* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker today issued a disaster proclamation for the entire state ahead of a severe winter storm that will blanket the state with life-threatening wind chills for several days.
“This storm poses a serious threat to the well-being of people around the state, and we will use every tool at our disposal to keep our residents safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This disaster proclamation ensures that the state of Illinois has the flexibility to effectively and efficiently respond to the needs of local governments during this extreme weather event.”
A state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has mobilized personnel and assets to help local government officials with disaster response and recovery.
Earlier this week, Governor Pritzker activated the State Emergency Operation Center to support local government as they begin to plan for these extreme weather conditions. Current forecast models indicate arctic air will move into Illinois Tuesday evening and last through Thursday. The National Weather Service indicates wind chills could reach -55 in northern Illinois, -35 in central Illinois and -25 in parts of southern Illinois.
With these extreme temperatures and dangerous wind chills, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) indicates frostbite could set in on exposed skin within 10-15 minutes. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has a list of identified warming centers in our state, listed by county on the Ready Illinois website. If there is not a warming center near you, call your county emergency management agency for additional assistance. Additionally, all Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offices serve as warming centers during regular business hours for anyone looking to find a safe, warm place during the cold.
I’ll post audio of the press conference when I get it. Suffice it to say, the governor and his team made a strong effort to lay out the dangers today…
Click here for more info.
*** UPDATE 1 *** I asked the governor’s press secretary about rumors that Pritzker will order the government to shut down tomorrow and I was told those rumors are false. No shutdown is planned.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Dave Druker with the secretary of state’s office says their facilities will be closed tomorrow and they are looking at what to do on Thursday. The Capitol Building and the Stratton Building will have SoS staffing/security during those days, however.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Abdon Pallasch tells me that the comptroller’s office will be open tomorrow.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Chicago Coalition for the Homeless…
Working with shelters, the city plans to add about 500 extra shelter beds this week, 13% more than usual capacity, DFSS officials tell CCH.
Some overnight shelters are running 24/7 schedules until Friday, including youth shelters run by The Night Ministry (The Crib) and La Casa Norte.
The city has designated some CTA buses to act as overnight warming centers, including a bus stationed at Des Plaines and Columbus Drive.
Two 24-hour warming centers were opened for Chicago residents: Garfield Center at 10 South Kedzie and King Community Center at 4314 South Cottage Grove. DFSS posts alerts online, including on Twitter at @ChiFamSupport
Four other warming centers will have extended hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. These community service centers are at 1140 W. 79th St. (Englewood), 845 W. Wilson Ave. (North Area), 8650 S. Commercial Ave. (South Chicago), and 4312 W. North Ave. (Trina Davis).
The city also operates a network of warming centers that includes the libraries, police stations and park district facilities.
*** UPDATE 5 *** The treasurer’s office has “encouraged staff to take a personal day” due to the weather. “However we will have a skeleton crew to meet operational needs.”
- AiH - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:44 am:
He needs to close State offices. No reason for anyone to be outside tomorrow unless they need to be.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:46 am:
Please be careful and check in on the old-timers in your life. The next couple days are as real as it gets when it comes to living in this abusive climate.
Until then, just daydream about Monday, forecast with a high of 40 and rain. You know, just like Montego Bay….
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:48 am:
===State offices closed??===
Nope. Warming centers where applicable.
- curtis - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:49 am:
JB: “Don’t go outside, it’s too dangerous”
Also JB: “Dear state employees, please venture out of your homes, wait 5-10 min, if you’re lucky, for a bus or train, and hope you don’t get frostbite.”
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:51 am:
Remember the time Quinn closed state offices, announcing it about an hour or so after they had opened?
- Silent Budgeteer - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:54 am:
Management for the State agency where I work has already advised staff in Springfield and Chicago (and in the field) we are expected to show for work Wednesday; if not, use benefit time. They were ahead of the Governor on that one…
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:54 am:
===He needs to close State offices===
As a state employee I disagree. State offices and employees exist to serve the citizens’ needs. If you’re a state employee and don’t want to venture out, take a personal day.
- Fixer - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:58 am:
And yet looking at the Twitter feed on the right, we have court houses closing and multiple warnings about how dangerous it is to go out in this tomorrow. Interesting choice there.
- Annon - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:00 am:
I work for a state agency in Chicago. I have to walk 15 by foot to a train station, then I have to wait outside for a train to arrive. That’s a very dangerous venture to be outside for that long. My Agency is non-essential. Why risk employees health?
- curtis - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:03 am:
==I have to walk 15 by foot to a train station, then I have to wait outside for a train to arrive. ==
This exactly. Commuting in Springfield is different than Chicago.
It’s just not safe. Close the offices to non-essential personnel.
- NoGifts - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:10 am:
Sometimes you have to take care of your own safety and not wait for instructions.
- wrendigo - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:12 am:
It makes zero sense that non-essential state employees should have to risk their health when there is a confirmed disaster affecting the entire state. I don’t recall the reason for closure during Quinn’s term, but I know it was much less than this. Most agencies don’t have reliable parking close to buildings— even in Springfield, parking garages sometimes means a 10+ minute walk to get to work site.
Wondering if they will cancel shortly after start of business so they can force employees to use up some benefit time.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:13 am:
I don’t think they should shutdown the government, but there must be a few non-essential services that can close for 24 to 48 hours allowing employees to stay home.
- Bigtwich - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:13 am:
The decision to close offices should be made by looking at local conditions not by a statewide policy.
- Qcman - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:17 am:
Practically everything will be shut down tomorrow besides the state and my work. If your job is nonessential you should not work. It’s going to be dangerous out there
- Merica - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:18 am:
If you’re going to make parents go to work when schools are closed, you can make a lot of assumptions for why that’s ok (they have family members nearby to care for the kids, one parent stays home, they have sick or personal time available) but you can’t call yourself a “progressive.”
- Fixer - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:18 am:
Bigtwitch, I think that may be what happens.
- A Jack - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:19 am:
It usually has to be a blizzard before they shut down the state. I have only seen the state shut down two or three times because of weather in the last 22 years. You have personal days if you can’t handle the cold.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:21 am:
Closing state gvt offices is never an easy choice. Yes, there are staff who have to be at work such as those in state operated DD or MH centers. Then you have DOT staff and ISP and other staff who need to be working.
And yes, there are large groups of “paper pushers” who could probably miss a day or two. But you have to address how you address the various unions whose members might be told to work, while others told they are needed, and yet other unions with members who may told everyone works.
Nothing is ever cut and dried and easy.
- Perrid - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:22 am:
A Jack, you can sneer at people who “can’t handle the cold” when it’s 30 degrees out. When it’s -20 degrees out, with a windchill of -50, the cold can literally kill people. Get some perspective man, geez.
- union proud - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:24 am:
In January of 2014 the state shut down for cold. That was -40. -50 to -60 is no joke. Hopefully the state shuts down for all non-essential tomorrow. I know a lot of offices are updating the phone trees. Stay safe.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:25 am:
Attendance is going to be down anyway due to closed schools and parents who need to take off to stay with their kids. While I don’t think that’s enough for a general closure, I’ve always thought workers should not be penalized for conditions beyond their control.
- Downstate - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:27 am:
It will be interesting to see if the Constitutional Officials start closing their offices tomorrow, and if so, if the Gov will follow. It’s ridiculous to declare a weather disaster and then tell your own employees they’re expected to come to work during said disaster.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:29 am:
Nah employees must be punished for being unable to find childcare. The personal days just got on the books, the state has to find ways to purge them, and this suits management’s need just fine.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:30 am:
Was just told by a co worker SOS is closing their office tomorrow.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:36 am:
=Please be careful and check in on the old-timers in your life. =
If I don’t see regular posts from you and OW tomorrow I will have to call the authorities and have them swing by to check on you.
I worry.
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:48 am:
To update 2: that should get the ball rolling on the rest of the executive branch. Maybe the judicial branch as well.
- Joe Biden Was Here - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:49 am:
If Rauner was still here I would say yes, they want staff to have to eat benefit time for their own safety. But I’ll give the Pritzker people some slack. I doubt they know a lot of ordinary state employees yet.
- Tuesdayblues - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:56 am:
Does this mean that, as a State employee, if I get frostbite during my 15 minute walk, 10 minute train transfer, and then 5 minute walk to work tomorrow I can sue for worker’s compensation?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:00 pm:
The state can’t give a free day off.
Think of negative publicity.
Those horrible useless state employees. How dare they get a day off
- Stuntman Bob's Brother - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:03 pm:
Many folks that don’t have a garage for their cars are going to be staying home tomorrow, they just won’t know it yet. Tow trucks with jump starters are going to make a lot of money in the next 48 hours. Diesel owners (including municipal buses) need to have anti-gel in their fuel beforehand, -25 is pushing the limit. Cold weather gear in your vehicles is an absolute must.
- Honeybadger - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:04 pm:
Just remember to thank a police officer, firefighter or a public works employee if you see them out tomorrow. While local, county and state offices may be closed it does not mean those public servants will not be on duty, serving and protecting all of us.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:08 pm:
To be fair to Pritzker, every state worker who freezes to death means less pension debt to worry about in the long run. It’s called creative problem solving, people
- JoanP - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:10 pm:
Secretary of State is closing.
“The Secretary of State facilities and offices will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 30 due to dangerously cold temperatures. A determination will be made on Wednesday at noon regarding a possible closure due to weather for Thursday, Jan. 31.”
- Kayak - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:12 pm:
Three reasons to close non-essential offices Wednesday:
8am windchill: -37 in Springfield, -47 Chicago
12pm windchill: -29 in Springfield, -42 Chicago
5pm windchill: -19 in Springfield, -39 Chicago
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:15 pm:
The state uses any opportunity it can to make employees eat benefit time. If someone gets hurt that is merely the cost of “efficiency”
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:18 pm:
I’d ask all non-emergency, non-first-responder employers, public and private, to please close tomorrow. Don’t make your folks slug it out in these conditions.
For crying out loud, you get off for the Fourth of July every year, and the Earth keeps spinning on its axis. Tomorrow will be truly dangerous.
For those whose labor is an absolute must to support us all in these conditions — cops, firefighters, utilities, plumbers, HVAC, et. al… — salud. You’re heroes.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:20 pm:
I just got an email from the Illinois Office of Tourism suggesting that I “Enjoy Illinois”.
Sorry, not for the next few days.
- State Worker - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:21 pm:
The last time the state closed its office because of weather was the year of the last polar vortex which also brought blizzard like conditions.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:21 pm:
–If I don’t see regular posts from you and OW tomorrow I will have to call the authorities and have them swing by to check on you.–
Tell them to bring beer and a couple packs of Winston.
- Harvest76 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:29 pm:
Just heard from someone at Comptroller that only essential personnel will report. Any confirmation of this?
- Johnnie F. - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:31 pm:
OK I’m cynical, but maybe they are playing this to get as many employees to schedule benefit time off for tomorrow. Then close via siren notification at 9 am tomorrow. Preschedule and lose a vacation day.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:37 pm:
Johnnie F. - that is exactly what happens when they do plan to close. It is that petty.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:47 pm:
Wordslinger for Governor 2022
- Anon - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:48 pm:
IDES offices will be open per email sent to employees. And they want payroll by close of business today. The grab at employee leave time is the ultimate in petty.
- Colossus of roads - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:51 pm:
Hard to believe I fed cows and broke the ice in their water twice a day in these conditions for room and board. Where was DCFS? But some appropriate clothing.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:54 pm:
If the Comptroller is open, it looks like Mendoza has given up on being Mayor. There are a lot of State Workers who live in Chicago.
- Graybeard - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:55 pm:
Yes, they did the same thing in 2014 under Quinn. Sent an “office closed” alert after 8:30 AM.
- Sassegrl - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:56 pm:
My concern is coming to work, having my vehicle sit out all day, and then it not starting when I get off work. There are only so many businesses that can be out and about giving tows, jumps, etc.
- JoanP - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:59 pm:
=including a bus stationed at Des Plaines and Columbus Drive.=
Those streets don’t intersect. I wonder if they meant Des Plaines and Congress (Ida B. Wells)
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:00 pm:
- Sassegrl - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:56 pm:
You hit it on the head
That is my worry. I would be in big trouble because the building closes and I would be stuck out in the cold.
- Leatherneck - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:04 pm:
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 10:51 am:
Remember the time Quinn closed state offices, announcing it about an hour or so after they had opened?
——-
That was after the “Polar Vortex Blizzard” (Jan. 6, 2014).
- union proud - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:07 pm:
Yup. Email went out at 8:37 that morning and we all had to leave the building for insurance reasons.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:10 pm:
“The treasurer’s office has “encouraged staff to take a personal day” due to the weather.”
Translation - Staff not equipped to work remotely.
- pool boy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:13 pm:
How about we give the nursing home worker, the garbage hauler, the propane delivery worker, etc. the day off because it is too cold? None of these are essential to me. Who makes the decision on who is and is not essential? If you are not essential, maybe we should hire a consultant to do the non essential work. They only get paid when they work and receive no pension or benefits.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:13 pm:
===Staff not equipped to work remotely.===
Some are but management would never allow it. It’s as if they don’t trust us…
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:14 pm:
That’s totally a worker unfriendly environment. Take your own personal days if you don’t want frostbite? I’m really not liking the worker unfriendly Dem administration and agencies. Well, they’re just going to get sued. Banner days for trail lawyers.
- Doug Schenkelberg - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:24 pm:
“- JoanP - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 12:59 pm:
=including a bus stationed at Des Plaines and Columbus Drive.=
Those streets don’t intersect. I wonder if they meant Des Plaines and Congress (Ida B. Wells)”
It is meant to read that the city is bringing buses to both of those locations. We will edit to it clarify.
- Tired of IL - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:31 pm:
Pritzker just signed an Executive order to close all offices immediately due to the polar vortex. This will be effective as of April 1.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:33 pm:
===If I don’t see regular posts from you and OW tomorrow I will have to call the authorities and have them swing by to check on you.===
Thanks for your concern.
Yuengling and Cannoli emergency kit at the ready for tomorrow.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:54 pm:
=Tell them to bring beer and a couple packs of Winston.=
=Yuengling and Cannoli emergency kit at the ready for tomorrow.=
So..just the necessities. I am on it.
- njt - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 1:57 pm:
===Yuengling===
Any particular reason for the Pottsville lager?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:04 pm:
===Any particular reason for the Pottsville lager?===
Western PA roots…
===So..just the necessities.===
I’m a simple man with simple tastes. Thanks again.
- ??? - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:26 pm:
Oswego Willy - just curious, where in western PA? I’ve got family in Westmoreland County (Scottdale, Mt. Pleasant).
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:30 pm:
Pittsburgh area thru Erie… actually Philly and Harrisburg too
Roots deep in the state.
- anananaomous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:34 pm:
lol who just got the email acknowledging it will be dangerously cold but if you can’t make it, feel free to burn a personal day
- bananamous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:37 pm:
*raises hand* I still think they’ll call it off at 8:30 am. Just to reap as many free days as possible.
- lost in the weeds - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:39 pm:
Take necessary precautions if you go out.. If blowing snow stay home.
My 2 cents.
- anananaomous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:40 pm:
I find it hysterical that the State gives stuff like Columbus day and election day off, but issues disaster EO, sends an email stating it will be dangerously cold and then suggests burning a personal day. What a time to be alive.
- State Worker - Gov Side - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:43 pm:
Why is SOS allowed to close their offices but the Governor’s side of the State employee’s will be working? So Illinois is concerned about SOS employees but not Governor’s side employees
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:46 pm:
Now we see the value of government workers who do vital and dangerous work, those who will go to work tomorrow, either by choice or necessity. It’s ridiculous to expect nonessential workers to have to come in tomorrow. Certain offices should be expected operate at their bare minumums in such dangerous weather, as warming centers and to control operations.
The workers who come in, they surely earn their step pay increases and longevity pay. The managers do great work too by coming in.
- bananamous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:49 pm:
“This storm poses a serious threat to the well-being of people around the state, and we will use every tool at our disposal to keep our residents safe,”
*Certain exclusions may apply
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:57 pm:
===So Illinois is concerned about SOS employees but not Governor’s side employees===
Each constitutional officer makes a decision on his or her portion of the executive branch.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
Ever since Weather became a “Panic Event” on TV and electronic programming, it’s had the effect of Crying Wolf.
Temperatures with and without the wind chill tomorrow are THE WOLF.
Shut down for a day. Few will notice.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:04 pm:
The House has canceled session tomorrow and Thursday.
- njt - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:06 pm:
===Pittsburgh area thru Erie… actually Philly and Harrisburg too===
Grew up in the Lehigh Valley, always appreciate support for America’s oldest brewery.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:08 pm:
Yep.
Nothing better than a Lager…
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:16 pm:
CMS is encouraging the use of personal days.. Is the emergency declaration for 72 hours?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:24 pm:
It is truly unconscionable that the Senate is convening Wednesday and Thursday. Get people home and be safe. What has to happen this week?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:27 pm:
With kids having been out of school so much this month I have burned through my time and they are out the rest of the week. Between the EO declaring an emergency but not closing the office, the BS with the extension to appeal the impasse, and then making us wait until 4/1 for our steps I’m done with this guy. He is just like Blago.
- MG85 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:55 pm:
Maybe in contract negotiations AFSCME should negotiate for “climate change days off.”
If JB and the state of Illinois is going to insist on employees taking days off during a state weather emergency, and government won’t do anything combat climate change, then maybe employees should argue that they need more paid time off to deal with these new unforeseen situations.
- State worker - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 3:55 pm:
Hey nickname, I know each make their own decisions on closing. I’m saying half will be closed due to bad weather and half won’t. Looks bad like Illinois doesn’t have it together…again
- Irish1 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 4:08 pm:
By going to usps.gov you can hold your mail for a couple of the coldest days, it may help out the mail carriers. Most of the houses on my block are doing this.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 4:09 pm:
==Some are but management would never allow it. It’s as if they don’t trust us…==
That’s bad management.
It would seem investing in the ability for our state workers to work remotely would be wise.
- curtis - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 4:31 pm:
===investing in the ability for our state workers to work remotely would be wise===
My agency has work remote, but they made it clear to us that we cannot use it for weather-related incidents and we must take personal days.
Ridiculous.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 4:38 pm:
Snow Miser up at CMS has made it clear, personal days or bust.
- Ghost - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 4:43 pm:
For whats it worth, xfinity just texted that they are unlocking their wifi in springfield area during the emergency so that abyone can use it.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:04 pm:
===It would seem investing in the ability for our state workers to work remotely would be wise.===
Agreed. But this state is more concerned with micromanaging employees’ time and attendance than making things more cost effective. I would be much more productive working from home (fewer distractions) and I have all the tools necessary to do so. The state is stuck in a 50’s through 80’s mindset when no one had reason to work outside of the office.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:14 pm:
–Hard to believe I fed cows and broke the ice in their water twice a day in these conditions for room and board.–
I bet there are no issues that you can’t make about you and find some grievance. I’m sure the contents of your navel are absolutely amazing.
Get over yourself.
- FormerParatrooper - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:16 pm:
Be safe everyone. Bring your pets inside, don’t use your charcoal grill indoors for heat. Check on the elderly and just use common sense. Look in on your crazy relatives, friends and even the old guy down the street who yells to get of his lawn.
- ILL-inois - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:22 pm:
Our agency is providing shuddle service from our parking lot starting at 8am, which is great, except for those of us that start earlier. Heck, the state can’t even bother to properly clear our walking path to the building of snow and ice, which resulted in a major injury to an employee last week, so I am less than shocked that they are not that concerned for our well being.
- Glengarry - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:31 pm:
I guess state worker lives don’t matter.
- Druid Eye - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:33 pm:
Oswego Willy…..my Great Grandparents are from Gallitzin,Cambria County PA…..Coal miners…never been there. I hear pretty scenic.
- Flower - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:35 pm:
Illinois State Board of Education is CLOSED tomorrow. Thank you Tony Smith.
- Anon - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:36 pm:
ISBE has announced that they’re closing tomorrow. What gives, other state agencies?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:36 pm:
- Druid Eye -
A bit east of my family, but the region is really beautiful, especially in the fall. Great people in the region too.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:38 pm:
ISBE closed tomorrow
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 5:42 pm:
- Druid Eye -
Cambria County is also home to Johnstown PA.
A town that was host to “All the Right Moves” and a lil hockey story called “Slap Shot”…
… that could give you an idea of the region.
- ajjacksson - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 6:32 pm:
Remember the scene in Orwell’s classic Animal Farm where the faces of the pigs and humans become indistinguishable?
I could have sworn that Pritzker beat Rauner…..
- Name Withheld - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 7:05 pm:
Has there been any word on the Attorney General’s office?
- thoughts matter - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 7:13 pm:
The governor puts out a message that it’s really really dangerous to be outside and no one should be outside. Except - I’m expecting all my employees to do just that, so why wouldn’t all the private sector employers think that way too? So that’s how we end up with people out in the cold when they don’t need to be. Especially young children being taken to day care or grandma’s house.
Oh, and you state employees that haven’t been here long enough to have any vacation or personal time, tough luck. Show up or risk being fired because you are still on probation.
- thoughts matter - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 7:26 pm:
==It would seem investing in the ability for our state workers to work remotely would be wise==
Yes, but then the people that believe government has enough waste and fraud to justify a tax decrease would accuse state workers of not working when they are working remotely. Because a supervisor isn’t walking down their aisle once a day.
- Just a state employee - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 8:49 pm:
Name Withheld—I work with the AG’s Office. Staff there told me that their office is closed tomorrow.
Thoughts Matter—Exactly. I also have staff who report to me with serious illness who have burned through their time, or are hoarding any time they earn for treatments/appointments. I bet money at least one of them (with cancer) will attempt to come in tomorrow, since not doing so will result in an “unauthorized absence” due to not having any personal time left to take.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 9:37 pm:
Tom Cross is Chair of both SURS and IBHE. SURS is closed tomorrow while IBHE has a delayed start. Wonder what the difference is between the two agencies? The “funny” thing is that the temp will be colder at the later start time.
- Aaroee - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:37 pm:
Hello, I have an appointment for a medical card/snap hearing tomorrow. Would those public aid offices be opened? You know I called a few times but the state probably has the worst employees anywhere you go.
- For IL - Tuesday, Jan 29, 19 @ 11:47 pm:
Most of USPS has suspended mail delivery service Wednesday. Even rural delivery where workers do not leave their vehicles.
- Fixer - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 4:01 am:
Aaroee, you were probably one of a couple hundred people calling to ask the same or similar question of your local office staff. Yes, as of right now they are open. If you care to actually look, the Ready Illinois website will be updated with closure info.
Also, if you think you can do a better job, get an app from CMS and show them how to do their jobs.
- Homer J. Quinn - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 6:12 am:
the tribune’s front page says “chicago grinds to a halt” and “this is about as cold as it can get in chicago.”
and yet you’d better get out there and commute to your state job so you can be sent home immediately.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 6:51 am:
Metra seeing delays of up to 30 minutes right now. Good chance of freezing to death on the platform.
CTA Red Line and Orange Line also delayed.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 7:30 am:
FWIW, I believe Chicago’s sick leave ordinance allows you to use sick time to stay home with your child due to school closings, but I do not think it applies to state employees. Someone know for certain?
- Lord Voldemort - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 7:46 am:
USPS Is suspending mail delivery.
Folks, I respect and get tough mentality. But this is literally a once every 50-100 year situation — and not for niceness but for danger. Cold this severe can kill people.
- Anon 88 - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 7:47 am:
A lot of demoralized state employees at work this morning. More-so than usual.
A couple I know came into work because “they can’t tell me how to use my PTO”.
- Just a state employee - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 7:49 am:
Ok Governor…now it’s becoming impossible for many employees to get to work, and for those trains still operating, people may become trapped (a fear I know many have) if the the trains stop working (or your car won’t start). It’s unsafe to be outside for five minutes, yet the trains still operating have an hour delay…https://trib.al/Zaq0sQ0
- keepig it real state employee - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 8:38 am:
We love you Gov.Pritzner and our clients but I dont think any of them will be out today. Today an d tommorow temperatures are a health reason for your state workers to also be given theday off. Rethink today and close the state. For warming centers, the city can hold the state down for a change.We also come to everybodys rescue. Its really cold outside this one should be on the state for time off. Thanks Hard working state employee.
- keepig it real state employee - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 8:44 am:
All state employees , Let call in for a Pritzker day on the state.
- Tbd - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 8:50 am:
I hope someone writes an op-ed for the Tribune or something. Pritzker deserves to be called out on this in a big way.
- Farmgirl - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 8:57 am:
If an employee is willing to take a personal day for shopping, fun etc, they should be willing to take a personal day for dangerous weather. I understand what everyone is saying, but citizens rely on services of the State. Maybe they won’t be used, but that is what benefit time is for.
- cITY bOI - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 9:29 am:
———–Farmgirl————-
And how many personal days does the state employee receive?
Of these, how many should be reserved for shopping? Also how many should be reserved for the still yet-to-be-determined number of life-threatening weather personal days? 2, 3, 5?
- MaryLouise - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 9:58 am:
The House of Reps went home because of the extreme danger of the cold. Schools are closed. Not everyone has personal or sick days to use. Contractuals don’t; people who have used their time caring for hospice family members (not on FMLA); people can wait for State services one day. Once again, politicians who get rides to work in warm cars and dropped at the door, don’t care about State employees. It’s one day, maybe two. I’m a taxpayer and I am for the people staying home with their children/family today.
- - State employee who doesn't want to die - - Wednesday, Jan 30, 19 @ 10:08 am:
- - - - Farmgirl - - - -
“I understand what everyone is saying, but citizens rely on services of the State. Maybe they won’t be used, but that is what benefit time is for.”
- - - - Farmgirl - - - -
It is -20° outside right now. So the “citizens” who “rely on services of the State,” their need for services trumps the safety of State employees? Your argument that non-critical State employees should save their PERSONAL days to use for non-personal things such as natural disasters rather than their employer closing down non-critical State offices, is just plain offensive.
You acknowledge that these services may not even be used today, which is a good observation given that it is -20° outside right now. So basically you’re saying that we should all risk our own safety in the off chance that someone might need services today or tomorrow that couldn’t be done Monday or Tuesday and can’t wait until Friday?
And if we don’t want to risk injury or death in the extreme cold, we should use our benefit time, because as you say “that is what benefit time is for.” Not for vacations, sick days, unexpected personal emergencies such as needing to stay home for a repairperson to come fix something vital, but for when a natural disaster hits. So if a tornado was bearing down on your city and you didn’t want to risk driving to your basement-less work, that’s what benefit time is for. And the people who don’t have any time…they should have anticipated this?
Five years ago Governor Quinn ordered non-critical State employees to stay home in -16° weather: “As we continue to monitor weather conditions and work nonstop to respond to this winter storm, we will ensure that critical state services continue,” said Governor Quinn. “To protect the safety of our employees and the people they serve, I am directing state employees whose duties are not critical to state services to stay home and off the roads on Monday.”