Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan said Saturday he’s prepared to vote for an increase in the state’s income tax rate and said he’s working with “building blocks” to get to 60 votes in his fight to secure another term in the leadership post he’s held for nearly four decades.
“My pledge to the caucus, on state finances and also on redistricting, is to provide the same type of strong leadership that I provided to our caucus when we were fighting against Gov. [Bruce] Rauner,” Madigan said while making his case before the House Black Caucus to remain speaker. […]
A showing of that strong leadership may come if Gov. J.B. Pritzker asks the legislature to raise the state’s flat income-tax rate, which Madigan said is “very possible,” according to a recording of the closed candidate forum reviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“I’m prepared to vote for that, presuming it’s the governor’s request,” Madigan said.
He acknowledged that could be a “very difficult issue for the caucus” as it tries to maintain services — and insisted a strong leader is needed to persuade others to vote for an increase.
IL GOP Chair Tim Schneider stepping down: “after 6+ years, and a very successful cycle, and with the ILGOP positioned well, I believe it’s a good time for me to transition out(average length of State Chairmanship in US in less than 2 years)”
Chairman Schneider has selected the following State Central Committee members to serve on a committee that will recommend a process and timeline for choosing a successor Chairman at the party’s next meeting on January 9, 2021.
Mike Bigger - 18th Congressional District (Chairman)
Char Foss-Eggemann - 9th Congressional District
Fred Floreth - 13th Congressional District
Judy Diekelman - 2nd Congressional District
Schneider will serve as Chairman until the full State Central Committee chooses a successor Chairman.
*** UPDATE *** No endorsement…
Statement from Rep. Camille Lilly Regarding the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House Forum Today
“Today the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House met with the two candidates who expressed interest in presenting to the Caucus. Both Speaker Mike Madigan and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit addressed the caucus on how they would work with members and the collective body as whole to address the challenges facing our State. The discussion provided an opportunity for the caucus to ask questions expounding on the candidates vision, goals and experiences. This is the first time in decades that a process of this nature has been formed to engage the candidates seeking to become Speaker. The steps in our process are about democracy and fairness. We will continue to dialogue amongst ourselves and other members of the House as we approach the upcoming session. We are committed to working through this process in an open and transparent manner.”
* Sources close to the former legislator said he had a very bad case of COVID-19 and had been hospitalized.
His attorney Dylan Smith at Freeborn & Peters spoke with me today about his former client…
I was very proud to have represented Marty Sandoval. He was someone who had considerable talents and had accomplished a lot of good in his life. He obviously had made mistakes and strayed from his own standards and from the time I spent with Marty, what I saw was that he was sincerely remorseful for the mistakes he had made.
He was going through a process of genuinely trying to make amends for those mistakes through his cooperation with the government. And in his own way trying to contribute to the US Attorney’s efforts to clean things up in Springfield. I hope that the larger public and his former colleagues will remember him not only for his mistake but for the larger good that he did in his life. I will remember him as someone with a big heart who had a very deep love for his family. I would ask that everyone keep his family in his thoughts and prayers right now and give them the space to mourn with the degree of privacy that they deserve.
* The US Attorneys office recently praised Sandoval for his cooperation…
From the feds this morning on former state Sen. Martin Sandoval, who pleaded guilty early this year. He "has provided valuable cooperation that is expected to last at least several more months." pic.twitter.com/DUobzAoX0w
* I was listening to this song the other night and realized it was darned near perfect for our times. It’s about a holiday spent alone this year. But “next year” all our troubles will be “out of sight” and “miles away.” It’s no surprise that the song, originally recorded by Judy Garland, was a huge hit among World War II troops stationed overseas as well as with their families back home.
We’re reassured that, in due time, “Once again, as in olden days, happy golden days of yore; faithful friends who were dear to us, will be near to us once more.” And the closing line, “So, have yourself a merry little Christmas now,” could be written today for those celebrating in solitude…
Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow
Wear a mask, keep your distance and wash your hands so you stay alive to participate in what we can only hope will be large and wondrous celebrations this time next year.
* Greg asked DeVore whether he’d paid the $1,000 bounty of footage of Pritzker celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family. As you know, I posted a photo of Pritzker and his wife on a Zoom chat during Thanksgiving dinner. DeVore’s response…
Well one, I want to clarify that. The thousand dollars that I offered for footage from a journalist to take a picture of the governor should they see him out celebrating with friends and family. Friends and family being a generic term. I didn’t even know he had kids until I put that out. So he has kids, OK, I don’t care about that. But no, I didn’t pay it out because, again, you know I was looking for the governor. He’s using the word bounty, I didn’t use the word bounty. But no, I didn’t pay it out.
Chief of Staff Jessica Basham
300 Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706 (delivered via electric deliveiy)
Re: Subject Matter Hearing regarding the LaSalle Veterans Home COVID Outbreak
Dear Ms. Basham:
As Chair of the Illinois House Veterans Affairs committee, I am requesting an in-person meeting of the Committee for a Subject Matter Hearing regarding the LaSalle Veterans Home COVID Outbreak.
With the failure of SB 2135 (by one vote) on May 23, 2020, the Illinois House of Representatives is unable to conduct committee hearings in a remote virtual setting, such as Zoom. As we have seen over the summer months the Illinois State Senate, through legislation that successfully passed the Senate in May, has been able to conduct joint subject matter hearings with various House committees.
Over the weeks since the outbreak was discovered, I have requested on numerous occasions, to include the Illinois House Veterans Affairs committee in Senate Subject Matt er hearings. Joint Veterans Affairs meetings have been held in the past, most notably addressing the Quincy Home Outbreak.
The Illinois House Veterans Affairs committee needs to properly discharge the duties it is established to do. For the reasons: (1) the failure of SB 2135, (2) the denial of the Senate Veterans Affairs committee chair to allow members of the Illinois House Veterans affairs committee to participate, and (3) the extreme concern and mourning of the death of 30 Veterans in the LaSalle Veterans Home by myself and members of the committee, I have no other choice but to call for an in-person Subject Matter Hearing of the Illinois House Veterans Affairs committee during this global pandemic.
I realize it will be challenging and costly to ensure that all the proper health protocols are in place to provide for a safe environment for us to conduct business. As Chair of the committee, I will be requiring that all committee members be COVID-19 tested prior to the committee date, all members will be requir ed to wear a mask, and I am requesting that all other details regarding the meetin g adhere to the COVID safety guidelines by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control.
Thank you for your assistance with this request. I am requesting that this meeting be scheduled as quickly as possible given the seriousness of the LaSalle Veteran Home situation.
*** UPDATE *** From Rep. Kifowit…
As you posted we are in a position to only have an in-person meeting. This comes at the conclusion of a week of trying to work with the Senate collaboratively, to no avail. I would like to thank Rep Thapedi for his inquiry as well. The situation is multi-dimensional and I believe his committee will look at this situation through a different lens of the Judiciary - Civil Committee. While in some areas might overlap, it is worthy of inquiry and I welcome it. I have spoken to staff and we will be posting the meeting as soon as we can confirm a reasonable date to ensure all protocols can be followed for the safety of all involved.
The judge has also spoken about COVID-19, Vrdolyak's advanced age and his good works. However, he also said he finds it "impossible to believe" Vrdolyak didn't understand a levy sent to him by the IRS regarding his co-defendant's taxes.
Finally, Vrdolyak speaks briefly to the judge. He takes off his mask, apologizes, and says, "what happened was my own fault and I take full responsibility."
What tripped up Vrdolyak this time was possibly the sweetest score of his career, finagling a piece of Illinois’ giant class action settlement against tobacco companies, which to date has paid him more than $12 million.
How exactly he managed that without actually working on the case remains unclear, despite pages and pages of documents filed by both sides offering partial explanations of how a Seattle lawyer, hired by then-Attorney General Jim Ryan to represent the state, gave Vrdolyak a 10% cut.
That’s really all I’ve ever wanted from this case, not another pound of flesh but the truth of how he pulled it off, in Vrdolyak’s own words. And sadly, I’m not expecting it to emerge at sentencing.
The great irony is Vrdolyak was never charged with taking the money. Hell, he even paid taxes on it all along.
His mistake was in failing to respond honestly to an IRS levy trying to recover funds from a co-conspirator, Daniel Soso, who was trying to avoid paying taxes on his share of the fee Vrdolyak was splitting with him.
Vrdolyak got too cute in his efforts to mislead the IRS — and ended up pleading guilty to aiding Soso in his tax evasion. Now Judge Robert Dow controls his fate.
* The Question: Your thoughts on Ed Vrdolyak’s second prison sentence?
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 10,526 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 148 additional deaths.
- Adams County: 1 male 90s
- Boone County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 90s
- Champaign County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
- Christian County: 1 male 90s
- Coles County: 1 male 80s
- Cook County: 2 females 40s, 3 females 60s, 4 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 5 males 70s, 4 females 80s, 5 females 90s
- Crawford County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 90s
- Douglas County: 1 female 70s
- DuPage County: 1 male 30s, 3 females 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 90s, 1 female 100+
- Edwards County: 1 female 90s
- Effingham County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s
- Fayette County: 1 male 70s
- Ford County: 1 male 80s
- Franklin County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 90s
- Fulton County: 1 male 80s
- Greene County: 2 females 80s
- Grundy County: 1 male 70s
- Iroquois County: 1 female 70s
- Johnson County: 1 female 60s
- Kane County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
- Kankakee County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s
- Kendall County: 1 male 70s
- Knox County: 1 male 90s
- Lake County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 4 males 80s
- LaSalle County: 2 males 70s, 2 females 90s, 1 male 90s
- Logan County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s
- Macon County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s
- Macoupin County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 100+
- Madison County: 1 female 70s
- Mason County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
- Massac County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
- McHenry County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
- Ogle County: 1 female 80s
- Peoria County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 100+
- Perry County: 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
- Randolph County: 2 females 90s
- Rock Island County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
- Sangamon County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 70s, 1 female 100+
- Shelby County: 1 male 80s
- St. Clair County: 2 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
- Stephenson County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
- Tazewell County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
- Vermilion County: 1 female 90s
- Warren County: 1 male 80s
- Washington County: 1 male 70s
- Wayne County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 80s
- Whiteside County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 90s
- Will County: 1 male 40s, 3 males 60s, 1 female 70s, 3 males 70s
- Winnebago County: 2 females 70s, 3 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 770,088 cases, including 12,974 deaths, in 102 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 112,634 specimens for a total 10,918,998. As of last night, 5,453 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 1,153 patients were in the ICU and 703 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from November 27 – December 3, 2020 is 10.3%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from November 27 – December 3, 2020 is 12.1%.
*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. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale will bestow an honorary Doctor of Community Health degree on Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the Illinois Department of Public Health director who has guided the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic month after grueling month.
The SIU Board of Trustees approved awarding of the honorary degree at its Thursday meeting, upon the request of Chancellor Austin Lane.
Ezike, the resolution stated, in part, “has widely been praised for her dedicated efforts as part of a leadership team within the State of Illinois to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the citizens of the Land of Lincoln.” Quoting from a New York Times profile on Ezike, SIU also highlighted her “trained eye on the most vulnerable, including essential workers, many of whom are from minority communities.”
* The New York Times has developed an app to give you a preliminary and rough guesstimate of where you are in the line to receive a vaccine. Click here…
Nearly 213,000 new coronavirus cases were reported across the United States on Thursday, the highest figure yet. And at least 2,500 covid-19 deaths were reported for the third consecutive day, marking the deadliest stretch since the pandemic began.
But the government’s top infectious-disease expert said the record-setting surge doesn’t fully account for the expected increases after Americans traveled and gathered for Thanksgiving. “We have not yet seen the post-Thanksgiving peak,” Anthony S. Fauci said Friday. “That’s the concerning thing, because the numbers in and of themselves are alarming.”
* And that claim is downright scary when you see numbers like this…
Region 3, which includes Springfield, has just *15* ICU beds available. The region encompasses 18 counties https://t.co/f8RZSj2gxJ
* Speaking of Springfield, the alderman said earlier this week that he had asthma. Nope…
Springfield Alderman Chuck Redpath says he will now wear a mask during City Council meetings, or will participate via Zoom, after the controversy this week when Redpath got angry over a reporter that he felt was too close to him while Redpath was maskless.
Masks are required in the Council chambers under the city’s mask mandate ordinance, but Redpath says a breathing problem makes it uncomfortable for him to wear one throughout the meeting. But he now concedes that he doesn’t specifically have a medical exemption to not wear a mask.
Ward 1 Alderman Chuck Redpath asked Langfelder this week to return to indoor service with a 25 percent capacity limit, but the mayor says concerns about coronavirus cases and the strain on hospitals are valid, so for now he says the prohibition will remain in place. […]
If indoor dining can’t resume, Redpath says at least businesses should be allowed to reopen their video gaming areas, where people can wear masks while they’re playing, in order to generate some revenue.
How are they gonna do that when the state has shut off the terminals, Chuck? Sheesh, man. Give it a rest, already.
Thapedi said he was withholding judgment on Pritzker’s actions or the performance of Illinois Department of Affairs Director Linda Chapa LaVia, with whom he served in the Illinois House for a decade.
But Thapedi said using the power of the committee to investigate the handling of the outbreak and its root causes is his obligation as committee chair.
“It’s definitely a legal matter, a civil legal matter, and definitely within the province of the Judiciary - Civil committee,” Thapedi said. “I have a duty and responsibility to the people of the state to make sure that all civil-related matters are addressed by our committee at a bare minimum.” […]
In his letter to House officials, Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul advising of the investigation, Thapedi called the massive outbreak and resulting deaths “deplorable” and said preliminary reports released by the Pritzker’s administration “show a pattern of conduct indicative of wanton disregard” for the health and safety of the LaSalle home’s residents.
* More from Hannah…
Here's a visual representation of when the LaSalle Veterans' Home reported new infections among residents and staff members, and eventually deaths among residents. It was a steep upward climb in early November before @IDPH and @DeptVetAffairs made site visits to the facility. pic.twitter.com/m97w26eZX2
Edwardsville officials are getting serious about their mask mandate.
The City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday night that provides a way to enforce a Nov. 17 executive order by Mayor Hal Patton, requiring people to wear face coverings in public to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The ordinance allows violators to be ticketed by local police and fined $25 to $250. In addition, owners or managers of businesses, stores and venues can be fined $50 to $500 for not enforcing the mandate on their properties.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing that Driver Services facilities statewide will remain closed for in-person transactions until Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. White is reminding the public that expirations for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended until June 1, 2021.
Expanded Online Services
White also has expanded online services for the public, which they can take advantage of by visiting www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Some of these services include:
• Renewing a license plate sticker;
• Renewing a valid driver’s license for qualifying drivers;
• Renewing a valid ID card for those age 22-64 (seniors 65 and older have free, non-expiring IDs);
• Obtaining a driver record abstract;
• Filing Business Services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports; and
• Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may contact adminhearings@ilsos.gov.
Select Facilities Open to Serve New Drivers ONLY
In addition, White announced that the following facilities will be open for new drivers ONLY:
Bradley, 1111 Blatt St.; Charleston, 1010 E. St.; Chicago North, 5401 N. Elston Ave; Chicago South, 9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.; Danville/Tilton, #5 Southgate; DeKalb, 1360 Oakwood St.; Marion, 1905 Rendleman St.; Mascoutah, 9221 Beller Dr.; Moline/Silvis, 2001 Fifth St., Ste. #10; Olney, 1302 S. West St.; Peoria, 3311 N. Sterling Ave., #12; Princeton, 225 Backbone Rd. East; Quincy, 2512 Locust St.; Rantoul, 421 S. Murray Rd.; Rockford, 4734 Baxter Rd.; Salem, 1375 W. Whittaker St.; and Springfield, 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Chicago North and Chicago South facilities will be open for new drivers only Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The other facilities listed above will operate under normal hours.
Select Facilities Open to Serve CDL Applicants ONLY
White also reiterated that 18 CDL facilities remain open for CDL written and road exams. These CDL facilities include:
Bradley, 1111 Blatt St.; Charleston, 1010 E. St.; Danville/Tilton, #5 Southgate; DeKalb, 1360 Oakwood St.; Elk Grove Village, 650 Roppolo Dr.; Marion, 1905 Rendleman St.; Mascoutah, 9221 Beller Dr.; Moline/Silvis, 2001 Fifth St., Ste. #10; Olney, 1302 S. West St.; Peoria, 3311 N. Sterling Ave., #12; Princeton, 225 Backbone Rd. East; Quincy, 2512 Locust St.; Rantoul, 421 S. Murray Rd.; Rockford, 4734 Baxter Rd.; Salem, 1375 W. Whittaker St.; South Holland, 41 W. 162nd St.; Springfield, 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.; and West Chicago, 1280 Powis Rd.
“Commercial truck drivers provide essential services by ensuring goods can be transported safely and efficiently throughout the state and country during this pandemic,” White said.
CDL driving tests are by appointment only by calling 217-785-3013.
Seven Facilities Offering Drive-thru Services for License Plate Stickers
Lastly, White again reminded the public that seven facilities will continue offering drive-thru services for license plate sticker transactions ONLY. These facilities were selected due to the configuration of the buildings that allowed for drive-through transactions. The seven drive-through facilities are: Chicago North, 5401 N. Elston Ave.; Chicago South, 9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.; Chicago West,5301 W. Lexington St.; Danville/Tilton, #5 Southgate; Macomb, 466 Deer Rd.; Rockford-Central, 3720 E. State St.; and Springfield, Dirksen 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway.
Expanded Online Renewals for Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
In an effort to reduce future facility visits for in-person service, White has expanded online renewals for driver’s licenses and ID cards. Not everyone qualifies, particularly those who are required to pass a written or road test. For qualifying drivers, if the driver’s license or ID card expired between Feb. 1, 2020, through Jan. 31, 2021, then the individual will receive a letter this month with a unique PIN needed to renew online. If the driver’s license or ID card expires after Feb. 1, 2021, the individual will receive the PIN letter approximately 90 days before the expiration date. For more information on determining whether an individual qualifies for online renewal, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com and click on “Read more on how to renew your driver’s license or ID card online” near the top of the main page.
Thousands of customers have already taken advantage of the expanded driver’s license and ID card online renewal program, which results in fewer customers waiting in person at Driver Services facilities once they reopen.
“As the health and safety of employees and the public are paramount, we decided to extend the closure of Driver Services facilities until Jan 4, 2021, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic,” said White. “Unfortunately, face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus, and protecting the health and safety of our residents is my top priority. We have extended expiration dates to assist people during this difficult time. We are also offering services to CDL holders and new drivers at select facilities. In addition, I am encouraging customers to consider using online services that are available for many office transactions.”
All other Secretary of State departments are open to serve the public. Check www.cyberdriveillinois.com for more information.
The Illinois State Board of Elections on Friday certified the results of the Nov. 3 General Election, which featured the highest statewide turnout since 1992 and set records for total number of votes cast and total registered voters.
Despite being held amid the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 General Election saw 6,098,729 voters cast ballots, exceeding the 2016 total of 5,666,118, which was a record at the time. There were a record 8,364,099 active registered voters eligible to participate in the election, surpassing the 2016 record of 8,029,847.
Turnout was 72.92 percent, the highest statewide voter turnout since the 1992 general Election’s 78.24 percent and more than 2 percentage points higher than in 2016.
Official vote totals for the 2020 general elections can be found on the SBE website’s Election Results page. The official Vote Totals book is available as a downloadable pdf file in the Vote Totals section of the website’s publications page.
As the coronavirus pandemic intensified following the March 17 primary, the Illinois General Assembly passed an election bill that enacted many special provisions to ensure a safe General Election for voters and poll workers. Chief among these was an emphasis on voting by mail that resulted in a record number of Illinois voters casting ballots without entering a polling place.
Likewise, promotion of early voting to mitigate potential Election Day crowding led to an unprecedented number of votes cast during Illinois’ 40-day early voting period.
Based on pre-election ballot reports, SBE estimates that the total statewide vote was split roughly evenly between early voting, voting by mail and in-person voting on Election Day, each accounting for about 2 million votes. Board staff is currently collecting data from the state’s 108 local election authorities that will provide a more precise summary of voting trends in the 2020 general election. That data will be submitted to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in early 2021 for inclusion in the Election Administration and Voting Survey. […]
“The strong turnout in this election is a testament to the voters of Illinois and the state’s 108 local election authorities,” said SBE Executive Director Steve Sandvoss. “Amid a historic public health crisis that presented a formidable obstacle, the election community statewide rose to the occasion.”
The Fair Tax failed, the Yes vote only received 46.73% support. Because of the low dropoff rate it could have passed if the Yes vote had reached 53.10% support (assuming my math is correct).
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell as the nation celebrated Thanksgiving last week to a still-high 712,000, the latest sign that the U.S. economy and job market remain under stress from the intensified viral outbreak.
Thursday’s report from the Labor Department said that initial claims for jobless aid dropped from 787,000 the week before. Before the virus paralyzed the economy in March, the number of people applying for unemployment benefits each week had typically amounted to roughly 225,000. The chronically high pace of applications shows that nearly nine months after the pandemic struck, many employers are still slashing jobs.
“Thanksgiving seasonals likely explain the drop’’ in jobless claims last week, Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a research note. “Expect a rebound next week.’’
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported 74,131 new unemployment claims were filed across the state last week, the week of Nov. 22. That is up 13 percent from the week before.
About 10 percent of the national total yet again.
* There is clearly something amiss here. The governor has blamed the inordinately high numbers on fraudulent claims. CBS 2 reports that “roughly 297,000 people in Illinois” are “lumped into the IDES’ fraudulent claims pile.”
Illinois has lost more than a third of its small businesses since the beginning of the year, according to TrackTheRecovery.org. […]
The data compiled by Harvard and Brown universities and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation shows as of Nov. 16, 2020, the number of small businesses open decreased by 35.4 percent compared to January of this year.
The national average businesses not open compared to January is 28.9 percent fewer. Washington D.C. had the worst loss at 47.1 percent fewer small businesses. Nebraska and North Carolina had the best showing at 20.5 percent fewer.
Small business revenues have also taken a hit nationwide. The national average is a decrease of 32.1 percent in small business revenue since January. Washington D.C. had the worst loss in the nation at 61.6 percent. Oregon small businesses lost 16.3 percent. Illinois small businesses saw 39.2 percent decline in revenue since January.
[Headline changed to reflect an error on my part. I’ve donated more money to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. This week needs to end before I go broke /s]
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
With identity fraud tied to unemployment claims in Illinois at an all-time high, Illinois State Representatives Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), and Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) held a press conference Friday and said Governor Pritzker needs to stop pointing fingers and start proposing solutions.
Since March, more than 212,000 fraudulent claims have been filed with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Most fraudulent activity involves unemployment benefit debit cards with money on them that are being received by Illinoisans who did not file for benefits, or business owners who cannot obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) funds because their identities were stolen and money due to them was channeled to a cyber-hacker.
“Governor Pritzker continues to blame the federal government for his department’s failings, but it’s time for JB Pritzker to take responsibility for the fact that his IDES has failed at every turn during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “Rather than continuing to play the blame game, the Governor needs to fix this failed system once and for all and share with the General Assembly his plan to protect the identities of Illinoisans at risk of having their personal information compromised.”
State Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) said Illinoisans who receive no help or no callbacks from IDES are turning to their legislators for assistance, often in a state of desperation. “Helping constituents who are having difficulties applying for benefits and receiving answers from IDES has become the number one issue which I and my district office staff have been spending time on since the outbreak began in March,” said Bennett. “Meanwhile groceries still have to be bought and bills still have to be paid while the applicants wait. The delays and failures at IDES are unacceptable. Government must do better!”
While the Attorney General’s Office recommends that all people use strong account passwords, monitor their credit reports, register for fraud alerts by text or email, and pay close attention to all financial accounts, Rep. Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) said that’s not nearly enough, and that state government needs to do more to protect people from fraud. “Telling families who need to put food on the table to monitor their credit reports for potential unemployment fraud is a completely unacceptable abdication of the government’s responsibility to the people,” said Murphy. “Then telling victims who are just trying to stay afloat to repay the government for its failure to protect against fraud adds serious insult to injury. We are long overdue for public hearings, the legislature needs to convene and concrete answers to address the ongoing problems at IDES must be provided.”
Jim Oberweis, candidate for Congress in the 14th District, is issuing the following statement on the discovery recount his campaign has formally launched.
“Today my campaign has formally initiated the process to begin a discovery recount. We are seeking a discovery recount in each of the seven counties within the 14th Congressional District. A discovery recount does not change a single vote, but it does allow us to see if the outcome might change with a full recount. Election law provides campaigns the ability to request a discovery recount in close elections. As we have said for the last few weeks, we would be seeking a discovery recount and the first of these recounts have been formally filed in DuPage County. We will be filing paperwork in the other counties in the coming days.”
Unofficial totals showed Underwood, of Naperville, with 203,209 votes, or 50.7%, compared with 197,835 votes for Oberweis, or 49.3%, in the west and northwest suburban and exurban district. […]
A discovery recount involves a partial sample of votes cast in the congressional district, which includes DuPage, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. Unofficial results showed Underwood winning in all but McHenry and DeKalb counties.
If results from a discovery recount differ, the result of the election would not automatically change. But the recount could be used as the basis for a court challenge to the election results.
Needless to say, don’t expect a change in the end result. A 1.4 percentage point lead doesn’t just vanish.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Lauren Underwood for Congress released the following statement in response to news reports regarding Jim Oberweis’ pursuit of a discovery recount. This statement is attributable to Underwood spokeswoman Andra Belknap:
“The votes in this race have been counted and Mr. Oberweis lost. As he has acknowledged, a discovery recount cannot change the outcome of this election. Congresswoman Underwood is in Washington focused on the job she has been elected to do.”
Embattled House Speaker Michael Madigan, his bid for reelection to the post in jeopardy, will appear Saturday at a “candidate’s forum” hosted by one of his most loyal constituencies — the House Black caucus.
With 19 of the projected 73 Democrats who will sit in the next session of the House opposing Madigan’s reelection — leaving him six short of approval — the move by the nation’s longest-serving speaker is aimed at both shoring up and demonstrating support from a highly active caucus of House Democrats.
So far, of the Black caucus’ 22 members, only Rep. Maurice West of Rockford has said he will not vote for Madigan’s reelection as speaker, a post the Southwest Side Democrat has held since 1983 with the exception of two years in the mid-1990s when Republicans controlled the chamber. […]
The Black caucus traditionally meets prior to the inauguration of a new legislature to elect a member for the House Democratic leadership team. But one caucus member said privately that the meeting’s role this year was expanded to include the speaker candidate’s forum as a way to provide Madigan with a formidable reelection endorsement.
Members of the House have until noon Friday to make their interest known to Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, who chairs the caucus, according to the release. The forum was first reported by Capitol Fax.
Steve Brown, a spokesman for the speaker, said Madigan plans to take part.
Lilly said it will be a private forum for the candidates.
“We wanted to open it up to those who are interested [in being speaker] and we wanted to make ourselves available,” Lilly said.
*** UPDATE 1 *** I meant to include this here and forgot. Pearson was interviewed by CNN about Madigan. Here’s one exchange…
Cillizza: Finish this sentence: “In January the next Speaker of the Illinois state House will be ________.” Now, explain.
Pearson: I don’t mean to weasel out here but this is very much an open question. In the past, there were heirs apparent to Madigan should he have stepped down. But Madigan has outlasted them. The women’s caucus is sizable and has now become a political force. The Black caucus in the House has always been influential. Progressives have become a larger factor in the chamber and they will want to be represented. Members of Madigan’s current leadership team want consideration.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
“The Illinois Legislative House Black Caucus will host a forum for all interested candidates for House Speaker on Saturday, December 5th. At noon today, we received the final list of interested candidates who wish to appear and present their leadership credentials to the caucus members. We are committed to a transparent and open process. We look forward to hearing from all those interested and providing an opportunity for the caucus members to make the best decision that represents our collective constituency and residents of Illinois. This is strictly a forum.” - Rep. Camille Lilly, Chair - Illinois Legislative House Black Caucus
* You know the drill. Illinois-centric and polite. And if you haven’t yet contributed, please click here and contribute to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Thanks for everything.
The days of Boone’s Saloon are over, as new owners Mike Zengilani and Chris Stone are closing the popular bar and grill on College & Edwards to give it a re-branding.
The new venture will be simply called Boone’s. Zengilani will draw from his ten years of experience at Cafe Moxo to tweak the menu, while plans also include an expanded outdoor beer garden. Already considered one of the best beer gardens in Springfield, the new Boone’s will have more space in the garden, as well as video gaming.
Stone told me yesterday they’re dropping the Confederate dish names from the menu. That’s a relief.
