Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “I voted against pork-filled budgets. We must demand a zero-based budgeting process where every state department starts at zero & makes a case for every penny spent to provide accountability & tax relief. We must also end the process of passing bills legislators don’t read. #twill"  

Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I will be hosting Yoga in the Park with State Representatives Kelly Burke and Fran Hurley on Wednesdays throughout the month of September. Join us from 5-6 p.m. at the Lake Katherine Nature Center. See you there!”  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Law enforcement officers, detectives and support staff employed through the @ILStatePolice work with integrity to protect families and improve public safety in the greater Metro East region”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “41-year-old Gerardo Marciales was supposed to marry his fiancé Jaime this past weekend. His tragic death at Balbo & DSLD was avoidable. We have to make our streets safe for everyone. I’ve written a letter to IDOT to make sure we prioritize safety and coordination w/ CDOT.” 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) tweeted “Couple important notifications in today's eblast: an update on the City's COVID-19 booster roll-out, energy bill assistance programs, and an invitation to a very special ribbon cutting for the new gym at Phillips High School! https://conta.cc/3BgpqlY”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “I will always ensure constituents have access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “So glad I was able to be a part of this conversation and talk about what it was like growing up in the city as a person of color.”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) tweeted “So, it’s being reported that 27% of Chicago City Council is hanging it up. Let’s discuss that with the incumbent Northside aldermen…”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “It was invigorating to see so much support at our re-election kickoff two weeks ago. Now it’s time to turn that support into action! Join us for our petition kickoff this Saturday, September 10th at 10AM. We can’t do it without you."  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Updated vaccines are now available! Please take advantage and get your booster to help prevent the expected spread of new covid variants this fall. Find out where to get vaccines and more info here: http://Chicago.gov/COVIDvax” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) will host a 35th Ward Progress Report Townhall event at 6 p.m. Thursday at Avondale Elementary School, 3212 W. George Street.

Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) tweeted, “I'm proud to represent the Welcoming State of Illinois and will continue working with my colleagues in strengthening our commitment to supporting immigrants”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s an honor to have the support of another member of the profession & a trailblazer in Real Estate. Thank you & Congrats to Past President Frank J. Williams, F.J. Williams Realty, who received the 2022, Association of Illinois Real Estate Educators (AIREE) Educator of the Year!”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “The new 2-yr audit shows 26 findings of non-compliance, including failure to prepare monthly reconciliations and weaknesses in security of confidential information. Massive disorganization continues to prevent auditors from determining the amount of fraud within the PUA program.” 

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “Last night our Youth Advisory Council met to discuss state legislation, current events, and how students and youth across Illinois can get involved in their Democracy.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “While Gov @GregAbbott_TX is trafficking migrants for his own political goals, Chicago will always be a welcoming city. These families will get the food, shelter, and care they need here. We believe in our shared humanity.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Devin McGregor, the 5 year old shot in Rogers Park has made his transition. We have to be do better. This can’t be the status quo that we succumb to. We can’t live in a place where when we ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up the boldest answer is: “alive.””  

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted, “About 2/3 of our property taxes pay for local schools. Roughly 80% of school budgets pay for employee salaries/benefits. On top of that, the IL legislature keeps adding mandates on local governments. Who ultimately pays? You do, of course.” 

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce announced Friday that Executive Director of the Healthcare Council Lori Benso was leaving the chamber. The Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Clark Kaericher will lead the healthcare council in addition to his current role as senior vice president. Manager of Legislative Relations Andrew Cunningham will also become executive director of the Infrastructure Council.  

Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit Thursday against Bridgeview-based Drive Construction Inc. “for a years-long conspiracy to pay millions of dollars of wages in cash, and skirt laws intended to protect Illinois workers and ensure fair wages,” according to Raoul’s office. The lawsuit alleges the company misclassified employees to avoid paying them “fair rates” and to avoid paying unemployment insurance contributions to the state. Between 2015 and 2020, the company received $40 million worth of public works construction projects, according to the lawsuit.   

Department of Public Health Director Sameer Vohra is urging all eligible residents to receive a COVID-19 booster shot with the newly approved formula to combat new and common strains of COVID-19. “These new bivalent vaccines are designed to offer extra protection against the omicron variants which are now the dominant strain of the virus. Getting up to date now is especially important for those who are at risk of serious outcomes as the updated vaccines offer protection from hospitalization and even death,” Vohra said in a news release. The state expects to receive 580,000 doses this week of the new vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Truly saddened that my colleague and friend Ald @SSadlowskiGarza will be retiring from City Council. It’s fitting that a passionate fighter for labor and workers rights resigned on Labor Day. She will be missed. Wish her the best in her next chapter!!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “For twelve years I was a regular, working-class airline guy. Now as alderman, I am always honored & humbled to stand with other working class people every day, not just Labor Day. My proven commitment to workers will continue as Chicago’s next Mayor!”  

Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Happy Labor Day! Let’s celebrate the working class wins of our society and the men and women who sacrificed so much to get us where we are at. I especially recognize organized labor unions. We thank you for generations of organizing and fighting for workers.”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “This Labor Day, make a plan to vote this November 8th and vote YES on the Workers Rights Amendment @ILWorkersRights to enshrine the right to collectively bargain for all Illinois workers into the constitution. Hasta la victoria siempre!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Happy Labor Day to all who work so hard to keep this country moving forward. I will always protect your right to organize.”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Happy Labor Day! Congratulations to the WOOGMS Labor Day parade for another successful year and thank you to all the hardworking people and unions that keep this city running”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Happy Labor Day! Today is a day to remember the sacrifices and struggle of the Labor movement. Worker rights and protections are not given - they must be fought for 💪🏽 Thank you to all those who made the protections and rest we have today possible.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Department of Business will host a webinar on city inspections at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Discussion topics are set to include preparing for inspections, sign requirements, building permits, food inspections and zoning reviews. Those interested can register online. 

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “I had a great time this morning at the Fox Valley Chapter of Credit Unions (Illinois Credit Union League) Legislator Appreciation Breakfast alongside a number of my colleagues. Thank you for having us!”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “It was an honor to partner with NAIMA this past weekend to present Mexico En El Corazon in Millenium Park where I had a chance to emphasize that Illinois and Chicago will always welcome immigrants.”  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “Aug. 31 was International Overdose Awareness Day, and I learned a lot at Nirco Northern IL Rco's event to highlight the prevalence in Lake County, reduce the stigma, and remember those lost.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On Wednesday night, a group of immigrants from Venezuela arrived in Chicago after they were “shipped out” on buses by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. I am proud that my state and my city continue to be the most welcoming places in the nation to our immigrant siblings.”  

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) tweeted, “I join my colleagues in rejecting Governor Abbott’s abhorrent rhetoric demonizing immigrants. They risked a lot to find safety and opportunity in our country, and I am proud to call them my neighbors. I will always stand with the immigrant community”  

Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) tweeted, “Republican Texas Governor Abbott is risking the lives moms, dads and children fleeing violence and poverty in a disgusting political stunt. And this is the so-called "pro-life" party. Proud of our state for showing compassion and humanity in welcoming refugees.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Yesterday I was appointed to the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist in the creation of a statewide plan for high-speed rail and feeder networks across Illinois.” 

The Department of Transportation is seeking applications for “snowbirds” to help the department clear state roads and highways of snow and ice during the winter. The seasonal position will be filled by qualified snowplow drivers who are able to respond at any time or day to help the department clear Illinois roads. Applications can be found online until Sept. 12.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “I am thrilled to have worked with the City and our community partners to allocate $100,000 to priorities that you most frequently share with our office: violence prevention & public safety, affordable housing support services, and environmental policy.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “10th Ward Residents, From 2015 to the present, we have improved our infrastructure, revitalized our commercial districts, invested in our schools, secured significant employers, and increased educational and community based programming quality and availability.”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Imagine being this miserable. @GovAbbott 

we are committed to being a sanctuary for immigrants and for all people in need of refuge. We are working to meet the needs of all the people you sent our way because unlike you we actually believe human life is sacred.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Chicago is a welcoming city. While Governor Abbott treats immigrants like props for his political stunts, we are greeting our new immigrant neighbors with the dignity, compassion, and respect all of us deserve.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “I learned to ride a bike for the first time last years at age 42 thanks to the @ChicagoDOT Bike Ambassador Adult learners program. A year later, I’m riding with the Consulate General of The Netherlands to discuss our bike infrastructure and find ways to improve it. What a ride!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “chicago department of the environment”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a video and tweeted “Update on the migrants from Texas. The city coordinated with community partners to receive everyone and make them feel welcome medical care was also available for those who needed it.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health on Thursday reported this year’s first case of West Nile virus in a Chicago resident. The Chicago man in his mid-60s lives on the city’s Northwest Side and has been hospitalized, according to a news release from the department. Chicago’s public health department saw 13 reported human cases of West Nile virus but no deaths. West Nile virus cannot be spread from person to person and symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches lasting from a few days to a few weeks, according to the news release. Chicagoans can prevent mosquito bites by using “insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus,” eliminating standing water, keeping grass trimmed and wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outdoors, according to the news release.  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “The 40th Ward Office is HIRING for a PT Admin Assistant position $22/hr for 21 hrs a wk. Apply Here is interested: https://airtable.com/shr3oeBKwBuH1QRls”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Interested in becoming a PB49 Community Representative volunteer to help develop the ideas that the community has submitted? Sign-up for the PB49 Community Rep. Orientation set for Thursday, September 8th at 6pm via Zoom! Register for the meeting at http://buff.ly/3cESKJ8”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The annual 50th Ward Job Fair is back in person this year! Join us on September 15 from 10 AM - 12 PM at the Northtown Library, 6800 N. Western. Meet employers from a broad range of fields and find your next career! Job seekers can register at https://bit.ly/50THWARD.”

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Given that today is international #OverdoseAwareness day, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of lifesaving prevention & harm reduction tools like fentanyl testing strips - which will soon be more widely accessible in IL thanks to HB4556 signed into law in June”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This morning I joined @ThresholdsChi to learn about their Living Room program - a peer-led crisis respite center. As an alternative to hospitalization, they are a dedicated community resource center expanding mental health services.”  

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s Intl Drug Overdose Awareness Day & community stakeholders throughout the 8th District are leading with compassionate care as we fight to preserve & protect each other’s lives. Thank you to all of our community partners, organizing such an amazing event of awareness today!”  

Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) tweeted, “@DarrenBaileyIL May not be best articulating parents frustration about in state students not being accepted to U of I but I have documents of a 35 ACT 1570 SAT straight A student with LOTS OF extracurriculars NOT being admitted. Happy to share redacted docs with press.”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “When I drop my child off at the front door of her school, my parental rights don’t end there, its where they just begin. School boards need to exert control and local authority representing their communities and the local property taxpayers who they serve”  

Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) tweeted, “People and job creators go where they are respected. Unfortunately, under @GovPritzker that is not Illinois.” 

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is making $300 million available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for families in need of assistance paying energy bills. The application for eligible families opens on Sept. 1 at helpillinoisfamilies.com.   

Gov. JB Pritzker announced new steps the state will take to fill thousands of vacant jobs at state agencies. The Department of Central Management Services will develop a statewide recruitment plan with a focus on filling on filling care jobs at state facilities such as veterans homes and nursing homes. Agencies will also partner with the Department of Employment Security to advertise unfilled positions to people looking for jobs. Open positions with the state can be found at work.illinois.gov. AFSCME officials applauded Pritzker’s plan Wednesday, noting about 7,000 state jobs were vacant at the beginning of the year. “The Pritzker Administration is moving forward to reduce the bureaucratic delays in the state hiring process that have been so frustrating to so many, and to redouble its efforts to recruit needed new hires. In the days ahead our union will do everything possible to advance these efforts,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said in a statement.  

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is partnering with Western Union to host a free Small Business Expo at Truman College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17.  

The expo is set to include workshops, a networking happy hour, resources from nonprofit and government agencies and a keynote address from entrepreneur Corey Gilkey. Registration is available online. 

Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) tweeted a photo of a bill he filed: “Amends the Criminal Code of 2012, the knowing or reckless act of street racing if the activity results in the use of force or violence disturbing the public peace. Defines "street racing". Will be mob-action in Illinois.”  

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “Today I had the opportunity to visit Legacy Medical Care in East Dundee to learn more about the services they provide for clients who use Medicaid or are uninsured/under-insured. They have a beautiful space and provide meaningful and dignified care for our community.”  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “It was great to speak to @MedillChicago out of @NorthwesternU to speak about the need for a state and federal assault weapons ban. Not only do we need an assault weapons ban, we need stronger FRO and FOID systems that can help prevent these tragedies.” 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday an additional $100 million will be made available through the Reimagine Public Safety Act for municipalities to support gun violence prevention programs. The funds are in addition to $113 million that was made available in May and $10 million that went to Chicago as a proactive measure at the beginning of the summer.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “No better place to start gathering petitions than in the community that gave me my start: #WestEnglewood!”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Humanity must stand in solidarity with Pakistanis at this tragic time. Grateful for the organizers and leaders across the globe opposing, resisting, and organizing against fossil fuel corporations' crimes against humanity.  #ClimateEmergency”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “It’s Petition Day!  We are out collecting signatures with ECPS 20th District candidates Deirdre O’Connor and Anna Rubin! You can stop by 5234 N Damen to sign for us as well all day today!"  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Happy First Day of Petitions! I was out collecting petitions this morning at the Damen Brown Line, and I’ll need your help to get on the ballot for re-election. Join us for our petition launch on September 10th. https://secure.ngpvan.com/3MB25KGRS0ecCTP6c-guKA2 I can’t wait to see you there!” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) will host an “Urban Forestry Town Hall” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the city’s Urban Forestry Advisory Board, expanding and protecting the city’s tree canopy and how to get involved. Martin will be joined by the 47th Ward Green Council, Openlands and the Mayor's Office of Sustainability. Those interested can register online.  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2022 $5,000 scholarship program. Interested applicants can apply now until Sept. 16th.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Having long fought for debt cancelation & tuition-free community college, I see @POTUS's new relief plan as a crucial 1st step. Education from pre-school to grad school should be a right for every child.”  

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) tweeted, “At the Illinois Indian American Medical Association's Health Fair this weekend. IAMA President Dr. Suresh Reddy put together a fantastic event that included health screenings & other beneficial information for patients & physicians”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Having just got through a global pandemic, it is not enough to thank an essential worker. We must enact policies that will positively impact their lives. Gig workers, like all working people, deserve fair wages and dignified working conditions.”