Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday issued a disaster proclamation for counties across central and southern Illinois that were impacted by recent storms and tornadoes, his office announced Monday. A disaster proclamation grants the State of Illinois the ability to expedite the use of state resources, personnel, or equipment, and allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to procure additional resources to help communities recover from the storms. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency submitted amendments to 35 Illinois Administrative Codes to the Illinois Pollution Control Board to “update toxicity data for various chemicals, update exposure factors, and introduce groundwater quality standards for five Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals,” according to a Monday announcement. More information on the updates is available online. 

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) in his latest newsletter wrote that “Infrastructure repairs are expected to begin this month on Elston Avenue, Concord Place and Throop Street. These projects will occur in three (3) phases, with the initial phase anticipated to last approximately three (3) weeks, the second phase approximately four (4) months and the third phase approximately two (2) months. These infrastructure upgrades were approved in conjunction with the Lincoln Yards Planned Development.”  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Finance Committee members are giving you a play-by-play of Democratic Party slating in the background for your convenience.”  

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) tweeted photos from her fundraiser and wrote “Thank you to everyone for supporting my fundraiser last week. Y’all are the true inspiration for my work.”  

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Join the 49th Ward office on Tuesday, December 14, at 6 pm for a community meeting to learn more regarding a potential zoning change of the Mobil gas station located at 7201 N. Clark.”  

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “I am very upset to report that there was a shooting in the 50th Ward this morning. The victim was shot in the arm and is currently in the hospital in stable condition. Area 3 detectives are investigating.”

Sterling Bay is set on Tuesday to host an open house at the Lincoln Yards Experience Center for attendees to “view plans associated with Lincoln Yards South parcels C1, D1 and the Park, all of which are included in the Lincoln Yards Planned Development approved in 2019,” according to Ald. Brian Hopkins’ (2) most recent newsletter. Representatives from Sterling Bay and the project’s site development team will be on-hand during the open house event “to engage directly with members of the community, answering questions on plans for each parcel,” Hopkins wrote in his newsletter. Information will be available on the city’s Department of Planning and Development’s website, according to Hopkins’ newsletter. The event is set to run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. People interested in attending are required to email their contact information to [email protected]. Additionally, proof of vaccination or negative rapid test results are required for entry. Masks must be worn while on site. 

Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) posted to Facebook about the legal cases attached to the Democrat-run remap process: “A ruling on the constitutionality of the Democrats' second map is expected before Christmas. Will the federal judges throw out their gerrymandered map?”

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) posted to Facebook about new infrastructure investments coming to Alto Pass, Ill., writing “With this funding, the community will be able to update its sewage system which will not only create jobs for the community but is vital to ensuring residents of Alto Pass can remain safely in their homes.” 

Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Highwood) tweeted about a Thursday meeting of the Senate Health Committee, writing “we have an opportunity to rely on the data and innovation behind the booming health care and IT industries and start to forecast our health care future.”

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Chicago) tweeted, “It’s been six months since the #TEAACH Act was signed into law. I’m proud of the work that advocates, organizers, and elected officials put into ensuring curriculum fully reflects all of our stories.”

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted about an in-person help event for those who need to apply for rental assistance money. 

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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Friday announced eight grants totaling $456,000 to land trusts in Illinois to “support stewardship on land protected by Illinois Nature Preserves Commission programs,” according to an announcement. Eligible grant recipients are exempt from taxation. The grants include $20,000 for the Land Conservartion Foundation, $55,786 for The Nature Conservancy, $50,879 for Prairie Hills Resource Conservation & Development, $60,000 for the Illinois Audobon Society, $82,500 for The Conservation Foundation, $71,534 for Grand Prairie Friends, $60,296 for The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and $55,000 for the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. 

Ald. Sophia King (4) wrote in her latest newsletter, “Safety continues to be a concern in the ward and a priority for our office as we tackle various incidents throughout the ward and the city. Our concern has been particularly highlighted over the last weeks with shootings in Grand Boulevard, North Kenwood Oakland and Hyde Park; a pattern of vehicular jackings in Douglas; and the attempted vehicular jacking in the south loop and Oakland.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Lightfoot’s strategy is not about lifting Chicago’s tide & raising all boats but rather to lower the societal standards, bringing all communities to the lowest starting point possible. Her leadership is not about equity. It’s about forcing negative equality onto all communities.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted, “I just finished my last paper for the 3rd semester of my MSW at @NEIU and I’m exhausted and very very proud.” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted, “When you're driving west on Barry in Lakeview you see some garish city McMansions, but then it's okay because you pass the one-story brick house with the curved glass block wall at Barry and Leavitt. If you know, you know.  

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted about a potential citywide vaccine mandate and wrote, “It makes perfect sense to do this. In the winter people will be more closely packed into space and we have variants. The fact that this is a debate is what’s ridiculous.” 

 Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) wrote in his latest newsletter that he is “asking residents to participate in a postcard writing campaign to State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Office and Chief Judge Evans t express concerns about the lack of accountability and releasing individuals accused of violent crimes on electronic monitoring.    

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter  that he “hosted a town hall during which State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, 33rd Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and representatives from Thresholds and the city of Albuquerque discussed a recently created pilot in the 19th Police District in which police officers are paired with paramedics and crisis workers to respond to certain mental-health-related 911 calls.”  

Cook County Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) wrote in his latest newsletter of the Jussie Smollett conviction: “So the question remains, what happens next? It's very clear that Kim Foxx's office had its thumb squarely on the scale of justice for a celebrity friend. Elected officials in Cook County should muster their courage and call for her to resign, I’ll start!”  

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on Friday announced the launch of “Chicago Made,” a workforce development program and public awareness campaign designed to boost the city’s TV and film industry. The workforce development program will offer job training and placement for Chicago residents ages 24 to 50, with applications due on Wednesday. The public awareness campaign will “highlight the vital role Chicago’s TV and film industry plays in our city,” according to Friday’s announcement. 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) sent a news release directing people to the Illinois Rental Payment Program, saying “help is here for those who need it most.” 

Sen. Jill Tracy (R-Carbondale) wrote in her latest newsletter, “We are hopeful that the court will accept our maps and find the Democrats’ second round of maps also unconstitutional, bringing better representation for you and your fellow residents. Illinoisans deserve a government that works for them, not for incumbent politicians and their interests.”  

Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) posted on Facebook, “I had a wonderful time at Plumbers Local 130’s annual event! It was great to see so many of my colleagues and strong supporters of labor. Thank you to the plumbers for all of their hard work maintaining our infrastructure and protecting our water.” 

Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) tweeted photos of himself with Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) at the the First Midwest Bank Annual Christmas Party. 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted, “I want to thank @IllinoisDNR officials Mike Mason, David Huck, Jim Gowen & Natalie Phelps Finnie for meeting with me today to discuss current & future projects slated for Frank Holten State Park. I'm happy to announce the banquet room is being rehabbed & upgraded as we speak!” 

Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northrbook) released a statement that he is withdrawing his dropping his proposed bill (HB 4259) that would require unvaccinated people to pay out-of-pocket for COVID-19-related health care expenses. “Based on feedback and further reflection, we need to heal as a country and work together on common-sense solutions to put the pandemic behind us.”

The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies released details on various new funding programs for child care centers, including the Childcare Workforce Bonus. The bonus will provide bonuses of up to $1,000 for eligible child care providers. Applications are open through March 11, 2022. 

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) tweeted “Make your voice heard! The 2nd virtual public meeting for South Chicago Commercial Avenue Corridor Improvement Project is just a few days away! Join the meeting with @ChicagoDOT by phone or web on Tuesday, 12/14 at 6pm to participate.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Little Village is generating more economic activity than the Mag Mile. Why is @chicagosmayor not sending resources to protect those businesses? I know she’s been there so it’s not like she never heard of La Villita” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Finally boosted. Get your COVID booster shot (or first dose) at Avondale's St. Nicolai Church (3000 N. Kedzie) every Thursday from 11:30am to 2pm.” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) in his latest newsletter wrote that the Christmas-themed bar crawl “TBOX” is returning to Clark Street in his ward this weekend. “Be advised of large crowds and potential street closures on Clark. If you do not plan to participate we recommend that you avoid the area. My office has worked closely with participating businesses, event organizers, and the 19th District Police to ensure a safe event.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Expanded Outdoor Dining (EOD) has changed the game for many of small businesses and I'm glad that the program is being extended. I'd love to work to make this a permanent program for our City.” 

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) will join Southeast Side environmental activists from Alliance of the SouthEast to stage a protest at Jonquil Park at 5 p.m. Friday to protest the permitting process for RMG to open a metal shredding plant on the Southeast Side. The protest will lead to a demonstration outside the home of Chicago Department of Public Health Comm. Allison Arwady. 

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted, "it’s #WellnessWednesday, and today we’re highlighting ways to practice radical self-care in a time where so many are victims racial trauma, with even more being constantly exposed to this trauma in the news and on social media."

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) tweeted about personnel changes at the Illinois Tollway. "Yesterday we held a hearing to push for answers regarding the sudden change in the Illinois Tollway's chain of command," she wrote. "It's important to ensure that we are providing the most transparent process by effectively and efficiently operating the Tollway.

Sen. John Connor (D-Crest Hill) tweeted about funding coming to the Joliet Regional Airport, writing “The commitment to safety and service displayed by the staff at the Joliet Regional Airport is outstanding. I am pleased to see that our airport will receive the funding it needs to continue to benefit our community for years to come.”

Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Woodhill) posted​ to Facebook, "when we prioritize expanding industry and business-friendly legislation for Illinois, we help create jobs, opportunity, and freedom for hard-working families. From trade to tech, I am passionate about connecting with entrepreneurs and business owners to clear the way for prosperity creating growth."

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is offering in-person and online pesticide exam options this season, the department announced Wednesday. “Online pesticide exams are available now and utilize an online exam proctoring service. There will be a small fee of $12 paid directly to the online proctoring service for those who take the online exam,” according to the announcement. More information is available online. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “The Department of Water Management (DWM) crews will soon begin to install a new water main on Armitage from Kedzie to Western, and on Point St from Francis to Armitage. This new water main project will replace the old water main which dates back to 1888.”  

Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) shared information about a virtual public engagement session on the RMG/Southside Recycling health impact assessment scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and wrote “The 10th Ward Office has just received this information from CDPH, a day before the meeting. The 10th Ward Aldermanic Office finds it very disrespectful and unprofessional that our community is continually notified of these events on a last minute basis.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Another emergency authorization ordinance by @chicagosmayor, this time giving Lightfoot contracting authority TEN TIMES the current limit requiring City Council approval. What’s the “emergency” this time? Omicron, supply chains, or just weak reelection prospects?"

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “Over the last few days and in recent weeks, our #community has experienced incidents of violence. We need to discuss citywide #violenceprevention efforts and focused, local efforts to ensure #safety to all residents.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted “One of my favorite people in this world has decided to run for Congress. @Delia4Congress is rooted in community and ready to bring our values to DC to legislate for the many. I’m so proud of you sister. You are our abuela’s wildest dreams.”  

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Join me in supporting @Delia4Congress” 

Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted photos of herself at a groundbreaking and wrote “Yesterday, I attended the groundbreaking for the newly renamed Sheffield of Lincoln Park and renovation of the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments . The Sheffield of Lincoln Park will welcome a community of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds.” 

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “My pre-pandemic initiatives have not changed since COVIDs arrival. In fact, the pandemic has escalated the need for homeless aid, mental health services, open democratic involvement, and trust within the community.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health issued an alert on Wednesday of a syphilis outbreak “among older heterosexual men in the Far South Side Roseland community area.” Department data for 2020 indicate that there were 919 reported  syphilis cases in the City of Chicago, which represents a 13 percent increase from the same period of 2019. 

Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview) tweeted "Today, I’m proud to be serving a state that stands up for women’s health care and voting rights, believes in teaching ALL of our shared history, and invests in clean energy & infrastructure. #NationalIllinoisDay"

Rep. Mary McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted, "Evil and tyranny exist, and always will. Good men and women must always answer the call to protect freedom and liberty. The “Greatest Generation” rose to the challenge. God bless them all. #PearlHarbor"

Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) posted to Facebook about his recently signed law against student sexual abuse: "More on the new law that adds safeguards to protect students from sexual abuse in schools. I served on the task force that made these recommendations and co-sponsored the bill to put them into law."

Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) tweeted in support of Secretary of State Candidate Alexi Giannoulias, writing "This is big!!"

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) tweeted about the death of a Chicago Public Schools Teacher. Tonight my heart is with the family, friends, colleagues & students of jonL Bush - especially his little girl, who is now left without a father. jonL’s tragic and unnecessary death is a reminder that we can and, in fact, do have a moral obligation, to *proactively* protect...our school communities."

Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) posted to Facebook about the remap court cases. "If the governor had kept his promise and actually pushed Democrats to support independent maps, there would be no court case and voters would have better representation in Springfield," he wrote. "Instead, Democrats once again chose political insiders over what’s best for Illinois families."​

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new round of applications for state funding to avoid water shutoffs Tuesday. $42 million is available to residents who are facing water disconnection, have already had their water shut off or who owe more than $250 in back bills. The funds will be available until August 2023 or until they run off. To apply, visit http://www.helpillinoisfamilies.com. The relief funding is coming from Illinois' share of the American Rescue Plan Act. 

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted “Eleven banks responded to our municipal depository RFP. Zero of those banks make loans to qualified buyers of Chicago Community Land Trust units. That has to change.” 

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “#TeamLopez vaccinated on their own. No #LightfootMandate required!” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “The attack on Pearl Harbor was a military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, just before 08:00, on Sun, Dec. 7, 1941. Never forget those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted “It’s that time again! How would you spend $1,000,000 to improve our ward in 2022? Our PB program allocates Ward funds democratically, for projects proposed and supported by Ward residents. Visit https://bit.ly/2022PB to vote and let your voice be heard! 40th Ward only!” 

Ald. Tom Tunney (44) tweeted “For the record - my staff and I are all vaxxed and I encourage all my constituents to get vaccinated as well.” 

The Illinois Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for up to $25,000 in rental assistance, officials announced Monday. Applicants must be residents of Illinois and must have experienced a change in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords are also eligible for financial assistance if their tenants are behind on rent. Applications will be open until Jan. 9, 2022. Assistance is also available through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Human Services.  

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announced the appointment of Gregg Webb as the new chair of the association’s Board of Directors. Webb is vice president for state government relations at Archer Daniels Midland Company, a Chicago-based food processing and commodities trading corporation. 

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) posted to Facebook about National Miner's Day, writing "I have a Lincoln bust made of coal proudly displayed in my office. Thanks to the miners who helped build our communities and continue to!

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) posted to Facebook about her recent town hall series and violence in Chicago. "The #1 issue that kept coming up was the ongoing violence in Chicago and suburbs. People rightfully don’t feel safe. It’s terrible that this CTA driver, who was just doing his job, was violently and senselessly attacked. Do you think downtown Chicago is safe at night??," she wrote.

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted congratulations to the new president of the Service Employees International United Illinois State council: "There goes an Alpha Man! Congrats to my friend and fellow @PTHSD209 graduate Greg Kelley!"

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) tweeted about funding for the St. Louis Regional Airport: "The St. Louis Regional Airport offers high-quality services to pilots and travelers alike. The $1.7 million investment in state funds will help maintain and develop the area to help workers thrive and contribute to our region’s success," she wrote.

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) tweeted about getting children access to medical cannabis, writing "the Surin & Grenrock families, who fight every day for much-needed medicine for their children, are my heroes and motivation for improving public policy,. #AshleysLawIL is a meaningful step for children who need access to medical cannabis, but much work remains."

Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) tweeted, "I'll raise you one, go for 7%" in response to a tweet asking "everyone to be 6% nicer today."