* Sun-Times editorial…

Should anybody need further evidence that an infectious, potentially deadly disease can spread like wildfire, look no further than the coronavirus.

The global outbreak of this highly contagious virus should put anti-vaxxers — science-denying parents who refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated — to shame. […]

Religious exemptions from an Illinois law requiring vaccinations are soaring in number. From 2016 through 2019, according to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, measles vaccination exemptions rose from 15,652 to 19,169, polio exemptions rose from 15,130 to 18,690, and chickenpox exemptions rose from 16,050 to 20,244.

We support legislation, introduced by State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, to eliminate all religious exemptions to vaccinations, as called for by the American Academy of Pediatrics. No one parent’s religious convictions — or anti-science militancy masquerading as religious conviction — should be allowed to put somebody else’s child in harm’s way.

* In this case, it’s not even a bill yet. From Capitol News Illinois…

Several statewide law enforcement organizations said Monday they will strongly oppose efforts to eliminate cash bail in Illinois, one of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s top priorities.

“We’re here to say we cannot, and unequivocally do not, support efforts being discussed to eliminate cash bail,” Jim Kaitschuk, executive director of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, said during a news conference. “This is not the way to make the criminal justice system more equitable. It is not the way to make our communities safer.”

Kaitschuk and several other law enforcement leaders announced they had formed a new organization, Coalition for Public Safety. Its members include the Sheriffs’ Association, the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, Chicago Lodge 7 Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. […]

But McDonough County Sheriff Nicholas Petitgout said bail is also an effective way to ensure someone will make their court appearances. Since the 2017 reforms went into effect, he said, the number of warrants issued in his western Illinois county has more than doubled, from fewer than 1,000 per year before the change in law to more than 2,000 per year.

I asked Jordan Abudayyeh for a response…

The governor believes the cash bail system for low and moderate risk defendants is broken and the socioeconomic barriers to justice need to be addressed. The administration welcomes questions and scrutiny in how we approach this problem, but we are committed to fixing it. From his first days in office Gov. Pritzker has worked to bring stakeholders and lawmakers together to address problems. We look forward to working with people who want to be at the table to negotiate a solution that makes our criminal justice system and communities safe, equitable and fair.

Annie Thompson at the attorney general’s office…

Attorney General Raoul has previously called for ending wealth discrimination in setting bail and will continue to work with stakeholders to evaluate reforms that ensure pretrial justice and public safety. As part of those efforts, the Attorney General’s office participates in the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Pretrial Practices, which is working to minimize the effects of monetary conditions of release in the criminal justice system while also maximizing appropriate release and ensuring court appearances.

* Media advisory…

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) will partner with Southwest Airlines employees to hold a press conference advocating for the expansion of sick leave for airline employees Wednesday.

Hastings will be joined by Corliss King, a flight attendant for Southwest, who was affected by this in 2017 after her husband was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. He was hospitalized several times and received various surgeries that left him in need of care. Corliss was able to use her own accrued sick time to help care for her husband and children until 2017, when a law was passed that removed coverage for airline employees.

The bill is here.

* WCIA TV…

Lawmakers are looking to give back to some first responders. State Senators Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) are sponsoring new legislation to help volunteer firefighters and EMTs with expenses.

Senate Bill 3224 provides a $500 tax credit for qualifying first responders when they file state income tax. Since it’s a credit and not a deduction, it will decrease the amount of taxes owed or increase potential refunds.

* Related…

* Gun-owner lobby tracking 254 bills in Illinois: “We’re tracking 254 bills right now, so some are pro-gun, some are anti-gun,” Pearson said. “Most are anti-gun.”