* Background is here (scroll down) for Leader Durkin’s letter to Gov. Pritzker if you need it…
February 9, 2022
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin
316 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Dear Leader Durkin:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I’m sure it’s been as difficult for you as it has been for me to see the terrible toll this deadly pandemic has taken on our state. In Cook, DuPage and Will counties, excluding the City of Chicago, 9,628 Illinois residents lost their lives and 31,570 Illinoisans across the state had their lives cut short. I know we both agree that every life lost is a tragedy.
Throughout this pandemic it is the strength of the people of Illinois that has reminded me that together we can overcome the obstacles this disease continues to throw at us. Unlike at the beginning of this pandemic, we now have mitigation tools that help us prevent the spread of Covid-19, including vaccines and boosters, masks and testing. Many people have embraced the call to do all we can to keep each other safe, and it’s worked. Here in Illinois almost 70% of people 5 years and older are fully vaccinated, and for people 65+ —those who are most vulnerable to the debilitating impacts of this disease—over 85% are fully vaccinated. And Illinois has fared better than its neighbors because of mitigation efforts we’ve all undertaken. For instance, on August 30th, in the face of a growing threat from the Delta variant, Illinoisans put their masks back on – and we closed out 2021 with fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations per capita than anywhere else in the Midwest.
However, it’s unfortunate and disheartening that at the same you’re requesting that members of your caucus be more involved in decision-making about mitigation strategies, your members are spreading misinformation campaigns intended to confuse and plant seeds of doubt in the minds of the public. It’s shameful and harmful. Members of your caucus and of your party are riling up the most extreme activists against science and mitigation efforts. In recent social media posts, these fringe activists, fueled by elected Republican officeholders, threw in references evoking images of Nazis and concentration camps to appeal to the lowest forms of fear and hate humans possess. It would be helpful if you, as the leader of the House Republican caucus, would join me in both condemning their actions and standing up for science. I’m disappointed that that seems to be something you’re unwilling to do.
Despite your caucus’ attempts to undermine science-backed mitigation, I’m pleased to tell you that masks and other mitigation efforts have been so successful that, assuming hospitalization trends remain the same as they are today, I am able to lift the statewide mask mandate as of February 28th 2022.
Again, I want to emphasize that our state’s progress has been in spite of the best efforts of your members to undermine the hard work of scientists and perseverance of the people of Illinois. For your reference, I’ve attached a few examples of the shameful behavior members of your caucus have engaged in.
My team is briefing your caucus on elimination of the statewide mask mandate as you read this letter. It is my understanding that some local governments or businesses may wish to continue requiring masking. I support those efforts on the local level, and I hope you will support them as well.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if you decide it’s time to collaborate in our science-based fight against this deadly disease.
Sincerely,
Governor JB Pritzker
* Attachment…
Mazzochi: Conroy Bill Permits Cynical, Backdoor Approach to Vaccine Registry (repmazzochi.com)
By Deanne Mazzochi
Feb. 1, 2022
- Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst issued the following statement regarding HB 4060…Now Deb Conroy wants to move HB 4640, which will have the effect of doing covertly and dishonestly, what Rep. Morgan tried to do overtly and honestly–expand the power of IDPH, and any local public health authority, to attain peoples’ private medical records to create the registry, without patient knowledge or consent, so long as it created under the guise of “research.” After the people of Illinois spoke so strongly on this issue, it is an insult to try to achieve the same results through a sneaky back door approach. I call on Rep. Conroy to table the bill, and for Illinois residents to yet again explain to Rep. Conroy that they do not appreciate this cynical effort to have their private medical records targeted in this way, and for this purpose.”
Halbrook ‘adamantly opposed’ to latest Illinois COVID-19 bill | Chambana Sun
By Chambana Sun
Feb 6th, 2022
- Rep. Halbrook is quoted attacked Rep. Conroy’s bill and the article in general contains multiple false claims including that natural immunity is better than the vaccine.
Death threats and disunity- POLITICO
By Shia Kapos
Feb 2, 2022
- Conroy told Playbook she has closed down her office and is being escorted by police while investigators try to track down the origin of the threats, including a phone message that said, “I’ll take you by gunpoint.”
Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » The attacks on Rep. Deb Conroy are some of the most vile and revolting things I have ever heard and read in my entire life
By Rich Miller
Feb. 4, 2022
- …but I feel strongly that at least some of the voicemails left for Rep. Deb Conroy about her innocuous bill ought to be shared. But I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like this in all my years. They are profanity-laden, disgusting, misogynistic messages from hateful and violent-sounding people.
‘No thank you’: McLaughlin pans ‘any means necessary’ in Illinois COVID-19 laws | Lake County Gazette
Lake County Gazette
Feb. 3, 2022
- Conroy’s bill would allow the state to “isolate or quarantine persons who are unable or unwilling to receive vaccines, medications, or other treatments.” “Former Illinoisan Ronald Reagan said it best, ‘The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help,’” McLaughlin said. “ Uh ….no thank you on HB 4640 Rep. Conroy.”
Illinois House Republican wants to make discrimination over COVID-19 vaccines illegal
By Mike Miletich
Dec. 8, 2021
WIFR23
• Niemerg claims state leaders have used the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to “strip away rights” guaranteed in the United States constitution. He says his legislation is necessary to restore the right of conscience for Illinoisans.
Republicans predict hospitality industry will be challenged by mandates, not COVID
By Greg Bishop
Jan 4, 2022
The Center Square
• “I find it reprehensible that you need less information to vote or enter the country, it seems, than to go to a local pancake restaurant in Cook County,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve had enough frankly of elected officials acting as part-time epidemiologist telling us ‘it’s either vaccine or ventilator.’”
A collection of social media posts from House GOP members and County GOP Committees
- PounceDoer - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:48 pm:
Democrats POUNCE.
Right?
- Lurker - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:51 pm:
The adults in the room will be arriving soon.
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:52 pm:
Poor Durkie everyone is pickin’ on him. See what happens when you lend your spox to ‘Riffie & RichieRich?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:55 pm:
===However, it’s unfortunate and disheartening that at the same you’re requesting that members of your caucus be more involved in decision-making about mitigation strategies, your members are spreading misinformation campaigns intended to confuse and plant seeds of doubt in the minds of the public. It’s shameful and harmful. Members of your caucus and of your party are riling up the most extreme activists against science and mitigation efforts.===
“Walked right into that one”
- Danny Kaffee, or Jim Durkin, maybe
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:56 pm:
I commend the Governor and his staff for a well drafted response that is direct and to the point about the issues at hand without engaging in hyperbole.
I hope it is not too late for Jim Durkin to be shamed into action.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:56 pm:
==See what happens when you lend your spox to ‘Riffie & RichieRich? ==
To be fair, Durkin got put into the Ball Kicking Machine plenty of times before she left, too.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:58 pm:
=== Poor Durkie everyone is pickin’ on him. See what happens when you lend your spox to ‘Riffie & RichieRich?===
While betting in wins in an off-year, Durkin has less in a Press Shop seemingly only concerned about what will appease, not what will sustain.
Sustainable messaging isn’t letting Durkin walk into looking ridiculous
- The Velvet Frog - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:08 pm:
Why is the primary so late, covid or something else?
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:11 pm:
==Why is the primary so late, covid or something else? ==
Basically COVID. It’s because the maps were late because the census was late because COVID.
- Roman - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:12 pm:
Maybe the governor could offer to teach Durkin’s caucus members how to read a bill.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:13 pm:
(Some folks would argue that the census could’ve been completed in its usual time frame without Trump’s monkey business, but I dunno.)
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:13 pm:
==I hope it is not too late for Jim Durkin to be shamed into action. ==
I think that shipped sailed a while ago.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:20 pm:
I think it’s becoming clearer why Jim Durkin has chosen to largely stay silent for so long. It’s really hard to defend the actions of his caucus. And in doing so he inevitably makes matters worse. If you gave some of these folks a seat at the table they’d probably throw it into a wood chipper.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:26 pm:
==It’s really hard to defend the actions of his caucus.==
And even harder to control them, especially with, like, 1/4 of his caucus heading for the exits.
- Back to the Future - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:41 pm:
Time for a change.
We really need grown ups involved in running the state.
- Google Is Your Friend - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:41 pm:
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:56 pm:
Looking on the bright side Candy since you believe Durkin can develop a capacity for shame.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:55 pm:
==Why is the primary so late, covid or something else? ==
Basically COVID. It’s because the maps were late because the census was late because COVID.==
And the primary should stay that way after this year. Even if it makes the GA have to work harder and pass a budget sooner in the year.
- Been There - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:59 pm:
==== And the primary should stay that way after this year. =====
Have you been out there trying to get petition signatures? It’s tough in this weather.
- NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:05 pm:
==Have you been out there trying to get petition signatures? It’s tough in this weather.==
Then bundle up as much as you can. Also, as a state employee who strongly follows ethics to the letter of the law, it would not be ethical, and maybe not legal for me in my job, to conduct political activity such as collecting signatures while I’m in my current position.
- Manchester - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:28 pm:
Well said Governor Pritzker. Thank you.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:32 pm:
Well executed by the governor and absolutely spot on.
=And even harder to control them, especially with, like, 1/4 of his caucus heading for the exits.=
In the ILGOP it is better to look crazy than weak. Sad.
- Nefarious Veneer - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:44 pm:
Usually you have to FOIA Mayor Lightfoot’s texts to get this kind of exchange.
- Soccermom - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:56 pm:
Leader Durkin, I like you so much. I am fearful that this will destroy your reputation as a decent and honorable man.
I know that cannot possibly have anything in common with the horrible people who are threatening Rep. Conroy - nor with the conscienceless politicians who are gleefully piling on lie after lie after lie.
As a Catholic, you know that sins of omission are just as serious and sins of commission. By failing to stand up for what is right, you are making yourself an ally to a group of people who are not fit to be in the same room with you.
By standing up for what’s right, you may lose the support of your caucus. But I think that will happen in any case. So so the right thing.
- Sloop - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:59 pm:
Hey Brownie ( Annonin’)glad you are awake and taking notes . Stay current with the prunes.
- MadCo - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:02 pm:
Masks have done almost nothing to mitigate the spread of covid. If they were effective, why was nearly every school in the state hammered with covid cases the past 2 months? All of the kids were masked, yet covid spread like wildfire.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:04 pm:
=== why was nearly every school in the state hammered with covid cases the past 2 months? All of the kids were masked, yet covid spread like wildfire.===
Were they masked outside school, at home, with Covidiots…
- Benjamin - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:08 pm:
==If they were effective, why was nearly every school in the state hammered with covid cases the past 2 months?==
Masks are effective against spreading COVID, but not 100% effective. Imagine how much worse it would have been without the masks.
- MadCo - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:11 pm:
==Masks are effective against spreading COVID, but not 100% effective. Imagine how much worse it would have been without the masks.==
But the transmission rates here are no different than states without mandates. So, how do you account for that?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:13 pm:
===But===
You’re not a serious person, you’re merely looking for “Freedom and ‘Merica”, and Pritzker shut that down at his presser today.
Also?
Also this…
=== But the transmission rates here are no different than states without mandates. So, how do you account for that?===
Asked and answered by Dr. Landon, it was different. You can find the transcript.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:16 pm:
Durkin authored a thoughtful letter that was both unfortunate and disheartening? I know Pritzker has been ramping up his language against all Republicans, but put pick a lane sir and stay on it.
Even better, pick up the phone and start communicating. Oh, wait, I said that last week when the Speaker of the House sent out his public mail.
My bad. /snark
- Fixer - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:16 pm:
==how do you account for that?==
Take a visit to any local store, take a look around, and you’ll probably be able to figure out the answer to your question there.
- Chicago Blue - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:16 pm:
@MadCo
https://news.stlpublicradio.org/coronavirus/2021-12-01/missouri-health-department-found-mask-mandates-work-but-didnt-make-findings-public
Masks worked in Missouri. So Republicans politicians hid the data.
- Fixer - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:17 pm:
==Even better, pick up the phone and start communicating. Oh, wait, I said that last week when the Speaker of the House sent out his public mail.==
Everyone wants transparency until they start getting it. No more backroom deals, late night phone calls, etc… Well, the transparency folks are getting their wish here.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:19 pm:
===…that last week when the Speaker of the House sent out his public mail.===
If both the governor and speaker felt the need to write Durkin, you know, have it on the record, maybe it’s about whom needed to be written to, in this case… Durkin.
- Louis G Atsaves -
Was January 6th an insurrection… since you’re concerned about writing and all.
Thanks.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:21 pm:
===I said that last week when the Speaker of the House sent out his public mail===
Didja say it when Durkin released his letter to Pritzker that the governor’s office received from reporters?
Asking for a friend.
- The Velvet Frog - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:25 pm:
==So, in other words, masks in schools are pointless and are ineffective at stopping covid transmission.==
Bzzt, try again. Masks are effective at stopping covid transmission in school.
High risk kids can stay out of a store or a restaurant or avoid play dates with those with irresponsible parents. High risk kids shouldn’t have to stay home from school.
And covid rates aren’t the same in states with more masking, there are a number of studies showing the opposite. Do you have a source for your claim or are you just making an assumption?
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:34 pm:
==If they were effective, why was nearly every school in the state hammered with covid cases the past 2 months?==
The last two months would include an extended period when students were *not* in schools buildings and many of them were traveling and gathering in larger groups.
Please go touch some grass.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:35 pm:
==Durkin authored a thoughtful letter that was both unfortunate and disheartening?==
I know you’ve been ramping up your defense of Durkin, but please try to pick things that actually contradict when trying to point out a supposed contradiction.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 5:16 pm:
I’ve known Jim Durkin forever. I’m not on the same side of the aisle, but I agree with Soccermom that the Jim Durkin I know was a decent and honorable man.
I also agree with the sentiment of the rest of her comment. I’m certain that Jim, privately, abhors the conduct of some of his members and is horrified by the misinformation they spread.
I fear he’s losing that decent and honorable man in his service as Republican Leader. A position that, as Soccermom correctly points out, is probably in jeopardy for him anyway given the future makeup of that caucus.
- Jibba - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 5:22 pm:
===pick up the phone and start communicating===
Who says he hasn’t? All these letters sound more like attempts to document conversations rather than being the first time anyone has said these things to each other. You know what they say about assuming…
- Twitter lady who won't shut up about hb4640 - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 5:33 pm:
Rep Amy Grant has been publicly quiet, but there is a “Thank you for opposing 4640 and 4244″ form letter making rounds in conspiracy Facebook groups.
You would think she would want to jump on the attention bandwagon.
- Soapbox Derby - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 8:43 pm:
Governor Pritzker respects the General Assembly so much that he can’t be bothered to send any of of his pandemic policies to them in order to have them codified in to state law.
Or is it the Democrat super-majority is happy to hide behind his Executive Orders?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 9:08 pm:
===Democrat super-majority===
The FoxNews mouth-breathing.
=== Governor Pritzker respects the General Assembly so much that he can’t be bothered to send any of of his pandemic policies to them in order to have them codified in to state law.===
The governor has/d the authority and used it, the courts agreed.
The unintended consequences was the bipartisan way the chambers decided that “governors own”, and why get in the way by voting and being on the record with these decisions.
It is adorable that you seemingly understand “governors own” here, but it’s like luckily getting the Wordle word, you got there but couldn’t explain any logic to how, lol
- Mary Poppins - Thursday, Feb 10, 22 @ 6:05 am:
Governor Pritzker respects the General Assembly so much that he can’t be bothered to send any of of his pandemic policies to them in order to have them codified in to state law.
Or is it the Democrat super-majority is happy to hide behind his Executive Orders?
That’s not how the law works, Soapbox. The law allows the Governor to issue Executive Orders in an emergency based on the law, the GA agreed and hasn’t changed the statute based on the fact that they haven’t changed the law. There’s nothing to “codify” into state law.
If the GA had made changes to the law in the interim, it’s more likely a court would find that that means the original statute did not provide authority to the governor, as he and the AG have argued.
Ignorance is one thing, but demanded to be agreed with when you’re objectively wrong is what is wrong with this county