Gov. JB Pritzker announced Hire360 Job Training Center in the South Loop will receive a $2 million grant from the state and $1 million grant from the federal government. The grants will fund construction of a 40,000 square-foot job training center.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “This week @BickerdikeRC and @cubillinois are hosting a free workshop on building decarbonization. You can join at 2550 West North Avenue, on Thursday, April 21 (6pm)!”  

Ald. Michelle Harris (8) tweeted “Honored to speak with these wonderful young women participating in @IWIL_Academy. Looking forward to seeing the future women leaders of our city and state”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Joining my friend Tina at A’s Restaurant in Dunning Square on the city’s northwest side. What’s your favorite neighborhood diner for breakfast?”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I stand in solidarity with the Chicago Reader Union!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Thank you @StreetsandSan workers and residents of the encampment at Fireman’s Park for working together to clean the park this morning. As our office works to get our unhoused neighbors into housing, we will continue to work with community stakeholders and city agencies.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Earth Day is this Friday, April 22, so this week, I'll be sharing daily tips this week with some ways you can help our environment!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The Greater Eastlake Terrace (GET) Beaches Park Advisory Council is circulating a petition to have the Park District reconsider its request to establish a dog-friendly area at Rogers Beach Park. Take a moment to review the efforts & sign the petition at https://buff.ly/38OvE0s” 

The Society for Midland Authors will host University of Illinois at Chicago professor Dick Simpson and Mayor Lori Lightfoot at the Harold Washington Library at 6 p.m. Thursday for a discussion on “the future of American democracy.” The event is promoting Simpson’s new book, “Democracy’s Rebirth: The View From Chicago.” The event will be free to the public with no registration required, and it will be livestreamed on YouTube. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Illinois families deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and communities. That’s why we are investing $124 million dollars in our police officers and communities to help keep families safe.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Wishing you and your family many blessings this Good Friday.”  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. Thank you to Mr. Robinson and all of the other trailblazers like him for paying the way for all of us. #JackieRobinsonDay #Jackie42 #BlackHistoryisAmericanHistory #Serving17"  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Lovely spending time with Jack and Jill moms discussing my work to ban discrimination against black hair! Always a joy to be in community with Black Mammas”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Chag Pesach Sameach Passover is a time to commemorate our history, celebrate our freedom, and reflect on how we can help those who are still oppressed--no one is free until we are all free. Wishing you all a Pesach filled with love & light, and joyous seders w/ loved ones!”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We have stepped up in Springfield this year to meet so many critical health care needs. We are providing hundreds of millions of dollars for safety-net hospitals, for behavioral health care, for nursing home reform, and $113 million to support my law on hazardous lead pipes.”  

Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) tweeted, “On April 15, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in Washington, D.C. Lincoln served for eight years as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “This year’s budget continues our work in Springfield to reverse the damage caused by decades of financial mismanagement, paying down debt while adding long overdue rainy day funds.”

Illinois native and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk will speak at the Sangamon County Republicans’ Lincoln Day dinner on Monday evening.   

Health News Illinois will host a discussion on April 27 at 10 a.m. at Merchandise Mart in Chicago with Reps. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) and Greg Harris (D-Chicago) about health care legislation lawmakers passed this spring. Tickets can be purchased online.  

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted “Happy Easter Sunday, 4th Ward!”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Earlier this morning, gang bangers shot an innocent man because they didn’t know who he was. There is no excuse for this behavior. He is now in serious condition. I have been in communication with @ChicagoCAPS09. While we await updates, please keep his recovery in your prayers.”  

Ald. David Moore (17) tweeted “It Is No Secret, What God Can Do. As I stand before the congregation of my lifelong church; Fellowship MBC, I am honored to have the support, guidance and leadership of my pastor, Reginald Sharpe, Jr”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “The last time I canvassed as much as I am now was the 2020 primary, before the pandemic. I've noticed some changes between then & now: (1) A lot more Ring cameras (2) You can tell how affluent an area is by the # of Amazon packages you have to climb over to reach the front door.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) wrote in his latest newsletter that “Next Saturday, April 23rd is our annual 48th Ward Clean and Green, a day where neighbors come together to clean up our shared outdoor areas. There are projects in multiple sites throughout the ward, please email [email protected] if you are interested in being connected with a site leader near your home.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Happy Easter to all who celebrate  Feliz Pascua a todos los que la celebran”

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is set on May 5 to host a virtual small business expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring keynote speakers Katie Tuten, founder and co-owner of The Hideout, and Joe Shanahan, owner of Metro, Smartbar and Gman Tavern. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to different panels on topics including financing and business planning. Additional information and registration is available online.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced the state’s unemployment rate declined in March by .1 percent to 4.7 percent and the state added over 18,300 non-farm jobs.   

Former Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike has been named president and CEO of the Sinai Chicago hospital network. Ezike stepped down as the department’s leader in March. 

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) tweeted, “I'm proud that priority legislation to support efforts to assist law enforcement officers is in the FY23 budget.”  

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted, “The state is on strong financial footing—and we want to make sure you are, too. The FY 23 budget will provide tax relief checks to over 95% of Illinois taxpayers, eliminate the 1% sales tax on groceries and more.”  

Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “Too Much Money Chasing Too Few Goods I 've said it over & over-the fastest way to curb inflation is to increase domestic energy prod ASAP. Then we can the cost of manufacturing construction ag & other parts of the CPI. & let's stop making $trillions out of air & spending it”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Teachers sacrifice so much to make sure our children get a quality education. Doubling the teacher tax credit is a way for us to give back to these hard working educators shaping the minds of our children.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “This budget not only prioritizes our families – it prioritizes our local governments, law enforcement and our financial future.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We must reimagine how we address public safety. That’s why this budget allocates $235 million in to the Reimagine Public Safety Act. This data-driven and community-based violence prevention initiative focuses on violence prevention, youth development, and trauma-based services.”  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Three St. Clair County fire districts are set to receive grant funding for equipment totaling more than $75,000. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our communities!”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “Having cleared both the House and Senate, the state effort to codify organized retail crime, support retailers and update prosecuting resources awaits final consideration by the governor to become law.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowksi (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Illinois is one of the worst states to retire in, causing more and more people to flee to other states - with Rockford as the 9th least affordable city in the nation.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health on Thursday announced the launch of its “OneChiFam” website, described as a “comprehensive baby, adolescent, and family health site” with that aims to be a “valuable resource for both new and current parents that has important information they will need to know during their baby’s first year and beyond.”  

Metropolitan Planning Council will host a virtual event at 1 p.m. on April 28 titled “Perspectives on Planning: A Webinar on Developing Community Bicycle/Pedestrian Plans” with a panel featuring council transportation director Audrey Wennink, Niles village planner Nathan Bruemmer, Active Transportation Alliance advocacy manager Maggie Czerwinski and Richton Park Village Manager Regan Stockstell. Online registration is required. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Our city employees are heroes, going above and beyond to help residents. Tommy’s quick actions undoubtedly saved Jin Yut Lew’s life. Bravo sir!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) shared a Sun-Times article and tweeted “I’ve never visited Nick Sposato’s FB page and I’m not planning on ever doing it.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Next week Tuesday, April 19 join Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, neighbors, and @CPD25thDistrict for a community safety walk in Hermosa. The walk starts at Palmer and Keeler at 6pm.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Shout out to the Starbucks at Clark and Ridge in the 40th Ward for their efforts to unionize!!”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Stop by the Northside Resource Fair on April 30th to update or renew your Driver's License, State ID, License Plate Stickers, and more!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “The cat is out of the bag! The former Mayne Stage Theater at 1328 W. Morse is now the Rhapsody Theater. Dr. Rosenkranz, a physician by day and a magician by night, purchased the theater last year.” 

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Reality check: Energy prices are up 4% Meat prices are up 12.2% Household gas prices are up 23.9% Car prices are up 40% Pritzker continues to recklessly spend your hard earned tax dollars instead of addressing the real issue”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Today Democrats joined organizations & youth from across IL to celebrate our fiscal health and the strong investments we've made in our community with this year's budget. Thank you to my colleagues and all the staff involved in making this a budget for the people of Illinois.”  

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last week, my colleagues and I took steps to equip our law enforcement officers with the resources needed to protect our communities. My bill, HB3699, enables law enforcement agencies to cooperate across jurisdictions to reduce carjackings.”   

Rep. Suzzane Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “HB3296 creates more career opportunities for students across Illinois, as well as providing more “career ready” employees for local businesses to hire and more collaboration between local businesses + schools.”  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We have committed in Springfield this year to be smart on crime. We have taken votes to make our streets safer, support our law enforcement, stand with victims of violent crime, and still help people who are suffering from the toll of mental health issues and injustice.”  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last night, I stood alongside Governor JB Pritzker and others to celebrate Harold Washington’s 100th birthday at the library dedicated in his name. I also announced that a statue will be built in his honor.” 

The State Fire Marshal and Fire Safety Alliance received a donation of 1,000 smoke alarms from Vision 20/20. The alarms will be distributed to fire departments throughout the state as part of the “Be Alarmed!” fire safety program. 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) in a thread tweeted “Today, I'm proud to have presided over the passage of an ordinance which will strengthen our workplace protections against sexual harassment in Chicago. Through this ordinance, workers in Chicago will now have a year to report sexual harassment complaints with the Chicago Commission on Human Rights, businesses will be required to post sexual harassment protections at their locations, and violators will face stricter fines for misconduct. Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a new phenomenon - in fact, statistics show that over 80% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment, and over 40% of men.”  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared a Tribune editorial arguing an independent commission should oversee the city’s remap and tweeted, “It’s hard to argue against this editorial. I still have faith that we can work this out. Let’s leave the egos at the door and make Chicago the city that it can be.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you Sheikh Mostafa Ismael, Mamon Hussein, Hassan Nijem and the entire Islamic Community Center of Illinois family for allowing me to join your Iftar with our first responders and other guests. #Ramadan”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record. Nearly 1 in 2 Americans has an immediate family member who's been jailed. The U.S. imprisons more of our people per capita than any other nation. And are we safer? No. The U.S. is obsessed with punishment, not safety.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Harold Washington is the greatest Mayor Chicago has ever had, and personal hero of mine. Harold taught us the power of coalition, and how to lead with love. He was “fairer than fair” and his leadership approach is one I try my best to model. Happy 100, Harold!”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Do you have any furniture you no longer need? Consider donating your gently used furniture to a cause that will help others” 

The Chicago Community Land Trust, a city-chartered nonprofit organization that collects homes and sets them aside to sell to income-restricted buyers, has rebranded as the Chicago Housing Trust. The trust launched a new website, where potential buyers can apply to participate.  

Cook County and the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement released a third collection of free educational videos in their joint Open Lectures for Residents series. It includes “ten videos in the Voices in Action series by environmental activists, public health executives, UChicago graduate students, educational advocates, and other civic leaders that will be released one per week for ten weeks.” The courses will be available on the University of Chicago’s civic engagement website and linked from the County’s website.

Rep. Suzzane Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted, “We're getting Illinois’ fiscal house in order by paying down $4B in unpaid bills - including all COVID-19-related borrowing, $900M in health insurance bills, and $500M in pension stabilization. The result is better credit ratings, lower interest payments + greater flexibility.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Instead of addressing the billions in state debt, Pritzker made sure there's over $1 billion in special projects for Democratic districts in the budget. But, he’s hoping you’ll forget about it by sending out $50 checks from the government.”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I would like to remind all drivers that work zones are a sign to slow down. Help us keep the men and women who build our roads safe by slowing down and moving over when passing through a work zone.”  

Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “Join me, @Chris_Bos and @MartyForIL tomorrow Wednesday, April 13th from 6PM-7:30PM at the Ela Area Public Library as we discuss recent legislative action, the newly passed state budget, and answer your questions!”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “I can’t say this enough, VOID THE FOID!!! It’s not time to reform and add more bureaucracy to a broken, unconstitutional system, it’s time to eliminate it and allow all law abiding Illinoisans the opportunity to exercise their Second Amendment rights!!! #standingwithyouin2022"  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “#ICYMI Illinois Democrats pass a responsible, balanced billion budget, $1.8 billion tax relief plan during session grand finale.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “With Session wrapping up last week, I am proud of what we were able to accomplish. I am grateful to represent IL-District 58!” 

The Union League Club of Chicago will host a conversation with Tribune reporter Ray Long to discuss his new book “The House that Madigan Built” on April 21 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online.   

The Illinois Department of Public Health is making new changes to how it reports COVID-19 data following new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a news release, the department said their data will focus on vaccination rates to reflect the population eligible for the vaccine, the number of people admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and data on how many people are hospitalized and vaccinated.   

Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Dawn Weekly public administrator and public guardian of Kankakee and Grundy Counties, Rodney Caffey to the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, Beth Shadur and Tamira Brennan Blodgett to the Illinois State Museum Board, Rebecca O’Neil as public administrator and public guardian of Saline, Union, Alexander, Franklin, Hardin, Massac, Johnson, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph and Williamson Counties, Roderick Bashir to the Secure Choice Savings Board, Patrick Devaney to the Energy Transition Workforce Commission and Brian Sullivan to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Chicago is not immune to this trend. We can incentivize employees to return to the Loop, starting with making it safe again to be there. Many businesses struggle to get employees to return to working in person because of the potential for crime and violence, not covid.”  

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) shared an article from WBEZ and tweeted “A big thanks to ⁦Sarah Karp & WBEZ⁩ for visiting Morgan Park High School to observe the new music therapy program funded by Special Olympics Chicago.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Societies must learn to adapt and the pandemic has shown us that people can be every bit as productive by working remotely or hybrid. There are cost savings for companies in recognizing this also. You don’t have to keep an employee stuck in a cubicle to get results.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health wrote in its weekly COVID-19 update on Tuesday that while cases continue to climb, reaching an average of 414 new cases per day, hospitalizations remain at their lowest level since last summer. The city is seeing an average of 1.4 new COVID-related hospital admissions per 100,000 people per day, and fewer than 2 percent of the city’s intensive care beds are filled with COVID patients, putting the city firmly in the Center for Disease Control’s “low risk” category.  

The Chicago Department of Housing announced a new partnership with the University of Chicago Crown Family School for Social Work, Policy and Practice to research equitable housing policies. “This research will inform the department and others on what governments are doing to address and reverse decades of disinvestment and predatory housing practices that have prevented communities of color from building generational wealth through homeownership,” officials said. 

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Today, ComEd announced Rockford as the next Community of the Future. With direction from a local advisory committee, investment in new technology will help to create a smart, efficient, and resilient power grid for the future.”  

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “HB 4556 passed unanimously out of both chambers of the state legislature last week! This historic legislation takes a critical step towards combating the opioid epidemic by increasing access to lifesaving fentanyl testing strips. HB4556 is now headed to the Governor's desk!”  

Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) tweeted, “What's the cure for getting your energy back after a marathon 2 week work session in Springfield? KIDS! I had so much fun today talking with 4th grade students at AGS in @BPS101. The future is BRIGHT with these smart, curious, and thoughtful kiddos at the helm!”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I’m proud to be endorsed by @PPIAction. 2021 was the worst year for state attacks on abortion in decades, with nearly 600 restrictions introduced across the country. More than ever, I'm committed to ensuring we can make decisions about our families & our bodies. #BansOffOurBody"  

Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My colleagues & I ended session by passing a budget that provides financial relief to the communities that need it most. We expect to continue down the path of fiscal discipline while promoting public safety & giving Illinoisians the resources they need thrive. #MovingILForward"  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Democrats continue to deliver for the people of Illinois. We passed a balanced budget that invests in people, pays our debts, including millions more into our pension system, and returned money to taxpayers. We are paying our bills and working to help you pay yours. #Serving17"  

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Crafting a $46.5 Billion budget that is morally and fiscally responsible, and meets the needs of all our communities across Illinois is hard, complex work. There is no better partner in this than @ElgieSims, Lesson: If you want it done right, bring in the bald guys.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Illinois lawmakers passed a bill that will temporarily freeze the gas tax, but gas stations must display Pritzker propaganda or it's a daily $500 fine. Political games for one year only. #twill"  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I am very proud of our work at the end of session in Springfield last week to pass a balanced budget that provides meaningful tax relief to all Illinoisans: at the gas pump, at the grocery store, for back-to-school supplies, through Earned Income Tax Credit expansion and more.”