Gov. JB Pritzker signed several bills Friday: 

• HB4316 outline protocol for teachers who engaging in sexual conduct with a minor 
• HB4365 allowing a child’s Individualized Education Program to determine if a special education program is suitable 
• HB4605 allowing people who file charges of housing discrimination to have a jury trial 
• HB4690 permitting dismissal hearings of teachers and principals to continue during a public health emergency  
• HB5472, which increases the number of hours a retired teacher can teach before their pension benefits are paused  

Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith was found in contempt of court for a ninth time Thursday. The case involved a 15-year-old boy who had not been placed in an appropriate care setting three months after he was allowed to be discharged for the hospital. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, “I'm excited to be celebrating #EarthDay this year with action. Today, the City of Chicago released its Climate Action Plan, and I'm excited to work alongside my colleagues in City Council to achieve the goals laid out in this plan: chicago.gov/climate”  

Ald. Michelle Harris (8) retweeted, “The Chicago United Map is proud to be endorsed by the Chicago Firefighters Union - Local 2. We apprediate you asking all of your members to support our map, the only map backed by the majority of the City Council, on June 28.  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared a USA Today column from former General Wesley Clark and wrote, “This guy needs to run for president. Obviously the US has lost the will to be muscular when needed. Mariupol shows why NATO must do more to help”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) wrote in her latest newsletter that proposed Chicago Public Schools “budget cuts are very harmful, especially after a pandemic that has left everyone emotionally drained, exhausted, and in need of support. In response to these cuts, I am calling for a hearing with CPS leadership soon, but we need to take immediate action at the next CPS board meeting!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “With Ald. @DanielLaSpata and #LoganSquare neighbors discussing @ChicagoMap2022 - the only ward redistricting proposal that was created through an open and transparent process, and keeps neighborhoods together by drawing clear, straight lines.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “The Chicago Reader is a staple in our city and does such amazing work. It is an absolute shame that something so petty is at the source of the conflict here. Mr. Goodman, we need you to the do the right thing. I am proud to stand in solidarity with the staff.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Over the last ten years, the number of Single Room Occupancy buildings (SROs) in Chicago has been cut in half. These buildings provide shelter to people at a low cost and help prevent homelessness. This week, the Budget Committee approved an ordinance, a City-funded loan program that would support SRO developers and low-income residents. This ordinance and the funding that it supports will help the residents living in SROs get a better quality of life as they transition to permanent stable housing. I worked closely with the Department of Housing, ONE Northside, and SRO advocates and residents to create and fund this important initiative.” 

A weekly update from the Chicago Department of Public Health found Friday that even as COVID-19 cases creep up across the country, 92 percent of U.S. counties are considered “low risk” under the Centers for Disease Control’s new metrics. Most of the counties at “moderate” or “high risk” are “in clusters in the Northeast, New England, and Plains states,” according to the advisory. 

A rendering of Related Midwest and Rivers Casino’s plan to build a casino at “The 78” [Related Midwest]

A special City Council committee designed to vet proposals for a Chicago casino is set to hold its first-ever meeting on Monday. And while the timeslot is billed for an informational review only, it will likely put a magnifying glass on the local opposition that has gathered against all three locations — including from the aldermen who represent them.

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The #FY23 budget is balanced, invests in people, pays our debts, including millions into our pensions AND returns money to taxpayers. We are paying our bills and working to help Illinoisans pay theirs. #Serving17 #Balancedandinvestinginpeople"  

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) tweeted, ““Align with federal ruling”…in other words…JB is being hauled into reality unwillingly…could’ve…should’ve been IL legislative attention on this a year ago”  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday, I stood alongside Governor JB Pritzker and others to announce a $3 million investment in HIRE360’s new training and development center in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood”  

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I'm proud to have been a part of getting this budget passed & ensuring my community receives the funding it needs for success and growth!”  

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “While 2022 session was shorter than sessions in previous years, we were able to get a lot done. Here are the House Bills that passed with bipartisan support! If you have any questions on a bill or any ideas for legislation for session next year call my office at 630-585-1308.”  

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted, “We are continuing our practice of responsible budgeting while helping those who need help the most. Families are struggling, and I hope this budget provides them a bit of relief.”  

Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today, @GovPritzker signed into law the FY23 Budget, bringing immense support to the families and communities of Illinois. I had the honor to be a part of the signing of this monumental legislation in the 34th District at @ChicagoState!”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “Today I joined @govpritzker, @ltgovstratton and my colleagues to enact the best state budget in a generation, and tax cuts that provide real relief to working families.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “We have delivered a Fiscal Year 2023 budget w/ $1.8 billion in tax relief, and supports education, healthcare, and human services with historic investments. I'm proud of the work that went into this budget and grateful to see Governor Pritzker sign it into law today. #UpLiftIL" 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday he would amend his executive order to make masks optional on public transportation and inside transit centers after a federal judge struck down the federal government’s mask requirement on public transportation.   

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill (HB4811) Tuesday that makes April 18 Republic of Ireland Day in Illinois.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Next week, it is expected that 2934 West Medill will appear at Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards. Based on the plurality of feedback, affordable housing units, 2-bedroom units, and Project Logan art wall, I support this zoning change.”  

Ald. Michelle Harris (8) tweeted “Proud to join @PedroCPSCEO and Principal Brown at Wendell Smith Elementary to promote Chicago Early Learning programs. Our children need as many opportunities as we can offer them”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Click the link below to register for a free educational webinar on Chicago's Ward Remap process, scheduled for this Saturday, April 23rd, from 12 to 2 pm (CDT).”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “There is a right way & a wrong way to deal with a dog you no longer want. Tying them to a poll in front of an abandoned house is definitely not the answer. Thankfully a Good Samaritan brought him to my office. Hopefully we can find him a new forever home.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “Based on the overwhelming response from #40thWard neighbors to our newsletter last week, I will be voting no on [Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposed gas card giveaway] at the City Council meeting should it make it out of committee. Willie Wilson can spend his money, the city shouldn’t be spending your tax dollars on this.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Beginning on Friday, April 22, southbound traffic on Glenwood Ave between Lunt and Morse will be closed to vehicles.  Last summer, our office hosted a community meeting in partnership with the Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) to prepare the community for the upcoming changes.” 

Chicago Department of Public Health officials wrote in their weekly COVID-19 update that while the city continues to city rising daily case rates and positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID remain at “all-time pandemic lows.” The Omicron subvariant BA.2 now represents more than 80 percent of COVID-19 cases in the Midwest and “no new variants of concern have emerged,” according to the notice.  

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia announced her office will resume its “mobile City Hall” program to provide Clerk’s Office services around the city between May and June, starting with a run at Douglas Park between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on May 14.  

The Greater West Town Community Coalition will host representatives from the offices of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans and State’s Attorney Kim Foxx for a virtual public safety town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday, April 27 to discuss “prosecution and sentencing.” Online registration is required. 

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As Chairman of the House Tourism Committee, I know the progress we have made and the work ahead to rebound from COVID-19's deep economic grasp. I was proud to join @GovPritzker and colleagues in Chicago today to announce the kickoff of this critical tourism campaign.”  

Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted, “I am proud to have been the Chief House Sponsor of SB4028, which will improve children's awareness of available mental health services and help erase the stigma associated with mental health issues. This important bill now awaits the governor's signature.”  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “At the Shedd Aquarium launching the new campaign for Illinois Tourism. 'The Middle of Everything', with @janemarielynch, @enjoyillinois @GovPritzker @shedd_aquarium"  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today I joined @GovPritzker at the Shedd Aquarium to launch Illinois' new tourism campaign - "Illinois: The Middle of Everything." Our state has an incredibly rich and diverse array of culture, food, and history for visitors and residents to explore. #twill"  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “On my way to Chicago to participate in a @UChiPolitics’ panel discussion with @cljmitchell, @vumilio, and Pat Devaney about last year’s energy legislation and what it means for Illinois' energy future.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “This week, I will highlight six of my measures, which passed both Houses of the legislature this spring. First up is SB 180, which makes our State Capitol more accessible to all.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “The CDC's recommendation has made little sense. Restaurants, conventions, and bars are fine but highly filtered airplanes are dangerous!?! We need to stop the nonsensical mandates.”  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Happy Republic of Ireland Day. Starting next year, April 18 annually will be an official Illinois Commemorative Day recognizing the 1949 date when Ireland became a country separate from Great Britain as well as honoring the over one million Illinoisans of Irish ancestry.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Taxpayers deserve accountability in Springfield. We must focus on fixing our fiscal mess and instituting sustainable spending reforms that prioritize middle class and working-class people over corporations and special interests.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “All politics is local. We’ve got an election this week! LSC elections for elementary schools are Wednesday, April 20th, & High School elections are Thursday, April 21st.  All Chicagoans have a vote. Check out this link to find your school boundaries. https://schoolinfo.cps.edu/schoollocator/" 

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.”