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. 

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Blue Cross Blue Shield and JB Pritzker need to stop playing games with Central Illinoisans and their healthcare. #Twill"  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Today I joined state legislators and fire officials to highlight a measure that would help recruit more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by providing an income tax credit at a press conference.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It was easy to choose today’s socks after yesterday’s vile transphobic rant on the House floor from one of my colleagues. #twill"  

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) tweeted, “People who intentionally murder police officers should serve life sentences. The Governor needs to reconsider his future nominations, or I’ll be voting them down as well.”  

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The Illinois Trust Act is intended to protect immigrant communities & keep families whole. Will County’s State Attorney’s Office violated the Trust Act by entering into an agreement with ICE & continued to violate said bill by transferring Mr. Navarro to ICE on or around March 22”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “I joined Senator Diane Pappas to meet with members of ABATE Illinois at the Capitol today. ABATE members advocate for motorcycle rights and work to bring awareness to issues affecting riders. Thank you for the visit, and I hope you enjoyed the trip to Springfield!”  

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I had the honor to give out red carnations yesterday in order to commemorate St. Joseph’s Day and to educate the Illinois House of Representatives on the importance of this day to the Italian Catholic community.”  

Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) tweeted, “Thanks to the members of #AFFI for stopping by and filling me in on issues related to our fire fighters who protect us all each day.”  

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “All students deserve the opportunity to have a well-rounded, nutritional meal at school that meets their dietary needs. For some kids it may be the only substantial meal they get that day, and they need to be able to make the most of it.”  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “50 Federal judge appointments passed without much folderol. Durbin's got the hard work and achievement gene. Illinois Proud.” 

The Illinois Commerce Commission will begin implementing their five-year Crossing Safety Plan to improvements at railroad crossings. The plan includes funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan. Work will be done at 879 railroad crossing in the state.

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Join Ms. Anjanette Young for a rally in support of the Anjanette Young ordinance this Saturday, March 26th at 11 AM in Daley Plaza. Speakers will include Ms. Young as well as Aldermanic co-sponsors Maria Hadden, Jeanette Taylor, Stephanie Coleman, Leslie Hairston, and Sophia King”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “3.5 hours on resolutions is nice or was it a stall tactic to get the rubber-stamp Casino Committee rammed through?”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “This morning at City Council we honored Dr. Ngozi Ezike for her dedicated service to Illinoi[s]ans. A real class act, she served with empathy and compassion.”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Chicago City Council joins the 21st century. Electronic voting is here!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Just cast our first e-vote! We are officially out of the Flintstone age!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I was honored to publicly thank many of our local police officers at City Council today for their dedication to the safety of our neighborhood. After a horrifying rash of anti-Semitic incidents, the police rallied to our community’s defense.” 

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will begin the Annual Tax Sale on May 12 for the sale of unpaid 2019 property taxes that were originally due in 2020, she announced Wednesday. About $219 million in unpaid 2019 property taxes is due on 44,741 homes, businesses and land. Property owners can avoid the tax sale by going to cookcountytreasurer.com and selecting "Avoid the Tax Sales." 

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “I had a great time tonight with our Future Farmers of America. I sat on a legislative panel and offered advice on how to promote positive change in one’s community through advocacy. The students were incredibly respectful and had great questions!”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “I advanced two measures out of the Senate Education Committee today that would help address the ongoing statewide teacher shortage.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “Republicans have put forth a common-sense approach that lowers the price of gas in a way that does not negatively affect the state budget. It makes border-adjacent Illinois fuel retailers more competitive while maintaining important road funding.”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted a Block Club Article titled, “More Black, Latino Chicagoans Are Dying Of Heroin, Fentanyl Overdoses. A State Plan Will Expand Strategies To Tackle The Crisis”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “Happy Ag Day! Thank you to the Department of Ag for all the fun local products. With over 27 million acres of farmland in IL, National Agriculture Day takes on a special meaning. We celebrate the farmers that make sure we always have safe, healthy food for our families.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday morning, I had an amazing seat to witness history #KetanjiBrownJackson. This morning my seat is even better. Young and engaged!” 

Former Illinois Attorney General candidate Erika Harold has been appointed executive director of the Commission on Professionalism at the Illinois Supreme Court.   

The Chicago Sun-Times has hired Tina Sfondeles as the newspaper’s chief political reporter. Sfondeles, who previously worked for the Sun-Times, currently works as vice president of public and media relations at Mac Strategies Group. Prior to this role, Sfondeles was a White House reporter for Politico.

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “19th Ward residents/business owners are invited to stop by my office (10400 S. Western Ave) to pick up a window sign in support of the people of Ukraine.”  

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted “I will NOT be doing any interviews with @wttw until they make things right with the workers at IBEW Local 1220 (@Window2workers) and give them a fair contract!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Neighbors be advised of the active fire at 3040 W Lawrence. The marshal said it started in the second floor storage area. No injuries, thankfully everyone was able to get out of the building.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared a Tribune article and tweeted “Richard Irvin flip flops on criminal justice reform to get that Ken Griffin cash.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Here’s a great opportunity to select the first Asian to represent the 11th Ward. Let’s make history or herstory by getting this selection done ASAP.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Today’s Senate Confirmation Hearing has confirmed Senator Lindsey Graham: still spineless.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted a video with the title of "49th Ward Update on #GasGiveaway pt. 2 scheduled for Thursday, March 24.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health announced the removal of seven states from its COVID-19 Travel Advisory for seven states — Alabama, California, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Oregon — because their average daily case rates dropped below 15 per 100,000. Their removal leaves 11 states and one territory whose unvaccinated travelers are still asked to quarantine or test after arriving in the city. Starting on Friday, the public health department plans to switch the system to align with the Center for Disease Control’s three-tier “community level” system that ranks states as being “high, medium, or low risk” based on case rates and hospitalizations.  

The group of five Black Chicago alderwomen who last year sponsored the Anjanette Young Ordinance to add more restrictions to Chicago Police Department warrant execution practices will hold a rally at Daley Plaza at 11 a.m. on Saturday to renew their support for the effort, they announced. Young will be in attendance. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has opposed the ordinance, saying she does not believe police policy should be codified in city code.

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The pandemic’s impact on the industry has been startling, as hotels have sustained a large decline in occupancy for more than two years now. SB 4184 counters this by designating $250 million to the new Hotels Jobs Recovery Act.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Schools in the 20th District face low vaccination rates, with many not hitting 50% of eligible students being vaccinated. As new variants emerge, I am calling on schools and communities to continue to encourage vaccines for those who can get it.”  

Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) tweeted, “Monday fun day reviewing bills for the week…. Where’s @RepTimButler?”  

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, I stood with with a coalition of community organizations and colleagues @OmarAquinoIL2 and @StateRepAmmons calling the State Legislature to Expand The Earned Income Tax Credit. This expansion will help thousands of households in our state when they needed most #ExpandEITC"  

Rep Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted, “#FreeBabylonBee”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s always a pleasure to be back in the building where I started my career, but even more so today as I watch @SenatorDurbin Chair the confirmation hearing of #JudgeKetanjiBrownJackson. Such a momentous time in our Nation’s HERstory. Glad to share it with colleagues & friends.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In Illinois, we repealed the Parental Notice Act, created a comprehensive and inclusive health and safety curriculum, and passed the Reproductive Health Act. But we cannot take anything for granted and must continue to fight to protect reproductive rights and public health safety”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “Pleased to stand with colleagues and stakeholders today at Daley Plaza to advocate for economic security for all Illinoisans.” 

The Department of Insurance has fined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois’ parent company Health Care Service Corporation $339,000 after Blue Cross Blue Shield failed to properly file network adequacy filings regarding the company’s decision to end their contact with Springfield Clinic. The fine amounts to $1,000 for each day it was late filing the notices and is the first time the department has issued such a fine. The House Insurance Committee will hold a hearing at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the decision which has impacted thousands of residents.   

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Monday associate secretary for Behavioral Health at the Illinois Department of Human Services David Jones will became the state’s chief behavioral health officer and lead the state’s Overdose Action Plan.  

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) is recovering at home after being involved in a serious car accident Sunday, her office said in a statement. The freshman representative was helped out of the car by bystanders and briefly taken to the hospital.  

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “As part of the 2022 City of Chicago Budget, I was proud to fund a new community-based organization micro-grant program. This funding allows all 50 aldermen to offer grants for programming in their ward. 3rd Ward grant details & info session included below https://conta.cc/3qntDOX”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “My office will be issuing warnings this week to new businesses and citations to existing businesses that fail to maintain their properties, front & back. Being responsible to the community is nothing new. Everyone, residents and businesses, must do their part.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “A privilege to stand with the courageous and righteous workers of IBEW Local 1220 @Window2workers @IBEW as they fight for fair working conditions and a fair contract from @wttw! Do the right thing!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “To all elected officials in Chicagoland: Don’t cross the picket line of @Window2workers at WTTW. If they are not inside and working we shouldn’t be talking to reporters there. Hold the line until the contract is settled. This fight is to protect precious union jobs.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Thank you to my colleagues on the Finance Committee who just voted to extend our 606 demolition surcharge ordinance - an ordinance first proposed by @LSNAChicago and which has now been proven to protect naturally occurring affordable housing.” 

Cook County announced the opening of applications for the county Department of Planning and Development’s Public Service grants, funded by funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs. The department will host a virtual workshop at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to provide more details to units of government or nonprofit organizations that wish to apply. Online registration is required. Applications are due on April 15. The application is on the county’s website.  

Karin Norington-Reaves announced on Monday that she has resigned from her post as CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. Norrington-Reaves is running to fill U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush’s 1st District seat in Congress. “It has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life to serve my community,” Norington-Reaves said in a news release. “This weekend, I resigned as CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership in order to focus on the next stage of my public service: running to become the first Congresswoman for the First District for Illinois.” Norington-Reaves had helmed the organization since 2012.

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “Proud for Illinois to have been the 1st state in the nation to pass the #TEAACHAct. Education is a powerful tool to combat hate, build empathy, & to create a better democracy. Thanks @JBPritzker & @PhilMurphyNJ for their support, more states should follow.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Happy Friday! Great season @RamblersMBB! You represented our area proud!”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “While major corporations are pulling out of Russia, the Pritzkers' Hyatt Corporation has doubled down on their position to stay in Russia and pledged to continue their support.”  

Rep. Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Climbing Inside the Capitol with Counsel General of Ireland Kevin Byrne and a few friends. A great way to celebrate the Irish on St. Patricks Day morning”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Immediately after college, I had the honor and privilege of working with @MerriDee1 while a young man working for @WGNNews. She took me under her wings and helped set me up on my journey. She was extremely proud of me becoming Speaker, and I will miss her counsel and support.”  

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) tweeted, “What a special experience to introduce students from @NeuquaValley, @WaubonsieValley, and @meteavalley Youth & Government to their Speaker of the House!”  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “This week, I had the privilege of meeting @CarlHeastie, the first African American Speaker of the NY State Assembly.”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “'It's Scary': Chicago mobile surveillance camera shot out on city's Northwest Side - CBS Chicago - our very own war zone in the IL 40th- the saga continues.” 

All Senate committees scheduled for the week of March 21 will be conducted in-person at the State Capitol in Springfield and will not have any virtual participation for lawmakers or witnesses who wish to testify, according to the General Assembly’s website. The Senate has been holding hybrid or virtual committees since the pandemic began.   

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday the start of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative to redesign how the state provides behavioral health services to children. The initiative is tasked with outlining a plan to guide state agencies on providing behavioral health services by the end of the year. Pritzker announced University of Chicago child welfare expert Dana Weiner would lead the initiative.   

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday he was appointing Kevin McDermott as public administrator and public guardian of Sangamon and Moultrie Counties, Keyria Rodgers to the Juvenile Justice Commission, Jordan Powell and Anthony LoSasso to the Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) announced she will host a virtual town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Monday.  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter of last week’s special City Council meeting, “We showed up because we are trying to stop the mayor from defunding the police. The mayor’s policy - it’s a “Defund the Police” initiative. PERIOD. Every police officer the mayor terminates, makes all other police officers less safe.  It makes response times rise. It leads to more cancelled RDO’s and 12-hr days. It makes this city less safe.”  

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Working with several aldermen and Mayor Lightfoot's Office, we have moved forward on a feasibility study on the proposal to create the North Branch Park and Preserve. There will be a planning firm selected within the next couple of months with the hope of having the feasibility study done later this year.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Green & Bransford, LLC has filed a Special Use application to operate an Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary at 212 East Ontario Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will hold a public hearing on a later date to consider this application... Alderman Reilly has raised concerns about the applicant’s security and loading plans for this particular site.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “My office hosted the first of two town halls to discuss the demolition and deconversion of 2- and 3-flats across our Northcenter and Lincoln Square communities. Representatives from DePaul University’s Institute for Housing Studies, the Chicago Department of Housing, and The Preservation Compact shared data regarding these land-use changes, how they exacerbate the ongoing loss of affordable homes throughout our Ward, and potential policy responses.”  

Cook County Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) wrote in a statement, “For the Appellate Court to let Jussie Smollett walk out the door yesterday, pending his appeal, is appalling. Once again, Cook County citizens are left questioning the competence and integrity of our judiciary after repeatedly being misled by State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, and exposed to her gross incompetence, and failure to perform the duties of her elected office.” 

The Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance of Chicago will host Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi for a Zoom meeting at 12 p.m. on Tuesday. Online registration is required. The group will also host Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx at 12 p.m. the following Tuesday, March 29. Registration information for the event is forthcoming.  

Timna Axel is stepping down as director of communications for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights to become a communications strategist for the environmental group Earthjustice.