Your moment of zen
Monday, Jul 22, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Because it’s been a weird few weeks, here’s something to lift your spirits. Oscar among the pollinating flowers…
Photo credit: Isabel Miller.
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Isabel’s afternoon roundup
Monday, Jul 22, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* SJ-R…
Ahead of body camera footage of the fatal shooting of Springfield woman Sonya Massey being released, here’s a timeline of the events in the fatal shooting.
Timeline
Around 12:50 a.m., July 6: Two Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies, including defendant Sean P. Grayson, were called to a home in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in an unincorporated part of Woodside Township for a possible intruder. According to court documents, they made contact with the 911 caller, Sonya Massey, who appeared to be “calm, perhaps unwell, not aggressive.”
While another deputy was clearing the house, Grayson began “aggressively yelling” at Massey to put down a pot of boiling water she removed from her stove, although he had given her permission to do so.
Despite being in another room, Grayson drew his weapon and threatened to shoot Massey in the face. According to documents, Massey put her hands in the air, said “I’m sorry” and ducked for cover.
Grayson fired three shots, striking Massey once in the face.
The Illinois State Police conducted the investigation. Grayson was fired and indicted on three 1st Degree Murder charges.
The video is here. Deep breaths before commenting please.
* Capitol News Illinois…
As Illinois seeks to end federal court oversight of its disability services, an independent court monitor says the state continues to fall short of promises made 13 years ago to allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live outside of institutions.
Court hearings are set to begin this week as to whether the state will be released from what’s known as the Ligas consent decree. The consent decree originated from a 2005 lawsuit alleging that Illinois’ insufficient funding for community living options led to the segregation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Due to the lack of support for living in the community, many were forced to seek care in large, hospital-like facilities. The lawsuit argued this violated a landmark 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision in a case against Georgia, which mandated states accommodate individuals in the most integrated setting of their choosing.
In 2011, to settle the Ligas case, the state agreed to undergo a major expansion of its community-based services. And in December, the state filed a motion to vacate the consent decree, accompanied by a lengthy report stating it had exceeded its commitments despite that its system of care is “not and will never be perfect.”
But Ronnie Cohn, the monitor and a New York-based expert on disability services, told the court that too many people still can’t access community-based services in Illinois, especially those in crisis or who have more complex medical and behavioral support needs. […]
Cohn said situations like this are not unique and illustrate why the consent decree is still needed. She highlighted numerous other cases of individuals covered by the consent decree who had faced barriers to moving out of state-run facilities. She faulted a death of community services available to support them and poor planning by state staff who are supposed to help facility residents find community placements and develop the skills needed to live more independently.
*** Coverage Roundup: Illinois React After Biden Drops Out ***
* Crain’s | Pritzker endorses Harris bid for presidency: In the statement, Pritzker explained why he did not follow other top democrats in endorsing Harris on Sunday following Biden’s shocking exit that upended the presidential race, saying he is “cognizant of the unique role we play here in Illinois as hosts of the Democratic National Convention.” […] “When I spoke to Vice President Harris, I told her that President Biden’s selfless decision came as a genuine surprise. I have worked hard during my time as Governor of Illinois to try and bring a sober and mature approach to decision-making,” Pritzker said. “It’s important to be thoughtful about what’s next for the Democratic Party and for the country, which is why I spent hours yesterday talking to fellow leaders in our Party getting and giving input about the road to victory in November. ”
* Sun-Ties | Pritzker, Durbin, Duckworth join chorus of Illinois support for Kamala Harris as president: The Democratic Party of Illinois, which had told delegates to “hold back from reacting publicly” on Sunday, released a full-throated endorsement on Monday: “The Democratic Party stands united in our belief that Vice President Kamala Harris is uniquely qualified to lead our nation forward.”
* BND | Southwest Illinois elected leaders react to Biden’s decision to halt campaign: U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois:“No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden — and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country. “Over more than 50 years in public service, he’s built an unparalleled record of accomplishments. From helping write the Violence Against Women Act in the Senate to shepherding the Affordable Care Act into law as Vice President and from helping guide our nation out of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic to overseeing historic wage and job growth during his Presidency, Joe Biden has always put our country first and worked to change so many aspects of our lives for the better.
* WCIA | Pritzker, Illinois politicians endorse Kamala Harris for president: Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch (D-Westchester), the first African-American speaker in Illinois history, said Harris has his full support. “There is no greater celebration of Black excellence than nominating Kamala Harris to lead our party forward,” Welch said. “This November, we choose unity. We choose democracy, justice, and the rule of law. We choose women’s rights, voting rights, and civil rights. And that is why we choose Kamala Harris to serve as President of the United States.”
* WICS | Biden drops out, Illinois election officials clarify next steps for ballots : The Illinois State Board of Elections said since there is no official democratic nominee yet, it doesn’t make a difference on the ballot. Election officials said when a nominee is chosen at the Democratic National Convention, that nominee will be certified to the State Board of Elections. “Our board on August 23 will certify the statewide ballot and they will certify the names of the candidates for president to that ballot,” Matt Dietrich, Public Information Officer for the Illinois State Board of Elections, said.
*** Statehouse News ***
* Tom Kacich | Dems have big cash leads in area state legislative contests: State Sen. Paul Faraci, D-Champaign, has a more than 20-to-1 lead on 52nd District Republican challenger Jeff Brownfield, also of Champaign. Faraci faces his first election since being appointed to replace the late Sen. Scott Bennett, who died of a brain tumor on Dec. 9, 2022. And Jarrett Clem, an electrician and Parkland College board member from rural St. Joseph, has a fundraising advantage of more than $100,000 in his 104th House District campaign against state Rep. Brandun Schweizer, R-Danville.
*** Chicago ***
* Block Club | As Tent City Grows In Humboldt Park, Alderperson Aims To Open Homeless Shelter Nearby: Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th) has worked with various city departments to open a non-congregate homeless shelter since last year. Last month, she started a petition urging the city to invest in buying and rehabbing a building for that purpose, identifying a building at 2704 W. North Ave. as a possible site. The three-story building, which used to be a community center run by New Life Covenant church, has been for sale since at least 2021. It’s large enough to have 50-60 rooms for single people, couples or families, Fuentes said. It also has a basement, gym, cafeteria and commercial bathrooms on every floor, and it is in a TIF district, making it a good fit for the shelter, she said.
* WBEZ | From regular doctor visits to injured protesters, here’s how Chicago’s hospitals are preparing for the DNC: Three of the busiest hospitals in the city are about a 20-minute walk from the arena on the Near West Side — Rush University Medical Center, Cook County’s John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital and UI Health. They have spent months preparing for the what ifs, from an explosion or a chemical attack to a mass shooting or dozens of people getting pepper-sprayed.
* Sun-Times | As Angel Reese’s fame soars, she isn’t changing who she is: Angel Reese is an early-onset boss. She wants you to see her freedom. What that looks like in the form of a female basketball player. A Black one. A proud one. It’s the ownership of her blackness that people resent. Usually, this is when the code switch happens. This, for so many Black athletes entering the beginning stages of superstarness, is when the selling out of self and separation from their people begins. Not she.
* Sun-Times | Alanis Morissette ‘oughta know’ how much millennials revere her after Pitchfork set: In a weekend that was hit-or-miss with attendance, the Canadian songwriting queen drew not only the biggest crowd of the three days but likely one of the biggest in the history of the event. And everyone who did show up — all the while finagling a spot around the obstructive VIP platform towers that blocked out a good portion of the park’s view — collectively made those classic “Jagged Little Pill” numbers into a massive kumbaya sing-along.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Daily Herald | Where suburban House candidates’ finances stand: Democratic U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez of Chicago is facing a challenge from Republican newcomer John Booras of Homer Glen in Illinois’ 3rd District, which includes Chicago’s West Side and parts of suburban Cook and DuPage counties. Ramirez’s campaign committee collected $823,136 from donors this election cycle through June 30 and spent $589,532, her latest report showed. Team Ramirez started this month with $391,509 on hand. No financial reports were available from Booras’ campaign as of Thursday. When asked to comment, Booras insisted his campaign filed the document.
* Naperville Sun | Naperville council won’t oppose plans for storage facility, other businesses on unincorporated 75th Street: Per state law, a municipality is allowed to offer its opinion on a project if it’s proposed for unincorporated land falling within 1.5 miles of its city limits. Naperville council members at their meeting last week decided they would not offer an opinion on the 75th Street development. If they were opposed to it, the DuPage County Board would have to approve it with a supermajority vote requiring three-fourths of its members be in favor for it to be approved
* NBC Chicago | Oscar Meyer Wienermobile crashes; flips on its side on busy Chicago-area highway: At 11:12 a.m., an Oscar Meyer Weinermobile was traveling in the northbound lanes of Interstate 294 just before Roosevelt Road when the Wienermobile driver struck a Hyundai Sedan, also traveling north, Illinois State Police said. After striking the Hyundai, the driver of the Weinermobile lost control, overcorrected and rolled onto its side, ISP said. No injuries were reported.
* WGN | ‘Blues Brothers Con’ this year will be dedicated to Judy Belushi Pisano, the late widow of John Belushi, organizers announce: Greg Peerbolte, CEO of the JAHM, said in a news release that Belushi Pisano served the museum’s Old Joliet Prison Historic Site for more than five years in an advisory capacity. “Through the prison’s connection to one of the most important films ever made, ‘The Blues Brothers,’ Judy shared our viewpoint that contemplating this complex historic site as a redefined community gathering space, driven by education, art and music, would help to bring about healing and honor the film’s cultural legacy,” Peerbolte said in the release.
*** Downstate ***
* Muddy River News | ‘A waste of everybody’s time’: Adrian won’t reply to complaint filed by Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission: Robert Adrian has until July 31 to respond to a complaint filed with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) on June 25 that recommends the former Eighth Judicial Circuit judge be disciplined. Adrian said Friday that the ARDC shouldn’t hold its breath. “It’s a waste of everybody’s time,” he said Friday morning. “It just shows how political and corrupt (the ARDC is).
* WCIA | Warrior-Scholar Project provides brainy boot camp to veterans in Urbana: t’s never too late to go back to school. That’s why veterans across Champaign County are meeting up at the Chez Veteran Center throughout this week. They’re expanding their knowledge through a unique program called the Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). It’s a nationwide, free, academic boot camp.
* SJ-R | ‘Supporting the community that’s supported us.’ Cafe Moxo workers volunteer post Adams St. fire: Ever since the fire on June 19 at 413 E. Adams St., the employees of Cafe Moxo have been volunteering five days a week at local food shelters and the Compass for Kids School program at four different schools in Springfield. Working five days a week three-to-four hours a day, each employee has racked up more than 100 service hours giving back to Springfield.
*** National ***
* The Telegraph | St. Louis Cardinals clear up confusion over home run gesture: Following a home run by Cardinals power hitter Alec Burleson, the St. Louis players appeared to raise their fists raised with one hand covering an ear. As Burleson rounded third, he made the same gesture back to his teammates. […] “It’s the furthest thing from a political statement and a little thing (for Burleson),” Cardinals infielder and designated hitter Matt Carpenter told St. Louis Post-Dispatch baseball writer Derrick Goold. “I can understand why everyone is looking for something right now. The St. Louis Cardinals aren’t involved in any kind of political statement.”
* CNN | Why Delta is still canceling flights as other airlines return to normal: In a note to customers Sunday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian apologized for the disruptions and attributed the problem to the computer program affecting its “crew tracking” software. “One of our crew tracking-related tools was affected and unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system shutdown,” he wrote in a note to customers. “Our teams have been working around the clock to recover and restore full functionality.”
* Bloomberg | Apple Tries to Rein In Hollywood Spending After Years of Losses: Apple is spending billions of dollars a year on original programming that has received strong reviews and many awards nominations. But its streaming service is attracting just 0.2% of TV viewing in the US. Apple TV+ generates less viewing in one month than Netflix does in one day.
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* Press release…
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) announced that Illinois has secured $430,251,378 million in federal funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The CPRG program is providing funding to implement projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nearly 300 applications were submitted by entities nationwide for the project implementation grants totaling nearly $33 billion in funding requests. U.S. EPA awarded just 25 grants totaling $4.3 billion, with Illinois being the third largest award.
“When I signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, I did it knowing that we could not move into a clean energy future without ensuring that no one was left behind—and with this grant award, the Biden-Harris administration has made it clear that their priorities are the same,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This grant will fund clean buildings, agriculture, and transport, and further position Illinois as the hub for smart, clean development that we have strived to become.” […]
Other highlights from Illinois’ CPRG Application:
• Transportation: Transportation is the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and Illinois’ application includes $115 million for heavy-duty vehicle electrification, reflecting Illinois’/Chicago’s status as a freight hub and burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, as well as the disproportionate environmental justice impacts of heavy-duty vehicle pollution.
• Buildings: The largest section of Illinois’ application, $172 million, focuses on buildings, with an emphasis on improving access and affordability for clean building technologies in disadvantaged communities, as well as market development and contractor training. Deploying clean building technologies like heat pumps can help Illinoisans lower their bills and enjoy cleaner air and greater comfort in their homes while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Agriculture: More than $111 million of Illinois’ application is earmarked for projects to build climate leadership in the agricultural sector, a major industry in Illinois, and help incentivize sustainable, climate smart agricultural practices.
* From the US EPA…
Selected Application Summary
The selected application will support the State of Illinois in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which commits the state to 100% carbon-free power by 2045. It will also promote energy efficiency, electric vehicle deployment, and building electrification and reforming utility planning and regulation. The grant will fund five priority reduction measures focused on building and industry decarbonization, freight electrification, climate-smart agriculture, and fossil fuel retirement.
Key Things to Know
Based on information provided by the applicant, the selected project will deliver the following benefits to reduce greenhouse gases and support communities:
• Accelerate clean and efficient buildings with the goal of retrofitting 12,000 homes and 2.3 million square feet of commercial space and training hundreds of clean building contractors.
• Provide incentives, workforce training, and technical assistance to reduce greenhouse gas and diesel emissions from freight, including trucks and trains.
• Establish a clean industry concierge to support low carbon retrofitting of 10 industrial facilities.
• Promote adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, including converting approximately 300,000 acres to no-till.
• Accelerate transition from gas-powered lawn equipment to electric equipment.
• Create high-quality jobs and new workforce training opportunities in low-income and disadvantaged communities to increase accessibility for individuals facing barriers to employment.
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Today’s quotable
Monday, Jul 22, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the New York Times…
A correction was made on July 21, 2024:
An earlier version of this article misstated the state for which JB Pritzker is the governor. He is the governor of Illinois, not Ohio.
Oopsie.
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The Internet is forever, Rodney
Monday, Jul 22, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From October 8, 2016. Just 31 days before the election…
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis has withdrawn his support for Donald Trump and hopes running mate Mike Pence will move to the top of the ticket.
Davis, a Taylorville Republican who represents the 13th Congressional District, released a statement Saturday in which he said he also has asked to be removed from Trump’s agriculture advisory committee.
“As parents of a teenage daughter and teen twin boys, my wife and I teach them to respect women and that they will be judged by their words and actions,” Davis said in the emailed statement. “The abhorrent comments made by Donald Trump are inexcusable and go directly against what I’ve been doing in Washington to combat assaults on college campuses.
“Because of this, I am rescinding my support for Donald Trump and asking to have my name removed from his agriculture advisory committee. With the terrible options America has right now, I cannot cast my vote for any of the candidates, so I hope Donald Trump withdraws from the race so the American people can elect Mike Pence as our next president.”
* Yesterday…
* Rodney also praised Harris’ choice as a running mate four years ago…
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, called Biden’s choice of Harris a “good pick.” […]
“I think it’s a good pick by Vice President Biden,” Davis said. “Clearly, he and his campaign (are) very concerned about the message that the far left is sending that they don’t value law enforcement. And I think the pick was a very safe pick … one that helps to send a message in support of law enforcement, moreso than some of the other candidates.”
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Edgar Fellows Class of 2024 unveiled
Monday, Jul 22, 2024 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Edgar Fellows Program may be the most unusual private group of folks in the country. A JPMorgan Chase VP and a Chicago Teachers Union staffer (Graciela Guzman, who won a Senate Democratic primary) were both selected this year, for example. The Mayor of Mt. Carmel (in southeastern Illinois) and a Black trans member of the MWRD are new fellows. It’s almost like the legislature, minus the hardcore far right…
In a highly competitive process, forty-one public policy leaders from across Illinois have been selected for the 2024 class of the Edgar Fellows Program. The group will meet for the first time at their Executive Leadership Training Program held August 4 through 8 on the University of Illinois (UI) campus in Urbana-Champaign.
Established in 2012, the Edgar Fellows Program is a leadership initiative designed by former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar to inspire respectful collaboration in addressing the state’s major challenges. The Fellows selected for the class of 2024 reflect Illinois’ political, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity. They include elected and appointed officials from all levels of government; leaders of non-profit and labor organizations; and individuals who are influencing public policy in the business world.
“Each year, the Edgar Fellows Program brings together a group of leaders with different backgrounds and different politics from across Illinois,” Gov. Edgar said. “Though they each have their own unique life experiences, they find out that they have more in common than they have that separates them.
“With each class, it has been gratifying to watch people who were strangers on Sunday become good friends by Thursday. It’s what the Edgar Fellows program is all about, finding common ground and respect, so that our Fellows can work together to help shape a better Illinois.”
During their time in Champaign, the new Fellows will engage with experienced public policy practitioners who are experts in issues that include artificial intelligence, the SAFE-T Act, workforce development, climate change, philanthropies, Medicaid, and the state budget. More importantly, they will learn from each other and begin building relationships that will last throughout their careers.
The 2024 class will bring the number of Fellows who are part of the program to nearly 500. After completing the initial training seminar, Fellows continue to meet at alumni gatherings designed to increase their knowledge and help build their professional networks. The next time they will have this opportunity to gather is at the program’s annual fundraiser in Chicago on September 12 at the Hyatt Regency. This event is open to the general public. More information about the dinner, including how to sponsor the event or purchase individual tickets can be found at www.edgarfellows.org.
Donors to the Edgar Fellows Program include individuals, corporations, foundations, labor organizations, and others who are interested in promoting competent, ethical and solution-oriented leadership in Illinois. An advisory board led by Chair Emeritus Alexander Lerner, the Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois State Medical Society, and Chair, Allen Grosboll, former senior policy advisor to Governor Edgar, helps to guide the program. Other board members are Fellows and long-time supporters of the program who, between them, have decades of experience in Illinois public policy.
Administered and funded through the efforts of the Edgar Fellows 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Edgar Fellows Program is housed at the U of I System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs in Urbana.
The Edgar Fellows Class of 2024 is listed below. Photos are available upon request.
Liandro Arellano, Jr., Dixon, Candidate for Senate, District 37
Kevin Artl, Naperville, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois
Chris Balkema, Channahon, Candidate for Senate, District 53
Yasmeen Bankole, Hanover Park, Trustee of the Village of Hanover Park and Regional Director for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
Precious Brady-Davis, Chicago, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and Chief Strategy Officer at The Center on Halsted
Representative Jason Bunting, Emington
Sydney Corryn Holman, Chicago, Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs, City of Chicago
Ryan Croke, Springfield, First Assistant Deputy Governor for health and human services
Christopher Curtis, Mayor of Kankakee
Regan Deering, Decatur, Candidate for State Representative, District 88
Yaacov Delaney, Chicago, Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Justice Equity & Opportunity Initiative for Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
James Dillon, Peoria, Peoria County Board Chair and Associate Director of the West Central Building and Construction Trades Council
Isabel Dobbel, Chicago, Political Director for the Chicago Federation of Labor
Representative Laura Faver Dias, Grayslake
Kari Galassi, Hinsdale, DuPage County Board Member
Graciela Guzman, Chicago, candidate for Senate, District 20
Chynna Hampton, Chatham, Equity Director for Climate Jobs Illinois at the Illinois AFL-CIO
Carolin Harvey, Mayor of Carbondale
Jared M. Hawkinson, Knoxville, Knox County Board Chair and Knoxville Police Officer
Latoya Hughes, South Holland, Acting Director, Illinois Department of Corrections
Representative Hoan Huynh, Chicago
Representative Lilian Jimenez, Chicago
Elizabeth Johnston, Normal, McLean County Board Vice Chair and Owner of Johnston Financial Services
Joseph Judge, Mayor of Mt. Carmel
Jennifer Konen, Village President of Sugar Grove
Representative Nicole La Ha, Homer Glen
Eric Lind, Mayor of Eureka
Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Shorewood
Chase McCall, Gibson City, Ford County Board Member and Government Affairs Coordinator at State Farm
David McEllis, Chicago, Illinois Legislative Director at the Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest
SJ Morrison, Edwardsville, Alderman in Ward 4, Executive Director of the Agency for Community Transit and Managing Director of the Madison County Transit
Representative Kevin Olickal, Skokie
Jordan Powell, Rochester, Senior Vice President of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association
Gerson Ramirez, Chicago, Senior Government Relations Associate at Advance Illinois
Julia Ramirez, Chicago, Alderman, 12th Ward
Erendira Rendon, Chicago, Vice President of The Resurrection Project
Cassaundra Rouse, Flossmoor, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway
Carolyn Schofield, Crystal Lake, Legislative Assistant to Senator Don DeWitte, former Lt. Governor Candidate and former McHenry County Board Vice Chair
Patrick Schweska, Chicago, Manager of Public Policy for the Midwest Region at Amazon Web Services
Benjamin Taylor, Chicago, Vice President, Public Engagement for the Central Midwest Region at JPMorgan Chase
Representative Travis Weaver, Edwards
…Adding… I’m kinda wondering how Syd Holman is gonna attend that August 4-8 seminar in Champaign so close to the convention.
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Uber Partners With Cities To Expand Urban Transportation
Monday, Jul 22, 2024 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Uber is leading the charge to close critical transportation gaps, ensuring reliable access to its services in places that need it most, such as underserved areas like Englewood. This is a part of Uber’s broader commitment to augment and expand the reach of Chicago’s transportation ecosystem, focusing on overcoming the first-mile/ last-mile hurdles that have long plagued residents in farther afield neighborhoods. Uber aims to extend the public transit network’s reach, making urban transportation more accessible and efficient for everyone. Discover the full story on how Uber is transforming city transportation for the better.
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* Governor JB Pritzker…
Gov. JB Pritzker Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for President
Today, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States:
“I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.
“Since I launched my first campaign for Governor in 2017, I have made it clear in virtually every political speech and statement the absolute necessity of beating Donald Trump at the ballot box. Donald Trump is a convicted felon, liable for sexual assault, and a congenital liar. He is a man wholly unfit for the office of the presidency both in character and temperament. We must defeat him and his MAGA allies at every level this November.
“When I spoke to Vice President Harris, I told her that President Biden’s selfless decision came as a genuine surprise. I have worked hard during my time as Governor of Illinois to try and bring a sober and mature approach to decision-making. It’s important to be thoughtful about what’s next for the Democratic Party and for the country, which is why I spent hours yesterday talking to fellow leaders in our Party getting and giving input about the road to victory in November. I am also cognizant of the unique role we play here in Illinois as hosts of the Democratic National Convention.
“Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength, and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans From protecting women’s rights to defending American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American values we hold dear. She represents our Party’s best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November, and I will work my heart out to help her do that.
“Before I was elected Governor of Illinois I served in leadership roles for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns. I worked hard for Hillary Clinton because I thought she would be an incredibly qualified and capable President. I also felt it was important that this country finally elect a woman to the highest office in the land. I am endorsing Kamala Harris for President and will work hard to get her elected because I believe that she is the most qualified and capable person to be President. I also think it’s past time we shatter that highest and hardest of glass ceilings and finally elect a woman as President of the United States.”
…Adding… The Democratic Party of Illinois…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez issued the following statement in support of our next president, Kamala Harris:
“The Democratic Party stands united in our belief that Vice President Kamala Harris is uniquely qualified to lead our nation forward. Vice President Harris has demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership throughout her distinguished career. From her tenure as the Attorney General of California to her service as our Vice President, Kamala Harris has consistently fought for justice, equality, and the rights of all Americans.
The Democratic Party of Illinois is fully committed to mobilizing our communities in support of Kamala Harris. We recognize the historic significance of her candidacy and profound impact her leadership will have on our state and our country.
Vice President Harris’ platform reflects the values and priorities of Illinoisans, including expanding access to quality healthcare, protecting reproductive rights, addressing climate change, and ensuring economic justice for all.
Vice President Harris stands as our best chance to defeat Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Their radical agenda threatens to dismantle the progress we’ve made. We cannot allow their divisive and regressive agenda to prevail. We must protect our democracy, defend our rights, and uphold our Democratic values. As we move forward, the Democratic Party of Illinois is dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure Kamala Harris’ victory in November.”
* US Rep. Eric Sorensen…
With so much at stake between now and November 5th, we need a Democratic Presidential nominee who will lead with passion, empathy, and fire. Vice President Kamala Harris is that person. When we make our decision, we will vote for the leader who will take our country into her second 250 years.
Vice President Harris has the vision and the strength to do the most important work for the people.
Let’s go!
* Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton…
I am proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States.
She is highly qualified, smart as hell and the best candidate to beat Donald Trump. Kamala Harris has been at the forefront of the fight for reproductive freedom, including prioritizing the crisis in Black women’s maternal healthcare. She has been a protector of the middle class and working families across the nation.
MAGA extremists wholeheartedly believe that a woman’s place is in the house. But as a champion for women, I join millions of others across our nation who know that a woman’s place is in the White House, serving in the highest office in our land.
Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space, said these words: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
Today, I am dreaming of the future I want my daughters to inherit. Kamala Harris is the best person to take us there.
Let’s get work!
* Senator Dick Durbin…
Proud to endorse my former Senate colleague & good friend, Kamala Harris. Our nation needs to continue moving forward with unity & not MAGA chaos. VP Harris was a critical partner in building the Biden record over the past four years. Count me in with Kamala Harris for President.
* Senator Tammy Duckworth…
* CNN…
Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi pledged his support to Harris “through this process” however, he said, he’s “open to whatever process the DNC has.”
* US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi…
* Lee Enterprise reporter Brenden Moore…
* Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch…
Throughout our history, strong women have built movements that united us, inspired change when we needed it most and called on our nation to continually pursue a truer vision of our founding principles. Kamala Harris has stepped up to continue this work, and I am so proud to offer her my full support. Democrats see the challenges our country faces, and we choose Kamala Harris to lead us forward. We choose Kamala Harris because we know that someone who has dedicated her career to justice is the right choice to stand up to a man who believes the law does not apply to him. We choose Kamala Harris because a champion for women and families is the right choice to hold the architect of the Dobbs decision accountable. We choose Kamala Harris because someone who embodies the power of unity is the right choice to defeat a demagogue who divides people to pursue his own power. When Democrats nationwide gather next month in Chicago, I will join Black House Speakers from Maine, Michigan, Maryland, New York, and Virginia for a celebration of diversity and unity that we call Black Excellence in Bleu.
There is no greater celebration of Black excellence than nominating Kamala Harris to lead our party forward. This November, we choose unity. We choose democracy, justice, and the rule of law. We choose women’s rights, voting rights, and civil rights.
And that is why we choose Kamala Harris to serve as President of the United States.
* Illinois Federation of Teachers…
Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced that he is not seeking reelection and is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris:
“This is an historic moment. As we navigate this critical juncture, we are proud to express our enthusiastic support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s candidacy. Our members are mobilized and eager to work tirelessly to secure her election — a critical step toward defending reproductive health, strengthening public education, improving healthcare access, and fostering an economy that uplifts the middle class.
“Vice President Harris’ vision is a blueprint for a future that champions inclusivity and prosperity for every American. Her vision not only seeks to protect our nation’s cherished values, but actively enhances them by paving the way for every individual to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
“We extend our profound gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unwavering dedication to the American people. He made significant achievements during his tenure, including transformative infrastructure projects, substantial investments in public education, and pivotal healthcare reforms. His leadership has not only revitalized these crucial sectors, but also restored dignity to the office of the President and preserved our democracy.
“As we look ahead with tremendous excitement and hope, let us remain united. The stakes have never been higher, as we continue to fight for the preservation of our human rights and the very fabric of our democracy. Together, we stand ready to support Kamala in creating a future that reflects the highest ideals and aspirations for every individual.”
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
This is going to be one massively energized Democratic National Convention! Can’t wait to enthusiastically cast my vote as a delegate for our first woman president, Kamala Harris! She will fire up the ticket and make next month’s convention in Chicago a unified launch to win this critical election! She brings a wealth of experience to the table as a former Senator, Attorney General and as Vice-President over the last 3½ years, making her ready to be a great president on Day 1. We’re all ready and excited to support her.
…Adding… Senate President Harmon…
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President today, following the extraordinary leadership shown by President Joseph R. Biden in ending his campaign for president.
“I am enormously proud to endorse Kamala Harris for the Office of President of the United States. In a short few hours after announcing her candidacy, she has energized the Democratic Party with her compelling story and her ability to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s corrupt, felonious behavior and his plans to cut taxes for billionaires and corporations while raising them on the middle class.
“Over the last three and a half years, we’ve been fortunate to have the leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to repair the damage inflicted on the nation by Trump. We cannot go back, and I will do everything in my power to help elect Kamala Harris the next President of the United States,” said Harmon.
* Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle…
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* My weekly syndicated newspaper column…
An oft-repeated $1.1 billion demand from Chicago’s mayor would actually wind up costing state taxpayers $5.5 billion. And Gov. JB Pritzker is turning a big thumbs down.
Chicago Public Schools made the huge mistake of putting a ton of temporary federal pandemic aid into its permanent spending base for years and that money is just about gone. It also recently over-estimated some state tax revenues. Mayor Brandon Johnson also dumped $170 million in pension costs onto the district from his own budget, and the Chicago Teachers Union is asking for the moon in its contract negotiations. The end result is deficits as far as the eye can see.
Johnson has suggested CPS borrow money in the interim, but he has said over and over again that the state “owes” CPS $1.1 billion and he wants the state to pony up.
But does the state really owe CPS that much money? “No” is the simple answer.
First, a quick primer. The state’s Evidence-Based Funding law was passed in 2017 after years of work. The idea of EBF was to move to a system based on “adequate” state and local funding levels. A lot of factors determine adequacy, like regional salaries, how much districts spend, how much they have the capacity to spend, the types of district students (with an emphasis on low income, English learners, special education), and more.
The legislation was designed to help districts eventually reach 90 percent of adequate funding. This fiscal year, the state will spend $8.6 billion on evidence-based funding. Negotiators realized from the beginning that the state didn’t have enough money to fund every school at 90 percent adequacy right away, so it’s been spending $350 million more each year (except Fiscal Year 21) in order to reach the eventual target where all districts have 90 percent adequacy. $50 million of that goes to property tax relief grants.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, if the state had decided last fiscal year to just all of a sudden abandon the funding “ramp” and immediately reach 90 percent adequacy, the total state cost would’ve been $2.5 billion.
Of that $2.5 billion, the ISBE says, Chicago would’ve received $503 million, less than half the $1.1 billion that Mayor Johnson claims the state owes.
So, where does the $1.1 billion number come from? According to the state board, that amount would’ve been owed to Chicago last fiscal year if the state immediately funded schools at 100 percent of their adequacy levels. However, the board points out that 100 percent funding is not in state law, despite what the mayor is saying.
Johnson has always said that all Illinois schools should get what’s coming to them right away, not just Chicago. But EBF funding for all public schools at 100 percent last fiscal year would’ve cost taxpayers a whopping $4.85 billion, according to the State Board of Education.
But wait, there’s more. Mayor Johnson’s spokesperson released a statement to me saying in part: “(T)he State of Illinois provides all other school districts with nearly $3,000 more per student by fully paying their teacher pensions,” and went on to say they would work with the state to make that happen.
That’s about $969 million. Take out what the state already gives CPS for teacher pensions and you wind up with a tab of $615 million.
Add now you’re at $5.47 billion.
The mayor hasn’t mentioned that state law gives Chicago a special pension carveout. The Chicago school district’s ability to pay (known as the “local capacity target”) portion of the formula is reduced by whatever CPS spends on teacher pensions. This reduces the city’s amount that it has to pay for its own schools. Last fiscal year, CPS was given a nearly $700 million reduction in its local capacity target.
Gov. Pritzker told me this past Friday that, despite all the public rhetoric, Mayor Johnson has never once personally asked him to help fund that $1.1 billion.
I told Pritzker that I assumed other school districts also put temporary federal money into their permanent spending bases and would also be demanding more state aide. “I don’t think that that’s the job of Springfield, to rescue the school districts that might have been irresponsible with the one-time money they received.”
“Poor fiscal management on the part of a local government is not necessarily the responsibility of Springfield,” he added.
Is CPS poorly fiscally managed? Pritzker at first hedged, then, when pressed, said he’d like to answer the question his own way.
“One-time money shouldn’t be spent for ongoing operations.”
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Monday, Jul 22, 2024 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* ICYMI: No endorsements from Pritzker, Durbin, Duckworth after Biden drops reelection bid . Capitol News Illinois…
After weeks of pushing from fellow Democrats – including five of Illinois’ members of Congress – President Joe Biden on Sunday announced he will not accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for reelection. […]
Top Democrats in Illinois – including Gov. JB Pritzker – offered their praises for Biden’s time in the White House, while some moved quickly to endorse Harris in Biden’s stead. But Pritzker, who has often been mentioned as a potential fill-in candidate for Biden, was not among those who immediately endorsed Harris, instead focusing on the wider goal of defeating former President Donald Trump in November. […]
Pritzker has long been a Biden campaign surrogate and staunch defender of the president, and most recently said of Biden that he’d continue to stand behind him so long as he was the Democratic Party’s nominee for president. […]
U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth were both complimentary of Biden’s presidency, with Duckworth claiming that “no one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden.”
…Adding…Sen. Dick Durbin endorsed Harris this morning.
* Related stories…
Click here and here to catch up on yesterday’s coverage.
*** Isabel’s Top Picks ***
* Sun-Times | Michael McClain’s lawyers want him tried separately from ex-House Speaker Madigan: In a filing Friday, McClain’s defense lawyers argue that on top of facing federal prosecutors, McClain will also be facing “The Madigan Second Prosecutors,” contending that Madigan’s apparent defense strategy, which is redacted from the filing, involves blaming McClain. The two are set to be tried together beginning Oct. 8 on similar charges of racketeering, bribery, fraud and attempted extortion.
* Tribune | Illinois continues to struggle to fill vacancies on public boards, state audit shows: In the two years ending in June 2022 covered by the report, 30% of the boards that existed — with purposes as disparate as reforming campaign finance in judicial elections to promoting amateur sports — were inactive, the IG found. Some weren’t working because they didn’t have enough members, while others had just recently been created during the time of the audit or were inactive for other reasons, auditors found. More than 30 had been inactive since at least 2018, the report said.
* Sun-Times | Prairie State Conservation Coalition stepping up to fund land projections: Good news is a prime stream of revenue for land purchase and management is being passed on. As the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation winds down, it gave a $42 million grant to the Prairie State Conservation Coalition. The ICECF was established in 1999 with a $225 million endowment from Commonwealth Edison with a mission to “to improve energy efficiency, advance the development and use of renewable energy resources, and protect natural areas and wildlife habitat in communities all across Illinois.”
*** Statehouse News ***
* WSPD | Illinois bill requires school districts to provide resources for special education children without guardians: An Illinois bill signed on Friday, July 19, will now require Illinois school districts to provide resources and services for special education students who do not have a guardian. House Bill 4581 is a result of an issue brought to the attention of State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman.
* SJ-R | Who are Illinois’ highest paid state workers? Here’s the top 10: Gov. JB Pritzker is often referred to as the richest politician in the country. Yet, it is his personal wealth as an heir to Hyatt Hotel fortune, and not a state salary, that earns him this distinction. Even if he decided to take the $226,800 salary for the current fiscal year, Pritzker still wouldn’t be paid as much as the following state employees. That applies for the rest of the statewide elected officials, Illinois Supreme Court justices and legislators in the Illinois General Assembly as well.
*** Statewide ***
* Sun-Times | Two deaths — including one in Illinois — linked to listeria food poisoning from meat sliced at deli counters: At least 28 people in a dozen states have gotten sick, though the largest number, seven, were in New York, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The people who died were from Illinois and New Jersey. Samples were collected from May 29 to July 5 and so far, all of the people known to be part of the outbreak have been hospitalized.
*** Chicago ***
* Block Club | Piping Plover Chick Being Raised At Montrose Beach Gets New Name: The Great Lakes piping plover chick born this summer to parents Imani and Sea Rocket has been named Nagamo, the Chicago Piping Plovers volunteer group announced Saturday. Nagamo, chosen among names submitted in a contest, mean’s “he/she sings” in the language of the Ojibwe, an Indigenous tribe whose traditional homeland is what’s now Chicago.
* Sun-Times | Local chefs celebrate the work of Cook County Sheriff’s Urban Farming Initiative: What might sound like offerings at a high-end restaurant were actually made at the Cook County Sheriff’s Urban Farm with ingredients grown on the grounds of the Cook County Jail at 26th Street and California Avenue. Local chefs Will Carter and Alvin Green on Wednesday were each given an hour to create a dish using ingredients grown at the farm. The cookoff was the second Cook County Sheriff’s Office’s Garden Chef Challenge.
* SBNation | South Siders get three-hit, and laughed out of Kansas City : The White Sox have now been swept 14 times this season and have more games of one or fewer runs scored (29) than wins (27). They are averaging 2.14 runs per game. Only 10 teams in history played the first 101 games of a season and had a worse record than the 2024 White Sox, none of them after 1979.
*** Cook County and Suburbs ***
* Tribune | Bickering in DuPage County reveals lack of oversight and loss of millions of tax dollars: When recreational marijuana became legal in Illinois in 2020, it seemed like an easy source of new revenue for local governments. DuPage County was among many that enacted a sales tax on cannabis. But by mid-2021, officials there noticed they weren’t getting any of the new money. The Illinois Department of Revenue said the county never notified it to collect the tax.
* Daily | New life for ‘zombie offices’? Suburbs’ less desired buildings are gradually repurposing in evolving market: Though the suburbs ended the first half of the year with a daunting 24% office vacancy rate and a slowing leasing rate, a closer look shows signs of resiliency, according to a new report by Chicago-based commercial real estate firm Bradford Allen. Any vacant space must be acknowledged in the data. But nearly 75% of that space is concentrated in about 20% of suburban properties, Bradford Allen found.
* WBEZ | Cook County is full of ‘fake’ lakes. They help tell the story of development in the area: It turns out many bodies of water — including nearly all designated fishing lakes — within Cook County are technically fake. They were artificially created or significantly expanded as part of major construction projects during the 20th century. Today, the county’s fishing lakes in particular serve important roles for wildlife and recreation, and their location can tell us a lot about the history of development in the area. […] In 1958, expressway contractors made an agreement with the Forest Preserves to create these lakes and landscape the area.The chief engineer of the Forest Preserves called it a “real windfall” at the time. It would’ve cost the agency $2.5 million to construct these lakes on its own.
* NBC Chicago | Chemical release from Will County plant prompts large emergency response: “The hazard on site has been mitigated and is no longer actively releasing,” the fire district said in a Facebook post at 3:55 p.m. “Hazardous Materials Teams have monitored and confirmed the chemical incident has stabilized.” Facility personnel were investigating the cause of the release on Saturday night.
*** Downstate ***
* AP | As a scholar, he’s charted the decline in religion. Now the church he pastors has closed its doors: Many U.S. churches close their doors each year, typically with little attention. But this closure has a poignant twist. First Baptist’s pastor, Ryan Burge, spends much of his time as a researcher documenting the dramatic decline in religious affiliation in recent decades. His recent book, “The Nones,” talks about the estimated 30% of American adults who identify with no religious tradition. He uses his research in part to help other pastors seeking to reach their communities, and he’s often invited to fly around the country and speak to audiences much larger than his weekly congregation.
* WQAD | How Deere’s decision to distance itself from inclusion efforts could impact business: Frank Dobbin, a Harvard sociology professor who has studied corporate diversity programs, said the most common DEI programming is employee training, such as teaching employees about biases or stereotypes. However, he said those programs don’t do much to change what the workforce looks like. “Some pundits, conservative thinkers, got the idea that this is an industry where they might be able to affect investor sentiments,” Dobbin said. “If people switched from John Deere to International Harvester, that could affect John Deere’s bottom line. We have conservative thinkers affecting how investors are thinking about this and with the threat that customers in this sector may not be on board with DEI programming.”
* IPM | Rural student “didn’t see any changes” after Illinois LGBTQ+ history law passed: Amber Cannon came out as nonbinary in fifth grade in rural, western Illinois. Around that time, in 2019, a new Illinois law also came out requiring public schools to teach LGBTQ+ history every year. Cannon followed the news of the law and saw little change in Cuba’s public school curriculum.
* IPM | High schoolers in rural, western Illinois learn the history of why their town is white: It is also 95 percent white, according to the last U.S. census. Once in a while, Cuba High School history teacher Joe Brewer’s students ask him why. “My students want to ask about lynchings in the area,” Brewer said. “It’s difficult for folks to talk about still, but those are the exact questions my students want to address.” When Illinois lawmakers expanded the Black history curriculum required to be taught in public schools, part of the goal was building empathy among non-Black students.
*** National ***
* AP News | US women’s Olympic basketball knows it has work to do after loss to WNBA team: There is no panic in the U.S. women’s Olympic team. The Americans have been in this spot before. The U.S. lost to the WNBA All-Star team on Saturday night 117-109 and are headed on a flight to London to continue their prep for the Paris Olympics. Breanna Stewart said it felt like deja vu and she wasn’t wrong. The 2021 Olympic team also lost to the WNBA All-Star team in a tune-up to the Tokyo Games. They went on to cruise to a seventh consecutive gold medal.
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* Hannah Meisel has a really good tracker of Illinois Democrats who have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s her list as of 7:45 pm…
US Reps. Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Delia Ramirez, Chuy García,
Sean Casten, Danny Davis, Jan Schakowsky, Brad Schneider, Bill Foster, Mike Quigley and Nikki Budzinski, plus Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Hannah links to every statement, so again click here.
* Gov. JB Pritzker has not yet taken a position. However, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and NC Gov. Roy Cooper have already endorsed Harris. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore will apparently endorse her Monday.
* US Rep. Eric Sorensen, who called on Biden to step aside, has not yet endorsed anyone.
* Neither US Senator from Illinois has yet endorsed Harris.
* State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) reached out to tell me he is backing Harris.
…Adding… Reuters…
All 50 Democratic party state chairs have thrown their weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s new presidential nominee, according to sources familiar with the matter. [See update below.]
…Adding… Illinois AG Kwame Raoul has endorsed VP Harris…
…Adding… That Reuters story above is incorrect. Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez just told me that she abstained.
I asked why. Still waiting on a response. But the governor hasn’t endorsed Harris either and he backed Hernandez for chair.
…Adding… Crain’s…
Soon after, the Democratic Party of Illinois emailed delegates with a statement issued by State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, a Pritzker ally who chairs the state party and secured the position with his backing, to “use as messaging guidance.”
“Our recommendation is that you hold tight and outside of thanking Biden for his service, you hold back from reacting publicly at this time,” the email said. “If needed, please refer to our statement.”
…Adding… Widespread rumors that Gov. Pritzker will make a statement tomorrow. “Tomorrow morning will be less than 24 hours, and it is perfectly acceptable for everyone to take a beat,” says a top Pritzker insider.
…Adding… Tribune…
State Rep. La Shawn Ford, a convention delegate from Chicago’s West Side, said he believed Harris was in the best position to give Trump “the greatest challenge in such a short time.” He also said he wanted to see Pritzker as her running mate. […]
State Rep. Theresa Mah, another convention delegate from Chicago, pointed to a statement from the Asian American Caucus, a group of elected officials from different levels of government in the state that she belongs to, and its endorsement of Harris, saying it’s “time to rally together” to “elect our first Black, Asian and woman President!”
Another delegate, former Democratic state Sen. Jacqueline Collins, of Chicago’s South Side, also said she supports Harris to be president since she’s spent the last three and a half years in the executive branch and has the “intellect and the stamina” to bring in younger voters and is “the best advocate and spokesperson” on abortion rights.
“Speaking as not only a delegate but as a Black woman, I feel that she’s deserved the opportunity to take on the Trumpsters,” Collins said. “But I believe that as many know by now that Black women, really, they are the foundation of the Democratic party, and I think it’s going to energize a whole segment of individuals, Democrats who might have felt that they were going to sit it out.”
The Asian American Caucus’ members list is here.
…Adding… No mention of Harris in State Rep. Anna Moeller’s statement…
President Biden has once again proven what true leadership is. His decision to step down from the presidential race exemplifies his profound commitment to the well-being of the nation. This cannot have been an easy decision for anyone. But he did what he knew was best for the people of this great country. This pivotal moment is a testament to President Biden’s dedication to democratic principles and the greater good, and it fills me with hope and optimism for the future.
His selfless act paves the way for fresh leadership and new ideas, ensuring that the party remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of the American people. This is an exciting time for our country as we pick a leader that can inspire; a leader who can unite; a leader who believes in the rule of law; and a leader that upholds a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking America. I am truly energized as we go into the next few weeks. Our nominee will be the option our country needs as we choose between civility and, of course, the unthinkable. Our future is bright.
…Adding… Sun-Times…
It’s noteworthy that Pritzker, Democratic leaders overseeing the Illinois General Assembly and the state Democratic Party did not jump on the Harris bandwagon in their statements. […]
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, were in lockstep with the Harris omission, instead focusing on Biden’s leadership and selflessness.
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* We’ll discuss tomorrow…
* Update…
…Adding… Pritzker…
Chicago, IL –– Following President Biden’s announcement, Governor JB Pritzker has released the following statement:
“President Joe Biden has dedicated his life in service to this nation, and its citizens are all the better for it. His is a storied political career culminating in one of the most accomplished and effective presidencies of our lifetime. As President of the United States he led us through a recovery from a devastating pandemic and shepherded our economy away from a recession to prosperity. He worked across the aisle to pass some of the most consequential legislation in decades to rebuild our roads and bridges while investing in the infrastructure and jobs of the 21st century. Perhaps most consequentially, President Biden restored dignity to the Oval Office, bringing the statesmanship and honor that have been the hallmarks of his years of service, back to the White House.
“As we extend our gratitude to President Biden and reflect on his many accomplishments, we must not ignore the threat posed by Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. Donald Trump is a 34 time convicted felon, adjudicated to have committed sexual assault, a racist, homophobe and misogynist. Trump brags about taking away a woman’s right to choose, wants to rip healthcare away from tens of millions of people, proposes economic policies that will cost the middle class thousands of dollars a year, and threatens the fundamental American ideals we hold dear. I will work every day to ensure that he does not win in November.”
* Senate President Harmon…
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park released the following statement in reaction to the news today that President Biden ended his campaign for President of the United States:
“I commend President Joseph R. Biden for his tremendous courage today and service to our nation. I’m reminded of another great president, John F. Kennedy, who said, “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.” Like President Kennedy, Joe Biden did not shrink from this responsibility as he made a difficult decision today to pass the torch to the next generation.
“His presidency will go down in American history as one of our most consequential. His legacy of service to our nation, and specifically to the people of Delaware, is secure. His leadership, faith, and bravery in this moment will live in the memories of the American people for all time because the choice before the American people is now set.
“Joe Biden did today what Donald Trump could not. He put his country first before his own ambition. Voters will have a clear choice in 2024 - Donald Trump, who is only concerned about himself, or a candidate for president who believes in something bigger.”
* Speaker Welch…
President Biden has put our country first time and time again. His commitment to moving forward even amidst adversity and personal loss embodies who we are as Americans. Today, he has put our country first again.
I want to thank President Biden for his selfless leadership, and for again putting our country and our democracy ahead of individual ambition. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help move a united Democratic Party forward to victory in November.
* US Sen. Durbin…
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement on President Joe Biden:
“Throughout his public career, Joe Biden always put country first. His four years as President made it clear that he was determined to put our country back on track and restore the soul of our nation. America will be forever grateful for all he has given to this country.
“Now the Democratic Party must unite behind a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump and keep America moving in the right direction. I will do everything in my power to help that effort.”
* US Sen. Duckworth…
United States Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement regarding President Joe Biden:
“No one has done more for working Americans than Joe Biden—and so many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he’s done to improve our country.
“Over more than 50 years in public service, he’s built an unparalleled record of accomplishments. From helping write the Violence Against Women Act in the Senate to shepherding the Affordable Care Act into law as Vice President and from helping guide our nation out of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic to overseeing historic wage and job growth during his Presidency, Joe Biden has always put our country first and worked to change so many aspects of our lives for the better.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for his effective and successful leadership and for, once again, putting our country before himself. This difficult decision ensures that Democrats can focus on the goal that unites each and every one of us: defeating Donald Trump and preventing another four years of his destructive chaos and corruption.”
* US Rep. Schneider…
Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement:
“Thank you, President Joe Biden.
Joe Biden has selflessly served our nation with courage, heart and honor. As President, he guided our nation through and out of an unprecedented global pandemic. He passed transformative legislation that has led to our economy becoming the strongest in the world. He lowered costs for families, took on the climate crisis and made our tax code fairer. He rescued our country from a potential despot and restored international confidence in the U.S. as the world’s indispensable nation.
He put our nation and the American people front and center. Our country is better and our future is brighter due to his leadership.
Joe Biden has secured his legacy as one of the greatest presidents in our history. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve in Congress during his presidency.
Now, we must come together, build on the legacy of the Biden administration and show voters that Democrats up and down the ballot are improving the lives of all Americans. I’m confident that, with Vice President Kamala Harris at the helm of the Democratic ticket, we can do exactly that. We will defeat Donald Trump.
Onward.”
* ILGOP…
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi released the following statement regarding the announcement that President Biden is no longer seeking reelection:
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden. Democrats are divided, torn apart by their own duplicity trying to pass off President Biden’s inability to fulfill his role, while Republicans stand united behind President Trump and an agenda of freedom, prosperity, and safety. Democrats have become the party of self-service while Republicans have become the voice of this nation. We as Illinois Republicans must continue to call attention to JB Pritzker’s tax-and-spend, pro-criminal agenda that drives families away from this state to protect the rest of the nation.”
* US Rep. Bost…
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement following Joe Biden ending his presidential campaign:
“Republicans in Congress and concerned citizens across America have questioned President Biden’s fitness for office for months,” said Bost. “After dismissing those concerns at every turn, Biden’s allies have now forced him out of the campaign in hopes of salvaging races up and down the ballot. Unfortunately for them, it’s too late. The American people are hungry for change and for real leadership, and you aren’t going to get that from Vice President Harris or any of the other top Democrats who helped create this mess in the first place. President Trump is the clear front runner heading into November, regardless of who the Democrats nominate at their convention.”
…Adding… US Rep. García…
Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Commends President Biden and Endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic Nominee
President Joe Biden’s selfless decision to not seek re-election and prioritize our country’s future deserves the highest praise. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, making him the most impactful President since Franklin D. Roosevelt. His leadership has brought historic investments that will benefit generations.
As we move forward, it’s crucial that we unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris and continue the progress we’ve made. Defeating the resurgence of Trumpism is essential for the future of our democracy.
Thank you, President Biden, for your unwavering dedication and service to our nation.
* DPI…
With news of President Biden no longer campaigning for re-election, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez issued the following statement about his legacy:
“Today, we express our deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unwavering service and dedication to our nation. Under his leadership, President Biden navigated some of the most challenging times in recent history–and without failure, he showed us that he is a man of the people. President Biden’s legacy is defined by his empathy, resilience, and steadfast commitment to the American people.
When President Biden took office, our nation was grappling with a devastating once-in-a-century pandemic. His administration successfully guided us through this unprecedented crisis. And during his presidency, President Biden has worked tirelessly to rebuild the backbone of America–a strong and inclusive middle class. His administration has created over 15.5 million jobs, including 459.7k jobs in Illinois in the last 3.5 years. His efforts to lower prescription drug costs and make health care more accessible have provided relief to millions for Americans. These accomplishments will have a lasting impact on our country and will continue to guide as we move forward.
We face a critical moment in our democracy. The stakes could not be higher, and we must stand firm against the threats posed by a potential Trump-Vance presidency. Donald Trump and J.D. Vance represents a return to policies that favor the wealthy, threaten our health care, and undermine our democratic institutions. We must ensure that their regressive and divisive agenda does not prevail.
The Democratic Party of Illinois is committed to this fight. We will mobilize, organize, and vote to ensure that the Democratic ticket prevails in November. Together, we can finish the job and build a stronger, more equitable nation. Thank you, President Biden, for your service and leadership. The work continues, and we are ready to face the challenges ahead with unity and resolve.”
* US Rep. Miller…
Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement:
“Kamala Harris led the Democrats’ cover-up of Joe Biden’s severe cognitive decline. Their donors only forced Biden out once they got ‘caught.’ ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris must answer for the deadly invasion of our southern border and her cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline. The American people deserve to know who is actually running the country right now since the Democrats are finally admitting it is not Joe Biden.”
* VP Harris…
* Former President Obama…
* Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association…
IDCCA President Mark Guethle released the following statement in response to President Joe Biden announcing his departure from the Presidential ticket:
“I am holding my head high today for President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, and for America. This November, we must all unite to stop Donald Trump from winning a second term, and President Biden has decided that, for the good of the country, that someone else is the right person for the job.
Joe Biden’s record of accomplishments as our President is unprecedented. He has fought for unions and working-class families – with more people working today than at any point in history. He has invested in manufacturing and renewable energy jobs more than any previous administration. He expanded benefits and services for Veterans, passed the first meaningful gun violence legislation in 30 years, and he saved our economy when other countries continue to struggle to recover from the pandemic. He is a true statesman in every sense of the word.
* US Rep. Kelly…
* US Rep. Casten…
U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has released the following statement:
“President Joe Biden is among the most effective presidents in American history. Over the last four years, Congress has worked hand-in-hand with President Biden to pass the largest investment in climate action ever. Together, we passed a robust infrastructure bill to fix roads and bridges across Illinois. We passed the first gun violence prevention bill in decades. We expanded health coverage for veterans, with more than one million of them using the PACT Act to gain access to the care they need. We returned the United States to the pinnacle of global manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act.
“More than anything else, President Biden restored the dignity of the Oval Office and reinforced American leadership abroad. We owe him our thanks and gratitude for his five decades of public service.
“The coming election is a referendum on the future of American democracy. The stakes of this election could not be higher. Donald Trump remains a twice-impeached convicted felon and adjudicated rapist who has promised to be a dictator on day one. Vice President Kamala Harris will beat him this November, and I’m proud to endorse her for President of the United States.”
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