsible, and meets the needs of all our communities across Illinois is hard, complex work. There is no better partner in this than @ElgieSims, Lesson: If you want it done right, bring in the bald guys.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Illinois lawmakers passed a bill that will temporarily freeze the gas tax, but gas stations must display Pritzker propaganda or it's a daily $500 fine. Political games for one year only. #twill"  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am very proud of our work at the end of session in Springfield last week to pass a balanced budget that provides meaningful tax relief to all Illinoisans: at the gas pump, at the grocery store, for back-to-school supplies, through Earned Income Tax Credit expansion and more.” 

Jennifer Creasey was promoted to Assistant Vice President of External and State Relations for the University of Illinois System.    

The Illinois Housing Development Authority announced the start of the homeowner’s assistance fund Monday. Homeowners struggling to pay mortgage or property fees have through May to apply for up to $30,000 of assistance.  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Got to meet a living legend today @edwardjolmos 

thank you for everything you do for our community - on and off the screen”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Guess who has the third best attendance out of all 50 Alders? Thank you to the 40th Ward Neighbors for their support and engagement, we put in that work!”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) shared a Sun-Times article about third-party delivery fees and tweeted, “Hey Scott, we predicted this would happen once it expired. Guess it’s time we look at a permanent cap? @ward32chicago” and Ald. Scott Waguespak (32) replied, “Agreed”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Chicago lost more than 4,800 2- to 4-unit buildings in about a decade. Nearly half were replaced with single-family homes -- mostly in North Side neighborhoods. Help shape our priorities for addressing demolitions and deconversions. Take the survey http://bit.ly/AffordSurvey”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback on commuter safety on Glenwood between Devon and Pratt. The below infographics reflect the compiled feedback from neighbors on the proposal. More information on the community process is available at http://buff.ly/3xA0Yuv” 

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services opened applications on Monday for One Summer Chicago, the city’s youth job program for Chicagoans age 16-24, which will be held from July 5 to Aug. 12. Participants will for the first time be paid $15 per hour, and the program now includes the “Chicagoability” job feeder program for teens age 14-16. Applications are available online.  

The Illinois Environmental Council will host an event at 5 p.m. Thursday to “discuss environmental issues affecting the southside of Chicago and the solutions they're working hard to put forth.” Panelists will include Ald. Sophia King (4), Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Comm. Kim DuBuclet. Online registration is required. 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “Another legislative session in the books. Such a beautiful place to work. And I get to do it on behalf of the people of Illinois. Thank you!”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “llinois House Democrats have passed another balanced budget. We are putting fiscal responsibility first, investing in our communities, and delivering real relief for working IL families. Thanks to @RepChrisWelch @repgregharris @GovPritzker @DonHarmonIL @HouseDemsIL and staff.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Our balanced budget provides $1.8 billion in tax relief while paying off debt, investing in education, public safety, and human services. Progress in Illinois.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “With inflation at its highest in four decades, Democrats have delivered real relief to all of Illinois.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “I will always stand up and fight for working families and taxpayers.”  

Rep. Jehan Gordon Booth (D-Peoria) tweeted, “4:55 am. We have been here since yesterday morning. The work requires a level of grind that at times is grueling but worth it to BRING IT HOME! #il"  

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “House adjourns at 6:09am. In the bed by 6:30am, but wide awake! Almost a 24-hour work day and I’m wide awake because of adrenaline and because I love what I do.”  

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) tweeted, “At 5:51am on 4/9 the #ILBUDGET has passed.”  

Rep. Tom Morrison (D-Palatine) tweeted, “@mbatinick reminding House members not to be fooled. IL's so-called "balanced" budget relies on massive one-time infusion of COVID cash from federal govt. Uncle Sam won't bail us out following year... IL taxpayers will”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Tonight, I asked my colleagues to put human crime victims of sexual assault and domestic violence at least on par with corporate victims of retail theft. 96 of them chose Walmart and Target over survivors of Gender Based Violence. I’m disgusted.”  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Presenting the Fiscal Year 2023 Illinois State budget, one that invests in people, pays our debts and returns money to taxpayers. #Serving17 #twill"  

Sen. Sue Rezin (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's now passed midnight, and the Senate will soon be voting on the nearly 3,500 page long budget that was filed a few hours ago.” 

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Englewood will host a candidates forum for First Congressional District candidates on April 19 at 7 p.m. Candidates from both parties will attend. People can register to attend online.

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) wrote in his latest newsletter, “The City of Chicago recently budgeted $46 million to expand our tree canopy? We will be planting 15,000 new trees each year for the next five years in an effort to improve air quality, reduce smog and emissions, help conserve energy costs, and increase property values. To request a tree planting for your parkway, please click here.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “We're out in Avondale and Logan Square today, knocking doors and talking to neighbors about @AnthonyJQuezada, @Delia4Congress, and @ChicagoMap2022.  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted, “Making our neighborhood safe for pedestrians is essential so my office is adding wider sidewalks, ADA compliant curb cuts, and bumps out on Cornelia, near Clark. New trees will also be planted along Cornelia too.  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “In recent months, many of you have contacted my office urging that the City find ways to expand sweeping services throughout the year. I recently summarized and sent these requests to the Inspector General’s Office, which is auditing Chicago’s sweeping program later this year. I’m hopeful that the audit, once completed, will identify concrete actions for improving sweeping that my colleagues and I can act on quickly.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “THE DEADLINE FOR COMMUNITY CASH IS FRIDAY APRIL 15! To read more about the program and where to apply, read our most recent newsletter: https://t.co/cKB0sY1SkV”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) wrote in her latest newsletter, “I held a Zoom meeting this week to discuss $100,000 in grant money now available for 50th Ward non-profit organizations. The funding is earmarked for local schools and for agencies that serve immigrants in the neighborhood.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health updated its COVID-19 Travel Advisory to show that 95.6 percent of U.S. counties are categorized at “low risk” of COVID-19 spread. While the spread remains low in most states, some, including Arkansas, Montana, New York, South Dakota, and Maine, have “some community-level clusters of medium or high COVID-19 levels,” officials said. And 19 American counties posed a “high risk” of COVID, which was an uptick from 17 the prior week.  

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 15; classes will resume Monday, April 18. “The District encourages families to stay safe and take advantage of local testing and vaccination sites as needed, as well as the District’s distribution of free meals through Wednesday, April 13,” according to an announcement. 

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As we draw to the end of the spring legislative session, I was pleased to join the IL Legislative Latino Caucus for a breakfast with Governor JB Pritzker.”  

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “I was happy to welcome Coach Underwood and members of the @IlliniMBBto Springfield this week to celebrate their 2022 Big Ten Championship win - as a Purdue Boilermakers fan I always enjoy the rivalry!”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Baseball is Back! The Chicago @Cubs kick off their 2022 season today at 120PM. Expect increased traffic along Irving, Addison, the Blue Line, and the Kennedy.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “We have roughly 48 hours left of session and the Democrats in the General Assembly continue to hold the legislature hostage to their extreme agenda. I will update you soon.”  

Rep. Edgar Gonzalez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Two big guys enjoying some chilaquiles at @JBPritzker's mansion. Taking over Illinois one dinner plate at a time!”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Electric vehicle infrastructure has ramped up throughout the Stateline. We are excited that EVs will open new doors for suppliers and mechanics in Illinois, and that the new technology will have a ripple effect in the automobile industry.”  

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) tweeted, “We must improve technology – law enforcement officials should have the ability to track carjackers and have the tools they need to tackle the increasing problem head on. The faster we are able to locate where a carjacker is and arrest them, the safer our communities will be.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “Permanent relief of almost 16 cents per gallon at the gas pump, or temporary pennies per gallon relief that expires right after the fall's election. Which do you think would help you more during this period of record-high inflation?” 

Former House Democrats press secretary Steve Brown published an essay in the Gateway Journalism Review discussing his thoughts on the media, the evolution of statehouse media coverage and his observations of former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s time as speaker and relationship with the media. Brown retired at the end of the spring 2021 legislative session a few months after Madigan retired as a state representative.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The City of Chicago proposes to spend $12,500,000 on prepaid gas and transit cards. I am hearing from 1st Ward residents, and would like to collect more feedback on your preferences for this money. If you have feedback, please use this brief survey”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Applications for Small Business Improvement Fund grants are now open for businesses located in the South Chicago TIF! Applications are due by May 2nd at 5 pm. For more information about this program, click on the link below!”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Congratulations to our new Supreme Court Justice, history has been made!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Thank you for your hard fight @Window2workers. We love you.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Thanks to everyone who stopped by our Healings Art Reception in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you missed it, you can still view the collection of survivor artwork at our ward office!” 

The Chicago Department of Transportation will grant licenses to Lime, Spin and Superpedestrian to operate 3,000 e-scooters across the city starting in “early May,” officials announced Thursday. Companies Bird, Helbiz and Veo also applied but were not accepted. Additionally, Lyft will add 1,000 docked e-scooters “into the downtown core of the Divvy system,” at 230 docking stations.  

The City Club of Chicago will host a panel event at 12 p.m. on April 25 titled “Impact 2022: Economic Trends & Opportunities of INVEST South/West: North Lawndale.” It will include a panel moderated by Teresa Córdova of the University of Illinois at Chicago Great Cities Institute. The panel will comprise New Covenant Community Development Corp. CEO Rodney Brown, North Lawndale Employment Network CEO Brenda Palms Barber, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation executive director Richard Townsell and Sinai Community Institute president Debra Wesley. RSVP is required.  

The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee will host an event at Harold Washington Library at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday titled “HERE’S HAROLD! A Centennial Birthday Celebration Honoring the Life, Spirit, and Remarkable Achievements of Mayor Harold Washington.” Gov. JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Rev. Jesse Jackson are all listed as “honorary co-chairs.