Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) tweeted, “My measure to provide clarity with the use of county recorders’ seal as a signature has passed the Senate”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “On this final day of Black History Month, I am tremendously honored to be recognized by the City of Blue Island and Mayor Fred Bilotto with the Trailblazer Award. Special thanks to Rep. Bob Rita and Rep. Will Davis for the strong support.”  

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As we rebuild the state workforce to provide better services for #Illinoisans, we must ensure that the workforce reflects our communities. While we represent almost 18% of the labor force, we are less than 7% of the state employees, we must move the needle”  

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted, “As we move into this new phase, I urge kindness, patience and cooperation for everyone.”  

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) tweeted, “Last week was a busy one in Springfield! One of the bills I was most proud to pass would provide up to 10 days of leave following a pregnancy loss or stillbirth, among other issues negatively impacting pregnancy or fertility.”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Chicago) tweeted, “A thank you note to those we deputized to be mask enforcers these last couple of years. Thank them today, and give them a smile.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “I see those "peeing on whoever" stickers all the time. This is the real deal folks. A Ukrainian leader (Maria Mezentseva) we hosted here in Springfield lives in Kharkiv.  I wake up this morning in the Land of the Free. She woke up this morning in the Home of the Brave.” 

The 30 by 30 Conservation Task Force will host public listening sessions over the next two months to gather input from residents. The 30 by 30 task force discusses how can protect 30 percent of the state’s land and water resources by 2030. People interested in submitting oral or written testimony can email [email protected]. More information about the sessions can be found at https://bit.ly/IL30x30.  

Nicor Vice President of Community and Economic Development Meena Beyers has been named to Board of Directors at Intersect Illinois. Intersect Illinois is an economic development organization that works to bring jobs and businesses to the state.   

The Illinois 60 by 2025 Network is rebranding itself as the Illinois Education and Career Success Network. The network was launched to push Illinois toward getting 60 percent of adults college degrees or postsecondary education credentials by 2025. The Network reports it is on track to meet that goal and the rebranding will help it continue its mission of increasing the number of people who choose postsecondary education.  

Gov. JB Pritzker announced he will appoint Melverta Wilkins to the State Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees, Sarah Doherty and Roger Taylor to the Illinois State Museum Board and Pilar Guerrero to the State Board of Health. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Today I join 32 of my City Council colleagues in calling to revoke Moscow’s Sister Cities status because of Russia’s aggression against the Ukraine. We stand united with those working to protect liberty & democracy. Other American cities should follow our lead now!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted an update about recent zoning decisions in his ward at 2176 W. Eastwood Ave., 4625 N. Lincoln Ave. and 1747 W. Henderson St.   

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Are you an artist? Connect with the CTA to help create public art for the updated Red Line stations in our neighborhood!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Today the indoor mask mandate will be lifted. We have a duty to care for our elderly, our immunocompromised and those individuals who are too young or are unable to get vaccinated. For your safety and ours, we will continue to wear and require masks in our office.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Update on the Former Northtown Library Building - A potential buyer has made an offer with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to purchase the old Northtown Library at 6435 N. California.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) and Ald. Matt Martin (47) will host a virtual event at 6:30 p.m. Monday titled “Facts and Trends: Crime in Chicago” with researchers from the University of Chicago Crime Lab. They will “discuss which crimes are up and by how much, and how Chicago's crime rates compare to our peer cities.” Online registration is required.  

Chicago Teachers Union will join the group Parents, Educators and Clergy for Education at 5:30 p.m. at the CTU Center for “Jammin' for P.E.A.C.E.,” an evening of “spoken word, live comedy and a performance by the band Soulful Exposure.” RSVP is required. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted a photo of a protest in Ukrainian Village and wrote, “So proud that Chicago stands strong with Ukraine!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Chicago must plan on welcoming Ukrainians refugees. Now!  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a photo of the opening of the Maria Elena Sifuentes Apartments in Albany Park and tweeted, “Proud of all the work we did to make this affordable housing development a reality. We will keep organizing because we need so much more! Grateful to have worked with all these amazing partners!  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted, “The Senate needs to act quickly on the @POTUS nomination for the Supreme Court. Herstory in the making.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “I had such a great time at K’s Dugout presenting the candidates for the IL-13 State Rep seat to our neighbors and then meeting up with [Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago)] and One People’s Campaign at @UrbanBrewLabs in the #40th!  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) announced that he will host a public safety webinar with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart at 4 p.m. Wednesday to “discuss their crime reduction initiatives, Carjacking Task Force, and answer pre-submitted questions.” Online registration is required.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “Last week, we stopped @chicagosmayor's regressive asset forfeiture legislation aka the Victims' Justice Ordinance in its tracks! Working with civil rights & liberties and community advocacy organizations, & City Council members, we elevated our concerns.” 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Illinois would receive about $760 million from a settlement in a $26 billion opioid lawsuit against drug manufacturers. The settlement ends three years of negotiations involving over 4,000 claims against drug manufacturers by state and local governments. The settlement also includes several requirements for drug manufacturers, including requiring Johnson and Johnson to stop selling opioids.   

Gov. JB Pritzker confirmed the state’s indoor mask mandate will end on Monday. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has decreased by 50 percent since earlier this month when Pritzker announced the mask mandate would be lifted.   

The Department of Children and Family Services is offering scholarships to youth in foster care or who were formerly in foster care. The agency’s scholarship program will provide 53 scholarships that will pay for a student’s tuition and fees at participating community colleges and universities in Illinois.   

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday he was appointing Dorothy Cox-Stowe and Angela Botz as members of the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee. Cheryl Ingram, Marcus Salone and Stephen Sawyer were appointed to the Resentencing Task Force. Charles Hartman was appointed to the Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission. Christopher Scholtz was appointed public administrator and public guardian for Schuyler, Brown, Hancock and Adams Counties. Deborah Stein was appointed to the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities. Nora Collins-Mandeville was appointed to the Racial Disproportionality in Child Welfare Task Force. Glyn Ramage was appointed to the Capital Development Board. Daniel Reichen was appointed to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Brian Barov was appointed administrative law judge of the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal. And Jane Flanagan was appointed director of the Department of Labor. 

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “To restore public trust in local government officials, I am sponsoring a measure alongside Senator Dave Syverson, to create a process to place local officials on administrative leave for those accused of violating their oath.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “The people of Illinois deserve to know the extent of Pritzker’s personal financial benefit off one of the largest state contracts.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “It’s refreshing to see sane guidance regarding covid protocols. We need this common sense in Illinois. Hopefully with the mandate ruling disappearing on Monday it will be a step in the right direction.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “SB 2981 just passed the Senate! Streamlining the implementation of infrastructure improvements will save taxpayer dollars and rebuild our roads, bridges and mass transit systems in a transparent & equitable manner.”  

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) tweeted, “I've sponsored SB1143 because teachers spending their money on classroom supplies deserve a tax break.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “OTD three years ago I was honored to meet in our state capitol with a group of rising leaders from Ukraine. Today I fear they are all on Putin's hit list. #StandWithUkraine"  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My bill SB4028 requiring schools provide instruction on how & where to access mental health just passed the Senate! It also sets up a youth mental health council to ensure that an LGBTQ-led, POC-led, & woman-led community based mental health provider be at the table!”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan) tweeted, “The Senate approved SB 3073 today! 🌟 

Waukegan has too long been burdened by environmental hazards, and by requiring the plant to clean up its ash ponds, we are closer to reaching environmental justice and progressing to a cleaner, greener future.” 

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago will host “financial fresh start” financial education webinars at 6 p.m. on March 8 and March 22 and will host a “foreclosure prevention workshop” at 6 p.m. on March 17. Online registration is required. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “So glad to stand with @Delia4Congress in solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbors and in support of Ukrainian sovereignty.”  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Yesterday, @chicagosmayor and I sponsored a resolution to stand in support of @POTUS's nomination of a Black Woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ensuring diverse voices amongst the justices is more important than ever.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Solidarity with the residents of Ukraine as the Russian military attacks their sovereignty, their rights, and their lives. Solidarity with the Russian protesters who are risking so much to speak out against this tragedy.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today, we stand united with our Ukrainian neighbors and pray for the safety of those in the midst of the horrifying attacks in Ukraine.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Wild Onion Market has signed a ten-year lease on a site at 7007 N. Clark in Chicago. Our office will host a community meeting on Tuesday, March 1, at 6 pm, to discuss Wild Onion Market's proposal and the liquor moratorium request. Register: https://buff.ly/3v9zElf.” 

Springfield, Jackson County, Knox County, Mercer County, Whiteside County and the Village of Elsah have been chosen to be a part of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Accelerate Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Planning Program. The program works with the communities on ways to use new state and federal infrastructure funding to create broadband plans that best fit their local needs.   

The Illinois Product Expo hosted by the Department of Agriculture will take place at the state fairgrounds in Springfield on March 5 and 6. The expo allows food companies and consumers in the state to showcase and try food products. Admission to the expo is $5.

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This afternoon my bill SB3865 passed the Senate floor. This bill removes the use of "alien" in any Illinois statute in reference to people who have mixed statuses as well as removes the word when referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country. This progress takes us one step closer to fostering trust and equity in our immigrant communities. We all know at least one person, neighbor, and/or community member who is either an immigrant or child of an immigrant so be sure to inform them of the progress made today!” 

en. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “We make it undeniably clear that purchasing Illinois-made is the best decision for both workers and consumers by incentivizing residents to choose from the many high-quality vehicles we manufacture in-state.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “I'm so proud of my colleagues for coming together to address the teacher shortage crisis here in Illinois. This is just the beginning of making sure our school's have the support they need to keep educators in classrooms.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Three years after @RepKellyCassidy gave me the opportunity to run the Drug Take-Back Act as a freshman legislator, it passes the House 96-13. Thank you to @ilenviro, @ILRetail, @SWALCOfor their collaboration in moving us one step closer to a statewide drug take-back program.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “My COLA pension buyout extension bill just passed the House! This program has already reduced our pension debt by $1.4billion - on to the Senate…”  

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This afternoon I joined members of the Ukrainian community in my district to denounce the attack on Ukraine and call for peace. I stand with the international community condemning this unprovoked attack which will cause significant harm to the people of Ukraine.”  

Rep. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Today I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condemn Russia’s unprovoked attack of a sovereign nation. The free world must join together to send a clear and strong message that this invasion and aggression will not be accepted.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Russia's invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine today speaks volumes of US's current global reputation. Evil does exist in this world. As Reagan once said “We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression.” Prayers for the people of Ukraine.”  

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) tweeted, “Retail thieves continue to get more aggressive, this time in #Hinsdale, necessitating increased police patrols. Yet in Springfield, the Democrats on the criminal justice committee on which I sit continues to do nothing about it. #PublicSafety"  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “America needs to #StandWithUkraine and so much more.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that she has appointed Ald. Michelle Harris (8) to chair a search committee to find new candidate for the appointment of 11th Ward alderman with the goal of confirming a candidate at the next City Council meeting on March 23. The search committee will also include attorney Salvador Cicero, Coalition for a Better Chinese Community director Grace Chan McKibben and radio host Jamie Trecker. The committee is charged with presenting a short list of candidates to Lightfoot so she can make the final pick. Interested candidates are asked to submit applications to [email protected] or mail applications to City Hall care of the 11th Ward Vacancy Committee by March 11.  

The Chicago Department of Public Health announced that it is taking Maryland off the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory, marking the first time this year every state and territory has not been on the list. Ohio, Puerto Rico, Nebraska, Nevada, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia are set to come off the list next week because their average daily new case counts have dipped below 15 per 100,000 residents. Chicago’s case count on Tuesday was 10.3 per 100,000 residents, and Illinois’ daily average was 13.5 cases per 100,000. 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “This is clearly lack of judgment on Chief Tally’s part. How can you not know what everyone else knows. Geez! CPD chief's niece told cops who busted her boyfriend for heroin, 'My auntie's probably your boss,' source says”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Now that the @CDCgov recognizes the benefits of natural immunity, @chicagosmayor & @ChiPublicHealth need to update our mitigation efforts to reflect that.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “VJO didn’t have the votes in council and got D&P’d by Chair. Let’s hope it doesn’t come back.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) wrote in his latest newsletter that “The 19th Police District has asked my office to gather community feedback on a proposal to make Waveland, from Sheffield to the first alley west of Halsted, a permanent eastbound one-way.  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted, “Today, the Chicago City Council recognized the many contributions made to the people of our City and State by Secretary of State Jesse White. Thank you, @ILSecOfState, for your service and commitment to supporting our community throughout your career.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “My office co-sponsored an ordinance introduced today that codifies divesting the city's multi-billion dollar portfolio from fossil fuels. This ordinance is critical to have Chicago literally put its money where its values are by encouraging investment in green energy.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted that the upcoming removal of the city’s mask mandate is “a tremendous milestone in our fight against COVID-19. However, many local residents will likely still opt to wear masks for the immediate future. Please be respectful of individual choice and not do anything that makes your neighbors, family, and friends uncomfortable.” 

The Illinois Housing Development Authority will begin accepting applications in April for the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund program, which will provide up to $30,000 in free assistance per homeowner paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity on behalf of Illinois homeowners impacted by COVID-19 to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures. Program information is available online.  

The group Illinois PIRG published an analysis finding that Illinois voter registration jumped by about 37 percent, translating to an additional 111,000 voter applications every year, since the state put its Automatic Voter Registration system in place in 2017. 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am pleased that we are one step closer to addressing a critical lack of inclusion in the very center of democracy in this state. We need to make our capitol grounds more accessible to all.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today’s head scratcher: a Republican colleague just voted no, remotely, on a motion to allow 2 of his fellow Republican caucus members to…vote remotely #twill"  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thank you to everyone who took the time to reach out and wish me well after my recent battle with the ice. Doctor confirmed tears to Quad tendon, MCL and rotator cuff. I love serving my community because #Serving17 is a mentality so I am back at my duty station for session.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “By offering an economic incentive for vehicles made in Illinois, we can make the decision easy when it comes down to purchasing in- versus out-of-state cars.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Today I was honored to welcome the Honorable Counsel General of Israel to the Midwest @YinamCohen to the Capitol. I enjoyed speaking with him about his country, foreign affairs and about ways to strengthen the relationship between Israel and the State of Illinois.” 

Chicago business owners will be allowed starting next Tuesday to apply with the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection for permits to place A-frame signs outside their doors, the department announced Tuesday. While a relatively common practice, the signs are illegal in Chicago but the ban will be lifted March 1 in accordance with the city’s “Chi Biz Strong” ordinance passed last year. Applications will be available on the city’s Inspections, Permitting & Licensing web portal.  

Cook County Republican Party chair Sean Morrison announced the appointment of Latasha Fields as the new 3rd Ward Republican committeewoman, Carl Ivan as Bremen township committeeman and Katie Justak as Lyons Township Republican committeewoman. Fields oversees a conservative Christrian group called Our Report Ministries & Publications, Ivan is a Midlothian village trustee and Justak is a public relations professional. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The same mayor who blames the judicial system every chance she gets for her failures now trusts the judicial system to do the right thing?”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I dream of a day when our city makes the very intentional decision to embrace a Treatment Not Trauma approach to safety where people who need help will get it right away instead of being punished for needing it. For  that we have to invest in permanent structures of care.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Currently joined by colleagues and coalition that are adamantly opposed to the Mayor’s “Victim’s Justice” ordinance, which we believe to be ill-conceived, ill-considered, ineffective, and wasteful mismanagement of resources. We urge Alders to vote NO.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Glad to hear masks are still required on public transit because, you know, everyone’s playing by the rules on public transit lately.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “In case you missed it - I was joined by Alderpersons around the city, @CookCoDefender @livefreechicago @ACLUofIL @ChiAppleseed @ChiCouncilLaw 

to voice our strong opposition to the Mayor's Victims' Justice Ordinance. Watch our presser here: https://bit.ly/36mRSp6” 

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced a new monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 is being made available in Illinois. Bebtelovimab recently received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. The treatment is given by an IV injection and is used to treat patients with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 who are at high risk for hospitalization or death from COVID-19.  

The Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative announced Patrice James has been named the organization’s founding executive director. James was previously the director of community justice at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted, “I'm proud to sponsor a bill that ensures the  

@DQStateFair continues its almost century long legacy in southern Illinois. #ILFairs #ILGA"  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thank you to @wttw Chicago Tonight and Nick Blumberg for speaking with me and drawing more attention to our work to rid Chicago and Illinois of dangerous lead piping in our water infrastructure.”  

Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago) tweeted, “If the Supreme Court is going to allow civil suits against those who violate a law like they did with their ruling in Texas, then I’m going to use that same logic to try to prevent senseless gun violence in Illinois.”  

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Chicago) tweeted a graphic of Europe’s dependence on Russian energy: “For those of you who follow our energy policy in our state, nationally and globally. This is the dark side of natural resources. This is why it is important to continue to invest in our renewable energy market while maintaining adequate base load.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Walking down to the basement tunnel to the Capitol, 2 lobbyists in the stairwell peeled off to walk outside. As we said goodbye, I caught myself before calling out “make good choices,” something I jokingly say to the boys when saying goodbye. Disengage mom mode, enable legislator”  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Joined my local @advocatehealth Trinity Hospital in the fight to defeat Covid and help our yours seniors as they donated free masks directly to my neighbors at Montclare Senior Residence of Calumet Heights 🩺😷🏥 #advocatehospital”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last year, I championed legislation to empower Local School Councils. Now, you have the opportunity to apply to run for your LSC.” 

The application period to be on the interim citywide Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability has been extended to Thursday as the city seeks more applicants specifically from Chicago’s South and West sides and applicants ages 18-24. The City Council last year approved the ordinance establishing civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department. So far, 34 people have applied for positions on the seven-member commission, Ald. Harry Osterman (48) told The Daily Line on Friday. Those interested in applying can find more information, including qualifications, on the City Council’s Committee on Committees and Rules’ website.    

City Bureau will host a virtual Public Newsroom event at 6 pm. Tuesday to celebrate the launch of its new guide titled “Will That New Development Benefit Your Community?: A People’s Guide to Community Benefits Agreements and Alternatives.” Online registration is required.