Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) and Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) will hold a virtual town hall on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Registration is required.  

Officials from the Illinois Housing Development Authority on Monday announced the Illinois Rental Payment Program will reopen starting Dec. 6. Applications for the latest round of funding from the program were originally scheduled to begin being accepted on Nov. 8. Officials said a vendor needed “additional time” to ensure the application platform was functioning properly as the reason for the delay.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The state of Illinois generates roughly $6 Million in taxes from sports betting every month according to @SBD w/o allowing on-site wagering at the five locations proposed. Since March 2020, Illinois has collected $66 Million in sports betting taxes.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) retweeted a link to a survey from the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America and wrote “Chicago DSA, please complete this survey and let’s put our skills to work for the city we deserve.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Our thoughts and prayer go out to the Bensenville Police Officer and his family. Wishing the officer a speedy recovery.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted a photo from a pumpkin composting event and wrote “We composted more than SEVEN TONS of pumpkins this Saturday.” 

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted “Yesterday, I was honored to attend Gandhi Samaj of Chicago’s #Diwali celebration in Willowbrook. I hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful, safe, and joyous festival of lights.”

The Chicago Department of Human Resources reported on Monday that 89 percent of city employees across all departments have reported their COVID-19 vaccination stats, and of the employees who have confirmed their status, 81 percent reported that they are fully vaccinated. The police department has the lowest reporting rate at just under 78 percent, and 16 city departments have a 100 percent reporting rate. Vaccination rate by city department can be found online. 

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted a reminder her about an upcoming Women’s Legislative Advisory Committee meeting on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m.  

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted about a conversation she’s hosting on Facebook on Monday on veterans and substance abuse.   

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted “Today we went to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and packed 13,480 pounds of food providing 11,233 meals for 337 households in Northern Illinois! Many thanks to all of the volunteers that joined us!!” 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “This week #TeamRam hosted a Mobile Driver Services event with the Secretary of State's Office. We also held an energy town hall on the Clean Energy Jobs Act with our friends at @SierraClubIL, @faithinplace, @cubillinois and @ilenviro” 

Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago) on Friday announced his resignation from his 15th district House seat. His replacement will be appointed by a committee of Cook County Democratic Party committeepeople led by Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “I hope congress takes on immigration in reconciliation package. When we Democrats take over, all of a sudden is not a priority. @HispanicCaucus . @SpeakerPelosi”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) shared a letter he sent the entire Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners asking for their resignations.  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Thank you @KOCOmmunity family for all your advocacy and your consistent voice of social justice that has been a moral compass in our communities for 56 years. Great to see dear friends and comrades in the struggle last night.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted on Sunday, “Over 185 northwest side progressives came together in Horner Park this morning for our NWS Progressive Unity Rally. 185+ NWS progressives ready to knock doors and win big in 2022 and 2023. #twill” 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted, “Stopped by La Salle Language Academy and met Cole, Aiden, and Dylan Davis. They all received their COVID vaccine today! Thanks to Dr. Rajesh Iyengar and InstaVaxx for providing services for this event! @ChiPubSchools” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he last Monday “attended a meeting with Gov. Pritzker, State Rep. Harris, and State Sen. Simmons (among others) to highlight the $250 million in violence-prevention and youth-intervention funding that the state will be providing to the communities most impacted by gun violence.”

The 47th Ward Democrats will host a candidate forum at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 at DePaul College Prep High School for Secretary of State, Cook County Sheriff and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District candidates. RSVPs are required to attend. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted “We're excited to represent the Land of Lincoln in London! I'm thrilled to be in London with @GovPritzker and @DonHarmonIL to discuss how Illinois is leading the Midwest in climate leadership and to promote our state's growing green energy sector.” 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “This a good time for a reminder that changing our clocks twice a year is ridiculous, horrible for parents and anti-business. There’s a better way. #PermanentDaylightSavingTime  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted “Last night I joined the @uptownchamber & @UptownUnited for their Casino Night! I had a great time meeting business owners, teachers, non profit leaders, & residents in the Uptown area! I want to give a special congratulations to Sarah Wilson on being the new Executive Director.” 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted “We had a fantastic turnout yesterday helping people recover thousands of dollars in unclaimed property! I'd like to thank @SWICedu for allowing us to use their space, & President Nick Mance for stopping by. Check to see if you have any unclaimed property:

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) will hold a virtual town hall on Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. to discussion the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Registration is required.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “On Monday, November 8 (10am), I am pleased to announce the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety is expected to host a hearing on the City's Vision Zero policy. By improving design and investment, we can reduce crashes and fatalities. I remain committed to this goal.” 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted “A Chicago Police Officer assigned to the K-9 unit was abruptly stripped of his badge, his dog was taken from him and sent to a kennel.  Vaccine requirements are necessary, but draconian measures such as this are counterproductive.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Everyone is focusing on the @ChicagoParks Board President needing to resign. Anyone on the board that was silent this entire time is complicit. Force them out too!” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Wishing a joyous Diwali to all who celebrate in Chicago and across the world”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago Public Schools' Capital Planning and Construction team committed to funding a new playground at Nixon Elementary and stated their goal is to complete the new playground by Spring of 2022.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Veterans ensure that are freedom is protected. In Chicago, I introduced and got passed the 1st Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) program in the city’s history. We want to work with VBE firms of all sizes but especially small veteran businesses.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “Update: Green City Market has extended their outdoor season, due to COVID restrictions. Now through November 20th, every Saturday from 8AM-1PM, you can buy sustainably-grown produce and protein, fresh flowers, cheese, and more.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “I agree with my colleagues. Every senior Park District leader who knew about this abuse and failed to respond aggressively and decisively needs to go. Current and frmr employees, as well as the public, need to know that abuse and the inaction that shields it won't be tolerated.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a link to remarks she made during a City Council meeting last week and wrote “At last week's City Council meeting, I presented my statement on the importance of vaccine mandates and compliance in our city.”

Cook County Health leaders will host a news conference at 2 p.m. Friday at the Cook County Health Professional Building at 1950 W. Polk St. to discuss vaccine availability for children between the ages of 5 and 11. The event will be streamed live on Facebook. 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted “The 57th district is home to many veterans, each of them being valued members of our community. I'm encouraging people to help lift up veterans across the state by writing friendly letters to veterans’ home residents ahead of Veterans Day.” 

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) tweeted about her upcoming virtual town hall about the Affordable Care Act.  

Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) issued a statement after the recent passage of legislation incentivizing the manufacturing of electric vehicles in Illinois.  

Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Chicago) tweeted his reaction to the news that Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) will not run for reelection, saying, “Mark is a great public servant and friend. While we don’t always agree on policy, there’s no one who’s better prepared and thoughtful on issues. Godspeed sir…you’ll be missed #twill #ilgov.” 

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) tweeted about Batinick, “The House will miss @mbatinick -- he's always prepared for an unpredictable floor debate schedule, he's a thoughtful and thorough legislator, and he always has a new idea of how to better engage with and serve his constituents. It's an honor to serve alongside him.” 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted about Batinick “@mbatinick is a gentleman, reasonable and thoughtful. Even when we didn’t agree we did so thoroughly and respectfully. He’s made the General Assembly better.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday announced First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education Martin V. Torres will take over as the administration’s deputy governor of education. Torres succeeds Deputy Governor Jesse Ruiz, who announced his departure in August.  

Pritzker on Wednesday announced Hipolito Roldán to the Capital Development Board and Gabriel Foley as a member of the Children and Family Services Advisory Council. The governor also reappointed Sameer Vohra and John Herrmann to continue serving as members of the State Board of Health. All four appointments must be confirmed by the state Senate.   

Officials from the Illinois Department of Human Services on Wednesday announced Christine Haley was appointed State Homelessness Chief, which was created by an executive order Pritzker issued on Sept. 3. Haley previously worked as the director of housing at Cook County Health.  

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted information about a winter coat drive in his ward.  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Please join us to learn more about the Hegewisch Neighborhood Plan and share your priorities and vision for the future of Hegewisch” and included a link to more information on the plan. 

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) on Tuesday tweeted “Shortly after 6:00pm this evening a woman was carjacked on 108 & Prospect, she was not harmed. An hour ago, Chicago Police apprehended four juvenile offenders & recovered the vehicle and a weapon. Nice work CPD!” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Park District Board Pres needs to step down alongside all who had a role in covering up or not doing their due diligence to address this disaster. Chicago Park District needs new leadership that is up to the task of making our parks safe and creating structures of accountability.”

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez will deliver her first “State of the Circuit Court Address” on Dec. 1, her office announced, saying more details are forthcoming.  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) and Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) are teaming up with the CTA to host a virtual discussion about electrifying Chicago’s bus fleet. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 17, and registration is available online.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Over the past six months, residents have worked with my office to design infrastructure proposals for Participatory Budgeting. You get to decide how we spend $1,000,000. Today, the vote is live! Take 5-to-10 minutes to vote electronically through Dec. 3”  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “There were Halloween events all across the 4th Ward that our office attended...We strongly encourage people to have activations for their block throughout the year to bring their neighborhoods together”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Congrats Jennie Bennett CFO COC on your phenomenal performance at City Club and yes, you created the most progressive budget ever.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “9 years ago today our friend & neighbor Herbie Johnson died battling a house fire in the Gage Park community. He will always be remembered for his unique sense of humor, as a loving husband & father, and a respected leader in the Chicago Fire Department.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Going to the University of PR meant that I was always engaged with social struggles. It was there that I learn about neoliberalism, privatization and the power of democratically run movement to fight for what is ours. Proud of the students who keep fighting today. Solidaridad!” 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted a statement on the most recent report on allegations of sexual harassment by Chicago Park District lifeguards writing, “to dismiss more than three decades of systemic and sustained abuse and harassment as simply something not being handled in a ‘timely manner,’ suggests a stunning level of tone deafness and a failure to accept responsibility as Chair by Ms. LaVelle.” Smith ended her statement writing, “Given today’s events, nothing had changed by opinion that Ms. Lavelle should resign.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Thanks to @GovPritzker and support from Majority Leader @repgregharris for the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) statewide violence prevention plan. Its comprehensive approach will help produce the outcomes needed to address violence.” 

Former Rep. Art Turner Jr., political consultant Hanah Jubeh and campaign organizer Larry Luster on Tuesday announced the launch of Landslide Media Partners, a “new strategic communications, public affairs and grassroots organizing firm with offices in Chicago and Springfield.” 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Over the past six months, residents have worked with my office to design infrastructure proposals for Participatory Budgeting. You get to decide how we spend $1,000,000. Today, the vote is live! Take 5-to-10 minutes to vote electronically through Dec. 3” 

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “There were Halloween events all across the 4th Ward that our office attended...We strongly encourage people to have activations for their block throughout the year to bring their neighborhoods together” 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Congrats Jennie Bennett CFO COC on your phenomenal performance at City Club and yes, you created the most progressive budget ever.” 

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “9 years ago today our friend & neighbor Herbie Johnson died battling a house fire in the Gage Park community. He will always be remembered for his unique sense of humor, as a loving husband & father, and a respected leader in the Chicago Fire Department.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Going to the University of PR meant that I was always engaged with social struggles. It was there that I learn about neoliberalism, privatization and the power of democratically run movement to fight for what is ours. Proud of the students who keep fighting today. Solidaridad!” 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted a statement on the most recent report on allegations of sexual harassment by Chicago Park District lifeguards writing, “to dismiss more than three decades of systemic and sustained abuse and harassment as simply something not being handled in a ‘timely manner,’ suggests a stunning level of tone deafness and a failure to accept responsibility as Chair by Ms. LaVelle.” Smith ended her statement writing, “Given today’s events, nothing had changed by opinion that Ms. Lavelle should resign.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Thanks to @GovPritzker and support from Majority Leader @repgregharris for the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) statewide violence prevention plan. Its comprehensive approach will help produce the outcomes needed to address violence.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced the removal of South Carolina, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory as their caseloads have declined. At the same time, California and Mississippi were added back onto the list because their average caseloads edged past 15 new cases per day. Arkansas has dipped below that threshold, putting it on pace to be taken off the list by next week. Unvaccinated travelers from the 41 states that remain on the Travel Advisory list are asked to get tested or quarantine for 10 days. 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “Today #TeamRam joined officials to break ground at the upcoming Peterson/Ridge @Metra station in Edgewater. After years of delays, commuters will finally have more options to get them where they are going.” 

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued a statement after the legislature recently approved a bill she sponsored to ensure the provisions of the Community Health Worker Advisory Board Act are implemented.   

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted a reminder about an upcoming virtual town hall she is hosting with Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights).  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted a video, adding, “I live in Avalon Park, district office at 85th & Stony I see the increase in reckless driving/speeding on Stony from 79th Street to 87th Street. @chicagosmayor @IDOT_Illinois @ChicagoDOT @GovPritzker please help more motorists and innocent pedestrians are going to die.” 

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted about an upcoming mobile driver services units event she is hosting with the Secretary of State in her district.