Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I am proud to have addressed some of our pension obligations this year. I helped make sure that that our Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund program is funded.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “To improve accessibility and offer additional protections to workers, the Illinois Senate approved my initiative to modernize the state's Occupational Safety and Health Act”  

Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) tweeted, “Actor Harry Lennix from NBC's hit show The Blacklist came to Springfield to testify in the Museums and Cultural Arts committee about his plans to redevelop the old Marshall Fields Warehouse on the south side as an arts center.”  

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted, “Happy we can have a little fun on the floor and establish a state snake! #ILGA"  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday, the Senate passed HB 4158 which would require a homeowner or condominium association who conducts a reserve study to keep it within its books and records, which by law the individual property owners have a right to inspect.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Happy Birthday to @AveryBourne! Please remember to thank her when you’re getting gas today. #twill"  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Even reporters are moving out of Illinois! Congrats @MarkMaxwellTV"  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Pritzker’s insistence on governing by extremist activism is hurting all Illinoisans. What he is doing to the Prison Review Board is shameful.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “The House only has 10 days of session left to pass Senate Bill 2940. Please consider reaching out to your local representative to ask them to support this bill.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Record-high inflation has hit Illinois families hard over the last several months. House Democrats promised relief but have done nothing while residents continue to struggle with the rising costs of food and fuel.”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “Our men and women in uniform make the ultimate sacrifice each day to serve and protect our communities. By recognizing the Illinois State Police throughout the month of April, we will show support to those who go above and beyond to support us.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Proud that the House passed SB3032 yesterday! We are one step closer to ensuring student debt is not a barrier to advancing one's opportunities! It's always great to work with @SenatorFine" 

WCIA capitol bureau chief Mark Maxwell announced in a tweet Wednesday he will be leaving the station on April 24. Maxwell has covered Illinois politics for the station since 2017 and has been a contributor to Nexstar’s Chicago affiliate WGN and WGN Radio. Maxwell will be joining KSDK, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis as political editor covering Illinois and Missouri politics.  

Illinois voters can begin applying to receive a vote-by-mail ballot with their local election authority, which is the county clerk’s office in most areas. Voters have through June 23 to request a ballot.  

The Illinois Housing Authority will make $309 million of assistance available to homeowners and renters for help paying mortgages and rent beginning April 11. Applications for assistance will be open online through May. Up to $30,000 is available for each qualifying person.

Ald. David Moore (17) tweeted “The Secretary of State office must remain a servants seat and not go back to being a political seat. It's important that the person is fiscally responsible and can directly run an effective and efficient operation. As companies ask of you, a person's work history matters”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Join us tomorrow, March 31 at 3pm as we Rally For Trans Lives at the Daley Center (50 W. Washington)!”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) in response to news that Deborah Witzburg is Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick to be the city’s next Inspector General tweeted “Great pick!!! Should’ve happened sooner but glad that it’s happening!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Excited to announce that improvements to the Western Brown Line CTA Plaza are in the works. We want your feedback!” Martin included information on a public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at 4925 N. Lincoln Ave.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “9 alderpeople–myself included–sponsored the resolution to put transfer tax increase in a referendum (which I reintroduced last July). Revenue from the transfer tax could fund mental health services, job training, and support housing options.  

@BringChiHome” 

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners opened applications on Wednesday for Chicago voters to receive mail-in ballots for the June 28 primary. Applications are available online. Voters will be notified via email when their applications are accepted, when their ballot is mailed to them, when their ballot envelope has been received and then when it has been processed and counted. Ballots are expected to be mailed to voters in May.  

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless will host a town hall event with Ald. Walter Burnett (27) and Ald. Jason Ervin (28) at 6 p.m. Thursday at Deborah’s Place on the Near West Side to discuss “solving the housing and homelessness crisis.” Online registration is required.  

The group Reform for Illinois will host a virtual town hall event with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 to discuss the property tax assessment process. Online registration is required.

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “March 29, 1973, was the day the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam. This #VietnamWarVeteransDay, we remember and honor those who served with steadfastness and valor during the Vietnam War.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “To offer stability to retailers, bring support to state prosecutors and promote statewide economic growth, I joined the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Attorney General’s office to introduce a legislative proposal to curb organized retail crime”  

Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My first bill has officially passed the House and Senate! Excited for students to have the option to have plant based lunches! #healthylifestyle"  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Today the Senate adopted a resolution recognizing the Illinois State Police's 100 years of service. The sacrifices these law enforcement officers have made for generations have not gone unnoticed. We can’t thank them enough.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Polish communities have always had a large impact on the Chicago area, far beyond their unique and recognizable cultural touchstones like food and the arts. I sponsored a measure with Rep. Ramirez to establish a Polish Heritage Corridor in Chicago.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “I passed a measure through the Senate today that would ensure customers get a discount when supermarkets put products on sale. Shoppers will now be reassured at the checkout when they see their savings listed on the screen.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Everyone deserves to feel safe this summer. I am glad that the General Assembly is taking an essential step to protect our families who visit beaches on Lake Michigan by requiring rescue equipment on all public piers.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Opinion: A gas-tax holiday is a short-term fix that ignores long-term needs. We need to reduce the costs of getting around and we need to make travel as clean, safe and affordable as possible. That starts with fixing our transit system.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Pritzker’s DCFS moved a 14-year-old girl 21 times in 6 months. Pritzker must do better. He needs to replace the current director of DCFS with someone who is actually capable of doing the job.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “National Vietnam War Veterans Day was signed into law by President Trump in 2017, on this day we thank and honor all those who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. I cannot tell you how much I am thankful for our veterans and their families. #VietnamVeteransDay"  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As part of the surveillance testing in the Capitol, I tested positive for Covid today. Thankful for my booster, so far just some mild symptoms. I’ve got the remote legislative session command center set up in the Springfield apartment & ready to power through this week. #Twill" 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will hold nine household hazardous waste collection events this spring to allow residents to get rid of common household items that can create an environmental hazard. Items that can be disposed include chemical cleaners, oil, or other chemical substances. A full schedule collection locations and days can be found online.   

The Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association will honor current and former state lawmakers Greg Harris, Toi Hutchinson, and Heather Steans with 2022 Party Builder’s Award at an event on April 13. More information and tickets can be found online.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “In Chicago's 35th Ward, we know housing, not state violence, is the solution to homelessness. Last night our community came together to discuss how we can house and support our neighbors. Sign-up for our newsletter for more updates on this initiative”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Recently joined @PaulLisnek at WGN to discuss the new Alderwoman of the 11th ward, the Chicago casino, and redistricting. You can find our full conversation here”  

Ald Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “This week we’re celebrating library workers! The folks at our Rogers Park branch are amazing public servants and the space they create for us is an integral part of our community. Thank you all for what you do!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The 50th Ward has $100,000 available to fund programs that will help improve our neighborhood. The grants are available for registered non-profits that provide the following services: School Enrichment and Immigration Support.” 

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs will cohost the “Chicago Impact Investing Showcase 2022” at 12 p.m. to “explore the role of government treasuries in impact investing, including their unique constraints and opportunities, as they allocate capital to benefit the public.” Allies for Community Business CEO Brad McConnell will also be a panelist.

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Earlier today I joined Sen. @WinStoller for a press conference about the Majority Party’s failure to fully fund our state’s UI Trust Fund. This decision could lead to one of the largest business tax increases in IL history as well as worker benefit cut.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “If the Governor would read the actual bill, he would know that we should all agree that teaching kids in kindergarten about sexuality is not appropriate. This bill ensures that parents can send their children to school without gender ideology injected into the curriculum.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “As Florida passed HB1557, the "Don't Say Gay" bill, we must continue to support our LBGTQ+ community in Illinois. These types of bills aren't about parental control, but an excuse to further marginalize LGBTQ+ people.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “I'm thrilled to announce more than $1 million in Back to Business grants released to businesses in Will and Kendall Counties.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Congratulations to the Sacred Heart-Griffin High School Basketball team on winning the IHSA 3A State Championship! I visited the team today to congratulate them myself. They better be ready next year because my Lanphier Lions are coming back for it all!”  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The State of Illinois and the Chicagoland area specifically continues to benefit as the #railroad hub of the nation. I believe that keeping the industry strong and keeping Chicago as the top hub is critical. #runwiththerep" 

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “I encourage the Chicago Bears to build a modern day stadium in the suburbs to be competitive, but taxpayer dollars should not subsidize the project.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Raymond Garcia to the State Police Merit Board, Thomas Evers to the Waukegan Port District Board, Mitchell Davis to the Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, David Jacobs to the Choose Chicago Board of Directors, Randy Colon to the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee, Laura King and Calvin Dye to the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee and Jason Quira and Cheryl Watkins to the Chicago State Board of Trustees. 

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “The annual Clean & Green Day of Service will be held citywide on Saturday, April 23rd. If any organizations in the 19th Ward would like to beautify an area in the community, please contact my office.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I just got a disturbing update from IBEW Local 1220 @Window2workers. Instead of coming to the table to negotiate in good faith the admin at @wttw has sent the workers COBRA letters. This is a slap in the face to these workers fighting to protect jobs and the quality of work”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago City Council meets today to vote on the appointment of Nicole Lee as 11th Ward Alderperson. Lee will be the first American of East Asian descent and the 55th woman to represent a Chicago ward in the city's 189 years.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Congratulations to Nicole Lee on making history with her appointment as the first Asian American Alderwoman in Chicago history. I was proud to support her appointment and I know she will represent the 11th Ward well.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Yesterday, I committed to co-sponsor @BringChiHome 

and support this solution that would create a dedicated revenue stream to support unhoused people, including children, veterans, and survivors of gender-based violence.  

Read more about it here: https://bringchicagohome.org”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “A judge granted a motion for the consent decree to include oversight of the CPD's search warrant policies. While this is a step in the right direction, we still need to pass the Anjanette Young Ordinance to mitigate wrongful raids and end no-knock warrants”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Very pleased to vote to confirm Nicole Lee as the new Alderwoman of the 11th Ward, and Chicago’s first Asian American woman to serve on the City Council. We need a council that is reflective of the diversity and strength of this city. This is a solid step in the right direction.” 

The Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance of Chicago will host Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx at 12 p.m. Tuesday to “discuss specific public safety issues that impact those...who invest in neighborhood multifamily housing.” Online registration is required.  

The Chicago Teachers Union will host an information session at 12 p.m. Tuesday on “recovery services” for parents of students who have Individualized Education Plans. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Online registration is required. 

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Busy few weeks in Springfield! Highlights include: Celebrating 6th months of CEJA's passage & a subject matter hearing on implementation Getting SB180, the Legislative Accessibility Act, out of committee & onto the House floor Improving adoption processes through SB3130”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “#DemNews: We are continuing to restore Illinois' fiscal health and recovering from Covid-19 by addressing debt in the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund + investments for pension obligations, group health insurance, and college student assistance. #UpLiftIL"  

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Glenview) tweeted, “I'm pleased my bill to appropriate some of our ARPA funds to pay outstanding debts, including our Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. @GovPritzker signed the bill into law today!”  

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted, “For the first time ever, we are introducing $2.7 billion in new, outside money which spares employers a tax increase and spares employees benefit reductions.”  

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) tweeted, “Yesterday, I voted for a piece of legislation that paid down $4.1 billion in state debt.” 

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Fentanyl-based and fentanyl-laced drugs are proliferating across Illinois, killing more people every year. If this legislation empowers even one person to reach out for help without fear, it will have done its job.”  

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Compromise language with incentives for higher biodiesel blends moved forward as an amendment Wednesday, March 24. The Senate Revenue Committee unanimously passed an amendment to SB1146, which is on the third reading on the Senate floor.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday signed SB2803, which appropriates $2.7 billion from the American Rescue Plan to the unemployment insurance trust fund, $230 million from the general revenue fund eliminate debt in College Illinois!, $300 million for the Pension Stabilization Fund and nearly $900 million for the group insurance program.   

Pritzker announced Friday the start of the Illinois Cybersecurity Commission. The commission will work to improve cybersecurity throughout government and “identify and disrupt” cyberattacks.   

The Illinois Department of Public Health will close its 10 community-based COVID-19 testing sites on March 31, citing widespread at-home tests and SHIELD testing available throughout the state. The locations are averaging about 50 tests per day and account for about 1 percent of all COVID tests in Illinois, according to a news release.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Imagine what we could do if we had TWO functional police helicopters”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, " I will permanently stan Toni Preckwinkle because I feel like she's the elected official who has single handedly done the most to permanently reduce Cook County's prison population, tearing down entire wings of the prison under her leadership.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Alderman Reilly has heard from many constituents regarding the proposed Tribune Publishing location, as it is very close to the 42nd Ward boundary and would directly impact many residents. Alderman Reilly takes constituent input very seriously and knows neighborhood residents are clearly opposed to the Tribune proposal. The Alderman has already communicated his serious concerns about the Tribune proposal to members of the Lightfoot Administration and will reiterate those concerns when the Special City Council Casino Committee is convened next month.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “I met with two representatives from the city's Department of Transportation to discuss ongoing plans at the city and state levels to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Within the next year or so, I'm hopeful that the City can craft and release a detailed framework for how EV-charging infrastructure should expand throughout Chicago, in light of the growing popularity of EVs and recent commitments made by multiple car manufactures to only sell EVs within the next 15 years.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “’There’s nothing controversial about signing on and voting to pass legislation that keeps people safe in their homes...’ I want to see all 50 members of the council sign on to this [Anjanette Young] ordinance.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) wrote in her latest newsletter, “At City Council on Wednesday, I was honored to publicly thank many of our local police officers for their dedication and commitment to the safety of our neighborhood. After a horrifying rash of anti-Semitic incidents in the 50th Ward, the police rallied to our community’s defense.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office will host a youth-focused Community Safety Town Hall at the Harold Washington Library Winter Garden at 10 a.m. Saturday. Online registration is required. 

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “Statehouse Democrats passed the largest tax on Illinois' jobs in this state's history today, yet they're trying to spin it as a "win."”  

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Today we took a step towards ensuring that the disability community is at the table and no longer on the menu! After a year of working with disability advocates from around the state, I passed HB1587 with bipartisan support today.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Two weeks ago, Senate Democrats passed a bill over to the House that underfunded our state’s $4.5 billion UI Trust Fund debt & said an agreement would be reached before it came back to us. Today prove why we were right to have serious doubts.”  

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “Proud to share that I'm supporting 2.3 million Illinoisans with disabilities by co-sponsoring SB 180, the Illinois Legislative Accessibility Act.”  

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “Hang on to this pic., here is the truth. The Dems just voted to short the Unemployment Trust Fund by $2.8 bil. So, when small business gets hit w/huge employer tax increase, and has to lay people off, those unemployed workers could get from $120-$400 less per month.#TruthTold"  

Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) tweeted, “Here is me warning the Dems a year ago about the mess they would create by not acting on unemployment insurance then...further half measures today will mean fewer jobs in Illinois and cost employees who lose their job dearly!”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We must do more to support @SEIUhciimk and the dedicated home health care workers who care for our seniors for little pay and benefits.”  

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) tweeted, “This morning, I held a press conference with the @simonwiesenthal Center to discuss the Center's digital terrorism and hate report evaluating social media platforms’ policies on online hate speech.”  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “The risk PFAS chemicals pose to people and the environment has become clearer, which is why it’s important we are acting now to reduce the amount these chemicals entering our air.”  

Sen. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “It was another late evening at the Capitol. I was proud to cast a vote to take necessary action to address the ongoing issues regarding the unemployment trust fund, which took a hit due to the pandemic.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Pritzker has unveiled his tax cut plan for groceries, property taxes, and gas bills, but shortly after those votes are counted in November it all goes away. All this after having spent $50 million to try to raise taxes through a constitutional amendment.” 

The Civic Federation announced Thursday they will support Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal noting the state’s ability to pay its bill and recent credit upgrades which they saw now allows the state to plan stable budgets and increase reserves. They also said the state now has an opportunity to plan to solve long-term challenges.  

Illinois’ unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 percent in February, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The state also added 19,600 non-farm jobs.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Our @StreetsandSan laborers never stop working when they are in the 15th Ward. When the garbage trucks leave to unload, the crew stays behind and cleans up the community they are assigned to. Great work everyone - my residents thank you!”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “If the law allows corrupt politicians to use campaign funds for legal defense fees, then it’s time to change the law.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote “This week I was proud to be named the Chairman of the "Special Committee on the Chicago Casino" by my colleagues on the City Council. The Special Committee's jurisdiction is to oversee all matters related to creation of Chicago's first casino (zoning, contracting, permitting, etc.). A Chicago casino is estimated to bring hundreds of millions of dollars annually into City coffers to fund pension liabilities, Chicago Public Schools, and other programs.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Ravenswood - We want your feedback on small business, development, and pedestrian safety in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Join us for a virtual visioning meeting on April 4”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Gas giveaway going a lot smoother today in Rogers Park. Thanks @ChicagoCAPS24 @ChicagoOEMC @StreetsandSan @ChicagoDOT and @DrWillieWilson for coordinating to make this a better experience for everyone”

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced the public release of data used to calculate the assessment of every individual commercial property located in the City of Chicago for Tax Year 2021, saying it was the first time the information was every published. The searchable database is available online.