[The time stamp on this post has been altered for Friday visibility.]
* Question time for Gov. Pritzker. Did you get a COVID test before you came to Springfield after you had been isolating?…
I did not. I was tested before I was isolated and because I isolated the entire time, right up to the point where I came to Springfield. I didn’t get another test.
Please remember to pardon all transcription errors.
* One of the measures that the General Assembly is working on is this vote by mail so several questions there I’ll try to group them together for one. Does it go far enough? This would merely be mailing to people who voted in recent elections applications for vote by mail you would want natural ballots mails so doesn’t go far enough. And then on the opposite end some Republicans are saying that this could lead to ballot stuffing. So, how do you ensure the validity of this particularly the President Donald Trump has raised questions about voting…
Well this has obviously been a republican strategy, all across the country to deny people the ability to actually go to the ballot box or to deliver their ballot to vote. Republicans generally speaking, have been in favor of suppressing the vote, all across the nation they think it’s bad for them if more people vote. I think everybody has the right to vote. We live in a democracy The vote is sacred. And so I’m very much in favor of making sure that everybody gets a ballot who is eligible to vote, and then returns that ballot
Does it go far enough?…
In my view, I would like more done, and of course this has been a discussion and negotiation, conversation, about how to make sure that the most people get it, and that, you know, we’re doing the best we can with the resources that we have. So, allowing people to send out ballots, or rather applications to everybody that voted in the last number of elections and still giving everybody else the ability to apply to get a valid, I think is a reasonable compromise and gets us what we want which is people don’t need to go to a physical validating location, and you see by the way that there are other aspects of that legislation that do provide easier access to the ballot box for people who do need to go in person.
* There are concerns about Illinois losing federal funding, getting threats by President Trump regarding states that do proceed with expanding vote by mail. Is that a concern? And this is from Mark Maxwell is jumping off of that. You have made similar threats to local governments in terms of holding up funds from the States. If they don’t comply with your executive orders. So, why might it be bad when the President does something like that but okay when you do it? [Somebody needs to brush up on their federalism.]…
Well there’s an awfully big difference. The President is threatening to take away funds from states [that are] doing something that’s legal. And what we were talking about, as you suggest in the week before about the possibility of holding up funding for local governments because they’re not following the law. That’s a much different thing. But look, I want, I think it’s very important for people to get access to the ballot. The President doesn’t want that. I do want people to get a ballot and to vote and that’s just an enormous, enormous ideological difference. I believe in democracy and the right to vote.
* The Republican delegation to Congress has sent you a letter that wants to know more about what Illinois is doing as it allocates federal funding that is received for the coronavirus response, it was appropriated recently, of course under the cares act, citing a report from the National League of Cities that says Illinois is a state that is withholding funding from municipalities…
No funding is being withheld at all. We need enabling legislation. We needed the legislature to actually get together to provide that enabling legislation and that’s what’s happening over the next day and a half.
* I know that there were a lot of folks who rejoiced about your announcement yesterday and yet, a lot of questions so I’m going to try rapid fire these from news organizations, for starters that Mayor Lori Lightfoot in Chicago has said that restaurants in the city are not going to be able to open, restaurants, by the end of May. What is your response to that and does that underscore complaints, particularly from leaders in the collar counties in the suburbs, that they have been unfairly lumped in with Chicago…
Well the decision by a municipality like Chicago to not have outdoor seating is completely up to them as I’ve said all along. We’ve tried to provide a baseline to protect people in various communities in different cities and counties, they can do something that’s more stringent and decide not to allow certain activities because maybe they’re a hotspot. Maybe they’re concerned about something in particular that they want to deal with on a local level. But I think many many towns, cities and counties across the state will in fact be having outdoor seating for restaurants and, and, you know, those that choose not to, that’s a completely local decision.
* And you did ease up on those restrictions obviously from the original Restore Illinois plan. Again, we’re still hearing a lot from those suburban leaders and collar county executives that are saying, why are we part of Cook County and Chicago. So do you have any plans any second thoughts as to whether that might change?…
That’s not something that I’m looking at doing and we have four regions, they’ve all been moving in the right direction. You see that everybody in Illinois now, all four regions are not only moving in the right direction, but are going to be able to. barring some catastrophic thing that may happen in the next eight days, will move into the next phase.
* Retail stores are going to in phase three be able to reopen with capacity limits. There are of course, large places of worship. Will they be able to observe capacity limits in phase three as opposed to the restriction of 10 people or fewer?…
Well, again, capacity limits are intended. We’re still in a phase where 10 people or fewer is the desired number that’s what the epidemiologists are recommending and so on. Many small stores that is a number that maybe less than they normally have in their store, but it’s still a reasonably good number and they can keep track of people who are coming in and out and those who can’t fit in can certainly socially distance outside as they wait to go in with regard to churches and mosques and synagogues. I think it’s important for people to be able to get together and worship. But again, we’ve got to follow the same rules. The whole idea here, this isn’t something that I made up. This is something that the epidemiologists really have emphasized that until we know whether having larger groups together you know and what the effect of that is we need to watch what it’s like when we let everybody get together in a group of 10, in groups of 10. Even with social distancing. We don’t really know, right it’s what you’re doing is watching and that’s why you have a phase. We’re watching week by week, day by day, through the phase to see what’s the effect on the number of people who are coming down with COVID-19, the number of people who end up in hospital, and you’ll see as we move forward, we’ll provide you with more data but you can see it yourself if you go to the DPH website that it takes several weeks for these things to work through you know groups people get together and they do something that they shouldn’t have done and someone spreads it in a group. You don’t see an immediate effect. Two weeks later, you start to see maybe people are entering the hospital more people are in in hospital and then perhaps two weeks later you’re seeing people going into the ICU and perhaps on a ventilator, and even a week after that perhaps people dying. And so that’s why we’re trying to take a gradual approach here to all of us.
* Today, the Illinois Department of Employment Security came out with new figures, pretty awful ones regarding the number of people who have lost work last month, and yet there continued to be issues with IDES and filing for that. Elizabeth Matthews at Fox asks about someone who was given a runaround as they tried to receive pandemic unemployment assistance, the caller hung up. So are workers properly trained for this, or was training at all rushed? Can you address as well just the general high figures of unemployment?…
Let me start with just saying that this is a tremendously disturbing problem that everybody in the country is facing and the high unemployment, the number of people who have been furloughed laid off, perhaps permanently. The number of businesses that especially small businesses which are really the lifeblood of job creation in our country, right those small businesses when they close up it’s hard for them to restart. And this is, it’s a tragedy that requires us to really put shoulder to the wheel to make sure that not only the federal dollars that have been provided through PPP but also the state COVID relief effort is trying to revive is working to revive employment and revive small businesses, and to get people back to work that’s certainly a very, an extraordinarily high priority for me.
As to people who are experiencing problems connecting with unemployment and I know the PA system as you mentioned, look I there. There are going to be these circumstances, there have been, it’s not you know it’s not something’s not excused in any way. It is something that when we have these rush of applications that come in a single day, the number of people answering the phone there’s only a certain number of people who can. And then, things are going to happen. I mean, there’s no doubt that mistakes get made, if somebody gets cut off the phone line it’s not because there’s somebody on the other end who’s saying I don’t really want to do that work and hitting a button. That’s not what’s happening. And yeah you should see these IDES employees. TheRE are people who are you know yelling at them because they’re angry about their situations, but the IDES employees are working so hard to try to get the job done. And I just want you to know that for people who are continuing to have difficulties, please keep trying. I’ve been, we’ve been doing our best to expand the ability, both to take phone line calls, as well as online applications.
* If they are unable to find childcare, can they continue to receive unemployment? There are those who say that they are fearful that they won’t be able to go back to their job because they have nowhere to send their children, then therefore what do they do well quit right so that’s one of the things…
Well, number one, as you know, we created emergency licenses and we’ve licensed to more than 2500 I think we’re at about 2650 or more emergency childcare locations. Remember, you have to back up to second This isn’t a desire on any of our part to limit childcare. The idea here is that with everything that we know especially the, the, the potential that there are COVID related illnesses that can befall children that we want to make sure that we’re also limiting the social interaction the numbers of people that are in a childcare setting, both the children and the adults. And so, this is obviously a difficult circumstance when you think about most childcare facilities have many more than 10 children they may have, you know, 15 or 20 in a space and then they have multiple spaces, and they often are you know running into each other in the hallways. Under normal circumstances so when you you know when we have a pandemic and mystery, you know, that is COVID-19, that we’re all trying to unravel. And we’re trying to protect people. We’ve got to move to what’s the best way to protect them and so moving to these emergency 10 person 10 child facilities has been the best thing to do. Now we also need much more child care. And so we’re working with childcare providers … I really believe in providing childcare for families. It’s something I’ve worked on a long time and I’ve been expanding into the state of Illinois before COVID-19 came along. So it’s something I believe in. So we are working with childcare providers to try to figure out how in their facilities where we’ve only said you could have 10. Is there a way to keep children separated in groups of 10 without having the kind of interactions that you normally would have in a childcare facility, between all the people the teachers that are there the childcare providers and the children themselves so we’re working on it we have a task force of childcare providers who are motivated trust me to want to open their facilities and I am motivated because I know as we get people back to work, they need more childcare so we’ve been at this for some time. Suffice to say my deputy governor and my first Assistant Deputy Governor are on top of it, working with this task force to make sure we expand.
[There was a long question and a long answer on contact tracing. Not much new, so we’ll skip to the privacy angle.]
* Apple and Google are now out with apps that have these abilities to do some of that contract tracing work. So, can you respond to that particularly given Illinois biometrics laws and limitations fears about breaches?…
Privacy is a huge concern, online privacy huge concern. We have good laws on the books today, we probably need even more privacy legislation. But suffice to say there’s nothing that we’re going to do with our contact tracing that will violate those laws. And the Apple and Google apps that you’re talking about is something that, genuinely I’m a little concerned about because it it potentially and I don’t know the intricacies of it, but I’ve read enough to say it potentially could invade someone’s privacy. Having said that, we do need to make sure that we’re doing our best at all levels to identify contacts and this may be, it may be a worthwhile thing for us to do if we can maintain people’s privacy.
* So when it comes to the budget, your original proposal called for putting money in reserves that counted on your graduated income tax constitutional amendment getting approved in November’s election. Is that still what you want to happen or given the great many other unknowns, having to do with borrowing what we will or will not get with the from the feds how conservative do you plan to be in terms of spending with all of those outliers those monster questions?…
Well, let’s be clear that the budget that is now in the General Assembly is one that the General Assembly has worked very hard on. It comes with an outline that that perhaps started with what I had in February proposed. But today is much different. I mean obviously we are in a much different situation for our state. So I’m gonna look at what the legislature has done. Our team has been responsive to questions the legislature has put to us. You know, we need to make sure that we’re working together as best we can to have a budget that pays the bills for the state. And as I’ve said many times before, we have a sincere hope and belief that there will be help that comes from the federal government because without it, this state and states all across the nation will end up laying off firefighters and police officers and nurses and and so many other people in the services that people need exactly in one of the worst economic circumstances that we’ve had will go away without that federal help.
* Rep. Fred Crespo … said that he’s talked with IDES about answers. Says that it’s time for you to work with the legislature to do something about this problem. When’s that going to happen and what does that look like?…
Well we’ve talked to the legislature about, particularly with the budget as you know IDES is one of those agencies that was woefully inadequately funded for many years. And we talked about government getting hollowed out over the last few years, that’s just one of the agencies, but it is one of them. And you can imagine that well gee when the economy is getting better every year. People don’t pay much attention to the unemployment system because it’s, you know, too small, it doesn’t really affect that many people, that’s the theory that the General Assembly has gone by for many years now here we are, right with all that underfunding affecting idea so I am absolutely we first were working with them on making sure we get the right funding levels for it. Yes. And secondly, that we are working to use that funding to upgrade the systems that exist, and the people because there’s been a drop in the number of employees.
* Businesses have made significant sacrifices during the pandemic. How is your administration going to help offset the expected increased burden, because of unemployment insurance?…
Yeah. So again, two things to keep in mind. The first is typically unemployment is something that is an agreed upon, understanding between business and labor and employees, and so we’re going to continue that. But, as every state in the United States and I’ve talked to many Republican and Democratic governors about unemployment in particular and about the funding of unemployment. Again, this is part of what the cares Act, or this next heroes act addresses is unemployment support and we’re going to need that like every other state.
* Also with unemployment. When do you anticipate things getting back to normal? Peter Hancock capital news Illinois, are the programs now in place extended benefits and federally funded pandemic related extensions is going to be enough to carry people through?…
I’m concerned that it’s not enough. I’ll be honest with you I see the $600 extra that people got and are getting in unemployment benefits, even that, you know, added on top of the existing unemployment benefits it doesn’t seem to be enough. And when you think about the amount of time that … economists are saying that it might take us to get back to normal. I’m concerned that the typical number of weeks that are allowed and may not be enough.
* How realistic is it for the state to spend around the same next year as it spending this year, given the state’s dire financial situation?…
So, again, one of the challenges when you get into an emergency when you get into a, an economic downturn, is that you have not only a increased number of people unemployed, decreased number of people who are paying taxes. Revenues dropping for the state. You also have a massive increase in the amount of services that people need more middle class families, drop their income substantially people who’ve never needed the state’s supports perhaps. Now they need that support. So you you can’t say as a state, we’re just not going to help people. And that’s why we’ve asked the federal government like all the other states for help, we’re just trying to replace the revenues that were lost this is not anything more than that.
* Well, on that question about getting funding from the federal reserve fund for instance, I spoke with Congressman Rodney Davis today, he said you know it’s a good program glad the state’s looking into it but he says it still doesn’t take away the bad policies the state’s had in place for decades that have led to a lot of the underfunding that’s happened, even before the pandemic. Is it time to reassess those programs and the policies that have been in place to, you know, ensure that we’re ready for any other possible pandemics or any other disasters that may be down the pike?…
First of all, once again, if all we did was restore the state to where would have been, we still would have challenges, no doubt about it. And that’s not something that’sstarted this year, right, that’s something that existed for years before I became governor. So I think that Congressman Davis probably does understand that balancing the budget is a hugely important goal of mine, that I’ve been focused on since before I became governor. We balanced the budget we put the only budget that I put forward the first budget that I put forward, was a balanced budget and indeed, even reporting you could look at COGFA for numbers and others even reporting, up to the time of the pandemic. We were on track to have a mild surplus in the state something that hasn’t happened for a long time, which would have been used to pay down some of our bills. We were on track to do better. Obviously everybody has a different opinion about how much you should do how fast, and so on. But here we are. Look, here we are, we have to take care of people in our state, who need us. This is what government is for.
* After this is done, is it time to reassess the policies that have led to before the pandemic the incredible financial problems that the states had?…
Yeah. And as I say you know when you set aside, it’s hard to do that but setting aside the question of the effect that the pandemic has had on our budget, if you were able to put that aside, we’ve been making progress. And again we have differences of opinion about how fast that progress is and what we ought to be doing.
This is not a business though I want to be clear. Running government is not like running a business, you would take maybe different measures if you’re running a business here. Our job is to take care of people or, that is to say people who are in need, people who are falling through the cracks people who are in extreme poverty, people who now have lost their jobs, people who need medical care who no longer have insurance. So our job is to provide those services for them in government and so for people who want to make massive cuts in government today, think about who you’re doing that to you’re doing that to the middle class you’re doing that to the working class you’re doing that to the people who need government the most.
* Ohio has just canceled their 2020 State Fair, when do you expect to make a formal decision on the state fair here in Illinois, and if so, if it’s canceled, how do you comply with the state law that says the fair shall be held in DuQuoin and Springfield?…
We’re working on that now. I don’t have an answer for you, we’re still trying to figure out what we can do if there’s something we can do. But again, on the current situation of phase two, moving into phase three, we couldn’t do it within that timeframe, but it isn’t scheduled for that timeframe. So I’m very hopeful once again I’ve said all along that the greatest thing that would happen and I hope everybody will put this in their prayers today, would be an effective treatment and or a vaccine. Because if that happens, then we can do things like have. [garbled] So I do think it’d be something you may cancel it, but then revisit it and see if we can postpone it or something to that effect I think all of us enjoy the state fair so I mean I would love to make it happen. We just have to, you know, do the best we can.
* We’ve received a lot of calls from youth sports leagues wondering what specifications are in place for when phase three and 10 person gathering sizes are happening, mainly Have there been they’ve been wondering if there will only be 10 on a field or multiple groups of 10, can you offer any clarification, when it comes to the phase three for gatherings, when it comes to sports?…
We’re certainly working with IDPH to make sure that summer sports, to the extent we can do it with 10 or fewer people. You know that we want to make that happen. Again more outdoor activity within the parameters of what the epidemiologists are saying. I think it will be difficult to have crowds in the stand watching those games, but I know that there are literally games and other sports during the summer that perhaps could happen. And again we’re we’re working with IDPH or IDPH is working with folks who run those games to make sure that you know if you can do it that they’re done safely.
* Do you have a sort of apologies to those states [Florida, Georgia] for saying that they’re doing this wrong and jumping the gun and reopening their states?…
Well I think I expressed my deep concern and I think now you’re seeing that in Florida perhaps the data isn’t accurate. Right. They fired the person who was managing the data, and she says it was because she was reporting trying to report it accurately and couldn’t. So I look I can’t speak to you know the comparison I can only tell you that we’re in our state doing the best we can to open carefully. We’re not an outlier in any way there are many states that are following our lead and I think doing it in the right way. But look, our number one consideration again is to keep people out of the hospital and make sure that we are providing the healthcare service that people need and hopefully we can continue to reduce the outbreaks.
* When are state employees going to be back to work?…
In phase three there we bring it back. As you’ve seen DNR as we will open all the state parks, all the DNR employees will be back. We’re moving people back as fast as we can. But to be clear. Just as with offices, remember as we open in phase three lots of offices, businesses that are in offices have to follow certain social distancing guidelines and therefore telework will continue. That’s very likely to continue for state workers as well.
* Fox 32, numerous construction workers in the Chicago area are driving up to Wisconsin every day to work on a large construction project on your Kenosha County horse farm. You’ve been vocal about urging Illinois residents to not cross borders. Does this travel square with your advice? Are you concerned they’re traveling to a state that is essentially opened up?…
Well, first of all, they’re operating an essential function. Construction is an essential function. And second of all, they’re union employees that are going to do the work that they do. And I’ve never said that people can’t cross the border into another state. That’s not something I’ve said, I have urged people against crossing the border and going into situations in which there’s no social distancing, aren’t wearing, following any of these rules right away, not wearing face coverings not washing their hands. So you know all the things that can be happening in Wisconsin because they have literally no orders in place as far as I understand, except perhaps in certain local areas.
[That was some weak oppo. He’s paying unionized Illinois construction workers during a recession! The horror!]
* Governor a deal has been reached on workers compensation that enshrines the gist of what you wanted in your emergency rule with the ability for businesses to give a rebuttal. Do you regret putting that workers’ comp rule forward since it was ultimately struck down by a judge and worked out among stakeholders anyway?…
Well I’m glad that both sides were able to work on getting something done. Because that ultimately that’s the best solution for all. As you know we’ve been working in pandemic time right I mean everything is moving very fast, every day is like a week. And so we have to get things done, decisions need to be made. And so, you know, look, glad that we’re finally, we’ve got the right answer.
* Chicago’s mayor is still hopeful the tweaks for the Chicago casino will get legislative approval what’s going on with the negotiation?…
I can tell you this that I have encouraged every legislator that I talked to make sure that Chicago was able to get the casino bill passed. And it’s very important I think for not only for the city of Chicago, for their pensions, but also for jobs that will get created. And of course for the capital program for the state. Again, eventually casinos will reopen. I can’t tell you exactly when, but just by passing that bill at least give Chicago the ability to build the [garbled] to locate it. I don’t know where they will, and then build that casino. So I’m very much in favor and I want people to know that this is a hugely important priority for the city of Chicago.
* Dave Dahl wants to know what exactly can get done in a day and a half?…
Who has that question? [Dave Dahl, he was told.] He should know that miracles can happen in a day and a half in Springfield. I’ve only had one May in Springfield and we’ve seen an awful lot can happen in a day and a half.
* The Archdiocese of Chicago submitted a plan for what he wants to do in phase three, we’ve heard from other faith groups who expect to be given the same provisions will they have the same provisions in phase three as the Catholic Church?…
It’s appropriate that’s the question right after the miracles. But the answer is that the Catholic Church, I mean every church is different, and mosques and synagogues. And so we’ve tried to provide guidance where we’ve been asked. The city, I mean sorry that the Archdiocese of Chicago, did a terrific job with their plan, very detailed webinars and lots of detail. So I hope that other churches will take that lead from the Archdiocese.
* The AG removed Rep Bailey’s lawsuit against you to federal court and Bailey’s lawyers have asked to keep it in state court. Why remove the case to federal court, any response to Bailey’s latest request to keep it in state court?…
I mean, it’s the attorney general’s office who handles these things. It’s a legal manner. I would say, I think they they felt like there were federal issues at hand.
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BIMP amendment filed
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* SB1805 Amendment 2. Click here. Happy hunting.
And if you don’t care about the BIMP, click here for a walk down memory lane. “The Looch is loose!” Good times.
…Adding… And this appears to be the budget. At least, for now.
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Just grow up, already
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Mark Maxwell…
The veteran downstate legislator [Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon] who is preparing to pass the legislative baton of his rural State Senate district over to House Representative Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) next January was not entertained by Bailey’s public act of defiance when he refused to wear a face mask on the floor of the Illinois House on Wednesday. […]
In a two-minute speech from the floor of the makeshift House chamber at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center on Wednesday, Bailey cast himself as a martyr who speaks “on behalf of the people of Illinois who feel captive, burdened and unheard.”
In Righter’s view, it was Bailey’s own actions that effectively muted their voices when he complained over a wardrobe rule and voluntarily walked off the job. […]
“You have to be there,” he said. “I mean, there’s an old saying that, ‘Half the game is showing up.’ I think that you have to be there.” […]
Righter cautioned that defiant displays of disrespect likely won’t bode well for Bailey’s prospects of legislative success in the upper chamber.
“The mask issue is mostly, to me, about putting other people before yourselves, because — while I’m not concerned — I work with people, good people, Republicans and Democrats, who, for whatever reason, they are very concerned,” Righter said. “If I can do something very, very simple like don a mask, that helps them feel more at ease and helps them do their jobs better — which by the way, probably helps me down the road — then why wouldn’t I do that?”
But, all this assumes Bailey actually wants to get anything done in the General Assembly. So far, he has never shown even an inkling of interest in doing one darned thing except whatever temporarily benefits himself. He makes Jeanne Ives look like Barbara Currie. And that attitude will not go over well in the Senate, where even staunch conservatives generally behave like grownups…
* And when Sen. Righter retires, who’s going to advocate for Eastern Illinois University? Who’s going to put in the hard work that Righter did to make sure that part of the world gets its fair share from the state?
Nobody, that’s who, unless Bailey or one of his regional colleagues finally start acting like adults.
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2,268 new cases, 87 additional deaths
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 2,268 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 87 additional deaths.
Cook County: 1 male 20s, 1 male 30s, 1 female 40s, 1 male 40s, 2 females 50s, 6 males 50s, 3 females 60s, 5 males 60s, 2 females 70s, 5 males 70s, 2 males 80s, 8 males 80s, 3 females 90s, 4 males 90s
DuPage County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 90, 1 male 90s
Kane County: 1 male 30s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 2 males 80s, 4 females 90s
Kankakee County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 2 males 90s
Lake County: 1 female 60s, 2 females 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 female 90s
Livingston County: 1 male 70s
Madison County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
McHenry County: 1 female 70s
McLean County: 1 female 70s, 2 females 80s
Rock Island County: 1 female 90s
Sangamon County: 1 female 80s
Stephenson County: 1 male 60s
Will County: 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s
Winnebago County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 90s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 102,686 cases, including 4,607 deaths, in 100 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 29,307 specimens for a total of 672,020. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate, May 12-18, 2020 is 14%.
*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered. Information for deaths previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted.
* Dr. Ezike at the briefing…
As of last night, 4107 individuals were in the hospital with COVID-19. And of those, 1088 patients were in the ICU and 609 patients were on ventilators.
That’s a small uptick from yesterday.
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Question of the day
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Ted Schurter photo of Speaker Madigan today…
* The Question: Caption?
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* The headline is not a typo. Click here and scroll down and you’ll see Chicago’s population was 2,695,652 on April 1, 2010 and it was estimated at 2,693,976 on July 1, 2019. That’s a decrease of 1,676. I ran it through the calculator three times.
Yes, lots of people have moved out of Illinois, but that’s not the full story. More importantly, other cities and states have seen significant population increases during the same time period…
Since 2010, populations in cities in the southern and western regions of the United States experienced rapid growth. The South leads the way with 10 of the top 15 fastest-growing large U.S. cities, with a population of 50,000 or more, according to new population estimates for cities and towns, the Census Bureau reports today.
“Frisco, Texas, tops the list of the fastest-growing large cities with a growth rate of 71.1%, increasing its population by more than half since April 1, 2010,” says Amel Toukabri, chief of the Local Government Estimates and Migration Processing Branch in the Census Bureau’s Population Division. For a complete list, see fastest-growing large cities 2010-2019.
With respect to numeric change, cities in Texas are among those that have added the most people this decade. Collectively, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas increased by almost 933,600 people. This equals 39.5% of the roughly 2.4 million increase by the top 15 numeric gainers.
Among the 15 U.S. cities or towns with populations of 50,000 or more as of April 1, 2010, that had the largest numeric increases since 2010, eight were located in the South, five in the West, and one each in the Northeast and the Midwest. Phoenix, Ariz., tops the list of the 15 largest numeric gainers with an increase of over 234,300 people or an average of 25,330 people per year between 2010 and 2019. Aside from New York, New York, and Columbus, Ohio, the other cities making up the list of the largest numeric gainers were located in the South or West.
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COVID-19 roundup
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Debra Pressey at the News-Gazette…
Increased testing in Champaign County has recently turned up dozens of new cases a day — 27 were reported Wednesday — and many would otherwise have likely gone undetected.
“The majority of cases we’re seeing right now are asymptomatic or no symptoms,” said Awais Vaid, deputy administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.
* This needs to be addressed pronto…
After weeks of only treating emergencies, dentists in Illinois can now resume offering routine dental care, though there will be changes to office visits to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Yet many dentists say they’re struggling to find adequate personal protective equipment amid a national shortage — a potential roadblock to fully reopening.
“N95 masks and gowns are extremely hard to get, as are suitable face shields,” said Dr. Terri Tiersky, president of the Chicago Dental Society, who practices in north suburban Skokie. “We are all trying very hard to return to our patients, but we must do so safely, and we cannot do that without access to adequate amounts of the proper PPE.”
Dentists and hygienists are exposed to “as much or more aerosol spray than any other health care professional, but we seemingly haven’t been considered essential when it comes to obtaining vitally necessary PPE,” she added.
Which reminds me, I need to make an appointment.
* Burt Constable…
Almost everybody who gets a phone call from Elizabeth Thorn of the NorthShore University HealthSystem’s COVID-19 hotline has the same initial reaction.
“A sharp intake of breath,” the 36-year-old Lincolnshire woman says of the response when she introduces herself and explains why she is calling. What Thorn usually says next elicits a greater response.
“You have tested positive for COVID-19, so you do have the virus,” says Thorn, a former physical therapist and care transformation manager who is trained to handle whatever happens next.
“Many are shocked. Some are in tears. Some are devastated,” Thorn says. “I’ve done thousands of calls. Each phone call is as unique as the person on the other line.”
* Phil Luciano…
The daughter is stunned and saddened.
Her father, in his 80s, contracted COVID-19. While he was hospitalized, the family could not visit him, and he died alone. That was agonizing and heartbreaking.
But it’s not the worst part.
In the wake of his death, the daughter keeps getting peppered with a new kind of pain —- from friends, no less.
Day after day, she gets hit with insensitive questions and remarks about the disease that killed her dad. In the process, they cast the man — her loving, hard-working father —- as some sort of pariah.
“They make you feel like it’s a venereal disease,” she says.
* Back to the News-Gazette…
The University of Illinois System is expecting a financial hit this fiscal year from COVID-19 of about $167 million, its chief financial officer said at Thursday’s virtual board of trustees meeting.
Nearly $50 million of that comes from adjustments to student fees for housing, dining and other activities, Avijit Ghosh said. […]
The UI received $63 million from the federal CARES Act, of which 50 percent goes directly to students for coronavirus-related financial aid.
“Federal stimulus funding will provide some relief to the universities, but it will be inadequate to cover the costs I mentioned,” Ghosh said.
* Sun-Times live blog…
What are Chicagoans doing with their weekends during the coronavirus stay-at-home order?
Feds should do more to safeguard nursing homes from COVID-19, U. of C. expert tells Senate panel
Cicero nursing home where 10 died from coronavirus says current residents test negative
‘Cocktails for Hope’ would allow restaurants to sell carry-out drinks
If liquor stores, dispensaries are essential, why not churches? Willie Wilson asks
Seven in 10 Latinos worried about keeping up with rent, food, utilities during the pandemic, poll finds
CPS to allow drive-thru and home-visit graduation ceremonies
* Chicago Tribune live blog…
Cook County Board passes Sept. 30 disaster proclamation extension, property tax late fee waiver
Amazon Studios seeking Chicago essential workers for new docuseries
Admiral Theatre is among a bevy of adult businesses suing to get a PPP loan. So far, the nightclubs are winning.
Coronavirus ‘does not spread easily’ on contaminated surfaces: CDC
State unemployment office has doubled call center staff taking jobless claims, but complaints continue
Nearly 39 million US layoffs during pandemic; more than 1 million Illinois jobless claims since mid-March
City officials to announce mental health supports for Chicagoans
Self-swab tests coming to 17 CVS drive-thru sites in Illinois
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, sun and sand are calling. But when will the beaches open?
Residents say they are being kept in the dark about COVID-19 as nearly 90 deaths are recorded at low-income housing in Chicago.
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* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate jumped +12.2 percentage points to 16.4 percent, while nonfarm payrolls shed -762,200 jobs in April, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact Illinois businesses and households, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The monthly unemployment rate rose to a new record high since current methodologies were enacted in 1976 and the monthly decline in nonfarm payroll jobs also set a record. The March monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report from -34,100 to -60,900 jobs. The March unemployment rate was also revised from the preliminary report, from 4.6 percent to 4.2 percent, as a result of a downward revision to the number of people in the labor force in March.
The April payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflects activity for the week including the 12th. The BLS has published FAQs for the April payroll jobs and the unemployment rate.
The state’s unemployment rate was +1.7 percentage point higher than the record high national unemployment rate reported for April, which was 14.7 percent, up +10.3 percentage points from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was up +12.2 percentage points from a year ago when it was 4.2 percent.
The three-month average Illinois payroll employment estimate was down -278,200 jobs during the February to April three-month period, compared to the January to March three-month period. The largest average declines were found in Leisure and Hospitality (-107,800), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-37,700) and Professional and Business Services (-36,800).
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our economy, as has been the case in states across the nation,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “As we move to safely reopen much of our economy, we are focused on ensuring working families and small business have the resources they need to recover, and we urge the federal government to step up and provide additional relief.”
“As Illinois tackles this unprecedented crisis, Governor Pritzker has taken action to support a swift public health recovery that will in turn enable residents and businesses to make an economic recovery,” said Erin Guthrie, Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “This administration’s focus on workforce development, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, and creating new industries will help us start to bring Illinoisans back to work and rebuild our economy.”
Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll employment decreased by -822,800 jobs, with losses across all major industries. The industry groups with the biggest jobs decreases were: Leisure and Hospitality (-320,500), Professional and Business Services (-119,800) and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-110,000). Illinois nonfarm payrolls were down -13.4 percent over-the-year as compared to the nation’s -12.9 percent over-the-year decline in April.
The number of unemployed workers increased dramatically from the prior month, a +280.3 percent increase to 1,004,400, a new record high, and was up +270.6 percent over the same month for the prior year. The labor force was down -2.9 percent over-the-month and -5.2 percent over-the-year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment.
An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
April year-over year: Mining -1,300 jobs; Construction -28,700, Manufacturing -65,800; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities -110,000; Information -6,600; Financial Activities -8,600; Professional and Business Services -119,800; Educational and Health Services -77,100; Leisure and Hospitality -320,500; Other Services -48,500; Government -35,900.
…Adding… Oof…
…Adding… IDES…
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) today released new statewide data showing the department processed 72,780 new initial claims for regular unemployment benefits during the week ending May 16. The department has now processed 1,226,394 claims for unemployment benefits from March 1 through May 16. This amount is 12 times the number of claims the department processed over the same period last year, when IDES processed just 93,000 claims for regular unemployment benefits.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, launched May 11, processed 74,515 initial claims in its first week. PUA provides 100% federally-funded unemployment benefits for individuals who are unemployed for specified COVID-19-related reasons and are not eligible for the state’s regular unemployment insurance program, the extended benefit (EB) program under Illinois law, or the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program (PEUC), including independent contractors and sole-proprietors. Up to 39 weeks’ worth of benefits are potentially available under the program for COVID-19-related unemployment claims.
IDES processed 36,367 Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation claims (PEUC), which provides up to 13 weeks’ worth of 100% federally funded benefits to individuals who have exhausted their regular state unemployment benefits. PEUC is potentially available for weeks beginning on or after March 29, 2020 and continuing through the week ending December 26, 2020.
The Department also announced state extended benefits (EB) are now available to those who exhaust the allotted 26 weeks of regular state unemployment and the additional 13 weeks of federal PEUC benefits. EB provides an additional 13 weeks of regular unemployment benefits and is made available when the state experiences a high unemployment rate. The Illinois unemployment rate currently sits at 16.4%.
*** UPDATE *** Oy…
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The Democrats’ favorite Republican
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* A House Republican sent me this spot-on email today. Posted with permission…
Yesterday should have been a great day for the Republicans. We’ve been asking for weeks to be brought back into session, and on the first day back, the Republicans on JCAR held firm and forced the repeal of the IDPH rule which would have allowed small business owners to be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Leader Durkin spoke well on the floor and properly shamed a protester who went over the top with Holocaust references.
But were those the stories of the day? Of course not, it was the Darren Bailey Show, where everyone played their assigned parts to perfection. The Speaker was able to fracture our caucus with his rule-making authority, Bailey got another 15 minutes of fame and the Governor was able to duck serious criticism of his disastrous rule. It’s rare that the Republican Caucus gets an opportunity to get the kind of positive exposure it deserved yesterday, and it was totally squandered.
Bailey ought to be thanking us for throwing this party on his behalf, and both the Governor and the Speaker should be wearing big Darren Bailey buttons with the message “My Favorite Republican.”
…Adding… Leader Durkin did try to talk some sense into Bailey yesterday. A Ted Schurter pic…
…Adding… The protesters are gone, so he’s lost his audience…
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Member Impact
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
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* Jon Seidel at the Sun-Times…
One day before a hearing scheduled to be held before a skeptical downstate judge that threatened his stay-at-home order, a lawyer for Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday moved a lawsuit from Rep. Darren Bailey out of state court in Clay County and into federal court.
It wasn’t immediately clear what the move would mean for the court hearing on Friday before Clay County Judge Michael McHaney, who has already said “the Bill of Rights is being shredded” by the stay-at-home order. If nothing else, it could delay a ruling. Tom DeVore, Bailey’s attorney, told the Chicago Sun-Times Thursday it is a “stall tactic.”
“The governor’s trying to buy time,” said DeVore, who added that there are “zero federal issues raised” in Bailey’s lawsuit.
Legal experts told the Sun-Times parties can move cases from state court to federal court if there is a constitutional issue at play, but opposing parties can fight the move. State lawyer Thomas Verticchio wrote in Thursday’s removal notice that Bailey’s lawsuit “seeks redress for alleged deprivations of Bailey’s federal constitutional rights caused by actions taken under color of state law.” […]
A state court judge in Sangamon County also on Tuesday denied a request for a temporary restraining order against Pritzker sought by a running store. That case had been moved to Sangamon County from Peoria County.
* From the AG’s notice of removal filed in federal court…
Federal courts have long exercised jurisdiction over challenges to allegedly ultra vires state quarantine orders. See, e.g., Compagnie Francaise de Navigation a Vapeur v. State Bd. of Health, 186 U.S. 380, 386, 393-94 (1902) (exercising appellate jurisdiction based on due process protections in the Fomieenth Amendment over challenge to allegedly ultra vires state quarantine order). This Court has original jurisdiction in this case because Bailey challenges an allegedly ultra vires quarantine order that he alleges has deprived him of his liberty interest without the procedural due process to which he is entitled under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Second, Bailey seeks to redress an alleged violation ofhis right to free exercise of religion. (See, e.g., Am. Comp!., Ex. A, ii 71, seeking redress for Governor’s alleged actions “preventing Bailey from attending worship services.”) The freedom of religion that Bailey alleges to have been violated, and for which Bailey seeks redress, is secured by the United States Constitution. See U.S. Const. amend. I; Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. City of Hialeah, 508 U.S. 520, 532 (1993). The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, as applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment, forbids the Governor, in his official capacity, from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof[.]” U.S. Const. amend. I.
Third, Bailey seeks to redress an alleged violation of his right to freedom of travel. (See, e.g., Am. Comp!., Ex. A, ifif 105-110, seeking redress for Governor’s alleged actions “restrict[ing] … citizen’s movement.”) The freedom to travel that Bailey alleges to have been violated, and for which Bailey seeks redress, is secured by the United States Constitution. See Attorney Gen. of New York v. Soto-Lopez, 476 U.S. 898, 901-02 (1986) (”Freedom to travel throughout the United States has long been recognized as a basic right under the Constitution.”) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted) (collecting cases).
Fourth, Bailey seeks to redress an alleged violation of Article IV, Section 4 of the United States Constitution, which provides that “[t]he United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government.” Bailey’s complaint alleges that the Governor, through the disaster proclamations and executive orders that Bailey seeks to void, has seized “unilateral control over the movement and livelihood of eve1y citizen in the State. The legislative branch during this period of executive rule under the emergency powers has been rendered meaningless.” (See, e.g., Am. Comp!., Ex. A, ifif 84-85.) In other words, Bailey alleges that the Governor’s actions have transformed the state government of Illinois to such a degree that Illinois no longer enjoys the “Republican Form of Government” guaranteed by the United States Constitution. U.S. Const. art. IV, § 4.
Because Bailey’s action seeks redress for alleged deprivation of at least four rights secured by the United States Constitution, this Court has original jurisdiction over Bailey’s action under 28 U.S.C. § 1343(a)(3), and removal is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1441(a) and§ 1446.
…Adding… From the AG’s office…
The Attorney General’s office will continue to defend the governor’s constitutional and statutory right to act to protect the health and safety of all Illinois residents.
The law gives a defendant the right to remove a case to federal court when a plaintiff files a complaint in state court alleging a violation of rights that are enshrined the U.S. Constitution, and we have done so in several other cases challenging the governor’s executive orders. Because Mr. Bailey’s amended complaint alleges violations of his federal constitutional rights, we removed his case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
The AG’s office also sent a copy of the Sangamon County judicial opinion. Click here.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
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*facepalm emoji*
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* BGA PolitiFact…
But it isn’t only social media users who have perpetuated the conspiracy theory the virus was bioengineered. In Illinois, a prominent state politician suggested the same thing:
“This man-made killer — whoever went in there and man-made it, perhaps they should be in there now trying to figure out how to turn this around,” Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford of Maywood said during a May 15 appearance on Fox 32.
“I don’t believe it’s a natural virus,” Lightford continued, after the program’s host asked Lightford if she thinks the virus did not occur naturally. “I believe someone was in cahoots for some reason and I think it just got a little bit out of control and spread a whole lot further than they anticipated.”
But to leading experts, the research is clear: the genetic structure of the virus shows it could not have been created in a lab — or be “man-made,” as Lightford claimed.
An article published March 17 in Nature Medicine says the genetic makeup of the coronavirus does not indicate it was altered. Instead, the researchers who conducted the analysis present two plausible explanations for the origin of the virus: natural selection in an animal host, or natural selection in humans after the virus spread from animals. […]
“I have nothing to back it up,” she wrote in a text in response to our call. “I was generally speaking. Only my opinion.”
Unreal.
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* Greg Hinz…
Some details are still in flux, but it looks like lawmakers are settling on a plan as to how to balance the proposed 2021 budget as state finances reel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan: borrowing up to $4.5 billion from a special Federal Reserve program. […]
The borrowing apparently would occur under a Federal Reserve program in which the bank has the authority to lend up to $500 billion to states and municipalities. The U.S. Treasury Department has the authority to cover up to $35 billion in losses, with the loans to have maturities of up to three years.
Officials here hope the borrowing will serve as “sort of a bridge loan,” covering state cash needs until either Washington Republicans relent and agree to boost direct financial aid to state and municipalities or voters this fall enact Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed graduated income tax amendment, one source told me.
With the money, the state will be able to make its full statutory pension payment and avoid major layoffs or cuts in aid to schools and other local governments, multiple sources close to the matter told me.
The idea, I’m told, is that Congress will come through with an aid package and the loan can be paid back quickly. But we’ll see.
* Yvette Shields at the Bond Buyer…
Legislative sources cautioned that the amount of borrowing and the overall budget plans are still fluid and have not been finalized. The state must close a $6 billion to $7 billion gap in the next fiscal year that begins July 1.
Pritzker said he remains hopeful that federal aid will eventually pass Congress and the state won’t have to turn to borrowing.
“We hope not” to fully use the proposed authorization “because there is a state and local funding bill that is working its way through the Congress,” Pritzker said when asked if the state would tap the full $4.5 billion amount during his daily briefing Wednesday on the state’s response to the pandemic. […]
As previously reported by The Bond Buyer, Pritzker’s administration on Friday said the state would submit a notice of interest to potentially tap the program to competitive sell its $1.2 billion of one-year certificates that are on the day-to-day calendar. Under the new program, the state has access to nearly $9.7 billion of MLF borrowing based on its applicable revenues. […]
The debt authorization requires a three-fifths majority of the Illinois Legislature. Pritzker is a Democrat and Democrats hold a three-fifths majority in both chambers.
Senate Democrats were missing three members yesterday, so they’ll still have enough to pass something with a three-fifths majority if everyone sticks around and sticks together and the Republicans refuse to play ball. The House Democrats had four excused absences yesterday, at least one of whom returns today (Rep. Conroy). That’s cutting it awful close.
…Adding… I’m told another HDem will also return today.
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* Press release…
– After consulting with local officials and experts at the National Weather Services, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is initiating sandbagging operations to assist communities along the Illinois River with flood fighting efforts. The National Weather Service is forecasting major river flooding over the next several days for portions of the Illinois River, as well as moderate to minor flooding along nine other rivers in Illinois. To supplement the local efforts, Governor JB Pritzker has activated nearly 60 Illinois National Guard soldiers for State Active Duty to assist with the state’s response efforts.
To date, four counties have declared local disaster declarations to provide the necessary resources to initiate the local flood response. Similarly, Governor JB Pritzker has issued a state disaster proclamation for Grundy, Pike, Scott and Morgan counties. The declaration will ensure state support to communities that are shoring up local levees to protect communities from rising river levels.
“I have directed all agencies in my administration to doing everything possible to help local communities prepare for and respond to the potential flood risks presented in the current forecast,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “COVID-19 has altered every facet of our lives, and that includes how we respond to emergencies or disasters. Our public safety agencies are working together to provide guidelines that limit potential exposures and keep everyone safe.”
The men and women called to State Active Duty will see a change in normal operations to address the COVID-19 environment. All guardsmen will be tested for COVID-19 prior to deployment into the local communities. Additionally, they will be issued PPE to use while working in conditions where they cannot appropriately implement social distancing procedures, and they will be housed within the community to ensure the virus is not being brought into the affected communities.
According to the National Weather Service, the Illinois River at Meredosia is projected to reach major flood stage (24ft) on Saturday morning and continue to rise through mid-week. Without additional flood protective measures, several levees can overtop and roads can flood near the river. In Meredosia, the village’s 980 residents could be in jeopardy of losing their homes and lives.
“Flooding kills more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “In the coming days, flash flooding will be a concern as we see additional precipitation fall on already saturated soils. Now is the time to take actions to protect your family and property from potential flooding.”
To assist with the state’s flood fighting efforts, the Department of Corrections has initiated sandbags operations at three facilities: Jacksonville, Mt. Sterling and Pittsfield. These facilities are currently free of COVID-19. While IDOC facilities remain on lockdown, protocols have been put in place to allow offenders to safely perform these critical functions. These include initiating a social distancing workflow, issuing PPE to workers and limiting the individuals coming in and out of the facility.
The Illinois Department of Transportation will be assisting local authorities by delivering truckloads of sand and filled sandbags to the affected areas. All drivers have been instructed to wear appropriate PPE while working in a flood operation environment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Additionally, county emergency managers are working with their local health departments to put forth guidance to protect those working to build up local levees. That guidance includes daily temperature checks, implementing social distancing parameters, issuing PPE to workers, and reassigning at-risk workers to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
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Illinois set to greatly expand vote by mail
Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tina Sfondeles…
The elections omnibus measure would allow for a vote-by-mail application to be sent to any voter who previously voted-by-mail or who cast a ballot in 2018, 2019 or 2020. It would also allow any Illinois resident who filled out a change of address or a voter registration application between the March 17 primary and July 31 to be sent a vote-by-mail application.
The measure also includes language designed to provide more election judges, in light of the mess of the March primary in which many older election judges opted out for safety concerns.
Under the new measure, any U.S. citizen 16 or older would be able to serve as an election judge. High school students, community college and university students would be notified of their option to serve as election judges, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security would be required to notify the unemployed that they could serve as an election judge.
Election Day would also be considered a holiday.
The holiday wouldn’t apply to businesses, just government and schools.
…Adding… I should note that most of the bill’s changes are only for this year’s general election.
The language is here. As I told subscribers earlier this week, its contents are very similar to the House Democratic Women’s Caucus list of ideas from last week.
* Sun-Times editorial…
As the bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said, “Our goal is to ensure the greatest possibility of access for citizens to be able to go and cast votes in November in the pandemic.”
Illinois already has a comparatively voter-friendly system of elections. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day are counted even if they arrive two week later. No witness signature is needed to vote by mail. And unlike with absentee ballots, no one has to provide an excuse for voting by mail, such as an illness.
Illinois can do even better to ensure full and fair elections this fall.
…Adding… The bill was advanced to the floor today. Some stories…
* Bill to expand vote-by-mail heads to House floor
* Vote by mail expansion moves to House floor
* Despite concerns, measure expanding vote-by-mail in Illinois advances
…Adding… I’m hearing the Senate may take up this bill tonight…
…Adding… Now the SDems are saying that it may not be taken up tonight.
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* From the House floor today…
Rep. Chris Welch: I still see that there are some folks on the floor that do not have their masks on. I’d like to ask that those who are not in compliance with this rule that was passed in a bipartisan way that they’d come into compliance with the rules of the House.
Rep. Jay Hoffman in the Speaker’s chair: So we’ll take a moment for compliance, please everyone.
Rep. Welch: Mr Speaker, I see that one member is not in compliance with the rules of the House. And I’d like to ask Representative Bailey if he would come into compliance with the rules that have been passed in a bipartisan matter here this afternoon.
Rep. Hoffman: Representative Bailey, will you comply with the House rules?
Rep. Darren Bailey: I will not. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Rep. Welch: Representative Bailey has noted for the record, that he does not intend to come into compliance with the House rules. This is not something that I want to do that I must to enforce the rules of the House. So at this time I’m making a motion to remove Representative Bailey from the House floor until such time that he is willing to come into compliance with the House rules.
Rep. Hoffman: Representative Welch has made a motion to remove Representative Bailey from the House floor for non compliance with the House rules. Is there any discussion?
Rep. Dan Caulkins: You know, I’ve lived 73 years, I’ve been through a lot of things. And this is probably one of the most, and then let me just, let me put it this way, every person in this room is free of COVID-19. We’ve all taken a test. There wasn’t any person in here that’s the fact that this is the safest building, public space in the state of Illinois. We are social distancing, we’re maintaining our space. And if someone chooses to exercise their right. I don’t think that we should take punitive action against them. I think this is a mistake. I would ask you to withdraw your motion. I think this sets sets us up for the environment. None of us are threatened. None of our families here here. I have no fear of any of you. And I don’t think any of you should have any fear of me. So I would request that you please withdraw your motion. Thank you.
Rep. Mark Batinick: I’m as frustrated as everybody that we’re wearing masks right now. I know everybody wants to see my cheery smile. But frankly if it made everybody feel comfortable that I had to, you know, tap my head 10 times above my belly at the same time to make everybody feel comfortable about going about their business, I would do it because I’m about, you know, this is for some, this is symbolic. And I understand the symbolism of it. But I think there’s more important things that we are doing with their time right now so I just urge all of our members to comply for the rest of the week, and and get on with people’s business. Thank you.
Rep. Mike Zalewski: If you’re not going to do it for your own personal volition, please do it for the staff that work incredibly hard to stand up, a temporary House chamber for three straight days, of important workers, the first responders here. We have staff here that are [garbled] the building. We have our staff here. And none of us can guarantee we’re COVID negative over the course of the next three days. And none of us can guarantee that we’re going to be safe when really added to. So if you’re not going to do it for yourself if you’re not going to do it for your colleagues, respectfully, as a matter of course, please do it for your staff, and those that are very hard to give up the people’s business. I support the gentleman’s motion.
Rep. Dan Brady: Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, the House. Just a point to make to the earlier comment. So one of my colleagues said this may be the safest building that there is because of all the safety precautions we’re taking. I think the purpose of the House rules change is to ensure that keep this building that way. I think the people that sent us here to represent them today and all this turmoil that’s going on … whatever district you represent. But those people intended for us to focus our time. … Ladies and gentlemen of the House, we hear it all the time, we’re all in this together. So let’s be together. Let’s show the people there in the light. We’re here to get things moving and open across the state.
This is a rush transcript, so please pardon all transcription errors.
* The roll call on Rep. Welch’s motion…
* Escorted from the House…
…Adding… The rule was adopted earlier today 97-12. So some folks flip-flopped when it came to actually enforcing it.
…Adding… From the pool report…
Prior to session reconvening after caucus on Wednesday, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, who was wearing a mask spoke for several minutes with unmasked Rep. Darren Bailey.
When the House returned to session, Durkin urged all members to comply with the new rules.
“We cannot ignore nor compromise the health and safety of every member of the General Assembly, their family members, every one of our staffers who works tirelessly for us,” Durkin said.
*** UPDATE *** This guy…
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* Gov. Pritzker at his daily briefing…
When I introduced our reopening framework. I said that we can and we will make our restore Illinois plan smarter as we move forward. That is as true today as it was a few weeks ago. We are by no means out of the woods, the virus is still causing sickness and taking lives, but directionally things are getting better.
And because of these advances we’re able to make some modifications to allow more activity during phase three of our reopening plan, restore Illinois, which all regions of Illinois appear to be on track to reach by the end of May.
Every day from the beginning of this pandemic my team and I have been in close consultation with public health experts, both inside and outside government to discuss when and how we can return, different elements of everyday life for Illinoisans. Our mission has always been to get people back to work, get students back to school and return to as much normalcy as possible without jeopardizing the health and safety of Illinoisans. To do so, we’ve listened and learned and tracked the science and the data every day to ensure that we’re taking the best possible approach based on that work. The experts have indicated that we can build on to our plan to bring back more activities faster, as long as Illinoisans continue to do as we have been doing adhering to precautions and safety measures to keep each other safe.
I want to begin by talking about bars and restaurants, many of which are the beloved institutions that make the cities and towns of Illinois so special. The local diner, the corner bar with friendly servers and bartenders and owners known to the whole community. Tragically, they were some of the first and hardest hit by this pandemic. To date, my administration is delivered 10s of millions of dollars of assistance to small businesses, including two bars and restaurants. The industry employs hundreds of thousands of people in every corner of our state and financial assistance, isn’t enough. So it’s been important to me to reopen them, but only if it can be done in a way that keeps its employees and customers safe.
Given what is known about how this virus spreads in closed spaces, our public health experts made the decision early on that bars and restaurants should not open their regular indoor food service, and that’s still the case, until we reach phase four.
That has turned out to be a good public health decision. But we have to put public health first. And that means the safety and peace of mind of consumers and employees alike. But the epidemiologists now believe that summer offers us an opportunity, if proper precautions are taken by businesses and their patrons. So after listening to and working with restaurant industry representatives, together with our epidemiologists.
Today I’m announcing an additional option for bars and restaurants interested in resuming operations earlier. Opening for outdoor seating when phase three begins, likely for everyone just nine days from now. With the right restrictions, tables, six feet apart, and away from the sidewalks masks and distancing measures for staff and other precautions. The experts believe that these services can open at a risk comparable to other outdoor activities, and give our hospitality industry, a much needed boost, as they work to keep their businesses on their feet during this terrible crisis.
Please remember to pardon all transcription errors.
* More…
On that note, I want to encourage municipalities and mayors who are interested in helping restaurants expand their outdoor seating options to do whatever is in their power and best fits their communities to help these restaurants. We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of creativity from every corner of the state throughout this crisis and I have no doubt that Illinois will continue that spirit as we pave our way forward.
Looking ahead, I also want to elaborate on next steps for outdoor activities. As laid out in Restore Illinois, phase three permits all gatherings, not just essential ones of 10 people or fewer. That means if you want to go enjoy a picnic in the park or walk with nine other people, you can just remember to wear a mask or face covering when social distancing can’t be maintained.
With this new 10 person gathering limit our restriction around outdoor activities and phase three,we’ll see some changes. That means, boating, or camping with up to 10 people is welcome in boats that are an appropriate size to hold that number.
Illinois is also allowing the reopening of indoor and outdoor tennis facilities with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits.
* More…
As for golfers, in phase three courses can allow foursomes out on the same tee times. Carts will also be permitted with only one person per cart, or one immediate household member per cart.
With significant work to determine staffing and safety measures, all state parks will reopen on May 29, all concessions will reopen as well under guidelines set for our retail and food service businesses in phase three.
* And more…
Additionally, in the coming days we will be providing guidance on how other outdoor recreational businesses, such as driving ranges ,outdoor shooting ranges and paintball courses can safely open their doors in phase three.
And on the topic of the days ahead I want to remind everyone of the other businesses and activities already laid out for phase three. In phase three personal care services like nail salons, beauty salons, spas, tattoo shops, hair braiders and barber shops, can open with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits for health clubs gyms and fitness studios one on one. Personal training in indoor facilities and outdoor fitness classes of up to 10 people are allowed with precautions adhered to. And all retail stores, basically any store that wasn’t already opened as an essential business can choose to open their doors to an in person shopping with IDPH safety precautions and capacity limits in place.
* More…
The virus has not gone away. Other states that have thrown out restrictions and decided to just go without regulation are seeing rising cases and beginning to see rising hospitalizations. Here in Illinois, we have followed the science and we’re succeeding. But we can’t let up now. We’ve come too far and we’ve made so much progress because we’ve kept social distance worn face coverings in public, washed our hands frequently and taking care of our most vulnerable to the best of our ability. We must persevere, Illinois. This road is a long one. And I know that it’s hard to see that heat on display by recent protesters who ignore that we’ve lost thousands of Illinoisans to this virus. Thousands more are fighting for their lives in our hospitals, and our medical professions, and our medical professionals are heroically working around the clock to save lives. perspective is often difficult to find from up close, but the way the vast majority of the people of the state have come together in this, in this moment is truly incredible. I have never been more proud of Illinois.
* Sam Toia of the Illinois Restaurant Association…
Today’s announcements provides a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel. The governor’s action to allow for expanded outdoor dining options will be benefit to many, at a time when every dollar counts. We recognize that this action will not provide a solution for every operator, but it’s a step in the right direction for restaurant diners. […]
Let’s close down the streets, let’s expand sidewalk cafes that use parking lots and public ways. Let’s show the world how innovative Illinois can be. Again, while we recognize this solution won’t apply to all operators. It’s a step in the right direction and presents an opportunity for Illinois to demonstrate our leadership and innovation
* Back to Gov. Pritzker…
I want to address my administration’s emergency rule authorizing an additional compliance mechanism relating to our stay at home order, assisting local law enforcement and state’s attorneys in their work to keep people safe. The majority of states from our Midwest colleagues like Ohio and Wisconsin to other republican led states like Georgia and Florida have or have had a broader range of enforcement mechanisms relating to their stay at home orders. This temporary emergency rule brought Illinois in line with this national practice, giving local officials more flexibility in their ability to enforce this order with a simple citation that flexibility is the critical piece of this, the state already has enforcement authority, through an IDPH closure order or the revocation of a business license. But those tools are harsher measures than anybody, including me, is interested in pursuing. A business that chooses not to follow the rules can recover from a fine. It is much more expensive to deal with being stripped of a license or forced to close.
The General Assembly has now returned to its operations for the first time since March, and in consultation with leadership in the statehouse, my administration has decided to withdraw this rule in order to pursue legislation with the same intended mechanism in a phased manner in line with the Restore Illinois plan.
Enacting this measure through legislation will allow us to have these tools through our the Restore Illinois plan versus an emergency rule that would be withdrawn and rewritten at the start of phase three and then phase four. I’m here today with Illinois State Police director Brendan Kelly as well as Leader Bill Cunningham, who is sponsoring this legislation. I urge the General Assembly to take up and pass this legislation this week. Given the importance of what we are trying to do here, we will look to file an additional rule if legislation does not occur.
* Senate President Pro Tempore Bill Cunningham…
I want to focus on a point that the governor just made, that being that the legislature is back in session this week. So we all know that has not been the case for several weeks. In the absence of the legislature, the governor and his administration the various agencies in the administration have had to promulgate emergency rules. Many of those rules are meant to be aligned with the governor’s executive order related to staying safe during the coronavirus crisis.
By virtue of the fact that we’re here in town, we’ve talked with the governor, both members of the Joint Committee on administrative rules which I am the co-chairman of, and the leadership in both chambers. And we think it’s appropriate that we deal with this problem through the regular legislative order, and that’s what we’re committed to do this week. I think I can speak for myself and I believe a number of other legislators that we agree with the intent of the Department of Public Health, when it comes to enforcing the governor’s stay at home order. We’ve had some disagreements about the exact process, but now we’ll be able to delve into those things here in the legislature. That’s the way the process is intended to work, and we’re looking forward to working with a governor on developing a, I think a really important and sensible piece of legislation.
* Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly…
This is probably the most difficult public policy problem that law enforcement has faced, certainly in our lifetimes. Balancing the need for public health and public safety, as well as the need for personal rights and personal concerns and the ability for people to live their lives. This is an extremely difficult problem, and the men and women of law enforcement have risen to the challenge at every stage to do everything they can to protect the public health and these very different difficult circumstances.
* More Director Kelly…
Let me say from the very beginning it has been the governor’s intent and the governor’s direction from day one, that no one be arrested. No one be taken to jail. No one be put in that situation for violating the conditions of the executive order or any emergency rule, and that is the case today. The Illinois state police have not taken anybody to jail for violations of the executive order, or for any of the conditions related to emergency rules promulgated by any agency during the pandemic. […]
No one wants to take somebody’s liquor license permanently and put that business out of business. Absent that act, absent those measures the Illinois Department of Public Health Act which has been on the books for many years, we are left with enforcement of any type of rule that falls under the Illinois Department of Public Health Act.
Now that the senator, Leader Cunningham and the governor as they’ve mentioned today are moving forward with some type of legislation, what’s important is that we get what all law enforcement has been seeking throughout this process, and that we hope to see at the end of this process is consistency clarity and fairness.
* On to questions for the governor. Can you explain what this new bill will do and why you think it will have Republican support, or do you care whether it has Republican support?…
Leader Cunningham: I think it’s fair to say that there was a bit of an overreaction to the original rule. And that I think was created by the fact that it referred to a Class a misdemeanor.
Now, as the director said there was never any intent to see anyone arrested. There is a provision of a misdemeanor that allows for a fine. That was the intent. That was the intended enforcement tool, not a criminal charge that would allow that would end up in detention.
So we want to clarify that that is not part of our effort that we if there was any sanction in place, it would not be anything beyond it fine. That would be adjudicated in the civil court system, or through some administrative system, and not through the criminal courts.
We also, as has been mentioned, want to avoid revoking licenses that could have, I think, a long lasting negative effect on a business.
What we want to have is something that our public health departments and the police departments that they work in concert with to have tools to enforce the stay at home order, make sure businesses are following aspects of that order. And I think it’s fair to say we would like to do it with a soft touch. That is the intent of the legislation.
Obviously we will go through the process with both chambers going back and forth. But again, we’re looking to land on this, the intent of the rule, we’ll just do it through the regular law making process.
* Governor, there’s been challenges on your executive authority before, was this one where you finally said, I’m not going to die on this hill, let’s let legislature have a say?…
No, I think the Senator, leader, really expressed it well. The challenge of the existing legislation, which was originally enacted I think in the 19th century, is that it only allows for a Class A misdemeanor. And that’s a pretty large amount of latitude as some have pointed out right that even as much as potentially jail time although again that was never my intent and you can go back to press conferences two months ago, and you would hear me say that it’s never been my intent to have law enforcement to prosecute somebody or arrest somebody put them in jail. So, you know, we wanted to have some kind of enforcement mechanism and I think a citation is the right way to do it. I think the senator has described it well. And, you know, we’ve never looked for the maximum penalties under even a class a misdemeanor.
* The Committee met in pre-meeting for three hours. This is the kind of thing that taxpayers just rouses them, they want issues debated in Springfield and they want it to be open, why was your staff in their meeting setting for staff meeting and why don’t you condemn that kind of lack of transparency?…
Leader Cunningham: I want to just explain a little bit about it first. It is really a bridge between the legislature and the executive branch, we pass bills, in which we give rulemaking authority to agencies, the agencies, then propagate those rules. shaycarl looks at those rules and determines whether or not we believe they’re in compliance with the law is the process contest contemplates cooperation and negotiation between the legislature and the executive in this area. It is not uncommon at all for an agency to submit a rule, and for Jake are to engage in discussions with the agency promulgating the rule, and maybe not be completely happy with what they’ve proposed and urge them to amend that rule that happens all the time. We did that today with a rule that the Secretary of State’s office submitted. So this is a essentially a negotiation, like something that goes on every day, and the legislature between the executive branch and the legislative branch. When we take any action, those actions are taken in public, where it can be viewed by citizens, that’s what happened today that’s what has happened all along with the JCAR process.
* The new rule on outdoor eating and dining was exactly what a bar tavern restaurant in the Quad Cities was doing. I think they sued you. There’s a lawsuit because they were shut down, had picnic tables 10 feet apart, and they were serving carry out and then patrons were did that. Did that did that restaurant’s experience or any other restaurant’s experience, help, you know, make make you look at it again and if it did, why not give them credit and say, look at me I’m open to suggestions?…
I’ve been listening to restaurateurs and bar owners for quite some time. I’ve known Sam Toia for more than 20 years 25 years. I am you know I know quite a number of owners, as well as people working those [garbled] and I have been listening all along here because I want to do the right thing. The most important thing is that we’ve got to make sure that the epidemiologists the experts here, feel that we can execute this in a way that keeps people safe, that’s the number one consideration that was why we originally had to close bars and restaurants because the feeling back then. Without knowing much about this novel coronavirus was, we need to stop restaurants or bars while we figured out what the best way to proceed was. And even now as you know there are challenges and the restaurant industry has been terrific at proposing safe ways for people to dine and to go out and enjoy themselves, and the summer offers us the unique opportunity according to the epidemiologist for us to begin to bring those restaurants back online. So the credit really goes to the leadership of the industry, goes to the many restaurant tours who frankly have been good actors all along, and remember this is nine days away. So those people who have tried to flaunt, the rules, don’t in my opinion deserve to be rewarded. But I think the entire industry has acted in a proper way the vast majority just like the vast majority of Illinoisans have been doing the right thing to keep people safe.
* Why do you feel that not getting legislative involvement, especially from Republicans in the stay at home and shutdown orders has contributed to a growing backlash against these orders, should you have sought more legislative input sooner?…
Actually I’ve been speaking to legislators throughout this process.
They don’t, they say they say they can’t get any epidemiology studies they can’t get…
Well that’s not true
They can’t get any documents out of you and we say this, the governor says this, and…
That’s not true.
[Lots of cross-talk.]
Back to the governor with more crosstalk…
Here’s what I said what I excuse me the lawmakers got a briefing about it. But let me just say when I said what I said was this that we have, as you know, three different groups of experts who were bringing forward their models, and then we had a number of epidemiologists that we brought forward, and we even provided it for Republican legislators, as well as anybody else who wanted to join the ability to ask questions of those experts, and they did and it was a satisfactory event nobody complained during the event or even after the event. Maybe now because they’re acting in a hyper political fashion. They now want to complain.
* Please elaborate on the decision to exclude Amy Jacobson from these media briefings, and please explain the guidelines going forward for determining who will be allowed and who will be excluded…
[His press secretary said it was her decision and she would answer the question later.]
Did you, did you agree with the you agree with it though you could overrule her…
Look, when you’re standing up at a rally, where people are taking a political position, holding up Nazi swastikas, holding up pictures of Hitler and taking an extreme position as she did, it strikes me that that’s not objective in any way. It’s no, it’s not the way you act it’s not the way that your colleagues in the media act, who are reporters. That is not a reporter. She represents a talk show that has a particular point of view, we allowed her to ask questions because once upon a time she was a reporter, but she proved that she is no longer reporter.
[He should’ve just said she could send her questions to the pool reporters.]
* IDPH filed this emergency rule you’ve addressed this somewhat walk us through the thinking there it labeled these businesses like restaurants gyms hair salons high risk. You said, that’s already in the laws class a misdemeanor. There we file, the rule and all it seems you’re searching for some way to punish businesses who defy your order…
Again, looking for an enforcement mechanism for people who aren’t following the rules right they’re putting their, their communities in danger by opening their doors, when they are not eligible during phase two to open their doors, so they’re just flaunting the law and so the idea here was to give some methods short of the very draconian methods of closing the business or, you know, or taking a license away. So that was the intent.
* It’s true you have said all along for months that you didn’t wish to jail, anyone but you did say you could get your license and in fact some state licensing agencies have already reached out to businesses who defied them and threatened that very… So, I guess, in repealing this rule are you acknowledging that you exceeded your executive power?…
No. What I’m acknowledging is that we would rather not take away somebody’s license so we’d rather have an enforcement mechanism that was at a lower level and again, that’s what I think leader Cunningham’s bill will allow us to do.
* So all prior communication from state licensing agencies should those businesses, accept that those are also being repealed no longer valid?…
Well, again, if somebody continues to be a scofflaw if someone continues if some business continues to not follow the rules. There is the potential for those other enforcement mechanisms. We’d rather start with something that’s lower level.
* I wonder if you’re worried about I know you said you listen to these business owners and certainly to the protesters Do you worry about the political implications of the position you find yourself in here, as President Trump has many governors to reopen more quickly. Some of them are many of these states that have lesser restrictions than we have in Illinois are moving in that direction I know you’ve said you want to err on the side of caution and science, but at what cost Do you worry, come November that President Trump can look at states like Illinois and say look they were holding businesses back?…
First of all, President Trump isn’t following science or data. And second, if you look at really all the polling data as you’ll see the vast majority of people in the United States want us to follow the science and the data to get this right. And of course we also want to reopen businesses I’ve been doing that all along, looking at and, you know, figuring out how we can open more and more businesses. This is another way of the announcements that we made today. It’s another way to make progress, but we’re doing it right in Illinois, we know we’re not the last or the first.
I think we’re cutting the right path here, so that we can, again, the number one consideration, keep our people safe, make sure that our first responders are taken care of, make sure that we’re not overwhelming them. These are our heroes. I mean these are the people on the frontlines who are risking their lives every day. And when there are scofflaws out there when there are people who don’t follow the rules. They’re literally thumbing their noses at health care workers. And so I want to follow the science and the data, because we want to make sure keep people safe, and we’ll protect the people that were on the frontlines who are keeping all of us safe.
* With these rules that you’re relaxing outdoor gatherings and businesses, allowing some outdoor seating and and this modified modified phase three you’ve announced today. How does that change your plans for childcare and summer day camps?…
So we’re continuing to look at the rules for child care, we’ll be issuing some of those rules I talked about the industry groups that we’ve gotten together, all along here to, you know, not just the restaurant industry as we’ve talked about today, but many of the others manufacturing and so on, including childcare. So those rules will be issued and there’ll be for childcare providers, they’ll be able to see what is available and how they can expand their operations.
* And perhaps you can elaborate on the contours of what that may look like you said you’re in touch with faith leaders another example, we’re hearing a lot of questions from reporters as well asking one example. The Bank of Springfield Center is a big venue. Many churches might have similar floor space like that they’ve got more than 150 people in there today. But right now churches are limited to 10 people in their building. What if they got other rooms or more space that they have expansive venues, can, can your phase three or phase four account for that?…
You can see Dr Ezike nodding her head too. She too is a person of faith and we all want churches and mosques and synagogues to be able to open safely. And so we’ve been looking at all the ways in which to do that safely. As you know the Catholic Church came out with a plan. It’s a rather comprehensive plan that includes a webinar and how you perform a funeral or wedding and so on. And each one of the faiths have come forward or at least a number of them have to ask how could we do it safely and to put forward their ideas for getting it done, and we’re trying to work through all of those, because as you know each building each situation is slightly different what we did want to do though is make sure that people understood outdoor is much easier, drive, thru, drive in is much easier and setting rules around that immediately or very soon.
* How disappointed will you be if the legislature does not pass meaningful ethics reform in this special session, if I can add one more, you promised at the start of the session as well. Significant property tax relief for Illinois homeowners, those two things are not clearly labeled on the special session agenda should lawmakers make the time to get it done?…
Look there are three days of session planned, as I understand, and it’s because of this pandemic right i mean this is highly unusual I think all of us are recognizing that the circumstances in which the legislature is meeting. I’m glad that the legislature is meeting. But in order to get everything you know from the highest priorities done you know there’s a limited number of things that they can get done. And I think you’ve heard some of those already from the leaders themselves so I would very much like to see ethics legislation get through. I think there’s, you know we all think that you can’t give ethics if you don’t get something done in the next three days it can’t possibly be done this year. And the answer is, that’s not that’s not right. There is the rest of the year that I think the legislature is meeting these three days, in particularly, the number one concern is the budget and the number two concern is a Kovac relief package, because we’ve got to help people across the state. But there’s an opportunity and you know that I’ve worked across the aisle for the entire time that I’ve been governor, talking to listening to Republican legislators, as well as my friends in the Democratic Party. And so I really believe that there’s much more that we can get done later in the year.
* The proposed budget I think she’s referring to one bill that’s been filed would cut the state’s breast and cervical cancer screening program by 40%…
No, I won’t stand for that. I read [Hannah Meisel’s] column this morning and let her know, and I want to I mean that’s just wrong.
I know that the intention was good. The intention was that the money hadn’t been spent, the money that had been appropriated it wasn’t being spent because so many more people who need that service are actually being covered by insurance. Now, having said that, we need to make sure that that fun that those dollars are available for everybody who needs them who falls into that gap that that Hannah, you know, talked about this morning in her column, you’ve already illustrated the budget holes as income tax sales tax corporate income tax dried up during these coronavirus closures.
* Where are you going to go do you have to make cuts. Do you have to raise some fees for example I believe the CTB has suggested fees on attorneys practices are there any ways you can go that might be more progressive in nature that target, maybe like white collar jobs are more insulated from the corona virus can you look for revenue in those areas?…
So as you know I put forward a budget back in February, things have changed quite a lot but you know an outline of of what of that budget, the outline of which the legislature took upon itself, and then worked in their working groups to try to figure out how do you address the shortfall of revenues across the board. They have talked to many members of my administration to get help in putting those numbers together. So there really is a you know a cross functional effort to try to get a budget agreement, put together and, you know, and you see a lot of work has been done by legislators even though they haven’t been able to meet.
* You’re getting a crash course in the regionalization of politics in Illinois right now, part of that was the minimum wage fight a lot of regional Democrats and Republicans asked about that I think Senate Majority Leader Kim Lightford mentioned that she’s looking at, she’s hearing about this idea to modify the tax credits that were in part of the $15 minimum wage to go from 50 employees up to 200 to expand that considering many of these restaurants and bars are the ones who are paying these wages. Do you support an idea like that to raise the threshold up to 200 or so?…
I do in fact I’ve been talking about that really shouldn’t say early on, you’re expanding and others, an original tax credit that was put in place when the minimum wage was raised as you know this is a five year there are five roughly five years left in the ramp of the minimum wage, and I think it is would be helpful if we were able to expand that tax credit to give businesses the opportunity to to get a little bit back on the you know the increase in wages that they’re offering to people.
* A question on ethics, you’ve addressed a number of businesses already in the last two days that the Pritzker group has invested in the COVID-19 testing in some cases or in others, maybe working with major biotech or pharma companies as they raised to produce a vaccine or treatment and in these ways here. So on that potential conflict of interest before you’re not raising you pledge that anytime a company of yours has proceeds or profits from government contracts, you give that money to charity. Does that pledge still stand today and as it doesn’t extend to other reimbursement or funds that come from government?…
As you know, three and a half years ago now, I stepped away from my business interests entirely. And then about a year and a half ago, a blind trust was created so that I really have had no involvement with any of these businesses for three and a half years. Don’t know what what they’re pursuing or what their their interests are. And so, but to be clear, this is not something that I’m engaged in any way, I don’t want to know.
* It’s public information. It’s in their press releases and it’s on your statement of economic interest it’s in your tax returns, would you then pledge to release your full tax returns just so we can see?…
Well as you know the way that all that information is a statement of economic interest, and I did in fact release a multi page I don’t remember how many a dozen or more pages of … my statement of economic interest which is where you see listed each interest that I have any interest in. In fact, much more comprehensive than anything that you would see in a tax return. So to be clear. I have no involvement in these businesses that you’re, alleging that are owned and operated or doing something. And as far as I know there’s no business being done by any of them with the state of Illinois.
* Okay, but just to reiterate, they are a part of your portfolio today. Will you donate any those proceeds from government contracts or reimbursement to charity?…
I’m happy to if there’s something that they’re doing in Illinois.
* Question about what the gaming board is doing…
We’re very interested in making sure that the gaming board moves forward and in fact we’ve made changes so that they have the ability to meet. And so there’ll be other rules that will be promulgated going forward.
* For Sam Toia: Should people have to wear masks while they’re outside at these restaurants, should servers wear masks?…
Sam Toia: Oh, you know we’re working on PPE. It’s very important to, obviously hand sanitizers, obviously face covering, gloves on social distancing and like I said is number one. So, yes, we always say, Do not go against the governor’s executive order, so everyone should wear a mask obviously they need to take your mask off when they’re eating, but if they go to the bathroom, when they leave, they put your mask back on so yes, again, we are working on guidelines, but we’re listening to the scientists and doctors, because the number one thing is, we don’t want to open the economy, and then close it again. Okay. That is what restaurant tours bar owners, totally understand that would be the death. So, again, we want to listen to the scientists, doctors, work, work with our local leaders to, you know, help the bars and restaurants.
* Can you provide additional details on a proposal to issue up to $4.5 billion of short term debt to the feds municipal liquidity facility. Is it the state’s intent to issue the full amount?…
We hope not, because there is a state local bill funding bill that is working its way through the Congress even now. Whether the entire heroes act gets adopted by the Senate is unclear but it is reasonably clear to me that Republican governors and Republican senators need to support their states just as much as Democratic governors democratic senators do. And so I think that we’re going to see a state and local funding bill, go through the Senate, can’t tell you exactly when. So our hope is to not have to access that window that’s been made available to states, but but we will if we need to.
* Rep. Bailey was apparently just escorted off the House floor. Dr. Ezike explained the importance of wearing masks. And then the governor said…
Well, the representative has shown a callous disregard for life callous disregard for people’s health. You just heard a doctor tell you why people wear masks in the first place. It’s to protect others. So clearly the representative has no interest in protecting others
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2,388 new cases, 147 additional deaths
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 2,388 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 147 additional deaths.
Clinton County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 80s
Cook County: 1 female 20s, 3 males 30s, 1 female 40s, 4 males 40s, 1 female 50s, 4 males 50s, 7 females 60s, 19 males 60s, 8 females 70s, 6 males 70s, 1 unknown 70s, 9 females 80s, 13 males 80s, 10 females 90s, 5 males 90s, 1 male 100+
DuPage County: 1 male 20s, 1 male 40s, 2 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 2 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
Grundy County: 1 unknown 90s
Kane County: 1 female 40s, 2 males 40s, 1 female 60s, 3 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s, 2 female 90s
Kankakee County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
Lake County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 female 70s, 3 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 2 females 90s, 1 male 90s
Madison County: 1 male 70s
McDonough County: 1 female 80s
McHenry County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 80s
Union County: 1 male 80s
Whiteside County: 1 female 80s
Will County: 1 female 60s, 2 females 90s
Winnebago County: 1 male 60s
Woodford County: 1 female 90s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 100,418 cases, including 4,525 deaths, in 100 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 21,029 specimens for a total of 642,713. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate, May 11-17, 2020 is 14%.
*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered. Information for a death previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted.
* Dr. Ezike…
We are seeing a decrease in the numbers of people hospitalized, the numbers of people in the ICU and the numbers of individuals on the ventilators associated with COVID-19. As of last night, 3914 individuals are reported to be hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state. Of those 1005 were in the ICU and 554 were on ventilators. This is the lowest number since we were capturing these numbers that we have had for COVID patients in the hospital.
Good news.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* One word to describe this week so far? Just one word, please. Post only once. Thanks.
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Our Democracy Is Too Important, The Fight Continues
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
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Gerrymandering is voter suppression and we must end it. We can join the ranks of people in both red and blue states across the country who have made improvements to their redistricting process.
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* Press release…
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes, assisted living communities and other long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, today called on state and federal government agencies to provide expanded and priority testing for nursing homes and assisted living communities and emergency funding to help the profession respond to the deadly outbreak of COVID-19 in long term care facilities across the country.
Despite recent data and reports showing the outsized impact of the novel coronavirus on long term care residents, particularly those with underlying health conditions, industry leaders say nursing homes and assisted living communities have not been a priority for supplies, testing or resources.
AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson said the profession is doing everything it can with current resources, but it’s not enough to stop the spread of this virus within long term care facilities. […]
Parkinson stated that expanding testing remains a top priority as many long term care providers who have been able to expand testing are finding a high number of people who are positive, but asymptomatic. He said many residents and staff of nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country could be a carrier of the virus without symptoms, but contagious and at risk.
“Without access to more testing, nursing homes and assisted living communities are at a severe disadvantage in protecting our residents,” stated Parkinson. “Long term care facilities, especially ones with COVID-19 cases, need to be able to alert all residents and staff due to the fact that many individuals are not exhibiting symptoms.”
To help fund expanded testing and additional staffing needed to respond to the COVID-19 virus, Parkinson also called on the federal government to provide an emergency response fund for long term care facilities, much like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) did for hospitals.
The group claims that testing every US nursing home resident and staff just once would cost $440 million at $150 per test. Testing all Illinois nursing home residents and staff one time would cost $21,441,150. Click here for the breakdown.
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Administration agrees to repeal IDPH rule
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* JCAR member Rep. Tom Demmer is saying on Facebook that the Pritzker administration has agreed to withdraw its controversial IDPH rule imposing a Class A misdemeanor on businesses that defy the stay at home order. The department confirmed that to JCAR just now.
I’m told that legislation may be filed that could be even tougher than Pritzker’s rule, however.
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* Press release…
The Illinois Supreme Court today issued an order and operational guidelines to help courts statewide resume in-person operations and establish procedures for remote hearings. Since mid-March, the state’s courts have been operating under precautionary measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to conduct emergency and essential matters.
This order is effective June 1 and modifies the Court’s March 17, 2020 order so that each circuit may return to hearing all court matters either in-person or remotely according to a schedule adopted for each county by the chief circuit judge. Remote hearings, which have proven to be successful nationwide, will play a large role in reducing the numbers of people appearing at courthouses and ensuring the safety of court users, staff and judicial officers.
“Our courts around the state have risen to this enormous challenge to continue the Judicial Branch mission to protect the rights and liberties of all by providing equal access to justice, resolving disputes, and upholding the rule of law,” Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said. “The Court realizes that the health crisis is not over, but we must advance justice in a safe and organized manner.”
The guidelines recognize that each jurisdiction is uniquely positioned to address COVID-19 challenges based on local conditions. As noted in the Supreme Court’s May 20, 2020 order, chief circuit judges are authorized to develop plans for resumption of court operations in the circuits. Plans may differ from county to county, but local plans are to continue the use of remote hearings where appropriate. For jurisdictions without the resources to take advantage of these efficiencies, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts is exploring options for enhanced support of video conference technology. Multiple trainings on remote hearings have been conducted and more will follow through the Illinois Judicial College and bar associations.
The factors which chief judges may consider in determining whether matters may be safely heard include: deadlines which apply to a case or class of cases; the length of time any applicable deadline has been suspended by order of the Supreme Court or the Circuit Court; information from public health authorities; limitations in court facilities or staffing; and anticipated prejudice to any class of cases as a result of continued delay. Chief judges should understand that local conditions may change, and their plans should contain contingencies in that event.
From the order…
The circuit courts shall continue, to the extent possible, to allow for appropriate social distancing and attempt to reduce the number of persons appearing personally for court appearances.
From the operational guidelines…
All practical measures should be taken within the courthouse and courtrooms to ensure a clean environment and prevent the spread of the virus, including:
1. Within the courthouse, provide hand sanitizer at multiple locations within the courtroom, circuit clerk’s offices, and public spaces.
2. Notify all entering the courthouse that wearing a mask/face covering is required (consistent with current public health requirements). If possible, have extra masks/face coverings on hand if someone arrives at the courthouse without one. Notices to come to court should advise recipients: (1) to bring a mask/face covering, (2) those without a mask/face covering will only be provided one IF they are available, and (3) if you have no mask/face covering and none are available at the courthouse, you may be refused entry. […]
Subject to constitutional limitations, entry into the courthouse should be limited to lawyers and named parties. Self-represented litigants should be allowed to bring one friend or family member with them into the courthouse.
* I replied to the press release with this email…
Hypothetically, if there’s a judge in say, I dunno, Clay County, who has already held one packed hearing with 90 spectators, almost none of whom were wearing face coverings, and is planning to hold another hearing on Friday, what does the Supreme Court intend to do?
That email was sent at 11:15 this morning. I’ve heard nothing back.
I suppose the attorney general could file a motion in Clay County referencing the new order and guidance.
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*** UPDATED x1 *** House introduces new rule
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The newly proposed amendment to the House rules is in HR846…
For meetings of committees during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, access to the room in which the committee is held shall be limited to members and officers of the General Assembly, majority and minority staff, and no more than 5 members of the public who are representatives of the press, except as otherwise authorized by the Speaker. The Speaker shall designate one or more locations outside of the committee room for the public to safely watch and listen to the proceedings of the House and its committees via a live audio/video broadcast. Access to such locations may be limited as necessary to maintain safety, including, but not limited to, requiring that persons at such locations follow the decorum requirements of Rule 51.5(a). Notwithstanding any other provision of these Rules, testimony at a committee hearing during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to COVID-19 virus may be limited to written testimony at the discretion of the Chairperson. This subsection may not be suspended. […]
On any day in which the House is in session during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, access to the House Chamber and adjoining hallways and passages shall be limited to members and officers of the General Assembly, majority and minority staff as authorized by the Speaker or Presiding Officer, and no more than 5 members of the public who are representatives of the press, except as otherwise authorized by the Speaker. Representatives of the press shall be limited to the gallery space allotted to them by the Speaker or the Speaker’s designee. The Speaker shall designate one or more locations outside of the House Chamber for the public to safely watch and listen to the proceedings of the House and its committees via a live audio/video broadcast. Access to such locations may be limited as necessary to maintain safety, including, but not limited to, requiring that persons at such locations follow the decorum requirements of Rule 51.5(a). This subsection may not be suspended. […]
51.5 Decorum during the COVID-19 Disaster.
(a) On any day in which the House is in session during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, all members and officers of the General Assembly, majority and minority staff, and other persons when entitled to the House floor, galleries, and adjoining hallways and passages shall:
(1) to the extent medically able and except as reasonably necessary for eating or drinking, wear a face-covering that covers the nose and mouth;
(2) to the extent possible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person except as permitted by the other person;
(3) have submitted to and passed a temperature check prior to entry; and
(4) have passed through a metal detector prior to entry.
(b) In a committee hearing during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, members and officers of the General Assembly, staff, witnesses, and members of the public in the room in which the committee is held shall follow the requirements of subsection (a) of this Rule.
(c) A violation of this Rule shall be considered a breach of decorum and disorderly behavior. The Presiding Officer may by order remove any person, other than a Representative, from the House floor, galleries, and adjoining hallways and passages for violation of this Rule. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Rules, including Rule 30(e) and Articles XI and XII, a Representative in violation of this Rule may be disciplined and subject to reprimand, censure, removal from the House chamber, or other disciplinary measure, except expulsion and imprisonment, upon a motion approved by a majority of those elected. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit discipline pursuant to Article XI or XII of these Rules.
(d) This Rule may not be suspended. [Emphasis added.]
They also added the words “and Chamber” after “Access to the House floor.” It’s been sent directly to the floor for consideration.
* I was told by two lobbyists that the guards aren’t allowing bags and laptops into the BoS Center. Lobbyists and members of the public can keep their phones, but they apparently aren’t allowed to use them.
I seriously don’t understand why any lobbyist would go over there under those conditions.
* Meanwhile, Amdor dug into the archives…
*** UPDATE *** I strongly suggest watching the live coverage post the rest of the day for instant updates, but here are a few…
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Caption contest!
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Part of the House floor in the BoS Center…
There’s a larger Ted Schurter photo taken from above here.
* Also, if you’d like a video tour of the chamber, including the “big board,” watch Mark’s report…
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* Rockford Register-Star…
Winnebago County will allow restaurants and bars, child care businesses and youth programs, and churches to reopen June 1, Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebago County Health Department Administrator Sandra Martell said Monday.
The health department will unveil recommendations on May 26 for how those businesses should operate beginning June 1, Martell said. The recommendations are being developed this week by some of the 15 advisory committees whose 140 members were appointed by McNamara and instructed to develop a plan to recalibrate the regional economy as the threat of the coronavirus wanes and all businesses eventually reopen. […]
Martell said Winnebago County has made great strides to “flatten the curve” of coronavirus transmission and that residents have taken social distancing and public health guidelines to heart during the pandemic.
Another reason for reopening sooner rather than later? Sustained economic pain and poverty associated with keeping businesses closed will ultimately harm public health, Martell said.
Winnebago County has three top-notch health systems that provide excellent care, but the county suffers from poor access to health care, obesity and several serious health disparities within minority populations. Those problems threaten to grow worse the longer the shutdown continues, she said.
Those health disparities will also contribute to a heightened impact of the virus.
Unlike Peoria County’s public health director, Dr. Martell is a nurse with no degree in epidemiology.
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*** UPDATED x2 *** Today’s quotable
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Lawmakers are scheduled to meet for just three days to try to put together a spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1, a coronavirus response package that covers employment, education, health care and the courts, an enhanced vote-by-mail program for November, and a program to provide funding for safety-net hospitals that care for the poor.
But the pandemic has created plenty of unknowns, not the least of which is how far work on a budget can progress without a clear picture of how much relief will be coming from Washington to counter plummeting tax receipts — even as demands for dealing with the state’s most vulnerable residents grows.
“It’s a difficult dynamic, and there’s no good choices. There’s just bad choices and less bad choices. It’s been a very difficult situation,” said state Rep. Michael Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat.
…Adding… Case in point…
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
Today the Illinois legislature released its proposed FY 2020-2021 budget. Shana Crews, director of government relations in Illinois for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), made the following statement in reaction.
“The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides free, necessary breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured women. During a time where over one million Illinoisans have lost their jobs and many may lose their employer-sponsored health insurance due to COVID-19, women need this program now more than ever. Early detection is key to saving lives. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 99% when detected in stage 1 but drops to 26% when detected in stage 4. Cancer doesn’t stop because of pandemics, we need to ensure all women have access to lifesaving early detection services. The legislature is currently considering a proposal to cut the funding for this program by 40%. Any cut to this funding, let alone this large of a cut, puts women’s lives at stake.”
I followed up and asked what was spent last fiscal year and what had been spent this fiscal year. The response…
FY19 was $6.5 million because the program lost many of the lead agencies who administered the program during the budget impasse.
FY20 was projected at $10.5 million in the budget book. In February, we met with the program administrators to iron out more ways to streamline the program and were feeling like we could actually get the program on track then COVID 19 hit.
Page 333: FY20 expected spend $10,512,400.
https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/budget/Documents/Budget%20Book/FY2021-Budget-Book/Fiscal-Year-2021-Operating-Budget-Book.pdf
There is no lack of demand for the program, but the government infrastructure pieces were damaged during the budget impasse and were still repairing for additional lead agencies to administer the program. There is more and more evidence because of COVID 19 that the program is critical. Kaiser conducted a study showing the number of people who have lost their health coverage because of job loss and the drop in screenings due to COVID that will be exploding later this year.
https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/eligibility-for-aca-health-coverage-following-job-loss/
https://www.statnews.com/2020/05/04/cancer-screenings-drop-coronavirus-pandemic-epic/
*** UPDATE 2 *** The governor at his media briefing today…
The proposed budget I think she’s referring to one bill that’s been filed would cut the state’s breast and cervical cancer screening program by 40%…
No, I won’t stand for that. I read [Hannah Meisel’s] column this morning and let her know, and I want to I mean that’s just wrong.
I know that the intention was good. The intention was that the money hadn’t been spent, the money that had been appropriated it wasn’t being spent because so many more people who need that service are actually being covered by insurance. Now, having said that, we need to make sure that that fun that those dollars are available for everybody who needs them who falls into that gap that that Hannah, you know, talked about this morning in her column, you’ve already illustrated the budget holes as income tax sales tax corporate income tax dried up during these coronavirus closures.
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* Background is here if you need it. Sun-Times…
Parents of children in protective custody lost a legal fight that sought to compel the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to reinstate in-person visitation during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Caroline Moreland Tuesday dismissed the lawsuit filed by the public defender’s office on behalf of four mothers who said their rights to equal protection under the Constitution were being violated by the indefinite suspension of in-person visits with their children.
Moreland pointed in her ruling that all the plaintiffs had pending emergency motions in their individual cases to deal with visitation.
The court also sided with DCFS, saying the Child Protection Act allows state officials the right to immediately suspend the visits in the interest of a child’s health and well-being.
* WTTW…
“In this matter the court is mindful of the concerns for the Plaintiffs’ ability to have in person visitations with their children,” Moreland wrote in her order. “These parents are named parties with open pending abuse and/or neglect cases before the Child Custody Court. That court and those judges continue to address the very issues presented by this case. This court concludes that that forum is the appropriate one for plaintiffs’ grievances.” […]
In a statement, Campanelli said she was disappointed by the ruling. She said she’s weighing her options about a possible appeal, but plans to “continue to challenge this unjust policy.”
“For the past two and a half months, parents, children, and siblings have been denied their right to see each other,” Campanelli said. “To deny them visitation is to deny them basic human dignity and will have serious lasting impacts on families. This decision is contrary to the law and common sense.”
Attorneys representing DCFS and the Cook County public guardian at a hearing last week accused the public defender of “forum shopping” and said the case should be tossed out due to the pending juvenile court cases.
* Chronicle of Social Change…
Public Guardian Charles Golbert said the public defenders were “forum shopping” by suing the state in Moreland’s court, as opposed to in juvenile court where the cases were pending. In the case of each parent named in the motion, he said, there was a pending date in late May or early June to consider a request to mandate in-person visits.
But the juvenile court had repeatedly delayed those hearings amid the statewide stay-at-home order and were likely to do so again, [Deputy Public Defender Aaron Goldstein] said. “The motions were not substantively denied, but they were not heard.”
Golbert called it “rank speculation” that the juvenile court would not meet the next scheduled hearings, and Moreland agreed with the children’s attorney, finding that with scheduled court dates on all four cases, “there need not be duplicative litigation on these issues.”
Monday, as Moreland finished her opinion, the Cook County juvenile court delayed all upcoming hearings for 30 days, according to Goldstein.
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*** UPDATED x1 *** It’s just a bill
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Measures for statewide rent relief — which would include help for tenants, landlords and homeowners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic — could hit Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk in a matter of days.
If signed into law, the COVID-19 Emergency and Economic Recovery Renter and Homeowner Protection Act, which Chicago Democrat Rep. Delia Ramirez introduced Friday, would cancel rent debt and suspend mortgage payments for those experiencing hardships related to COVID-19.
“We have to make housing an absolute top priority during this special session in Springfield,” Ramirez said during a livestreamed press conference Tuesday. “If we want our families to be able to get through this pandemic, they have to have a roof over their head and not have to decide if they’re going to purchase food — or pay rent.” […]
Rep. Tim Butler, a Springfield Republican, has introduced a separate bill in the General Assembly. His would provide rent assistance for coronavirus-impacted households if their landlord agrees to participate in the program.
The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Act would require landlords to not increase rental rates or charge late fees, and in return, they would receive at least 80% of the owed rent, which they would have to accept as full payment, for up to seven months of rent between April 1 and Oct. 31.
HB5574 is on First Reading in the originating chamber. The same goes for Rep. Butler’s bill.
In other words, unless this legislation is attached to different and viable vehicle bills, it is constitutionally impossible to pass those measures through both chambers by Friday.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
As the State of Illinois faces a $7 billion to $8 billion revenue shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2021 budget, State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) believes lawmakers need to take steps to be part of the fiscal solution. On May 20, Rep. Grant signed on as a Chief Co-sponsor of HB 5777, which would reduce legislator pay to 2019 levels for the next fiscal year.
“While I disagree with it, enshrined in the statutes is a provision that mandates lawmakers receive an automatic cost of living adjustment (COLA) each year unless we take steps to reject the COLA,” said Grant. “Through this new bill that was filed on Monday, we would reject next year’s pay increase and also eliminate the increase we received in 2019. Honestly, I’d like to see this bill go further and include all state employees so we could make a real dent in the deficit.”
Specifically, through HB 5777, the automatic 2.6% pay raise scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2020 and the 2.4% pay raise legislators received last year would be eliminated from their pay for the next fiscal year.
From the legislative article of the Illinois Constitution…
SECTION 11. COMPENSATION AND ALLOWANCES
A member shall receive a salary and allowances as provided by law, but changes in the salary of a member shall not take effect during the term for which he has been elected.
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