* This just went out to House Democrats…
March 16, 2020
to: House Democratic Caucus Members
cc: Office of the Speaker Employees
from: Jessica Basham, Chief of Staff
re: Updates re: Session Schedule, COVID-19 Guidance
SESSION SCHEDULE
Members are advised to be prepared to return to Springfield for session at any time. Currently, the session schedule is being reviewed daily and should be considered “in flux.” Any call for session will not be made lightly – the greatest priority is the consideration of the health and safety of all our communities. A call to return to Springfield amidst this public health emergency would only occur if necessary. With that in mind, members should consider modes of transportation that present the least possibility of contact with others, as well as other measures to reduce possible exposure while in Springfield.
Our staff is communicating with the Governor’s Office and the other caucuses as we work to identify any needed legislation to address this situation, as well as anything that requires immediate action from a timing perspective. Further updates will follow as information becomes available.
- just curious - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:13 am:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html
- Kyle Hillman - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:14 am:
I know doing a solid for lobbyists might not And should not be priority - but if they do slim session to only priority bills Or emergency bills can the leaders please be clear what will and won’t run. Having a bunch of lobbyists during COVID-19 sitting around in case their issues suddenly pop up is a bad idea too.
But if it is not clear, we all have to be there.
- phenom_Anon - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:34 am:
They can make this work safely. Negotiate and finalize the bills in advance. Use agreed bill process. Close the gallery. No staff on floor except those that are absolutely necessary (people on the dais). Keep most of the lawmakers in their offices, let a few run the switches for everyone else (make sure bills actually are agreed so there’s no roll-call request shenanigans). Leave town.
- Flat Bed Ford - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:42 am:
Nice of those who run the chamber only feel it’s necessary to inform Democrats. It is clear where some of the political rancor comes from and why so many really cannot stand “Himself.” A professional would inform all members and staff and not just down partisan lines.
- Lil Squeezy - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:44 am:
Just got an email from a HDEM campaign who is looking for door knockers. The email does not even mention the virus.
- Captain Obvious - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:50 am:
Good to know our very important legislators are being kept safe while I risk my lowly state employee life here at work. Very comforting.
- Pundent - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 12:00 pm:
= A professional would inform all members and staff and not just down partisan lines.=
Did you ever stop to think that Madigan and Durkin might talk to one another? I’ve got a hunch that in times of crisis they probably speak even more so. Perhaps Durkin is or has sent his own communication to his caucus.
If Durkin is outraged then maybe you’ve got a point. Until that point maybe take a breath.
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 12:23 pm:
- Flat Bed Ford - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:42 am:
From the memo in the post, “Our staff is communicating with the Governor’s Office and the other caucuses…”
Reading is fundamental, especially in times like these. If other leaders are too weak or uninformed to communicate with their own members and staff, that’s their fault.
- SaulGoodman - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 12:36 pm:
**Having a bunch of lobbyists during COVID-19 sitting around in case their issues suddenly pop up is a bad idea too.**
I suspect that lobbyists (or anyone other than legislators and key staff) won’t be allowed in the capitol.
- nonprofit policy person - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 2:10 pm:
I want to echo and lift up Kyle’s thoughts above. I believe our issues — relating to violence, criminal justice reform, poverty, access to education — are vital and important but can also recognize that none of our bills are “urgent” in the same ways other issues are right now. If there is no chance that GA is going to take up these important issues — please let us know.
- Moody's Blues - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 2:16 pm:
==Reading is fundamental, especially in times like these. If other leaders are too weak or uninformed to communicate with their own members and staff, that’s their fault.==
So many people are dealing with so many urgent imperatives that many officials are quietly helping one another, sharing staffers and best practices, inclusively looking out for one another’s work families and encouraging one another.
But it’s good to know we still have village scolds and know-it-alls, willing to sacrifice any spirit of cooperation in order to apportion blame. Because firing the blame gun is what animates some of us. Thank you for the reminder.
- Etown - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:31 pm:
To think lobbyists will be allowed in capitol is quite naive at this point. if the legislature does convene it will be only them and staff I would think at least for the next month if not more.
- Anonymous - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:58 pm:
Huh. Legislature can’t be in session but state workers must report and be considered essential