Jennifer Creasey was promoted to Assistant Vice President of External and State Relations for the University of Illinois System.    

The Illinois Housing Development Authority announced the start of the homeowner’s assistance fund Monday. Homeowners struggling to pay mortgage or property fees have through May to apply for up to $30,000 of assistance.  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Got to meet a living legend today @edwardjolmos 

thank you for everything you do for our community - on and off the screen”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “Guess who has the third best attendance out of all 50 Alders? Thank you to the 40th Ward Neighbors for their support and engagement, we put in that work!”  

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) shared a Sun-Times article about third-party delivery fees and tweeted, “Hey Scott, we predicted this would happen once it expired. Guess it’s time we look at a permanent cap? @ward32chicago” and Ald. Scott Waguespak (32) replied, “Agreed”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Chicago lost more than 4,800 2- to 4-unit buildings in about a decade. Nearly half were replaced with single-family homes -- mostly in North Side neighborhoods. Help shape our priorities for addressing demolitions and deconversions. Take the survey http://bit.ly/AffordSurvey”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback on commuter safety on Glenwood between Devon and Pratt. The below infographics reflect the compiled feedback from neighbors on the proposal. More information on the community process is available at http://buff.ly/3xA0Yuv” 

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services opened applications on Monday for One Summer Chicago, the city’s youth job program for Chicagoans age 16-24, which will be held from July 5 to Aug. 12. Participants will for the first time be paid $15 per hour, and the program now includes the “Chicagoability” job feeder program for teens age 14-16. Applications are available online.  

The Illinois Environmental Council will host an event at 5 p.m. Thursday to “discuss environmental issues affecting the southside of Chicago and the solutions they're working hard to put forth.” Panelists will include Ald. Sophia King (4), Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Comm. Kim DuBuclet. Online registration is required. 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “Another legislative session in the books. Such a beautiful place to work. And I get to do it on behalf of the people of Illinois. Thank you!”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “llinois House Democrats have passed another balanced budget. We are putting fiscal responsibility first, investing in our communities, and delivering real relief for working IL families. Thanks to @RepChrisWelch @repgregharris @GovPritzker @DonHarmonIL @HouseDemsIL and staff.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Our balanced budget provides $1.8 billion in tax relief while paying off debt, investing in education, public safety, and human services. Progress in Illinois.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “With inflation at its highest in four decades, Democrats have delivered real relief to all of Illinois.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “I will always stand up and fight for working families and taxpayers.”  

Rep. Jehan Gordon Booth (D-Peoria) tweeted, “4:55 am. We have been here since yesterday morning. The work requires a level of grind that at times is grueling but worth it to BRING IT HOME! #il"  

Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted, “House adjourns at 6:09am. In the bed by 6:30am, but wide awake! Almost a 24-hour work day and I’m wide awake because of adrenaline and because I love what I do.”  

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) tweeted, “At 5:51am on 4/9 the #ILBUDGET has passed.”  

Rep. Tom Morrison (D-Palatine) tweeted, “@mbatinick reminding House members not to be fooled. IL's so-called "balanced" budget relies on massive one-time infusion of COVID cash from federal govt. Uncle Sam won't bail us out following year... IL taxpayers will”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Tonight, I asked my colleagues to put human crime victims of sexual assault and domestic violence at least on par with corporate victims of retail theft. 96 of them chose Walmart and Target over survivors of Gender Based Violence. I’m disgusted.”  

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Presenting the Fiscal Year 2023 Illinois State budget, one that invests in people, pays our debts and returns money to taxpayers. #Serving17 #twill"  

Sen. Sue Rezin (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It's now passed midnight, and the Senate will soon be voting on the nearly 3,500 page long budget that was filed a few hours ago.” 

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Englewood will host a candidates forum for First Congressional District candidates on April 19 at 7 p.m. Candidates from both parties will attend. People can register to attend online.

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) wrote in his latest newsletter, “The City of Chicago recently budgeted $46 million to expand our tree canopy? We will be planting 15,000 new trees each year for the next five years in an effort to improve air quality, reduce smog and emissions, help conserve energy costs, and increase property values. To request a tree planting for your parkway, please click here.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “We're out in Avondale and Logan Square today, knocking doors and talking to neighbors about @AnthonyJQuezada, @Delia4Congress, and @ChicagoMap2022.  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted, “Making our neighborhood safe for pedestrians is essential so my office is adding wider sidewalks, ADA compliant curb cuts, and bumps out on Cornelia, near Clark. New trees will also be planted along Cornelia too.  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “In recent months, many of you have contacted my office urging that the City find ways to expand sweeping services throughout the year. I recently summarized and sent these requests to the Inspector General’s Office, which is auditing Chicago’s sweeping program later this year. I’m hopeful that the audit, once completed, will identify concrete actions for improving sweeping that my colleagues and I can act on quickly.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted, “THE DEADLINE FOR COMMUNITY CASH IS FRIDAY APRIL 15! To read more about the program and where to apply, read our most recent newsletter: https://t.co/cKB0sY1SkV”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) wrote in her latest newsletter, “I held a Zoom meeting this week to discuss $100,000 in grant money now available for 50th Ward non-profit organizations. The funding is earmarked for local schools and for agencies that serve immigrants in the neighborhood.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health updated its COVID-19 Travel Advisory to show that 95.6 percent of U.S. counties are categorized at “low risk” of COVID-19 spread. While the spread remains low in most states, some, including Arkansas, Montana, New York, South Dakota, and Maine, have “some community-level clusters of medium or high COVID-19 levels,” officials said. And 19 American counties posed a “high risk” of COVID, which was an uptick from 17 the prior week.  

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 15; classes will resume Monday, April 18. “The District encourages families to stay safe and take advantage of local testing and vaccination sites as needed, as well as the District’s distribution of free meals through Wednesday, April 13,” according to an announcement. 

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As we draw to the end of the spring legislative session, I was pleased to join the IL Legislative Latino Caucus for a breakfast with Governor JB Pritzker.”  

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) tweeted, “I was happy to welcome Coach Underwood and members of the @IlliniMBBto Springfield this week to celebrate their 2022 Big Ten Championship win - as a Purdue Boilermakers fan I always enjoy the rivalry!”  

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Baseball is Back! The Chicago @Cubs kick off their 2022 season today at 120PM. Expect increased traffic along Irving, Addison, the Blue Line, and the Kennedy.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “We have roughly 48 hours left of session and the Democrats in the General Assembly continue to hold the legislature hostage to their extreme agenda. I will update you soon.”  

Rep. Edgar Gonzalez (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Two big guys enjoying some chilaquiles at @JBPritzker's mansion. Taking over Illinois one dinner plate at a time!”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Electric vehicle infrastructure has ramped up throughout the Stateline. We are excited that EVs will open new doors for suppliers and mechanics in Illinois, and that the new technology will have a ripple effect in the automobile industry.”  

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) tweeted, “We must improve technology – law enforcement officials should have the ability to track carjackers and have the tools they need to tackle the increasing problem head on. The faster we are able to locate where a carjacker is and arrest them, the safer our communities will be.”  

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) tweeted, “Permanent relief of almost 16 cents per gallon at the gas pump, or temporary pennies per gallon relief that expires right after the fall's election. Which do you think would help you more during this period of record-high inflation?” 

Former House Democrats press secretary Steve Brown published an essay in the Gateway Journalism Review discussing his thoughts on the media, the evolution of statehouse media coverage and his observations of former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s time as speaker and relationship with the media. Brown retired at the end of the spring 2021 legislative session a few months after Madigan retired as a state representative.

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The City of Chicago proposes to spend $12,500,000 on prepaid gas and transit cards. I am hearing from 1st Ward residents, and would like to collect more feedback on your preferences for this money. If you have feedback, please use this brief survey”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Applications for Small Business Improvement Fund grants are now open for businesses located in the South Chicago TIF! Applications are due by May 2nd at 5 pm. For more information about this program, click on the link below!”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Congratulations to our new Supreme Court Justice, history has been made!”  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “Thank you for your hard fight @Window2workers. We love you.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Thanks to everyone who stopped by our Healings Art Reception in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you missed it, you can still view the collection of survivor artwork at our ward office!” 

The Chicago Department of Transportation will grant licenses to Lime, Spin and Superpedestrian to operate 3,000 e-scooters across the city starting in “early May,” officials announced Thursday. Companies Bird, Helbiz and Veo also applied but were not accepted. Additionally, Lyft will add 1,000 docked e-scooters “into the downtown core of the Divvy system,” at 230 docking stations.  

The City Club of Chicago will host a panel event at 12 p.m. on April 25 titled “Impact 2022: Economic Trends & Opportunities of INVEST South/West: North Lawndale.” It will include a panel moderated by Teresa Córdova of the University of Illinois at Chicago Great Cities Institute. The panel will comprise New Covenant Community Development Corp. CEO Rodney Brown, North Lawndale Employment Network CEO Brenda Palms Barber, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation executive director Richard Townsell and Sinai Community Institute president Debra Wesley. RSVP is required.  

The Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee will host an event at Harold Washington Library at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday titled “HERE’S HAROLD! A Centennial Birthday Celebration Honoring the Life, Spirit, and Remarkable Achievements of Mayor Harold Washington.” Gov. JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Rev. Jesse Jackson are all listed as “honorary co-chairs.

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Organ donors save hundreds of lives. In January 2010, I received a kidney transplant. This measure would make it easier for individuals who hold a hunting license to join the organ registry.”  

Rep. Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D-Skokie) tweeted, “Sneakers and suits for @AmericanCancer on the House Floor today in honor of the toughest, kindest guy I know, my Dad Michael Gong”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, “We honored Illinois' fallen veterans today, I met this great American: Chaplain Willard Fruits who gave the Invocation & led us in Washington’s Prayer. Fruits served in Korea & is a member of the Greatest Generation. Remember all who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for us”  

Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) tweeted, “We just passed HB5575 in the General Assembly today! This bill is a step forward in ensuring that small businesses owners and entrepreneurs in Illinois have equitable access to workforce opportunities without unnecessary occupational licensing requirements. @SBACIL @ijclinic"  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Watching @repgregharris and @TomDemmer debate the budget in Exec cmte & realizing the depth of knowledge that is leaving the chamber after this year. These two have encyclopedic knowledge of the state budget & next year will be interesting w/new budget leads on both sides #twill"  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “People reentering society after being released from the IL Department of Corrections facilities should have access to documents regarding their time committed. Seems like a basic right but it’s currently not happening! That’s why I championing HB 4559”  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Our taprooms, venues, food trucks, breweries, bars, and restaurants need our continued support. If you want to assure your local watering hole or favorite music venue stays open, call your legislator TODAY and tell them to put $125M into the budget.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “This morning, I attend a press conference in the Governor's office to announce $122 million renovation of the Armory building. I have such fond memories of attending community events there over the years. I look forward to seeing this iconic building restored to its former glory!”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Late last night, House Democrats called a series of new crime bills to try to distract from the damaging SAFE-T Act they passed last year over the objections of law enforcement groups, victims' rights advocates, and public safety experts.”  

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Illinois is collectively pulling every lever possible to support the Ukrainian people. Congratulations to Representative Lindsey LaPointe on this consequential piece of legislation. #StandWithUkraine" 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced the state will begin a $122 million total renovation of the State Armory, located north of the Capitol. The funds come from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The renovations will allow executive agencies to use the building for office space and will be completed in 2025. The building has been the location of many important events to the Springfield community and has hosted presidents, famous athletes and other well-known people or music groups.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Chicago: I’m in!”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “REMINDER: Opening Day at Wrigley is tomorrow! The game starts at 1:20pm. Parking and traffic restrictions begin up to two hours before the game. To report issues please call the Cubs game day hotline, 866-4-CPD-TOW.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Next week, join us for a virtual update on the proposed affordable development in the Heart of Lincoln Square. Register at http://bit.ly/western47”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Proud to stand with @afscme31 on #LibraryWorkersDay yesterday to recognize the tireless work of our library workers to support our community through learning!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I attended a grou[nd]breaking today for the new Illinois headquarters for Lubavitch Chabad at 2833 W. Howard.” 

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a virtual Small Business Expo at 9 a.m. on May 5. “The interactive expo will provide business owners and entrepreneurs a forum to get expert advice, connect with industry experts and government agencies, learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and attend an inspiring keynote address,” according to a news release. Online registration is required.  

Former Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy has been appointed Interim Chief of Police for southwest suburban Willow Springs, whose population is about 5,000. He will be sworn in as chief of police later this month. 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “HB 5201 just passed out of committee and it will establish an Agriculture Equity Commission to ensure Illinois’ 116,417 farmers, including those most marginalized, are being adequately supported”  

Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Libraries are very important, they provide education, resources, services, and safe spaces for our community. I continue to stand with and support our libraries. #LoveLibraryWorkers #NationalLibraryWorkersDay"  

Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) tweeted, “It was a joy to honor the Illini basketball team and their BIG Ten Championship win at Springfield today! Congratulations”  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s time to pay it forward – we recently announced a plan to help support families through refund checks, sales tax pauses & more. Illinois has paid its bills; now it’s time to help you pay yours.”  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “On April 4th From Members of IL General Assembly Condemning Springfield Police Officer's Racist, Homophobic, and Anti-Semitic Rhetoric. I will continue to speak out against such hate.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Great to see my @IlliniAthleticsfamily in the Capitol today. @luke_goode21, @CoachUnderwoodand @IlliniADshowing the @bigtentrophy around the dome. @IlliniMBB, you make us all proud. OskeeWowWow!”  

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted, “House Democrats voted yes to support Congress's initiatives to cap the monthly cost of insulin at no more than $35. Healthcare is a Human Right, and every person deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare.”  

Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “Yesterday I voted for and co sponsored HB1466 that will cap the price of insulin. House Democrats are cracking down on Big Pharma and making prescription drugs affordable.” 

The Department of Agriculture filed emergency rules Tuesday prohibiting the sale or showing of poultry and flea markets, exhibitions and auctions to prevent the spread of avian influenza among birds. The rules are in effect for 150 days but will be reevaluated in 45 days.

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Join SOAR (Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees) on Saturday May 21st at 1 pm, at 11731 S Avenue O, for the 2022 Commemoration of the 1937 Republic Steel Memorial Day Massacre.”  

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted “Happy Library Workers Day! Today, we celebrate the contributions of the library staff who keep our libraries running and make our communities better. Join me in thanking the amazing staff of Toman Branch!”  

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Librarians were on the front lines fighting for fair vaccination policies and public health measures for city workers at the start of the COVID pandemic in Chicago. Support the Chicago Public Library workers of @afscme31 everyday and especially on Library Workers Day”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “The Pretrial Fairness Act protects the basic constitutional rights of all Illinoisans. Tell your legislator to vote NO on proposals to roll back basic human rights protections for Illinoisans”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) shared a Block Club article and tweeted “I'm excited to welcome The Understudy to Andersonville this summer! Theatre is a vital part of our community, and this cafe will be a great addition to our neighborhood.” 

The Chicago Cultural Alliance announced Mónica Félix as its new executive director. She was previously Chief Administrative Officer of the American Comparative Literature Association. 

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The legislature is contemplating a variety of tax relief plans in these final few days of session. I’m not sure exactly what we’ll do. But I can tell you what we *won’t* do: We won’t fork over tax relief to the rich at the expense of the poor. And we won’t create a second, lesser tier of benefits for non-citizens. Recovery, relief, and re-investment for all. Especially the hardest hit.”  

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Called the son of a Chicago police officer today to tell him we are returning the proceeds of his dad’s life insurance policy from 21 years ago for $50K. Thanks, @ILTreasurer #unclaimedproperty #twill"  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “During that last line of transphobic questioning of @stu4300 during a routine resolution, Sally decided she wasn’t having it and took to her couch. #twill"  

Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) tweeted, “Our 'Pay It Forward Plan’ tax relief proposal is a win for Illinois teachers”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “In order for families and businesses to thrive, they need to be and feel safe. This is why we are focused on cutting crime, making sure violent offenders aren’t released prematurely, and supporting law enforcement.”  

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We need targeted tax relief in the IL FY23 budget for low-income households, and the creation of a child tax credit and expansion of the earned income credit gets us there.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “The House is scheduled to adjourn this Friday and we have yet to see Democrats' promised anti-crime package. Illinoisans deserve better.”  

President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) tweeted, “As Illinoisans get back on their feet following a difficult two years, we want to help lighten the load with the Pay it Forward Plan. A sales tax freeze, refund checks, providing tax-free back-to-school shopping & more will help support Illinois taxpayers as we recover.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “HB 4559 to allow incarcerated people to request a summary of their master file passed! As Illinois continues to commit itself to a focus on restorative justice, making sure people have the resources they need to reflect and rehabilitate is vital.”