Gov. JB Pritzker announced a series of appointments to various board and commissions on Monday, including the appointment of Jameson Ramirez to serve on the State Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees. The governor appointed Kellye Keyes to serve as Chair of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, John Hanlon and Phillip Kinsey to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission, Payton Ade to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Gisela Attlan to the Illinois State Board of Investment. Finally, Pritzker announced the appointment of seven new officials to serve as public administrators or public guardians of various counties across the state. The full list of appointments is online. 

The Illinois EPA is making $1 million available for grants through the Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program, which will assist small and disadvantaged communities in developing a project plan that identifies a solution to wastewater collection and treatment needs, the agency announced on Monday. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The 1st Ward office ran out of Covid-19 rapid tests this morning. If you were unable to get one, please stay tuned for updates in our newsletter or email [email protected] to let us know that you would like to be updated if we're able to get more rapid tests.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I’m on the Public Safety Committee & wasn’t invited to @chicagosmayor’s public safety publicity stunt. Not really surprised since her crime-fighting strategy never included communities that look like mine. Why start now?” 

Ald. Derrick Curtis (21) tweeted “This is the real Alderman Derrick Curtis. My Instagram, Twitter, and FB has been hacked, if I asked you for anything other than prayer, BLOW THE WHISTLE!!!!”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Due to one of our staff testing positive for COVID-19, our office will be closed today. The safety of our residents and team is our priority. We are following the CDC guidelines and monitoring the situation closely. We can be reached via email at [email protected]” 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “This holiday season, protect your family and your community. Get vaccinated, get boosted, and stay home if you are sick!” 

The Chicago Department of Housing is seeking public comment on its Draft Affordable Requirements Ordinance Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing and Tenant Screening Plan. The new screening process is looking to prioritize applicants with disabilities and will not disqualify tenants based on their credit scores, according to department Comm. Marisa Novara. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health and Discovery Partners Institute announced on Monday that they will leverage $2.14 million in federal funding to renew by another two years “the citywide system to monitor the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants in wastewater.” The monitoring system launched in October and is used “to inform the City’s COVID-19 response, for example, by providing early warnings of a potential outbreak, or helping the City prioritize communities for enhanced COVID-19 testing or vaccination services,” officials said.

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) posted on Facebook, “Thank you so much to Alive Aurora for co-hosting a Politics & Pastries event with me and giving me the opportunity to help empower teen girls. I was able to share my story and help students learn more about politics, all while baking fun treats! 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted, “This @ILStatePolice Trooper was hit last night by an intoxicated driver. Fortunately, the officer is okay, but it could have been much more tragic. Our law enforcement are on the front line for us every…single…day. Let’s keep them in our prayers & keep standing up for them!”  

Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottowa) posted on Facebook, “Yesterday I was able to be in attendance as Enbridge made a $5,000 donation to the IVCC Welding Scholarship. Every year up to five $1,000 awards are given to students considering work in the oil and gasoline pipeline industry. Welding is one of the top programs at IVCC and these scholarship opportunities for students only make it stronger.  

Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside) tweeted, “In what legislative universe are or offs more passable than BBB? The whole point of the reconciliation strategy was to unite the spectrum of the party.”  

Rep. Stefanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted of a recently signed law regulating flags flown at half staff, “Honored to have been a Chief CoSponsor on this bill with [Rep. Daniel Didech] that is now law.” 

The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking for feedback on the state's transportation system and travel habits through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey. The survey is available online until Jan. 7 by clicking here or visiting idot.illinois.gov. 

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced on Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended an additional three months – from Jan. 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses learner’s permits. White noted this “will be the final extension.” 

The group Illinois Families for Public Schools will host a virtual panel event at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 titled “Confronting the Rise of School Board Disruptions.” Discussion will center on: “Who’s behind the disinformation campaign around masks/vaccines mandates, an erosion of LGTBQ+ rights and the way race is being taught in our schools? How can we band together to support our school boards and staff who are being threatened and to protect public education?” Online registration is required. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted, “Omicron is here in Midwest, lower % than other regions but spreading like wildfire. Will be dominant within days. Wherever you are, your relative risk of infection (or reinfection) in any given social situation has never been higher than it is today. Wear N95, avoid indoor crowds”  

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted, “We all have a moment in this movement .. will your moment be about talking or doing ? Stop telling about democracy when you stand by doing nothing .. I’m clear about my moment are you ??” 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that she “partnered up with the Chicago Police Department to help the homeless stay warm and safe this winter at Midway Airport. The Salvation Army and Trilogy Healthcare were also there to offer services and resources to help those in need.”  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) wrote in his latest newsletter that “As a matter of caution, and keeping in mind the rising cases of the COVID Omicron variant, we will be transitioning to virtual office for the first two weeks in January, so that we can see the case count trends after all of the holiday traveling and gatherings across the country.”  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter, “Within the next 15 years, a significant portion of new passenger vehicles will be powered by electric batteries rather than by internal combustion engines. And because many Chicago residents do not have access to a dedicated residential parking space at which to charge their vehicle, it's incumbent upon the City to help ensure that residents will be able to charge their electric vehicles quickly and comfortably in the coming years.” 

The Chicago Public Library system launched Sunday hours for 24 of its locations, opening Sunday access for at least one city library in every neighborhood, according to a Friday announcement. Full information about library hours is available online.

Sen. John Connor (D-Lockport) released a statement on the bill (SB280) he sponsored that was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday to establish the Regional Water Commissions Act, saying it “will address a looming water crisis in the Joliet region and ensure a clean and reliable water source for years to come.” 

Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) tweeted, “It’s not about a vaccine, it’s about freedom. The mandate candidate, @JBPritzker is acting like a tyrant & overstepping his power. These decisions should be between you & your doctor, and the government is not your doctor. Keep standing for freedom. 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “We're hiring! Interested in starting a career supporting Democrats in the General Assembly? We're looking for communications specialists, legislative coordinators, attorneys, receptionists, and many other positions. Learn more and apply today: https://ilhousedems.com/employment/” 

Rep. Lamont Robinson (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We will miss you, @SenatorBush. We represent different districts with different interests. But I genuinely enjoy her. She helped us pass the landmark lead removal legislation to save people's lives. Thank you and best wishes in your upcoming retirement.” 

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) tweeted, “For decades, IL midwives have been fighting to have their profession receive the official recognition that it deserves. This new certification process will ensure that they can safely continue their work for mothers who wish to deliver out of a hospital.” 

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the state’s unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points to 5.7 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by 19,500 in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The preliminary report for October monthly payrolls was revised upward from 40,900 to 42,000 added jobs. The October unemployment rate was unchanged from the preliminary report, remaining at 6.0 percent.   

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Thursday that a “route guidance app” for truck drivers. The app “features audible turn-by-turn technology,” which will allow drivers to “hear directions while keeping their attention on the road,” according to the announcement. Instructions on how to download the app can be found online. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted a copy of an ordinance he introduced on Wednesday calling for a public bathrooms pilot program and wrote, “I am pleased to clarify and update the list of endorsements for a public bathrooms pilot program.” 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “NOTICE: Colfax Avenue, from 94th to 95th Street, will be partially closed for construction, from December 20th to January 7th.”  

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “What a pleasant surprise to receive this ornament from my friend @SenAlexPadilla. Looking forward to working with him on the Build Back Better and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts in the near future.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “I find myself wishing people Restful Holidays more often than Happy Holidays - I see tons of people that deserve that and so much more.” 

Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted “Great news today: Chicago Plan Commission approved two 100% affordable housing developments in Uptown (a total of 101 units) and I hear the new ortho unit at @weisshospital will be opening soon!” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Yesterday I spoke on the unanimously approved #AnjanetteYoung verdict for settlement. Ms. Young’s case further exposes the need to fix the system and fix policies so we don’t keep making the same mistakes.”

Cook County Health will hold a one-day mass COVID-19 vaccination event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at three suburban locations with no appointment necessary. Vaccinations will be available at 3250 N. Arlington Heights Road Suite 300 in Arlington Heights, 1800 S. Harlem Ave. Suite A in North Riverside and 12757 S. Western Ave. In Blue Island.  

Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) wrote in a statement Wednesday calling on the General Assembly to “support an immediate filing of a previously-agreed-upon bill that would implement much-needed nursing home rate reform. This will allow associations to then file amendments to the language, providing a transparent process for legislatures.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In response to concern about escalating crime in our community and throughout the city, today I joined [Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Ald. Matt Martin (47), Ald. Tom Tunney (44)] and officers from the @ChicagoCAPS19 police district to hear from local business owners and residents.” 

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted on Facebook, “Beginning today and through the end of the year, I will highlight a few and the new laws that are hitting the books on January 1. I will begin with this one. Illinois employers are bracing for another increase in the minimum wage. On January 1, the minimum wage increases to $12 per hour and will continue to increase on January 1 each year until it hits $15 per hour on January 1, 2025.” 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted, “I’m thrilled to receive the 2021 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Democrat!” 

Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford) tweeted, “In September, I sponsored an energy bill -SB2408- that saved the Byron Nuclear Plant. I had the opportunity to visit a local peaker plant which helps maintain and safeguard our energy grid.”

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) will not seek reelection in 2022, she announced Wednesday. ““I’m immensely proud to have helped advance policies that have moved our state forward: making Illinois the most pro-choice state in America; passing landmark legislation to make Illinois a global leader in the fight against climate change; changing the way our state funds education to ensure all students, regardless of zip code or economic status, receive a quality education; and so much more,” Bush wrote in a statement. “While I will not be seeking re-election, I will remain an engaged voice on behalf of my community and am committed to lifting up the voices of women throughout Illinois.” 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “My colleague Alderman Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez and I introduced a call for the City to establish a public bathroom pilot. Every person in Chicago deserves access to clean sanitation infrastructure, and this investment benefits everyone.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “I believe I am the reigning champ of birthday resolutions, regardless of election season” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “I lost count of the times I’ve been out with my child and struggle to find a public bathroom without having to buy something. One example of how to do this is here: https://portlandloo.com We are calling for a hearing to start a conversation about how we get this for our City.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “Today my office and the 19th Police District held a business safety meeting with all three of the Lakeview area chambers of commerce. Over 50 businesses joined us to discuss proactive steps to address crime.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “DFSS services are available to the victims of the Glenwood fire from last Thursday night. Victims can reach out to the DFSS North Area Community Center.”

The Cook County Department of Public Health on Wednesday reported the first known case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in suburban Cook County. The person “is asymptomatic and has received at least two doses of the vaccine,” according to the announcement. The county health department reported a seven-day average of 824 new daily cases on Tuesday, down from 1,179 one week earlier. 

The University of Chicago Institute of Politics announced former Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson as one of its new Pritzker Fellows. Ferguson will teach weekly seminars “about the role of Inspectors General in holding local and national governments accountable and will lead several seminars on police accountability in Chicago.” 

Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) sent a news release celebrating Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature of a bill allowing the licensure of midwives, writing, “The demand for home birth services has been on the rise, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this law will help ensure that mothers who opt for a home birth can have one safely.”  

Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) posted on Facebook, “I had a great tour at Dynamic Utility Solutions in Carol Stream yesterday! Dynamic Utility Solutions is a Latina owned utility contractor. We had a great discussion on how to bolster the pipeline for electrical trades.” 

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) posted on Facebook, “Prep call for the American Nuclear Webinar tomorrow-  Subject-US Nuclear Power Plants: Clean Energy Assets at Risk. I’ll be discussing the energy bill passed in IL that preserved our nuclear power plants.” 

Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted, “We convened our People’s Legislative Council for seniors at Levy House. We dove into legislation & how to implement co-governance into policymaking. [Jane Addams Senior Caucus] joined us to build community & empower folks through advocacy. We’re building policy systems that work for seniors!  

Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) tweeted, “Thankful to hear a full investigation of what happened during the tragic events this past weekend will take place. All employees deserve a safe working environment.” 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture on Wednesday will open the third year of the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program, which offers a “premium discount of $5 per acre on the following year’s crop insurance for every acre of cover crop enrolled and verified in the program.” Due to the program’s success 100,000 acres are available for 2022, up from 50,000 the previous growing season, according to the announcement. More information is available online. 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Today, I proudly accept the @cookcodems endorsement by acclamation and feel privileged to work alongside the party to achieve transparency, accessibility and true collaboration when I am elected to the Cook County Board of Review.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Motion to lay the item on the table in two separate meetings at the same time. Oy ve”  

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted “Today I will vote in support of the Glenstar development, creating 297 housing units, 59 of which will be affordable. It will provide new housing opportunities for O’Hare workers, school professionals, retirees and more. Supporting this project is what our City deserves” 

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Picked up a large donation for the 50th Ward food drive courtesy of the Five Star Resident Council at Northtown Apartments. Thank you all for your generosity and commitment to our community!” 

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners on Tuesday certified dates and deadlines on the 2022 Election Calendar. Party candidates may begin circulating ballot petitions on Jan. 13 and submit signatures by March 14, but judicial candidates filing vacancies that arise between Feb. 21 and March 13 may take until April 4 to submit ballot petitions. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health added California and Mississippi to the city’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory, bringing the list to 42 states. They were added because their average new daily caseloads exceeded 15 per 100,000 residents.

The Chicago Department of Aviation will host a webinar at 9:30 a.m. Friday on “How to Open a Concession at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.” City aviation officials will discuss the “Request for Proposals (RFP) process,” “Operating at the Airport” and the “Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program,” according to an announcement. Online registration is required. 

The Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance will host a Zoom call at noon on Wednesday “to learn about an opportunity” that Chicago landlords “may all consider to provide a home for one or more of the many Afghan refugees who will soon arriving in Chicago,” according to an announcement. “JCFS Chicago has committed to resettling 110 refugee families from Afghanistan and around the world in the Chicago area. They are currently looking for apartments for up to 15 Afghan families that are coming in the initial phase beginning in January.” 

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) wrote in a fundraising email, “These past 4 years I have worked hard to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare, fought for sensible gun control laws, passed historic climate change legislation, and so much more. But there is still so much work to be done- and I need your help to do that work by working with me to get my name on the ballot again.”  

Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) wrote in a news release that he and Rep. Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) “are encouraging the public to review violence prevention program grantee lists now posted on ilga.gov in advance of a Monday hearing on the efforts.” 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) wrote on Facebook, “After touring the scene in Edwardsville, I was left speechless by the destruction, the recovery efforts and ultimately my realization of the painful toll this tragedy has taken on so many in our region.” She posted a link to donate to the Edwardsville Community Foundation disaster relief fund. 

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) posted on Facebook, “I am proud to have received an A + from Gun Violence Prevention Illinois. Gun violence is a public health crisis and I will continue to advocate for common sense solutions that keep our communities safe.” 

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) posted on Facebook, “The Schaumburg Airport is a staple of our community – providing dozens of jobs and an efficient way to support residents and the business community. I'm glad to see it receive state funds to make much-needed repairs and modifications. https://bit.ly/3GpIqxX”