CPS classes canceled through April 20
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Politico this morning…
LEANING TOWARD A LOCKDOWN
It’s prime time for Lori Lightfoot. With the coronavirus pandemic spreading throughout the state, Chicago residents are anxiously wondering what dramatic steps the mayor may announce this afternoon to tame life in the city if they they help new infections. […]
If there is an order for residents to shelter in place, the mayor and the city’s COVID-19 Taskforce are expected to communicate to residents regularly about the details, including how to access essential items such as food and medicine.
* Well, the mayor’s office has released her remarks. Click here. Chicago Public Schools will now be closed through April 20th instead of the end of this month.
And the mayor restated something we already knew...
(W)e have repeatedly asked throughout this crisis that if you are sick, stay home. Most of you have listened, but some have not. And those of you that have not, have not only put yourselves at risk, you are endangering the public. We have documented an increasing number of cases in which sick people, went to their workplace, and got other people sick with the coronavirus.
Today, at my direction, the Department of Public Health issued an order that until further notice, if you are sick with respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breathe, but also, and importantly if you are beginning to feel sick – body aches, fatigue, sore throat – you too are ordered to stay home unless seeking medical care, or other essentials like food.
That story this morning needlessly freaked a lot of people out. This sort of thing needs to stop. Be responsible, for crying out loud. Avoid creating panic for clicks.
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Everyone has their own priority list
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The BGA’s David Greising writing in the Tribune…
When the legislature gets back to business one day, it will take real leadership from Pritzker to do the people’s work. The immediate to-do list will include coronavirus-related responses, including health care needs and bagging all the federal help available.
A budget must be passed too. And, for now, there is a May 3 deadline for passing a bill for electoral-map reform.
There will be a temptation to set some urgent issues aside — or, worse yet, pass so-called reform bills that amount to nothing but window dressing.
It will take leadership by the governor, working with the legislature, to decide how to navigate this traffic jam of urgent needs. A special session may be a good way to proceed.
Thoughts on a special session for remap reform?
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…Adding… The executive order Pritzker signed today is here.
* From the governor’s daily COVID-19 press conference at the James R. Thompson Center…
It brings me great pain to announce that we have had three more deaths in Illinois associated with COVID 19.
One was a Will County resident in his 50s. A second, a Cook County resident in her 80s. And the third is a Florida resident who was visiting Sangamon County.
My heart goes out to the family and the friends of these patients. And I feel like I can speak for all of Illinois. When I say, we offer them our collective strength at this time. May their memories be for a blessing.
These moments will not get easier, nor should they. We are fighting this fight for every person in Illinois.
We’ve all lost something today.
Remember I’m using Otter for transcription, so pardon the typos.
* New executive order…
We’re also working hard to ensure that all our residents are able to get as many of the health care services that they need, even from the safety of their own homes. So today I’m signing an executive order significantly expanding telemedicine for both Medicaid and those who are private insured. This order will allow more providers to get reimbursed for these services and allow patients more flexibility and safety in getting the medical guidance and care that they need.
* Small biz…
Our small businesses are already hurting, and the root of that pain isn’t going to go away anytime soon. I’m pleased to announce today that my administration is offering relief to more than 20,000 small and medium sized bars and restaurants, all across Illinois by allowing a two-month delay in sales tax payments to the state, and to local jurisdictions, and we’re waving late filing fees and interest starting tomorrow, Friday, March 20.
* Tests…
As of yesterday we were able to do more than 1000 tests statewide and in just a few days will be increasing that to more than 2000 tests per day.
These tests are only discovering people who already have the virus. I know people are looking at other countries and even cities and jurisdictions around the United States and seeing the numbers rise significantly everywhere. But as we take action, we’re initiating a process that is intended to bend the curve.
* National Guard…
Earlier this week I activated the first members of the Illinois National Guard mission to join the fight against Cova 19. In total the guard is a force of really extraordinary citizens but they would call themselves ordinary citizens, but they’re 13,000 strong committed to amazing work, and they bring to our preparations key capabilities in logistics and transportation and even medical specialties in the short term the guard will be working to support our efforts to set up mobile testing units, allowing us to expand testing while ensuring that those tests can be administered in the safest possible way.
The guard is also doing critical work planning for the weeks and months ahead, including expanding our healthcare capacity by potentially refitting and reopening previously closed hospitals.
US Rep. Bobby Rush called on Pritzker to reopen a South Side hospital that was closed last year.
* Rumors…
I want to address some of the rumors that have been running around, essential services will not close interstates highways and bridges will stay open grocery stores pharmacies gas stations. These sources of fundamental supplies will continue to operate. There is no need to run out and hoard food gas or medicine, by what you need, within reason there is enough to go around as long as people do not hoard. We will never shut these services down.
And please, let’s all remember that these essential institutions don’t run on their own, the cashiers the gas station attendants, the truckers the pharmacists, the delivery workers the sanitation workers. These are all people who keep our state on track. So please take every opportunity that you can to demonstrate your gratitude to them.
* IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike…
Unfortunately we do anticipate additional deaths. Please everyone stay home as much as possible, so we can reduce the number of people who are infected, which will reduce the number of people who get serious illness, which will reduce the number of people who will lose their life.
Overall we have 422 cases in 22 counties across Illinois. The number of cases is rising exponentially with increasing laboratory testing in DPH labs, as well as in the commercial labs and the hospital labs, we did expect to see this rise as you test more, you will identify more
* Testing…
Testing will be performed for individuals who are part of a cluster of confirmed cases or possible cases among those who work or live in a residential congregate setting, such as the nursing homes testing at the IDP h labs will also be prioritized for people for hospitalized patients with unexplained pneumonia or from a residential congregate setting, serving vulnerable populations. Long term care facilities such as nursing homes with confirmed cases will increase the monitoring of those individuals and take aggressive infection control measures.
However testing of all individuals is not indicated.
We will not recommend test for every single resident or staff of an of a long term care facility rather we will take all the precautions necessary and as soon as any staff or resident develops symptoms, they will be isolated and treated. If they’re showing symptoms whether they’ve been tested or not, they will get the same treatments and the same appropriate measures will be taken to care for them.
Patients who do not fall into one of these categories for testing can seek care for their healthcare provider who can then move on forward with a testing at a commercial or a hospital laboratory.
* Press release…
There are 136 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois. Five additional counties are now reporting cases; Jackson, Kankakee, LaSalle, Washington, and Williamson counties.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 422 cases in 22 counties in Illinois. Cases have occurred in ages 9 to 99.
* Today’s graph…
None of the fatalities were in nursing homes.
* On to questions for the governor. How long will school closings last…
We’ve set a deadline, a date by which we think that students would go back but I also think that parents should be contemplating the possibility that that might be extended.
* What is the threshold for a shelter in place order…
Look, my expertise is not as a scientist or as a doctor, and so epidemiologists as well as those who are experts in public health, are those who I rely upon both here in Illinois and there are we have some of the best in the world here in Illinois. And I’ve also called others around the nation, so that I can better understand what are the things that they’re looking at. Many of the people in this field are very very concerned that the United States is not doing enough. I think you’ve heard that on television and we you know we’ve when we talk about bending the curve we say it like everybody understands but what we’re talking about is making sure that we don’t end up in the situation that Italy is in.
So when I make decisions about this this is about how do we operate faster and better than Italy, and then other countries that have seen this, you know, grow exponentially for a very long period of time. […]
Suffice to say that we’re evaluating every day.
Graph…
* IRMA has a list on their website that will include all grocery stores adopting special shopping hours for senior citizens and other vulnerable populations. This will be updated frequently. Click here.
* Pritzker was asked about reopening closed hospitals and expanding beds…
There are two types of hospital beds that we’re looking for. One is the NIC badge I mean rooms. I, and the ability to serve the people that are in those rooms. So two types one is those who are COVID-19 positive, who need to be treated for COVID-19. And then there are those who have some other illness that they’re in the hospital for, and they will need a bed, and we’re trying hard to stand up more of both of those types of beds, the more that we can alleviate the existing infrastructure of non COVID-19, the more likely we are to be able to serve the vastly increasing population of those who are tested positive for COVID-19. So we are, as I say we’re reopening hospitals. We’re looking at all the hospitals right now inventorying how to reopen them so we’ve got people on site in many cases, looking at you know remember there’s plant and equipment that you have to turn on it isn’t just as easy as turning the lights on. And then we’ve also got to have the healthcare personnel to move into those hospitals to make sure that we’re serving people properly. And then there are existing surgery centers and other places that have the potential to provide beds for for people that that aren’t normally places that would just accept a COVID-19 or other kind of a patient so we’re again outfitting those folks but but they also have nurses and doctors that are on staff and so they have a little more capability to begin with. All together so we’re, we’re working hard with all the hospitals to and you know that you know we we no longer have elective surgeries, going into our hospitals so that alleviates many of the beds, and also frankly puts a financial burden on the hospitals themselves who, you know, subsidize other care by doing elective surgeries often so anyway that’s that’s a lot of what we’re looking at. And we’re going to continue to look at, even more expansion that may include things like literally building a field hospital in Illinois and in various places. We’re also looking at how do you alleviate some of the intake that goes on at a hospital for people who really don’t need a bed sometimes they are put in a bed anyway to, you know, or were a month ago or two months ago, how do we alleviate some of that who could really convalesce for example at home, and not be in the hospital, and just evaluating, you know what, what does that look like how do we encourage that.
* A front group for the anti-graduated tax forces demanded today that Pritzker pull the proposal off the ballot. Pritzker’s response…
I would just say this is not a time for politics. We have too much to do to save people’s lives. We’re not focusing on, you know, legislative initiatives, other than focus right now on what it will take to provide the health care, and the unemployment and the services that people will need in what is going to be an increasingly difficult moment for everybody.
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59% Of Illinois’ Dialysis Patients Are Minorities
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance (IKCA) is a coalition of organizations, community groups and advocates, health professionals, and businesses from across our state advocating for some of Illinois’ most vulnerable people — those who are living with kidney failure, and their families.
In Illinois, some 30,000 people are currently on life-saving dialysis or awaiting a transplant. Approximately 59% of dialysis patients in Illinois are people of color. The incidence rate of kidney failure is expected to rise in the U.S. over the next decade – and is higher among African-Americans, Latinos and people of color than among whites.
The Illinois Kidney Care Alliance supports and helps craft public policy that protects those suffering from kidney failure, ensuring that patients’ needs come first. The well-being of patients and their families is our top concern. For more information, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and visit our website.
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* Oh, man…
The outbreak of the respiratory virus began in China and was quickly spread around the world by air travelers, who ran high fevers. In the United States, it was first detected in Chicago, and 47 days later the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. By then it was too late: 110 million Americans were expected to become ill, leading to 7.7 million hospitalized and 586,000 dead.
That scenario, code-named “Crimson Contagion,” was simulated by the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services in a series of exercises that ran from last January to August.
The simulation’s sobering results — contained in a draft report dated October 2019 that has not previously been reported — drove home just how underfunded, underprepared and uncoordinated the federal government would be for a life-or-death battle with a virus for which no treatment existed.
The draft report, marked “not to be disclosed,” laid out in stark detail repeated cases of “confusion” in the exercise. Federal agencies jockeyed over who was in charge. State officials and local hospitals struggled to figure out what kind of equipment was stockpiled or available. Cities and states went their own way on school closings.
Go read the whole thing. The draft report is here. Chicago and Illinois participated in that exercise, but I don’t know if they were ever given the results.
* Politico…
President Donald Trump on Thursday put the onus on governors to obtain the critical equipment their states need to fight the coronavirus pandemic, telling reporters that the federal government is “not a shipping clerk” for the potentially life-saving supplies.
Appearing at the daily press briefing of the White House coronavirus task force, the president defended his decision to invoke the Defense Production Act — which would allow the administration to direct U.S. industry to ramp up production of emergency medical provisions — without actually triggering the statute.
“Governors are supposed to be doing a lot of this work, and they are doing a lot of this work,” Trump said. “The Federal government is not supposed to be out there buying vast amounts of items and then shipping. You know, we’re not a shipping clerk.”
The president’s remarks amounted to a rebuke of governors’ recent pleas for more robust federal intervention amid the rapidly spreading outbreak, which they warn will soon overwhelm local health care systems if hospital beds, face masks and other necessities are not soon furnished in significantly greater numbers.
*Hard sigh* As a buddy of mine just said, “There is an actual federal stockpile of things like PPE to ship to states. That is what they do.”
*** UPDATE *** Speaking of supplies, here’s the IHA…
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) today issued a plea to the leaders of associations for the construction industry, dentists, veterinarians, and other groups that may be able to help the state’s more than 200 hospitals protect their healthcare workers as they care for COVID-19 patients. IHA is asking the organizations to donate face masks or N95s to their local hospitals.
“Hospitals all over the state are in jeopardy of potentially running out of critically needed protective medical supplies,” said Illinois Health and Hospital Association President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi. “With continuing uncertainties about global and U.S. supplies of face masks, we urgently need to find alternative supplies, no matter where they are, so our hospitals can continue to provide life-saving care to current and future COVID-19 patients.”
The text of Wilhelmi’s message is as follows:
Subject: Illinois Hospitals Need Your Help - Request for Face Masks (N95s)
I am making an unusual, but critically important personal plea to you for help.
As you may be aware, Illinois hospitals and health systems are facing a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as they care for increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19. Yesterday, the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois nearly doubled to 288. We anticipate that the number of cases will increase dramatically in the coming days and weeks, exhausting all the PPE at hospitals, including gowns, gloves, eye shields and, especially, medical masks (specifically, standard surgical masks and N95s, which have NIOSH or FDA approval, including expired N95s).
PPE is critical to protecting our frontline healthcare workforce from infection when testing and treating patients for COVID-19, keeping our dedicated physicians, nurses, technicians and others in our hospitals where they are needed most.
Earlier this week, you may have seen or heard that Vice President Mike Pence asked all construction companies to donate unused/packaged N95 masks to their local hospitals and to limit ordering more:
“We would make one specific request, and that is we would urge construction companies to donate their inventory of N95 masks to your local hospital and forgo additional orders of those industrial masks…Because of what the president asked to be included in legislation moving through the Congress, those industrial masks that they use on construction sites are perfectly acceptable for healthcare workers to be protected from a respiratory disease.” (See a news story on the Vice President’s remarks at a White House press conference)
In addition, there may be available N95 masks from dental offices or other healthcare facilities that have been temporarily shuttered because of the COVID-19 crisis.
On behalf of more than 200 hospitals and health systems across Illinois, I ask you to donate N95s to your local hospitals. We greatly appreciate any help you can provide to protect healthcare workers as they provide life-saving care to patients during this crisis. Thanks for considering, and please let me know if you have any questions or need more information.
* Meanwhile, here’s some headlines from the Tribune’s very good COVID-19 page…
Metra cuts weekday schedule in half as coronavirus causes deep ridership drop
Chicago police and paramedics just announced their first coronavirus cases. How are they dealing with COVID-19 on the front line?
Chicago orders coronavirus patients, people showing symptoms, to stay home
Suburban Cook County coronavirus cases rise to 75 with 17 new infections
Professional licenses expiration dates extended
Illinois General Assembly cancels session
Lightfoot addressing the public tonight in broadcast from City Hall
Illinois unemployment claims skyrocket as coronavirus pandemic causes workplaces to shut down
As day cares shut down, parents must juggle child care and working from home
ER doctors at Rush Oak Park Hospital test positive for coronavirus as village issues ‘shelter in place’ order
* SJ-R…
Springfield COVID-19 updates: Closings, cancellations, help available
* This is not good, but it’s going to happen in lots more places, so prepare yourself…
One staff member at the Church Creek senior living center in Arlington Heights has contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus, the center said Wednesday.
* Sun-Times…
Labor leaders in the Chicago area and nationally Thursday urged private employers to pay workers during furloughs and called for federal legislation to ensure the continued flow of money and benefits to people — and not corporations — as the nation’s economic paralysis spreads because of the pandemic.
“Workers are making sacrifices right now,” said Robert Reiter Jr., president of the Chicago Federation of Labor. “We cannot let those sacrifices be in vain.”
He called on private employers to help their staffs. “This is a time when folks have to step up,” Reiter said.
Also, click here for an informational thread on prisoner release.
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Question of the day
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As I told you earlier today, the entire Georgia state legislature is under self-quarantine after a member showed up to vote who later tested positive for COVID-19.
From a press release…
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate to allow senators to vote remotely during a national crisis. … The Senate would have to vote to renew remote voting every 30 days.
* This is the passage in the Illinois Constitution which most people believe prevents remote voting by the General Assembly…
Sessions of each house of the General Assembly and meetings of committees, joint committees and legislative commissions shall be open to the public. Sessions and committee meetings of a house may be closed to the public if two-thirds of the members elected to that house determine that the public interest so requires; and meetings of joint committees and legislative commissions may be so closed if two-thirds of the members elected to each house so determine.
* A very able attorney and lobbyist who’s been around a while counsels against reinterpreting that passage with legislation to allow remote voting or taking a two-thirds vote to close public access…
Do I think there’s a way to legislate without being in Springfield? Yes.
Do I think it’s a good idea at this point? No.
Please don’t think I’m saying they should run down and vote on random things. But I think, at this point, they should work out what is essential, what needs to be voted on, and then if they need to vote, structure a roll call and go vote. Then every person who is there is quarantined for 14 days.
To have a truly functioning government - at least a democratic one - you have to ensure the public has access to their public officials in some capacity. And you have to have at least the appearance that government is functioning and working when everyone isn’t. In the coming weeks people will be looking at their local leaders in a way they never have before.
If every member of the GA self-quarantined as of last week when they were told to, they could go to Springfield in 8-10 days. And then leave and re-quarantine for 14 days when they leave.
Except lots didn’t self-quarantine. And if they don’t anticipate every problem that’s going to come up between now and May 31, they’ll have to come back.
* The Question: Should the General Assembly authorize secure remote voting (which would require one trip to Springfield, followed by a self-quarantine), or should the minimum number for a quorum come to Springfield once, vote on a limited agenda and then go home and self-quarantine until it is safe to return? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
online polls
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Please, stop spreading COVID-19 rumors
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Nash Naam, an Effingham hand surgeon, writing in the Effingham Daily News…
Last week I was in Egypt. After returning, I elected to stay home for 14 days as per the CDC recommendations. Now, the rumor across the area is that I have the coronavirus infection, which is totally and unequivocally not true. But no matter what you do, you can’t stop rumors like this.
These rumors have to stop or we’re going to drive ourselves insane and people will definitely be hurt.
Keep calm and be smart.
I ran some errands the other day and a receptionist was complaining that the city of Champaign was seizing guns. I told her it isn’t happening. She defiantly refused to believe me, even though I do this for a living. It’s not happening.
* The mere introduction of this ordinance prompted tons of rumors this week that Springfield would be shut down…
In Springfield, officials introduced a measure this week to allow the mayor to declare an emergency and establish a curfew.
It won’t even be voted on until next Tuesday. Could it happen then? Maybe. The mayor should be explaining things better.
I heard one rumor a few days ago that all access to Springfield would be immediately sealed off. Um, no.
Please, calm down, people. Maybe get off Facebook for a while. My life was dramatically improved by simply deleting that app from my phone. I still access it with my desktop computer, but it feels less stressful. At the least, cull your friend list. And do your part by sending the rumor mongers to Snopes or the CDC or the state’s new website or reputable local news outlets.
Don’t retweet or post things on Facebook without first checking the source. If it’s someone with a rose next to their name or those big red X’s with 20 followers, that’s a pretty good indication you need to move along. Verify, verify, verify and block or call out the mongers.
* Speaking of local media outlets, particularly the TV stations: Stop posting scary, half-true click-bait headlines. This is a scary time. Scary headlines can’t be avoided. But scary coronavirus headlines that needlessly generate panic with half-true claims should be avoided.
WICS TV, which has been the absolute worst at clickbait tweets, has finally calmed itself down in recent days. Everyone needs to do the same.
Just please use some common sense. Thanks. /rant
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Act like you’re already a carrier
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* AJC…
All of Georgia’s state lawmakers were urged Wednesday to self-isolate themselves for weeks after a state senator who participated in a Monday vote disclosed he tested positive for the disease caused by coronavirus.
State Sen. Brandon Beach said he was screened for the disease Saturday when he sought medical attention for a cough and mild fever, but that the test results didn’t arrive until Wednesday.
In between, the Alpharetta Republican said he felt healthy enough to join dozens of legislators, staff members and reporters for a one-day special legislative session at the Capitol to grant Gov. Brian Kemp broad powers to respond to the pandemic.
The positive test triggered emails from Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and House Speaker David Ralston recommending that all 236 state lawmakers, as well as dozens of staffers from both chambers, quarantine themselves through March 30.
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* We’ve already talked about how Sen. Dave Syverson and Rep. John Cabello, both Winnebago County Republicans, are upset at Gov. Pritzker’s order to shut down bars and restaurants.
They’ve been harshly criticized by other local leaders, but they’re sticking to their opposition. Here’s Richard Bodee at WREX…
We asked both Sen. Syverson and Rep. Cabello about their thoughts on social distancing, the preferred method the CDC recommends people use.
“It’s not for me to question the medical experts who say that,” Sen. Syverson says. “Do the [right] things, wash your hands, social distance.”
“If the people who want to open their business, keep it open, we should let them do that,” Rep. Cabello says.
We tried to ask Cabello if he stood by that, even if it meant hurting people who are immunocompromised.
“I’m not a doctor,” Cabello says.
OK, you’re not doctors. How about listening to some doctors?
…Adding… Some advice from actual doctors…
* Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) initially questioned the need for parade cancellations and the restaurant/tavern shutdowns and implied that the virus was a Chicago problem so the measures shouldn’t be applied to the entire state and also wondered if the governor actually had the power to take his actions. Well, the Eastern Bloc member has completely changed his tone. From a March 16 press release…
State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) continues to monitor the on-going situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Illinois. At the daily press briefing by Governor JB Pritzker, 105 cases have been confirmed in Illinois including those who have recovered, and two more counties have identified people who tested positive for the COVID-19, Peoria and Will.
“We need to continue to use common sense with personal hygiene and limiting the size of groups we are congregating around,” commented Rep. Bailey. “According to the Illinois Department of Public Health director, the most vulnerable people for experiencing the harshest reactions to the virus are the elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 12 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois, on Monday, bringing the total to 105 in Illinois. No cases have been announced in the 109th District, as testing progresses, this is likely to change. We should expect this and it is not a reason for panic.
*** UPDATE *** WMAY…
The new Republican nominee for U.S. Senate questions whether the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic has gone too far.
Appearing live on WMAY, former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, Jr. said if he were in the Senate, he would be asking whether it’s really necessary to shut down large numbers of businesses and make people stay at home… or whether those efforts should have been focused on just those who are most vulnerable to the virus. Curran admits he doesn’t have all the answers… but says there should have been more discussion about the measures being taken.
Everyone is vulnerable to this virus. Saying stuff like that is the exact sort of thing which encourages young people to crowd beaches.
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* Fran Spielman…
Indicted Ald. Edward Burke (14th) has already been stripped of his two biggest power bases: chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee and head of judicial slatemaking for the Cook County Democratic Party.
Now, he’s lost the one job he has held the longest: 14th Ward Democratic committeeperson.
State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, whose 2018 victory over Burke’s brother Dan was the beginning of the end for the Burke family dynasty, declared victory over Edward Burke in a three-way race. Burke has held the committeeperson job since his father’s death in 1968.
Ortiz got 40.4% of the vote to Burke’s 32.8%. Alicia Elena Martinez got 26.7%, with 29 out of 31 precincts reporting. She was widely viewed as a candidate put up by Burke to divide the vote and pave the way for his re-election.
Martinez didn’t do much of anything and raised no money. She passed one piece of literature that played up her family ties to police. Burke should’ve thrown her a few bucks.
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* UFCW Local 881…
As Illinois and the nation enters the first week of unprecedented shutdowns of government and private business, the hardworking members of Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers remain on the front lines of the societal and economic crisis that COVID-19 presents.
Staffing hundreds of grocery stores and pharmacies across Illinois and Northwest Indiana, Local 881 UFCW members are providing a vital link to millions of families who need to access food, prescriptions, and household products that allow them to stay home safely and help flatten the curve. Local 881 UFCW members are putting in thousands of hours at risk to their own health, to ensure stores remain stocked and sanitized, and will remain on the leading edge of the state’s response to this health crisis.
Local 881 UFCW staff and leadership have been in constant communication with our employer partners, government officials at all levels, and our membership to advocate for member’s safety and rights during this time. We are particularly thankful to have strong and responsive leaders like Governor Pritzker, Mayor Lightfoot, and the members of our Congressional delegation who are approaching this crisis with the needs of working families first and foremost.
To that end, Local 881 UFCW President and International Vice President, Steve Powell, today released the following list of requests to local, state, and federal leadership in Illinois:
· Grocery, retail, and pharmacy Union members are staffing the front lines of this public health crisis. As we have witnessed the demand for food and supplies reach unprecedented levels, our hardworking men and women are working tirelessly to meet the needs of the Illinois citizens. I ask that Local 881 workers be designated as first responders and be recognized as the essential workers they are in the midst of this crisis.
· In the event of local travel restrictions or curfews, I request that Local 881 members be given permission and protection in order to safely commute to and from their work locations in order to perform their essential jobs by showing proof of employment or their Union membership card.
· In light of the recent guidelines limiting gathering and event sizes, I ask you to provide a more comprehensive plan that protects our workers and community within stores by providing crowd control measures or specific limits to the number of people allowed in stores at any given time. We continue to call on our employers to provide protective measures and supplies to all members who are working in the stores, particularly those in the check-outs, who are coming into contact with hundreds of customers in an average shift.
· We are calling on the Illinois Congressional delegation to do the right thing by amending the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to recognize our country’s grocery, retail, and food processing workers as first responders. We ask that they use the federal relief legislation to guarantee that all of these workers receive at least two weeks of paid leave. This will ensure that our members can continue to serve their communities without having to choose between their health and their paycheck.
* Rosemary Sobol and Alice Yin at the Tribune…
Chicago Public Library will close most but not all of its locations, drawing the ire of the union representing municipal employees who demanded all libraries be closed.
CPL made the announcement Wednesday night, saying they were making the reductions in 61 locations to ensure the health and safety of residents. Twenty libraries, including Harold Washington Library, will remain open. The closures will begin at the end of Saturday, March 21.
“Chicago libraries serve as social safety nets for our communities – where our young people become lifelong learners and technology centers connect our residents to the world,” Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot said in the statement. “Although some libraries will close to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we know residents and neighborhoods will continue to need access to the resources they provide.”
* AFSCME Council 31…
This afternoon, the union was informed that the city intends to keep 20 library branches open despite the coronavirus pandemic and has directed “all full-time direct public service staff” to continue to report to work. AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch issued this statement in response:
“Our union recognizes the vital role that our city’s public libraries play in educating children, expanding knowledge and building community connections. But those valuable collective assets must be balanced against the urgent need to protect the health and well-being of library patrons and employees and help contain the spread of the coronavirus.
“Libraries are highly social venues which by their very nature contravene the directives for social distancing that have come from every reputable public health authority. The benefits of keeping even a reduced number of libraries open cannot justify the risks involved at a time when both the governor and mayor have stressed the urgency of preventing community transmission to slow this pandemic. The American Library Association has called for nationwide closures and countless cities have complied.
“The heart and soul of our libraries are the staff who welcome, assist and uplift patrons of every age and background every day. CPL will not be able to fulfill its mission if those employees are fearful and feeling abandoned by those who should be concerned with their well-being.
“AFSCME is calling for all CPL branches to be closed to the public. At the same time, we stand ready to work with the Administration to expand electronic access to library resources, staff and programs during this crisis.”
Thoughts?
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* NPR…
Public health officials encourage “social distancing” now but they also worry it is leading to a shortage of donated blood.
The American Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, says donor drives across the country have been cancelled “at an alarming rate” and the organization now faces a “severe blood shortage.”
“In really good times we may have five days of inventory available for our hospital clients and now we’re running at a day or day-and-a-half in some cases,” says Chris Hrouda, president of Biomedical Services for the Red Cross.
As of Tuesday, the Red Cross says about 2,700 blood drives had been canceled because of concerns about people gathering at workplaces, college campuses and schools — all places where drives typically take place. The organization estimates that’s resulted in 86,000 fewer blood donations because 80% of the blood it collects comes from drives held at these locations.
* Tribune…
Vitalant, which collects blood from donors across the country, has seen 10 blood donation drives canceled in the Chicago area in recent days over fears about COVID-19. Vitalant typically holds about six or seven drives a day in the Chicago area, said Eva Quinley, Vitalant regional director.
Vitalant has also seen a 30% to 40% drop-off in donations in recent days, she said.
“Vitalant has now had almost 1,000 units of blood canceled in the past two days and expect more,” Quinley said in an email Thursday. “We are going to have an unprecedented blood shortage.”
* The House Republicans are helping spread the word…
Heh.
* I’m not allowed to donate blood because I lived on a military base in Germany in 1980 with my parents. The military bought beef at the time that wasn’t screened for Mad Cow Disease (remember that?).
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give blood if you possibly can.
So, click here to locate your local Red Cross blood donation center and get over there as quickly as you can. Thanks!
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* ABC 7…
The west suburban village of Oak Park is urging residents to shelter in place for two weeks as the number of coronavirus cases in Illinois reached 288.
Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb declared a local state of emergency Wednesday due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The village’s Public Health Director Mike Charley issued a public order requiring residents to shelter in place starting Friday, March 20, through April 3.
The order is here. An Oak Park resident in his 30s just tested positive.
* Let’s take a look at the definitions section, which is where the meat is. The order includes numerous exemptions…
a. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities.” But people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care.
i. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including, but not limited to, pets), such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home;
ii. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
iii. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, or running;
iv. To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Order, including Minimum Basic Operations; or
v. To care for a family member or pet in another household.
b. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any “Healthcare Operations” including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health providers, medical cannabis dispensaries and related retail sales or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services. “Healthcare Operations” also includes veterinary care and all healthcare services provided to animals. This exemption shall be construed broadly to avoid any impacts to the delivery of healthcare, broadly defined. “Healthcare Operations” does not include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities.
c. For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Essential Infrastructure,” including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness), airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, oil refining, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible. Upon application of hardship by the Village’s Chief Building Official, the Public Health Director may authorize limited private construction activities not limited to the matters set forth in this section.
d. For purposes of this Order, all sworn Police Department and Fire Department personnel (“First Responders”), emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel, and others working for or to support Essential Businesses are categorically exempt from this Order. Further, nothing in this Order shall prohibit any individual from performing or accessing “Essential Governmental Functions.” Essential Government Functions means all services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public and all agencies that provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public. All Essential Governmental Functions shall be performed in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.
e. For the purposes of this Order, covered businesses include any for-profit, non-profit, or educational entities, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure.
f. For the purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses” means:
i. Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
ii. Grocery stores, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
iii. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;
iv. Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;
v. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
vi. Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities;
vii. Banks and related financial institutions;
viii. Hardware stores;
ix. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;
x. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;
xi. Educational institutions—including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;
xii. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers;
xiii. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out. Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site;
xiv. Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home;
xv. Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;
xvi. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences;
xvii. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Order;
xviii. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
xix. Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children;
xx. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities; and
xxi. Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted. To the extent possible, childcare facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:
1. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer (“stable” means that the same 12 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with each other.
4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.
g. For the purposes of this Order, “Minimum Basic Operations” include the following, provided that employees comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible, while carrying out such operations:
i. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions; or
ii. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.
i. Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, Essential Businesses, or Minimum Basic Operations;
ii. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons;
iii. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services;
iv. Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction;
v. Travel required by law enforcement or court order; or
vi. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the Village. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of the Village remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel.
i. For purposes of this Order, residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, and similar facilities.
j. For purposes of this order Social Distancing Requirements includes maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.
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* Out of the blue last month I received an email from former Rep. Helen Satterthwaite (D-Urbana). She asked me a question and I responded and asked how she was getting along…
At 91 plus I am doing pretty well, living at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana, planning to be an election judge on March 17 (it will keep me from biting my nails all day waiting for results), enjoying being surrounded by friends and family. Glad my stint in the legislature was then, not now.
Always happy to read your articles. They’re great; keep them coming!
Helen served in the House from 1975 until 1993. She was remapped into Republican turf when the GOP drew the map. I was just so pleased to hear from her. She was a grande dame of the General Assembly in those days.
* Then, I received an email yesterday from former Champaign County Clerk Mark Shelden, a Republican I’ve known since he was on House GOP staff…
Rich,
Yesterday I went to vote at my polling place. An assisted living facility, Clark-Lindsey Village decided to not be a polling place and that precinct was moved into my polling place. When I went to cast my ballot, I was greeted by Helen Satterthwaite. When I was County Clerk she served as an election coordinator for me on election days and now was back to being a judge.
I was then told by one of the other judges that her one day stint as an election judge was going to require her to be quarantined at her Clark-Lindsey Village apartment for two weeks.
I posted it on my Facebook page and then one of my friends contacted WCIA. They did a story on it.
It’s amazing that it’s been 27 years since she left the GA. Old timers know her well, but everyone should admire her dedication. Perhaps during her two week quarantine a few people could drop her a note.
Helen Satterthwaite
Clark-Lindsey Village
101 W Windsor Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
* I asked for permission to publish the WCIA story in its entirety…
Voters in Illinois were hitting the polls Tuesday. While those who came out were taking precautions due to coronavirus, one election judge took the risk even though it means quarantine.
“I was all psyched up and ready to participate,” says former Illinois Representative Helen Satterthwaite. “In a way, it would have been kind of a disappointment not to participate today.”
Satterthwaite has been an election judge for longer than she can remember. Now, she is 91-years old and lives at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana. The retirement community enacted a policy Tuesday that says residents who leave campus will have to self-quarantine when they get back. Satterthwaite was originally going to work polls at the retirement community, but she wanted to keep doing her civic duty when things changed.
“When we had to relocate, and some of the judges were no longer able to participate, I thought it would be putting a burden on the County Clerk’s Office to have myself being replaced. As well as all the others,” says Satterthwaite.
She is preparing for two weeks in quarantine. She says she knows Clark-Lindsey will take good care of her in that time. But on election day, she knew she could only be on the front lines.
“I think it’s better than sitting at home wondering what’s happening to an election,” says Satterthwaite. “It’s better to be a part of it instead.”
Click here and watch the video. She’s still got it.
* Mark sent along a photo…
*** UPDATE *** From Ms. Satterthwaite…
Wow! I haven’t had this much attention in a long while. I enjoyed the comments from so many folks that I haven’t heard from in a long time. You certainly have a good readership.
While I appreciate the attention, let’s not forget all those unsung workers who kept things going on election day — at the clerk’s office as well as at the polls. Good troupers, all.
Helen Satterthwaite
Yep. She’s right.
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* Gov. JB Pritzker held his daily COVID-19 press conference in Murphysboro today…
Last Monday, just nine days ago, our known count case, case count sorry was at 11. Our known case count was at 11, and it was all in one county in Cook County.
Yesterday, we had 160 cases reported in 15 counties. Today, our total is 288 across 17 counties, and people of all ages from nine to 99 have contracted COVID-19.
We know this in part due to an increase in testing but also, we know it is spreading this virus knows no boundaries.
As we move forward the administration will continue to use every tool at our disposal to respond to this unprecedented challenge, and to keep people safe.
But as rumors continue to swirl. I do want to assure all of you, essential services will always remain available grocery stores pharmacies gas stations, the things we all need will not be closing down.
I’ll let [IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike] speak to the specifics of the new cases in a moment, but I want to be clear, Illinois is being recognized as a national leader in response to COVID-19. But even so, these numbers will get much worse in Illinois before they will get better.
But it’s precisely because things will get worse, that we must maintain our common values as Illinoisans demonstrating our generosity and our unity.
A few blocks from where we stand now, since the headquarters of the Knights of Columbus branch here in Murphysboro. Every year Murphysboro Knights of Columbus host Friday fish fries during Lent, attracting hundreds of area residents for laughs and good times, community, and celebration.
Until now, this year had looked no different. But the Murphysboro Knights of Columbus didn’t look at the worst of the world outside and declare the end of their tradition.
Two days from now the Murphysboro Knights of Columbus will still have their fish fry. But this year, they will be handing out hundreds of meals through drive thru pickup, a community coming together, providing meals to support their neighbors and keeping each other safe when this is all over we will still have each other. So let’s hang on to that comfort and allow the bonds that connect us to carry us forward.
And, remember, I’m using Otter for transcription, so pardon the typos. This post will be updated.
Jackson County Board Chairman Keith Larkin said “Don’t let fear steal your humanity.”
* Pritzker was asked about a potential lockdown…
What I would say is that we should look at the mistakes that were made in Europe as this crisis was coming upon them, as this Coronavirus was spreading. And we should, it should be a cautionary tale, to all of us that we need to make sure that we’re distancing ourselves, socially distancing ourselves, that people are isolating themselves when they feel, you know that they might have even a cold.
Please stay home. If you have the flu please stay home. If you don’t feel well please stay home because here’s why. Yes, you may not have the coronavirus, but if you get somebody else sick, and then they get Coronavirus, or if you get Coronavirus while you are sick with the flu or a cold, your risk goes up significantly. And you’re putting other people at risk when you go out and potentially transmit whatever it is that you may have. And by the way, you should just assume that you may have Corona virus, just assume that, what would you do, you should self isolate that is the right thing to do so. If you’re not feeling well stay at home my point in pointing to Europe is we need to avoid what happened in Italy, we need to take the actions now to make sure that we do that.
* Pritzker was asked if he would call a special session…
I think, again, we need to make sure that we’re doing this in, in a way that’s healthy and safe. You know that when you open up the Capitol, you’re not just talking about the 177 members of the General Assembly that come. And that’s a gathering that is suggested not to happen according to all the guidelines and of course the order that I gave here in Illinois. But it also includes lobbyists and other people and the staff people that, many staff people who work in the Capitol. So, it is very important for the legislature to, to take that into account to consider what the you know the right thing to do for the legislature is. And so I’ll work with them on that we need to work together.
* The City of Chicago is currently denying FOIA requests during the emergency and Pritzker was asked if he is doing the same…
We will continue to respond to FOIA requests. I would ask members of the media and the public who put in FOIA requests to have some patience because we do have people working at home. We have fewer staff people in the office who are able to access the kinds of documents that people are looking for in their FOIA requests, so hopefully people will be a bit patient but we intend to fulfill FOIA.
* On testing…
CEOs around the country, especially ones that have facilities and do business in the state of Illinois and know us, have been very willing to step up and help us out to take pieces of their supply and send it to us, even separate from what they’re doing, across the rest of the United States. Not putting us in line, but putting us a little bit ahead of the line in the last few days so we’ve increased our testing capability. I just heard that one of our labs today at 1230 received the ability to do thousands more tests, because of work that was done by our staff. And so I’m very happy to say that we’re, be able to do more tests. It’s still not enough to be clear you’re talking about thousands of tests. We need to be able to test many more people than that.
Now, I believe the federal government which has been trying very hard for a long time to expand testing is almost there. They keep telling me that I believe that. Now that may be in the next three days that we’re going to start to see thousands and thousands and thousands more tests for the state of Illinois. So, I will keep reporting to you what I know and what I hear. You know I guess I feel a little bit sometimes like Charlie Brown with Lucy and the football with the federal government because there are some terrific people who work at the federal government. There are people at the CDC, you know, and in the, you know, in the second and third rungs at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, who are trying very hard to do the right thing. And those are the people that I’m trying to talk to and implore to help us in the state of Illinois and we’re getting some pretty good response from it.
* Possible prisoner release…
We’ve looked at what types of people we think should be considered eligible for that. You know, that’s, that’s something that I’m always looking about because are, you know, we should do something about the nearly 40,000 prisoners that we have in the state of Illinois.
Having said that, there are some very dangerous people who should not be considered, but there are others that are very vulnerable and who have committed some non violent offense, and who should be first in line if we were to do something like that.
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* Oh, man…
The Illinois Department of Public Health today announced 128 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across Illinois. Two additional counties are now reporting cases; Kendall and Madison counties.
An additional 20 individuals at the long-term care facility in DuPage County experiencing an outbreak have tested positive, bringing the total to 42 (30 residents and 12 staff).
Currently, IDPH is reporting 288 cases in 17 counties in Illinois. Cases have occurred in ages 9 to 91. Cases by county can be found on the IDPH website, as well as a list of local health departments who will have the most up to date information.
* Graph…
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* Illinois PIRG…
Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission passed several emergency orders in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including placing moratoriums on utility disconnections as well as on in-person solicitation by alternative retail electric and gas suppliers.
The Commission further opened an inquiry into energy affordability and ordered Peoples Gas to submit a formal response to the recently published engineering study of its distribution system, a study criticized by Illinois PIRG Education Fund for ignoring tough questions facing the troubled Peoples Gas pipe replacement program.
Illinois PIRG Education Fund Director Abe Scarr released the following statement in response:
Thank you Chairperson Zalewski and the Illinois Commerce Commission for taking swift action to protect the public health of Illinois residents by placing moratoriums on utility disconnections and on in-person alternative retail energy supply solicitation.
It’s critical that everyone stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of Covid-19. For many, this means a challenging combination of lost income and higher utility bills. No one should lose essential utility service during a pandemic and be forced from home to stay warm, cook, or power electronics.
We applaud the Commission’s order requiring a formal response from Peoples Gas to its recently published engineering study, a study which did not include critical considerations such as logistical challenges and costs to customers. This action presents an opportunity for the Commission to fulfil its regulatory responsibility and reform the poorly designed, mismanaged Peoples Gas pipe replacement program.
* Mayor Lightfoot…
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced that the City of Chicago will be temporarily suspending debt collection practices and non-safety related citations and impounds, as well as penalties for late payment. This penalty relief package directs a temporary suspension of late fees and defaults on payment plans, including city tickets, utility bills, parking and red-light citations, booting and other non-public safety relates violations. Additionally, there will be no new interest accumulated on current compliance plans.
These measures represent the first steps of the administration’s efforts to help reduce the financial impact of COVID-19 on city residents and take effect immediately today through April 30, 2020.
“This is a common sense way that we can help mitigate the burdens and pressures many are feeling. We know that these practices disproportionately impact the residents that are most in need during this crisis,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “We realize that many of our residents are strapped for cash right now as the effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus has created difficult economic circumstances for those who are unable to work. We don’t want to further impact people who can’t afford to pay these penalties today and want to provide some breathing room to help them prioritize how to address their financial obligations.”
Today’s hold harmless announcement also includes the temporary suspension of payment plan defaults and non-safety impounds and an extended deadline for city debt checks on transportation network provider and taxi drivers. Other financial relief efforts include:
Ticket Issuance
Enforcement will be prioritized for safety-related violations.
Enforcement on compliance-related violations will be suspended until April 30, 2020
Parking, Red Light, Speed Camera Violation Collections
Delay assessment of penalty (ticket doubling) until after April 30, 2020
Delay driver’s license suspension until after April 30, 2020
No Booting until after April 30, 2020
Delay referral of tickets to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
No defaults of payment plans for until after April 30, 2020
Utility Bills
Extend due dates until after April 30, 2020 delaying assessment of penalties
Delay referrals to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
No defaults of payment plans until after April 30, 2020
Administrative Hearing Collections
Extend due dates until after April 30, 2020 (this will delay assessment of interest)
Delay referrals to collection firms until after April 30, 2020
No defaults of payment plans until after April 30, 2020
Other Collection Efforts
Extend deadline for TNP and taxi drivers to pay debt to April 30
No debt holds on new licenses or permits
Law firms and collection agencies will cease collection efforts.
In recent days, several other City government operations have moved into reduced hours or full closure, including: City Hall, Administrative Hearings, Navy Pier and Chicago Public Schools. However, Mayor Lightfoot’s administration remains committed to ensuring all vital services and supports will remain in place for residents during this time. Given the rapidly evolving nature of this situation, the City is working diligently to provide timely and transparent updates on changes that pertain to all Chicagoans.
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* Washington Post…
The deluge into unemployment offices is beginning to strain systems. In Ohio, the Department of Job and Family Services said 36,645 claims were filed Monday. That’s typically what the department receives each month, The Columbus Dispatch noted.
Pennsylvania saw more than 50,000 on Monday and more than that on Tuesday, according to a tally from economist Jacob Robbins and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Minnesota officials saw more than 31,000 applications on Monday and Tuesday, the Star Tribune reported. In New Jersey, 15,000 applications arrived on Monday, causing the state’s website to crash, local affiliate WHYY reported.
* I asked the Illinois Department of Employment Security about the situation here…
Hi Rich –
Over the last two days, IDES has received over 41,000 unemployment benefit claims, compared to the same two days during the corresponding week last year, when IDES received 4,445 unemployment benefit claims.
All IDES offices are closed, by the way. You have to call or file online.
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* Email to Illinois House Democrats…
Good afternoon, members –
Please be advised that the session days scheduled for next week will be cancelled; however, as I indicated in my communication earlier this week, the session schedule is “in flux,” and members should be prepared to return to Springfield to address urgent matters. Regarding the committee deadline for House bills, which was set for March 27, that will be extended to April 3; this and other deadlines will be reviewed and extended when needed moving forward.
Generally, members should be re-evaluating any and all travel plans, including those made for the weeks of April 5 and April 12 (the legislative spring break). This is not only due to the need to practice social distancing to safeguard the health of our communities, but also due to the possible need to return to Springfield for session during that time period.
Furthermore, we are planning to have a conference call for all caucus members. We’re planning for tomorrow, but still finalizing the details – more info on this will be sent to members as soon as possible. The agenda will include a status update on the progress of various working groups.
Take care and be well,
Jessica
Jessica Basham, Chief of Staff
Office of the Speaker
*** UPDATE *** The Senate has also canceled next week.
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Congressional roundup
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The venerable Burt Constable…
Setting the stage for what will be one of the fall’s most-watched national races, Illinois State Sen. Jim Oberweis claimed a narrow victory over fellow State Sen. Sue Rezin and political newcomer Catalina Lauf in Tuesday’s race to see which Republican would take on freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood in the Nov. 3 general election. With 87% of precincts reporting, Oberweis had 12,305 votes to Rezin’s 11,154 and Lauf’s 10,075. […]
Until two years ago, the 14th Congressional District had been solidly Republican, with U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren of Plano winning four terms. Before that, an earlier version of the district had been represented for one term by Democrat Bill Foster. Until two years ago, Foster, who now represents the 11th District, had been the only Democrat to interrupt the Republican dominance that had been exerted for the previous 20 years by since-disgraced former Speaker Dennis Hastert of Plano.
* Tribune editorial board...
OK, 6th Congressional District voters, get ready for an intense political journey to November because Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, a firebrand conservative, will take on Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove, a high-energy Democrat.
Ives, a former Illinois House member, was on track to soundly defeat Gordon (Jay) Kinzler. But that’s not what makes Ives so formidable. Two years ago she nearly upended Gov. Bruce Rauner in the gubernatorial primary by rallying conservatives who were disappointed in Rauner’s leadership. Her bona fides should play well in the 6th, a longtime Republican district. Casten, a freshman in Washington, was a first-time candidate in 2018 when he took out high-profile incumbent Peter Roskam.
Who’s got the edge in Casten vs. Ives? Hard to say. Casten, who had no primary challenger Tuesday, won in 2018 by riding the blue wave that saw Democrats take control of the House. He also spent nearly $6 million. This cycle, Casten has raised about $2.6 million, according to recent Federal Election Commission reports. Ives has raised about $900,000.
Both of those races will present voters with stark choices. President Trump won the Underwood district four years ago, but times have changed. Hillary Clinton won Casten’s district by 6 points. Ives has a very rough road ahead of her.
* Effingham Daily News…
Mary Miller on Tuesday won the Republican nomination to seek the 15th District seat in the U.S. Congress, according to unofficial results. With 702 of 821 precincts counted, she collected 58 percent of the vote percent of the vote and was declared the winner by the Associated Press over three other candidates.
Kerry Wolff of Altamont had 12.6 percent of the GOP vote. Darren Duncan had 21.6 percent; Chuck Ellington had 7.9 percent.
The primary is the general in that district. Miller is married to state Rep. Chris Miller, a member of the Eastern Bloc, which, as I told subscribers this morning, did quite well yesterday.
* SJ-R…
Springfield Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan is going to get her second chance in two years to take on U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, in a general election.
In the 13th Congressional District primary race, Londrigan, 48, defeated political newcomer Stefanie Smith, 36, of Urbana, by a wide margin.
In 2018, Londrigan came within a percentage point of defeating Davis, who was first elected to the House in 2012. He was unopposed in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
“I’m excited to take on Rodney Davis,” Londrigan said. “I’m excited to be in a position to stand up and protect people’s health care and be here in this race with my neighbors across central Illinois.”
That’s going to be another barn-burner unless the college students aren’t back in school by November.
* Politico…
And though veteran Reps. Danny Davis (7th) and Bill Foster (11th) won their races with ease, the margins were such that political veterans wonder if they’ll face tougher races next time. Davis won by 61 percent and Foster took 59 percent. When an incumbent falls under 65 percent in a primary, there’s an indication of unrest in their district. Under 60 and you’re in danger of losing your seat the next time around. Davis faced three upstarts in Tuesday’s race, and Foster was challenged by Will County Board member Rachel Ventura.
Davis is currently at 65.6 percent. Kristine Schanbacher spent six figures and finished with just 12.1 percent. Davis is probably fine. Remap is coming up, though, so we’ll see what happens to his district.
Foster is at 58.7 percent. Ventura is a Will County Board member and a Bernie Democrat and her showing was likely a direct result of that presidential campaign and her local work. Foster is most definitely not a Bernie Democrat. As long as he continues to work the district, he should be OK, but he apparently needs to take things more seriously next time around.
* US Rep. Dan Lipinski, meanwhile, is scheduled to speak with reporters this afternoon at 2:30. That’s the same time as Gov. JB Pritzker’s daily COVID-19 press conference, however, so he may alter those plans.
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Now more than ever, get out of your bubbles
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The American people have a real problem…
* And then there’s this sort of insanity…
* From Monday…
It shouldn’t be surprising that Britain, which bravely survived being bombed every day by the Germans for months in WWII has come up with the adult and rational strategy to not only survive Coronavirus, but to defeat it and make it go away without causing massive damage to their economy. As the Germans bombed London every day causing massive damage, the Brits adopted the brave strategy of “Keep calm and carry on” and in the end they did just that and helped defeat Germany. And that is exactly what they are doing with the Coronavirus. While the rest of the world is collapsing under fear and hysteria and destroying their economies in defense of the Coronavirus by isolating everybody, Britain is using science, logic, bravery, and common sense to protect their people by just isolating vulnerable people, not strong and healthy people.
While most of the world is shutting down everything from restaurants, bars, travel, museums, sports, and even churches to isolate everybody which will cost trillions of dollars and cause massive economic harm for everybody, Britain is focusing on just isolating the most vulnerable people which are people over 60 with other health issues while letting the majority of people continue to live their lives with very little risk.
* Tuesday…
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled much more stringent measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak after new research indicated a quarter of a million people would have died under previous plans to control the spread of pandemic.
* As a result, things are starting to change on the right…
And now the left needs to start waking the heck up. If Fox News can change, so can everyone else. We need to take this more seriously, folks. A lot more seriously. And we need to try to pull together.
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* Team coverage at the Sun-Times…
Chicagoans braced for the threat of coronavirus and plenty of mishaps at polling places to vote in the 2020 primary election — an election with at least two tight races that could be affected by what could be more than a quarter of a million ballots yet to be counted.
Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Jim Allen late Tuesday said 200,000 early voting ballots had yet to be counted, and a “potential universe” of another 70,000 mail-in ballots could arrive to be counted in the next two weeks.
“We’re going to be counting for another two weeks, easily,” Allen said.
Allen explained that the city’s election board normally shuts down early voting the Monday before Election Day. It gathers all the memory chips from machines to be able to report out all early voting data, like “one big happy family of data.”
“This time we had early voting open on Election Day and serving as precinct [polling places], so now those precincts are coming in with all early voting data, going back to Feb. 19th,” Allen said. “That’s 200,212 ballots.”
Keep that in mind.
You can see some five-day-old maps for vote by mail applications here, returned mail here and early voting here to give you a rough idea of what’s out there.
* Regardless of the issues, the Associated Press declared Marie Newman the winner…
Challenger Marie Newman claimed victory over Rep. Dan Lipinski on Tuesday night in a rematch of their nationally watched Democratic congressional primary that was a battle between the party’s progressive and moderate wings.
The businesswoman from La Grange ended nearly four decades of Lipinski family control of the Southwest Side and southwest suburban congressional seat. The congressman’s father, William Lipinski, served from 1983 until 2005, when he engineered the appointment of his son.
“I am bursting with pride and gratitude for the amazing coalition who helped bring about much needed change in our district,” Newman said in a statement. “We are going to work together to lower healthcare costs, to fight climate change, and to continue building a hospitable community for everyone, no matter where you come from.
* Whatever’s left to be counted could be crucial in this race…
Ald. Edward M. Burke, the long-time 14th Ward Democratic Committeeperson, was in a close race to retain the seat against freshman state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, but his chief rival’s lead was growing.
Ortiz — who ousted Burke’s brother, state Rep. Dan Burke, just over a year ago — is leading with 40% of the vote to Burke’s 33%, with 94% of precincts reporting. Alicia Elena Martinez trails with 27% of the vote.
The too-close-to-call race — for now — leaves Burke’s seat, which he has held since 1968, up for grabs.
Ortiz won his House race.
* Perhaps the same goes for this race…
Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. looked poised to hold the seat on the high court he inherited from the late Justice Charles E. Freeman, but a strong challenge from Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes meant there was no clear winner in the race late Tuesday. […]
With 92 percent of precincts reporting, Neville led with 24.4 percent of the vote. Reyes had 21.3 percent, Harris had 16.1 percent, McBride had 12.7 percent, Cobbs had 12.9 percent, Epstein had 7.8 percent, and Howse had 4.8 percent.
Neville is now up by 5.
* The state’s attorney’s race wasn’t close despite huge spending by Bill Conway…
With about 85% of precincts reporting at 10:30 p.m., Foxx had 48% of the vote and Conway had 33%. Two other challengers were polling a distant third and fourth.
* Press release…
State Rep. Yoni Pizer conceded to Margaret Croke in the race for 12th District State Representative on Tuesday.
“I congratulate Margaret Croke on her victory and a hard-fought campaign,” said Rep. Pizer. “I decided to step up and run because I believe strongly that representation matters. I was humbled and honored to be appointed the first-ever openly gay representative of the 12th District, which includes the historically LGBTQ community of Boystown. I intend to work with Representative-Elect Croke to ensure that it receives the representation we need and deserve.”
* Hannah Meisel…
Anti-gun advocate Denyse Wang Stoneback appeared to have defeated appointed State Rep. Yehiel “Mark” Kalish (D-Skokie) in a race that centered on the Democratic Party’s push to expand access to reproductive health care.” […]
In the 3rd District, appointed State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado appeared to lead Chicago teacher Nidia Carranza, according to unofficial returns. Delgado had the support of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, while Carranza had the support of the Chicago Teachers Union.
In the 9th District, State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, appeared to lead former WGN radio host Patti Vasquez and Chicago Police Officer Joe Duplechin, according to unofficial returns.
In the Illinois Senate, appointed State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) appeared to lead immigration attorney Ken Thomas, according to early returns.
* I think this is over, but we’ll see…
Illinois state Sen. Iris Martinez has a big lead in the Democratic primary for clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court. With 3,579 out of 3,668 precincts reporting, Illinois state Sen. Iris Martinez is heading up the four-way race, with 34% of the vote.
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi follows in second place (27%), trailed by former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin (25.3%) and civil rights attorney Jacob Meister (13.7%).
That’s gonna mean another legislative appointment.
…Adding… Cabonargi has conceded.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Kinda…
*** UPDATE 2 *** Marie Newman…
“Earlier today, I spoke with Congressman Lipinski, who ran a tough race. I want to thank him for reaching out, and I’m hopeful we can work together in the coming months to fight for our community and to get things done for the Third Congressional District. I am so proud of the coalition we built in this campaign and I am looking forward to continuing to meet with people and hearing their concerns on the campaign trail over the next few months. Now, more than ever, we need to be unified and not divided. Let’s all stand together in this fight for better healthcare, a more equitable economy and solutions that improve everybody’s everyday.”
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* Someone asked me last night how many COVID-19 tests the state is doing every day and how many the state believes it needs to do. As you know, there’s a horrible national shortage of tests right now, although the situation has improved this week. I reached out to the administration yesterday and here’s the response…
Right now, state labs are processing around 300 specimens a day following the more stringent CDC guidelines around who qualifies for a test. Ideally, with private labs and additional testing materials for state labs, thousands of tests could be conducted per day statewide that would give us the data to closely monitor and track community spread. Sentinel surveillance could be expanded so experts could study that data.
* Meanwhile…
Gov. JB Pritzker has signed an emergency declaration, effective through April 12, enabling haulers to get free Illinois Department of Transportation overweight trucking permits for the movement of emergency relief supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s always important for haulers to be able to move supplies in a timely and safe manner, but it’s never been more important than right now,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to assist during this unprecedented time and ensure that the supply chain remains strong.”
Operators are required to carry a copy of the order and waiver, which can be found at webapps.dot.illinois.gov/ITAP.
The order does not apply to posted bridges and local highways with special and seasonal weight restrictions. Haulers can use www.GettingAroundIllinois.com to determine if their routes are free of size and weight restrictions.
“Many truck operators are facing enormous pressure to keep supply lines open in light of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Don Schaefer, executive vice president of the Mid-West Truckers Association. “This action will keep trucks moving on a timely basis to meet the needs of a concerned public.”
* And…
Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2020
What: Gov. Pritzker to join Metro East officials to discuss the statewide response to COVID-19.
Where: St. Clair County Health Department, Annex Conference Center Meeting Room, 19 Public Square, Belleville
When: 10:30 a.m.
What: The Pritzker administration to hold a daily press briefing on COVID-19.
Where: Jackson County Courthouse, Courtroom 3, 1001 Walnut Street, Murphysboro
When: 2:30 p.m.
* One more for now…
With Illinois on Tuesday reporting 160 coronavirus cases and one death, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has assigned duties to about 60 Illinois National Guard service members to assist the state with its COVID-19 response.
Pritzker joins several other governors who have called on the National Guard for help. The service members were assigned duties Monday, the governor’s office said. […]
On Tuesday, the governor’s office said Pritzker a day prior had activated about 60 Illinois National Guard service members — that includes 43 airmen from the Peoria-based 182nd Airlift Wing’s Medical Group and 17 planners and liaison officers from both Army National Guard and Air National Guard units from across the state, including medical planners.
“The activation is to assist with anticipated need for logistic support and medical staffing,” Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said.
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Open thread
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Man, what a morning. Up really late, overslept a bit, lost my Internet connection, browser problems. You name it, I got it. Great timing, too. Be nice to each other. I’ll have another post up soonish. I need another cup of coffee first, though.
…Adding… And the coffee maker just broke.
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