* I have been dazzled by freshman Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas’ resume since I first saw it. Here’s part of her history from a profile by Capitol News Illinois…
She completed her doctorate in education policy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where her aim was to put the theory she was learning in the classroom to practice in the community. […]
While Pacione-Zayas was finishing her degree, she worked in Little Village as the community schools director at Enlace, a nonprofit social service organization based on the South Side of Chicago. She helped to bring computer literacy, adult education, and youth enrichment programs into neighborhood schools.
She’s held several leadership roles, including the education director for the Latino Policy Forum and co-chair of the Puerto Rican Agenda, a nonprofit organization advocating for the Puerto Rican community.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, she led organizing efforts to secure local- and state-level resources to help those on the island but also for families relocating to Chicago, according to several news reports. She was appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to serve as secretary for the Illinois State Board of Education, leaving that position before she became a state senator.
Most recently Pacione-Zayas was the vice president of policy at Erikson Institute, a graduate school for childhood development, where she led the development of the school’s Early Childhood Leadership Academy and Community Data Lab, according to her biography.
As a lawmaker, Niemerg has introduced more than twice the number of bills and resolutions as any other freshman representative.
The 51 bills and resolutions he has introduced include provisions that would have, among other things, instituted stricter voter identification rules, lowered the minimum age to obtain a Firearm Owners Identification Card and make so-called “partial-birth abortion” a state crime.
Despite the number of bills he introduced, he was the chief sponsor on only one bill that became law. The measure was introduced in the Senate by Bailey, R-Xenia. It expands the eligibility to become a firefighter to include volunteer and part-time firefighters with five years of experience.
When asked why he introduces so many bills, most of which have slim to no chance of passing, Niemerg said he feels like it’s his duty because the people of his district feel left out of politics.
“They feel Chicago takes the majority of the attention and really drives the politics of the state,” he said. “They wanted me to speak up and to discuss what their values are to really represent them on the House floor.”
As of late Monday, Illinois had 2,379 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, the most since February 2. Of those, 457 were in intensive care units, and 217 were on ventilators.
For Monday, the state administered 53,281 shots. Illinois also has administered a total of 227,873 doses to 5-11 year olds, an increase of 11,396 doses from Monday’s update. As a state, 19.11% of Illinois children 5-11 years old have received a first vaccine dose, and 1.54% have received two doses.
The state received the results of 125,128 COVID-19 tests in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday afternoon. The state’s positivity rate is 4.1%.
By far the highest 7-day average positivity rate is in Region 1, which is Rockford and northwest Illinois: 9.2 percent. That’s up from 7.2 percent on November 17th. Winnebago County is at 9.3 percent.
Economic powerhouses Japan and France reported their first cases of the omicron variant Tuesday, while new findings indicated the mutant coronavirus had already slipped into Europe close to a week before South Africa sounded the alarm.
The Netherlands’ RIVM health institute disclosed that patient samples dating from Nov. 19 and 23 were found to contain the variant. It was last Wednesday, Nov. 24, that South African authorities reported the existence of the highly mutated virus to the World Health Organization.
South Africa detected the variant first because South Africa has a lot of very good scientists. Now, the country is being punished for no good reason. And wherever it started, it’s out there already.
State Representative Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) will step down from his position representing the 99th House District in the Illinois House of Representatives effective 11:59 p.m. today, following his final constituent services event later this evening. Below is a farewell message from Murphy to the citizens of the district:
It is with a heavy heart that I write this farewell message. When I entered the Illinois House of Representatives, I could not have imagined the impact the last few years would have on my life.
I said from the beginning that my goal was to get things done and do what’s right for the people of the 99th District. To me, that’s always meant standing up to bad policy when I had to, but also finding ways to work across the aisle when there was an opportunity to benefit the constituents I was elected to serve. This mentality is why I voted for the 2019 capital bill and 2019 state budget.
Besides the obvious need for infrastructure improvements in the 99th District and statewide, the 2019 capital bill has been a catalyst for the $360 million rail relocation project in Springfield to move the tracks from 3rd Street to 10th Street. More than $100 million was included in the capital bill for this project, and once completed in 2025, it will have a transformational impact on Springfield and Sangamon County. Not only will it improve traffic and congestion issues, but it will finally allow the medical district to expand and grow jobs.
Similarly, the 2019 state budget contained a series of compromise provisions to support our businesses, small and large, and help spur job creation. To this day, I carry around the list of the major priorities we achieved: the Blue Collar Jobs Act, data center incentives, eliminating the franchise tax, reinstating the Manufacturer’s Purchase Credit, preserving Invest in Kids, stopping a cap on the retailer’s discount, putting a hold on the Livestock Management Facilities Act, stopping the trade-in cap, stopping the tripling of the real estate transfer tax, and stopping several other taxes. I’m also proud I was able to work on a change to our sales tax structure for brick and mortar businesses to provide a level playing field for them to compete with online retail giants like Amazon.
Doing what’s right for our communities also means promoting career readiness for the next generation. I’m honored I was able to serve as the lead sponsor of legislation to change Illinois’ high school math requirement to give our students the opportunity to take courses for integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, or career and technical education that prepares them for a career readiness path.
While getting things done in the legislature is often measured by legislation passed, I hope residents will remember my office for the work we did to serve constituents. First and foremost, my duty as a Representative was to serve, and this was made even more pressing when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit. Working alongside the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, we were able to institute a low-interest bridge loan program to help small businesses stay afloat as the shutdown began.
After the unprecedented surge in natural gas prices last winter threatened many central Illinois communities, we worked with the Governor and the Illinois Finance Authority to help. The resulting relief program assisted impacted municipalities by allowing them to spread the payments across a more manageable timeframe without placing an overwhelming burden on residents or businesses.
The true credit for constituent services goes to my dedicated staff – my District Director, Ryan Melchin, and my Legislative Aide, Courtney Ausmus. If you’ve ever called my office, you have likely spoken to one, or both, of them. Whether helping constituents through the IDES process, FOID card renewal, coordinating constituent service events, and many other issues, I cannot thank them enough for all their work. Likewise, I have to thank my Communications Director, Joel Sikes, and the entire House Republican Staff. In all my years, I have never been more impressed by the hard work and dedication of these people. They have all worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help me serve the people of the 99th District.
As with everything in life, thank you to my family – my loving wife Cindy, along with my children and their families. I cannot thank them enough for their unwavering love and support.
Finally, I must thank the citizens of the 99th District for trusting and allowing me to serve as your State Representative. This has been the best experience of my life and I sincerely thank you for this opportunity.
With Sincere Thanks,
Mike Murphy
P.S. Feel free to stop by and help us pack up!
He was mapped into the same district as fellow GOP Rep. Avery Bourne, so this takes care of another remap problem for the HGOPs. Still, I hate to see him go. Good guy.
…Adding… Makes sense…
Keep an eye on who applies for this vacancy as there's overlap btwn Murphy's district and the new #IL48 Senate district held by Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield. There's been some talk that a Republican could use the seat as a springboard to challenge Turner next year. We'll see. https://t.co/gdMkq51s5x
…Adding… Lots of inexperienced legislators these days…
Rep. Murphy's fairly short tenure in the House doesn't effect this chart too much. But, if I tracked the number of times members of the General Assembly had biked across Iowa, we'd see a big drop. The Top Legislator Cyclist title is up for grabs, people! https://t.co/1Ce6ZmVtKipic.twitter.com/vZFDM7uTha
A federal judge has explained he recently refused to block the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor from forcing COVID-19 vaccinations upon Chicago city workers, saying the workers’ evidence against the value of vaccines was “slim” and the city’s evidence in favor was “substantial.”
Judge John Z. Lee, of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, issued the explanation Nov. 24, declaring the workers “do not have a fundamental constitutional right to refuse COVID-19 vaccinations.”
On Oct. 21, a group of employees of Chicago’s fire, water and transportation departments asked Lee to stop Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot from ordering them to be vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 or risk losing their jobs. The workers claim the mandate trespasses on their rights to bodily autonomy.
They also argued they are being denied due process, because they are not given the right to show they do not need the vaccine because of natural immunity. Further, they asserted it is almost impossible to obtain a religious exemption.
According to Plaintiffs, requiring them to be vaccinated and submit to regular testing as a condition of employment infringes their fundamental right to bodily autonomy. More specifically, Plaintiffs argue that the vaccination and testing requirements violate the fundamental right to refuse unwanted medical treatment as articulated in Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health, 497 U.S. 261 (1990) and Washington v. Harper, 495 U.S. 210 (1990). From this, they assert that, because they have identified a fundamental right at stake, the Supreme Court’s decisions in Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, 505 U.S. 833 (1992), require the Court to apply strict scrutiny to the vaccination orders. […]
As an initial matter, Plaintiffs’ argument that the Defendants’ vaccine orders infringe their fundamental right to bodily autonomy runs squarely in the face of the Seventh Circuit’s recent decision in Klaassen v. Trustees of Indiana University, 7 F.4th 592 (7th Cir. 2021). There, the Seventh Circuit upheld Indiana University’s recent vaccination, masking, and testing requirements against a challenge from a group of students, who asserted nearly identical substantive due process claims. … The students, like Plaintiffs here, argued that the vaccine requirement comprised an invasion of bodily privacy that merited strict scrutiny.
The Seventh Circuit in Klaassen soundly rejected that argument. It instructed that the Supreme Court’s decision in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, 197 U.S. 11 (1905), “shows that plaintiffs lack” a substantive due process right not to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Klaassen, 7 F.4th at 593. The court further noted that the University’s testing requirements “cannot be constitutionally problematic” considering the sweeping vaccine mandates that Jacobson authorized. […]
Plaintiffs alternatively argue that Jacobson, which figured heavily in Klaassen’s analysis, should not guide the Court’s due process analysis because “it is part of a bygone era in American jurisprudence” akin to the Supreme Court’s discredited decisions in Buck v. Bell, 274 U.S 200 (1927), and Korematsu v. United States, 323 U.S. 214 (1944). But the Supreme Court has given no indication that Jacobson is void, and this Court cannot ignore binding precedent simply because Plaintiffs find it to be antiquated. Indeed, just this past year, Chief Justice Roberts cited favorably to Jacobson. […]
Plaintiffs’ reliance upon the Supreme Court’s right-to-privacy cases does not support their claim that Defendants’ policies infringe a fundamental right. As Defendants point out, the issues at stake in Roe, Casey, Cruzan, and Harper were “rights to individual bodily autonomy [that] do not impact the public health.” […]
The core flaw with Plaintiffs’ claim that refusing vaccination is a fundamental right, then, is not that there is no privacy interest implicated when someone is required or coerced to take a vaccine that they do not want. There certainly is. Rather, the problem is that, when a person’s decision to refuse a vaccine creates negative consequences (even life-threatening at times) for other people, that interest is not absolute. […]
On the present record, Defendants have demonstrated that their vaccination policies have a rational justification. Defendants have submitted a substantial amount of evidence supporting the public health necessity of vaccination and testing in abating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. […]
For example, Dr. Arwady notes that City employees are “approximately twice as likely” to be infected with COVID-19 than residents of Chicago as a whole. […]
In response, Plaintiffs argue that Defendants’ vaccination policies have no rational basis, because there is evidence that “natural immunity” against COVID-19 is more effective than vaccine-created immunity in preventing transmission. And to support this contention, Plaintiffs rely upon two academic sources. The first is a study that, while showing that prior infection from COVID-19 results in some degree of immunity, does not compare natural immunity with vaccine-created immunity. The second is an unpublished, non-peer reviewed study conducted in Israel in January and February 2021, to which Defendants have raised serious questions regarding its methodological rigor and reliability. This is the sum total of Plaintiff’s evidence. […]
For a government regulation to have a rational basis, the state need not prove the premises upon which it based the action to a degree of scientific certainty. Rather, the government need only show that its rationale is supported by a “reasonably conceivable state of facts.” Minerva Dairy, Inc. v. 16 Harsdorf. This is a low bar. And, in relying on federal and state public health recommendations, credible academic sources, and the expertise of its own health officials, Defendants have met this burden, even if there might be some scientific disagreement on the issue. […]
Second, many of Plaintiffs’ employment contracts are governed by collective bargaining agreements between the City and public employee unions. Thus, any alleged procedural deficiency in the alteration of Plaintiffs’ employment contracts is properly aggrieved under Illinois labor law. […]
Plaintiffs are correct that they have “the right to hold specific private employment and to follow a chosen profession free from unreasonable governmental interference,” Greene v. McElroy, but the vaccine policies in question are not unreasonable, because they satisfy the rational basis test. […]
But no Plaintiffs have been denied a religious exemption on grounds other than failing to adequately articulate their individual circumstances, as the City Vaccination Policy requires. […]
Plaintiffs’ [Illinois Healthcare Right of Conscience Act] claims against the Governor must be dismissed at the outset, because Governor Pritzker has properly invoked sovereign immunity. […]
(B)ecause Plaintiffs lack a fundamental constitutional right to decline vaccinations during times of pandemic, see Klaassen, 7 F.4th at 593, they cannot rely upon the abridgment of that right to establish irreparable harm. […]
The Seventh Circuit has indicated that there are circumstances where termination of employment may lead to irreparable harm, but only when the particular injuries alleged “really depart from the harms common to most discharged employees.” Bedrossian v. Northwestern Memorial Hosp.. Plaintiffs here have not alleged any such extraordinary injuries. [Emphasis added.]
Unions for city workers have made headway, in separate court actions, to block the vaccine mandate on grounds it goes against collective bargaining agreements. The unions have argued the mandate didn’t let them arbitrate grievances concerning the mandate. Those cases remain pending. However, the city has told a Cook County judge it expects to have arbitration on the unions’ vaccine related grievances completed before the Dec. 31 COVID vaccine mandate deadline.
Also, interesting that they cite the landmark Roe v. Wade, the Japanese-American internment case and the inmate sterilization case. So dramatic. We’re talking about a vaccine, for crying out loud.
…Adding… A commenter boiled this opinion down to one succinct sentence: “It’s not all about you.”
Illinois state senator, Darren Bailey, joined the Tenth annual Tent-A-thon hosted by Pastor Corey Brooks. The Tent-A-Thon is a part of Pastor Brooks H.O.O.D foundation (Helping Others Obtain Destiny). The program consists of fifteen projects focused on violence prevention, entrepreneurship, and job training.
Pastor Brooks invites community leaders, politicians and parents to camp out on his roof Tent-A-Thon to bring awareness to violence.
Senator Bailey camped out and held a press conference the next morning about his experience.
“We were camping out in a tent at the end of this platform last night. At two o’clock in the morning we heard gunshots. These gunshots less than a hundred yards over. I’m laying there thinking, okay that surely was something else. About fifteen minutes later I heard a female voice screaming he’s been shot,” said Bailey.
He apparently didn’t call the police, which is odd. I think if I heard a nearby woman screaming that somebody had been shot, I’d call 911.
* But let’s get to the point, which is that Bailey is apparently unaware that the state is already doing something that he wants it to do, and is actually increasing the funding.
Government has got to start working with 501(c)(3)s, with non for profit organizations. This is how we change Illinois. This is how we change our society. Government is not the answer.
Except, that’s exactly what government does. The state doesn’t directly employ violence interrupters. It awards grants to groups like Communities Partnering 4 Peace, a project of Metropolitan Family Services. Those groups vet neighborhood organizations’ programs and award them money.
With newly gained funding and partnership with CP4P, Project H.O.O.D. has launched a new violence reduction initiative that targets the Woodlawn community.
* According to the governor’s office, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has awarded $6,094,300 to Metropolitan Family Services for its violence reduction projects starting in 2019. Of that, $5.87 million has gone to CP4P. If you look at the CP4P website, you’ll see that Project H.O.O.D. is one of 28 neighborhood groups that have received grant money for anti-violence programs.
Nothing wrong with any of that. More power to the man if he’s raising money for a good cause. They can afford it for sure. But he allowed Bailey to take some campaign shots yesterday, so just keep all that in mind.
* From the governor’s office…
• In his first year in office, Gov. Pritzker increased investments in programs to interrupt and prevent violence by $50 million. In addition, this year’s budget invests $128 million in violence prevention and summer youth employment programs.
• The General Assembly passed and the Governor signed legislation to create an Office of Violence Prevention.
• Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the State Police started a gun violence task force. Governor Pritzker is also adding hundreds of new troopers to the depleted ranks of the State Police, building a new state-of-the-art forensics facility to investigate crimes and tackled the rape kit backlog left behind by his predecessor.
• The Governor continues to offer and make available Illinois State Police and has invested in increased state police patrols of the highways, cameras, forensics labs and in reducing evidence backlogs that assist substantially in solving crimes.
• On top of rebuilding our social safety net, the budgets signed by Gov. Pritzker have provided hundreds of millions of additional dollars to local governments and community-based organizations to support vulnerable communities.
* This is not even a little bit of a surprise since the Democrats gave him such a favorable district…
Rodney Davis, a Republican from Taylorville, announced today he is running for re-election to Congress in the newly-drawn 15th Congressional district, which includes his home in Taylorville and much of the district he currently represents. He is the only incumbent member of Congress who resides in this district following the Congressional redistricting process.
“My family and I are excited to announce that I am running for re-election to Congress,” said Rodney Davis. “I’ve been proud to fight hard for and work on behalf of central Illinois families in this district for many years, both as a member of Congress and as a staffer to my good friend and mentor, former Congressman John Shimkus.”
“Democrats in Washington have put our nation in crisis with their big government, socialist schemes and dreams,” Rodney continued. “Republicans are primed to retake the House next year, and I’m ready to work with a new Republican majority to finally fire Nancy Pelosi and hold the Biden Administration accountable for their massive failures. I look forward to campaigning hard and earning every vote in this district over the next year.”
“Karen and I wholeheartedly endorse Rodney Davis for re-election to Illinois’ new 15th District. While the boundaries are new, Rodney knows this area well. He is a trusted and respected leader on rebuilding our roads and bridges, on farming and the needs of small businesses, and advocating for working families. Rodney knows us, and we know him.” - former Congressman John Shimkus, IL-15
“Rodney Davis is a great friend, and I’m proud to support his re-election to Congress. We’ve worked together frequently to help the people we serve, including working with President Trump to pass the Republican tax cuts. Rodney is a strong conservative who is committed to making Washington work for Illinois families, and I know he will represent central and west central Illinois well.” - Congressman Darin LaHood, IL-18
“2022 will be the year we finally retire Nancy Pelosi, and we need strong conservatives like Rodney Davis to get the job done. That’s why I’m proud to support Rodney for Congress. I look forward to serving with Rodney in the majority in the next session of Congress so we can put a stop to the Democrats’ march to socialism.” - Congressman Mike Bost, IL-12
“As Republican leaders in downstate Illinois, we are excited to endorse Rodney Davis for Congress in the 15th District. We know that Rodney shares our values, fights for our communities, and is standing up to the Democrats’ tax-and-spend, far left, socialist agenda. He is a leading Republican voice in Congress and has a proven track record of getting things done for Illinois families. We urge Republicans in the 35 counties that comprise the 15th District to get out and vote in next year’s primary and support Rodney.” - IL-15 Republican County Chairmen
IL-15 Republican County Chairmen Endorsing Rodney:
Randy Pollard, former President of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association and former Fayette County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dave Bockhold, Adams County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Patrick Simon, Calhoun County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Terry Blakeman, Cass County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dee Shonkwiler, Champaign County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Seth McMillan, Christian County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dustin Peterson, DeWitt County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Scott Harris, Douglas County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Doug Cochran, Edgar County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Matt Hall, Fayette County Republican Central Committee Chairman
John Spangler, Fulton County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dan Armold, Greene County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Kathy Sparrow, Hancock County Republican Central Committee Chairman
John Reilly, Henderson County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Kevin Ayers, Jersey County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Jim Drew, Logan County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Bruce Pillsbury, Macon County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Ray Wesley, Madison County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Shawn Sievers, Mason County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Mary Brookhart, McDonough County Republican Central Committee Chairwoman
Jason Huffman, Menard County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Jeremy Conaway, Mercer County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Terry Richmond, Montgomery County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Steve Hardin, Morgan County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dave Kinert, Moultrie County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Jim Ayers, Piatt County Republican Central Committee Chairman
John Birch, Pike County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Dianne Barghouti Hardwick, Sangamon County Republican Central Committee Chairwoman
Jeff Ervin, Schuyler County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Brad Jefferson, Scott County Republican Central Committee Chairman
Mary Suprenant, Vermillion County Republican Central Committee Chairwoman
Cory Burgland, Warren County Republican Central Committee Chairman
IL-15 Republican State Lawmakers Endorsing Rodney:
Jil Tracy, District 47 State Senator and ILGOP State Central Committeewoman for IL-18
Sally Turner, District 44 State Senator
Jason Plummer, District 54 State Senator
Steve McClure, District 50 State Senator
Avery Bourne, District 95 State Representative and ILGOP State Central Committeewoman for IL-13
Tim Butler, District 87 State Representative and Deputy ILGOP State Central Committeeman for IL-13
C.D. Davidsmeyer, District 100 State Representative
Amy Elik, District 111 State Representative
Randy Frese, District 94 State Representative
Norine Hammond, District 93 State Representative
Mark Luft, District 91 State Representative
Mike Marron, District 104 State Representative
Charlie Meier, District 108 State Representative
Mike Murphy, District 99 State Representative
(W)ithout having to worry about a serious electoral threat in the new 15th district, Davis could focus a long-term goal — if the GOP takes back control of the House.
“Hoping to [stay in Congress] and be, eventually, the chair of our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to work in a bipartisan way to bring resources back to Illinois,” Davis told reporters in August.
Presented with the chance to vote for a massive infrastructure package earlier this month, however, Davis and all but 13 Republicans voted against President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion-dollar infrastructure package. Davis panned Democrats for tying the infrastructure package to the passage of an even larger social spending plan dubbed “Build Back Better,” though its parameters are still being negotiated. Even so, Davis dubbed it “reckless.”
With no substantial Democratic challenger, however, Davis could still face a contest from his own party. Freshman U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Oakland) is the only Republican in Illinois’ congressional delegation who hasn’t announced her plans for 2022, and could challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) in the much-expanded 12th District or mount a contest against Davis in the 15th district.
I’m told that US Rep. Miller has recently polled both the Davis and Bost districts.
* Miller’s spouse, state Rep. Chris Miller (no relation), has already signaled that the couple is moving out of their current house. Their house is close to the congressional district borders, so they could move into either district pretty easily. From Capitol News Illinois’ recent profile of GOP state Rep. Adam Niemerg…
Niemerg’s new district is almost entirely different. It now covers an area stretching from Lawrence County all the way to Champaign County.
To add onto that, the new area Niemerg is running in, District 102, is also home to Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland.
“The boundary line for the 101 can’t be 200, 300 yards from my property line,” Miller said, referring to an adjacent district with no incumbent lawmakers in it. “The reasonable thing for them to do would be for them to move that line 400 yards east.”
Illinois law allows for incumbent lawmakers to run either in the district they live in or in a district which contains part of their previous district.
“Adam, (state Sen.) Chapin Rose and I have talked about this a good bit,” said Miller, adding that the three have come to an agreement where Niemerg will run in District 102 and Miller will run in District 101. Rose, R-Mahomet, will run in the Senate district that covers the same area.
And maybe now we know why Chapin Rose isn’t on the Rodney Davis endorsement list.
— Congressman Darin LaHood has secured endorsements of all 21 GOP county chairs in the new IL-16. The 21 county party chairs “represent a key coalition of grassroots Republican support as LaHood launches his re-election campaign,” according to a statement from his team.
— Since announcing his run for IL-03 three weeks ago, Gil Villegas has raised $105,000, according to a source familiar with the campaign’s fundraising efforts. The word “overwhelming” was dropped. Villegas is a Chicago alderman who has advocated for greater Latino representation in Illinois since the latest census figures show an increase in the Latino population. […]
— Secretary of state candidate Alexi Giannoulias has secured a new labor endorsement and a high-profile donation Tuesday. United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 11 has endorsed Giannoulias, the former state treasurer. The 2,700-member union, which covers most of northern Illinois, represents all segments of the roofing and waterproofing industry. Giannoulias also reported $100,000 in donations Monday, including $6,000 from Bulls owner Michael Reinsdorf. He’s raised about $300,000 this quarter.
— Secretary of state candidate Pat Dowell has expanded her campaign team. Thaddeus Walls will serve as campaign administrator and oversee the day to day operations. Nick Daggers and J.R. Patton of the 1833 Group will handle fundraising activities. And Nora Brathol of Arka Pana Consulting will direct social media. Walls has worked for the campaigns of John Ossoff, Stacey Abrams, Fritz Kaegi, Lamont Robinson, and Lori Lightfoot. Daggers and Patton have raised funds for candidates and progressive causes across the country.
The announcement earlier this month of a [federal] racketeering indictment charging the Wicked Town gang faction with 19 of those killings was the latest in a concerted push by federal investigators to go after those believed to be driving the gun violence in Chicago, which has reached levels not seen in years. […]
At the core of each indictment, though, is a common theme: That much of today’s violence is being driven not by sophisticated drug trafficking enterprises but by gang factions trying to boost their group’s reputation on the street or on social media, creating a seemingly endless cycle of shootings and retaliation. […]
“We’ve seen the gangs change and shift,” [US Attorney John Lausch] said. “They’re more factionalized. … When we’re looking at the drivers of violence, we’ve seen a lot of it relate to turf and social media and retaliation upon retaliation. And this is a way from a federal law enforcement standpoint that we can make an impact.”
The indictment alleges that the Wicked Town faction engaged in numerous acts of violence, including at least 19 murders, 19 attempted murders, several armed robberies, and assaults. The gang used threats and intimidation to prevent victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement, the charges allege.
Wicked Town members regularly promoted their violent enterprise on social media, posting comments, photos, and videos to proclaim membership in the gang, taunt rival gang members, and boast about murders and other acts of violence, the indictment states. The gang operated primarily in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, where members allegedly maintained “trap houses” to store firearms and illegal narcotics, including cocaine and heroin.
Just three short years ago whenever Cindy and I decided to step up for this journey, it was because we as normal Illinoisans are fed up, we’re tired and we’re concerned about the future for our children.
That got me to wondering what “normal” is.
* The Question: Do you consider yourself to be a normal Illinoisan? Explain.
It’s not fake news, but social media ads funded by Gov. J.B. Pritzker could still fool some users.
Illinois gubernatorial candidates are expected to use traditional media like TV and radio to get their message out. But, millions have already been spent on social media outlets such as Facebook, mostly by Pritzker.
Since 2018, a Facebook page for “JB Pritzker” has spent more than $3.6 million on ads, $271,000 of which Facebook notes ran without a disclaimer.
Reform For Illinois Executive Director Alisa Kaplan said there is additional spending.
“Social media, in particular, can be a little deceptive in how ads are presented,” Kaplan said. “Some of the Pritzker ads for example are presented as news pieces.”
* Here’s one of the ads featured in the above story…
And if you click that image, it takes you directly to the Tribune column. Seems like the usual stuff you’d see in TV ads, only interactive. Labeling it “Illinois Daily” is a bit much, though.
* While we’re at it, let’s go back to the article to see what else is going on at Facebook…
The lead Facebook spender for the Republicans from the past week was Jesse Sullivan, spending $1,700, though all time Sullivan’s campaign has spent $134,000 in Facebook ads.
Businessman Gary Rabine spent around $480 in the past week and nearly $53,000 all time.
Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, spent about $350 in the past week and $10,500 in total on Facebook.
State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, has spent $55,300 all time and just $190 in the past week.
* Some of their ads. Click the pics for more info…
* But then there are ads that perhaps Reform For Illinois and other groups ought to be truly concerned with. We used to call Local Government Information Services the “Proft newspapers,” but whoever the ownership, check out their latest FB ads…
Following 15 years of service as a state representative, Majority Leader Greg Harris announced he will not seek re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives.
“When I stepped into this office 15 years ago, I was committed to making change. I wanted to improve the lives of LGBTQ folks, support our immigrant community, increase the diversity of our caucus and fight for those who for so long have been ignored. As I look back at my time in Springfield, I can confidently say that I was fortunate to do that and more. Therefore, while I will finish the rest of my term and continue leading our caucus through the annual budget process, I will not be seeking re-election,” said Leader Harris.
Harris is leaving office with a litany of legislative achievements to his name. Harris was the chief sponsor of the law that delivered marriage equality throughout Illinois. Following this, Harris became the first LGBTQ person in Illinois history to be in legislative leadership. Additionally, despite Gov. Rauner’s heartless efforts, Harris successfully protected funding for critical human services programs. Early in his tenure, Harris successfully spearheaded legislation reducing economic disparities in mammograms and breast cancer treatment. He is also credited with numerous laws cutting red tape in Illinois’ health care system and lowering the costs of prescription drugs.
“As a proud member of the Democratic Caucus, I can say we stood together and worked toward change over the course of eight General Assemblies, four Governors, two recessions and a global pandemic. I am proud to have worked with dedicated colleagues, staff and activists. I am immensely proud to have served with Speaker Welch, our state’s first African-American Speaker. And finally, I’m most proud to have served my district and demonstrated that good government matters—that, with thoughtful policy, we can improve lives and make a more just society together,” said Leader Harris.
Other major bills Leader Harris has sponsored include:
· Legislation providing that Transgender Illinoisans can correct their birth certificates;
· Legislation preventing consumer reporting agencies from imposing a fee for credit freezes;
· Legislation reforming anti-consumer practices in prescription drug pricing.
“I’m making this announcement now so people considering running for office have time to think and prepare. There is much more to accomplish and we have a young, diverse group of leaders who are ready to take the reins and lead. It’s time to give them the opportunity to do so,” said Leader Harris.
“I want to thank my colleagues—on both sides of the aisle—who have worked tirelessly alongside me. I have learned many lessons, created countless memories and cemented life-long friendships. This has been an honor of a lifetime, so thank you,” said Leader Harris.
* From House Speaker Chris Welch…
Greg Harris embodies public service, and throughout his fifteen year career he has been a passionate advocate for what’s fair and just. His command of a wide range of public policy issues, particularly Medicaid and our state budget, has been such a vital asset to the entire state. Greg led the way to deliver marriage equality, protected social service programs during the budget impasse and helped lower medical costs for everyday families. As a values-oriented leader and as the first openly gay majority leader, Greg has given a voice to so many who have continuously felt left out of state government. I am grateful for Leader Harris’s support as I’ve navigated my first year as Speaker. I look forward to his continued guidance throughout the 102nd General Assembly, but I will forever be blessed to call him a friend.
Harris not only lasted through the politically rough final years of Madigan’s reign without tarnishing his reputation or being caught in continuing legal probes into the former speaker, he was held over as majority leader by Madigan’s successor Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Harris’ forte has been budgets and fiscal matters. But as the highest-ranking openly gay person ever to have served in state government, he says his proudest accomplishment was serving as chief sponsor of the bill allowing same-sex marriage in the state, an action that came years before the U.S. Supreme Court mandated that nationally.
Harris also lists as top accomplishments helping break the budget impasse in which former Gov. Bruce Rauner tried to slash state spending on social programs, something Rauner said was needed but Democrats bitterly opposed.
I’m remembering it differently.
…Adding… DPI…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly released the following statement regarding the news that Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris will retire at the end of his current term:
“Greg Harris represents the very best of Illinois. His fearless advocacy and commitment to service on behalf of the people of his district and the entire state sets an example that the rest of us can only hope to follow. From healthcare to LGBTQ+ rights to the state budget, Leader Harris consistently demonstrated an unparalleled command of policy and the legislative process that will be deeply missed in Springfield. And he did it with humor and a warm demeanor that brought people together in common cause. Because of Greg Harris, our state is a better place for all its residents. Congratulations, Leader Harris, it was an honor to serve with you and I wish you well in the next chapter of your life!”
…Adding… Terry Cosgrove…
Greg Harris is a hero to many of us for a long list of reasons. Had I called central casting and asked for a legislator who embodies all the best qualities, I would have been sent Greg Harris. It has been my honor and privilege to learn from and work with him over the past 15 years. And now his retiring responsibly should come as no surprise.
Chicago Public Schools knew about allegations of sex abuse at a Logan Square school for years — and the district recently promoted a principal who knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it, records show. […]
An explosive inspector general report Friday revealed wide-ranging sexual abuse and a cover up at Marine Leadership Academy. The report describes sexual abuse and inappropriate contact between students and teachers, the “grooming” of students who later had personal relationships with staffers upon their graduation, sexual harassment and retaliation. The report also alleges those in charge attempted to cover up this behavior.
A state bill aimed at closing a loophole that doesn’t criminalize some sexual misconduct in schools could soon become law after two years of advocacy — and as a sexual abuse scandal unfolds at a Logan Square school.
The bill — HB1975, also known as Faith’s Law — was sent to Gov. JB Pritzker’s office Monday, just days after a Chicago Public Schools inspector general report exposed sexual abuse, misconduct, harassment and grooming at Marine Leadership Academy in Logan Square. […]
The bill, filed by Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Democrat representing suburban Schaumburg, would expand the state’s criminal code to make it illegal for school employees to groom students for sexual relationships. It also increases protections for sexual abuse survivors and their families.
Grooming in Illinois law is defined as luring a child into unlawful sex using the internet. The bill would update the definition to include in-person interactions and written communication, said Faith Colson, the bill’s namesake. Colson was sexually abused by a teacher about 20 years ago while in high school in Schaumburg. […]
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez pointed to the current law last week as one of the major challenges of the Marine Leadership Academy case. Multiple adults groomed students for sexual relationships, but, in some cases, there was no indication sex acts occurred until students graduated and were legally adults. That meant there is little recourse to prosecute them, Martinez said.
In 2001, Faith Colson was a 17-year-old student at Schaumburg High School, where she was a varsity athlete and a good student with lots of friends. But something else was happening to Colson: She was being groomed by a teacher to be sexually manipulated.
There were warning signs, Colson and others said in police interviews years later that led to the arrest and 2019 guilty plea of former teacher Ronald L. Williams on charges of criminal sexual abuse.
Other teachers recalled hearing about the inappropriate relationship, including one who said Williams told him about it, according to police reports from 2018.
This is where Colson believes the problem lies, and it’s why she has worked with state Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Democrat from Schaumburg, to write legislation, HB 1975, known as Faith’s Law.
Lawyers for the General Assembly’s Democratic leaders filed documents in federal court Wednesday denying that newly drawn state legislative district maps amount to racial gerrymandering, instead accusing the plaintiffs in the three lawsuits of trying to use race to redraw districts for their own purposes.
Wednesday’s filings are the Democrats’ response to proposed changes in the district maps submitted last week by Republican leaders, a Latino advocacy group in Chicago and Black civil rights groups in the Metro East region. […]
“The September Redistricting Plan … protects minority voting strength and provides Hispanic and Black voters more than an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice,” their brief states. “The three plaintiffs have failed to provide evidence to support otherwise and have not demonstrated that the September Redistricting Plan violates the Voting Rights Act or the U.S. Constitution.” […]
“The General Assembly, understanding the different political factions in this area [Chicago’s Southwest Side], worked to carefully balance the interest of progressive and moderate factions in separate Senate and House districts to reduce political infighting among Latino groups,” lawyers for the Democrats wrote.
* As subscribers already know, the filing is long, but well worth a read. For instance, here is just one of several examples of what the Republican proposal would allegedly do…
The McConchie plan makes additional, unnecessary changes to districts not subject to challenge that result in packing minorities and Democrats in several districts. HDs 35 and 36 both currently represented by Democrats. The plan would swap precincts between the two districts such that HD 35 becomes the most Republican district in Chicago.
Plaintiff Republican Leader Durkin’s District. Finally, the McConchie plan’s attempt to proclaim themselves the champions of minority interests are compromised by engaging in a brazen racial gerrymander to create a whiter district for named Plaintiff Republican Leader Jim Durkin. In HD 82, the plan swaps Black and white populations between three districts. White precincts in Proviso Township and Lyons Township are moved into HD 8, a district with a Black incumbent, to reduce the Black VAP of HD 8 from 49.51% to 48.29%. Maxson Decl., Ex. A. Several diverse precincts in Lyons Township are moved from HD 82 into HD 21, and the population loss in HD 82 is replaced by adding white precincts from Palos Township. The changes to Plaintiff Republican Leader Durkin’s district are blatant racial gerrymanders that have the result of creating a whiter district, and therefore more politically stable, district for Rep. Durkin.
* And a sampling of what the Democrats say about the MALDEF proposal…
Little Village and Chinatown Communities of Interest. Similar to the McConchie plan, the Contreras plan splits Little Village between three House districts (HDs 21, 23, and 24) and two Senate Districts (SDs 11 and 12), and removes a Latino incumbent from the core of his current district. The Plan fractures the political base for progressive Latinos in Little Village and alters the delicate balance between the moderate and conservative factions in the area.
The Plan also splits the greater Chinatown community between two House Districts (HDs 23 and 24) while pairing the greater Chinatown community and a portion of Little Village in HD 24, which pits two significant political bases against each other and reduces the Asian American influence in the district. Historically, the 11th Ward which contains much of the greater Chinatown community and the Little Village neighborhood (Wards 12 and 22) often support different candidates, and it’s highly unlikely that these communities would coalesce around one candidate of choice. This map creates a situation where candidates would be encouraged to cater to their own political bases at the expense of districtwide representation.
And you know what, I know what it takes to serve the people of Illinois and protect them, make the city streets safe again. And you know what, speaking of Glenn Younkin, and what he did over in Virginia, well, his team could choose to work with anyone in the entire country and they chose to come and work with me and are going to be helping us win this victory in Illinois.
Kristin Davison, who most recently worked on the GOP governor’s race in Virginia, has joined Illinois Republican Jesse Sullivan’s gubernatorial campaign. Davison was senior strategist for Glenn Youngkin, who defeated Terry McAuliffe to take the Virginia governor’s mansion, handing Democrats a stinging loss. Along with Davison, Poolhouse media agency, which also worked with Youngkin’s campaign, is on Sullivan’s team, too.
Poolhouse designed Youngkin’s logo. Davison is with Axiom Strategies, which provides a menu of services for campaigns, particularly those with money, and Sullivan does have cash.
* Davison was integral to Youngkin’s win and she has talked about it several times since then. One example…
First, I think it was a textbook example of the theory that candidate quality matters. We started with a once-in-a-generation talent in Glenn. He — you know, what you see is what you get. He’s a genuine guy with a positive, upbeat attitude all the time who really wanted to focus on a positive, unifying campaign. So when you have that foundation, I think [that’s] an advantage to start.
Then, the strategy: From day one, we didn’t run to win a convention and lose a general election. We started very early to reach out to different voting groups that haven’t been Republican ever or haven’t been Republican in a long time; starting different coalitions back in February — African-American Virginians, Asians, Hispanics, women — and then focusing the race on Virginia and what families were talking about at their kitchen tables, not what the talking heads were talking about on TV.
I think the third takeaway that helped drive this home: We had an opponent who focused on every political talking point the DNC probably gave him. And Glenn stayed focused on things like cost of living, education and safety — [which] were on the forefront of conversations that families were having every day.
* She also has some Illinois experience, which didn’t turn out so well. Here’s the McHenry County Blog…
McHenry County voters have seen Kristin Davison’s handiwork in Illinois before, as recent as the 2020 election cycle when she was the general consultant for then IL-14 Republican candidate Catalina Lauf (R, Woodstock).
Davison also organized in December of 2019. the short-lived “Stop The Squad” slate uniting Lauf with Anna Paulina Luna (R, FL-13), Lisa Song Sutton (R, NV-04) and others, covered on McHenry County Blog nearly two years ago.
As many local Republican activists are aware, Axiom Strategies was trying to recruit young, attractive minority women to seek election to Congress for the 2020 election cycle, and Stop the Squad slate was a result of this recruitment effort.
Only two of the original Stop the Squad slate members won their respective Republican nominations, and none won election to Congress last year.
Lauf lost the primary to Jim Oberweis.
* Back to Sullivan’s Fox News interview. It focused on Chicago crime, of course…
Blood on the streets of Chicago every single day. Look, I’ve lived and worked in some of the most dangerous, corrupt violent cities across the world, from Port au Prince, Haiti, to Helmand, Afghanistan. And it pains me that this home that I love so much, Illinois and this great city of Chicago, it’s now become a corrupt warzone. Why? Because our political leaders have failed us. They want to separate this out into blue lives, verse Black lives. It’s not only wrongheaded, it’s dangerous because the truth is 95 percent of all of those violent deaths that have happened, the victims are minority communities, our Black and Brown brothers and sisters. I listen to those gunshots happen on the streets of Chicago and it brought me right back to Helmand, Afghanistan. And it’s wrong and our political leaders need to step up and quit prioritizing criminals and putting them before victims and police
Nobody creates a better contrast with JB Pritzker than me. You know, JB Pritzker was born in California with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s one of the wealthiest governors in the country. But you know what, he’s morally bankrupt. And the people of Illinois know that. Whereas I was born in central Illinois with a set of values of faith and family and service. And I grew up working on a farm, and I’ve earned everything that I have. JB Pritzker, he wants to raise taxes on the people of Illinois, whereas I want to lower taxes. I’ve worked with Alter to create jobs around the world to back entrepreneurs. I know what it takes to make Illinois a business-friendly state. JB Pritzker, he doesn’t know the first thing about what it means to protect and to serve. It’s the reason he’s not backing are law enforcement falls back on these, you know, Democrat talking points of blaming guns, and throwing money at the problem through social programs, not actually backing and supporting our police. I’ve served over in Afghanistan. And you know what, I know what it takes to serve the people of Illinois and protect them make the city streets safe again.
He never actually says what he’ll do, however. We hear this a lot. One 2016 presidential candidate claimed the problem could be solved in a week with unspecified tougher police tactics.
“Yeah, we’re a year-and-a-half in, but a lot of these decisions had to be made very quickly, because nobody knew what the impact was going to be,” he said, adding that he doesn’t fault Pritzker.
“Now, we can have a debate about what we could and couldn’t have done differently. And I think there should be once we’re done with the pandemic,” he said. “I don’t think we’re quite done, though. I think we’re getting close. If people would just get vaccinated, I mean, this thing could be behind us. That’s the thing that just I cannot understand.”
“I mean, I grew up in the era of polio,” Edgar said. “I mean, we rushed as kids down to get vaccinated and they hadn’t tested that thing. But we wanted vaccinated. We didn’t want to get polio. And so I have a hard time today — maybe I’m just too old. I just don’t understand this hesitancy to get vaccinated, but a lot of people haven’t, so we still have the pandemic hanging around.”
“I do think once it’s done — and I hopefully it’ll be done sooner than later — you take a look at what is the right procedure,” he added. “I don’t begrudge some of the things that Governor Pritzker had to do. You never want to have to… That would have been a terrible thing to have to deal with. Saying that, there is no doubt there is fatigue.”
Edgar says Pritzker could be defeated in the upcoming 2022 election, but only if his party picks an electable candidate who can appeal to a statewide audience beyond the primary.
Illinois Democratic leaders announced Thursday that they have agreed to repay federal pandemic-relief loans more than a year earlier than scheduled, saving taxpayers $100 million in interest.
The plan was announced as Democrats who control the House and Senate head into the final 10 days of the legislative session, still struggling to find ways to close a $1.4 billion deficit for the budget that begins July 1.
Washington lent money to in early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures left economies battered and hundreds of thousands on the unemployment line. Illinois borrowed $3.2 billion and has repaid $2 billion. The rest was due by December 2023, but the state has money to pay it earlier.
“The federal loan was a lifeline to keep our state and our economy afloat,” said Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat. “That our economy has rebounded so strongly that we can now pay it off early is a testament to the resilience of the people and businesses of the great state of Illinois.”
$870 million is remaining on the principal as of today. But the rebounding economy may not be enough to pay the rest of it off, along with $928 million in interfund borrowing.
During the brief debate over a $42 billion state spending plan introduced in the closing hours of this year’s spring session, the Illinois legislature’s Democratic majority outlined less than $3 billion in spending in the coming year from a massive infusion of federal coronavirus relief money.
With the state in line to receive $8.1 billion from President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Democrats said they wanted to spend the money judiciously and avoid creating programs that would continue to demand funding after the one-time federal cash influx was gone. They said this year’s plan for the relief money called for $1 billion in infrastructure spending, with the remainder going to items such as hospitals, violence prevention, and tourism and business recovery.
Left unmentioned as lawmakers were approving the budget, however, was the creation of a state fund that gives Gov. J.B. Pritzker authority to spend billions of dollars from the federal aid without first getting approval from lawmakers.
In the end, the state’s spending plan for the budget year that began July 1 counts on using at least another $2 billion from the pandemic relief funds to make up for “lost revenues,” leaving less than $3.6 billion to budget out over the next three years.
If you go the very last paragraph of the story, you’ll see that $144 million has been spent so far to make up for operational costs last fiscal year at the Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice.
* Fitch Ratings explained how the Essential Government Services Support Fund works last week in its positive outlook on the state’s credit rating…
Illinois’ legislature also enacted a spending plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) aid, focused on one-time investments rather than recurring operating needs. The plan uses $2.8 billion of Illinois’ $8.1 billion ARPA direct aid distribution on infrastructure and other one-time, or pandemic-specific needs. With this initial allocation, the state appears to have avoided the use of ARPA aid for any material ongoing program costs in this budget.
Additionally, as part of the enacted budget, the state created the Essential Government Services Support Fund (EGSSF) and allocated $2 billion of the more than $5 billion in remaining ARPA aid to flow through the fund. Fitch anticipates the state will primarily use the EGSSF as a cash flow management tool that will assist in ensuring compliance with U.S. Treasury guidelines for ARPA direct aid.
The $2 billion is essentially offset from a budgetary perspective with planned repayment of the MLF loan ($1.045 billion) and interfund borrowing ($928 million), though ARPA aid will not be used for the actual repayments. Fitch will carefully assess the state’s plans for the remaining ARPA direct aid which we anticipate will be focused on non-recurring uses.
* Governor’s office…
The Essential Government Services Support Fund was set up to hold funds that are allowed under federal rules to replace lost revenues of the State. At the time the budget was enacted in May, the final rules and guidance from US Treasury was not available – and the Interim Final Rule was only just released shortly before the end of session.
* US Treasury guidance for states on how to calculate lost revenues from the pandemic that was issued shortly before the end of session…
a. States should look at Fiscal Year 2019 base year revenue by looking at the state’s “own source” revenues to calculate (excluding for example, federal revenues or revenues that are passed through to local governments)
b. Using the same base, calculate state’s average annual growth of the past three fiscal years (FY16 – FY19)
c. Apply average annual growth rate multiplier to annual revenues collected
d. Multiplier applies to the revenue collected in each calendar year
e. Calculate each December 31 for actual revenues
f. Compare projected growth revenue to actuals collected
* And using that formula…
GOMB estimates that Fiscal Year 2019 base revenues according to the US Treasury definition/guidance was approximately $47B, and with the multiplier applied, Calendar Year 2020 revenues should have totaled about $53B. Actual revenues in Calendar Year 2020 totaled about $50B.
* Also from the governor’s office…
This mechanism was created for flexibility for the State to adapt to the rules as understanding of them evolved over the course of the year. Including the replacement revenues in a separate account assists the state in reporting to US Treasury as funds are spent.
At least one Republican was quoted in the story saying the General Assembly should have direct spending authority on that pile of cash. From the governor’s office…
GOMB provides monthly reports to the Legislative Budget Oversight Committee and testifies in front of the committee quarterly.
* The point of all this is that the Trib and Fitch both point out that the governor’s office can use the aforementioned $2 billion to make allowable expenditures in order to free up money to do things like repay the $1 billion left on the Federal Reserve loan. The governor’s office, however, says it’s too early in the fiscal year to say how much it will use.
* It hasn’t been a full week since the last IDPH weekly update, but cases are down about 26 percent from last week after a big spike. Deaths are down by 42 percent, but hospitalizations went up 13 percent, from 1,759 to 1,982. ICU admissions are up ten percent. Ventilator usage is essentially the same (152 a week ago and 150 as of last night). Case and test positivity rates are up a little…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 21,034 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 87 additional deaths since reporting last November 19, 2021.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,784,900 cases, including 26,313 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since reporting on Friday, November 19, 2021, laboratories have reported 632,533 specimens for a total of 38,528,321. As of last night, 1,982 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 384 patients were in the ICU and 150 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from November 17-23, 2021 is 3.3%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from November 17-23, 2021 is 4.1%.
A total of 17,031,036 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as of last midnight. The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 64,199 doses. Since reporting on Friday, November 19, 2021, 311,308 doses were reported administered in Illinois. Of Illinois’ total population, approximately 67% has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and almost 61% of Illinois’ total population is fully vaccinated according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All data are provisional and will change. Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html. Data on the IDPH website will not be updated over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but will resume on Monday, November 29, 2021.
Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.
* Brenden Moore asked several politicos what they were thankful for. This response from Comptroller Susana Mendoza stood out for me...
“For me, it’s my brother still being with us. Last Thanksgiving he was fighting for his life. This Thanksgiving he’s still with us. Complications from COVID-19 cost him his kidneys. But he has a good attitude. He’s a fighter and we’re blessed to have him with us. I’m thankful for the love of family and friends and that we can gather with family and friends including my brother this year. We’ll be celebrating my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday.”
* You may remember that Comptroller Mendoza talked about her brother, Chicago Police Det. Sgt. Joaquin Mendoza, in March…
Back in November, I called him on his birthday to wish him a happy birthday and he had a cough. Two days later - he’s only 56 - he was at Northwestern Memorial Hospital fighting for his life for 41 days. And then about a month later - a month he spent in an inpatient rehab - he’s had tremendous complications. He’s suffered mini strokes in his brain while he was in the hospital. Total, complete kidney failure, so he’ll be on dialysis for the rest of his life.
And I share it because I think it’s important for people to know that when we hear about a 99% survival rate, you know, think about my brother’s situation. Sure he survived, and it’s a blessing for us, but it breaks my heart to see the complications for somebody who’s dedicated his life to public service and to protecting the public as he’s going through this. And it’s no joke. This is very real, and we’re thankful that he’s still with us, but many people are going through something similar. Many people have lost their loved ones. And I seriously, both as a sister and as a comptroller, you know, when we have to order things like body bags, it really hits close to home. And I just ask people, please get vaccinated the first chance you get. Please, do everything to protect yourself and protect your loved ones and let’s get through this together.
I would just say it’s pretty devastating. And I’m so thankful that I can take care of my brother right now when he needs me. There’s so many families who probably feel completely overwhelmed. And I was one of them. I mean, honestly, I never thought I’d tell you that the easiest part of my life right now is managing billions in state debt, but it truly is. I feel so confident and sure of what I’m doing as the comptroller, but it’s certainly a lot heavier of a lift to try to keep my brother healthy. That’s where we’re at. Thank you for asking. I mean, it is something that I can relate to and I know that we’re not alone. Lots of families in Illinois and across the country are going through similar or even worse scenarios with having lost loved ones. But, it’s real and I just ask you to take care of yourselves, please.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security is nearly a month late in filing a report about the state’s unemployment trust fund, according to the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus.
A spokesperson for IDES didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Republicans said the legislative leaders received a letter from the Illinois Comptroller that IDES failed to submit necessary financial information on the trust fund’s financial activities and is nearly a month delinquent.
“If regular Illinois businesses and families miss financial reporting they are fined and can even face criminal penalties,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods. “The governor is not above the law. The UI Trust Fund is deeply in debt and without this report, we have absolutely no idea how big the problem really is.”
Neither the Illinois Comptroller, the House Speaker or Senate President’s office immediately returned a message seeking comment.
* The comptroller and all four legislative leaders were sent this response by the IDES director two weeks ago. It’s quite something, but it basically boils down to IDES has been overwhelmed for more than a year…
Thank you for the letter dated November 4, 2021 regarding financial information necessary for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) takes its role in providing information essential to completing the ACFR seriously, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide an action plan. The circumstances that caused the delay in the submission of our draft financial statements, footnotes, and Form SCO- 599, Contingencies, Commitments and Related Party Transactions, are described below as well as the estimated timeline to complete.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the time to complete the prior year audit and the complexity and volume of the financial transactions were significant, and on average 2-3 times as many transactions than in the normal course of the Department’s operations. This resulted in a delay in the posting of the initial SFY 2021 Trust Fund transactions to the general ledger. In addition, the Department’s Trust Fund software application prohibits the user from having two years open concurrently, and although we were current in preparing and recording journal entries on our worksheets, we could not upload any journal entries or prepare reconciliations until SFY 2020 was closed.
It is also important to note that our financial operations and Department of Innovation and Technology (DOIT) staffing resources are stretched across five concurrent audits, and we are preparing to begin a sixth:
▪ RSM Financial Audit
▪ RSM Compliance Audit
▪ KPMG Single Audit
▪ Emergency Unemployment Relief for Government Entities and Non-Profit Organization (EURGENO) Audit
▪ Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistic Audit
▪ OAG Performance Review Audit (entrance conference was 10/27/2021)
IBIS Accrual – DOIT resources have been strained due to high volume processing in our benefit system (IBIS), implementation of seven complex new programs, subsequent system adjustments as a result of new and updated federal laws and guidance, and requests from multiple audits. While the IBIS accrual data has been verified, the auditors have requested that the accrual be documented with a daily match to our benefit payment reports.
PUA Accrual – Given the complexity of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program accrual and the fact the Department will need to restate the beginning accrual amounts as a result of the last audit, numbers will need to be pulled internally. The DOIT employee who is qualified and able to do this is currently working on a large data file request for the OAG. Once completed, he will start pulling the data for the PUA accrual.
Overpayments – Due to the complexity and volume of transactions, the process for pulling the data has become far more challenging than in the past. In addition, the new processes for waiving recovery of overpayments in both federal and non-federal programs will require that overpayments be placed in different risk buckets to determine the allowance associated with these receivables.
Cash Reconciliations – Due to the extended length of the last audit and staff shortages, the Department contracted an outside public accounting firm, Crowe LLP, to assist in preparing cash reconciliations.
IDES’ Estimated Timetable to Completion:
IBIS Accrual – The Department is building the IBIS accrual by day per the auditor’s request. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 12, 2021.
PUA Accrual – DOIT is currently pulling large amounts of data for the OAG for the RSM Financial Audit. Once completed, pulling the data for the PUA accrual will begin. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 17, 2021.
IBIS Overpayments – The Department is reviewing this large data file for accuracy. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 12, 2021.
PUA Overpayments – The Department is reviewing this large data file for accuracy. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 12, 2021.
Cash Reconciliations – The Department is working with staff from Crowe LLP to complete the cash reconciliations. We anticipate these reconciliations will be completed and verified no later than November 17, 2021.
Once these tasks are completed, the Department will prepare and post journal entries to submit to the IOC for GAAP. The Department will then prepare Form SCO-599, the financial statements, and footnotes. We anticipate this to be completed by end of day November 30, 2021.
Just to follow up one last time: Young Americans for Liberty (YAL)—the nation’s most active youth libertarian organization—has just launched a new petition to end the seemingly “endless” COVID-19 pandemic, expecting to garner 100,000 signatures from students, faculty, and alumni in the coming weeks.
See the official press release below. Are you interested in the story?
Thank you,
Luka
Um, petitions don’t end pandemics. Vaccines, proven treatments and mitigations end pandemics.
Following an unprecedented commitment to a public appointment process, Michael Kelly has been appointed State Representative for the 15th Legislative District, replacing former state Rep. John D’Amico who announced his resignation earlier this month.
The appointment process, as required by law, had to happen within 30 days of the vacancy announced on Nov. 5, 2021.
“We owed it to the people of the 15th Legislative District to make sure public input informed this appointment,” said state Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), committeeperson for the 39th Ward. “As a result, we had seven applicants up for consideration who we heard from today for close to four hours and all of the respective elected committeepersons voted for an applicant that represents the values of the 15th Legislative District and the priorities expressed by our communities during the last few weeks.”
Villivalam was the Chief Co-Sponsor of Senate Bill 825, which was signed into law in June and includes a process to the legislative appointment procedure, where none had been before.
Per the new statute, prior to holding today’s meeting to fill the vacancy, the committee made public:
• The names and contact information for the Committeepersons legally tasked with the appointment
• Information on how to apply or submit a name for consideration as the appointee
• The date, time and location of today’s in-district and virtual meeting to fill the vacancy
The appointment committee also sent multiple email blasts, made multiple social media posts, purchased ads in multiple newspapers, contacted members of the press, made themselves publicly available to the communities they serve, and invited press to the in-person and livestreamed appointment meeting.
Kelly’s appointment to fill out D’Amico’s term was not a surprise. In political circles he was considered the favorite, with the behind-the-scenes backing of D’Amico, who had served in the General Assembly since 2004.
Edgebrook area resident Michael Rabbitt said that he helped start the social justice ministry at the Saint Mary of the Woods Parish and launched Neighbors for Affordable Housing. He said that he would support lifting the statewide ban on rent control, explaining that towns should make their own decision on the matter, and that he supports the proposed 297-unit apartment complex at 8535 W. Higgins Ave., which Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st) opposes. It would include nearly 60 affordable units.
“I have a track record as a problem solver (and) a community connector,” said Rabbitt, who works as a business transformation leader for Argonne National Laboratory.
Rabbitt, who is supported by SEIU Healthcare and the political group 39th Neighbors United, launched his campaign prior to D’Amico’s retirement announcement and plans to challenge Kelly next year in the primary.
Kelly has worked on previous campaigns for D’Amico, Ald. Samantha Nugent (39th) and her predecessor, Ald. Margaret Laurino, who is D’Amico’s aunt. D’Amico was not part of the process to pick his replacement, but voiced his support after the appointment. […]
As for Kelly, “he voted in two Republican primaries,” [Anthony Joel Quezada, 35th Ward Democratic committeeperson] said. “I just didn’t see a lot of political experience and history, and I didn’t get a lot of calls from community members supporting him. But, again, that does not necessarily speak to the full character of Mr. Kelly. I wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.” […]
Rabbitt has already launched a campaign for the office. Brophy and Melaniphy said they would not run, while Kehoe said she likely wouldn’t either.
Kelly said he took a GOP ballot in 2010 because his union endorsed Judy Baar Topinka in the primary. He took a Republican ballot two years later as a favor to a friend.
Committeeperson Quezada, by the way, had an infinitesimal 0.01 percent of the weighted vote. He talked a lot, but had pretty much zero influence. Rabbitt was already running against D’Amico, which ruled him out.
* D’Amico’s backing and this list of Kelly’s endorsements is what got him the win…
• Chicago Fire Department Local 2 - Jim Tracey
• Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois - Chuck Sullivan
• IBEW Electricians Local 134 - Michael Cudzik
• Carpenters Local - Kevin O’Gorman
• Chicago Laborers District Council, LiUNA - Jim Connolly
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 - James Sweeney
• Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 - Tom Collins
• Sheetmetal Workers International Association, SMART Local 265 - John Daniels
• Sheetmetal Workers Local 73 - Ray Suggs
• IBEW Electricians Local 176 - Mike Clemens
• Stationary Engineers Local 399 - John Hanley
• Plumbers Union Local 130 - James Coyne
• Iron Workers Local 62 - Paul Wende
• Teamsters Joint council No. 25 - Terrence Hancock
• Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 137 - Aaron Gurnsey
Kelly read that list at the meeting. Those trade unions are very active in that part of the world. AFSCME and the CTU did not endorse a candidate. Interestingly enough, Sen. Villivalam comes out of SEIU Healthcare, which is apparently backing Rabbitt.
It’s honestly… less than stellar. I like Jesse Sullivan a lot. I think he’s dynamic. Darren Bailey is trying to exist on masks, you know, that’s great, whatever. That will get you a win downstate. You’re not going to win the state of Illinois. It’s a little disappointing when you just look at the fact that in Illinois, you have this race to the far right. And it’s not a far right state. I don’t know how many times I hear people tell me, ‘if you just activate the base, we can win Illinois.’ Well, listen, the base is very activated, and we can’t win Illinois unless we win back the suburbs, right, the suburbs that Republicans used to win all the time.
I think if I ran for governor, I think I’m the only candidate that can win, at least that’s out there now. Maybe Jesse Sulllivan. Again, I like him. But I do recognize the difficulty of a primary in this environment. And I recognize that we’re in a moment where I think there’s some people that would rather torch their chances at winning the Illinois governor’s race than dare vote for somebody that’s a conservative, but doesn’t like Donald Trump. So, you know, it’s a unique moment.
He was asked about Ken Griffin’s money and he said he was uncomfortable with it, but since Gov. Pritzker will spend whatever it takes, then OK. But he didn’t know who Griffin would endorse.
* Kinzinger repeated his mantra about the suburbs, then added…
And I think most importantly recognize that we’re not going to win the state House or the state Senate. So you’re gonna have to compromise. And I think looking at a Larry Hogan model or a Charlie Baker model in Vermont, or the governor of New Hampshire, Sununu, and say, ‘Look, some of these guys, for instance, are pro life like I am, but I’m also not going to go out and make my governorship about pro life issues because it’s not a pro life state. So let’s focus on what we can fix on the budget, on poverty and things like that.’ But I’m afraid, again, that they party focus is all going to be on purity. And in that case is going to be a tough win for anybody.
After reviewing the General Assembly’s congressional maps drawn with 2020 U.S. Census data, Governor JB Pritzker signed the new U.S. House district map that reflects Illinois’ diversity and preserves minority representation in Illinois’ delegation in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act.
“These maps align with the landmark Voting Rights Act and will ensure all communities are equitably represented in our congressional delegation,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
A landmark achievement of the civil rights movement, the Voting Rights Act prohibits practices and procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership in a protected language minority group. Building on and strengthening that consequential law, the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011 ensures redistricting plans are crafted in a way that preserves clusters of minority voters if they are of size or cohesion to exert collective electoral power. The maps signed into law today meet those requirements by creating a second district of significant Latinx representation that reflects the community’s rapid growth on the west side of Chicago.
The district boundaries also account for population changes in the state, particularly in the regions that saw the most population loss as recorded by 2020 U.S. Census.
The Illinois Congressional Redistricting Act of 2021 (HB 1291) takes effect immediately.
There’d been some weird grumbling about him not signing it right away, but I just kept telling people to be patient.
…Adding… Change Illinois…
Never before have Illinoisans seen such a brazen show of how corrosive politician-led redistricting can be for voters and communities across the state. For the third time, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a map, mired in a process lacking transparency, putting partisan self-interests above the needs of people in communities across the state.
The result is a congressional map of predetermined winners and losers in nearly all seventeen districts. The map is undemocratic and leaves all voters without choices, undermining the very elections that are supposed to allow voters to hold officials accountable.
The culmination of the legislative and congressional remapping further exemplifies the need for redistricting to be placed in the hands of independent commissioners who have no political or personal incentives to pervert redistricting as a tool to silence people and secure power for the few. We must forge a better path forward that empowers people in communities with fair elections so they can define their futures.
Current and future generations of Illinoisans deserve fair maps.
* I’m thinking if they were truly serious about inflation, they wouldn’t be injecting even more money into the economy, but whatever. [That was mostly snark, by the way.] Here’s Center Square…
“We may not be able to address at the state level the root causes of inflation, we can and we think it is our responsibility to provide relief,” Bourne said. “And that’s why today we’re proposing inflation tax relief for Illinois families.”
State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, wants to give up to $400 of tax credits to taxpayers under certain income thresholds.
Single tax filers up to $75,000 would get $200 back, joint filers up to $150,000 would get $400 and head of household filers up to $112,500 in income to get $200.
“Four hundred dollars won’t make all the problems go away, but it could have a positive impact,” Demmer said. “It could be an extra week or two of groceries, it could be an extra few utility bills, it could be the difference between being able to buy new shoes or winter coats for your kids.”
To pay for the $1.4 billion plan, Demmer suggested reprioritizing state spending to be offset by some of the $8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
“We can dedicate funds to pay down our unemployment insurance trust fund debt and deliver relief to taxpayers,” Demmer said.
* Federal law banned using ARPA money for tax reduction, but then last week happened…
A federal judge has blocked the U.S. Treasury from enforcing a provision of the American Rescue Plan Act that prohibited states from using the pandemic relief funds to offset new tax cuts. […]
The judge described the tax-cut restrictions as “a federal invasion of State sovereignty” that was “unconstitutionally ambiguous” — leaving states guessing as to whether their tax cuts would trigger a repayment of federal funds.
“The Tax Mandate’s restriction on direct or indirect state tax cuts pressures States into adopting a particular — and federally preferred — tax policy,” Coogler wrote. That “may disincentive” states “from considering any tax reductions for fear of forfeiting ARPA funds,”
This plan wouldn’t be ambiguous in the least. But, we’ll see how that all works itself out. The plan probably isn’t going anywhere, obviously, but the media is all abuzz about inflation these days, so I’m sure this will get a lot of coverage.
For the entirety of the pandemic Republicans have refused to engage on meaningful solutions aimed at helping working families deal with the resulting economic challenges. While Republicans now try and weigh in 18 months too late, this administration is hard at work putting billions of dollars of rental and mortgage assistance, small business grants, and utility assistance into the hands of working families, all of which passed without help from the GOP caucuses.
Adding to the irony is the fact that Republicans staunchly opposed the fair tax which would have provided tax relief to 97 percent of Illinoisans. Since Republicans in Illinois now support providing direct relief for the costs that are weighing on working families, we look forward to their support of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and would urge them to share their views on this with their counterparts in Washington.
Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) announced endorsements from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 701 and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 30.
“Congressman Sean Casten has been a longtime friend and advocate for working families and IBEW,” said Frank Furco, IBEW Local 701’s Business Manager. “Sean never hesitates to stand up for union members and is in lockstep with the IBEW on workers’ rights. As our community continues on the path to economic recovery, Sean has been fighting in Congress to ensure good-paying union jobs are brought to the 6th District. We’re proud to endorse him as the best candidate to fight for workers in the 6th District.”
“Congressman Sean Casten has dedicated his career to creating quality, good-paying jobs, both as an entrepreneur and a Member of Congress,” said Ryan Anderson, IUPAT Local 30’s Business Manager. “Sean has fought tirelessly to protect workers’ rights, ensure safe and fair workplaces, and bring real careers with real benefits to the 6th District. We believe he is the best candidate for workers in the 6th District.”
“Having good-paying union jobs is absolutely essential to a strong and equitable economy,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m thrilled to have the endorsement of two organizations who are composed of so many 6th Districts union workers specializing in telecommunications, utilities, construction, manufacturing, painting, drywall finishing, and so much more. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act, we know that more union jobs are coming to Illinois. I look forward to continuing to be a voice for working families in the 6th District.”
Both Furco and Anderson said they will work hard to make sure their union and family members in the Sixth District learn of their endorsement of Rep. Casten and turn out to vote in next June’s primary.
* This afternoon…
Today, Congresswoman Marie Newman announced that she had received the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Illinois State Council in her bid for re-election in Illinois’ new 6th Congressional District.
The SEIU Illinois State Council, comprised of SEIU Healthcare, Local 1, and Local 73, represents thousands of home care and child care providers, security officers, janitors, public employees, medical professionals, first responders and social service workers living and working in Illinois’ new 6th Congressional District.
“Congresswoman Marie Newman is a proven advocate for working men and women in Illinois,” said SEIU State Council President Tom Balanoff. “I know that our members can always count on Congresswoman Newman to stand up for workers rights and fair wages. We are proud to endorse Congresswoman Newman for reelection in Illinois 6th Congressional District.”
“Bold policies aimed at expanding access to child care, home care, and long term care are investments in good union jobs. Congresswoman Newman understands that. She has been an unwavering champion for investments in our caregiving workforce, a workforce much like our membership that is majority women,” said SEIU HCII President Greg Kelley. “Congresswoman Newman is fighting for an economy that works for everyone and has been an active partner in building a workforce that centers racial and gender equity.”
“Congresswoman Newman has stood in solidarity with our members on numerous occasions,” said SEIU Local 73 President Diane Palmer. “Her support for working men and women is resolute and we know that she will never back down on the issues that matter to our membership. Congresswoman Newman stands for working families and is the best choice for labor in this race. We are proud to stand with her.”
“SEIU members have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working in our hospitals, schools, and office buildings to keep this city and state functioning. These men and women have sacrificed greatly and they deserve tireless support in Washington as we continue the fight for safe and fair working conditions, better wages, and the right to organize. To receive their endorsement is a true honor and I hope to have the opportunity to continue fighting for my SEIU brothers and sisters in Congress,” said Congresswoman Marie Newman.
* August 2021: Judge sides with Springfield hospital refusing ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patient
* Sept. 2021: Illinois judge to rule on Pritzker’s latest motion to dismiss dining prohibition lawsuit
I assume that the governor’s and attorney general’s offices are fairly pleased. Cook would’ve been better, but Sangamon has been dealing with these cases because the Supreme Court has transferred so many of them to the county. It’s almost become a specialized rocket docket.
* Considering what we already knew, this is predictable…
Under Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s directive, all city employees had until Oct. 15 to report their vaccination status but could choose to undergo regular COVID-19 testing, rather than get shots, through the end of the year. After police unions challenged the vaccine mandate in court, though, a judge suspended the Dec. 31 date for members to be fully inoculated, saying that needed to go through arbitration. Other unions representing city workers are also now seeking the same. […]
(A)s of Friday, 35 police and 26 Fire Department workers were on no-pay status. […]
As of Monday, 84% of Chicago police had reported their vaccination status on the city portal, including the lieutenant. But he is also among the 23% of respondents who indicated they are not fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the Fire Department was at a 97% response rate and, like police, about 23% of them said they aren’t completely inoculated
The vast majority of Chicago cops and firefighters are fully vaccinated and we don’t know how many more are waiting on their second shot. There’s more ground to cover (and will be once the arbitrator rules), but that’s still good news. The paranoid whiners are outliers.
* The big problem here is that infected kids can infect people like their grandparents, who are most susceptible to breakthrough cases. And if the oldsters aren’t vaxed, well, it can be really bad…
Coronavirus cases in children in the United States have risen 32% from about two weeks ago, a spike that comes as the country rushes to inoculate children before the winter holiday season, pediatricians said.
More than 140,000 children tested positive for the coronavirus from Nov. 11-18, up from 107,000 in the week ending Nov. 4, according to a statement Monday from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.
Over the previous seven days including Friday, Michigan reported 53,575 new COVID-19 cases, the highest weekly caseload since the pandemic began in March 2020.
As of Sunday, 3,785 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized across the state, including 784 in intensive care units. The vast majority of patients in the ICU and on ventilators, the MHA noted, are unvaccinated.
The state’s record for most adult hospitalizations with confirmed cases of the virus occurred on April 19 with 4,158 inpatients.
Federal emergency relief teams from the U.S. Department of Defense are on their way to Minnesota to help doctors and nurses at two Minnesota hospitals. When the rest of the state is celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, they’ll be fighting the state’s COVID-19 surge.
The shortage of ICU beds is so severe, doctors warn emergency care across the state is being compromised. Hennepin Healthcare says they are turning down up to 50 transfer requests a day for their advanced trauma facilities, as Minnesota grapples with one of the worst infection rates in the country.
“If you get into a car accident in rural Minnesota and are in need of complex trauma care, the additional 12 to 24 hours you have to wait for a bed to open up might mean the difference in long-term functional outcomes,” Dr. Daniel Hoody said. “If you are critically ill with non-COVID illness or COVID illness in a rural hospital not equipped to care for you, the additional wait times might be the difference between life and death.”
Hennepin Healthcare is the state’s largest Level 1 trauma center, and it’s so backed up it had five patients on ventilators in the emergency room Monday. HCMC says it has cancelled or postponed most non-emergency surgeries and procedures.
The National Guard has also been activated.
* On a lighter note, I’m pretty sure my friends and I would’ve done this to get out of going to school back in the day. So I have to admire the effort…
A school in the U.K. has warned parents to monitor their children while taking lateral flow COVID tests, after word spread that fruit juice can cause false positive results.
Gateacre School, in the English city of Liverpool, emailed parents on Wednesday to alert them that it had emerged children had become aware that orange juice and other similar drinks can trigger a false positive result on a lateral flow test.
It’s safety – not money or the pandemic – keeping the holiday lights off the Capitol dome in Springfield this season.
Worker safety is paramount, but Henry Haupt, a spokesman for the Illinois secretary of state’s office, says there’s more: an engineering study determined the observation deck – atop the dome and at the base of the flagpole – can no longer support the light strings, which become heavy with ice and are typically up for a couple of months on either side of the holiday season.
Lights on the Capitol dome won’t be used for the second consecutive year. Engineers have recommended that an observation deck, which is typically used to anchor the lights, should be fortified.
“We are working with the Capital Development Board to procure funding for this project,” said Henry Haupt, spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White.
This is the third holiday season in a row that we’ve been waiting on CDB to do something. There’s construction around the Statehouse because of the 2019 capital bill, but this little problem can’t be fixed?
When creating our State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Middle-Class Families, we estimated the overall income, sales, and property tax burden in each state and the District of Columbia for a hypothetical married couple with two children, combined wages of $77,000, $3,000 of other income, and a $300,000 home. That information also allowed us to cobble together the following list of the 10 least tax-friendly states for middle-class families (the least-friendly state is listed last).
• State Income Tax Range: 4.95% (flat rate)
• Average Combined State and Local Sales Tax Rate: 8.83%
• Median Property Tax Rate: $2,165 per $100,000 of assessed home value
Sorry, Illinois, but you’re the least tax-friendly state in the country for middle-class families. For all three taxes we’re tracking – income, sales, and property taxes – you tax middle-income residents at an above average rate (at least). And for one of those taxes, the rates are extremely high. That’s enough to put the Land of Lincoln in the most undesirable spot on our list.
At first blush, the state’s 4.95% flat income tax rate doesn’t seem that steep when compared to other states’ top tax rates. And that’s true if you’re talking about wealthy residents. But for middle-class taxpayers, the income tax rate is on the high end. When we ran tax returns for all 50 states and the District of Columbia for our hypothetical middle-class family, the Illinois income tax bill was tied for the ninth-highest in the country.
Sales taxes in Illinois are high, too. There’s a 6.25% state tax on purchases in Illinois (1% on groceries and prescription drugs). Plus, up to 4.75% in local taxes are tacked on in certain places within the state. All told, the average combined state and local sales tax in Illinois is 8.83%, which is the seventh-highest combined sales tax rate in the U.S.
The tax situation really goes downhill fast for Illinois residents when you look at the property taxes they have to pay. Property taxes in Illinois are the second-highest in the nation. If our hypothetical family purchased a $300,000 home in the state, their average annual property tax bill would be an eye-popping $6,495.
A graduated income tax could’ve eventually eased all those issues, but whatevs. Five of the “most-friendly” states all had graduated income tax rates. The other five had no income tax.
The pandemic is far from over in Winnebago County.
That was the message local officials sent to the public Monday as they announced that Winnebago County is now seeing 502 cases of the virus per 100,000 people and a test-positivity rate of 10.1%, indication of another winter surge.
There have been 539 cases reported countywide in the last three days, and a total of 126 people, including two infants, are currently hospitalized.
And with Thanksgiving just days away, Sandra Martell, Winnebago County public health administrator, said she expects the situation to get worse as unvaccinated people from different households gather to celebrate. […]
Dr. Stephen Bartlett, OSF HealthCare’s chief medical officer, said Rockford medical centers are handling the situation well at the moment, but they could be forced to curtail elective surgery and other services if the COVID situation doesn’t improve.
The county’s vax rate is 61.4 percent, among the lowest in the region.
