* Press release…
U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-18), John Shimkus (IL-13), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Rodney Davis (IL-13), and Mike Bost (IL-12) sent a letter today to Congressional Leadership urging that Congress take action to prevent governors from withholding federal funds appropriated by Congress for local municipalities that allow their small businesses to reopen in accordance with federal health guidelines, but ahead of arbitrary timelines outlined by states.
Following last week’s announcement of the “Restore Illinois” plan by Governor Pritzker, the Illinois Republican delegation heard from mayors, sheriffs, county board officials, and constituents with deep concern that the current guidelines outlined by the state will cripple the livelihoods of communities downstate. Many municipalities have laid out thoughtful, safe, and reasonable plans to reopen their communities within the federal guidelines. However, Governor Pritzker this week threatened to withhold federally appropriated funding localities that safely try to reopen in accordance with those guidelines, but ahead of his arbitrary timeline. As Congress debates additional relief legislation, the Congressmen released the following joint statement:
“One of Illinois’ great strengths is our regional diversity, and Illinoisans of all backgrounds have stepped up to slow the spread of COVID—19 and flatten the curve. Small businesses, workers, and community leaders that we represent take this virus seriously and they are prepared to take unprecedented measures to safely reopen their local economies. That’s why it’s disappointing that Governor Pritzker threaten to withhold federal funding that Congress appropriated to provide relief to those in need.
“The federal government and Congress have done a great deal to support Illinois during this challenging time. We don’t believe our governor, or any governor, should have the authority to prevent federal funding they receive that Congress appropriates from flowing to communities fighting for their livelihoods and abiding by the federal health guidelines. We urge Congress to take action and stand ready to work with our colleagues to continue providing the federal relief Illinois needs.”
The letter is here.
Check out the last paragraph…
While Congress should consider prohibiting Illinois from raising income taxes on small businesses as a condition of state aid, we urge you to act immediately to ensure no governor can withhold federal funds appropriated by Congress for local municipalities that allow their small businesses to reopen in accordance with federal health guidelines
* Related…
* Fact-check: Downstate congressman’s claim about Chicago’s share of Illinois COVID-19 cases is 100% wrong
- truthteller - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:20 am:
pretty comical isn’t it? I thought we are suppose to have “states rights”? That means our elected officials do what is best for their constituents without being hampered by the Fed govt. Good to see GOP admitting they don;t believe in it.
- Downstate - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:21 am:
“Live by the sanctuary status. Die by the sanctuary status.”
- The Way I See It - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:23 am:
They must have missed the message from Trump that governor’s are in charge because he doesn’t want any responsibility for the carnage that is coming from the virus.
- cover - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:23 am:
= we urge you to act immediately to ensure no governor can withhold federal funds appropriated by Congress for local municipalities that allow their small businesses to reopen in accordance with federal health guidelines =
That’s currently an idle threat, as Congress has not appropriated any funds for that purpose.
- njt - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:26 am:
Opening back up won’t matter when demand is cratering. Total retail and food declined (21.6%) YoY in April:
https://www.census.gov/retail/index.html
- TheInvisibleMan - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:27 am:
In the same way that the federal government encouraged states to set a standard interstate speed limit by threatening to withhold highway funds if not set to the federally desired speed limit.
States can do what they want, if they pay for it.
Similarly, local areas can do whatever they want - if they want to pay for it themselves.
The federal money isn’t earmarked for a specific town. It can easily be distributed to areas in the state that are following the state guidelines instead.
Is there any situation where republicans aren’t putting money over everything else? Anything at all?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:33 am:
1) can they tell the amount that Illinois is or has gotten?
2) did all 5 vote for this amount of money allocated for Illinois?
3) what’s the bill number the president signed for this money?
Thanks.
- Pundent - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:33 am:
How ironic that in the Sun Times article LaHood has someone standing behind him on stage holding a sign reading “reject socialism.”
- Honeybear - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:35 am:
Like two ships of the line pounding away at each other in close range. As if this wasn’t ugly enough.
- XonXoff - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:35 am:
== Fact-check: Downstate congressman’s claim about Chicago’s share of Illinois COVID-19 cases is 100% wrong ==
Shock.
- Norseman - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:37 am:
If these people really wanted to help small business in Illinois, they should embrace the Dem effort to get states and locals financial help and lobby for GOP Senate passage. Of course they won’t, which means Illinois will be forced to make cuts and raise taxes to deal with the impact of the Pandemic. The impact of increased taxes will be even worse if the GOP misinformation campaign results in the loss of Fair Tax amendment.
But of course, we’re dealing with a party that wants to politicize the stay-at-home orders to divert anger from the botched GOP response to the pandemic. Essentially, their campaign plan is to tell us to disregard the large pile of bodies over there and think about our championing your ability to go to the bar and go fishing.
- Lt Guv - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:38 am:
I’m just at a loss. I’m no longer shocked by the duplicity (it comes out of both parties, but the GOP has raised it to a fine art), but I just keep becoming more and more despondent at the depth of the cynicism and ignoring of fact that has become pervasive.
- OurMagician - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:40 am:
Have they read the federal guidelines or are they just following Trump’s twitter rants?
- Amalia - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:41 am:
I fully expect them to declare victory when Pritzker declares that things are opening up per the schedule. hope none of them get sick.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:41 am:
=== we’re dealing with a party that wants to politicize the stay-at-home orders to divert anger from the botched GOP response to the pandemic. Essentially, their campaign plan is to tell us to disregard the large pile of bodies over there and think about our championing your ability to go to the bar and go fishing.===
Spot on.
“Ignore those that lost their lives… you got to fish, play golf, we are with you, not with science.”
It’s disheartening to think that choices are made to accept a plan to ignore the crisis but push “fishing and golf” as a policy win.
- Lt Guv - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:42 am:
==Have they read ==
1st faulty assumption. Nobody said anything about reading the the job requirement.
- DownSouth - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:44 am:
==abiding by the federal health guidelines=
Are we certain at this point what exactly those guidelines might be, and if the communities, counties, regions, in question have indeed met them?
- Not a Billionaire - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:45 am:
Be fun to see their districts merge and vanish next year.
- Candy Dogood - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:51 am:
===While Congress should consider prohibiting Illinois from raising income taxes on small businesses as a condition of state aid===
Real ironic that the hicks waving Confederate flags seem to vote for these guys.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:53 am:
== to prevent federal funding they receive that Congress appropriates from flowing to communities ==
Lol. Translation: “Mitch McConnell won’t do his job and he won’t let us do our jobs either - but there is a chance that they he might change his mind. If he ever does, we will be very angry if you then proceed to not do your job.”
- Pundent - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:53 am:
=Are we certain at this point what exactly those guidelines might be, and if the communities, counties, regions, in question have indeed met them?=
The guidelines were published in April. It became clear almost immediately that the President didn’t support them as he began to encourage states to open up even when they were well short of meeting these guidelines.
When the President doesn’t support the guidelines issued by his own agencies you can’t expect the party to. We’ve also since learned that subsequent guidance from the CDC has been suppressed or significantly altered. From the top down there has been more emphasis on managing this disease as a political issue than a health matter.
- walker - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 10:55 am:
Just so much hot air.
Governor Pritzker’s guidelines are actually consistent with, and slightly easier to achieve, than the “Federal guidelines” formally announced by Trump and his task force. These Congress members are apparently fighting for communities not to follow any of them.
They are admittedly being consistent with some of the President’s random 3am tweets.
- Pearly - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:01 am:
To further the cause of federalism, local Republicans demand the federal government bind the hands of states
- Frank talks - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:01 am:
The funding you receive will be commensurate with your past contributions to the state. You will receive the percentage of the Fed money based on the percentage of what you contribute to Illinois on a yearly basis. Not on the ridiculous funding breakout now. Where NE Illinois receives far less than they put in and downstate areas get double, triple and sometimes more for every dollar they put in.
Right now illinois does the opposite. Time to start paying the piper. You want to be on your own. Pay your own bills.Time to adult.
- Responsa - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:06 am:
The ugliness on this thread exceeds expectations.
- All This - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:08 am:
=== Live by the sanctuary status. Die by the sanctuary status.===
Not sure what you’re trying to say.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:14 am:
===“Live by the sanctuary status. Die by the sanctuary status“===
Any chance to wave that confederate flag, amirite?
- seenthebigpicture - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:19 am:
Any small business owners in here that are about to lose everything they have ever worked for?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:26 am:
=== Any small business owners in here that are about to lose everything they have ever worked for?===
Being open isn’t being viable.
Two businesses I would frequent have now closed for good.
If they were open, *given their services*, I still wouldn’t had visited now.
You can’t force people to patronize businesses to a level of existence.
The same argument for capitalism…
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:28 am:
=== Being open isn’t being viable.
Two businesses I would frequent have now closed for good.
If they were open, *given their services*, I still wouldn’t had visited now===
To put a finer point?
It’s not the closing of the businesses hurting businesses.
The virus is causing the damage.
- Stix Hix - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:34 am:
Two things about the picture in the Sun-Times:
1) LaHood has really nice legs.
2) Will the gentleman holding the “Reject Socialism” sign be returning his stimulus payment?
- @misterjayem - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:36 am:
“Why won’t Pritzker make this pandemic comport with my business model??”
– MrJM
- Huh? - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:39 am:
“Like two ships of the line pounding away at each other”
Which ship has the weather gauge? Am betting on Pritzker. These jokers are pecking away with cap guns. All noise and smoke.
- Amalia - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:40 am:
why don’t they do something useful, like suggest that rapid transit be shut down overnight for deep cleaning. NYC is doing it, why not us? One reason that jurisdictions far from Chicago are of concern is they are connected easily by trains. cleaning is important. harp on that.
- Cheryl44 - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:44 am:
I was against witholding federal money but not anymore.
- don the legend - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:44 am:
==Any small business owners in here that are about to lose everything they have ever worked for?==
Anybody know somebody who is asymptomatic and who will infect the small business owners and his/her customers thus putting the full reopening of the economy back to square one?
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:45 am:
“The ugliness on this thread exceeds expectations.”
Where is my crying baby emoji when I need it? The people dying are the victims here, snowflake. Not your sensitive sensibilities supporting unnecessary deaths.
- Last Bull Moose - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:47 am:
So disappointed. Keep wanting to believe that Republicans can contribute to solutions. Reality says otherwise.
- Pundent - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:52 am:
Part of the fallacy is that the Republicans would be satisfied with a more “reasonable” plan. Darren Bailey fell into that trap and quickly learned that many of his supporters weren’t interested in any plan. Part of that lies in the fact that the party has adopted a message that the government shouldn’t be able to tell you what to do. And now when we need leadership and direction it’s being rejected.
- Flapdoodle - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:56 am:
Candy Dogood @1051 — “Real ironic that the hicks waving Confederate flags seem to vote for these guys.”
I’m in LaHood’s district. I don’t consider myself a hick. How about we please stop with name calling?
- Downstate - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:59 am:
“Any chance to wave that confederate flag, amirite?”
OW,
Please don’t refer to our governor as a confederate just because he believes in sanctuary status.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 11:59 am:
=== Darren Bailey fell into that trap and quickly learned that many of his supporters weren’t interested in any plan. Part of that lies in the fact that the party has adopted a message that the government shouldn’t be able to tell you what to do.===
Very good observation and take;
Bailey got in *way* over his head, and misread what he thought would be “appeasing”
There is no appeasing.
The foolishness that *is* Mr. Bailey and specifically the eastern bloc is… they 100% know… they know it… the lunacy they push won’t happen… so keeping a “fighting” stance is wiser than a “solving” stance.
Bailey and the eastern block, Cabello, Skillicorn, the “Hateful Eight”… they aren’t the helpers… this letter is again feeding that “fighting” versus “solving”… and upset about something not possible at this moment.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:01 pm:
=== Please don’t refer to our governor as a confederate just because he believes in sanctuary status.===
Oh - Downstate -
The only way that is possible, is admitting the “others”, you know, the “build a wall” folks waving that confederate flag… are racist.
Look up… “self own”
Geez, Louise…
- the Patriot - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:14 pm:
==Being open isn’t being viable.==
Explain how the marijuana dispensaries are doing it. No social distancing, no masks, dozens of people from many states in confined spaces.
According to you and the Governor a dozen people who have not left their home town with few infections gathering in a diner is more dangerous than hundreds from several states all going to the same place.
- Precinct Captain - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:15 pm:
The GOPers don’t realize Trump’s guidelines are actually tougher than the Pritzker’s. Pathetic and sad.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:15 pm:
=== Please don’t refer to our governor as a confederate just because he believes in sanctuary status.===
What “sanctuary” status? The federal enforcement agencies have their rules, the state enforcement agencies have theirs.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:19 pm:
=== Explain how the marijuana dispensaries are doing it. No social distancing, no masks, dozens of people from many states in confined spaces.===
Which dispensary?
Not curbside? Cite that place.
=== and the Governor===
I speak for me. No Governor or elected wants me speaking for them, so don’t lump me with them, for their sake.
===dozen people who have not left their home town with few infections gathering in a diner is more dangerous than hundreds from several states all going to the same place.===
If they defy the order, and it’s traced to that location, first, infection or not, they risk losing their license to exist, and last, if they want to face liability for infections, have at it.
Money over people isn’t a strong argument, polling also says a vast majority aren’t looking to go sit at any restaurant.
- XonXoff - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:22 pm:
== Any small business owners in here that are about to lose everything they have ever worked for? ==
Not currently but I experienced it in the 80’s during a dramatic economic downturn. The desperation was debilitating and I still have nightmares about it. As it turned out, I had allowed that business to own me.
Learned a lot and I’m good now. Lives over business for me.
- JS Mill - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:26 pm:
=I’m in LaHood’s district. I don’t consider myself a hick. How about we please stop with name calling?=
The name calling bothers you? How many times have you called on Trump to stop?
I also live in LaHood’s district. He is the poster boy for empty shirt. Hasn’t had an original thought in his life. He is the Jim Ignatowski of congress.
- @misterjayem - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:26 pm:
“No social distancing, no masks, dozens of people from many states in confined spaces.”
Where? What is the name of the business?
– MrJM
- Lt Guv - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:27 pm:
== Explain how the marijuana dispensaries are doing it. No social distancing, no masks, dozens of people from many states in confined spaces.==
Actually, the one nearest to me (Mundelein) does have social distancing (places in a limited line clearly marked and enforced, does require masks (security will instruct one to leave if they don’t have a face cover) and people sign up for a waiting list and wait in their car across the street to prevent crowding in and outside the facility and then they text you when you’re up. Works well.
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:29 pm:
===No social distancing, no masks===
You have zero idea what you’re talking about.
- Donnie Elgin - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:30 pm:
==Being open isn’t being viable.==
Tell that to the WI Tavern League
- Lt Guv - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:31 pm:
A Rev. Jim citation. Thanks JS Mill. That may be the 1st thing that brought a smile to my face today.
- Left Center Right - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:37 pm:
Maybe the Dems should just outlaw death since they feel the government should control everything. It’s easy for those with an income source to tell closed businesses to just relax. These people have bills and becoming desperate. Funny how Georgia opened up and their cases continue to go down.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:38 pm:
=== Tell that to the WI Tavern League===
See me in 2 weeks when infections will inevitably rise, sadly with other outcomes too.
The Texas Governor all but admitted that was his fear as well.
I’m constantly amazed at those cheering for the virus… and the infections.
- Orca - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:43 pm:
My neighbor went to the dispensary last week in Champaign. Online preorder only, socially distant queue across the street, socially distant queue of no more than three persons at the door, all employees inside and out wearing masks, dividers and screens inside, glove wearing employees handling merch, quick transaction processing and then out the door. But they were out of the Taco Seasoning!
- the Patriot - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:48 pm:
==Which dispensary?==
Uhh, all of them, the one I observed was in Anna.
==You have zero idea what you’re talking about.==
If we go take pictures, you promise to publish or does the pro-Governor/pro-marijuana stance go beyond the truth?
- Norseman - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:49 pm:
The GOP’s agitation against social distancing requirements will only serve as a deterrent for me to return to dine in, or other activities where large numbers of people are gathered. I would urge my family to do the same.
When businesses open under the plan, I would urge the chamber or even DCEO to develop a website that list Covid Compliant businesses. Maybe even develop posters for their windows. The ones that put in the effort must be helped.
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:49 pm:
===But they were out of the Taco Seasoning===
I’m told Grandview has it.
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:51 pm:
===Uhh, all of them, the one I observed===
So, you extrapolate to all of them by observing one dispensary once.
Typical.
- Lt Guv - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 12:58 pm:
Patriot, if the way you describe Anna is the way they operate, then they should be sanctioned. No argument here. However, that is in no way how they all operate.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 1:32 pm:
=== Maybe the Dems should just outlaw death since they feel the government should control everything.===
It’s already against the law to be negligent contributing to another’s death.
- CapnCrunch - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 1:47 pm:
==That’s currently an idle threat, as Congress has not appropriated any funds for that purpose.==
They appropriated $150 billion.
=what’s the bill number the president signed for this money?=
It’s called the CARES Act(Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) H.R. 748. Section 5001 appropriated $150 billion to make payments for specified uses to States and certain local governments. The Civic Federation thinks Illinois is expected to receive $4.9 billion. The money is for necessary expenditures incurred due to the pandemic. Withholding this money because some businesses reopened in defiance of the Governor will only hurt the public employees of the municipality involved. Kinda Rauner like tactics, -do what I want or you don’t get the money.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 2:07 pm:
- CapnCrunch -
First, I concur. Rauner-like attics, not great for goodwill.
To the CARES act,
The language is so ambiguous, are these five talking to those monies or any additional monies going forward, and how much are we talking coming to Illinois?
Again, seems quite ambiguous if the real care going on is for these towns, counties, and not cite an easy to cite bill and possibly easy to tabulate monies to Illinois.
Stay well.
- dbk - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 2:07 pm:
So:
a) sniping at their Governor (never let a pandemic get in your way); b) lobbying for small business tax breaks; c) trying to head off something Pritzker said he “might” have to consider, re: d) a bill that was only submitted on Tuesday.
If this is supporting the interests of your home state in times like this, I’m speechless.
- CapnCrunch - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 2:17 pm:
=The language is so ambiguous, =
Probably intentional. I think Congress was trying to reduce the impact of lost tax revenue. Just a guess.
- West Side the Best Side - Friday, May 15, 20 @ 4:12 pm:
Wait, hasn’t Trump implied that governors who don’t kiss his … let’s say, ring, aren’t going to get as much assistance as those who do. Why are these Republicans upset when J.B. seems to be acting in a Trumpian manner?