Cook County on Tuesday launched the Cook County Career Connector Program to connect companies with prospective employees through the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. Employers and job seekers interested in participating in the Career Connector program can register for an upcoming event at CookCountyCareerConnect.org.  

The Chicago Department of Planning and Development on Tuesday announced a “corridor ambassador program” that will “provide on-the-street support for shoppers and businesses in targeted retail districts across the city.” The department will distribute $5 million in grants to a dozen community-based organizations that “will hire and train neighborhood residents to provide a friendly, welcoming presence on local streets.” 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Those who can become pregnant deserve the right to choose. I condemn efforts by extremist Supreme Court judges to undermine #RoeVWade, and encourage lawmakers in DC to take immediate action to protect reproductive health rights for those who may become pregnant.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “I’m eager for my first trip to Albany this week. Looking forward to connecting and gaining a better understanding of how the New York State Assembly functions.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “No one should be denied housing when they have the means to make the rent. HB 2775 will protect individuals on gov assistance, single mothers receiving child support & seniors on fixed incomes who may have been turned away from housing in the past.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, SB 180 became law! Everyone, regardless of the nature of their disability, should be able to freely move about the capitol and be able to navigate their way through our public spaces.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Every Illinois resident deserves the opportunity to participate in our legislative process, fully and unequivocally. The passage of SB180 will help us understand the challenges people face & identify ways to achieve the goal of full participation. #twill"  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This weekend I connected with my state legislator colleagues from across the country in #seattle for #NCSL Exe Committee. @ncslorg events facilitate critical in-depth, non-partisan discussions for legislative staff and legislators.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted an article about Madigan, “’He’s too smart to get caught” “He’d never leave prints, they’re not going to get him” “Why take the chance?” He’s not a g-d. He’s just a man, a greed driven, corrupt man enabled by the wishful thinking of those he empowered that it could go on forever.’” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed two bills Monday to allow people with disabilities more access to the legislative process and amend housing selection rules. HB2775 makes it illegal to discriminate based on source of income on housing selection and SB180 establishes the Accessibility Task Force lawmakers will use to explore ways to make participating in committee hearings and other events at the Capitol more accessible to people with disabilities.  

The Department of Public Health will end contract tracing phone calls beginning June 1 and will replace the phone calls with text messages to people who test positive for COVID-19. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Last June we brought @ChiefDavidBrown before City Council to share his summer strategy & hear from alds about our local & citywide concerns. With crime growing exponentially, we are calling him, @PedroCPSCEO & @CHICAGO_ROSA to appear before us to discuss their summer strategy.”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) tweeted “The mayor promised a “Summer of Joy” but so far it’s been the Summer from Hell.  Today, @RLopez15thWard, myself, and colleagues called for a council mtg to push Supt Brown, Parks Supt. Escareño and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez for their plans/solutions.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “With faith leaders and progressive alderpersons this morning demanding @chicagosmayor keep her 2019 campaign promise and support #BringChicagoHome – dedicated funding to house our homeless neighbors by raising the transfer tax on properties that sell for over $1 million.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “I want to thank my colleagues for passing the Resolution today in support of the City’s commitment to the protection and expansion of abortion rights for all Chicagoans and out-of-state visitors seeking safe and equitable access abortion services. This Resolution demonstrates our dedication to the protection of reproductive autonomy and health care access. While the final Supreme Court decision is still unknown, in passing this Resolution we have loudly announced to everyone that this City believes in an individual's right to choose,period! #RoeVsWade”  

Ald. Brandan Reilly (42) tweeted “So today, we are having a City Council Meeting, doing some business, suspending the Council Meeting, then convening the Special Casino Committee for a vote, then gaveling the City Council back into session for the Administration to force a final vote in 48 hours. Unprecedented.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Starting off Monday at City Hall with @BringChiHome. We need sustaining, dedicated funding for homelessness services — especially as pandemic relief funds will soon expire.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Are you looking for programming for teenagers in the city this summer? Download the #MyCHIMyFuture app for updates on @1summerchicago and events from @ChicagoParks & @chipublib!” 

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi will speak to the City Club of Chicago about city assessments at Maggiano’s Banquets in River North at 12 p.m. Tuesday. His remarks will be streamed online. 

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) tweeted, “In spite of the previous administration’s messaging that people were leaving Illinois in droves, we now know we in fact grew in the last decade to our greatest population on record.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thanks to @WGNNews's Adelante Chicago for having me on to talk to Lourdes Duarte about $25mill in violence prevention funding secured by the IL Legislative Latino Caucus from the FY 23 budget, coming to Latino communities across the state!”  

Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “By supporting direct relief payments to Illinoisans, with eligible filers receiving $50, plus $100 for every child, we're helping to address the financial challenges residents are facing in the wake of the pandemic.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This #PoliceAppreciationWeek I had the honor of presenting Niles Police Department with a proclamation celebrating their Tier II accreditation by the IL Association of Chiefs of Police. Thank you to Chief Tigera for all your department does to keep our community safe.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Might be time for @GaryRabine and the Republican Party to start telling the truth. People are actually finding Illinois to be a place to live, work and play. The numbers show it.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “I met with incoming president Abdi Tinwalla, Susan Scherer, Shastri Swaminathan, and Karen Pierce of the Illinois Psychiatric Society for a conversation on my legislative priorities and ways to normalize mental health issues and support residents in the 30th District.”  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's an Illinois influx, not an 'exodus'. Highest population ever. Turns out people like states that balance budgets, pay debts, close corp tax loopholes, get credit upgrades, support women, voting rights, says Gay and protects Trans youth and immigrants.” 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) announced he will lead a delegation to visit the New York General Assembly on Tuesday. He will be joined by Reps. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) and his spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll. The lawmakers will meet with New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who visited the Illinois General Assembly early this year.  

Gov. JB Pritzker signed five bills on Friday, including a measure (SB1975) to expand the general homestead exemption, homestead exemption for seniors and reduce interest rates on tax deferrals for seniors and HB1175, which allows student athletes to hire an agent and requires them to submit a copy of the agreement to the university.   

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Adam Ford, Ahmed Jir, State Police Director Brendan Kelly, Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell, Kevin Richards, and National Guard Adjutant General Richard Neely to the Cybersecurity Commission.

Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Fr. Michael Pfleger will host a screening of the documentary film “Chicago at the Crossroad” at 5:45 p.m. Monday with sociologist Carol Adams at Cinema Chatham. The film “chronicles the root causes of violence in Chicago and opens a rare historical window in the systematic creation of poverty-stricken communities plagued by decades of disinvestment.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “A little rain won’t stop Chicago from enjoying street festivals like Mayfest, benefiting the work of @RANCH_Triangle in Lincoln Park!”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter, “UI Health is a great addition to the West Elsdon community, bringing residents access to medical specialty care and advanced diagnostics. UI Health care is located on Pulaski Road, right by 55th Street.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) in her latest newsletter described why she called for hearings on Chicago Public Schools budgeting and wrote, “Keep an eye out for actions to continue advocating for resources. Support our teachers and staff in their efforts to have fully funded schools for all of our students!”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “Happy Birthday to the late Harvey Milk, who taught us all so much about organizing, LGBTQ justice, public service and about governing. There is a clarity to his work and purpose that are inspiration to me. His is one of the pictures I keep in my office to ground me in the work.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Alderman Reilly is extremely frustrated and disappointed with the ongoing violence in the 42nd Ward, which often occurs on or near a CTA Train station. In a recent meeting with Superintendent David Brown, the Alderman was promised that dedicated police details would be assigned to the Red Line and other CTA trains. This has yet to occur.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he voted against the mayor’s ordinance to move forward a curfew for minors. “Going forward, City government must focus on evidenced-based efforts like enforcing the recently passed ban on ghost guns, standing up our city's summer youth employment program, and expanding the reach of community-based violence prevention organizations,” he wrote. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted about the Census undercount: “This correction confirms what Democrats have been saying all along: Illinois is growing, Illinois is thriving, and Illinois has so much to offer.”  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As the U.S. confronts a critical baby formula shortage nationwide, the Illinois Department of Human Services is providing information and answers to the many questions surrounding some specialty and medically prescribed infant formulas: http://DHS.Illinois.Gov/BabyFormula"  

Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Ghost guns are suspected to have been used in over 20,000 crimes in the United States. The passage of HB 4383 is a critical step to combatting gun violence.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “More great Lake Co. news from your State Representatives - this time on flooding! We're eradicating flooding from Highland Park to Park City to Grayslake to Waukegan and everything in between.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Our wallets, family budgets, and small business bottom lines are taking a hit because of Pritzker's Election Year Gimmicks and national inflation.”  

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Despite the protests of right wing “news” sources, Illinois did not lose population. In fact, our population grew by a quarter million.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We must fight to make Chicago and Illinois the epicenter of public safety for all and not a few. We should not buy into the right wing talking points about Chicago. There is no middle ground with them — they don’t care. There is nothing we can do to quiet their hatred.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB257, which allows military order of protections to apply outside military locations. Pritzker also signed HB5194, which creates incentives for banks to establish branches in underserved communities.   

A report by the U.S. Census Bureau found the agency undercounted Illinois population during the 2020 Census by 2 percent, which means the state’s population grew by about 250,000 people compared to the 2010 Census. Illinois was one of five states to be undercounted, while eight were overcounted. According to the governor’s office, the state’s population is now over 13 million.   

The Department of Employment Security reported Illinois’ unemployment rate declined by 0.1 percent in April to 4.6 percent, which is one percentage point above the national average of 3.6 percent. The state added 9,300 non-farm jobs in April.  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “We all want safer streets, and that is why I'm calling on my #ChiCouncil colleagues to join me in opposing Mayor Lightfoot's expansion of Chicago's juvenile curfew ordinance. As Professor @JenniferDoleac states: ‘juvenile curfews are counterproductive for public safety.’”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “So first there’s a reactive, badly thought out youth curfew executive order by our Mayor, and now there’s an “except for Lollapalooza though” clause, because…A. Racism B. Capitalism C. Racial Capitalism #youpick *next will be the ban on dancing like in Footloose”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) in her latest newsletter addressed the recently approved ward map, writing “we were able to hold firm and retain our ward largely untouched, except that the 43rd Ward had to shrink to get closer to the average population per ward of 55,000 people.  We therefore made the painful decision to shrink our western boundary and a bit of our Gold Coast area to comply with the Constitutional duty to keep wards generally the same population.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote “I am excited to see the tremendous progress at the newest public art piece in the 44th Ward. The artist collective "Green Star Movement," with community engagement, is creating a mosaic at the UPS Store on Southport thanks to the Lakeview Public Art Committee and Special Service Area #27. Tomorrow, Friday May 20th, is the last day to participate.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) in his latest newsletter wrote “Last Monday, City Council squeaked by with 2 votes to spare for a new map for all 50 wards in the City of Chicago... The 46th Ward is among the most densely populated wards, so its landmass is smaller than most other wards. Although we gained in population, the surrounding wards gained more, which means the 46th Ward had to expand in landmass to the west and take up some of land that was previously part of the 47th Ward, and it had to give up the area north of Ainslie, which means the Bezazian Library will now be in the 48th Ward.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Illinois Secretary of State candidate @AnnaValenciaIL will always work to fight for the people of Illinois to have their rights protected and for services for all of us. The choice is clear.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health on Thursday announced the launch of the “MAR NOW pilot program, a new hotline that offers immediate treatment for opioid use disorder to Chicagoans regardless of insurance or ability to pay,” according to an announcement. Anyone who calls a helpline can be directed to a “care coordinator and provider” to receive medication-assisted recovery treatment.  

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Clerk Karen Yarbrough will host a news conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday to “to launch the 2022 Property Tax and Innovation Summit, an immersive two-day event for visitors from 13 countries” to teach them about “the mechanics of Cook County property taxes” including “seminars on property valuation, tax levying and transparency.”

Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook) tweeted, “Gun violence is a serious problem in the US, so I was proud to vote yes on HB4383, a bill Gov. Pritzker signed into law today to make ghost guns illegal in Illinois. I will continue to advocate for common sense gun laws that make Illinois safer.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Despite being busy, the intersection at Highway 83 and 22nd street is safe and these cameras served very little purpose for motorists.”  

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted, “FFA taught me so many valuable lessons that I still hold and apply to my life as a farmer and state senator – and I want to provide those same opportunities for other students across our state.”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “HB4383 was signed into law by @GovPritzker today, immediately prohibiting the purchase, sale, & manufacturing of ghost guns. The rise in ghost guns is the fastest growing gun safety problem facing IL. Thanks @RepKamBuckner for spearheading this critical leg.”  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “When we hear pleas from a family for help, we should be using all the tools at our disposal to bring them the support that they need to help find or identify their loved ones.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We need more energy on ending poverty and not locking up the poor. Ending cash bail means focusing our energy on fighting violence in a thorough manner.”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “It's natural to be frustrated over property taxes, and easy to criticize anyone associated with them. Fritz Kaegi is focusing on making structural changes to make them more fair. He's ethical and beholden only to the public. And yes, Alaina Hampton and her team is that good.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Pritzker said he wants to give more to students, but his upcoming budget takes more from them.”  

Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, "Like it or not, the failures at DCFS land on the Governor's desk. It's time for him to take responsibility and work with the legislature and community groups to address this crisis." 

The Department of Agriculture issued their first three pre-construction permits to social equity cannabis licensees Wednesday. The permit goes to minority-owned businesses and allows the businesses to begin construction. Galaxy Labs in Richton Park, Mint Cannabis in Forest Park and Star Buds Illinois in Rockford received the permits.

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Our economy keeps reinventing itself out of necessity but we are not keeping up with the needs of those being left out by drastic and unstoppable forces. I'm running for BOR commissioner to tackle those problems facing businesses and individual homeowners. We can make it work!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “We have money for 110 cameras at UC but local @Chicago_Police districts had to beg aldermen across this city for menu money to buy extra cameras?”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “The 19th Ward Quarterly will be mailed this week to every home & business in Beverly, Morgan Park and Mt Greenwood. Check it out to see all that is happening in the 19th Ward. Please visit http://mattoshea.net and sign up to receive regular community updates via email.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Remember when CTU was fighting for housing supports and people were yelling that it was outrageous that they were asking for that? Now our schools are losing enrollment cause families can’t afford to live in their communities. Grateful for leaders who fight for what’s right.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I'm a HELL NO on Mayor Lightfoot's latest stupid proposal. Studies show that juvenile curfew laws are ineffective and can lead to more violence and crime. Chicago desperately needs safety policies rooted in reality and evidence, not more ‘I'm tough on crime’ posturing and stunts.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “In a briefing asking questions on how the Chicago Casino will benefit Chicago residents, taxpayers and our community. This is a multibillion dollar investment and our communities need to be at the table and not on the menu. The Chicago Casino will bring in much needed revenue to fund our pensions that have historically been underfunded for years as well as create revenue to fund our budget. We need to get this right and make sure that we are analyzing this proposal with a fine tooth comb. #whatstherush”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Join us this Saturday as we show our support for the workers in the 40th that are organizing to form a union!!! Let’s be the first in the city!!”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “I am deeply committed to preserving the historic Epworth Church building. I am working with the City of Chicago’s Commission on Chicago Landmarks to landmark Epworth and ensure it will not be demolished.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Right now it’s likely that everyone knows someone who has Covid. This is because Chicago is in our third-largest spike, to date. While according to Dr. Arwady the City won't require masking until hospitalizations are “high enough”, we're 2 weeks away from hitting the highest transmission levels under CDC guidelines and officials are urging individuals to mask indoors despite what local officials require.” 

City leaders on Wednesday the launch of the My CHI My Future mobile app, a “resource designed to help teens easily find out-of-school programs, events, resources, jobs, and more.” The app shows summer job options, seasonal programs at parks and libraries and community-based programs. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play store.  

The Chicago Food Truck Fest will launch at Daley Plaza at 11 a.m. Friday and return every Friday through October 7 between 11 a.m. 3 p.m., the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection announced. 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “I spent the afternoon with @WaucondaFire getting a tour of the station and learning about the different training and services these first responders provide across the 26th District to keep us safe. Thank you Chief David Geary for inviting me!”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “There are children who rely on the state for survival and Pritzker is failing them. His active refusal to fire DCFS Director Smith sends a direct message to these kids that their lives don't matter.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “This #PoliceAppreciationWeek, thank an officer in your community! The work they do to keep us safe deserves recognition.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “Teachers will now be able to take excused mental health absences under a new law I sponsored.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thanks to @GovPritzker and all those who advocated for CEJA - the nation-leading climate bill that is is working for Illinois consumers. #twill"  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “White supremacy is a poison, pass it on.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’ve been saying this for 4 years & plan to say it for 4 more: what a difference a governor makes. Thank you @JBPritzker for your genuine allyship and your partnership in making IL a safe & welcoming place for my LGBTQ+ family.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Despite the evidence that his administration failed our nation's heroes at the LaSalle Veterans' Home, Governor Pritzker still blames anyone but himself. Our veterans and their families deserve better.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB3017, SB1435 and HB1950 into law Tuesday. The Senate bills address access to health care issues in rural areas by making changes to the loan repayment system for physicians to try to bring more health care services to rural areas and by loosening regulations to allow health care systems to merge or collaborate more easily. The House bill expands the hospital assessment program and extends it through 2026 to help protect safety-net hospitals.