Jim Reilly, the former head of Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and Regional Transportation Authority, died Monday at the age of 77, the Tribune reported. Reilly was also a state representative and chief of staff to Gov. Jim Thompson and Gov. Jim Edgar on his reelection campaign.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) shared a copy of an order he proposed more than one year ago and tweeted “This order has [sat] in Public Safety Committee for 577 days. Imagine all the lives hurt because this administration prefers politics over public safety! #EnoughIsEnough”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Proud to approve 46 new affordable units in the 47th Ward last year -- or 13% of all affordable units created under the ARO last year.”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Congrats to @SennHS teacher Trevor Nicholas for being a finalist for Educator of the Year at the @RecordingAcad Grammys this year!”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a Block Club article and tweeted “Rogers Park residents are always amazing in their commitment to mutual aid and support efforts. This free store for refugees in Rogers Park needs a bigger, accessible home. Do you have a space that could house them? If so, contact [email protected]” 

The Metropolitan Planning Council and WTTW will host a virtual panel event at noon on Thursday titled “Health Segregation in Chicago: Envisioning a Future of Health Equity.” Panelists will include Metropolitan Planning Council president Darlene Hightower, Rush University Medical System senior vice president for community health equity David Ansell, Chicago Department of Public Health Managing Deputy Comm. Megan Cunningham and Sinai Community Institute president Debra Wesley. Online registration is required. The council will

Gov. JB Pritzker has appointed Samuel Knight to the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee, Delores Temes to the Statewide 9-1-1 Advisory Board, Edward Heflin to the Statewide Independent Living Council and Christopher Stohr to Mahomet Aquifer Council. 

Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My measure to increase the minimum benefits for widows of Chicago 1st responders passed the House! Some widows have been living with financial hardship for decades. Pleased that the General Assembly has taken this step to support the families who sacrifice so much for all of us.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Always an honor to stand up here with my colleagues as we work to make Illinois communities stronger”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Like many members of our Central Illinois community, I'm saddened by the closure of Lincoln College. I’m sympathetic to the loss and uncertainty felt by students, faculty, staff and alumni. As it becomes available, I will share information and resources for individuals affected.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We are gonna have debates and discussions around public safety policy. The most important thing is to move from the old, failed status quo and towards a new, smarter public safety for all.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the @ILStatePolice. For those who have served and continue to serve, thank you for the sacrifices you've made so we can be safe at home and in our communities.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “Those without health insurance could receive information on available state health insurance with a check of a box thanks to a measure I sponsored that passed through the Illinois Senate on Friday.”  

Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) tweeted, “Visited the top of the IL Capitol building with @timozinga"  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Listening to Senate debate on HB4430 sending patience and love to @SenMikeSimmons while Senate Repubs concoct wild theories to justify blocking access to HIV prevention med. I’ve heard suggestions of multiple prescriptions, illicit markets, or a tool of human trafficking”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Happy 100th Anniversary to the @ILStatePolice! This week I co-sponsored a resolution recognizing their work, and the honorable men and women who serve with integrity and pride To the brave men and women who serve, I will always have your back. #BacktheBlue"  

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “I had the great pleasure yesterday to travel from Springfield over to Rantoul on the east-central end of the state to learn more about Lincoln's Challenge Academy.” 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Alderman Reilly has heard from many constituents regarding the proposed Tribune Publishing location, as it is very close to the 42nd Ward boundary and would directly impact many residents. Alderman Reilly takes constituent input very seriously and knows neighborhood residents are clearly opposed to the Tribune proposal.”  

Cook County Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) wrote in a statement, “-A very real financial crisis could soon hit every government taxing body in Cook County. That’s because the Cook County Assessor’s Office could delay the second installment of the Cook County Real Estate Taxes up to six months and possibly into the first quarter of 2023. This delay in over $16 billion dollars in second half bills will force local government bodies to either draw down their reserves or borrow money with interest.” 

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago released its schedule of webinars throughout the month of April on Homebuyer Education, “Financial Fresh Start” and Foreclosure Prevention. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “Yesterday I was honored to welcome actor Harry Lennix to the Capitol. It was truly a pleasure sitting and chatting with the star of the NBC television show the Blacklist, and learning how he plans to bring the arts to the heart of the south side of Chicago.”  

Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) tweeted, “Yesterday, my colleagues and I discussed our plans to address the rising cost of higher education. My bill, SB 819, would allow MAP grant recipients more flexibility in how they spend grant money, such as paying for textbooks and housing.”  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) tweeted, “To help service members who are transitioning from active duty to the workforce, I passed a measure to designate the IDVA as the primary assistance agency under the U.S. SkillBridge Program that helps employers find skilled workers.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) tweeted, “A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them. Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, "It's estimated that 6.6 million people in the country cannot get a copy of their transcript because they owe a debt to their college, sometimes as little as $25," [Rep. Morgan] said. "Twenty-five dollars is keeping them from getting access to their transcripts."  

Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “On the floor with my colleagues, Sally Turner and Mike Hastings. We are getting ready to move bills on third reading!”  

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) tweeted, “House Bill 3988, which creates the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women, passed the Senate”  

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted, “Meet the Eastern Milk Snake and the 11-year-old boy who had a vision to designate this reptile as our state snake! #ILGA"  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Illinoisans across the state are struggling, including university students. To help students find assistance I’m sponsoring HB 4201 to require universities to designate a Benefits Navigator - and it successfully past out of the Senate this week & is headed to the governor’s desk!”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Today we celebrate #TransDayOfVisibility . As your state rep, I'm committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live as their most authentic self - while recognizing that this requires advocacy, action & a network of support from us all. #twill" 

The Department of Central Management Services and Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday a purchase and sale agreement has been reached with JRTC Holdings for the sales of the James R. Thompson Center at 100 W. Randolph Street. JRTC Holdings was chosen as the buyer of the building in December. Illinois will receive a $70 million up-front payment and retain 425,000 square feet of space in the building. Closing on the sale is expected to be completed this summer.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Thank you to everyone that joined us in marking my ten year anniversary as Democratic Committeeman! It is truly an honor to be a constant voice for common sense within the party & supporting candidates that share that philosophy too!”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “This #TransVisibility Day, Chicagoans and Cook County residents are rallying for trans lives calling on @ChicagosMayor and Cook County Jail to protect trans lives. The City of Chicago must protect trans people and provide our trans community with the resources needed to be safe.”  

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “I am proud to support Deborah Witzburg because of her impeccable credentials and background. As the chair of Chicago's first Ethics and Government Oversight Committee, I am thrilled to see this appointment coincide with the final day of #WHM, as she will be an advocate for all.”  

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “As we commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility, here's some 46th Ward history. Thanks to @cmcelroy5 for her humor as we say no to bigotry!” 

Jake DiGregorio has joined the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce as its new Vice President of Communications and Marketing. 

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “I am proud to have addressed some of our pension obligations this year. I helped make sure that that our Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund program is funded.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “To improve accessibility and offer additional protections to workers, the Illinois Senate approved my initiative to modernize the state's Occupational Safety and Health Act”  

Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) tweeted, “Actor Harry Lennix from NBC's hit show The Blacklist came to Springfield to testify in the Museums and Cultural Arts committee about his plans to redevelop the old Marshall Fields Warehouse on the south side as an arts center.”  

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) tweeted, “Happy we can have a little fun on the floor and establish a state snake! #ILGA"  

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Yesterday, the Senate passed HB 4158 which would require a homeowner or condominium association who conducts a reserve study to keep it within its books and records, which by law the individual property owners have a right to inspect.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “Happy Birthday to @AveryBourne! Please remember to thank her when you’re getting gas today. #twill"  

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted, “Even reporters are moving out of Illinois! Congrats @MarkMaxwellTV"  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Pritzker’s insistence on governing by extremist activism is hurting all Illinoisans. What he is doing to the Prison Review Board is shameful.”  

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “The House only has 10 days of session left to pass Senate Bill 2940. Please consider reaching out to your local representative to ask them to support this bill.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “Record-high inflation has hit Illinois families hard over the last several months. House Democrats promised relief but have done nothing while residents continue to struggle with the rising costs of food and fuel.”  

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) tweeted, “Our men and women in uniform make the ultimate sacrifice each day to serve and protect our communities. By recognizing the Illinois State Police throughout the month of April, we will show support to those who go above and beyond to support us.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “Proud that the House passed SB3032 yesterday! We are one step closer to ensuring student debt is not a barrier to advancing one's opportunities! It's always great to work with @SenatorFine" 

WCIA capitol bureau chief Mark Maxwell announced in a tweet Wednesday he will be leaving the station on April 24. Maxwell has covered Illinois politics for the station since 2017 and has been a contributor to Nexstar’s Chicago affiliate WGN and WGN Radio. Maxwell will be joining KSDK, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis as political editor covering Illinois and Missouri politics.  

Illinois voters can begin applying to receive a vote-by-mail ballot with their local election authority, which is the county clerk’s office in most areas. Voters have through June 23 to request a ballot.  

The Illinois Housing Authority will make $309 million of assistance available to homeowners and renters for help paying mortgages and rent beginning April 11. Applications for assistance will be open online through May. Up to $30,000 is available for each qualifying person.

Ald. David Moore (17) tweeted “The Secretary of State office must remain a servants seat and not go back to being a political seat. It's important that the person is fiscally responsible and can directly run an effective and efficient operation. As companies ask of you, a person's work history matters”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Join us tomorrow, March 31 at 3pm as we Rally For Trans Lives at the Daley Center (50 W. Washington)!”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) in response to news that Deborah Witzburg is Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick to be the city’s next Inspector General tweeted “Great pick!!! Should’ve happened sooner but glad that it’s happening!”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “Excited to announce that improvements to the Western Brown Line CTA Plaza are in the works. We want your feedback!” Martin included information on a public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at 4925 N. Lincoln Ave.  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “9 alderpeople–myself included–sponsored the resolution to put transfer tax increase in a referendum (which I reintroduced last July). Revenue from the transfer tax could fund mental health services, job training, and support housing options.  

@BringChiHome” 

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners opened applications on Wednesday for Chicago voters to receive mail-in ballots for the June 28 primary. Applications are available online. Voters will be notified via email when their applications are accepted, when their ballot is mailed to them, when their ballot envelope has been received and then when it has been processed and counted. Ballots are expected to be mailed to voters in May.  

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless will host a town hall event with Ald. Walter Burnett (27) and Ald. Jason Ervin (28) at 6 p.m. Thursday at Deborah’s Place on the Near West Side to discuss “solving the housing and homelessness crisis.” Online registration is required.  

The group Reform for Illinois will host a virtual town hall event with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 to discuss the property tax assessment process. Online registration is required.

Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted, “March 29, 1973, was the day the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam. This #VietnamWarVeteransDay, we remember and honor those who served with steadfastness and valor during the Vietnam War.”  

Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) tweeted, “To offer stability to retailers, bring support to state prosecutors and promote statewide economic growth, I joined the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Attorney General’s office to introduce a legislative proposal to curb organized retail crime”  

Rep. Cyril Nichols (D-Chicago) tweeted, “My first bill has officially passed the House and Senate! Excited for students to have the option to have plant based lunches! #healthylifestyle"  

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tweeted, “Today the Senate adopted a resolution recognizing the Illinois State Police's 100 years of service. The sacrifices these law enforcement officers have made for generations have not gone unnoticed. We can’t thank them enough.”  

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Polish communities have always had a large impact on the Chicago area, far beyond their unique and recognizable cultural touchstones like food and the arts. I sponsored a measure with Rep. Ramirez to establish a Polish Heritage Corridor in Chicago.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “I passed a measure through the Senate today that would ensure customers get a discount when supermarkets put products on sale. Shoppers will now be reassured at the checkout when they see their savings listed on the screen.”  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Everyone deserves to feel safe this summer. I am glad that the General Assembly is taking an essential step to protect our families who visit beaches on Lake Michigan by requiring rescue equipment on all public piers.”  

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Opinion: A gas-tax holiday is a short-term fix that ignores long-term needs. We need to reduce the costs of getting around and we need to make travel as clean, safe and affordable as possible. That starts with fixing our transit system.”  

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) tweeted, “Pritzker’s DCFS moved a 14-year-old girl 21 times in 6 months. Pritzker must do better. He needs to replace the current director of DCFS with someone who is actually capable of doing the job.”  

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “National Vietnam War Veterans Day was signed into law by President Trump in 2017, on this day we thank and honor all those who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. I cannot tell you how much I am thankful for our veterans and their families. #VietnamVeteransDay"  

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) tweeted, “As part of the surveillance testing in the Capitol, I tested positive for Covid today. Thankful for my booster, so far just some mild symptoms. I’ve got the remote legislative session command center set up in the Springfield apartment & ready to power through this week. #Twill" 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will hold nine household hazardous waste collection events this spring to allow residents to get rid of common household items that can create an environmental hazard. Items that can be disposed include chemical cleaners, oil, or other chemical substances. A full schedule collection locations and days can be found online.   

The Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association will honor current and former state lawmakers Greg Harris, Toi Hutchinson, and Heather Steans with 2022 Party Builder’s Award at an event on April 13. More information and tickets can be found online.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “In Chicago's 35th Ward, we know housing, not state violence, is the solution to homelessness. Last night our community came together to discuss how we can house and support our neighbors. Sign-up for our newsletter for more updates on this initiative”  

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Recently joined @PaulLisnek at WGN to discuss the new Alderwoman of the 11th ward, the Chicago casino, and redistricting. You can find our full conversation here”  

Ald Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “This week we’re celebrating library workers! The folks at our Rogers Park branch are amazing public servants and the space they create for us is an integral part of our community. Thank you all for what you do!”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “The 50th Ward has $100,000 available to fund programs that will help improve our neighborhood. The grants are available for registered non-profits that provide the following services: School Enrichment and Immigration Support.” 

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs will cohost the “Chicago Impact Investing Showcase 2022” at 12 p.m. to “explore the role of government treasuries in impact investing, including their unique constraints and opportunities, as they allocate capital to benefit the public.” Allies for Community Business CEO Brad McConnell will also be a panelist.

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted, “Earlier today I joined Sen. @WinStoller for a press conference about the Majority Party’s failure to fully fund our state’s UI Trust Fund. This decision could lead to one of the largest business tax increases in IL history as well as worker benefit cut.”  

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “If the Governor would read the actual bill, he would know that we should all agree that teaching kids in kindergarten about sexuality is not appropriate. This bill ensures that parents can send their children to school without gender ideology injected into the curriculum.”  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted, “As Florida passed HB1557, the "Don't Say Gay" bill, we must continue to support our LBGTQ+ community in Illinois. These types of bills aren't about parental control, but an excuse to further marginalize LGBTQ+ people.”  

Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) tweeted, “I'm thrilled to announce more than $1 million in Back to Business grants released to businesses in Will and Kendall Counties.”  

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) tweeted, “Congratulations to the Sacred Heart-Griffin High School Basketball team on winning the IHSA 3A State Championship! I visited the team today to congratulate them myself. They better be ready next year because my Lanphier Lions are coming back for it all!”  

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted, “The State of Illinois and the Chicagoland area specifically continues to benefit as the #railroad hub of the nation. I believe that keeping the industry strong and keeping Chicago as the top hub is critical. #runwiththerep" 

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted, “I encourage the Chicago Bears to build a modern day stadium in the suburbs to be competitive, but taxpayer dollars should not subsidize the project.”