Sen. Dave Koheler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “I was honored to receive a 2022 Lawmaker of the Year award from the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts. I am joined here by AISWCD Executive Director Grant Hammer & Jen Walling, Friend of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “In the Fiscal Year 23 state budget, I secured $200,000 for Employee Connections in Waukegan. The not-for-profit employment education and training agency is in their 13th year helping the community find gainful employment in the Lake County area.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Congratulations Noah Schultz! The Chicago White Sox selected Noah, who is a graduate of Oswego East High School, with the 26th overall pick in this year’s draft. Looking forward to watching him play in the big leagues!”  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I'm excited to announce that I'm a member of @EriksonPolicy's Executive Fellows 2022 Cohort! This program uses an anti-racism approach to explore the benefits of quality early childhood experiences & policy opportunities to support children & families.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Our founding fathers crafted a three-part government structure so that no one person, nor one faction could oppress or terrorize the great majority of our citizens. The Congress and the President must stand as a check on our extreme court. Let’s go!” 

The Legislative Audit Commission will hold a hearing Tuesday on an audit of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) released in May that found the agency was not following up with children in the state’s care. Other problems included a lack of data being tracked by the department and improper healthcare for children. DCFS Director Marc Smith has been found in contempt of court 12 times since the beginning of the year for failing place children in proper care settings in a timely manner.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “A critical step in improving transit service across the CTA is hiring sufficient operators and mechanics for our buses. Starting wage of $24.63 plus benefits! Please share this with your networks, and register for this Saturday’s career fair at the link below!”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) tweeted “Officer wellness IS officer safety; and officer safety IS public safety. Today I joined colleagues and families of fallen officers who unveil a package of reforms to force our police department back on track and provide families the support and respect they deserve.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “The Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary Ordinance will help protect from criminalization people seeking and providing abortion or gender affirming care. I look forward to refining this ordinance in collaboration with my colleagues, the administration, and organizations.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Today I introduced three pieces of legislation that I worked very hard on the last few months: (1) a Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary ordinance to protect from criminalization people seeking or providing gender affirming care or reproductive care (2) an ordinance to allocate $1MM in 2023 to reproductive care and clinic defense – I’m grateful to my chief-co-sponsors on these measures, @CDRosa @AldMattMartin and @ChiAlderwoman, for working with me and all the advocacy groups who helped us think through the first steps to create meaningful and comprehensive legislation to protect bodily autonomy in our city.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Today I voted to keep the camera speed limits at 6mph. The fact that peoples lives are being saved means they are working. However we have to ensure that we are using the proceeds from these cameras to help invest in our infrastructure. If Chicago wants to continue to be a World Class City, we need to take into account the micro mobility options that are available to the residents of Chicago and invest in safe roads, bike lanes, etc.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “I want to commend all of the Chicago Cyclist and #SafeStreets groups for their organizing this weekend and into the City Council meeting. Once we knew the mission, they got to mobilizing and persuading. This win is yours - there are plenty of lives that will be saved.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “I believe government works best when campaigns are funded by ordinary people — not just a few monied interests. That’s why today I am proud to introduce an ordinance that would establish publicly financed elections in Chicago.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host its Small Business Expo at the Kennedy-King College U Building from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, according to a Wednesday announcement. The expo “will feature an opportunity to connect with industry experts and government agencies in the exhibitor hall, educational workshops presented by local business service organizations, an inspiring keynote address, and a networking hour to meet with other current and aspiring business owners,” officials said. 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “We should be revving up police numbers on the streets to keep families safe, but Lightfoot and Pritzker have proven they won’t support law enforcement and clean up our streets. We must get crime under control. Imagine someone carjacking @KyleBusch in the middle of a race. #twill"  

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “INTERN DAY AT WINNEBAGO COUNTY COURT This morning my District Office Interns got to experience firsthand the process of a court trial with Honorable Judge White. It was a real experience to witness in-person trials and meet with our county Public Defenders for questions.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to ride along with the Oak Brook Police Department and experience first-hand what happens on a daily basis for police officers.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I had the honor of sponsoring a similar resolution here in Illinois acknowledging the historic and present-day effects of the illegal land grab against the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Thank you for introducing this legislation and embracing restorative justice!”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We have to reform the Chicago Police Department for the good of All. This is very sad and preventable.” 

The attorney general’s office and U.S. Secret Service are partnering to host threat assessment trainings for leaders of houses of worship, security personnel, school administrators and teachers, hospital staff and administrators, human resource professionals, mental health professionals and law enforcement personnel. The training will educate them on attacks at public places and how to identify potential threats. More information can be found on the attorney general’s website.

Ald. Monique Scott (24) tweeted “Hey 24th Ward residents: The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for applications in July in the Western/Ogden TIF district. Apply at http://chicago.gov/sbif by Aug. 1”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted about recent zoning decisions at 3310-3312 N. Lincoln Ave., 1616 W. Montrose Ave and 3664 N. Lincoln Ave.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “We are starting to see an increase in monkeypox infections. Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Vaccines are available in limited supply.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Start the school year off on the right foot at the annual 50th Ward Back to School Fair! Get free backpacks and school supplies. July 31 at 10 AM at the Indian Boundary Nature Play Center (near Estes and Rockwell).” 

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners released its full calendar and list of ballot requirements for the 2023 municipal elections. The first round of elections will be held on Feb. 28, and the runoff will take place on April 4. 

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The public safety status quo is not functional. We aren’t addressing the deep systemic issues here. It requires challenging the income, wealth, and resource inequalities. It’s the silence of law enforcement when it comes to gun manufacturers profit. It’s very frustrating.”  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Thanks Judiciary Chair @RepJerryNadler and @SenFeinstein for introducing federal protections for marriage equality into Congress. This is so important to codify into federal law given the fallout from the terrible Dobbs decision.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “No more thoughts and prayers — it’s time for action. Let’s ban assault weapons in Illinois.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “Access to mental health services can transform individuals and communities. That’s why I was so excited to attend the groundbreaking of the new Joliet Thriveworks clinic last week!”  

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “CONGRATULATIONS TO AURORA’S OWN, NOAH SCHULTZ! With the 26th overall pick, the Chicago White Sox selected Noah in the first round of the MLB Draft! #ILDistrict84 #Illinois #ChicagoWhiteSox"  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Proud to join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense Lincoln Square chapter for a community picnic in Welles Park. It’s long past time to #BanAssaultWeapons and enact #SensibleGunLaws at the state and national level. Thank you to the survivors of gun violence who shared memories.” 

The Illinois State Police filed an emergency rule change that will allow the agency to broaden how it uses “clear and present danger” reports when making decisions about firearm owner identification (FOID) applications. Under the change, the State Police will be able to use previous “clear and present danger” reports about a person even if they were not actively applying for or holding a FOID card at the time. The change is in response to the July 4 Highland Park mass shooting after reports revealed Highland Park police notified the State Police about the shooter’s previous threats to harm himself and his family. State Police have said the reports were filed before the shooter applied for a FOID card and were not enough to deny his application. The State Police will submit the emergency rule change to the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to make the change permanent.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted a photo of a painted bike lane and wrote “The brightest bike lane I’ve ever seen! Felt like I was riding down the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Last year, Chicago allocated $274M to affordable housing and homelessness — but that funding is temporary, pandemic relief. The clock is ticking to establish a permanent, dedicated stream of funding for homelessness. It’s time to pass @BringChiHome’s common sense plan.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Join ‘Coffee with the Commander’ this Wednesday (July 20) at 11 AM at La Unica Restaurant, 1515 W Devon. Meet Commander Joseph Brennan of the 24th District. No speeches, no agenda, just friendly conversation between the public and the police officers tasked with keeping us safe.” 

Leaders of the Chicago Department of Housing will host a news conference at City Hall at 9 a.m. Tuesday to promote Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s “Connected Communities Ordinance” ahead of its hearing in the City Council’s zoning committee at 10 a.m. 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Just a friendly public service announcement: "Rona" is real and rampant! After 2+ years, I and my youngest just tested positive for COVID-19. We are thankfully up to date with vaccines and experiencing mild symptoms.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Unlike out-of-touch JB Pritzker I pump my own gas. The rising prices are devastating Illinoisans across the state. Families shouldn't have to choose between putting food on their tables and gas in their cars. It's time to cut Pritzker’s gas tax & eliminate the grocery tax. #twill"  

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “Yesterday was my first Ag Advisory Council Meeting. Thank you Director Costello & the great staff @ the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds for helping to make this meeting so successful. Special thanks to the great farmers & Ag specialists of the 58th Senate Dist. who were in attendance.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “My mother believed that women needed to make the decision of when to start a family, nobody else had that right to make that decision. That’s the role model I grew up with and I will fight for this right with my dying breath.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “Earlier this week, I toured @Ecolab's Nalco Water Headquarters in Naperville with @senatorellman and @SenatorHolmes. We learned about the company's exploration of innovative solutions to optimize drinking water and other usage in our communities.” 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging people seeking reproductive health care to protect their private data, including locations they travel, when using apps and online services. Raoul warns that fertility and menstrual tracking apps require users to submit personal information, which can be sold to third parties. “Women have a right to use web-based tools to seek reproductive health care without worrying that their data or location is being shared with third parties,” Raoul said in a news release. “I strongly encourage people to review my office’s free guidance to limit the personal data that can be collected and shared with others.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Not “may,” but WILL include a 5.5% increase in the FY2023 year’s budget possibly 8.5-10% increase for FY2024. BTW: those mandatory Lori tax increases are scheduled for the next 45 years!”  

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter, “Great job to Cook County Sheriff's Office for replacing over 60 vehicle light bulbs for the residents in the community. Special thanks to Fr. Miguel for allowing the use of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish parking lot and to Cook County Comm. Alma Anaya, State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, and State Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar for the collaboration.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “A more just and equitable world will not be won on Twitter or through infighting in leftist organizations. A more just and equitable world will be won through base building in our workplaces and in our communities. We must base build, always.”  

Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) wrote in his latest newsletter, “I am writing to provide an update regarding infrastructure throughout the entire City of Chicago. On June 7, 2022, workers at three major companies halted work due to contractual discussions. These three companies produce aggregate material, such as sand, gravel, and stone needed for asphalt and concrete. The longer this contractual discussion continues the more detrimental it is to this year's infrastructure projects.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter, “The City of Chicago in coordination with Bally’s Chicago is hosting a Virtual Community Meeting on Tuesday, July 19th at 6 PM regarding the temporary casino at the Medinah Temple, 600 North Wabash Street. Click here to register for the virtual meeting. At this meeting, Bally’s Chicago will present its plans with respect to historic preservation and answer questions related to historic preservation of the Medinah Temple, since it is a Chicago Landmark. This is in advance of the Landmark Department's Permit Review Committee review of the project, scheduled to take place in August.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted, “Thanks to everyone who came out to help @LPConservancy pull weeds at North Pond this morning!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “I’m excited to announce that a compromise has been reached that will allow the proposed mixed-use, affordable development at 4715 N Western Ave to move forward.” 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed former Ald. Michael Scott (24), Sulema Medrano Novak and Paige Ponder as new members of the Chicago Board of Education. Novak is a trial lawyer and member of the city of Chicago’s Human Resource Board. And Ponder is the CEO of the group One Million Degrees. Scott replaces former Board member Dwayne Truss, whose term expired.

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted a recollection of his own experience at the Highland Park parade: “10 days after the horror that unfolded on July 4th, I wanted to share my recollection of the Highland Park parade. These past 10 days have been filled with grief, trauma, & anger, but also w/ awe of our first responders & hope for a gun violence free future. #HighlandParkStrong"  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Yesterday, I was joined by the Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, Jerry Castello, to speak with my Ag Advisory Committee. Adding another gold star next to this event as it was a success! #StewartFarms #38thSenateDistrict #IllinoisFarmBureau #IllinoisDepartmentofAg"  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Late or MIA buses and trains, insane ride-share surges, ineffective and dangerous bike sharrows, and an increasingly unaffordable bike share system. We need a revolution around active, public transit.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The lakefront is one of Chicago’s greatest gifts. Because of amazing organizing — it’s safer too. cc: @RepKellyCassidy"  

Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “The right wing pro-lifers are so embarrassed when faced with the obviously horrendous real world impacts of their extreme laws, they are now gaslighting themselves. "Oh if it would cause something that bad to someone, then it's not really an 'abortion'."”  

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago) tweeted, “#HB4973 will ensure that consumers are provided with ethical and quality service from third-party energy suppliers, establishing penalties for companies that prey on IL seniors and non-English speakers who are especially vulnerable to these predatory practices.”  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “To say that I am humbled and honored would be an understatement. So honored my colleagues from the Midwest have nominated me to serve as the next National Officer for the @CSGovts, a nonpartisan organization committed to excellence in state government. #Serving17 #Humbled"  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “In-person meetings are always better.” 

The State Journal-Register hired Patrick Keck as the paper’s new state government reporter. The paper did not have a state government reporter since Dean Olsen moved to the Illinois Times at the beginning of the year.   

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services will now provide health care coverage for undocumented immigrants between ages 42 and 62as part of an expansion to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program. The program currently covers adults between ages 55 and 64. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “On my third day in Israel, I had the opportunity to see the Lebanese boarders with Israel; discussed tribal allegiance over nationality; and the future of what border disputes & peace look like, if possible, especially as old border disputes evolve into maritime issues.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago belongs to the people, not FOP president John Catanzara & rightwing extremists who hate Chicago's communities & our compassionate values. Chicago's northwest side progressive movement is proof that we can win important victories for our communities when we come together.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “Yes. I helped shut down a gun shop with United Power years ago. They are right. With citizen action, we are not helpless to stop gun violence.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Big news: After many years of work, I’m thrilled to announce the plan to build 65 affordable homes in the heart of Lincoln Square—at 4715 N Western Ave—is moving forward!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Thank you to everyone who came for our first Outdoor Office Hours of the summer this week! Look for us in neighborhood locations near you over the coming months. The next event will be on July 25 from 4-6 PM at Lerner Park (Lunt & Sacramento).”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot " has wrapped a successful trip to London that included meetings with senior governmental officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to talk about Chicago’s thriving economy and business sectors,” a spokesperson wrote on Thursday. Lightfoot is headed to Paris for the rest of the week to meet with officials there including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.