January, 2022 one-day session cheat sheet
Wednesday, Jan 5, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Let’s start with a resolution requiring only House action…
* HR595: House rules change to allow remote voting. *Passed*
* Senate resolution…
* SR701: Declares January 17, 2022 as “Betty White Day” and mourns her passing.
* Bills passed both chambers…
* HB3138: Judicial redistricting
* HB1953: Elections bill cleanup
* HB3512: Criminal justice trailer bill
As always, if you see something I missed, please speak up in comments. Thanks.
…Adding… If you were wondering why that judicial remap bill took so long…
Rep. Jonathan Carroll (Northbrook), Rep. Daniel Didech (Buffalo Grove), Rep. Joyce Mason (Gurnee), Rep. Rita Mayfield (Waukegan), Rep. Bob Morgan (Deerfield), and Rep. Sam Yingling (Grayslake) released the following statement:
The Lake County Democratic House Delegation is proud to announce that we successfully negotiated historic judicial maps that will for the first time bring real diversity to the Lake County courts. For too long, our community has been deprived of truly equitable representation at the judicial branch of government. As soon as this year, we expect to see the first two minority judges elected in Lake County history. This only happened because of our dedication to building productive working relationships with all of our colleagues in Springfield, and our commitment to ensuring that every single person in Lake County had a voice in our state’s Capitol.
…Adding… The House has canceled next week’s session. Senate President Harmon told members earlier to not expect to return next week.
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* Press release…
Following close contact Tuesday with a state employee who tested positive for COVID-19, Governor JB Pritzker will work remotely out of an abundance of caution. Experts recommend limiting contact after exposure if possible. With the Omicron variant spreading across the state, the governor is taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
The governor tested negative for COVID-19 as recently as this morning and is fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. The state continues to urge residents stay home when sick or after close contact with someone with COVID-19.
The governor will be taking meetings remotely through Sunday.
Individuals can visit http://www.vaccines.gov to find a nearby location to receive a vaccine or booster dose. Testing locations can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/testing.html, including information on the days and hours for free Community-based Testing Sites.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require quarantine for individuals who are vaccinated and boosted, but does encourage limiting interactions when possible and practicable. The CDC also recommends those who are a close contact to remain vigilant with mask wearing in public settings.
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* Subscribers have been watching this play out for hours…
I’ve been asking for a statement from Leader McConchie explaining why he’s doing this for well over an hour.
* Just before noon, after hearing multiple rumors of a lack of a quorum, I asked the Senate Republicans how many of their members were at the Capitol and their spokesperson said this…
Right now, only Leader McConchie is in the Capitol.
The Senate Democrats were clearly short on their attendance. The chamber was supposed to convene at 11 o’clock, but that was moved back to 2 o’clcock while they tried to convince members to get their rears to town. As long as the Republicans stayed out of the building, they could stop a quorum.
* It seems clear that the Republicans are quite upset with the way the subcircuit remap bill is being jammed through. And Leader McConchie had this to say after the bill was debated in Senate Executive Committee this afternoon…
I will just say that I’m, again deeply disappointed at the redistricting process on a number of levels. I will say mostly in regards to the lack of transparency in regards to this process, and I mean, this is something that not only have I raised, but also the courts have raised, also government groups have raised on multiple levels. I just think it is counterproductive to I’ll say small d democratic process. At the end of the day, our goal needs to be for the people of this state to have faith in government. And I would say that the manner in which this has been done, as well as many other things, seems to cause people to not have that faith. And so, at some point, I hope that we’ll be able to figure out the mechanism and the majority will actually welcome a robust debate and full transparency in regards to anything that we do here in this building.
Anyway, the Senate Democrats are holding a caucus meeting at 2 o’clock, so we should know more soon.
There’s also been a delay in getting SHIELD covid test results back for several members, I’m told (but that was from a House member).
*** UPDATE 1 *** Senate President Don Harmon just told his members during caucus that they have 29 Democrats in Springfield, with a couple more driving down. That would give them a quorum, but two members have issues and can’t be on the floor (you can probably guess what that is). So, we’ll see what happens next.
*** UPDATE 2 *** I guess he doesn’t believe what Harmon told his members…
The current situation indicates that the Senate Democrats do not have of a quorum of their own members at this time. While the situation unfolds, here is a statement from Leader McConchie:
“Senate Republicans continue to stand up for democracy as they have throughout the entire redistricting process. Unfortunately, Democrats have clearly had only one thing in mind and that is power at all costs, even at the expense of democracy. As was stated today in committee, partisanship was a factor in drawing the sub circuit maps. Our caucus will not assist in any effort to corrupt our judicial system through partisan gerrymandering. If the Democrats want a power grab of our courts, they can do it on their own. The judicial branch, above all, should be held to a higher standard than this sort of politicization.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** The House Republicans were off the floor during the attendance roll call. But the Democrats had 62 votes. They have a quorum…
Republican Rep. Mark Batinick then walked onto the floor and requested a Republican caucus for an hour. They’ll be back in action sometime after 4 o’clock.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Senate now has a quorum. Several members were also allowed to participate remotely, including Sen. Bailey.
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* Darren Bailey’s morning Facebook address today…
Right now, even as we speak, factions of the Republican Party are trying to handpick the ‘yes people’ that they want to put into office. There’s a lot of good people out there that have decided to run and they’re being discouraged, borderline bribed, whatever you want to call it, not to run. And this has got to be exposed and talked about as well because these days of Illinois governance where we’ve came from, where we’ve been, what we’ve been doing and why we are here has got to end.
We keep hearing the talk about a slate coming up of Republican governor, lieutenant governor and all the way down the line. Friends, this is nonsense. And you’re going to be able to see right through it. Whenever you see a liberal-minded governor candidate pop up from the Illinois Republican Party and then you see maybe someone to the right or to the left of them. That’s why I chose Stephanie Trussell to be my running mate. Because Stephanie Trussell is rock solid. She stands up, she speaks out for what she believes in and she will not waver. These people coming up from this slate, they’re going to be bought and paid for candidates and friends we cannot allow that anymore in the state of Illinois. So make sure to speak with your voice now when you see these people and make sure to speak up with your vote later. Please join our team.
Just sayin’ but Trussell most definitely wavered on Donald Trump, going from 110 percent opposition to support.
…Adding… Yep…
* Speaking of the slate, here’s Politico’s take on the SoS race…
On the Republican side, a political action committee with support from billionaire Ken Griffin is reportedly backing former U.S. attorney John Milhiser. […]
Griffin’s potential involvement has little to do with the secretary of state office. Griffin wants to defeat Gov. JB Pritzker, and if he can’t do it this year, the Citadel CEO may want to put Milhiser in a strong position to run for governor in four years.
For now, Giannoulias and Milhiser face primary contests, so fundraising is far from over. Their opponents all have uphill battles to beef up their campaign accounts.
Um, “little to do with the secretary of state office”? One could say that about other candidates, too. Anybody think Giannoulias will be content to be SoS for 20 years? Team Grif may indeed be setting up Milhiser for a future bid for even higher office, but that would require winning the race in November. And, more to the point, the people running this experiment despise Giannoulias from their time running the Mark Kirk US Senate campaign. They were obviously very intent on finding a candidate to make a stark contrast with their planned attack on Giannoulias.
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* Mark Maxwell at WCIA…
A 36-year-old child protection specialist with the Department of Children and Family Services was stabbed to death while performing a home visit in Thayer on Tuesday afternoon. The Sangamon County Coroner’s office performed an autopsy on Wednesday morning, and plans to identify the woman after completing the autopsy.
Six children, ages 1 to 7 years old, were present in the home in the 300 block of West Elm Street, according to Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell. Officers investigated the stabbing in the small rural town just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police officers from Pawnee, Divernon, Auburn, and deputies from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the scene and had to force their way inside the home where they found the victim’s body, but no sign of the suspect.
Later that night, Decatur police took 32-year-old Benjamin Reed into custody in connection with the stabbing. Officers located him at a hospital in Decatur where he was seeking medical treatment for a minor wound. Sangamon county detectives traveled to Decatur and interviewed Reed about the incident. Reed was due in court for a bond hearing Wednesday morning.
This post will be updated.
* WICS…
Approximately 15 minutes later arriving officers noticed something that appeared to be blood near the door of the home.
Once they were inside they found the body of a 36-year-old woman.
A search of the home helped authorities identify Reed as the possible suspect.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Marc D. Smith, Director of DCFS…
The Department of Children and Family Services is deeply saddened by the tragic death of our colleague, Deidre Silas. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time. Social work is more than just a job, it is a calling. Deidre responded to this call and dedicated herself to the children, families and communities she served, and we will be forever grateful for her work. She was an incredible person, and her brightness and positivity will be missed not only by her family and friends, but also her second family at DCFS.
*** UPDATE 2 *** AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch…
“We are heartbroken at the loss of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigator and AFSCME member Deidre Silas of Springfield, murdered Tuesday while responding to a report of children in danger.
“The perpetrator of this unspeakable crime must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Deidre dedicated her career to helping young people. Prior to joining DCFS in August 2021 she worked in behavioral health and for more than seven years with the Department of Juvenile Justice where she was a union steward.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that frontline DCFS employees like Deidre do demanding, dangerous and essential jobs every day, often despite inadequate resources and tremendous stress.
“AFSCME will carefully study the facts of this incident as they emerge and press for any necessary changes to DCFS operations. One death in the line of service is too many.
“Our union is providing support to Deidre’s coworkers to help them process this trauma and aid their grieving.
“The hearts and thoughts of every AFSCME member are with Deidre’s loved ones, especially her children, in the wake of their profound and senseless loss. In her name we rededicate ourselves to our vigilant advocacy to improve workplace safety for all.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Gov. JB Pritzker…
“Today, the State of Illinois mourns the loss of Deidre Silas, a DCFS caseworker and a hero, taken from us in the line of duty. There is no higher calling than the work to keep children and families safe and Deidre lived that value every single day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our most vulnerable are safer because she chose to serve. I can think of no more profound legacy. MK and I send our deepest condolences to her colleagues at DCFS, her family, and all who loved her.”
* Illinois Collaboration on Youth…
The entire child welfare community mourns the tragic death of Diedra Silas, who was killed yesterday while trying to protect children at risk. We are heartbroken that her commitment to children’s safety has cost her life, and left her own two children motherless. We will keep Ms. Silas and all who loved her in our hearts and thoughts.
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
Today is a day for everyone in Illinois to stand with the selfless workers at the Department of Children and Family Services who give so much of themselves to keep our children safe. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers of Deidre Silas, killed as she checked in on children who she cared so deeply about. She gave voice to children who needed a hero to protect them. May she rest in peace in all of God’s glory.
* Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton…
“Today, our Illinois family mourns the loss of DCFS caseworker Deidre Silas, who was killed on the job while trying to make a difference. She was a brave, essential worker dedicated to helping children, their families, and their communities,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Our state is a better place because of Deidre Silas. My family and I are sending our prayers and condolences to her family, DCFS coworkers, and everyone whose life she touched.”
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* Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie watched in horror as events unfolded on January 6th last year. He was moved to write an op-ed that was published in the Sun-Times the following day under the headline “The Republican Party must find its way back home.” Here it is…
Along with the rest of our nation, today the Republican Party stands at a crossroads. There is no denying that the GOP that opposed slavery, sent President Abraham Lincoln to the White House and was the catalyst for granting women the right to vote has lost its way.
On Wednesday, I watched in horror as domestic terrorists stormed our nation’s Capitol, threatened the lives of our democratically elected representatives and vandalized our sacred ground. I was devastated to see the most striking symbol of division — the Confederate flag — paraded through our Capitol’s hallowed halls.
In helping foment current national divisions, there is no longer any doubt that our Republican president has abdicated the principles of freedom, law and order and a democratic process that has for so long enabled the United States to be the leader of the free world. We have never seen such a breach of law and order in the seat of our hallowed republic.
Unlike so many citizens of other countries, I have never before had to question whether my president was inciting violence or sedition. It is up to us to defend our country against lawlessness and those who would tear down the core values upon which our democracy has been built.
This riotous activity could understandably cause an instinctual reaction to abandon the party claimed by the president and the people who put him in the position to abuse his power and encourage this chaos. But, to those who want to write the Republicans off forever, I implore you to reconsider.
Wednesday’s attack vividly illustrates that what America needs most right now is reunification around the principles and values that have made us the leader of the free world. And we are not now, nor should we ever be, a single-party system. We require the checks, balances and discourse of a two-party system to be a strong and free nation.
While we should never abandon our values, beliefs or advocacy, we must stop perceiving the opposition party as our enemy. We are all equals, dedicated to participating in the political process that is essential to maintaining our status as a great nation.
And our state needs the millions of Illinoisans who voted for President Donald Trump in November, just as we need the millions who voted for President-elect Joe Biden, to work together for the common good. We need every citizen, from every corner of the state, and every background to work together to solve our state’s problems by empowering the people rather than the political elite or the well-connected.
Now is not the time to tear down — it is the time to rebuild. The Republican party is not, and has never been, one person. It is a collection of values such as liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of worship and economic opportunity for all. Here in Illinois, the GOP is centered around rooting out the corruption that festers in the halls of our government and restoring the public’s faith in our representative democracy. It is this shared value system and dedication that will be the cornerstone of our renewal.
As with all sorrowful crises, this moment carries with it an opportunity of tremendous magnitude for our nation and the Republican Party. But the opportunity is meaningless unless we seize it.
Let’s come together as a new GOP that has learned from its past and seeks to build a brighter future for all of those we hold so dear.
* McConchie has released this statement ahead of tomorrow’s one-year anniversary…
In the year since the devastating attack on our nation’s Capitol, I am sadly reminded of the divisive political culture that Americans have come to expect. However, we can once again become the American people that respect and value one another, no matter our differences.
As I stated following last year’s attack, ‘We need every citizen, from every corner of the state, and every background to work together to solve our state’s problems by empowering the people rather than the political elite or the well-connected.’
I still believe that strongly today and will continue to work to ensure our democratic system operates in a manner that values all perspectives and ensures all voices are heard.
…Adding… US Rep. Kinzinger…
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* NBC 5 on Monday…
With cases across the state and within the district surging, CPS reported 35,590 tests were completed between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, but 24,843 were ruled “invalid,” according to data posted on the district’s website. […]
CPS has encouraged parents to get their students tested for COVID-19 over winter break, with the district distributing about 150,000 take-home test kits to schools in communities hit hard by the pandemic. […]
The deadline to return those kits was originally set for Dec. 28, but was extended to Dec. 30 after parents and the Chicago Teachers Union reported overflowing drop boxes that left some families scrambling.
So, out of 150,000 tests, CPS winds up with just 10,747 valid results? That’s about 7 percent. CPS non-charter enrollment is 290,000 kids. So, those valid results represented about 3.7 percent of all CPS students.
* Yet many people still wonder why teachers don’t trust the CPS plan…
Chicago Public Schools classes are canceled Wednesday as the Chicago Teachers Union voted to refuse in-person work, defying district plans because of post-holidays COVID-19 concerns.
The cancellation came despite a last-minute proposal from city leaders that introduced improved testing and safety measures but wasn’t enough to avoid upending in-person schooling for about 290,000 students at non-charter schools exactly 12 months after another CPS-CTU fight over pandemic safety measures left families in limbo for weeks.
* Meanwhile, in the suburbs…
Even remote learning is not an option for some students at a growing number of suburban schools, where the spike in COVID-19 cases this week has sidelined teachers and staff, suspending classroom instruction amid a critical statewide shortfall of school employees.
At Elgin-based Community Unit School District 46 — the second largest school district in Illinois — officials announced that five of its 57 schools were closed Tuesday because of staffing shortages, which unlike previous classroom shutdowns, does not include pivoting to online instruction. […]
Staffing shortages due to COVID-19 also forced officials at Niles Township School District 219 to halt their plans to resume in-person, classroom instruction this week, and instead, the district will move to a remote learning, adaptive pause through Jan. 14. […]
Staffing shortages across New Lenox-based Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 also prompted officials to close buildings, and switch to online instruction through Friday.
* A sampling of Downstate news…
* Danville Schools go remote due to COVID-19
* Southwest Illinois schools adapt to COVID surges, including return to remote learning
* Some Metro East schools return to virtual learning amid COVID surge
* Peoria Public Schools extends winter break amid COVID-19 surge, offering lunches for students
* National…
After a fall semester of relative normalcy across much of the United States, Covid-19 made itself felt on Monday in school districts nationwide.
A vast majority of U.S. public schools appeared to be operating as planned this week, including those in New York City, the country’s largest district. But the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, along with labor and testing shortages, has led to a growing number of educational disruptions.
Districts in Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Newark were among those announcing that their schools would switch to remote learning for periods lasting from a few days to several weeks.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Senator Darren Bailey Releases Statement in response to Chicago Teachers Union Voting to Not Teach Students in Classrooms
“The Chicago Teachers Union is out of control, and Pritzker needs to stand up and demand in-person education for our children or work with CPS to find teachers who want to teach our kids and ensure they don’t fall behind.”
Bailey continued, “Our children are not political pawns, and their education should not be held hostage by big, politically motivated unions who despise parental involvement in education. When J.B. Pritzker shut our schools down, our students fell behind.
Schools across the nation are attending in-person with masks optional; there is no reason for this. It’s time to end the nonsense and ensure our schools prioritize our children again. As your next Governor, I’ll always stand up for parents and students. I’ll fight to remove the extreme policies from classrooms, and I will remove Pritzker’s mandates and restore local control. We must improve education and prepare our children to chase their dreams and accomplish their next step.”
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* Press release…
Democrat candidate for Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias finished the recent end-of-the-year fundraising quarter strong with more than $4 million in his campaign fund, he campaign announced today.
Giannoulias, the former Illinois State Treasurer who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the statewide office, reported raising more than approximately $655,575 during the fourth quarter that ended December 31, increasing the current total in his campaign fund to approximately $4,025,000 million on hand after expenses.
“I’m proud to have received such a strong showing of support from Illinoisians who want to modernize the office and make it responsive to their needs, health and safety concerns and busy schedules,” Giannoulias said. “Our fundraising total shows that our message is resonating with Illinoisians who share our priorities and expect action when it comes to a government that works better for everyone by improving access and delivering services faster, easier and more conveniently for them.”
In addition to his campaign’s fundraising success, Giannoulias has outlined a series of policy initiatives his administration would undertake that address issues of statewide concern, including: protecting voter rights and making it easier to register and vote; strengthening ethics reforms among government officials and lobbyists; increasing opportunities for women and minority business owners establish and grow their businesses; improving the State’s library system to provide more equity and access; and reducing recidivism by easing the transition for ex-offenders to successfully reintegrate into society.
Since launching his bid for Secretary of State a year ago, Giannoulias has received endorsements from a broad array of Democrats representing more than 200 elected leaders, organized labor and political groups, including the Cook County Democratic Party and the Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association.
* Politico…
Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia has about $820,000 on hand, Ald. David Moore, about $105,000, and Dowell has $520,000. Should she run for federal office, Dowell could return those funds and then see them donated back for a congressional race.
Republican Dan Brady, who’s been endorsed by party leaders across the state, has nearly $300,000 after announcing his bid just six weeks ago.
* Ald. Dowell may drop out of the SoS race…
The surprise decision of Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., to not run for a 16th term sparked a chain reaction Tuesday, with Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) on the verge of dropping her bid for secretary of state and switching to a House run, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.
Dowell told the Sun-Times she will soon decide — it could come within a day or so — whether she will make the switch.
“I am seriously considering a pivot from the secretary of state race to the congressional seat that would be opened by Bobby Rush’s retirement,” she said.
*** UPDATE *** From Pat Dowell…
First, I want to recognize the numerous contributions of Congressman Bobby Rush in his lifetime of service to further civil rights and protect underserved communities, particularly those of color. Congressman Rush has led the fight for racial justice and inspired many.
After careful consideration and many conversations with family and supporters, I am announcing that I will run for Congress in Illinois’ 1st District. Congressman Rush has created a legacy of fighting for others that I will strive to honor and uphold. I am grateful for the support people have given me in my run for Secretary of State. Recent events, both here in Illinois and across the country, have led me to decide to make this run for Congress.
In Congress, I will work every day to ensure Chicago and all the communities of the 1st district receive their fair share of federal resources, safeguard voting rights and access, be a strong voice for gun control, protect Social Secuirty and Medicare, and provide healthcare for all.
* David Moore…
In less than a week, petitions will start circulating for candidates to get on the ballot for the June 28 primary election. As we see in the secretary of state’s race to replace the retiring Jesse White, nothing is constant except change. Alderman Pat Dowell’s decision to end her bid for secretary of state and run for congress changes the race significantly.
I am the only candidate in the secretary of state’s race who circulated petitions for candidate White to run for secretary of state in 1997. Although he had served as a state legislator and Cook County Recorder of Deeds, he did not receive the party’s endorsement.
I believed then, as now that candidate White was the right person for the job—given the office was mired in scandal and corruption. His long service has underscored the need to keep the secretary of state’s office a “servant’s seat,” driven by service to Illinois constituents and not by political ambition.
My record of standing with working families is unassailable, both as a private citizen and elected official. I will build on White’s rich legacy and run the office with great integrity and character while professionally conducting the business of secretary of state, as I stated in my announcement speech on the campus of Western Illinois University in Macomb nearly eight months ago.
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* Press release…
Two years ahead of schedule, Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza has made the final $302 million payment on a $2 billion loan the state took out in 2020 to cover COVID-19 expenses. It’s estimated the early pay-back of the loan will save Illinois taxpayers $82 million in interest.
Governor J.B. Pritzker, Comptroller Mendoza, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon announced an agreement in May to use the state’s strong expected revenues to pay off the loan from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Municipal Liquidity Facility (MLF) early, saving the interest money.
Before the start of this fiscal year, the Comptroller was able to pay half of the loan in June. No federal stimulus money was used for repayment – just regular state revenues.
“With this early repayment, we take another important step toward restoring fiscal stability and predictability to Illinois,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “I can’t stand seeing taxpayer money wasted on interest – that’s why paying off this loan early was so important for me.”
“Illinois used to be known for kicking the can down the road, but today we’re restoring fiscal stability,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Paying back this loan ahead of schedule achieves a level of fiscal prudence not seen in our state for decades. I applaud Comptroller Mendoza and our partners in the General Assembly for not only building fiscal stability, but saving millions of taxpayer dollars along the way.”
“We promised steady stewardship even in uncertain times, and this keeps that promise,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Just a few years ago, we had a bill backlog of $17 billion. Today, we are paying off our debts early, saving taxpayers millions of dollars, receiving our first credit ratings increases in decades and proving we don’t have to balance our budget on the backs of working families.”
“I shudder to think where we would have been without these resources to keep our economy afloat,” said State Senate President Don Harmon. “It’s a testament to the resilience of the people and businesses of Illinois and the responsible financial actions we’ve taken as a state that we have bounced back so quickly and are now able to pay it off early.”
“Fiscal responsibility is absolutely vital for Illinois’ future, and paying our debts early is a strong sign of how seriously we are taking that obligation,” said House Majority Leader and Chief Budgeteer Greg Harris. “However, while we have made significant progress putting Illinois on sound financial footing, there is still work to do. I’m confident steps such as these will build a strong fiscal foundation for years to come.”
The loan was scheduled to be repaid in three installments by December 2023. Illinois’ revenues, especially corporate income tax and sales tax receipts, came in ahead of projections. Comptroller Mendoza used effective cash management strategies to put the state in a position to pay off the debt in its entirety early.
The MLF loan was needed to cover state medical bills during the pandemic. But as of today, the state is caught up on its Medicaid payments with no additional borrowing in the state’s plans. The backlog of bills is down to $4 billion and the state is paying its bills within 15 business days, the quickest payment cycle in over 20 years, signaling the state is in a recovery mode compared to the budget challenges of recent years.
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