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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Very tentative Senate schedule

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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House Speaker refuses to allow reporters access to 40,000 square foot chamber

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Totally, completely unacceptable…


Many thanks to both Hannah and Mark for doing what they can to push this forward.

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - “Rough” House schedule released

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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US unemployment claims unchanged, Illinois claims plunged 59 percent

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Voice of America

Another 787,000 U.S. workers filed for unemployment compensation last week, the U.S. Labor Department reported Thursday, as the national government starts to make $300-a-week extra payments to the jobless on top of less generous state benefits.

The newest weekly claims total was basically unchanged, down 3,000 from Christmas week in late December, even as the coronavirus crisis continues to stress the American labor market 10 months after the pandemic swept into the country.

The latest weekly total is consistent with the number of claims over recent months. The weekly figures are well below the 6.9 million record number of claims filed late last March as the pandemic took hold in the U.S. but remain above the highest pre-pandemic level in records going back to the 1960s.

* CBS 2

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported 45,387 new unemployment claims were filed during the week of Dec. 27 in Illinois, a 59% decrease from the week before.

For comparison, during the same timeframe last year, 11,779 people filed claims in Illinois. That’s a 285% increase.

Since early March, CBS 2 has tracked more than 2.6 million total claims in the state.

* Meanwhile, in Colorado

Officials with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said Thursday they believe many of the 41,439 regular unemployment claims filed the week after Christmas were fraudulent.

The department said that fraud was the most likely cause for the abnormalities in the number of initial claims, which jumped by more than 16,000 from the week prior, but that other factors included a change to a new quarter, seasonal filings and the reopening of claims.

* WUIS

In a separate press conference Wednesday, Pritzker said IDES has not experience any sort of data breach, but explained fraudsters have been able to apply for unemployment benefits using Illinoisans’ personal information, which could have been acquired in massive data breaches in the last several years, like 2017’s Equifax breach.

“There’s not been a hack detected in our systems,” Pritzker said “People are using information that they’ve garnered from other hacks that have occurred, sometimes a couple of years ago.”

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Question of the day

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* What can you say that’s positive or uplifting today?

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Some BC omnibus react

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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One million cases so far in Illinois; 8,757 new confirmed and probable cases; 177 additional deaths; 3,921 hospitalized; 783 in the ICU; 8.5 percent average case positivity rate; 9.8 percent average test positivity rate

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 8,757 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 177 additional deaths. Illinois has now reported more than one million cases since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In a pandemic that has contained far too many tragic milestones, today’s marking of one million cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Illinois deserves particular recognition,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As this disease continues to wreak havoc on our nation – with the United States setting another record for the most COVID-19 deaths in a day just yesterday – it is critical that we take extra caution today and in the months ahead to reduce the spread, bring down hospitalization rates, and save lives. Now that vaccine distribution has begun, we can see the light at the end of this difficult time – let’s do everything we can to ensure all of our neighbors are able to be there as we cross that finish line, healthy as well. With that goal in mind, I encourage all Illinoisans to choose to receive the protections of the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s your turn in line.”

“As the vaccine rolls out, our hope, and goal, is that the number of new cases we see each day will decrease,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Reporting more than one million COVID-19 cases in Illinois seemed like an unlikely number at the beginning of the pandemic, and we’ve now all seen how devastating this disease can be. I urge everyone to continue to wear their mask, avoid social gatherings, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”

    Adams County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
    Bureau County: 1 male 60s
    Christian County: 2 males 70s, 1 male 80s
    Clay County: 1 female 60s
    Coles County: 1 male 80s
    Cook County: 2 males 40s, 3 males 50s, 1 female 60s, 6 males 60s, 8 females 70s, 8 males 70s, 7 females 80s, 9 males 80s, 4 females 90s, 2 males 90s, 1 female 100+
    Douglas County: 1 male 80s
    DuPage County: 1 male 40s, 1 male 70s, 3 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s, 1 male 100+
    Edgar County: 1 female 80s
    Fayette County: 1 male 80s
    Fulton County: 1 male 30s
    Grundy County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
    Hancock County: 1 male 50s
    Hardin County: 1 male 60s
    Henry County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
    Iroquois County: 1 female 80s
    Jackson County: 1 female 70s, 2 females 90s
    Jefferson County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
    Jersey County: 1 male 80s
    Kane County: 1 male 60s, 3 females 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
    Kankakee County: 1 male 90s
    Knox County: 1 female 90s
    Lake County: 1 male 40s, 2 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
    Lee County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
    Livingston County: 1 female 70s
    Macon County: 1 male 90s
    Macoupin County: 1 male 70s
    Madison County: 1 male 50s, 2 males 60s, 1 female 80s
    Marion County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
    Marshall County: 1 male 70s
    McHenry County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 female 100+
    McLean County: 1 female 80s
    Montgomery County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s
    Peoria County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s
    Piatt County: 1 female 60s
    Randolph County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
    Rock Island County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s, 2 males 90s
    Sangamon County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
    St. Clair County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 male 90s
    Tazewell County: 1 female 70s, 3 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
    Vermilion County: 1 male 80s
    Whiteside County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
    Will County: 1 male 40s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 female 80s, 1 female 90s
    Williamson County: 1 female 80s
    Winnebago County: 2 female 70s 1 male 70s
    Woodford County:1 male 80s

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,008,045 cases, including 17,272 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 105,518 specimens for a total 13,803,946. As of last night, 3,921 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 783 patients were in the ICU and 450 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 31, 2020 – January 6, 2021 is 8.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 31, 2020 – January 6, 2021 is 9.8%.

The previous mask mandate established through an emergency rule to the Control of Communicable Disease Code expired on January 3, 2021. However, a subsequent emergency rule was filed January 4, 2021 and is in effect for 150 days.

*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. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.

* On the eve of the lame duck session, it’s worth noting that Sangamon County’s average positivity rate is 7 percent, which is up from 5.5 percent five days earlier. That’s a 27 percent increase. Also, Region 3’s ICU availability has fallen below 20 percent.

Be careful.

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Protected: *** UPDATED x1 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - New House guidance

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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*** UPDATED x1 *** The far-right enablers at the Chicago Tribune

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement

Still, first-time candidate Mary Miller of Oakland, a conservative Republican who manages a farm with her husband, Illinois Rep. Chris Miller, would be a good fit for this Downstate district. She supports regulatory reforms and trade to spur economic growth and knows that unless her district creates more jobs, it will see even more people leave.

Yesterday…


From a statement given to me by Will Nesbitt, Rep. Miller’s Northern Regional Director…

Congresswoman Miller’s comments are unfortunate and serious. They do not belong in our political discourse and they do not represent my beliefs and values. And for that reason, I resigned effective January 6.

US Rep. Seth Moulton talked about what it was like when members fled the House floor ahead of the violent mob yesterday and huddled together in a secure location

I also saw a small group of Republicans, of course the most conservative Trump allies, proudly refusing to wear masks even in this incredibly crowded room. We were brought there for our safety by the Capitol Police, but these colleagues were imperiling our safety by refusing to wear their masks. I took out my phone to snap a picture of them and suddenly, one of them, this new freshman from Illinois, verbally assaulted me, got right in my face. It’s interesting that she was suddenly afraid of being outed for her hypocrisy.

* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement

Voters statewide know Republican Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro as the member of the Illinois House who railed against the Democratic stranglehold on the legislative process in a moment of frustration on the floor. Papers flew. We can relate. In Washington, Bost has found a niche as an advocate for veterans and farmers and a member of one of our favorite groups, the Problem Solvers, who work across the aisle when most members of the House decline.

Yesterday…


* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement

Republican incumbent Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City is a small businessman who wonders why state government can’t embrace the same sensible budgeting approach that small businesses apply. Stop the irresponsible spending, Wilhour says, and stop relying on taxpayers to bail out the state with measures such as the Democrats’ proposed graduated income tax. It is pitched as a tax on the wealthy, but when the next fiscal crisis rolls around, it’s a fair bet that middle-class taxpayers will be next in line for a rate hike. Democrat Dave Seiler, a history teacher from Effingham, says he would strengthen connections with constituents through weekly town hall forums. We endorse Wilhour.

Yesterday

When asked to provide specific irregularities, or if he personally believed there was fraud in the 2020 general election, Wilhour said: “I don’t have the evidence to tell you yes or no and I never pretended to.”

* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement

Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, says the scale of corruption in state government is one reason why companies think twice about moving commerce and jobs to Illinois. He wants strong ethics reform, including a ban on lawmakers becoming lobbyists once they leave office, and strengthening the authority of the legislative inspector general’s office. He faces Independent candidate Kody Czerwonka an accountant from Montrose. Miller is endorsed.

Yesterday…


* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement

Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, causes trouble in Springfield (in a good way) because he doesn’t go with the flow. He challenged Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-home directives in court as executive order overreach. He calls out members of his own party if he believes they’re leading the state in the wrong direction. On taking a legislative pension, which he declined, he says: “I believe that the position of representative and senator are not careers, but should be treated as times of service to our state. It is irresponsible to collect a pension for an elected position while the working-class pensions are in jeopardy.” Right on. Bailey faces Olney business owner Cynthia Given. Voters in this district should send Bailey to the Senate where he can continue to challenge the status quo. He is endorsed.

Yesterday…


“Right on.”

*** UPDATE 1 *** Cynthia Given, the Democratic candidate against Darren Bailey, just reached out to say the Tribune editorial board never contacted her about its endorsement process.

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*** UPDATED x2 *** The Chicago FOP is a gift that keeps on giving for police reformers

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Just imagine if the US Armed Forces had taken the same attitude as local police unions the past few months…



No fights or violence? Somebody got shot, for crying out loud. Cops were injured in the supposedly non-violent storming of the United States Capitol that was intended to stop the official certification of a presidential election…


* The legislative lame duck session starts tomorrow, and this week’s insanity will be fresh in everyone’s minds.

As subscribers know, police reform is very high on the agenda. One aspect of the bill would remove discipline and discharge procedures from the collective bargaining process. Officers who deprive people of rights would be subject to individual civil liability. Anonymous complaints against police would be allowed, more types of chokeholds would be banned, officers would be required to intervene to prevent other officers from violating peoples’ rights. Misconduct charges could be filed for knowingly misrepresenting facts in a police report. And a licensing bill is about to pop.

Catanzara just made the proponents’ job a whole lot easier. They should send him flowers or something.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Unlike Catanzara, the Illinois FOP can apparently read the room…

The Illinois Fraternal Order Police (FOP) State Lodge, FOP Labor Council, and FOP Troopers Lodge 41 have issued a statement regarding the storming of the United States Capitol by a mob on Wednesday:

“The members of the mob who tried to undermine the very core of our democracy yesterday are terrorists and should be treated as such. They should be hunted down and prosecuted with the same urgency as all others who have threatened the existence of our free nation. The members of the Fraternal Order of Police pledge to assist in any way we can to bring these individuals to justice and to insure that the loyal, law-abiding citizens we are sworn to protect and serve never have to experience this level of infamy again.”

I have asked the ILFOP for react to Catanzara’s remarks. I’ll let you know if they respond.

*** UPDATE 2 *** The ILFOP responded to my request for a react to Catanzara’s remarks…

This is from State Lodge President Chris Southwood, Labor Council Executive Director Shawn Roselieb and Troopers Lodge President Joe Moon: There is no excuse for what happened yesterday at the Capitol. Period. We don’t agree with anyone who says otherwise.

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Madigan; ‘Mo

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Your perception is NOT reality

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Effingham Daily News

[Rep. Blaine Wilhour’s, R-Beecher City] reasoning for asking [US Rep. Mary Miller] to reject the election results was that he believes the election needed to be examined for fraud.

“Clearly, there’s some irregularities,” Wilhour said. “I think things need to be looked into more thoroughly. When you have all these absentee ballots and mail-ins, it’s going to make fraud easier and more prevalent. There’s definite potential.”

No credible claims of fraud or systemic errors have been sustained and judges have consistently turned away legal challenges to the results.

When asked to provide specific irregularities, or if he personally believed there was fraud in the 2020 general election, Wilhour said: “I don’t have the evidence to tell you yes or no and I never pretended to.”

You don’t overturn elections based on somebody’s feelings. Period.

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Caption contest!

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Mailed to retired legislators…

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Open thread

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Illinois topics only, please. We’ve had quite enough of national stuff this week. Thanks.

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Protected: *** UPDATED x5 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Thursday, Jan 7, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive


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Mitigations could begin easing next week

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* WHOI

Region’s across the state may start seeing a reduction in COVID-19 mitigations soon.

On Wednesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced starting on Jan. 15, any region that has met the metrics for a reduction of mitigations will be able to move out of Tier 3 of the mitigations. […]

“Illinois did not experience post-Thanksgiving uptick that plagued much of the rest of the country,” Gov. Pritzker said. “And we’re watching closely in this incubation period post-Christmas and New Year’s. I’m cautiously optimistic as there are some early signs that some regions have made real progress and won’t reverse that progress.”

In order for a region to move back to Tier 2 mitigations, a region must experience less than 12 percent test positivity rate for three consecutive days AND greater than 20 percent available intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital bed availability AND declining COVID hospitalizations in 7 out of the last 10 days.

Tier 2 does not allow for indoor dining, however.

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*** UPDATED x9 *** McConchie says violence at US Capitol a “disgrace to all Americans”

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Senate GOP Leader-Designate McConchie on violence at U.S. Capitol

“The horrible violence at our nation’s Capitol is a disgrace to all Americans,” said Illinois Senate GOP Leader-Designate Dan McConchie. “This violence does not reflect the United States that generations of Americans have fought so hard to build. I stand with members of all parties in condemning these un-American acts of violence and treachery, and will do my part here in Illinois to repair the devastating divide that has been created in our country.”

* Meanwhile…


Peaceful at last check. But I sure hope the Illinois State Police and the Secretary of State Police have a plan for the upcoming session.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Jordan Abudayyeh…

In light of the violence at our nation’s Capitol, and with protests mounting at other state capitols, Governor Pritzker has ordered the State Police to increase security around Illinois’ state Capitol, as well as the Bank of Springfield center.

The National Guard and State Police are in constant communication with their counterparts around Illinois and in other states to monitor activity and any threats.

The Governor and his administration are closely monitoring the violence in the nation’s Capitol and will make all needed state resources available to our partners.

The governor’s chief of staff has reportedly been in contact with the four legislative leaders’ chiefs of staff as well.

*** UPDATE 2 *** More…


*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement on the ongoing protests and violence at the United States Capitol:

“The events unfolding at the United States Capitol today, and the inflammatory remarks by members of the Republican Party, are a disgrace to the core values and beliefs of our great nation. These actions do not represent our Republican party, and are against everything we stand for as Americans. I am sickened and deeply saddened by what I have witnessed today. Any public officials who condone these actions have no place in the Republican party or in our democracy.”

*** UPDATE 4 *** Henry Haupt on Secretary of State Police security…

Secretary of State Capitol Police are remaining vigilant to ensure the Capitol Complex is safe and secure. They continue to work with Illinois State Police and other law enforcement entities to make sure the complex and surrounding area remain safe.

*** UPDATE 5 *** Press release…

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement regarding the treacherous acts the country witnessed today in Washington, D.C.:

“I join with colleagues across the aisle and across the country in condemning the actions we have seen in our nation’s capital.

The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our great democracy. To disrupt that transition is an affront to the very fabric of the United States of America. The U.S. Capitol has stood strong in the face of attacks by confederates and terrorists. We will survive today’s sad acts to once again be a beacon of hope, change and equality for the world.”

*** UPDATE 6 *** IDCCA…

Americans and the world watched as Trump urged his gangs of supporters to violence. They stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of the Electoral College and thus the will of the American people. There was no widespread electoral fraud as Trump’s own Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have confirmed. President Kristina Zahorik of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) released the following statement:

“This is an attack on our democracy. It is un-American. The actions of these riotous gangs are shameful, as is Trump’s silence on ending it. Trump and those attempting to stop the will of the American people must be held accountable. These actions, encouraged by Donald Trump, are nothing less than treasonous. This is an attempt at a coup d’etat, plain and simple. Republicans who have supported Donald Trump’s actions leading up today and their silence while our nation’s Capital is under siege are complicit. I look forward to the return of law and order, as well as the Electoral College votes being certified declaring rightfully Joe Biden President.”

*** UPDATE 7 *** Never thought I’d see something like this from the NAM…


*** UPDATE 8 *** Press release…

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released the following statement condemning mob violence in and around the U.S. Capitol.

“I will always support the right of the people to express their opinions through peaceful protest, as guaranteed by the First Amendment, but let us be clear: what we have witnessed today at the U.S. Capitol is not peaceful, it is not constitutionally-protected, and it is not a ‘protest.’ This violence is a criminal attack on our democracy.

“The individuals who engaged in such criminal acts should not only be cleared from the Capitol so that Congress can resume its duties, but should be held fully accountable under the law.

“Regardless of one’s political ideology, we should all recognize as un-American this attack on our republic: the hate and divisiveness symbolized by the Confederate flag and the noose at the Capitol, and the shameful invocation of Adolf Hitler by a member of Illinois’ congressional delegation. From both sides of the aisle, we must unite to condemn what threatens our values, system of government, and the rule of law.”

*** UPDATE 8 *** The harshest one yet…

House Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Wednesday:

“What we witnessed today was nothing short of a coup at the hands of Donald Trump and his Republican enablers. What should have been a ceremonial event to mark the peaceful transition of power became an appalling and tragic day for our country. I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to condemn these treasonous riots. Let’s be resolved to move past this dark chapter together as one nation.”

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IDES: HGOP proposals “are measures the Department already takes”

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* House GOP…

Illinois House Republicans sounded off on Governor JB Pritzker’s management of the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the breakdown of the unemployment system that has led to massive delays and fraud at the department during a Zoom press conference on Wednesday.

State Representative Mike Marron (R-Fithian) has been a vocal critic of IDES’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented number of unemployment claims caused by Governor Pritzker’s Executive Orders that closed businesses across the state. Along with addressing systemic fraud, Marron says Pritzker must explain why his administration has not reallocated staff from other state agencies to assist IDES.

“My office and the offices of my colleagues have been dealing with the failures at IDES for almost 10 months now. The heartbreaking long line of desperate constituents calling our office has not gotten smaller, and the department is as nonresponsive as they were when the pandemic began,” Marron said. “When we demanded State employees be redirected to help with the unprecedented workload at IDES, the Governor falsely claimed that federal rules kept him from hiring adequate numbers of staff or transferring state employees to help at IDES. We know what he said is not true. It is unacceptable how the Governor and the Department have responded to this crisis that they themselves have caused.”

State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) says the administration must assist in policy making to help displaced workers avoid being punished because of failures at IDES. Keicher says Illinoisans are receiving notices that they owe money to the State of Illinois that they cannot afford and should not have to pay.

“I support immediate passage of legislation to forgive the full amount of PUA the Governor is attempting to claw back from Illinois residents,” said Rep. Keicher. “Most displaced workers approved for PUA in 2020 were awarded amounts calculated by IDES in error because the Governor refused to hire staff starting in April to help. Imagine you are a hairdresser who has been unable to work since March, and in July you finally get some money to pay your bills. Then in October, the Governor comes to you and says, ‘Sorry but we did bad math and we need that money back, can you please pay back the money you no longer have?’ It’s unconscionable.”

State Representative Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) is proposing a system that would flag out of state or multiple failed applications to help cut down on fraudulent claims. Murphy also favors instituting employer contact reference checks to stop fake applications from being approved.

“If the administration would simply institute basic fraud protection measures like flagging out-of-state claims for review and pursuing employer reference checks, we could easily curb much of the fraud plaguing the system. This shouldn’t require legislative action,” said Murphy. “But the fact remains that we still have numerous unanswered questions and must have public hearings to find solutions to not only rein in the larger problems, but to ensure the families rightfully in need of unemployment benefits has access to them. I sincerely hope the Governor will speak up before the Lame Duck Session begins and join our call for public hearings so we can find these solutions to take action together.”

* From Kristin Richards, the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s Acting Director…

As IDES has been saying for months, we are working hard to respond to an economic crisis and stand-up five new, complex federal programs while battling fraudsters who have used stolen identities to file for benefits nationwide. Just this week, IDES started paying out the renewed FPUC wage supplement for eligible claimants, and we believe we are among the first states to be in a position to do so. We are eagerly awaiting federal guidance on the new round of programmatic changes made in the federal Continued Assistance package and will be standing up a sixth program – Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation. The Department will again find ways to reach claimants and share information on highly complex programs.

We sound like a broken record when we say this, but it is so important: IDES has seen an extreme reduction in its headcount over the course of the last decade; the current headcount is roughly half of what it was ten years ago. This, coupled with the lack of continuing modernization to agency programs, and IT equipment for agency staff, left the Department in a difficult position of needing to scale quickly during a global crisis. Thanks to the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker, IDES was given an increased headcount for FY21, but adding full-time employees, as all state hiring does, takes time. This is especially true for IDES, whose employees possess a unique and complicated skillset to work on issues and deliver services to claimants. In the interim, the Department has partnered with contractors where it could, training more than 1,000 contractual employees in 2020 on basic information needed to answer and return claimant phone calls. And, IDES continues to add more employees, permanent and contractual, as quickly as possible and where needed. The legislators’ call for moving state employees from one hollowed out agency to another ignores the nuance of what is involved in these jobs and positions and would create productivity deficits in the agencies from which state employees would be pulled.

When legislators such as Reps. Marron and Murphy hold these types of press conferences discussing anti-fraud measures within IDES, they would be remiss to think fraudsters are not also watching, paying attention, and attempting to discover new ways to access IDES systems. Simply put, the fraud prevention measures in place, and those we continue to implement as we work with law enforcement partners to understand new tactics used by fraudsters, are not a blueprint the Department is ever going to disclose.

Not everyone who files an unemployment claim is eligible to receive unemployment benefits. There seems to be a broad misunderstanding amongst claimants, media, legislators, and the general population that once a person gets in touch with us, it will result in that person receiving benefits from the Department. This is not the case. Though this pandemic pushed many people to unemployment agencies for economic relief, unemployment insurance programs, by design, are not set up to provide blanket stimulus. There are many eligibility requirements claimants must meet to receive benefits. Equally important to understand is that disbursement of unemployment benefits is dependent upon certification. In the regular unemployment insurance program, certification is a bi-weekly requirement; payment will not be rendered if certification is not completed. Payment does not happen automatically; it is an active process, not a passive process, and requires the claimant consistently certify.

IDES has anti-fraud measures built into its systems. The legislative proposals referenced by these legislators (flagging out of state claims; employer notices; multiple failed claims) are measures the Department already takes when processing unemployment claims. Information about each of those proposals can be found numbered below.

    Out of State Claims: when an out-of-state claim is filed, the system automatically flags the claim and requests the claimant submit identity verification documents. IDES agents review this information, and ask additional questions if necessary, to prove identity.

    Employer Notices: when a claimant files an unemployment insurance claim, the chargeable employer receives notice. Employers may protest a claim for various reasons, including that the employee was fired rather than being laid off, or that the employee is still currently working (which would make it a fraudulent claim). If an employer does not protest the claim, the Department moves forward with processing the claim and determining eligibility for the claimant with the information available at that point.

    The Department’s relationship with the employer community is critical because it helps identify instances of unemployment fraud and identity theft, but it is imperative employers communicate with the Department and respond to notices of claim as soon as possible so that unemployment insurance benefits are not being paid to claimants who are not eligible to receive them. IDES strongly suggests that all employers in Illinois register for electronic notification of Notices of Claim through the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES). This greatly increases the speed at which employers and IDES can exchange information and identify fraudulent claims. Information regarding SIDES can be found here.

    Multiple Failed Claims: failed claims applications are flagged and put into a bucket, so fraudsters are unable to open them again and attempt to move the claim forward.

NOTE: The above-mentioned anti-fraud measures, and many others that are already in place, have the effect of slowing down the process of distributing UI benefits — and that is an unavoidable and necessary thing. But it demonstrates the cruel irony that IDES is being simultaneously besieged by historic unemployment claims and besieged by a globally orchestrated fraud scheme, and that solutions to these problems work against each other. Legislators are telling us to hurry up and make payments but slow down and put more barriers in place to stop fraud.

The idea that IDES has disproportionate trouble processing new claims or paying out claims is misleading. A claimant who provides all the necessary data and submits their claim will be processed in a timely and efficient manner and will receive benefits if they are deemed eligible and continue to certify. You can find here a national service delivery comparison of states, of which Illinois is outperforming peer states – through September 30, 2020 (the latest available data) 78.3% of first payments were made within 14 days; 90.9% were made within 35 days. These are both above the national average.

The claims these legislators make shed light on the misunderstanding some legislators have of IDES and unemployment insurance. IDES has devoted hundreds of hours to answering legislators’ questions because we hope it helps the claimants we are trying to reach. Further technical training however, is necessary, and IDES will work with these legislators to create the first cohort of targeted training for elected state officials.

The Department understands legislators are advocating for their constituents who are frustrated that the federal response to the pandemic has been to drive them to the unemployment agency for help. But these legislators are ignoring the work of another portion of their constituents – employees of IDES. These employees show up to work during a pandemic, amidst constant criticism of their performance from the very legislators who promised to represent them and their best interests. This rhetoric does nothing but decrease the morale of the Department’s employees, without whom none of the accomplishments of the last ten months – and billions of dollars of unemployment benefits in the hands of claimants who desperately need them – would be possible.

  5 Comments      


Question of the day

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I have to leave the office for a bit so I can go get tested before session begins. I’ve never been tested before, and I had a heck of a time this week finding a test in Springfield with a quick turn-around time. The fastest one I could find produces results in 3-4 days (rapid testing should not be used for individuals because of high rates of false negatives). The rest were 5 days and up. I also have to stop by the vet to pick up something for Oscar (he’s fine, but he’s out of his meds).

* The Question: What has been your recent COVID-19 testing experience?

…Adding… I’m back. Easy-peasy. Very fast. And they even said I may have results in 2 days.

  30 Comments      


Protected: *** UPDATED x1 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Update to today’s edition

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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7,569 new confirmed and probable cases; 139 additional deaths; 3,928 hospitalized; 812 in ICU; 8.4 percent average case positivity rate; 9.9 percent average test positivity rate

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* No recent progress…

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 7,569 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 139 additional deaths.

    - Bond County: 1 male 70s
    - Boone County: 1 male 40s
    - Bureau County: 1 female 80s
    - Champaign County: 1 male 70s
    - Clark County: 1 male 90s
    - Clinton County: 1 female 70s
    - Coles County: 1 female 80s
    - Cook County: 2 males 40s, 1 female 50s, 2 males 50s, 1 female 60s, 7 males 60s, 4 females 70s, 5 males 70s, 6 females 80s, 4 males 80s, 7 females 90s, 3 males 90s, 1 male 100+
    - DeKalb County: 1 female 80s
    - Douglas County: 1 male 80s
    - DuPage County: 1 female 60s, 2 males 60s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
    - Edgar County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s
    - Franklin County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 90s
    - Fulton County: 1 female 80s
    - Grundy County: 1 female 80s
    - Hancock County: 1 male 80s
    - Jefferson County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
    - Kane County: 1 female 30s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 90s
    - Kankakee County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 60s
    - Lake County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
    - LaSalle County: 1 female 80s
    - Lee County: 1 male 80s
    - Livingston County: 1 female 90s
    - Macon County: 1 male 60s
    - Macoupin County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
    - Madison County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s, 2 males 80s, 1 male 90s
    - Marion County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
    - McLean County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 90s
    - Peoria County: 1 male 70s
    - Randolph County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 100+
    - Rock Island County: 3 males 70s, 2 females 90s, 1 male 90s
    - Saline County: 2 males 80s
    - Sangamon County: 1 male 70s
    - St. Clair County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 4 females 80s, 1 female 90s
    - Tazewell County: 2 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 90s
    - White County: 1 male 60s
    - Whiteside County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 90s
    - Will County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
    - Williamson County: 1 female 80s
    - Winnebago County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 female 80s
    - Woodford County: 1 female 90s

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 999,288 cases, including 17,096 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 80,974 specimens for a total 13,698,428. As of last night, 3,928 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 812 patients were in the ICU and 451 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 20, 2020 – January 5, 2021 is 8.4%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 30, 2020 – January 5, 2021 is 9.9%.

The previous mask mandate established through an emergency rule to the Control of Communicable Disease Code expired on January 3, 2021. However, a subsequent emergency rule was filed January 4, 2021 and is in effect for 150 days.

*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.

  3 Comments      


Pritzker announces Phase 1B, with an emphasis on racial equity, age range lowered

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

Building on guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Governor JB Pritzker announced guidelines for the next stage of COVID-19 vaccine distribution across Illinois – Phase 1B.

“ACIP’s guidance serves as the foundational blueprint for Illinois’ Phase 1B plan, with one key adjustment: here in Illinois we are more strongly pursuing equity in the distribution of our vaccinations,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “For people of color, multi-generational institutional racism in the provision of healthcare has reduced access to care, caused higher rates of environmental and social risk, and increased co-morbidities. I believe our exit plan for this pandemic must, on balance, overcome structural inequalities that has allowed COVID-19 to rage through our most vulnerable communities.”

“With limited amounts of vaccine available at this time, it is important to prioritize individuals who are at greatest risk of exposure to COVID-19 and those at greatest risk of severe illness or death,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Generally, Latinx and Black populations have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 with data showing related deaths at younger ages. We are hopeful that by lowering the eligibility age to 65 years we can help reduce this disparity.”

Phase 1B will begin when Phase 1A is substantially complete. It will include all Illinois residents age 65 years and older and “frontline essential workers,” as outlined by ACIP. In order to reduce COVID-19 mortality and limit community spread in Black and Brown communities, Illinois reduced the age eligibility in Phase 1B by 10 years from ACIP’s recommendation. Currently, the average age of COVID-19 death is 81 for White residents, 72 for Black residents and 68 for Latino residents.

The frontline essential workers designation includes many residents who carry a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure because of their work duties, often because they are unable to work from home, and/or they must work closely to others without being able to socially distance. Communities of color are disproportionately represented in many of these industries. The category defined by the federal government as frontline essential workers, which the CDC estimates as about 30 million Americans, includes first responders; education workers, including teachers, support staff and childcare workers; manufacturing, distribution and agriculture workers, including grocery store workers; United States Postal Service workers; public transit employees; corrections workers and incarcerated people, and others.

All in all, Phase 1B totals approximately 3.2 million people throughout the state of Illinois.

Prioritizing equity is a critical component of every phase of the state’s vaccine distribution plan. Lowering the age eligibility and including frontlines essential workers in phase 1B is a pivotal step towards protecting all of Illinois’ elderly residents and Illinoisans who have been disproportionally impacted by the pandemic and ensuring the benefits of vaccination reach all our communities in a fair manner

As the state enters Phase 1B, the administration will be utilizing every available resource at the state’s disposal to ensure that as many Illinoisans as possible are able to receive the vaccine as quickly as possible. The Illinois National Guard will be assisting in the development of mass vaccination sites and the state will be increasing the number of providers enrolled in the state’s vaccination database to support widespread availability when the time comes.

These efforts are in line with the equity directive released earlier in the pandemic with a focus on ensuring vulnerable and historically marginalized communities receive equitable and informed access to COVID-19 vaccines. The state will continue to proactively expand infrastructure, especially in communities of color, to move these vaccines through Illinois at an even faster pace once there is an increase in the federal distribution pipeline. The IDPH team continues to review ACIP’s recommendations for Phase 1C.

As the state moves forward, it is critical that Illinoisans continue to follow public health mitigations to suppress the spread of the virus until vaccines are available for wider distribution.

Click here for more.

* Accompanying chart…

  12 Comments      


*** UPDATED x7 *** US Rep. Mary Miller at DC rally: “Hitler was right on one thing. He said ‘Whoever has the youth has the future’”

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Whoa…


No relation.

I’ve asked the Illinois Republican Party for comment on this. Any bets on if they’ll respond?

*** UPDATE 1 *** First GOP response…


Still nothing from the ILGOP.

…Adding… The full video from Margot McGowan Staebler is here.

*** UPDATE 2 *** The full Hitler quote

“In my great educative work I am beginning with the young. We older ones are used up. Yes, we are old already. We are rotten to the marrow. We have no unrestrained instincts left. We are cowardly and sentimental. We are bearing the burden of a humiliating past, and have in our blood the dull recollection of serfdom and servility. But my magnificent youngsters! Are there finer ones anywhere in the world? Look at these young men and boys! What material! With them I can make a new world…. My teaching is hard. Weakness has to be knocked out of them. In my Ordensburgen a youth will grow up before which the world will shrink back. A violently active dominating, intrepid, brutal youth - that is what I am after. Youth must be all those things. It must be indifferent to pain. There must be no weakness or tenderness in it. I want to see once more in its eyes the gleam of pride and independence of the beast of prey. Strong and handsome must my young men be. I will have them fully trained in all physical exercises. I intend to have an athletic youth - that is the first and the chief thing. In this way I shall eradicate the thousands of years of human domestication. Then I shall have in front of me the pure and noble natural material. With that I can create the new order.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** Gov. Pritzker told reporters today that he wanted to address “the unfathomable and disgusting remarks” by Rep. Miller

Let me be clear. Hitler got nothing right. This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics. Illinois Republicans cannot allow this to stand and must condemn this vile, evil streak in their party. If Representative Miller was the least bit interested in history, she would visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center to learn just how wrong Hitler really was.

*** UPDATE 4 *** The ILGOP says it will have something to say “at some point.” While they try to figure out what to do, here’s a GOP state Rep…


*** UPDATE 5 *** Press release…

ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement regarding Congresswoman Mary Miller’s comments referencing Adolph Hitler:

“That language is wrong and disgusting. We urge Congresswoman Miller to apologize.”

*** UPDATE 6 *** SGOP Leader-Designate Dan McConchie…

“These nonsense comments are some of the most ridiculous I’ve ever heard from an elected official. Hitler was the epitome of evil. Period.”

*** UPDATE 7 *** Press release…

The Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus is releasing the following statement in response to remarks earlier today from U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL):

“U.S. Congressperson Mary Miller (R-IL) has demonstrated an act of blatant antisemitism and disrespect to the Jewish people and all those who perished at the hands of the Nazis.

“A sitting member of Congress who uses Hitler’s obscene methods for indoctrinating children with racism and fascism as a guidepost, igniting hate and violence, has no place in Congress.

“If Rep. Miller has any respect left for the role of a U.S. Congressperson or any shred of dignity in her, she will do what’s right and resign.”

  98 Comments      


COVID-19 roundup: Schools edition

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* WBEZ

Half of all teachers who were required to report to Chicago Public Schools buildings on Monday failed to do so, and officials say if these 1,000 missing teachers don’t return they will face disciplinary action that could lead to termination.

Overall, 5,800 teachers and other staff were required back to prepare for in-person learning. Among this larger group of teachers, teachers aides and others, 40% did not return.

CPS CEO Janice Jackson said Monday morning she respects that some staff feel trepidation about returning during the pandemic. But she said students are relying on staff to be there for them when they walk into school buildings.

* Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools chief Janice Jackson took aim Tuesday at 36 aldermen who have criticized the city’s school reopening plan, calling a public letter they sent to her and the mayor over the weekend “purely political” and hypocritical.

Jackson ended a morning news conference on the district’s plans with heated remarks about “the intentions behind” the letter — signed by a majority of City Council — that said the aldermen were “deeply concerned” with the school district’s decision to bring back thousands of teachers and students this month as COVID-19 infections remain at high levels in the city.

“There have been schools operating in every single ward, in every single community throughout this city,” Jackson said, referring to private schools that have been open. “And so why the concern now? Do they care more about the lives of CPS teachers than the Catholic school teachers that have been going to school since August?”

* Daily Herald

A growing number of suburban school districts are preparing to roll out a COVID-19 saliva screening program aimed at curbing the spread of the virus as students return to in-person learning.

Naperville Unit District 203 is the latest to sign off on the testing, following the lead of Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200, Glenbard Township High School District 87 and others that have recently approved contracts with Safeguard Surveillance LLC. […]

Safeguard Surveillance has reported a false-positive rate of less than 0.01% since the testing was first implemented in late August at LaGrange District 102, documents show. Prior to winter break, the screenings detected high viral loads in 53 employees or students — more than 80% of whom were asymptomatic, Superintendent Kyle Schumacher said.

As we saw with the White House outbreaks, the drawback to these fast saliva tests is not false positives, but large numbers of false negatives. That’s why they’re best for congregate settings. If somebody in a group tests positive, everybody should then take a more reliable test to pin down which people actually have it.

* Much of this delay is on the U of I for making assumptions up front about the approval process that duped the governor and turned out to be false

The University of Illinois has completed a critical step toward obtaining federal approval for its saliva-based COVID-19 test, but some lawmakers worry it’s taking too long to help other state colleges, school districts and companies struggling to operate amid the pandemic. […]

News of the FDA submission comes after a public snafu in which the university and Gov. J.B. Pritzker mistakenly stated the test had received federal approval in August.

The FDA informed the university in September that such statements, shared in a news briefing and on the U. of I. website, did “not appropriately represent the status of your test and which may be contributing to the misunderstandings regarding your test.”

The university, however, blamed the FDA for confusing protocols. The school erroneously thought it obtained approval by comparing its test to one developed at Yale University, which had been granted emergency use authorization.

Oops.

* The amount of news media cheerleading for the return of high school sports has been quite something to behold. Pantagraph

The turn of the new year did not result in any good news in regards to the Illinois High School Association and the pause it has on winter sports.

As of Tuesday, IHSA Board president Katy Hasson said that no new talks are planned with Gov. JB Pritzker or the Illinois Department of Public Health which still has the state in Tier 3 mitigation levels because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

* These questions have been answered repeatedly for months

Parents of four Illinois high school athletes filed a lawsuit Monday against Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois High School Association in LaSalle County Court.

The suit claims Pritzker’s cancellation of the winter high school sports season ‘‘is an unconstitutional violation of the Plaintiffs’ right to equal protection under the Constitution of the State of Illinois.’’ The suit seeks to bar Pritzker and the IHSA from enforcing the cancellation of the winter sports season.

‘‘[Pritzker] is using this emergency statute to create these restrictions,’’ said Laura Grochocki, the attorney for the plaintiffs. ‘‘They are supposed to have a rational basis. We are asking why high school sports have the restrictions and why college sports and pro sports do not. Is there a rational basis for the restrictions on high schools? Or is there something else at work here, why [colleges and pros] are allowed to play and high schools are not?’’

Colleges and professional leagues have the money and other resources to do the needed testing and mitigations and high schools do not.

* This Center Square story appears to stretching what the professor is actually saying

A researcher from the University of Illinois Springfield said data shows schools are safe and should be reopened. […]

UIS professor Gary Reinbold said data he reviewed from nearly a dozen different studies indicates in-person education is safe.

“When I say in-school that doesn’t necessarily mean back to going to school all the time because most of the data is coming from places that are doing some form of hybrid schooling,” Reinbold told WMAY. “But having them in school at least part of the time doesn’t seem to be leading to new cases.”

* Chalkbeat

Opening school buildings doesn’t increase the spread of COVID-19 in places where cases or hospitalizations from the virus are rare, according to two new studies.

Reopening schools in areas with higher caseloads, though, does spread the virus, one found, while the other couldn’t rule out that possibility. It remains unclear exactly at what point school reopening becomes more risky.

* Related…

* Seven things to know as Chicago reopens schools

* Chicago Teachers Union Refuses In-Person Learning Until Buildings Are Safe

* Unmotivated Students, Confusing Requirements: Illinois Student Teachers Are Struggling

* 50% of students in Wabash Community Schools received an ‘F’ last semester

* Some District 186 board members against hybrid learning

* D-205 Parents Decry Continued Remote Learning: Two residents took the Elmhurst school board to task Tuesday night for continuing remote learning.

  17 Comments      


Rep. Ann Williams announces bid for House Speaker

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Press release…

With a focus on the future, State Representative Ann Williams (D-Chicago) today announced her candidacy to become the first woman Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. In anticipation of the upcoming vote for Speaker of the 102nd General Assembly, Williams has been reaching out to colleagues regarding the work to be done to support working families, ensure access to healthcare, protect our environment, address systemic inequities and advance our Democratic priorities.

“I believe I am the right person to lead as we shape the next chapter of the House Democratic Caucus,” said Williams. “Our already significant fiscal challenges and economic disparities have only been amplified due to COVID and the economic fallout. We need an experienced, pragmatic leader who can unify our caucus and build a bridge to the future.”

“I will lead the House Democratic Caucus collaboratively - with integrity, open communication, and respect for the voices of all Illinoisans.”

Williams was first elected in 2010 over the opposition of Chicago machine politicians and built her career as an independent legislator. She currently serves as the Chair of the House Environment and Energy committee. Her priorities have included addressing the climate crisis, ensuring full access to reproductive healthcare, and fighting for equality for all Illinois families. Williams has been a strong advocate for the hospitality industry, which has served as a base for Illinois’ economic growth. An adoptee, Williams earned national recognition for her work to open adoption records, leading to the reunification of thousands of families, including her own.

“Illinois is at a crossroads. Working moms can’t afford childcare. The pandemic has highlighted the racial inequities in our healthcare and justice systems. Our small business community is devastated. Yet, the Illinois House hasn’t met since May. We need a leader that puts the people of Illinois first.”

“Throughout my career, I have been mentored by many trailblazing women. Today, they are lifting me up as I put in my name to become the first woman Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives,” said Williams. “I am ready to lead.”

…Adding… Meanwhile

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, is asking the Illinois Secretary of State to appoint a non-partisan provisional parliamentarian to oversee House proceedings when the new legislature is seated.

Proceedings in the House in the 101st General Assembly are managed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. He’s held that role of speaker for all but two years since 1983. Last year, Madigan was implicated in a nine-year bribery scheme involving utility Commonwealth Edison.

While Madigan hasn’t been charged with a crime and maintains he’s done nothing wrong, the revelations ComEd admitted to that it paid $1.3 million in jobs and contracts to Madigan associates in an effort to influence the speaker has led to a loss of majority support among House Democrats poised to vote for the next speaker immediately after the 102nd General Assembly is seated Wednesday, Jan. 13.

In a letter to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Durkin said the selection of House Speaker for the 102nd General Assembly “is far from clear.” Some suggest without a clear leader, it could take dozens of ballots to come to a conclusion, taking time away from dealing with other issues the state is facing.

“As Presiding Officer, you have the authority to select individuals to serve as appointed Provisional Officers,” Durkin told White. “One such individual is the Provisional Parliamentarian.”

  40 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Madigan; Brady

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Unlike the House, Senate to provide some floor access to reporters

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Memo…

Jan. 6, 2021
To: Members of the Illinois media
From: Liz Mitchell, Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Senate President
Re: Senate access during January session

When the Senate returns for the remaining session days of the 101st General Assembly, we will provide expanded, but limited, access to Senate credentialed media while following social distancing and public health guidelines.

Press box and gallery access

    No more than three (3) Senate credentialed reporters will be allowed in each Senate floor-level press box for a total of six (6). This will allow for six feet of space between each reporter and between the reporters and the Senators on the floor. A Plexiglas shield will be placed in front of each reporter’s seat.

    Up to three (3) Senate credentialed reporters will be allowed in the Senate gallery, with one spot likely reserved for BlueRoom Stream. The Illinois Legislative Correspondents Association will be in charge of coordinating the placement of reporters within these parameters.

Online access

    Media who cannot be present in the press boxes or gallery due to these restrictions may watch or listen to proceedings on the live, online video stream provided on ILGA.gov.

    The press secretary and deputy press secretary will be available to coordinate media access to individual members.

Additional safety measures

    Hand sanitizer will be placed at the entrances to both Senate press boxes and the Senate gallery.

    Mask use will be required at all times.

    Any reporters exceeding the maximum number allowed in any area will be asked to leave.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to provide access to the Senate proceedings while keeping everyone safe.

Please reach out with any questions.

  1 Comment      


The broad failure of the Fair Tax

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Still catching up here on stuff that happened during the break…


Not good when the proposal needed to win either three-fifths or a majority of all those voting in the election.

  21 Comments      


Hinz digs into Census numbers

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From the break…


* Greg Hinz

Part of the reason is the decline in international immigration during the Trump presidency, something that hurt Illinois more than its neighbors. Orphe Divounguy, chief economist at the Illinois Policy Institute, sets the loss at perhaps 20,000 people a year. Demographer Rob Paral pegs it higher, perhaps 40,000 a year. Either way, over 10 years, it’s added up.

Paral makes another point that has gotten lost in much of the recent debate: While metropolitan Chicago isn’t gaining much, it’s no worse than about flat in the decade. Where the population loss is focused is downstate, where, according to data he’s crunched, at least 90 percent of counties have lost people. If those areas arguably lack the talent draws that metropolitan Chicago has, they may be more susceptible to economic pressures, such as the impact of the new federal cap on deducting state and local income taxes.

Another source who’s tracked the data, Metropolitan Planning Council Research Director Dan Cooper, says all of the factors listed above have an impact, but the most striking to him is the demographic impact of inequality—the cost in lost jobs and investment due to Chicago’s national reputation as a place with high crime, lagging schools and tax uncertainty. […]

He also points to data suggesting that, while tech and other high-education fields still are attracting educated people to the state, those fields attract relatively few Blacks and Latinos, at least so far.

  10 Comments      


House Dems dig in for possible long MJM siege

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Daily Herald

Some of the 19 Democrats who have vowed not to vote for Madigan say a prolonged selection of the speaker is a sacrifice they are willing to make. Madigan has no clear path toward reelection as long as the 19 Democrats from the 73-member caucus continue to withhold votes from him.

Democratic Rep. Daniel Didech of Buffalo Grove, one of the 19 not voting for Madigan, said he is undecided whom he will back and is willing to hold out for the right candidate.

“My hope is that by (Jan. 13) someone will have the 60 votes, but we’re also prepared for the possibility that nobody will,” Didech said. “If we have to be on the floor for an extended period of time before somebody gets 60 votes, that is something we are prepared for.”

Democratic Rep. Terra Costa Howard of Glen Ellyn, another member of the “not Mike Madigan” camp, said she believes a prolonged speaker selection process is “what will be necessary to provide systematic change for the state of Illinois.”

* Politico

House lawmakers were finally given a bit of information about what to expect when they return to Springfield on Friday: Pack extra undies because you’ll be there for the long haul.

This means House Speaker Michael Madigan knows he won’t be able to muster 60 votes in a behind-closed-doors Democratic caucus meeting before Wednesday. That’s the witching hour for lawmakers to be sworn in for the next General Assembly. The state constitution requires them to immediately pivot to a vote for speaker on the House floor. And in public. […]

With 19 Democrats standing firm against Madigan and possibly half a dozen new lawmakers deciding they won’t vote for him either, it appears impossible to resolve the speakership quietly — even though a majority of the Black and Latino caucuses are firmly behind him. […]

It will be a test of wills and, maybe, negotiation. Will Madigan intimidate by forcing people to look him in the eye? Or will he placate and offer something in return for sticking with him?

There could be a point he decides to step aside. Caesar didn’t live forever, after all. If that happens, watch for the Black Caucus to make a commanding move to take the gavel, leaving all other players in the dust.

The only unsilly part of that story is the last sentence. As it stands right now today, the BC has the power to eventually seize the gavel. Its members just need the opportunity and the will. That’ll come.

  20 Comments      


*** UPDATED x1 *** Some Illinois angles on the Georgia runoffs

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Lynn Sweet

Control of the Senate is at stake in the Tuesday Georgia runoff elections with Republican contender and Illinois native Sen. Kelly Loeffler having deep, formative ties to downstate Illinois and Chicago.

Loeffler was born in central Illinois, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her MBA from DePaul.

As a grad student and later as an adult in the business world, Loeffler lived in Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast, records show.

After she married Jeffrey Sprecher, the founder and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange Inc., a commodities exchange where Loeffler was an executive, the couple lived in Atlanta in 2008 and also owned high-end condos in the Palmolive Building, 159 E. Walton Place.

* Mark Brown

As a veteran of Chicago’s political wars, Clem Balanoff has surely seen a little of everything that election campaigns have to offer.

So when Balanoff says, “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” that must count for something.

Balanoff was referring to the leave-no-stone-unturned campaign field organizations mounted on behalf of the two Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate in Georgia.

* As of late last night, both Democrats were ahead, prompting a tweet from the governor’s chief of staff that I added Illinois context to…


* Maxwell is also right if the current trend holds…


* And…


*** UPDATE *** Mayor Lightfoot…

The victories in Georgia last night may be 700 miles away, but they will have a major impact for us here in Chicago. This moves us all a crucial step closer to implementing the Biden Harris agenda–from COVID-19 relief and rebuilding our local economies to criminal justice reform and environmental protections. Let no one ever question the importance of investing in, organizing and mobilizing folks in Black, Latinx and Asian communities again. I congratulate Senators-Elect Warnock and Ossoff, and I salute other leaders and organizers on the ground in Georgia, including Stacey Abrams and my friend Mayor Bottoms, for the years of work they have done building to this moment. Democracy prevails

…Adding… Heh…


* Related…

* What’s left to count in Georgia’s Senate runoffs

  57 Comments      


Open thread

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Have at it, but keep it local and be kind to each other. Thanks.

  7 Comments      


Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

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*** LIVE COVERAGE ***

Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Follow along with ScribbleLive


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« NEWER POSTS PREVIOUS POSTS »
* Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
* Reader comments closed for the holidays
* And the winners are…
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