Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted a WGN story about calls for the city to hire more Black police officers and added, “Yes please - but from Chicago neighborhoods!”
Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) tweeted, “It is appropriate that Ms. LaVelle resigned from the board but we still need to work for justice for these young women -- victims of assault, abuse and harassment that goes back decades. The States Atty must fully investigate and prosecute on behalf of the victims.”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) posted on Facebook about a free vaccination clinic set to be hosted in Albany Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted a photo of himself with Ald. Walter Burnett (27) “after emerging from the Chicago Map Room. We are trying to ensure that there is fair representation from our respective communities. The camaraderie amongst colleagues is priceless. Photo credit to Homero Tristan.
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “In the #40thWard we take an undeveloped eyesore and make it an opportunity for are in the Lincoln Avenue North Arts District! Here’s more of the latest work! #LANA”
Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted, “The Urban Land Institute strongly backs the creation of ADUs. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to create more naturally occurring affordable housing, and it allows more multigenerational families to live in one building.”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared an article she co-wrote about how “more Americans deserve some basic income, specifically our LGBTQ brothers & sisters–where 1 in 4 live in poverty.”
Ward Reports November 11, 2021
Friends of the Parks and Preservation Chicago will host a virtual workshop at 12 p.m. Friday titled “Reimagining Our Relationship with the Lakefront: What’s it to You?” The event is described as an opportunity to “engage to think about whether and how the lakefront matters to us and what we should be prioritizing.” Online registration is required.
Chicago Announcements November 12, 2021
Sen. Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted “Where should Representative Ness grab coffee with constituents next? Vote for your favorite location at the link below! #CoffeeinYourCommunity Vote Here: https://forms.gle/LMJ1nEPUMx1wCJix8
Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted a link to a news story about voters rejecting a casino in Richmond, saying, “This would have been the only Black-owned casino in the US, in the frmr capt'l of the Confederacy. Voters rejected the referendum, but wouldn't it be cool if as we consider a Chicago casino we had a group with minority and women representation at the helm?”
Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) tweeted “Free legal aid for IL Armed Forces https://ilaflan.org
Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) tweeted “I will be hosting a Senior Health Fair along with Senator Don DeWitte and Senator Craig Wilcox at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake this Friday from 9:00AM-11:00AM. Join us to learn about alternative ways to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.”
District Dispatches November 11, 2021
Officials at the Illinois Department of Agriculture said Wednesday they plan to award $783,000 in specialty grants over a three-year period to expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce, strengthen the competitiveness of Illinois’ specialty crop industry and support organizations who assist farmworkers and food businesses. The funding comes from the federal House Resolution 133. The agency will continue to accept applications for the specialty crop block grants through Nov. 29. To be eligible, all projects must begin in calendar year 2022.
Springfield Announcements November 11, 2021
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “Weapons of war do NOT belong in civilian hands - especially children.”
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted “This is unacceptable. Enough of these racist and dehumanizing practices in CPD. @chicagosmayor release the Anjanette Young IG report immediately and let’s pass legislation to end these racists practices. Stop this racist violence against Chicagoans.”
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted “Message testing is very good. More socialist, progressive, and leftist candidates should engage in message testing.”
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Today, I celebrate my 2nd birthday of the year, the USMC birthday. In 1988,I was an 18 year old young man that was about to take on the greatest challenge that I had ever faced at that time. I still have that same sense of pride and commitment that I am one of the few,the proud”
Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted “Ms. LaVelle's resignation is a welcome step in this investigation. We will continue to work to ensure that each victim has a voice and that the new management will end this ongoing, unacceptable behavior and implement safeguards to ensure this decades-long culture changes.”
Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Join the Park Advisory Council on Saturday, November 13, from 11:30 am to 2 pm for a groundbreaking of the nature play area at Leone Beach. The event will also include a nature play pop-up to give the community an introduction to the goals of the nature play.”
Ward Reports November 12, 2021
The Board of Directors for the Pace suburban bus system on Wednesday voted to appoint Melinda Metzger as the system’s interim executive director following the retirement of agency head Rocky Donahue on Jan. 1. Metzger is currently the transit agency’s general manager and chief operating officer. The board also voted on Wednesday to approve Pace’s $458 million operating budget for 2022, as well as a $300 million five-year capital plan.
Chicago Announcements November 11, 2021
Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted “Tonight I held my 2nd Youth People's Legislative Council at @uplift_high which provides curriculum focused on social justice. We talked about violence in Uptown, mental health access, & potential ways to create more affordable housing. These young people are my policy advisors!”
Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued a statement about the launch of a new app allowing students to apply for college.
Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “I am proud to have co-sponsored this important piece of legislation that just got signed which updates the decades old Health Care Right of Conscience Act. Thank you @GovPritzker “
Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) tweeted her district office hours for the week.
Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) tweeted “Would you like to have 16th District news and events delivered to your inbox? Sign up to subscribe to our district newsletters! Email your request to [email protected] or click here to request your subscription through our website: https://repdenysewangstoneback.com/contact-us"
District Dispatches November 10, 2021
Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) and the Illinois Housing Development Authority will host a virtual event on Wednesday at 5 p.m. to share information about homeownership programs, rental and mortgage assistance programs and other programs. The conversation will be streamed on Facebook live.
Springfield Announcements November 10, 2021
Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) tweeted, “I fully support vision zero and efforts for more equitable transportation policy in Chicago. We can eliminate crashes and traffic deaths with intentional and thoughtful traffic design and policy.”
Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted, “Let's make a difference together in our neighborhood. Join the 2nd District CAPS office next Tuesday, November 16, from 6-8 PM in this two-part conversation to create a 2nd District 2022 Strategic Plan.”
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) tweeted, “Our Mayor would serve Chicago well by appointing Deborah Witzburg as the next Inspector General for the city. Deborah has shown and proven that she can speak truth to power while rooting out corruption in city government. She has the courage and leadership needed for the role.”
Ald. James Cappleman (46) shared a tweet from Chicago Department of Housing Comm. Marisa Novara about zoning restrictions blocking Accessory Dwelling Unit applications and added, “I look forward when ADUs are encouraged all over the City of Chicago!”
Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted, “We're hiring a part-time worker for the spring semester to help manage our front desk, respond to constituent requests, and work on special projects as time allows.”
Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted, “Today I sent a letter to CEO Martinez requesting that CPS urgently establish a Vaccination Site on Chicago’s northeast side this Friday, Nov. 12. While it has been declared a day of awareness, a convenient and accessible option for thousands of CPS families has not been provided.”
Ward Reports November 10, 2021
The Chicago Department of Public Health removed Arkansas from its COVID-19 Travel Advisory, leaving 40 states and one territory whose unvaccinated travelers are asked to quarantine or get tested upon their arrival in Chicago. Alabama, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia are all set to be removed from the list next week if they can keep daily new case averages below 15 per 100,000 residents.
Wednesday is the application deadline for the Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program, which provides “relief grants” of up to $5,000 each to “artists and creative workers who are residents of Chicago and lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Applications are available online.
Friday is the last day the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will accept applications for the $2.7 million COVID-19 Small Business Support Program, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying businesses. Application instructions are on the department’s Chi Biz Strong website, which also includes a grant program for nonprofit groups
Chicago Announcements November 10, 2021
Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) encouraged her constituents in her latest newsletter to write letters to Illinois veterans and drop them off at her district office.
Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) issued a statement about a bill he and Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) have filed regarding COVID-19 and vaccine mandates.
Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) wrote about the recently wrapped up veto session in her latest newsletter.
Sen. Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued a statement after the recent closure of an Aldi’s in her district.
District Dispatches November 09, 2021
Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) and Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia) will hold a virtual town hall on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Registration is required.
Officials from the Illinois Housing Development Authority on Monday announced the Illinois Rental Payment Program will reopen starting Dec. 6. Applications for the latest round of funding from the program were originally scheduled to begin being accepted on Nov. 8. Officials said a vendor needed “additional time” to ensure the application platform was functioning properly as the reason for the delay.
Springfield Announcements November 09, 2021
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted “The state of Illinois generates roughly $6 Million in taxes from sports betting every month according to @SBD w/o allowing on-site wagering at the five locations proposed. Since March 2020, Illinois has collected $66 Million in sports betting taxes.”
Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) retweeted a link to a survey from the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America and wrote “Chicago DSA, please complete this survey and let’s put our skills to work for the city we deserve.”
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted “Our thoughts and prayer go out to the Bensenville Police Officer and his family. Wishing the officer a speedy recovery.”
Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted a photo from a pumpkin composting event and wrote “We composted more than SEVEN TONS of pumpkins this Saturday.”
Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) tweeted “Yesterday, I was honored to attend Gandhi Samaj of Chicago’s #Diwali celebration in Willowbrook. I hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful, safe, and joyous festival of lights.”
Ward Reports November 09, 2021
The Chicago Department of Human Resources reported on Monday that 89 percent of city employees across all departments have reported their COVID-19 vaccination stats, and of the employees who have confirmed their status, 81 percent reported that they are fully vaccinated. The police department has the lowest reporting rate at just under 78 percent, and 16 city departments have a 100 percent reporting rate. Vaccination rate by city department can be found online.
Chicago Announcements November 09, 2021
Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted a reminder her about an upcoming Women’s Legislative Advisory Committee meeting on Nov. 13 at 9 a.m.
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) tweeted about a conversation she’s hosting on Facebook on Monday on veterans and substance abuse.
Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) tweeted “Today we went to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and packed 13,480 pounds of food providing 11,233 meals for 337 households in Northern Illinois! Many thanks to all of the volunteers that joined us!!”
Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “This week #TeamRam hosted a Mobile Driver Services event with the Secretary of State's Office. We also held an energy town hall on the Clean Energy Jobs Act with our friends at @SierraClubIL, @faithinplace, @cubillinois and @ilenviro”
District Dispatches November 08, 2021
Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago) on Friday announced his resignation from his 15th district House seat. His replacement will be appointed by a committee of Cook County Democratic Party committeepeople led by Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago).
Springfield Announcements November 08, 2021
Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “I hope congress takes on immigration in reconciliation package. When we Democrats take over, all of a sudden is not a priority. @HispanicCaucus . @SpeakerPelosi”
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) shared a letter he sent the entire Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners asking for their resignations.
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) tweeted, “Thank you @KOCOmmunity family for all your advocacy and your consistent voice of social justice that has been a moral compass in our communities for 56 years. Great to see dear friends and comrades in the struggle last night.”
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted on Sunday, “Over 185 northwest side progressives came together in Horner Park this morning for our NWS Progressive Unity Rally. 185+ NWS progressives ready to knock doors and win big in 2022 and 2023. #twill”
Ald. Michele Smith (43) tweeted, “Stopped by La Salle Language Academy and met Cole, Aiden, and Dylan Davis. They all received their COVID vaccine today! Thanks to Dr. Rajesh Iyengar and InstaVaxx for providing services for this event! @ChiPubSchools”
Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that he last Monday “attended a meeting with Gov. Pritzker, State Rep. Harris, and State Sen. Simmons (among others) to highlight the $250 million in violence-prevention and youth-intervention funding that the state will be providing to the communities most impacted by gun violence.”
Ward Reports November 08, 2021
The 47th Ward Democrats will host a candidate forum at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 at DePaul College Prep High School for Secretary of State, Cook County Sheriff and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District candidates. RSVPs are required to attend. The event will be broadcast live on Facebook.
Chicago Announcements November 08, 2021
House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted “We're excited to represent the Land of Lincoln in London! I'm thrilled to be in London with @GovPritzker and @DonHarmonIL to discuss how Illinois is leading the Midwest in climate leadership and to promote our state's growing green energy sector.”
Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “This a good time for a reminder that changing our clocks twice a year is ridiculous, horrible for parents and anti-business. There’s a better way. #PermanentDaylightSavingTime
Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) tweeted “Last night I joined the @uptownchamber & @UptownUnited for their Casino Night! I had a great time meeting business owners, teachers, non profit leaders, & residents in the Uptown area! I want to give a special congratulations to Sarah Wilson on being the new Executive Director.”
Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted “We had a fantastic turnout yesterday helping people recover thousands of dollars in unclaimed property! I'd like to thank @SWICedu for allowing us to use their space, & President Nick Mance for stopping by. Check to see if you have any unclaimed property:
District Dispatches November 05, 2021
Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) will hold a virtual town hall on Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. to discussion the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Registration is required.