Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) will face off in their first televised debate Thursday at Illinois State University in Normal. The hour-long debate begins at 7 p.m. and will air on Nexstar stations around Illinois. The debate will be hosted by WGN’s Tahman Bradley and WCIA’s Jennifer Roscoe. WGN will host a second debate later this month.
Springfield Announcements October 06, 2022
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “City Hall must be a place that helps our residents, families, and businesses. As Mayor, I will create a government that helps, rather than hurts, the people who call Chicago their own. Any employee refusing to accept that vision will be immediately relieved of their burdens.”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I have an opponent that went public lying shamelessly about my record and proposing things I have already done and Im fighting for. Most of his followers are right wingers and racists. He’s running as a progressive. It’s wild how easily ppl lie in the pursuit of individual power.”
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted "It was great to join California Park Neighborhood Association (CaPNA) last night to discuss public safety in #IrvingPark. All of us deserve safe, well-resourced communities. That's why we must continue to build relationships and deliver the resources needed for safer communities.”
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Happy World Teacher’s Day! Thank you to all those teachers that helped guide us and mold us to be the human beings that we are. I will never forget the selflessness and life lessons you taught me”
Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “This year, each Alderman's office received a one-time micro-grant to support pandemic recovery in our community. Our office was proud to fund additional mental health resources at @LakeViewHS as well local art classes for hundreds of CPS students in the 47th Ward.”
Ward Reports October 06, 2022
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection on Wednesday awarded $2 million in grants to 18 community and economic development organizations to help small businesses in “activating” their storefronts, according to a news release from Lightfoot’s office. The grants are meant to support new art and pop-up businesses in corridors hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chicago Announcements October 06, 2022
Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) tweeted, “Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is an opportunity for reflection, reconciliation and forgiveness. To all those observing, G’mar Chatimah Tovah—we wish you an easy fast, a day of deep reflection, and may we all enter the new year with clear eyes and renewed purpose.”
Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “My district office in Aurora is seeking a full time District Director to start Monday, October 17th, 2022. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected] by Monday, October 10th, 2022 at 11:59pm.”
Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Sunday mornings are always a time of thanksgiving and reflection - Thankful for the things He has done and quiet anticipation of what He is yet to do. There is always a powerful Word whether in my home church or as a visitor with another congregation.”
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “A woman in Tri Taylor just told me she recognized me and called me “the Ghostbuster” and thanked me for my work on Ghost Guns. I told her next I’m working on preventing Ghost Buses — fixing the CTA & safe streets for all, so that we don’t have to continue to set up Ghost Bikes.”
District Dispatches October 05, 2022
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning Illinois consumers to be aware new and used vehicles damaged by flooding from Hurricane Ian in Florida could be put up for sale in Illinois. Raoul is warning consumers to be aware of a vehicle's history and be on the lookout for scams on vehicles that might have been damaged in floods. The nation is facing a shortage of new and used cars.
Springfield Announcements October 05, 2022
Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Yom Kippur—the Jewish Day of Atonement—begins tonight. I would like to wish the 50th Ward’s Jewish community a meaningful holiday and an easy fast. G’Mar Chatima Tova!”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33) responded on Twitter to former Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson’s comments on The Daily Line’s reporting that the mayor’s announcement about the establishment of an executive office on climate and environmental equity falls short of her promise to bring back the environment department. Rodriguez tweeted “This is deeply disappointing but not surprising. This investment doesn’t meet the moment we are living in and it’s scary that it continues to be an afterthought.”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted about a Block Club Chicago article on the closure of a Pilsen hot dog restaurant over a mural city officials consider an advertisement. Lopez said “This is how ass-backwards our city has become: a business w/ a mural has to paint it over or close, but taggers hit the @cta or viaducts & we have respect their intellectual property rights, check mural registration, and all-around avoid painting over it out of fear of lawsuits.”
Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Crime is out of control - that should be our first priority in this budget! #FurtherTogether #SophiaForChicago” while sharing another tweet highlighting her comments calling for an “Office of Violence Prevention” in a Chicago Sun-Times article.
Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “I got on the Red Line and some person offered me a seat. She must think I’m a senior or something. Since when is being 69 years and 49 weeks old a senior?”
Ward Reports October 05, 2022
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Coalition will hold a news conference at Pottawattomie Park in Chicago at 11 a.m. Monday. Event attendees will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and urge lawmakers to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Chicago Announcements October 05, 2022
Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted “Today @governors_state EPIC Cancer Health Fair, shared my cancer story. In 2006 I was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks Tonya Roberson Dir. of Community Engagement, President Green, Provost Schelle and Dean Balthazar for caring about lowering cancer disparities.”
Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) tweeted “Last week, I toured Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana. This is a community-based farm dedicated to producing locally-grown, high-quality, natural produce. Thanks for having me and discussing some current issues that the farm is working on!”
Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted “We need common sense, private-sector experience in Springfield! Help us to re-elect Martin McLaughlin to represent the 52nd District!”
Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “Honored to have been a part of the 2022 #EriksonExecutiveFellows. As we prepare to return to Springfield, we will be ready to work on furthering our state's robust early childhood education agenda to ensure that all our youth have the support network they need for success.”
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted “The lies many have told about the end of cash bail in IL reminds me of the lies spread about the ACA. I was a U.S. Senate staffer in 2009 when during August recess the nonsense about “death panels” deciding if Granny dies started to spread. All good change faces opposition.”
House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Enjoyed kicking off the #RenewingIllinois summit hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I also had a chance to sit and chat with the students from the University of Illinois Springfield PAR program while on campus.”
Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “For all the Statehouse folks who may not have been in Springfield since the end of session, here is your Capitol North Wing renovation update as of this afternoon. Bye bye Circle Drive. #RebuildIllinois at work.”
Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “The IL Jewish Legislative Caucus wishes you L’Shana Tovah from the @WhiteHouse with @POTUS @VP @SecondGentleman.”
Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “This week I cosponsored 4 bills calling for the repeal of Safe-T Act & restoration of monetary bail. States Attys in 100 of 102 IL counties oppose this law. It's the “Criminals Priority Act” b/c it puts the public’s safety at greater risk. Support lawmakers who protect families.”
District Dispatches October 04, 2022
Gov. JB Pritzker announced 11 appointments to various boards and commissions on Monday including appointing Douglas Matzner, Ratna Kanumury and Mohammed Jameel to serve as members of the Illinois State Medical Board. All appointments require confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
Springfield Announcements October 04, 2022
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “.@BringChiHome we see you and hear you this morning! Great action! We will find a way to win for and with you and our unhoused neighbors!”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I’m sure it just coincidence the mayor is sticking around the chamber as aldermen leave. Her presence on the floor keeps media from walking in the floor asking questions.”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) in a thread tweeted “It’s Mental Health Awareness week and I thought I would tell y’all about the North River Mental Health Center. This is one of the 5 public MHCs that remain open after the two previous Mayors closed 14 of the 19 we had. Our public clinics provide much needed free mental health care to any Chicago resident regardless of immigration status.”
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “Mayor’s Budget Address: Mayor just announced street outreach violence prevention was funded at $1 million when she took office and is now “15 times that” at $52 million. If that’s the math being used in this budget, it’s gonna be a really long month.”
Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “On Friday, I joined the community at Hayt School -- including students, parents, teachers, and administrators -- for a ribbon cutting at their new soccer turf field. The joy of these students makes the work to make this a reality all worth it.”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted "I’m proud to be a lead sponsor of #BringChicagoHome in efforts to move solutions forward for our unhoused community members.”
Ward Reports October 04, 2022
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is hosting its first ever reception for the Illinois Clean Energy Champion Awards Oct. 25. The program aims to “celebrate job creation by private companies, nonprofit organizations, and government units from across Illinois that have seized the chance to make our state a leader in the clean energy future,” according to a news release from the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Nominations are due by Oct. 5, and registration to attend the event is available online.
Chicago Announcements October 04, 2022
Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dietrich) tweeted, “-Booming Inflation -Soaring Gas Prices -High Unemployment -Rampant Crime -Open Boarders -Record Budgets -Schools Closed -Kids Masked -Economy in Shambles -Men in Girls Bathrooms & Sports. Delusions of Grandeur!”
House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Enjoyed kicking off the #RenewingIllinois summit hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I also had a chance to sit and chat with the students from the University of Illinois Springfield PAR program while on campus.”
Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “For all the Statehouse folks who may not have been in Springfield since the end of session, here is your Capitol North Wing renovation update as of this afternoon. Bye bye Circle Drive. #RebuildIllinois at work.”
Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “The IL Jewish Legislative Caucus wishes you L’Shana Tovah from the @WhiteHouse with @POTUS @VP @SecondGentleman.”
Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “This week I cosponsored 4 bills calling for the repeal of Safe-T Act & restoration of monetary bail. States Attys in 100 of 102 IL counties oppose this law. It's the “Criminals Priority Act” b/c it puts the public’s safety at greater risk. Support lawmakers who protect families.”
District Dispatches October 03, 2022
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 493,000 Illinois residents have received the latest COVID-19 booster shot that was approved in early September. Over 130,000 received the shot in the last week. Daily vaccination numbers continue to be at the highest levels since February. No Illinois counties were considered high risk for COVID-19 as of Friday for the first time since May.
Springfield Announcements October 03, 2022
Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Easy like Sunday morning!! At the 3rd Annual Bronzeville 5K Run/Walk. Family friendly and community building event in full effect. With State Rep. Lamont Robinson and Park District Manager Maceo Johnson.”
Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “On Sunday, October 2nd, the 19th Ward will host a community blood drive at St. Christina School, 8:00am-12:30pm. Please consider making a lifesaving blood donation.”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I was on @bennyjshow talking about my race, City Council business and Chicago politics. Thank you for having me Ben!” Rodriguez-Sanchez shared a link to the show.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Nothing epitomizes Avondale more than the drawing of La Virgen de Guadalupe caressing Pope John Paul II that hangs behind the cash register at Mazamitla. It's pretty awesome.”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Chicago’s first ECPS Commission convened for their very first meeting last night. This is the most progressive civilian oversight board in the Nation. So many groups organized on the ground to make this a reality. Truly historic and powerful.”
Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Safer communities involve the work of CPD, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, the 46th Ward Office, and MOST IMPORTANTLY.... the community. Our work together is the solution to making our community safer and better.”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “We’ve had five very strong petition weeks, and this mornings successful petitioning was no different. We couldn’t have gotten through the last five weeks without all of our volunteers. We are so lucky and very grateful!”
Ward Reports October 03, 2022
Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection at 3 p.m. Wednesday will host a webinar to detail how to “operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago,” according to the department’s website. Webinar topics are set to include inspection preparations, building permits and sign display requirements, zoning review procedures and a food inspection overview. Additional information and registration is available online.
Chicago Announcements October 03, 2022
Rep. Edgar Gonzalez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I would have never known I shouldn't identify as "Latinx" had the authority on Latin@/e/x self-expression not made this tweet. Thank you @DarrenBaileyIL!”
Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “We can start respecting immigrants from Mexico when we have real leaders who don’t diminish their culture with made up words like “Latinx”. We must make Chicago and all of Illinois safer and more affordable. It’s time to get our economy growing again and create jobs.”
Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Did you catch that Forty-two separate projects across the district, with costs ranging from $12,000 up to $22.3 million, will be completed from now until 2028?”
Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’ve been ghosted by buses and trains 5 or 6 times in the last couple weeks commuting to meetings, but just now a bus showed up and it was a fantastic commute. I was sure to thank my driver on the #81 Lawrence.”
District Dispatches September 30, 2022
Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Nora Daley as chair of the Illinois Arts Council. She replaces interim chair Rhoda Pierce who will remain on the board as vice chair. Daley is the daughter of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Federal Highway Administration approved IDOT’s plan to build a network of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state. The state will receive $148 million over the next five years to build charging stations every 50 miles along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. The project is designed to help bring Illinois’ vehicle fleet to include a million electric vehicles by 2030.
Springfield Announcements September 30, 2022
Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “The City Treasurer of Chicago - Melissa Conyears-Ervin will be hosting the Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow (BWTT) Financial Empowerment Weekend starting this Friday, September 30, at 10 AM at the UIC Forum. Please visit and register for free at https://chicagocitytreasurer.com/bwtt/.”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “When @chicagosmayor says she found ‘efficiencies in the budget,’ what she really meant to say is all unfilled, bloated jobs she promised to fill in order to deliver city services & never did allow her to avoid asking for more money. Same dog-and-pony show three years running!”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Here for Chicago history: the first meeting of the ECPS Commission, the most progressive civilian oversight board in the Nation. It is transformational to see this and understand it’s potential. Thank you to all of the grassroots groups who organized to make this possible.”
Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) shared a link on Facebook to a survey for constituents to provide feedback on proposed projects in Warren Park and said “Vote now and help improve Warren Park! Fill out the survey to help the Warren Park Advisory Council spend $1.5 million in grant money and create spaces in the park that foster intergenerational interactions. The deadline to take the survey is Friday, September 30.”
Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted “Professionally, Having provided emergency resources response to several hurricanes over the years, I can tell you initial reports seem that Ian is amongst the worst. Pray for the people of Florida and the greater region.”
Ward Reports September 30, 2022
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday announced she will not propose a property tax increase tied to inflation as part of her 2023 budget. The mayor’s announcement comes just four days before she is scheduled to introduce her budget proposal to aldermen. Lightfoot had previously said she would ask for a $42.7 million property tax hike as part of next year’s budget but on Thursday said “improving revenues” helped close a $128 million budget gap. Lightfoot is scheduled to introduce her budget proposal at 10 a.m. Monday.
Chicago Announcements September 30, 2022
Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) tweeted, “@GovPritzker has zero respect for the voters. What a coward.”
Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) tweeted, “Congratulations, @Lucy_Westlake! Your dedication and determination are an inspiration to us all, and your passion is changing the world. Keep doing big things!”
Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “If anyone ever questioned the fight to teach accurate history in America, check out the Top of the Republicans ticket in Illinois.”
Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Reddick) tweeted, “Yesterday I joined the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, Crete Chamber of Commerce, Peotone Chamber of Commerce and the Monee Chamber for a business after hours at the planned site of the South Suburban Airport.”