• The House Moderate Caucus has selected Rep. Frances Ann Hurley (D-Chicago) as its new caucus whip, Speaker Chris Welch announced on Monday. The “Mod Caucus” is a “a relatively new caucus of like-minded members who advocate for a balanced, steady approach to lawmaking,” according to a news release. Hurley is also chair of the special House Police and Fire Committee. 

The Daily Line reporter Joel Ebert breaks down the highlights from nearly 50 hours of redistricting hearings lawmakers have led since mid-March. The once-every-decade effort to redraw Illinois’ political boundaries of federal and legislative districts is complicated and contentious. To better understand the history of redistricting, the process and the stakes at play, Joel will speak with Kent Redfield, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Springfield, and Griselda Vega Samuel, the Midwest regional counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Sen. Steve Stadleman (D-Rockford) announced his measure to expand the River Edge Historic Tax Credit for Rockford had passed the Senate. The tax credit, which would have expired at the end of 2021, “has brought life to many historic buildings, which helps boost property values in the area,” Stadelman said. 

In an email, Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) knocked backlogs at the Illinois department of employment security, writing that “the problem at IDES is of such severity and has gone on for so long that the current system of using the phone hotline or website and then waiting for a response is clearly not working.” 

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) thanked police officers for their service, dedication and sacrifice” in an email newsletter.  

Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Buffalo Grove) tweeted, “where’s my helmet?” alongside a tweet by Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) reading “@repjcarroll wasn't around, so I just hung onto the papers.” 

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted, “In a rapidly changing technological world, data privacy is everyone’s right. House Bill 2553, the Protecting Household Privacy Act, would prevent law enforcement from accessing the data on your Ring doorbells, Alexas, and similar devices without a warrant or your consent.”

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted, “Lightfoot says she opposed the “Defund Police” movement during last year’s budget discussions but I don’t believe her. She is absolutely working to starve the beast and keep them from catching criminals.” 

Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25) retweeted news that Chicago will delay a permit to the scrap metal plant planned by General Iron. 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) tweeted his op-ed in The Midwest Socialist, writing “only by putting more power in the hands of poor and working class people can we win the affordable housing our communities need and deserve.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) tweeted his weekly ward newsletter,  in which he thanked outgoing Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson for her work as well as Chicago’s teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. 

In her weekly newsletter, Ald. Maria Hadden (49) shared a Block Club Chicago article about a formerly incarcerated 49th Ward resident Juan Rivera, who “has returned to his roots in Rogers Park to make good on a promise he struck in prison with a guard: to give back by helping youth in underserved communities carve a path towards a successful career.”

• Gov. JB Pritzker announced plans Friday for a $70 million electric vehicle plant that would be built in Illinois as the first United States outpost for the Canadian company Lion Electric. According to a press release, the plant will be the largest of its kind in the country and will start production of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles in the second half of 2022. The plant is projected to product 20,000 electric vehicles every year, creating 745 million jobs. 

• Republican officials at the state and county level announced they were proposing the Election Standardization Act Friday. A news release said the act would “instill transparency and uniformity to the state’s election process.” Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason), a former county clerk, said, “I have spent over 20 years of my career working to ensure the safety, transparency, and efficiency of our election system. My passion for this continues as I continue my public service as a state senator.” 

• The public policy nonprofit Forefront announced two major departures on Friday, as Chief Operating Officer Dawn Melchiorre and Director of Statewide Partnerships Sarah Tapscott are moving to new roles elsewhere. Melchiorre will take ownership of the newest location of Waters Edge Winery, and Tapscott will become the new Director of Advancement for Springfield’s Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, according to a newsletter from Forefront CEO Monique Jones. 

• Chicago Area Clean Cities will host a webinar on May 27 to discuss powering vehicles with hydrogen. Speakers include representatives from Hyzon Motors and the Gas Technology Institute.  

• The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago will host a virtual lecture at 7 p.m. on May 18 examining the most effective ways to tackle climate change and scale clean energy technologies while keeping energy affordable and supporting economic growth. 

Ald. Pat Dowell (3) shared a vaccination opportunity through Mariano's Family Day event that is open to walk-ins in her ward newsletter.  

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted, “breaking: a newly released poll on national Hispanic/Latino survey only 1% of Hispanics prefer to be called Latinx. Please make a note of it.”

Ald. Matthew O'Shea (19) tweeted, The Department of Water Management has issued a boil order for properties in the shaded area of this map. Pls bring water to a full boil for at least 5 minutes to ensure it is safe for consumption."  

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33) tweeted, Apparently “school choice” is making a comeback as an argument. That’s free market thinking and has no place in education. Setting the stage for the hunger games helps no one. Fund and prioritize neighborhood schools." 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) retweeted his suggestion that Chicago should convert the Thompson Center into a cannabis greenhouse, writing "putting this on repeat in hopes that our state folks getting something going. #LetChicagoGrow." 

Comm. Frank Aguilar (D-16) shared his push for installing English language assistants at high-need post offices in his district newsletter.

Republicans blasted Democrats for holding closed-door redistricting discussions. And Gov. JB Pritzker weighed in on the Chicago elected school board bill and announced an evidence-based education funding boost.

Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) tweeted about SB 1747, writing "to protect our environment and stop global warming, we need to close coal plants – that’s not up for debate. But, as we make strides toward green energy, we can’t forget about the families who rely on these plants to put food on the table." The bill would create the Energy Transition Zone Act, designating areas which formerly hosted coal or nuclear facilities as eligible for particular tax benefits.

Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) tweeted about 22 Illinois police officers whose names were added to a memorial wall in Springfield Thursday.

Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Peoria) tweeted about the redistricting process: "The Democrats said it would be transparent, but it isn't. As a candidate, the Governor promised voters he would veto any map produced by politicians. Please share this video and call on the Governor to keep his promise to you to veto this partisan map!"

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) is sponsoring HB 665, "which would require the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to establish and support entrepreneurship assistance centers around the state." In a press release, Sims said he was sponsoring the bill to "make this process easier for those who have a passion to build their own brand while equipping them with the necessary skills to become successful.” The measure will head to the full Senate after passing in the Commerce Committee. 

Sen. Michael Simmons (D-Chicago) announced in a press release that his measure, SB 2132, passed the Senate Revenue Committee and is headed for the full Senate floor. The bill "would offer a tax credit of $600 per child for single parents making less than $40,000 annually or jointly filing parents earning less than $60,000." 

Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) announced infrastructure upgrades in the Village of Richton Park, funded through a $90,679 grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunity program. In a statement, Hastings said the grant will help Richton Park residents "rest easy knowing their critical infrastructure will remain first class." 

• Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration announced a series of events set to take place throughout May in honor of National Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month. Hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, events will take place on May 12, May 20, May 25, May 26, May 27 and May 28, with topics ranging from business growth opportunities and addressing “anti-Asian hate” to the benefits of the American Rescue Plan. Registration for each event is required.  

• The Cook County Democratic Party is scheduled to host a forum June 5 with the candidates planning to run for Illinois Secretary of State in the 2022 election. The virtual forum will be moderated by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who also chairs the party organization. The event is set to run from 10 a.m. to noon. 

• Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced three major personnel moves on Wednesday. Celia Meza, who became the city’s interim corporation counsel after the mayor asked Mark Flessner to resign last December, will move into the role on a permanent basis. Former U.S. Marshall John O’Malley Jr. will become the new deputy mayor for public safety, a role that has been vacant since Susan Lee’s departure last year. And the mayor has tapped Beniamino Capellupo, previously the executive director of of SEIU Illinois Council, as her senior adviser for labor partnerships. 

• Chicago officials on Wednesday announced the city’s Protect Chicago Music series, a series of concerts open only to fully vaccinated city residents. The first concert will take place on May 22 in partnership with Hyde Park’s Silver Room, featuring DJ Ron Trent and Duane Powell. In order to attend, Chicagoans will need to have received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks before the event date. Attendees will be asked to show their CDC vaccination card and picture identification alongside their tickets in order to be allowed into the event. Tickets will be available beginning May 11 for the vaccinated public and May 8 for those who get vaccinated during a clinic held at Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana Ave. 

Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared news of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s hire of Beniamino Capellupo as her senior labor adviser and wrote, “Go Bennie. Good choice” 

Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa (35) tweeted, A civilian commission would select the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) chief administrator under our Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) Ordinance. We need a responsive COPA that is accountable to the public and doing its job. #ECPSNow

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) shared news of COPA chief Sydney Roberts’s resignation with a DJ Khaled “And Another One” gif.

Cook County Comm. Kevin Morrison (D-15) shared a list of his “favorite restaurants” in his district and wrote “Now more than ever, we must do all we can to help our local mom-and-pop shops.” 

Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) shared a Tribune article about communication lapses in State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office and wrote, “This is astounding incompetence. And yet another example of the Train wreck Kim FOXX administration.”

• Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday announced five new appointments and six reappointments. He named Tim Ryan to the Finance Authority, Edward Washington II to the Independent Tax Tribunal, Lisa McLeod as executive director of the Liquor Control Commission and Jared Bohland and Kenneth Tupy to the Prisoner Review Board. Pritzker’s reappointments include renaming G.A. Finch to the Civil Service Commission and Willard Evans Jr., Alice Gallagher, Karen McConnaughay, Scott Paddock and Gary Perinar to the Toll Highway Authority. All of the appointments require approval by the state Senate.  

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) issued a statement after one of her proposals seeks to allow students to use college savings plans for educational loans and vocational programs was approved by a Senate committee.  

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued a statement after a bill of his seeking to decriminalize HIV transmission was approved by a Senate committee.  

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) issued a statement after a bill of his seeking to require state agencies to purchase flags made in the United States was approved by a Senate committee.  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted about a “small change” to a bill about changing gender language on marriage certificates was approved in a House committee. 

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) tweeted an image of the House Democratic leadership team. 

Lightfoot, Pritzker expressed optimism about full reopening by July 4. A House committee anticipates holding a hearing on a recent audit about the LaSalle Veterans’ Home. And Catholic bishops expressed concern about one of Pritzker’s proposed tax changes.

Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) tweeted, “Last week Leader @repdeliaramirez passed her COVID-19 Emergency Housing Protections Act. This critical legislation will create protections for Illinoisans struggling to pay their rent or mortgages as a result of the pandemic.”

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) tweeted an op-ed by the Latino Policy Forum to promote SB 1832, which would fast-track certifications for early childhood educators. 

Speaker Chris Welch (D-Mayfield) tweeted, “Here’s some great news from @GovPritzker : we may be on track to fully reopen Illinois this summer. We still need to get people vaccinated and follow safety measures, but this is exciting news to say the least. Make sure to get your shot!” 

Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) tweeted in support of his measure HB 226, writing “It's simple: Students are more than a test score. This measure ensures our universities take more than one score into account when considering applicants.” 

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) released a statement promoting his “Appreciation for Your Dedication” card drive for law enforcement members in honor of National Police Week.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday announced a new mobile vaccination site will open at the Worldwide Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta. To encourage vaccinations, the governor also said anyone who receives a vaccine at the new mobile site will be eligible to receive 100 free targets of trap, skeet or sporting clays for use at the recreation complex.  

Ald. Daniel La Spata (1) promoted the Vaccine Anti-retaliation Ordinance, which mandates employers to compensate workers who receive a COVID-19 vaccine during working hours, in his ward newsletter.

Ald. Sophia King (4) tweeted to promote an event organizing around “wrong raids” by Chicago Police,  writing “join us Tonight at 6pm as we look at policy to reform search warrants and raids.”

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted about the Circuit court system, asking if the system was “worth it” if “repeat gun offenders aren’t given stricter sentencing.”

Ald. Matthew O’Shea (19) tweeted about Teacher Appreciation Week, writing “our teachers have done incredible work this year and they deserve gratitude and recognition.”

Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) retweeted the Chicago Teachers Union’s statement, which referenced her activism to save Dyett High School: “District leaders said they often hear from parents who feel "drowned out" by calls for democracy in our school system, yet parents like @taylorfor20th @brothajitu and others had to literally starve themselves to save Dyett H.S.”

Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa (35) tweeted, “as we face a looming foreclosure crisis, a judge has ruled that Illinois ban on rent control means the City of Chicago can't protect tenants in foreclosed properties. Another reason why we *must* #LiftTheBan on rent control. Tenants shouldn't be displaced by bank foreclosures.”

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a rendering of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art planned in Los Angeles and tweeted, "Look it’s our museum on the lake. Oh no it’s not because we wanted a parking lot. The force was not with us."

• The Chicago Department of Public Health on Tuesday downgraded eight states and the District of Columbia in its Emergency Travel Order List as COVID-19 caseloads steadily decline in most states. South Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, Vermont, Alaska and Connecticut moved from the city’s “orange tier” to its “yellow tier,” meaning the city is no longer asking unvaccinated people traveling from those states to quarantine or get tested upon arrival. At the same time, the health department upgraded Indiana to the "orange tier." Eighteen states and Puerto Rico remain in the city’s “orange tier” because their seven-day averages of new cases there exceed 15 per 100,000.