The Department of Natural Resources will host three public meetings to take feedback from residents about the state’s proposed water plan, which identifies water issues facing the state and solutions to the problems. The meetings will be held Aug. 25 in Yorkville, Aug. 25 in Carterville, and Aug. 29 in Springfield. More information can be found online.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is suspending Household Hazardous Waste collections at sites throughout the state until further notice after the Ohio facility that disposes the waste had a fire forcing it to close until parts can be shipped from Germany to repair the facility. The facility will likely not reopen until mid-November and the state is searching for alternatives. The state EPA is advising residents to keep hazardous materials until collection resumes.
Springfield Announcements August 23, 2022
Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Happy first day back to school CPS! Wishing you your best school year yet.”
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “I'm with @UWFIllinois this afternoon hearing new @CTULocal1 president @StacyDavisGates address @CityClubChicago on the first day of school for @ChiPubSchools students.”
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a Tribune article and tweeted “Chicago's cutting precincts just before November election. You can just vote by mail, it’s much easier and safe. You can request your ballot for the November election here https://chicagoelections.gov/en/vote-by-mail-application.html”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Wishing all CPS families, students, teachers, Principals and support staff a very happy first day back to school! We thank each of you for your dedication every single day. Our neighborhood schools are a treasure. Let's make this a great year!”
Ward Reports August 23, 2022
The Chicago Board of Elections is looking for poll workers ahead of the Nov. 8 General Election. Those interested must be a U.S. Citizen, registered to vote in Cook County and able speak, read and write English. Election judges make up to $230 and election coordinators can make up to $450 for Election Day. Additional information on becoming an election judge or an election coordinator can be found online.
Chicago Announcements August 23, 2022
Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “Chicago is viewed as a world class city by CEOs and government leaders around the world, a great tourist destination, and is regularly rated top as a potential destination for businesses. The only folks who regularly badmouth it seem to be a small portion of our own GOP.”
House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “It was truly amazing to see so many of our House and Senate Democrats in one room at the IDCCA's County Chairs Brunch. From protecting reproductive rights to looking for smarter solutions to address gun violence, thank you for all you do to #UpLiftIL"
Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “The three blind mice of crime, corruption and chaos: @JBPritzker, @LoriLightfoot, & @KimFoxx are delusional if they think they’re doing a good job. Crime is skyrocketing. People are being gunned down in broad daylight & on the CTA. Businesses and families are struggling. Enough.”
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I served with Darren Bailey. I know Darren Bailey. In his time in Springfield, Darren Bailey has acted like Chicago doesn’t exist. Chicago should in turn, act like he doesn’t exist now. The opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is indifference.”
Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Reddick) tweeted, “Tuesday was Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair! I attended the Ag Day Breakfast and also held an Ag Round Table Talk about the 2023 Farm Bill in Illinois with Rep. Cheri Bustos. #agriculture #illinoisstatefair"
Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted a picture of the Chicago skyline: “Here's one of my favorite views of the Loop from a boat on the South Branch of the Hellhole River.”
District Dispatches August 22, 2022
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois honored Gov. JB Pritzker with the Champion of Infrastructure Award on Friday. Pritzker received the award for leading the passage of the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issued the last three Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses Friday to organizations selected by a statewide lottery in 2021. The state has now given out all 185 licenses. The businesses awarded licenses have 180 days to select a storefront to obtain the full license. Businesses can ask for an extension.
Springfield Announcements August 22, 2022
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I have been talking about this for several months. Our officers are taken from our districts every day, leaving residents with no support when things happen. I have spoken out about this on numerous occasions. Those are my true colors because we can’t keep operating like this.”
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Thank you to all the supporters and neighbors who rallied to re-elect Alderman Byron with us through the rain yesterday! ☔️ This was the start of a campaign to serve the residents of the 25th Ward. We cant wait to fight for a better city together with you!”
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Thank you to my neighbors, organizing together as United @Neighbors35th, for supporting my re-election as 35th Ward alderman! I could not / would not run for re-election without your support. Bringing people together, grassroots community organizing, is critical to our work.”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “In the presence of champions like @rweingarten - “How do you get people to show up if you don’t show up? The @CTULocal1 shows up!” Watching history as @stacydavisgates and @jacksonpCTU are formally sworn in as President and VP of CTU.”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Glenwood Ave Arts Fest is one of the best events in the city, hands down. It’s a pleasure to serve the 49th Ward, and to get to do it with other wonderful public servants like @SenMikeSimmons and @RepKellyCassidy. The festival continues tonight and tomorrow - see you there”
Ward Reports August 22, 2022
The Chicago Department of Public Health announced on Friday is partnering with the Harvard Government Performance Lab and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute in developing the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program which sends mental health professionals to 911 calls for people who are experiencing mental health crises. The program during its first year responded to more than 295 calls which resulted in no uses of force or arrests.
Chicago Announcements August 22, 2022
Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in the State Fair Sale of Champions. I was honored to support Chesney Thornton of Piatt County who had the Grand Champion Rabbit and who’s family is originally from my home area in Clay County. Congratulations to all the exhibitors!”
Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “I voted in favor of the new rule that makes changes to the FOID card system’s review process in wake of the horrific shooting in Highland Park. However, the rule change begs the question, why wasn’t this gap in the process identified sooner & how many other so-called gaps exist?”
Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Had a terrific discussion and lunch with the League of Women Voters of Evanston yesterday alongside Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and @SenatorFine. We updated the league on the legislative and budget accomplishments we made in the spring session.”
District Dispatches August 18, 2022
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved a rule change by the Illinois State Police in response to the Highland Park shooting. The rule change requires the State Police to keep reports of “clear and present danger” about a person even if they are not applying for a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) or a current gun owner. The rule change comes after the State Police did not maintain records about Highland Park shooter Bobby Crimo. Crimo made several violent threats before he legally purchased his guns and Highland Park police submitted the report to the the State Police, however, it did not block Crimo’s FOID card application.
Springfield Announcements August 18, 2022
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Noting that transit-TIFs function very differently from regular TIFs (notably CPS still gets its share of the property tax levy) it seems the definition of equity to extend the Red Line to 130th, something residents have been fighting for for FIFTY YEARS!”
Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Work for Pace! Pace Bus hiring event at Olive Harvey College will be held August 23rd from 6-9PM"
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “When I am mayor, I will make rebuilding Chicago’s relationships with Springfield and the entire State of Illinois a priority! We will become partners in progress once again.”
Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “We're building 65 affordable homes right by the Western Brown Line Stop. When we organize, we win. Get this special edition sticker, and learn how you can join our movement at our kickoff this Thursday, August 18th"
Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “The Andersonville Farmers Market is now offering unlimited Link/SNAP matching that you can use on the amazing fresh produce at the market! Stop by Catalpa between Clark and Ashland today from 3-7 to learn more about this 1-to-1 matching program!”
Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The Starbucks at Touhy & Western is now officially open! The new store is the first in the former Bakers Square development to open to the public. Over the coming months, expect to see a new Buffalo Wild Wings GO, Athletico, and F45 Training gym at the location.”
Ward Reports August 18, 2022
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday announced Lori Ann Lypson will serve as the city’s Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure and Services. Lypson currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Public Building Commission of Chicago. Lightfoot also named Stephen Skardon as the city’s new Chief Risk Officer. Skardon served as policy director for Lightfoot’s mayoral campaign and has worked as the acting Chief Risk Officer.
Chicago Announcements August 18, 2022
Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I was born hard of hearing, and I am a strong advocate for increased access to hearing aids. Over the counter hearing aids will take a huge burden off the lives of millions of Illinoisans and eliminate communication barriers for so many”
Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “If temporary tax relief is a great idea three months BEFORE an election, why isn’t it a great idea for the three years AFTER the election?? Asking for 12 million Illinois friends, families and businesses.”
Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “I know families are hurting. While the state can't control inflation, we did pass $1.8 billion in relief to families across the state. I voted to cut the grocery tax and freeze the gas tax because I'll always fight for working families in our district and in Illinois.”
Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “I enjoyed playing for Team Illinois in the 2022 Bi-State Softball Showdown against Missouri lawmakers at Busch Stadium.”
Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last night the 47th Ward Youth Council held a back-to-school rally to support a ban on assault weapons. Glad to see neighbors come to the park support the youth.”
District Dispatches August 17, 2022
House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) announced James Hartmann will be taking over as chief counsel to the speaker. Justin Cox, who has worked for the House Democratic Caucus for 13 years, is leaving to pursue other opportunities, according to a news release. Hartmann has worked as deputy counsel since 2017.
Springfield Announcements August 17, 2022
Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “We had a great time at the 93rd annual Bud Billiken Day Parade on Saturday! This incredible celebration has been held since 1929 in Chicago and is the largest African-American parade in the United States of America. Thanks to everyone who came out to march with our office.”
Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted “This Friday (10:00am) CPD Officer Danny Golden will receive a police escort home from the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. The 19th Ward community will line 103rd Street from Vincennes Ave to Pulaski Rd to welcome Danny home."
Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Now that I've announced I'm retiring at the end of my City Council term, it's safe to come out of the closet (again). It's true.... I only put mayonnaise on my hotdog.”
Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “At last night's back to school rally, young leaders shared a powerful message: enough is enough. We need a statewide ban on assault weapons”
Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Thank you to all the neighbors who joined us last night at Senn for our Back to School event! I had an amazing time getting to know students and families excited for this school year to start!”
Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I attended a flag hoisting ceremony in Daley Plaza celebrating 75 years of India's independence. The 50th Ward has a large and vibrant Indian-American community, and it was an honor to participate! Thank you to the Federation of Indian Associations for hosting.”
Ward Reports August 17, 2022
Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a webinar at 3 p.m. Wednesday titled “How to Open a Concession at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.” Attendees will learn about operating a business at the airport and how to navigate the city’s Request for Proposals process. Registration and more information is available online.
Chicago Announcements August 17, 2022
Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Wishing all who celebrate a happy Indian Independence Day! 76 years ago on August 15, the Republic of India was freed from British Colonial rule. Today and everyday, we celebrate our heritage, and the values of freedom and democracy.”
Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As the Chairperson of the Tourism Committee, I want to welcome everyone attending the Illinois State Fair. The State Fair brings nearly 500,000 people and an estimated $86 million into the Illinois economy every year. #IllinoisStateFair2022"
Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted, “Through his own words, Darren Bailey has revealed himself to be wholly unfit to serve as our Governor. The Jewish Caucus stands in solidarity with those who seek to unite our diverse communities and stand against bad actors that seek to tear us apart.”
District Dispatches August 16, 2022
Gov. JB Pritzker announced Monday the state will establish a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to better meet the needs of Illinois seniors. The program will expand options for community care for seniors rather than nursing homes. The goal of the program is to give seniors more flexibility with their health care options so they can continue living in their homes.
The Department of Central Management Services issued an Invitation for Bid for the Damen Silos in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood. The site is owned by the state but has been abandoned since an explosion at the grain silos in the 1970s. The state will accept bids until Oct. 19.
Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College, the Illinois State Police and Southern Illinois University are partnering to establish a law enforcement-focused college at Lindenwood University’s former Belleville campus. Southwestern Illinois College will run the campus, which will house programs for third year law students at SIU to intern at criminal justice-focused offices and a police training academy at Southwestern Illinois College for up to 130 students in the fall.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign will host country singer Chris Young at the Illinois State Fair’s Governors’ Day event on Wednesday. Young will perform after a rally with Pritzker and other Illinois Democrats.
Springfield Announcements August 16, 2022
Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “I am so happy to see the ground breaking work that our office’s Michael Reese Development Advisory Committee did being adopted as a national model. The Bronzeville Lakefront development shows a truly equitable way that we can all move #FurtherTogether!”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Such beautiful weather to celebrate Velika Gospa in the Bridgeport community, a tradition that has ran uninterrupted for over a century. As neighborhoods change, it is these traditions that continue to unite next generations of Chicagoans for decades to come.”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Feeling familiar as we set up the new campaign office at 5234 N Damen, just one storefront away from our first campaign office!”
Ward Reports August 16, 2022
The Chicago Department of Transportation on Monday began installing concrete curb protections along the Kinzie Street bike lane east of Des Plaines Street. The concrete curbs are part of a citywide initiative to convert all the city's existing protected bike lanes to concrete curb-protected bike lanes by the end of 2023.
Chicago Announcements August 16, 2022
Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “I want to hear from you! Please join me next Wednesday at the @hplibrary from 6-7PM!”
Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Great way to start the @ILStateFair by cutting the ribbon on @KnightsAction owning the Giant Slide and going for a Slide Down 66 with @ILRoute66 @SpringfieldTrip @GrowSangamon and Sen. Sally Turner from @ILSenateGOP"
Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday I met Fernando Verdasco (the #6 Tennis player in the world, from Spain). He played at the BMW Tennis Tournament at the sprawling XS Tennis Foundation facility in Washington Park. He took time out of his busy schedule to address children who are prospective tennis pros.”
Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As an educator, I loved seeing the passion my students brought to the classroom every day. For international Youth Day, I want to highlight the great work youth in our community do. Comment with an organization that helps our youth reach their full potential.”