The large criminal justice plan could also eliminate cash bail. This is a major piece of the legislation, including language from the “Pretrial Fairness Act” previously filed by Sims’ colleagues in the Black Caucus.
[Ed Wojcicki, Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police] is concerned lawmakers aren’t paying attention to whether individuals are too dangerous to leave jail before trial.
“They’re gonna wreak havoc,” Wojcicki said. “We’re always encouraging women to call the police if they’re victims of domestic or sexual abuse. If these people are arrested and just let go like a traffic ticket, that’s very dangerous for women. So, we’re not just saying these things are dangerous for law enforcement.”
* Um, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence is for the bill…
The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) is invested in working to improve the justice system, however, ensuring the safety of survivors has to be included in any reform effort. Our mission has always been to advance statewide policies and practices that transform societal attitudes and institutions to eliminate and prevent domestic abuse. As such, ICADV is supportive of the concept of eliminating money bond as the current system is harmful, especially to people of color.
Working with the Coalition to End Money Bond, ICADV supports ending money bond through the Pretrial Fairness Act as a key criminal justice reform effort. ICADV along with many other survivor-based organizations worked tirelessly with the Coalition to End Money Bond to include provisions that support survivor safety and creates a process that ICADV can support. ICADV is grateful to the Coalition to End Money Bond and Senator Robert Peters for hearing the concerns of the service provider and survivor community and working to address those concerns. This is an example of how criminal justice reform can happen while supporting survivor safety. ICADV is hopeful that future criminal justice reform efforts have the same interest in addressing survivor safety.
Detention only shall be imposed when it is determined that the defendant poses a danger to a specific, identifiable person or persons, or has a high likelihood of willful flight.
In other words, while the chiefs may have a decent argument about other topics, they are wrong about this one and ought to drop that line of attack.
* The General Assembly will be in session all weekend and I just realized that I didn’t need to find a play-out tune. But if I had closed comments today, this would’ve been the one. Turn it up…
* I told subscribers about some of this earlier today…
Due to the budget crisis caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker is freezing the implementation of a new set of state business tax credits and calling for a decoupling of Illinois tax law from recently enacted federal business tax changes that would cost Illinois in excess of $500 million.
The expanded state tax credits were authorized in 2019 as part of a series of tax changes contained in PA 101-9 and were scheduled to take effect January 1, 2021. The new, expanded credits are estimated to cost the state an additional $20 million annually.
The proposed decoupling would keep the Illinois income tax framework the same as it was before Congress amended the federal income tax law in March 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The amendments substantially changed federal tax treatment of net operating losses and excess business losses, automatically causing the same change in Illinois tax treatment. Without decoupling, these federal tax changes could reduce Illinois income tax revenue by more than $500 million.
“My administration recognizes the many challenges facing businesses during this unique time, which is why we are going above and beyond the federal support program by providing hundreds of millions of dollars in support to our small businesses, our best job creators who have been impacted severely by COVID-19,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Unfortunately, COVID also hit our state budget, requiring tough choices about what we can and cannot afford. Right now, we cannot afford to expand tax breaks to businesses that already receive tax breaks. As we recover from the pandemic, we must focus on job creation and balancing our state budget. I am confident in our ability to grow our economy and put our state on firmer fiscal footing.”
The state business incentives in PA 101-9 allow companies that already receive tax credits for relocating or expanding in Illinois through the State’s Enterprise Zone, River’s Edge Redevelopment Zone, Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE), or High Impact Business tax credit programs, to qualify for even more credits based on wages paid to workers for construction associated with that relocation or expansion. Companies would be eligible for up to $20 million in credits across these four programs. These new credits will not be implemented while the state is working to overcome its current fiscal challenges.
The CARES Act repealed the federal tax law provision that limited net operating losses to 80% of taxable income and added another provision allowing a 5-year carryback of losses incurred after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2021. As a result, instead of the previous practice of limiting immediate deductibility and permitting deduction of such business losses gradually over a period of years using loss carryforwards, taxpayers are permitted to deduct such business losses immediately in tax year 2020. The decoupling will affect the tax treatment of such losses for owners of pass-through entities such as partnerships and limited liability companies.
The CARES Act also deferred until 2021 the federal tax law provision limiting the immediate deductibility of excess business losses for noncorporate taxpayers. Decoupling will reinstitute the previous limits.
The Governor said the two actions were necessary given Illinois’ current fiscal challenges and are part of the Pritzker Administration’s ongoing budget review. In December, the Governor announced $700 million in spending reductions for fiscal year 2021 that included a hiring freeze, grant reductions and operational savings. Today’s announcement will get the state another step closer to balancing the budget.
“The recently announced budget cuts along with these new roll backs of corporate tax breaks are just the first steps in this budget process. More will be necessary. We will need to scrutinize and potentially roll back other corporate tax breaks – including those that have been on the books for many years. We hope to hear from members of the General Assembly on both sides of the aisle about their best ideas for progress in this regard.”
National Federation of Independent Business Illinois State Director Mark Grant said from what he’s hearing the change the governor characterized as “technical” would have consequences for some small businesses in Illinois hit the hardest by the pandemic and the government’s restrictions to slow the spread of the disease.
“It just takes away an avenue for our small businesses, sole proprietors, to be able to recover from this incredible economic damage that’s been done to them over the last year,” Grant said. “It takes away avenue the federal government thought was a good idea, and would help our small businesses recover, and this would take away that ability to help with that.”
* I’ve been telling subscribers about this bill for days…
A new, controversial bill is set to come before Illinois lawmakers, which they could then vote on in the next five days. The bill includes major police reforms, and it’s sparking controversy amongst our local officials. […]
“It’s necessary to empower our community,” Democratic State Representative Maurice West says. “How else will we bring back trust [between] law enforcement and everyone.” […]
“There’s so many bad parts about this legislation that it will pretty much put law enforcement out of business in Illinois,” [Republican Senator Dave Syverson] explains. […]
Here are just some of the bill’s reforms:
• New procedures for reporting in-custody deaths
• Mandated statewide use of force policy
• Eliminate qualified immunity for police officers
• Reduce officer’s collective bargaining rights
• End cash bail
• Ensure disciplinary records of police officers are never erased
• Mandate crisis intervention training
• Scale back no-knock orders
The bill has seen intense pushback from Republican lawmakers and groups representing law enforcement. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police called it “the worst thing to happen to our profession” and “the end of the law enforcement profession as we know it” in a statement released Tuesday.
In a Wednesday notice, the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police wrote “it might as well be a crime to be a law enforcement officer in Illinois.” […]
In response, the Senate Black Caucus distributed their own release Wednesday, saying “From our perspective, our communities know what they need in order to be kept safe. We come from the communities we represent. Our experiences, combined with our understanding of policy, have shaped our legislative approach, and they cannot be dismissed when it comes to determining what our communities need.”
A key piece of the caucus’s criminal justice reform plan is eliminating cash bail, which proponents argue disproportionately affects low-income people of color who are awaiting trial.
Sen. Elgie Sims, a Chicago Democrat, is sponsoring a measure that would eliminate the term “bail” from state statute. Judges would still have discretion to keep people awaiting trial in custody if it’s determined they pose a risk to the public or have violated the conditions of their pretrial release. But people could no longer be kept in jail solely based on their inability to make bail.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker backs eliminating cash bail and made it a legislative priority before the General Assembly’s spring session was truncated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The proposal from Sims also would place strict limitations on the collective bargaining rights of police unions. Future contract negotiations would be limited to subjects directly related to wages and benefits, and discipline policies would no longer be subject to bargaining.
New polling on pretrial release: “The old-school default of keeping people who are presumed innocent in jail unless they can afford bail has always been unfair, destructive, and dangerous, and that is especially true amid a pandemic that poses a unique threat to incarcerated people. When informed that other jurisdictions have safely reduced jail populations through bail reform, 57 percent of Illinois voters support reforming the cash bail system and creating a presumption of pretrial release for most people, while only 29 percent oppose,” according to new polling from Data for Progress and The Lab, a policy vertical of The Appeal.
If you click here, you’ll see the full poll. The pre-informed response, which isn’t in the press release, is what you should pay more attention to.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 9,277 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 126 additional deaths. Illinois has now reported more than one million cases since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adams County: 1 male 70s
Boone County: 1 female 80s
Cook County: 1 female 40s, 1 male 40s, 3 females 50s, 2 females 60s, 4 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 7 males 70s, 7 females 80s, 7 males 80s, 3 females 90s, 7 males 90s
DeKalb County: 1 female 60s
DuPage County: 1 female 40s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
Edwards County: 1 male 80s
Effingham County: 1 male 80s
Fayette County: 1 female 80s
Fulton County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
Henry County: 1 male 90s
Iroquois County: 1 male 60s
Jackson County: 1 male 60s
Jefferson County: 1 female 90s
Kane County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
Kankakee County: 1 female 80s
Knox County: 1 male 50s
Lake County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 60s, 3 females 90s
LaSalle County: 1 male 80s
Livingston County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 90s
Madison County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
Marion County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
Marshall County: 1 female 50s
McLean County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
Montgomery County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
Morgan County: 1 male 70s
Peoria County: 1 female 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
Perry County: 1 female 60s
Randolph County: 1 female 90s
Richland County: 1 female 70s
Rock Island County: 2 males 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 2 females 90
Saline County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
Sangamon County: 1 male 90s
St. Clair County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 90s
Stark County: 1 male 80s
Stephenson County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s
Tazewell County: 1 male 40s, 4 males 70s
Vermilion County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
Whiteside County: 1 male 60s
Will County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 60s, 3 females 70s, 2 males 70s, 1 female 80s
Williamson County: 1 male 70s
Winnebago County: 2 females 90s
Woodford County: 1 female 90s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,017,322 cases, including 17,395 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 118,665 specimens for a total 13,922,611. As of last night, 3,777 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 780 patients were in the ICU and 422 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from January 1–7, 2021 is 8.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from January 1–7, 2021 is 9.5%.
*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.
Illinois’ top education official is recommending school districts consider extending classes into the summer, a proposition that Chicago Teachers Union leaders for the first time have suggested could be amenable if it would put off mandatory in-person teaching until educators are vaccinated for the coronavirus.
Though an extended school year would come with potentially massive costs, including additional compensation for teachers and staff, State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala wrote in a letter to administrators this week that $2.25 billion in coronavirus relief that Illinois is getting from the feds should help make it possible. Chicago Public Schools is set to receive $720 million.
Ayala said the funds should primarily be used to “close the digital divide for good” and mitigate learning loss by offering more educational opportunities.
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, demanding that the federal government begin distributing reserved COVID-19 vaccines to states immediately.
“In each of our states, vaccine delivery has been much slower than we anticipated, so it is imperative that the federal government distribute the vaccines it is holding on reserve. These vaccines will save millions of Americans from the unnecessary danger and hardship of contracting COVID-19,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Up to now, this vaccine has only been offered to a very specific group of people at very specific location. Our states are ready to work alongside the federal government to expand vaccine distribution so that we can protect the wellbeing of all our residents, families, small businesses and our economy.”
According to publicly reported information, the federal government currently has more than 50 percent of currently produced vaccines held back by the presidential administration for unknown reasons. At the same time, the country is losing over 2,600 Americans each day, according to the latest seven-day average.
Earlier this week, Governor JB Pritzker announced guidelines for the next stage of COVID-19 vaccine distribution across Illinois, Phase 1B. Phase 1B prioritizes equity and lowers the vaccine age to 65 from 75 because black and brown Illinoisans with COVID-19 die at a much younger age than their white counterparts. Distribution of the reserved vaccines by the federal government would accelerate the completion of Phase 1A.
Today, the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) announced they have worked with the banks to provide services for unbanked Illinoisans seeking to cash their stimulus checks without incurring check cashing fees. The banks provided this service during the first round of stimulus checks and IDFPR secured the same agreement for the second round of stimulus checks.
The FDIC estimates that over 22% of Illinois households are under or unbanked. Many of these Illinois households will once again be receiving paper stimulus checks and will have few check cashing options that won’t incur fees. IDFPR is proud to announce a number of banking institutions that are able to work with non-customers on cashing their stimulus checks for free. Thanks to Bank of America, First Midwest, Fifth Third, Huntington, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase and U.S. Bank, Illinoisans will be able to cash their stimulus checks without incurring fees in order to ensure these funds go toward the food, housing, and necessities that people need during this difficult time.
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced more than $275 million in nearly 9,000 emergency assistance grants have been made to small businesses in over 600 cities and towns statewide through the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program. Through this historic program – the largest of its kind in the nation - grants have been made available to a wide range of small businesses– with a focus on the industries and communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis, and with the majority of funding going to smaller and minority-owned businesses.
Today’s announcement marks the conclusion of the BIG program, which was created by Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly to assist Illinois’ hardest hit businesses with making ends meet during the pandemic. A full list of awards made can be found on DCEO’s website.
* My COVID-19 test results came back today. I tested negative. Many thanks to Springfield Clinic for running such a tight ship.
Four Springfield residents traveled more than 787 miles from one capital city to another for a protest that turned into a breach of the U.S. Capitol.
Sarah Smith says she wanted to take it all in firsthand.
The group arrived in Washington, D.C. at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6.
“We met many people from different backgrounds to different states — I’m talking from Alaska to California,” Smith said.
Jake Carroll’s view showed him a glimpse of what he thinks people want in the future.
“Multiple races, ethnicities, people of color there, standing shoulder to shoulder to be heard, wanting the government to hear them that we can no longer stand divided, that we have to come together as a country,” Carroll said.
They make it sound like wholesome, all-American fun for the entire family.
The Illinois General Assembly’s lame duck session begins on Friday in Springfield.
However, riots at state capitols around the country on Wednesday have some lawmakers feeling uneasy.
After pro-Trump insurrectionists breached the U.S. Capitol, statehouses across the country are stepping up security.
In Illinois, lawmakers are set to return for a lame duck session on Friday, Jan. 8, after over 200 days away.
“We’re not going to be intimidated,” Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, said. “We’re not going to allow these thugs to overturn our government and create some sort of coup across the United States.”
* Riots in Congress bring state Capitol security concerns into focus: The Illinois State Police has increased security around the state Capitol and the Bank of Springfield Center, at Gov. JB Pritzker’s request, and will be coordinating efforts with the Secretary of State police and the Springfield Police Department, an ISP spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement Thursday.
Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issues a statement on her remarks at the recent Moms for America event in Washington, D.C.
“Earlier this week, I spoke to a group of mothers about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences. I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth. This dark history should never be repeated and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right, and noble into their children’s hearts and minds. While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. I’ve been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness.”
As your President, I showed a lapse in judgement yesterday during an interview. For that I am sorry. I brought negative attention to our Lodge, the FOP family and law enforcement in general.
I was in no way condoning the violence in DC yesterday. My statements were poorly worded. I certainly would never justify any attacks on law enforcement. After seeing more video and the full aftermath, my comments would have been different.
I ask that you consider the totality of my comments yesterday. What is almost totally overlooked was the fact I said the President needs to accept responsibility for yesterday’s events and that he should formally concede the race to put everything to bed once and for all.
Lastly, I commit to doing better each day. I will never be too big to admit when I am wrong. Stay safe and healthy.
John J. Catanzara Jr.
President
FOP Lodge 7 Chicago
*** UPDATE *** Ouch…
Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara is getting ripped by the national FOP for his comments about the Capitol insurrection, even after he tried to apologize and take his comments back. https://t.co/GoKjYCfpS3
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office is partnering with the FBI to establish the Attorney General’s Task Force on Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud. The task force will for the first time allow state and federal resources to be deployed on a large scale to combat unemployment insurance benefits fraud.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Raoul’s office has received and investigated complaints related to unemployment insurance benefits fraud. The aim of the task force is to enhance collaboration among state and federal agencies investigating and prosecuting forms of unemployment benefits fraud. In addition to the Illinois Attorney General’s office and the FBI, the task force will be made up of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Illinois State Police, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Internal Revenue Service, as well as the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association.
“The Task Force on Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud will for the first time allow a broad coalition of federal, state and local law enforcement to collaborate and share resources and address widespread unemployment insurance benefits fraud,” Raoul said. “I appreciate the FBI dedicating the needed resources and look forward to working with our partner agencies to investigate and hold accountable those who steal federal funding that is intended to help residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“While the citizens of Illinois have worked to regain financial stability after last year’s tumultuous job market, criminals have sought to do them harm,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr said. “With today’s announcement of a joint unemployment task force, we commit to working with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that those who would steal resources from our most vulnerable are brought to swift justice.”
“Bad actors have taken advantage of a global pandemic that has pushed desperate people to unemployment insurance agencies for economic relief,” IDES Acting Director Kristin Richards said. “While this massive fraud scheme has redirected the valuable man-hours and resources the Department would be better served to use assisting claimants, IDES remains committed to detecting and shutting these claims down and will continue to support law enforcement’s efforts to find the fraudsters behind these crimes.”
“The Illinois State Police are here to coordinate, facilitate and share intelligence on fraudulent activity,” Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly said. “It is through multi-jurisdictional partnerships such as these that will allow us to better combat and contain this criminal conduct.”
“An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations relating to unemployment insurance fraud. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General said.
“As the 2021 tax filing season nears, the Illinois Department of Revenue remains focused on preventing fraudulent income tax refunds, including those perpetrated through unemployment insurance claims.” Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris said. “We look forward to working with our state and federal partners on Attorney General Raoul’s Task Force to end this criminal activity and assist victims of fraudulent claims.”
According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), the increase in identity theft unemployment fraud can likely be attributed to large corporate data breaches and is not the result of any state system breaches. These breaches compromised personal information including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, names, dates of birth, credit card numbers and addresses – information individuals must provide when applying for loans or lines of credit, or during other interactions.
Currently, state unemployment agencies throughout the nation are battling widespread fraud by individuals seeking to steal federal money. Using personal information obtained as a result of data breaches, thieves are applying for unemployment insurance benefits for which they are not eligible. The IDES strongly encourages anyone who has received notice that an unemployment insurance claim has been fraudulently filed in their name to immediately report the claim to the department via its website or by calling 800-814-0513. To date, the IDES has stopped more than 350,000 fraudulent claims.
Attorney General Raoul encourages individuals who think their personal or financial information has been compromised to take steps to protect themselves. People should closely monitor credit reports, consider requesting a fraud alert by contacting one of the three nationwide credit bureaus, consider placing a freeze on credit reports, and closely review and monitor all financial accounts for any unauthorized charges.
Additional information on how to protect yourself from potential identity theft is available free of charge on the Illinois Attorney General’s website. Residents can also call the Attorney General’s Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630 for assistance.
* The House has decreed that it will not allow reporters on the floor of the 40,000 square foot BOS Center because of public health and security concerns. When I’ve objected, I’ve been asked why I wanted to be on the floor if I was going to have to remain at least six feet away from everyone else anyway.
But adding a relative handful of reporters to a huge hall like that shouldn’t significantly increase viral load. House press credentials are not easily available, so the security concerns are unfounded and even insulting. And folks who are wearing masks are allowed to be closer together than six feet, as should be abundantly clear from these photos taken during the May special session…
* And, again, look at all the empty space behind the members in that 40,000 square foot hall…
* I’ve been tested for COVID-19 and won’t be venturing forth until the results come back and would be happy to provide testing documentation. I never go anywhere in public without wearing a mask, I don’t go to indoor restaurants and bars and nobody comes into my house without wearing a mask.
I’m more than willing to take what will hopefully be a relatively moderate risk to do my job, and most other reporters I know agree. We’re essential workers who do necessary work. And the next several days could be the most momentous in Illinois government since I do not know when.
Let us in.
*** UPDATE *** Earlier today…
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin officially requests Speaker Madigan lift the unnecessary restrictions that block the press corps from their regular access to members along the perimeter of the House chamber floor. pic.twitter.com/G1IEgFPbE7
Update: We as a capitol press corps have been blocked from doing our jobs safely from the massive @theboscenter floor. Can’t say we didn’t try. https://t.co/FaTCT0FWMP
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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…
US Rep. Mary Miller at DC rally: “Hitler was right on one thing. He said ‘Whoever has the youth has the future’” https://t.co/vDhDszt2fq
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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…
Moments before a riotous mob stormed the US Capitol, Illinois state Representative Chris Miller, husband to Congresswoman Mary Miller, railed against “dangerous Democrat terrorists,” and said “we’re in a great cultural war to see which worldview will survive.” pic.twitter.com/kJW2GtRbvq
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…
Soon to be state Senator Darren Bailey to his Facebook supporters: “We have no idea of knowing if, uh, what part these people who have stormed the Capitol, uh, you know, where they stand or who they are. We don’t know.”
*** 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.
* Just imagine if the US Armed Forces had taken the same attitude as local police unions the past few months…
2/13 “There was no arson. There was no burning of anything. There was no looting. There was very little destruction of property. It was a bunch of pissed-off people that feel an election was stolen, somehow, some way.”
3/13 “Evidence matters. Until that appears, shame on them for what they did, but it was out of frustration. There’s no fights. There’s no, obviously, violence in this crowd.
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…
As many as 60 Capitol Police officers were injured yesterday, including 15 hospitalized and one in critical condition. Many were hit in the head with lead pipes, according to Rep. Tim Ryan — who chairs a key subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Capitol. Via @KenDilanianNBC
* 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.
[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.
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.
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.”
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.
We hadn’t heard anything from GOP members of the delegation aside from Rep. Kinzinger until now. Darin LaHood and Mike Bost both call for peaceful protest. pic.twitter.com/GcXRK2eAR2
I am in disbelief with what is unfolding in D.C. right now. President Trump and his enablers incited this violence. Shame on every elected official in Congress and elsewhere who fomented this anti-democratic insurrection by extremists. This is not democracy. This is a disgrace.
ILGOP Chairman Schneider: "Republicans stand for law and order. To support what is happening in DC today is to violate that principle. Supporting violence and rioting is Anti-American. The ILGOP condemns any and all violence towards our government officials and law enforcement."
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…
I don’t make a statement like this lightly: Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence.
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.”
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.
* 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.
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.
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.
Illinois’ newest member of Congress quoting Adolf Hitler outside the US Capitol. Not sure why anyone would ever need to reference a Nazi to make a point about educating children. https://t.co/SN6yr1qSBP
Mary Miller, who was just sworn in to rep Southern IL in Congress:
“If we win a few elections, we’re still going to be losing unless we win the hearts and minds of our children. This is the battle. Hitler was right on one thing. He said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’” https://t.co/ZXsewI7CIU
“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…
This is my father's Bronze Star he was awarded for fighting Hitler & Nazis in WWII as an infantryman in Europe.
Our elected officials must not normalize, validate, or support Hitler's memory, quotes, ideology, etc.
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.”
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.
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?”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
* Still catching up here on stuff that happened during the break…
Bipartisan rejection of Pritzker's "fair tax" amendment, which he spent $58M promoting: The governor's campaign lost outright in 26 of the 74 Illinois House districts held by Democrats, and 37 of the 85 House districts that voted for Biden. https://t.co/yWwLUvVJX8
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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…
If the current GA trend holds up, the state's budget problems could very well become much less horrible https://t.co/puaZoVhVha
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…
Watching Illinois Twitter wig out over the Georgia pronunciation of DeKalb County and waiting for them to learn that the county seat is … Decatur.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot called on President-elect Joe Biden to deliver significantly more COVID-19 vaccines to Chicago and other cities or face a drawn out pandemic that will last well into 2022.
Lightfoot, at a media event showcasing the first five Chicago health care workers receiving their second doses of vaccine, said that the rate of distribution to cities is way too slow and added that it will take Chicago almost a year and a half to vaccinate all the city’s residents unless things speed up.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration refiled an emergency COVID-19 rule similar to one that expired Monday to continue statewide mask and social distancing requirements for Illinoisans for another 150 days. […]
Back in August, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association opposed a mask mandate rule because it meant the enforcers were store clerks, and that could put them in harm’s way. IRMA CEO Rob Karr applauded local governments that have since approved civil fines for individuals violating the mask rule, but there’s a patchwork across the state.
Karr said the statewide rule filed Monday by the Pritzker administration was an improvement over the expired rule.
“This puts in place that you can hand them something in writing,” Karr said. “So, you could give them a notice that IRMA had produced that said ‘you know you should be wearing a face mask, we may ask you to leave,’ and that helps the retailer avoid, try to avoid, some of those confrontations.”
* This country needs to get its act together, man…
Bartender Josh Vaughn served the last drink at a Hilton hotel bar in Savannah on March 14. He was furloughed the next day. The company promptly filed paperwork for him to receive unemployment aid, yet he spent more than nine months waiting for the money.
Vaughn is among more than 1.2 million Americans stuck waiting months for desperately needed aid as states struggle to catch up with backlogs of unemployment claims stretching back to March, a Post analysis showed.
The state has run out of money for its Business Interruption Grant program, which aimed to help small businesses walloped by COVID-19, and some restaurant operators are not happy.
The program launched over the summer, and supplies federal funds from the CARES Act. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered the first round of grants in August, and started distributing a second round in the fall. […]
Restaurant operators that were not chosen said they are frustrated with the state. They were encouraged to apply, and some operators said that led them to believe they were likely to receive a grant.
“The communications were utterly, utterly botched,” said Pat Doerr, managing director of the Hospitality Business Association of Chicago. “They kept on saying, ‘Apply, apply, apply,’ especially after the mitigations were ratcheted up statewide in early November.”
* DCEO, however, said they were focused on smaller business and minority-owned businesses…
We worked systematically to review over 50,000 apps received for BIG, using criteria set in statute to address the hardest hit industries and geographies throughout Illinois.
Reviewing on a strictly first-come, first-served basis would have advantaged the larger, more sophisticated businesses, which is why DCEO continued to receive applications through mid-December to ensure that the smallest, most vulnerable businesses were able to access this lifeline as we entered the winter months. This equity centric approach resulted in more than 80% of BIG awards going to businesses with less than $1M in annual revenue, and roughly 40% of awards going to minority-owned businesses - a stark contrast with awards made under PPP.
While we hoped additional federal funding would extend this program, we have worked to maximize every dollar we had. We are proud that the program provided over $130 million in grants to over 3,500 restaurants and taverns across the state.
* Meanwhile, WICS has a story entitled “Local restaurants confused, fear state punishment for opening.” But I’m not sure why they’re confused or why this is labeled by the outlet as “punishment” and “retribution”…
Springfield restaurant owners who have received state grants in the past are now struggling to decide whether they will reopen their indoor dining under Sangamon County’s new guidance, which allows them to do so.
Many of them fear retribution from Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, because the county’s new guidance directly opposes the governor’s guidance. […]
This left the 36 Springfield restaurants who were awarded the BIG grants with a dilemma: To open, or not to open.
“If the state stepped in to take this grant, we would be bankrupt immediately, and I’m sure we’re not the only ones,” Loukinen’s on 4th Owner Laurie Loukinen said.
Loukinen received $150,000 from the BIG.
Um, BIG stands for Business Interruption Grant. If you’re operating, you’re not interrupted. From the requirements…
Must have been closed or had reduced operations due to government orders, public health guidelines, or depressed consumer demand during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Must have complied with all relevant laws, regulations, and executive orders from the State and federal government, including the social distancing guidelines as promulgated by the Executive Orders of the Illinois Governor.
I love restaurants. Before the troubles, I would usually eat at restaurants more often than I’d cook at home every week. And there is zero doubt that restaurants have been hit extremely hard by the pandemic.
But nobody forced anybody to apply for that BIG money. And it was pretty darned clear what that money was for and what the rules were. I have no problem with restaurant owners pushing the state to reopen because this is America and they have an absolute right to do that. But don’t try to change the rules now after you’ve taken that taxpayer money.
After being absent from Springfield for over seven months, the Illinois legislature is returning to Springfield this weekend for lame duck session.
Springfield city officials think the legislature coming back into town will benefit the city and the budget’s bottom-line.
Springfield Budget Director Bill McCarty said after going over 200 days without session, the lame duck is a welcome sight to see.
He said the city will see a monetary uptick from legislators going out to local restaurants, visiting local retailers, and staying at hotels, but he says it still is not as helpful as it normally is.
Defeated Republican congressional candidate Jim Oberweis has informed the U.S. House of Representatives he will contest the outcome of his race against Democratic Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.
In announcing his intent on Monday, Oberweis said that during the discovery recount process volunteers for his campaign found election jurisdictions around the 14th Congressional District did not follow the law.
He claims that led to an inability to verify those who were legally entitled to vote actually voted.
* OK, I wanted to check with a Democratic election law attorney I know before I posted the Oberweis press release because this was above my pay grade. Here are Oberweis’ claims with the attorney’s responses indented…
· 5,373 voters who cast votes in the 14th District who also filed address changes in the National Change of Address database, which translates to 4,903 allegedly illegal votes cast in the 14th
That does not indicate illegal votes. He doesn’t understand how that system works.
· No Election judge initials on Vote By Mail ballots in Kane County… In Kane County, there were 39,647 VBM ballots cast. None of these ballots were initialed by Election Judges, which is illegal in Illinois. Rep. Lauren Underwood had 68.6 percent of the VBM cast in Kane County while Oberweis had 31.4 percent of the vote. Because the votes are illegal, these votes cannot be counted and when the reduction in vote totals are applied to both candidates’ totals, Oberweis wins the 14th Congressional District by 9,374 votes.
Kane uses pollbooks that record the judges signatures, so they do not appear on the ballot. It’s a more advanced technology that reduces the amount of time and money a county has to spend if they’re reviewing ballots again. That’s why they did the discovery recount so quickly. That doesn’t make those ballots invalid.
· 63 ballot application requests were granted prior to the June date when election jurisdictions were allowed to accept applications from voters to vote by mail
Again, that doesn’t make the ballot invalid just because a person submitted a VBM request before the date by which they could be processed.
· 29 VBM ballot application requests were granted after the Oct. 29, 2020 deadline
VBM requests can be made until the day before the election, usually they’re made in person at this point.
· Kane County voters were not allowed to vote provisionally
This is not true.
· A voter from Kenosha, WI voted illegally in IL-14 and tweeted about it
No idea what he’s talking about, but not sure how that invalidates the election.
· There were more than 1600 ballots cast in DuPage County above and beyond the number of voters who voted
I believe they are mixing ballots received and ballots cast – they’re not the same thing. DuPage had an unprecedented number of new registrations during the early voting period and on election day, and more people who requested VBMs than ever before. Those who appeared in person and surrendered their ballots were given a regular ballot. Thus, more ballots were given out than actual voters – but it doesn’t mean they were all cast.
Though COVID-19 vaccines have been made available to all employees at Illinois veterans’ homes, only 40% of staff members have so far opted to receive their first dose of the inoculation against the deadly virus. […]
Bridget Dooley, the public information officer for the department, said they’re currently “pulling out all the stops” to encourage staff members to take the vaccine.
* “That’s not true,” said AFSCME Council 31 spokesman Anders Lindall today about Dooley’s claims. Lindall went on to say that he’d received a call from the Sun-Times editorial board with the news that the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is claiming the union contract is the problem. He called that “a complete lie.”
“It is starting to seem that the top leadership of this agency screwed up, did not plan, did not communicate and is now trying to shift the blame and is even willing to cast aspersions on employees and misinform the public,” Lindall said.
* I talked with Lindall yesterday and then again today. He claims that veterans’ home employees were given short notice and brief windows to obtain the vaccine and, contrary to claims by the agency, said that the vaccine supply was limited. All that, he claimed, were behind the low vaccination rate at the homes.
As an example, Lindall said the union was informed on Christmas Eve that the vaccine would be offered at one home within the next 24 hours. “That’s just not adequate,” he said. “So you’ve got no notice, you’ve got a window of maybe six hours during one shift at a 24-seven facility where there are three shifts,” Lindall added.
Lindall claimed that the local president at the Quincy veterans’ home “was unable to get the shot because the amount of vaccine that they had that day was exhausted.”
“We were told yesterday that there will be at least two additional opportunities offered at each facility,” to get the vaccine. But, he said, “dates and times are to be determined.”
“No state agency has asked about mandating a vaccine,” Lindall claimed. “The guidance from both the Federal CDC and from IDPH to employers is that vaccines should be optional. And we know of no employer who requires the vaccine. We think everyone should get the vaccine. That is how people are going to protect themselves, their families, those they work with. And we’re going to end this pandemic. But the way to do it is by educating, answering people’s questions, making it accessible.”
“I have not been in the meetings,” Lindall said, “but my understanding from our folks who have was that the folks that we’re dealing with, whether it’s labor relations, that they understand that the planning and the communication on their part were poor, and that we need to be made full partners, and brought into this, and that everything needs to be done with a lot more forethought.”
Lindall also said that, unlike the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Illinois Department of Human Services has been partnering with AFSCME. DHS, he said, has been “working with us for weeks to prepare for this, putting out information. That’s the type of relationship we’d like to have with every agency and with all of our employers.”
* Cases are back up today. Infection rates are not falling. Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 6,839 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 126 additional deaths.
- Adams County: 1 female 60s
- Cass County: 1 male 80s
- Cook County: 1 female 40s, 5 females 60s, 7 males 60s, 5 females 70s, 5 males 70s, 3 females 80s, 4 males 80s, 2 females 90s, 3 males 90s
- Douglas County: 2 females 80s
- DuPage County: 5 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 4 males 80s, 1 male 90s
- Edgar County: 1 male 70s
- Effingham County: 1 male 80s
- Ford County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
- Franklin County: 1 male 80s
- Fulton County: 1 female 80s
- Grundy County: 1 female 70s
- Hamilton County: 1 female 90s
- Jackson County: 1 male 80s
- Jersey County: 1 male 90s
- Kane County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s
- Knox County: 1 male 90s
- Lake County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s, 1 male 100+
- LaSalle County: 2 males 70s, 1 male 80s
- Lee County: 1 male 80s
- Logan County: 1 female 80s
- Madison County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 2 males 90s
- Marion County: 1 male 80s
- McHenry County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
- McLean County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
- Mercer County: 1 female 90s
- Peoria County: 1 female 80s, 3 female 90s
- Perry County: 2 males 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s
- Randolph County: 2 females 90s, 1 male 90s
- Rock Island County: 1 male 80s
- Saline County: 1 female 80s
- Sangamon County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
- St. Clair County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s
- Union County: 1 female 70s
- Vermilion County: 1 female 60s
- Warren County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s
- Whiteside County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s
- Will County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
- Winnebago County: 1 male 60s, 2 females 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 991,719 cases, including 16,959 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 87,083 specimens for a total 13,617,454. As of last night, 3,905 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 800 patients were in the ICU and 457 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 29, 2020 – January 4, 2021 is 8.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 29, 2020 – January 4, 2021 is 9.8%
*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.
“I’ve said all along that you need to have facts and evidence if you are going to allege that there were voting improprieties. Those have not been brought forth. We saw that on Friday night with the Supreme Court moving swiftly and definitively. Now, I was one that signed on to the brief. I believe that everybody should have their day in court, but the Supreme Court ruled that there was no merit to moving forward with the Texas case. I think we are getting much closer to [a transition]. I think the Electoral College decision [yesterday] will move us closer to an administration with [former] Vice President Biden.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, of Channahon, whose 16th District stretches from the Indiana border to the Rockford area, said the president’s weekend phone call — recorded and now available online for the world to hear — asking Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” votes that would overturn that state’s election results is “appalling” and told fellow Republicans who are considering objecting to the results to stop it.
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, of Peoria, is “reviewing and analyzing the legislative and legal proposals ahead of the January 6th proceedings,” spokesman John Rauber wrote in an emailed statement.
Messages seeking comment were not returned from the offices of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, of Murphysboro, and U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, doesn’t plan to join fellow Republicans in the House and Senate Wednesday in objecting to the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden, The News-Gazette has learned. […]
“Like all members of Congress, Rodney will listen to each objection and hear both sides during floor debate before casting his vote,” the spokesman said. “While this process may take a little longer than normal, Rodney fully anticipates the vote of the Electoral College will be certified.”
I’ve yet to see any quotes from Mike Bost, who, like LaHood, signed on to that horribly flawed gambit at the US Supreme Court.
Describing President Trump’s phone call with Georgia’s top election official as “frightening,” an Illinois Republican congressman suggested that he now regrets his vote for the president and might even be open to a third party if his GOP colleagues continue to echo baseless conspiracy claims about a stolen election.
In an interview with Yahoo News’ “Skullduggery” podcast, Rep. Adam Kinzinger also said he is worried about the prospects for violence around the Capitol on Wednesday, when tens of thousands of Trump supporters are expected to show up for protests aimed at pressuring lawmakers to block Joe Biden’s election. Those protesters, he said, have been victimized by a “scam” perpetrated by Trump. […]
“I would say if I knew everything I know now, I’d probably think differently,” Kinzinger said when asked about his vote for Trump last November. While he had supported the president “based on policy,” Kinzinger said that Trump’s behavior since the election — questioning the legitimacy of the election and threatening “the underpinnings of democracy” — represents a “massive demarcation” in presidential behavior. He added at one point: “I’ll tell you everything I’m hearing is, he’s freaking out generally.” […]
“The president has raised more money on this than I think he did during the election,” Kinzinger said. “You think about the hardworking Americans, these Republicans that vote for me, that I represent, that, uh, you know, are so invested in the future of this country, God bless them for that, but they’re writing checks that in some cases are tough to afford because they believe in it that much. [And] to give it to a millionaire, or … the other folks that are out there raising money on this, making amazing videos about how they’re gonna object, standing in front of adoring crowds to get the applause.
“It’s a scam and there’s not a single person that is part of this that actually thinks this has a chance in Hades. Nobody.”
Please take at least one and maybe more deep cleansing breaths before commenting, please. Watch your rhetoric. Don’t get yourself banned. Thanks.
“Most of us who were there for the Rauner years know how bad it was, how difficult it was,” Madigan said. “The strong leadership I provided against the Rauner program is the same leadership that I pledge to provide to the caucus on state finances and on redistricting.”
A showing of that strong leadership may come if Gov. J.B. Pritzker asks the legislature to raise the state’s flat income-tax rate, which Madigan said is “very possible,” according to a recording of the closed candidate forum reviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times.
“I’m prepared to vote for that, presuming it’s the governor’s request,” Madigan said.
He acknowledged that could be a “very difficult issue for the caucus” as it tries to maintain services — and insisted a strong leader is needed to persuade others to vote for an increase.
* Because of all this, Democrats are now playing defense against shots like this…
Republicans say Speaker Madigan is plotting a massive tax hike during special session. Accusing GOP Leader Durkin of “scare tactics,” Democrat Emanuel Chris Welch says he has not seen anything that would suggest a tax increase is on the agenda next week. Who do you believe? pic.twitter.com/KQwQQEidUf
With Illinois facing a nearly $4 billion budget shortfall this year, an increase on state income taxes could be just around the corner.
On Monday, Jan. 4, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Burr Ridge, pushed back against Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, who had previously announced support for an income tax increase.
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown shot down any notion of an income tax increase happening during the lame-duck session that starts Friday and could stretch through this weekend. The session will end at 11:59 a.m. Jan. 13, when the new class of lawmakers is sworn in.
“Not a tax increase, as such – that’s just not in the cards, I don’t think,” Brown told WBEZ.
Brown said without any advocacy by the governor, the speaker is not prepared to move forward unilaterally on a tax increase.
“I’m not aware of any proposal being made, so I’d say probably not,” he said.
January 5, 2021
Speaker Michael Madigan Illinois House of Representatives 300 Capitol Building Springfield, Illinois 62706
CC: Jessica Basham
Steve Brown
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin
Speaker Madigan,
The protocols your office has distributed for the upcoming legislative session in the Bank of Springfield Center would impose unnecessary restrictions on the press and would impair our collective ability to accurately and thoroughly cover the proceedings of the Illinois General Assembly.
While we appreciate the steps your staff have taken to ensure workers’ safety during a pandemic, we assure you that the press, as essential workers, have also adapted our processes to protect ourselves and the subjects of our reporting. Some of these modifications include wearing face coverings at all times, carrying equipment that allows us to conduct interviews from a safe distance, and regularly sanitizing the equipment we carry with us.
In May 2020, the press organized a small pool rotation of reporters and relied on a lone TV camera to shoot footage of the legislative proceedings from one spot in the mezzanine of the Bank of Springfield Center. Not only does this limited access confine every reporter’s individual perspective to the images captured through one small lens, it also increases the likelihood that a single, routine technical difficulty could disrupt the entire Illinois press corps and sever its access to the legislature.
In addition, cold temperatures and inclement weather make it exceedingly unlikely for members of the General Assembly to address the media at socially distant press conferences outdoors as they did in the spring.
After observing the proceedings of the General Assembly in May, and reviewing the floor space at the Bank of Springfield Center, we believe there is ample space for a small section of reporters to work safely on either side of the arena.
For example, much like the current access provided to credentialed media in the House, a row of reporters could easily spread out six to eight feet apart from one another and would only require a small number of electrical outlets and one audio mult-box to cover the proceedings from the floor of the Bank of Springfield Center.
With the addition of one microphone set up ten feet away from the press pool, individual members or groups of legislators could address the media at their convenience, either during regular business, or before and after each session day. These arrangements would not only provide adequate access to the media, but would also provide an alternative indoor location for elected officials to stage press conference events without exposing reporters or legislators to any greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
In light of these factors, we ask you to consider revising the protocols to allow the press access to the perimeter of the House floor during the upcoming legislative session.
Sincerely,
Illinois Legislative Correspondents Association Board Members
John O’Connor, ILCA President (Associated Press)
Lisa Yuscius, ILCA Vice President (Blue Room Stream)
Sarah Mansur, ILCA Secretary (Capitol News Illinois)
Hannah Meisel, ILCA Treasurer (NPR Illinois)
Dave Dahl, ILCA Board Member (WTAX News Radio)
Chad Mahoney, ILCA Board Member (Quincy Media)
ILCA Members and political reporters
Mary Ann Ahern, NBC Chicago
Dave McKinney, WBEZ
Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ
Rachel Hinton, Chicago Sun-Times
Amanda Vinicky, WTTW
Rich Miller, Capitol Fax
Dean Olsen, State Journal-Register
Mark Maxwell, Nexstar Illinois Capitol Bureau
Jeff Rogers, Capitol News Illinois
Jerry Nowicki, Capitol News Illinois
Cole Henke, Nexstar Illinois Capitol Bureau
Tony Yuscius, Blue Room Stream
Public Affairs Reporting Intern Class of 2021
Jason Piscia, Program Director
Moyo Adeolu, Nexstar Illinois Capitol Bureau
Ben Szalinksi, State Journal-Register
Christine Hatfield, WGLT and WCBU Radio
Tim Kirsininskis, Capitol News Illinois
Grace Barbic, Capitol News Illinois
Derek Cantu, NPR Illinois
The main floor of the BOS Center is 40,000 square feet. There’s more than enough space for us. This blanket ban on access cannot be continued. We need to do our jobs.
* Subscribers were told about this forum yesterday….
The House Democratic Women’s Caucus is holding a candidate forum on Wednesday for the speaker position. That statement sounds perfectly normal. But we all know this speaker’s race is anything but.
House Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest-serving statehouse speaker in the country, hasn’t RSVP’d, though sources close to him say he plans to attend. However, one of his top lieutenants, Rep. Kathy Willis, will be there along with Rep. Stephanie Kifowit and, possibly Rep. Ann Williams.
The forum is a lead-up to the Jan. 13 House vote on who will be the speaker of the next legislative session. State lawmakers will be in Springfield starting Jan. 8 to address some legislation, though they expect long caucus meetings to decide on the winner before heading to the House floor.
Willis and Williams started calling colleagues this week to gauge their support, and Kifowit has been in the hunt for months.
“The purpose of the forum is to allow any declared or exploratory candidate an opportunity to be heard,'’ wrote Rep. Deb Conroy in a letter to House lawmakers.
The women’s caucus forum comes on the heels of similar events held by the Black and Latino caucuses, which both endorsed Madigan.
Conroy says “there will not be an endorsement” after the women’s forum, which is designed to give caucus members a chance to hear candidates’ “vision for the future.”
Rep. Conroy told me this morning that Speaker Madigan has now confirmed he will attend. Rep. Williams confirmed that she’s been reaching out to colleagues, but said she had no public statement yet about whether she will speak tomorrow.
…Adding… From Rep. Conroy…
I do not have a confirmation from Rep. Williams that she will be participating. My hope is we will have more members who want an opportunity to be heard that will reach out before 10:00 am tomorrow. It is no secret I believe the next Speaker to follow MJM should be a woman out of the majority caucus.
A Worth Township trustee who’s printed political mailers for many top Democrats was hit with a federal tax charge Monday.
Richard Lewandowski, of Palos Heights, was charged in a one-count criminal information with failing to file an income tax return in 2018.
Defendants who are charged via an information, instead of a grand jury indictment, typically intend to plead guilty. No court date had been scheduled for Lewandowski as of Monday. His lawyer could not be reached for comment.
Lewandowski, who has served as a trustee in Worth Township since 2013, is closely allied with John O’Sullivan. He’s a former state representative and ally of House Speaker Michael Madigan who resigned as Worth Township supervisor last year amid the investigation involving red light camera company SafeSpeed.
* Food for thought…
So the guy didn’t pay his taxes right? That’s the story? Or is doing business with an elected official the story; Doing business with an elected official and not paying your taxes the story? Or is this a story about what happens when you don’t cooperate with the feds? 😃