* Rachel Hinton…
Depending on what a review of newly available population figures reveals, Illinois House Democrats could be asked to return to the state capital in about two weeks to make changes to legislative maps they pushed through the General Assembly in May.
“As staff continues to analyze the Census data released late last week, we are seeking to determine member availability for a return to session during the week of August 30 in the event that we decide to amend the legislative redistricting plan,” House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s chief of staff wrote in an email to members of the House’s Democratic Caucus on Wednesday.
“Staff will be following up with you to survey your availability during that week and we will keep you updated as decisions are made on any return to Springfield,” chief of staff Tiffany Moy wrote in the email.
Welch’s team is just checking availability for a possible return, but there hasn’t been “any indication that changes are being made,” a spokeswoman for the speaker told the Sun-Times.
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* Gov. JB Pritzker held a media availability today during Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair. Please pardon all transcription errors and many thanks to Rachel Hinton for the audio…
Q: Governor, you do have a [Democratic] contender, possibly. Beverly Miles. She said that she’s willing to debate you. Will you debate her in the Democratic primary?
A: Well, I look forward to having the opportunity to meet her. I don’t know her. But I do want to honor her service to our country, serving in the military as she has. And I look forward to the opportunity to get to know her.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing Democrats in this next election?
A: Look, I think, as far as I’m concerned, we’ve got a terrific record to run on, Democrats up and down the ticket. So we’ve got a lot to show people about why Democrats are better than Republicans at running the state. We’re the ones who got credit upgrades for the state. The Republicans, credit downgrades for years. We’re the ones who’ve been fighting for a woman’s right to choose, we’re the ones who’ve been working to increase mental health funding to make sure that people have a place to go when they’ve been subject to substance abuse. There’s so many things that we’ve got to do to build back up services that people lost as a result of Republicans, we’re continuing to do that. I’m excited about the fact that it is less expensive to go tuition-wise to go to college in Illinois now than it was when I took office. We’ve got more work to do there, too. So I hope everybody will know all across the state, Democrats stand for education, health care, making sure that people are safe across our state from this deadly pandemic.
Q: Are you 100 percent comfortable legally giving money to DPI now that the new committee structure is in place? Are you going to continue holding off?
A: Well, I’m excited about our Blue Wave Illinois, you know, we’re all working together to make sure we elect Democrats up and down the ticket. I did that in 2018, continued to support Democrats everywhere in our state. I’m going to do that.
Q: Are you comfortable with the Democratic Party structure? [cross-talk]
A: I haven’t looked at it. but I don’t do election law. Well, there’s an there’s an awful lot to look at. But here’s what I know. We’re all going to be supporting Democrats up and down the ticket, whether it’s DPI or it’s IDCCA, or Blue Wave Illinois, we’re all excited to get Democrats elected.
Q: Why do your own thing with Blue Wave Illinois versus supporting the party? Madigan is gone.
A: We’re going to continue to support Democrats as we have, look, lots of different committees support Republicans, we’ve got lots of committees supporting Democrats. I’m very, very happy to do my part.
Q: What’s your relationship to Congresswoman Kelly?
A: I have a great relationship with Robin Kelly. Really. We’ve known each other for a number of years now. She knows that I support many of the things that she’s done on gun safety and to lift up families across her district and across the state of Illinois.
Q: You didn’t have her here on stage.
A: She was invited. [I’m told she was there, but I didn’t see her.] Lots of people have lots of things to do. As you know, Dick Durbin’ headed back to Chicago because he was going to the visitation for Ella French, which I’ll be at later today as well. And I, you know, I’m excited about the fact that we had so many Democrats here. And the people who could make it did. I’m excited about that. Nobody’s. You know, there’s, there’s some people who try to write that, you know, people are boycotting or not going to something because they don’t want to, they don’t want to be there. The truth is that we’re all very busy. As you know, every day I’ve had about 10 events that I’ve had to attend, whether it’s here in the State Fair, or back up in Chicago. So I tried to get to everything that I can, and I support every Democrat that was at the IDCCA event this morning.
Q: COVID. What do you think of the booster? What do you think of that?
A: Well, I’m glad that the scientists have now recommended the booster, it sounds like that is the best thing. Eight months in, if you’ve been vaccinated back in December, eight months later, it’s time for you to get the booster. We’re going to make sure that that’s available to everyone in the state of Illinois, wherever you are, whether it’s at your pharmacy, your local public health department, or at your local doctor. We’ve been doing that all along making the vaccines available. Everybody should get vaccinated. And everybody that needs a booster eight months hence, which is about now, people start to get them. Please go get that.
* Meanwhile, I saw someone carrying this sign under his arm on the Director’s Lawn and did a double take, thinking it was one of those “Pritzker sucks” signs dotting the Illinois landscape. Nope…
* I told you yesterday that they moved the stage to the other side of the lawn, but it was right in the sun and most folks didn’t move up to the stage to hear the speeches and the audio system wasn’t exactly great, so, well, I missed most of what was said. I did take a pic, though…
The band was pretty good.
* Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim asked to take a pic with me, so I obliged…
* Related…
* At the Illinois State Fair, Democrats seek to portray unity and strength despite internal tensions: On Tuesday, top state Democrats met to create the fundraising panel, but both Welch and Harmon refused to take seats on it, fearing that the fundraising structure would continue to be too complicated to navigate under the federal restrictions on Kelly.
* Pritzker Campaign Clear of Transgender Ex-Staffer’s Bias Lawsuit: A transgender woman lacked triable evidence that the 2018 campaign of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) included her a staff layoff because of her sex, a federal judge in Chicago ruled.
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A quick programming note
Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’m heading to the Illinois State Fair for Governor’s Day. I’m taking my laptop, so I’ll likely post later this afternoon. Until then, please be extra nice to each other in comments. Thanks.
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* Marni Pyke…
Since last week, Illinois State Board of Education has put 21 school districts on probation for flouting a universal mask mandate for students ordered by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 4 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“These districts confirmed that they were not complying with the universal indoor masking requirement,” ISBE spokeswoman Jaklyn Matthews said. “These districts now have the opportunity to meet with ISBE and to submit a corrective action plan to address the deficiencies that are presenting a danger to students and staff.
“School districts that do not submit an approvable plan will lose recognition status, meaning total loss of access to state funding and the inability to participate in IHSA and IESA sports.”
The districts are in Adams, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Franklin, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Jefferson, Knox, Livingston, Macon, Marion, Peoria, Randolph, Wayne and Winnebago counties. Disciplinary actions occurred between Aug. 12 and Monday. All are public school districts. […]
One other private district in Williamson County had its recognition status pulled last week but agreed on Monday to comply with mask requirements and the state is waiting for verification documents, Matthews said.
* An example from Hancock County…
The Warsaw school district has been placed on probation by the Illinois State Board of Education over not complying with mask mandates.
The School Board in June adopted a resolution making masks optional to start the 2021-22 year, and despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order last week mandating masks indoors in the state’s pre-K-12 schools, board members have not reversed course.
School Board members “will be coming up with a plan for how to respond,” Superintendent Bob Gound said.
The district’s recognition status was lowered to “on probation,” effective Thursday, for exhibiting “deficiencies that present a health hazard or a danger to students or staff,” State Superintendent Carmen Ayala said in an emailed letter to the district, and if not corrected, “the state Board of Education may act to change the status of the district … to ‘nonrecognized.’”
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I posted part of this US Rep. Rodney Davis quote this earlier today, but let’s take a closer look…
Davis said he is waiting to see what the map looks like before deciding his next political step [including a possible run for governor].
“Hold on to your seats, we’ll see what kind of political gerrymandering they put forward, and then we’ll all make decisions based upon that battlefield,” he said.
* The Question: What do you think of Davis’ response? Make sure to explain.
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* US Rep. Rodney Davis talked to Mary Ann Ahern about the governor’s race…
MAA: As new Illinois maps are redrawn after the 2020 Census. Census, Congressman Davis from downstate Taylorville, he wants to see what his district will look like. Already though he is more vocal in his criticism of Governor Pritzker.
RD: I’m excited about where 2022 is going to be for Republicans. … Once we see what the battlefield looks like. I’ve always been someone to help try to build the coalition’s that would lead us to victory.
[Pritzker TV ad excerpt]
RD: Well, he’s certainly going to need to run ads and he’s going to have to spend hundreds of millions more because he knows that he’s in terrible reelection shape. We’re going to have a Republican governor. […]
MAA: What will it take for a Republican to win in a blue state?
RD: I’m not a label person because, frankly. Somebody may think I’m too conservative and somebody might think I’m too moderate. I’m just me.
Davis said he’s been vaccinated, but opposes vax and mask mandates.
* Subscribers know the back story to this. From DPI…
In an overwhelming vote, members of the Democratic State Central Committee today affirmed Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) Chair Robin Kelly’s proposed leadership structure for the state party.
“My vision as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois is to bring more voices into every aspect of the party, and today’s vote puts us on a path to doing just that,” Kelly said. “I’m excited we can fully move ahead in strengthening and broadening our party across the state and electing more Democrats up and down the ballot.”
Today, members of Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) voted to create the Building Leadership, Unity, and Equity (BLUE) Illinois Committee, open access to the party’s advisory committees to non-DSCC members, and degender the party’s bylaws.
“The votes taken today represent a new day for the Democratic Party of Illinois,” DPI Executive Director Abby Witt said. “Whether it’s the BLUE Committee, opening other committees to new and experienced voices outside of our official structure, or making sure our rules are as inclusive as possible, the message from our Chair and our members is aligned and clear: this is a party for everyone. Illinois Democrats, welcome home.”
The BLUE Committee, in compliance with the affirmative advisory opinion from the FEC last month, is made up entirely of non-federal office holders not appointed by the chair, and will be dedicated to managing the party’s non-federal account. Voting members of the BLUE Committee are State Central Committee members Bill Houlihan, Carol Ronen, and Ald. Silvana Tabares.
“The majorities we hold as Democrats are going to be tested this cycle, and I’m excited to join Carol and Silvana in this new effort to keep Illinois blue in 2022 and beyond,” Houlihan said. “The BLUE Committee has an important role to play in building an enthusiastic coalition of Democrats across Illinois.”
“2022 is a pivotal redistricting year, and all of our local candidates will run in newly drawn districts,” Ronen said. “Our goal is to grow our majorities in the general assembly and make sure Democrats win the Illinois Supreme Court races. The BLUE committee will help to bring the necessary resources to win these races and ensure Democratic values prevail. I’m honored to be part of this effort.”
“The best way to continue to grow our party, attract voters and win elections is by expanding our statewide coalition of Democrats,” Tabares said. “I’m proud to be a part of a new way the party will achieve that.”
Not one Black person is on that BLUE Committee.
* This did not happen today…
Watch for the news this morning at the County Chairs’ Brunch on the Crowne Plaza grounds in Springfield. More than 800 Democrats will be in attendance and 400 more will view online, according to McHenry County Democratic Party Chair Kristina Zahorik.
Sen. Dick Durbin is expected to announce that Nikki Budzinski will challenge Republican Rep. Rodney Davis in the 13th Congressional District.
Budzinski recently left the Biden administration last month, where she was chief of staff in the Office of Management & Budget. Before that she worked for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. […]
Durbin talked about Budzinski’s move Tuesday during a private party in Springfield leading up to today’s festivities. […]
What’s curious: Durbin specifically said Budzinski would run against Davis in the 13th District, which suggests the veteran Republican congressman will be safe in the remap. If that’s true, then one of the four other Republican representatives would be edged out as lawmakers redraw congressional districts to align with the state’s population decline.
There was never any plan to make this announcement, I was told early this morning. Not to mention that we have no idea yet what Davis’ new district will look like. Also, nice job by Durbin of stepping on Nikki’s eventual announcement. /s
*** UPDATE *** The Tribune ran a story last year on Supreme Court Justice Tom Kilbride’s retention bid…
Billionaire conservatives, state GOP leaders and a dark money group are blanketing voters’ mailboxes with full-color attack ads that portray the justice as a Madigan puppet, citing the speaker’s large campaign contributions to Kilbride’s election efforts dating back to 2000. […]
James Nowlan, a former GOP lawmaker who chairs the anti-Kilbride committee Citizens for Judicial Fairness, asks political audiences in towns such as Carthage, Monmouth and Utica if they ever wished they could vote against Madigan. […]
A $200,000 donation from a dark-money group called the Judicial Fairness Project gave the anti-Kilbride forces a jump-start. The group’s registered agent is attorney John Fogarty, the Chicago-based general counsel for the Illinois Republican Party. Fogarty declined to identify the donors.
Paperwork filed with the secretary of state showed the group’s board of directors includes two members of the Republican state central committee and the former head of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association. Listed as the incorporator was Nick Klitzing, a former state GOP executive director. [Emphasis added.]
* I mention this because I just got an email from the Judicial Fairness Project…
Friend,
You were recently emailed about a petition to clean up Illinois’ courts.
Will you take a moment to add your name to DEMAND that we clean up Illinois’s famously corrupt justice system?
ADD YOUR NAME – 30-SECOND PETITION SIGNUP
We all know that Illinois has a reputation for corruption and crime. It goes all the way to the top, unfortunately – Illinois currently has a 4-3 partisan majority on the Supreme Court, and next year’s election threatens to shake up the balance of power in our state…
So the Legislature and Governor Pritzker jammed through a new, hand-drawn judicial map so they could protect themselves!!
That’s not all.
Last year, an incredible and shocking $10 million was spent on the retention race for the Supreme Court, and there’s much more coming next year with more judgeships on the ballot.
What will YOU chip in to bring fairness back to our courts – $10 million of your money??
How about just $10?
How about just $20?
Other amount
Money. Hand-Drawn Judge Protection Maps. Corruption in the courts.
We deserve better. Will you join us?
…Adding… Also…
* Related…
* Democratic priorities benefiting working families to be highlighted at Governor’s Day rally
* Illinois State Fair 2021 set to kickoff political primary season: For Democrats, the big political race will be among the four declared candidates vying to replace Jesse White, who is not running for another term as Secretary of State.
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* From Ed McManus…
The director of Choate Developmental Center in far downstate Anna, indicted in June for misconduct in connection with workers’ attacks on residents with disabilities, is being sued by an employee for violating the State’s Whistleblower Protection Act.
Darcie Hancock, a former residential services supervisor at Choate, charged that [now-former] director Bryant Davis retaliated against her after she told the institution’s internal affairs office that she believed Davis received money from the State “to which he was not entitled.”
Teresa Smith, a former assistant director of the facility who was indicted along with Davis, was also named in the whistleblower suit. Hancock said she reported to Smith that she believed a member of the Choate management team was falsifying timesheets, claiming hours she did not work, but Smith took no action to investigate the allegation.
It was reported in March that a total of 9 Choate workers had been indicted during 2020 in connection with attacks on residents. Davis, Smith and another administrator were charged in June with “impeding a State Police investigation of a staff member battering an individual.”
The lawsuit was filed in 2018 but was put on hold when the pandemic began. Hancock’s attorney, James P. Baker of Springfield, said he is now in the process of beginning discovery.
Hancock worked for 22 years at Choate, which is one of seven large Illinois institutions serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
‘THREATENING AND ABUSIVE TREATMENT’
Hancock said after her allegations about Davis and the member of the management team, Davis and Smith repeatedly subjected her over the next three years to unwarranted investigations, disciplinary actions and suspensions. At one point, she was assigned to the dietary office for five months and “subjected to threatening and abusive treatment by the supervisor.”
And in August of 2016 she was “without good cause” assigned to do cleaning work “in the basement of a building in an environment which was filthy, was contaminated with asbestos and had no air conditioning.”
The suit alleges that as a result of all this, Hancock “developed emotional symptoms which required her to take a disability leave” beginning in May 2017. She has not had a job since then.
The suit accuses Davis, Smith and the Dept. of Human Services of retaliating against Hancock for disclosing wrongdoing, which is prohibited by the whistleblower act. It says she “sustained physical and emotional stress and anguish as well as the loss of enjoyment of life.” The suit asks for damages for the loss of salary and benefits, as well as compensatory and liquidated damages.
The Attorney General’s Office filed an answer to the suit, denying most of the allegations. But the office stated that they “lack knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief about the truth of the allegations” that Davis received money from the State to which he was not entitled and that a member of the management team falsified timesheets.
Following the June indictments, DHS initially announced that the three administrators would remain on the job while their court cases proceeded. Much criticism followed; State’s Atty. Tyler Tripp told a newspaper it was “asinine” not to put them on leave. A week later DHS reversed itself and announced that the three were “being reassigned from the facility.”
Smith ‘s attorney has filed a motion to dismiss the indictment. All three administrators are awaiting assignment of a judge to hear their cases.
The lawsuit is here. The state’s response, in which it denies violation of the whistleblower statute, is here. The state also denied that Hancock’s work product was satisfactory or that she regularly received satisfactory performance reviews. It also denies that no action was taken after Hancock made her allegations.
* Related…
* Choate employees facing charges have been reassigned
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* SJ-R…
Landrey Freeman of Winchester proclaimed it “the best experience of her life.”
Her mother, Jessica Freeman, “couldn’t believe the numbers that were coming out of the auctioneer’s mouth.”
When the dust cleared on the Governor’s Sale of Champions Tuesday at the Coliseum of Champions at the Illinois State Fair, Landrey Freeman’s Grand Champion Steer had fetched a record $105,000 bid from Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker.
She outbid another Pritzker — namely Gov. JB Pritzker — much like she did at the 2019 State Fair.
Landrey gets half of the final bid. The previous record was set by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner.
* Pics…
More pics here.
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* Tribune…
Amid rising COVID-19 public infection rates, the low rate of vaccinations among workers at nursing homes is raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the virus among vulnerable residents and prompting calls for mandated inoculations.
While 80% of residents of long-term care facilities in Illinois have been vaccinated, only 60% of workers have, according to federal data. […]
Like many hospitals and health systems, some nursing homes now are requiring employees to get vaccinated. Industry giants Brookdale Senior Living and Genesis Healthcare Inc., and some downstate facilities have announced mandates.
The Illinois Health Care Association, which represents about 485 facilities, would support a statewide mandate, Executive Director Matt Hartman said. […]
SEIU Healthcare Illinois, which represents many nursing home workers and has promoted voluntary vaccinations, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
* Meanwhile, keep this in mind when you read news stories based on case-counts alone…
After Chicago began averaging more than 400 daily new cases of COVID-19 this week, the city’s public health officials announced the indoor mask requirement will be reinstituted starting Friday.
“We may need to put further restrictions in place, but different from last year, a high case count does not automatically translate to high hospitalizations and a high death count,” Dr. Allison Arwady, head of Chicago’s public health department, said Tuesday.
The Cook County Department of Public Health said it’s considering a mask mandate, too. The department oversees health policy for the Cook County suburbs. Suburban Cook County is averaging 446 new cases of the virus a day, according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures.
Why is it different from last year? The vaccine. 54 percent of Chicago residents are vaccinated and 57.5 percent of suburban Cook County residents are vaxed. That helps a lot, but it’s not nearly enough.
Get your shots, people.
* Related…
* As Schools Reopen, Vaccination Rates Among Teenagers Range From One Extreme To The Other
* Texas school district makes masks part of dress code to get around Gov. Abbott’s order
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* Subscribers know more about the negotiations and the possible return to Springfield. Here’s WTTW…
Illinois legislators may be back in Springfield soon for another summer special session, to try once again to pass a massive energy package that thus far has proven elusive.
The result – be it passage of a new law, or a continued stalemate — will impact everything from Illinois’ role in climate change to your energy bill. […]
“This particular plant [in Byron] has a fixed amount of fuel loaded in it and that was loaded 18 months ago,” said Exelon Executive Vice President and Chief Generation Officer Bryan Hanson. “That fuel is losing energy. In fact I think in the next couple of days we’ll start to see the reactor lose its power, from 100% power it will slowly trickle down to about 70% power, then the plant shuts down on Sept. 13.” […]
“Until we submit that letter to permanently defuel operations, we can reverse but reversing a decision like we’re mad is like turning a cruise ship around,” Hanson said.
He says once the letter to decommission is submitted – once the fuel rod’s removed – Byron is closed. Forever.
Thoughts?
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Another day, another lawsuit
Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tom Schuba…
Two firms vying for lucrative pot shop permits filed suit Monday in Cook County court claiming state officials wrongfully pushed them to give up additional spots in this week’s third and final licensing lottery.
The complaint, brought by Suite Greens LLC and So Baked Too LLC, doesn’t seek to upend the licensing rollout, like another pending suit in Cook County is trying to do. Instead, the applicant groups want the state to give them all the chances they initially earned in Thursday’s long-delayed drawing.
“It doesn’t make sense how they can delay a year and a half and come back more incompetent than when we started,” said Britteney Kapri, a renowned poet from Uptown who’s partnered in So Baked Too. “The whole process has just been so confusing and aggravating the whole time.”
Indeed, the business of dishing out the lucrative permits has grown increasingly convoluted.
Indeed.
Go read the rest.
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* WGN-TV/Emerson College poll taken August 13-15 of 1,000 Chicago residents with a MoE of +/- 3 percent…
About 45.9% of those polled disapprove of the job Lightfoot is doing as mayor, 42.5% approve of her performance and another 10.8% are unsure or have no opinion.
These numbers represent a shift from the start of the summer. On June 1, Lightfoot’s approval rating among Chicago voters was 48%.
Also under water with Chicago residents, but by a much wider margin, is Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Just 34.7% of Chicagoans polled approve of the job the county’s top prosecutor is doing overall, 47.7% disapprove and 15.9% are unsure or have no opinion. […]
By an overwhelming number, Chicagoans still think crime is the number one issue facing the city. Of those asked, 44.2% said their top concern was crime — that’s more than three times for any other issue. The city’s handling of the deadly COVID-19 virus came in second at 12%, followed by education/schools at 7.8%, health care at 7.3% and police reform at 7.2%. […]
In the wake of the shooting death of Chicago Police Officer Ella French, support for the police force is growing overall. One week after French was shot to death during a traffic stop on the South Side, 70% of residents who were polled say they have at least a somewhat positive opinion of CPD. That’s an uptick of 10 points since June 1. As of Aug. 15, 23% have a somewhat or very negative opinion of the Chicago Police Department and just 7% are unsure.
The full poll is here.
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* Background is here if you need it…
Senator Jil Tracy
Chairwoman
Legislative Ethics Commission
103C Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Dear Chairwoman Tracy:
Please be advised, pursuant to 5 ILCS 430/25-10 (b-5), I have appointed Carol Pope to serve on the Legislative Ethics Commission’s search committee for the purpose of conducting a search for qualified candidates for the position of the Legislative Inspector General. Ms. Pope’s contact information is xxxx.
This appointment is effective immediately. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact xxxxx.
Sincerely,
Jim Durkin
House Republican Leader
Heh.
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Chicago mandates indoor masks
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Kelly Bauer…
All people 2 and older must once again wear masks when indoors in public in Chicago starting Friday, officials announced Tuesday.
The return of the mask mandate comes as the city sees a surge of COVID-19 cases fueled by the more contagious Delta variant.
Masks will be required for all people — including those fully vaccinated — so long as they’re 2 or older and indoors in a public place. They can be removed during certain activities, like eating and drinking at bars and restaurants.
People working in settings not open to the public and who can remain distant from coworkers — like those in office cubicles — can also remove their masks, according to the city’s policy.
Gov. Pritzker was asked about a possible statewide mask mandate this afternoon, but he didn’t appear to be at all ready to do something like that.
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New laws
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that builds on the legacy of unsung hero Mary K. Hunt and designates Penicillium Rubens as the official state microbe of Illinois. The Governor also signed legislation which adds agricultural sciences and agricultural education as an option to fulfill the coursework requirements for university admission.
HB 1879 designated penicillium rubens NRRL 1951 as the official state microbe of Illinois. The designation recognizes the contribution of Mary K. Hunt, also known as Moldy Mary, and the Northern Regional Research Library – now known as the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. Due to their research and work, penicillin’s yield soared at a time when demand was high all across the world.
“It’s no secret that penicillin production is an achievement Peoria takes great pride in – but as of today, it becomes a point of pride for all of Illinois, with new status as our official state microbe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The additional legislation will help Illinois not lose any more Marys to history by recognizing the value of agricultural science in our education system for students of all backgrounds. By supporting our young learners who want to take ag sciences through to a university education – and beyond – Illinois is diversifying what it means to learn, to grow, to innovate – and to set the stage for our future generations to live their dreams.” […]
HB 3218 and SB 1624 add agricultural sciences as a course option for the science category and agricultural education as a course option for the elective category as part of the required high school coursework for university admission. This expansion of agricultural education options was made possible by students, teachers, FFA clubs, and lawmakers working to ensure high school students in Illinois can access the tools they need to continue our proud Illinois agriculture tradition.
* Capitol News Illinois…
With the ongoing Illinois State Fair as a backdrop, Gov. JB Pritzker signed several bills into law in recent days during ceremonies that coincided with daily fair themes.
On Monday, which was Senior and Scout Day at the fair, Pritzker signed a package of bills aimed at improving health care for seniors, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
“I am excited to sign four pieces of legislation that will make Illinois an even safer state for seniors,” Pritzker said at the signing ceremony. “Together, the steps we’re taking today mark a bipartisan commitment to ensuring that Illinois seniors can live their best lives.” […]
Monday’s signing ceremony followed a similar ceremony Sunday, which was Veterans and Gold Star Families Day at the fair, during which Pritzker signed several bills dealing with services for military veterans and their families.
More info here.
* Tribune…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed into law a measure that makes it illegal for police to use at least one commonly searched law enforcement database to conduct criminal background checks on citizens who sign up to speak at public meetings statewide.
The law was inspired by a 2019 Tribune story that disclosed how the Chicago Police Department ran secret background checks for over a decade on several hundred citizens who signed up to speak at public meetings before the Chicago Police Board. […]
The new law, which goes into effect immediately, bars police agencies throughout Illinois from conducting background checks on citizens “for the sole reason” of that person speaking “at an open meeting of a public body, including police disciplinary boards.”
* WLDS…
Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the signing of 3 bills reforming education and juvenile justice in the state yesterday.
The first law will seek to end the use of physical restraints to discipline students in public schools. The legislation, which received wide bipartisan support, aims to eliminate solitary time out and other restrictive interventions within three years, while expanding training and accountability in schools as it relates to these practices.
The bill bans prone restraint. It may only be permitted for use as an emergency measure until the end of the 2021-22 school year. The bill also prohibits the use of medical and chemical restraint. The legislation ensures that timeouts, isolated timeouts, and other forms of physical restraint may only be used if a student’s behavior is an imminent danger to the individual student or to others, and the school staff member applying the invention tactic must be trained in its safe application. The law takes effect immediately.
* Center Square…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 805 to implement a program to distribute unused school lunches to needy students, but questions remain about just how the program will be implemented by school districts across the state.
State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, who is a co-sponsor of the legislation, said the program will make sure unused food at the state’s more than 850 school districts goes to those who need it most.
The unused food program will be implemented by local school districts, which are now required to come up with a plan to distribute food to families of students who may not get enough to eat at home.
The program will be a “joint effort between school districts and their local health departments,” Greenwood said.
* Not a new law, but a law that’s producing some results…
A local cannabis grower is hoping to fill up to 200 positions in the next few months and they are starting efforts with a two-day job fair this week.
In two sessions at the Shawnee Community College Anna Extension Center, the company, aeriz (pronounced “arise”), will hold informational meetings and open interviews for a wide range of positions.
The medical and recreational cannabis grower has a facility near Anna as well as one in Arizona, both of which use an aeroponic – or soilless – system to raise cannabis in a wholesale operation. The company does not sell its products directly to consumers.
* Related…
* Gov. Pritzker Honors Gold Star Families At Illinois State Fair, Signs Legislation To Improve Services For Servicemembers And Veterans
* New laws aim to lower prescription drug prices in Illinois
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We need to find another way to do this
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Cook County property tax increases hit Black and Latino suburbs the hardest, according to a report being released by the treasurer’s office today.
In west suburban Bellwood, the total amount of property taxes billed to homeowners went up 28.5% between 2019 and 2020. In south suburban Ford Heights, the commercial property tax tab went up 42%.
In fact, six of the 10 communities with the largest total residential tax increases were in majority Black or Latino areas, according to the treasurer’s office. For commercial property taxes, seven of the 10 communities with the highest increases were majority Black or Latino.
This is just not sustainable.
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* DPI will try to (at least somewhat) align itself with the recent FEC guidance today…
Members of the Democratic State Central Committee will meet to vote on proposed amendments to the rules on Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. at the Operating Engineers Local 965 located at 3520 E. Cook St. in Springfield, Ill.
* The Governor’s Day event at the Illinois State Fair will kick off tomorrow at noon. Scheduled speakers…
Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and Secretary of State Jesse White
I walked through the Director’s Lawn last night. They’ve moved the stage to the opposite side of the lawn. It was always up by the street. Now it’s set way back and faces the street.
* Greg Hinz…
Rep. Tom Demmer, a hospital administrator by trade who serves as Illinois House deputy GOP leader, said he’s launching a digital ad campaign today to raise his profile in expectation of running for either Illinois Secretary of State or Treasurer next year.
“As I consider what to do in the 2022 cycle, this is a good time to get out there and interact with voters statewide,” Demmer told me in a phone call.
* Politico…
State Sen. Darren Bailey, who’s running for the GOP nomination for governor, reports raising more than $420,000 in the past week, including $200,000 from businessman Melvin Alex, according to the State Board of Elections.
He got another $100K from Kaskaskia Organic, LLC in Mattoon.
* Speaking of Bailey…
It’s a small piece of cloth you put over your nose and mouth to help prevent the spread of a deadly and debilitating disease. Sheesh. Some people are just so into make-believe victimhood.
Also, Jessica Hockett is an interesting element. She’s got quite the online personality.
* Alexi Giannoulias fundraising letter…
The New Trier Township Democratic Committeeperson Dean Marago and Schaumburg Township Democratic Committeeperson Michael Cudzik announced their support, joining more than 100 elected officials, political organizations and labor unions throughout the State that have endorsed my 2022 bid for Secretary of State.
In addition, the following labor organizations endorsed our campaign: Illinois Postal Workers Union and its Northwest Illinois Area Local 7140; United Steelworkers District 7, which includes 60 locals with more than 15,000 members in Illinois; SMART-Transportation Division (formerly United Transportation Union), which represents 10,000 active and retired Illinois members; Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 265; and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Union No. 1, which includes 3,500 statewide members.
* Press release…
Judge Rene Cruz filed his paperwork on Monday, August 16, 2021, with the State Board of Elections to establish his campaign committee that will support his candidacy for the 2nd District of the Illinois Supreme Court. Cruz currently serves as a judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit of Illinois as the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Misdemeanor and Traffic Division after having served eight years and presiding over the Family Division. Judge Cruz was first appointed as a judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit which served DeKalb, Kane and Kendall Counties in 2012, and was elected to another term in the 1st Judicial SubCircuit in 2018 after having been unanimously appointed by the Supreme Court of Illinois as a Circuit Judge in 2016.
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* Unreal…
A Cook County judge on Monday conceded that an ongoing lawsuit he’s presiding over could potentially upend the state’s troubled cannabis licensing rollout and lead to a complete do-over.
During a lengthy hearing, Judge Moshe Jacobius issued an order granting WAH Group LLC a place in Thursday’s third and final lottery for dispensary licenses. But as Jacobius ruled the group was unjustly excluded from the drawing, he acknowledged the underlying suit could have serious implications for the state’s lucrative cannabis industry.
“We can’t predict the future. And counsel says that if you ultimately rule that the whole structure was improper, then the whole thing will have to be redone over again,” he said of the licensing process. “That may very well be, but I can’t anticipate what’s going to happen.
“And that’s just the most extreme thing that can happen. It might happen,” he added. “It’s very possible. But then, everybody then would be subject to just another application process or another lottery, who knows what.”
“Who knows what.” Wonderful.
* In other court news, here’s the Sun-Times…
Four members of former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s inner circle could face trial late in 2022 for their alleged roles in the ComEd bribery scandal.
What’s still not clear is whether new allegations might surface in the case by then.
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber on Tuesday scheduled a Sept. 12, 2022, trial for Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, onetime ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and ex-City Club President Jay Doherty. All four have pleaded not guilty in response to a 50-page indictment filed last November that accused them of a long-term bribery scheme designed to curry favor with Madigan.
But Leinenweber also asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker about the ongoing possibility of a superseding indictment — which could add new allegations and defendants to the case. Streicker insisted she had “no further information about whether there will be a superseding indictment” and told the judge, “the investigation is ongoing.”
* Tribune…
Prosecutors also said Tuesday they’re still in the process of turning over records and evidence in the case, with the most recent “large production” made in late-June. Another discovery production was “being loaded now,” Streicker said.
The feds had previously turned over more than a million pages of records in discovery as well as discs containing wiretapped calls and other electronic evidence.
A status hearing in the case was scheduled for Oct. 21.
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COVID-19 roundup
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* New Axios/Ipsos poll…
Two-thirds (64%) support their state or local government requiring masks to be worn in all public places. […]
Almost seven in ten (69%) support their local school districts requiring teachers, students, and administrators to wear masks in schools. Mask requirements in schools have broad support among the public, with no significant difference in support among parents (68%) and non-parents (70%). […]
About half (51%) of those who are employed report that their employer is requiring all employees to wear a mask at work. […]
Three in five Americans (63%) say they are wearing a mask at least sometimes when leaving the home. This marks a six-point increase from late July/early August, and an 11-point increase from mid-July.
Point being, Illinois news outlets which have been endlessly hyping small anti-mask protests really need to ease up on the ol’ Facebook time. Social media is not reality.
* The difference between now and then, of course, is that we now have a vaccine…
The average number of new daily COVID-19 cases in Chicago topped 400 Monday, the highest it’s been since May 7 and a tenfold increase from the rate’s lowest point in June.
The 400-case bench mark is another indicator of the latest coronavirus surge, this one largely driven by the contagious delta variant and mostly sickening those who aren’t vaccinated. It’s a metric that Chicago’s top doctor also has referred to as “a line in the sand for us.”
That was in August 2020, when city and Chicago Public Schools officials announced that they would start the 2020-21 school year with all remote learning.
Then again, kids under 12 can’t be vaxed yet.
* The same admonition about vaxes applies here…
Gov. JB Pritzker didn’t directly say Monday whether he would extend the state’s eviction moratorium for those facing hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic as cases, deaths and hospitalizations for the virus continue to rise.
“We’ve looked at that, we continue to look at it. We’ll make a decision about that soon,” Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference in Springfield when asked if he would extend the moratorium, which is set to expire at the end of the month.
The governor’s comments come as COVID-19 intensive care bed utilization has increased by 290 percent on a weekly average since July 11. Positivity rates and death counts also continue to rise, although vaccinations have picked up in recent days as well.
When it comes to evictions, Illinois courts are currently under a Supreme Court order until Sept. 1 allowing for the filing of eviction claims but staying certain final trials and judgements. Pritzker’s current disaster declaration and associated eviction moratorium is due to be renewed or expire on Aug. 21.
* I saw a couple people wearing masks last night, but not many…
Fairgoers are required to wear a mask at the Illinois State Fair and that includes food vendors. It’s a message that Newschannel20 and Fox Illinois have repeatedly shared from the state.
But what is the state doing to enforce that policy after reports that hardly anyone is following it?
As the Illinois State Fair goes on for its fifth day, fairgoers that after every year including Quinn Slightom noticed others are not following the rules.
“I don’t remember the last time I saw a mask besides my own, I don’t think anybody cares,” Slightom said.
The food vendors, at least, really should be masked up.
* Related…
* Despite vaccine mandate, IDOC staff only at 44% inoculation
* Chicago pharmacist charged with selling authentic COVID-19 vaccine cards on eBay
* Stevenson High School District 125 mandates teacher and staff vaccinations by October
* Retail sales drop worse-than-expected 1.1% in July as rising Covid fears hit consumers
* September unemployment cliff looms for 7 million Americans
* This Summer Was Destined for Failure
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* Tom Kacich…
Illinois’ population decline — 18,124 over the last decade — isn’t because of the six-county Chicago metropolitan area. That region’s population grew by 129,216 between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, including a gain of 50,790 in the city of Chicago.
The state’s losses have been in the other 96 counties in Illinois, where total population has sunk by 147,340 over the last decade.
If you include Kendall, Grundy and Kankakee counties — three that the federal government combines into the Chicago metropolitan area — the contrast is even more severe. Grundy County added about 2,500 people between 2010 and 2020, while Kendall County added 17,133.
Every county but four south of Interstate 80 in Illinois — Champaign, McLean, Effingham and Williamson — lost population over the last 10 years.
* Downstate’s population issue will, as the headline says, make it much easier for Democrats to delete a Republican congressional district whenever they get around to it…
* He tweeted a somewhat similar hypothetical map before with more context…
Keep in mind that the final map may very well look a whole lot different than the ones above. The point here is that the new Census results have made the Democrats’ job much easier.
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* Crain’s has a story on casino magnate Neil Bluhm and his potential bid for a Chicago casino…
As Bluhm mulls his next moves, FanDuel and DraftKings are inking partnerships with sportsbooks at Chicago’s stadiums. The most potentially lucrative and furthest along is a DraftKings sportsbook at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs have already received the OK from the city’s Landmarks Commission to build a betting parlor at the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue.
But the City Council hasn’t approved stadium-based wagering yet. Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, whose ward includes the United Center, got the ball rolling last month when he introduced an ordinance allowing betting at stadiums. City Hall sources say people in Bluhm’s camp argued against the bill, which has been sidelined in the rules committee.
Bluhm confirms that he opposes the stadium-betting bill. He warns that stadium-based sportsbooks would generate little money for the city beyond a licensing fee of $50,000 for the first year and $25,000 per year following, while cutting into the action at a Chicago casino that city leaders hope will generate about $200 million in tax revenue annually to shore up sagging municipal pensions. […]
Stadium sportsbook proponents say the argument is disingenuous: Money will flow to the city, just via vertical capital spending through the state’s “Rebuild Illinois” program. Chicago is expected to receive hundreds of millions to improve university and community college facilities as the state’s gambling expansion takes off.
Unreal.
Chicago undercut the last capital bill by not opting into video gaming for the same sort of “reasons.” Bird in the hand, folks.
* Meanwhile…
July was a strong month for Northwest Indiana’s four casinos, with a favorable calendar and more visitors helping to bump total revenues up by more than 12% over June.
The casinos took in a total of $104.2 million in July compared to $92.2 million in June, according to the monthly revenue report released Thursday by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
* Related…
* Which Companies Are – And Aren’t – Making A Play For The Chicago Casino License
* Mayor: Arlington Park sale announcement could come in next month or two
* Arlington Million Day media gets parting gift — Petrillo throws all out of press box: “I’ve certainly never seen or heard of anything like it,” said Marcus Hersh of The Daily Racing Form — one of the most respected turf writers in North America.
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* CMS…
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has adjusted the deadline for Request for Proposal (RFP) submissions for the sale of the James R. Thompson Center (JRTC) to October 8, 2021. Several vendors interested in responding to the RFP have requested additional time to develop their proposals to reflect a number of positive developments that will impact pricing including the zoning change passed by City Council, memorandum of understanding with the Chicago Transit Authority, and a memorandum of agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. CMS released the RFP in May 2021 and the sale of the JRTC is scheduled to be completed by April 2022.
Only the RFP deadline has been altered. The scheduled sale date has not changed.
* Greg Hinz…
State officials familiar with the matter said the main reason for the RFP delay indeed is to give potential buyers more time to familiarize themselves with the complex site, which include a CTA transit station and direct connection to the city’s underground pedway system. They also noted a change in city zoning on the site since the RFP was issued, doubling to 2 million square feet the size of an office tower which could go on the property at LaSalle and Randolph.
However, officials also agreed the office market may be more fully recovered by next spring, something that could get the state a better price.
* I have yet to find anyone who can say it’s a pleasure to work in that building…
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Remap problem coverage roundup
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Background is here if you need it. Capitol News Illinois…
Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly say new, detailed census numbers released last week show the legislative maps that Democrats pushed through in the spring are unconstitutional.
The Census Bureau released the data Thursday, Aug. 12, several months later than usual due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. The numbers show population counts down to the block level, which is what lawmakers need in order to draw districts that are as close to equal in population as possible.
Due to the delays, Democrats who control the General Assembly drew maps using population estimates based on survey data. Under the Illinois Constitution, waiting beyond June 30 for the official data would have triggered a provision putting the process in the hands of a bipartisan legislative commission in which Democrats could have lost their partisan advantage. […]
If the maps are found to be unconstitutional, though, it is not certain that the court would invoke the state constitution’s provision calling for the bipartisan commission.
Democrats could argue that they met the constitution’s June 30 deadline and, therefore, only need to go back and make adjustments to the maps to bring them into compliance.
* Sun-Times…
Asked to respond to the Republican lawmakers’ claims, a spokeswoman for Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said Democrats are still “analyzing the data. We have no further updates.” […]
State Senators Omar Aquino and Elgie Sims, two Chicago Democrats who oversaw the senate’s redistricting committee, said in a joint statement they continue to analyze the information released by the Census Bureau but “our commitment to the people of Illinois remains the same: we support a fair map that reflects the broad racial and geographic diversity of Illinois.
“As we go through this review process, if it becomes clear that updates need to be made, we will take the appropriate steps to do so,” they said.
“This has been a unique Census, and it’s important we take time to fully understand the data. This includes the impact of ‘differential privacy,’ which is which is used by the Census Bureau to protect identities of respondents but may also result in inaccuracies, especially in more ethnically and racially diverse communities.”
* Center Square…
Pritzker on Monday said lawmakers may have to rework things.
“And to the extent that there are changes that will need to be made, that’s certainly something the Legislature will need to take up and I’ll consider,” Pritzker said.
He said something similar this spring before approving the maps.
“I think there will be Census data that comes out and there may need to be some adjustments made as a result of that Census data,” Pritzker said June 1.
* SJ-R…
Political consultant Frank Calabrese, who performed an analysis of Census data for the Capitol Fax newsletter, said he found three new legislative districts that differed in population from the statewide average by more than 10 percentage points.
According to Calabrese, the new district for Rep. LaMont Robinson, D-Chicago, has a population of 124,823 based on the official 2020 Census, or 15% higher than the House district average of 108,581.
On the other hand, Calabrese said the new district created for Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, was 15.4% below the population average, while the new district occupied by Sen. Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago, was 11% above the average population for new Senate districts.
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Reports: Booster shots to begin next month
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* AP…
U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.
Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.
An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.
* New York Times…
The first boosters are likely to go to nursing home residents, health care workers and emergency workers. They would probably be followed by other older people who were near the front of the line when vaccinations began late last year, then by the general population. Officials envision giving people the same vaccine they originally received.
* WaPo…
Administration of boosters would not occur until mid- or late September, after an application from Pfizer-BioNTech for the additional shots is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, the individuals said.
The conclusion that boosters will be broadly needed was reached after intense discussions last weekend involving high-ranking officials who scrutinized the latest data from the United States and other countries on the effectiveness of the shots.
It is a striking change from public statements by senior officials in recent months who had said it was far too soon to conclude that Americans would need booster shots. In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA put out an unusual statement that said, “Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time.” Officials have repeatedly said it was not clear whether boosters would be needed.
But in recent days, the messaging has started to change. As data from other countries and the United States showed waning immunity, health officials moderated their language, hinting that booster shots would be likely. Last week, Anthony S. Fauci, the White House chief medical adviser, said it was “likely” everyone will need a coronavirus booster at some point.
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Open thread
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Felt good to be there…
Anything particular on your mind?
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