* Media advisory…
What:
The U.S. Census Bureau will hold a news conference to discuss the release of the first local level results from the 2020 Census. States use these data on race, Hispanic origin, and the voting-age population to redraw the boundaries of their congressional and state legislative districts.
The news conference will provide initial analysis of the first local level results from the 2020 Census on population change, race, ethnicity, the age 18 and over population, and housing occupancy status.
A live Q&A session with Census Bureau subject-matter experts will immediately follow the briefing for credentialed media who have RSVPed.
When:
Thursday, August 12, at 1 p.m. EDT
Who:
Ron Jarmin, acting director, U.S. Census Bureau
James Whitehorne, chief, Redistricting & Voting Rights Data Office, U.S. Census Bureau
Nicholas Jones, director and senior advisor of Race and Ethnic Research and Outreach, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau
Marc Perry, senior demographer, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau
Michael C. Cook, Sr., chief, Public Information Office, U.S. Census Bureau (moderator)
The legislature held off drawing the congressional maps until this data was available. It’s also possible that some state legislative districts will be redrawn if the data highlights important errors.
…Adding… Jim Nowlan on the new legislative maps. He really doesn’t like them…
We wouldn’t be facing such atrocious maps had not the state high court in 2016 blocked a petition signed by 700,000 voters. The ballot proposal would have allowed voters to determine if they wanted an independent commission to draw maps, without partisan gerrymandering.
But the court, in a vote of four Democrats over three Republicans, blocked this opportunity. The majority opinion was the most contrived bit of jurisprudence since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision, a catalyst for the Civil War.
Um, wow.
The opinion is here.
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Richard Trumka
Thursday, Aug 5, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Late last month…
The head of the AFL-CIO said on Tuesday that the labor organization supports vaccine mandates for workers.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka outlined the group’s position during an interview on C-SPAN’s “The Washington Journal,” explaining why such mandates are important.
“Yes we do,” Trumka said, when asked if the AFL-CIO supports vaccine mandates. “If you are coming back into the workplace, you have to know what’s around you.”
* Today…
AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, one of the country’s most powerful labor leaders and an influential voice in many Washington debates, died suddenly at 72, according to the federation.
Trumka, a third-generation coal miner who rose to power through the United Mine Workers, had become one of the most powerful labor leaders in the country and a key ally of Democrats in Washington, having worked in some capacity with every Democratic White House the last 30 years. […]
He has played an important part in debates during both Democratic and Republican administrations, playing a key role during the Trump administration’s effort to rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement. Democrats only signed onto the pact after Trumka helped negotiate key changes.
As labor issues took center stage in the Biden administration, Trumka’s profile — and sway — was perhaps at its peak. With his blue collar background and working class credibility, he had been a crucial ally and public advocate in the larger discussions about strengthening the country’s labor laws, through legislation like the Pro Act, that remains a top Democratic priority.
* AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner…
The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today. Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement. He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend. Rich was loved and beloved. Today, the 56 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO mourn the passing of our fearless leader and commit to honoring his legacy with action. Standing on Rich’s shoulders, we will pour everything we have into building an economy, society and democracy that lifts up every working family and community
I don’t usually do this for national figures, but a number of Illinoisans have weighed in, so I thought I’d post their remarks.
* Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch…
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. I had the pleasure of meeting and discussing important issues for our working families with Rich just last week. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Rich for his tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of working families. He was a steadfast champion for all and will be dearly missed. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.
* Robin Kelly…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chairwoman Robin Kelly on Richard Trumka’s passing:
“My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Richard Trumka. Rich’s dedication to making sure American workers had a voice and ability to build a good life will be a lasting legacy for the AFL-CIO that will benefit working families for generations to come. Rich was a true warrior and fighter for everyday men and women.”
* CFL…
Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter released the following statement regarding the news that AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has passed away at 72:
“Rich Trumka was a dedicated unionist, a ferocious fighter for working people, and a beloved friend to so many. I met Rich over 11 years ago during my early days at the Chicago Federation of Labor. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Rich speaking to workers all over the Chicago area. It gave me an early opportunity to get to know him personally and learn from a leader firsthand how to carry the spirit of the American worker wherever I go. It was clear that he loved Chicago and its workers. He partnered with the CFL and local affiliates countless times throughout the course of his career to improve the lives of workers in Chicago and beyond. The entire Chicago labor movement mourns the devastating loss of President Trumka. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the AFL-CIO, and the entire labor movement.”
* IFT…
Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement upon the news of the sudden death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn today that Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, has passed away.
“His death is an immeasurable loss for the labor movement and for all working women and men. Rich dedicated his life to improving the lives of American workers and their families and to fighting for the rights and respect that every working person deserves, whether they sweep floors, build skyscrapers, or teach in classrooms.
“Richard Trumka was a real fighter during a period of upheaval and tremendous attacks on labor. A working man, a unionist to the core. Gracious, tenacious, smart. I was proud to have worked with him and privileged to consider him a friend.
“On behalf of the 103,000 members of the IFT, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The fight he led for the rights of all working people and the betterment of this nation endures. That’s his legacy.”
* SEIU Local 73…
SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer issued the following statement on the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
“Richard Trumka was a champion for working families and an outspoken advocate for social and economic justice. His work on economic advocacy spanned the globe and brought together international labor support for workers struggling for justice.”
“From fighting to end unfair trade practices to restoring U.S. manufacturing strength, Richard Trumka’s leadership and determination to improve life for all working families was a demonstration of his commitment to the labor movement. We shared his values and will continue his fight for living wages, equal pay, respect at work, safe jobs, secure retirement, and the freedom for all workers to form or join unions and bargain collectively.”
“On behalf of the members of SEIU Local 73, I send our condolences to Richard’s family. May his memory and legacy be a blessing and may he rest in power.”
* US Chamber…
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark today issued the following statement after the passing of Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President.
“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Trumka, who was a fighter, a fierce advocate, and, above all else, a decent man who earned the respect and admiration of anyone who worked with him.
“We enjoyed many years of strong partnership on shared priorities as well as spirited debate grounded in a common desire to better our nation. Our thoughts go out to his family and the millions of active and retired AFL-CIO members who benefited from his great leadership.”
I’ll update as needed. I think one is coming from the governor, but he’s been at an event.
…Adding… I didn’t see Mayor Lightfoot’s tweet when I put this up…
…Adding… Illinois AFL-CIO…
The Illinois AFL-CIO, representing nearly 900,000 workers across the state, today issued the following statement on the passing of national AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Trumka, a true champion for working people.
Like Richard, I came up through the United Mine Workers union and the Federation of Labor, and worked with him to protect and provide for working families for more than 30 years.
He was always a powerful voice for treating workers fairly and served as a great inspiration for all of our state and local union leaders. But even in his role leading 12.5 million members strong in these challenging times, Richard Trumka never lost sight of who he was fighting for: the everyday men and women who needed good jobs to lead better lives for their families.
He made workplace safety a priority, especially during the pandemic. He understood how to work with Democrats and Republicans, to build the political support needed to keep working families in the fight. He valued social and economic justice, and I know he would be proud of the strides we are taking today in the name of equality and diversity.
We will greatly miss Richard Trumka’s fierce leadership, his undying loyalty to our values, and his sincere friendship. We keep his family in our prayers as we know he will rest in power, with a tremendous legacy.”
Tim Drea
President
Illinois AFL-CIO
…Adding… Governor…
* Sen. Duckworth…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of Richard Trumka. Working families across our nation have lost a fierce advocate, one who never shied away from standing up for what was right and who worked every single day to improve the lives of millions of hard-working Americans. His legacy as a champion of working people will live on and I will do all I can to keep up the fight for working families in his honor. My deepest condolences go to his wife, Barbara, and their son, Rich Jr., during this time.”
* Sen. Holmes…
Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has released the following statement after hearing the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka passing today:
“I’m saddened to hear of President Trumka’s untimely passing, and my heart is not just with his immediate family but also with the millions of working people throughout the U.S. who have lost his leadership and his advocacy for them.
He was a legendary powerhouse who devoted his entire career to making life better for all those engaged in keeping this country moving forward. I will remember him and his tremendous influence on the American labor movement.”
Holmes serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Labor Committee.
* Comptroller Mendoza…
Every American who believes in workers’ rights, a safe workplace, and the right to earn a living wage should take a moment today to grieve the loss of Richard Trumka, a powerful fighter for the rights of working men and women. A coal miner who rose to president of the AFL-CIO, Trumka embodied what’s great and worth fighting for in the United States of America. Rest in Peace and God’s glory. We are all better off because of your life. Thank you and Godspeed.
* Sen. Durbin…
* SEIU Healthcare…
SEIU Healthcare IL, IN, MO, KS President Greg Kelley released the following statement regarding the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s passing:
The unexpected passing of AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka has left SEIU Healthcare IL IN MO KS with a heavy heart. He was a larger-than-life figure, whose uncompromising efforts in the fight for workers’ rights have left an indelible mark on the labor movement in this country.
Trumka was a giant, not just in stature but in integrity and commitment. He believed in a strong democracy and an equitable society. He supported working families by advocating for vaccinations and workplace safety.
He spent decades speaking out about issues that truly impacted working class people. Trumka never hesitated to use his powerful voice in political and corporate arenas, championing for the rights of hard-working Americans.
We are saddened to have lost one of our greatest warriors in this battle, but we will be diligent in continuing the fight in his honor.
* US Rep. Schakowsky…
Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chairwoman of Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was announced:
“I am heartbroken over the sudden, unexpected, and tragic death of my friend Richard Trumka. President Trumka’s story is one that should inspire all Americans - the son of immigrants, he went to work in a coal mine, and through hard work and determination, eventually became the most powerful labor leader in the United States.
“President Trumka’s commitment to the working men and women of this country was second to none. I was proud to work closely with him on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), representing a paradigm shift towards workers when it comes to our national trade policy.
“Today we lost a giant. We must honor his memory by fighting like hell for the working men and women of this country, never forgetting that that was his life’s purpose.”
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* Every two weeks seems like a lot of time between tests, but whatever. It’s a start…
Due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, Secretary of State Jesse White announced that beginning Sept. 1, Secretary of State employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be required to submit to repeated COVID-19 testing.
“As the pandemic continues to surge nationally, we must do all we can to maintain the safety of our customers and employees and this is an important step in doing that,” said Secretary White. “I am proud of our staff for their hard work as we continue to provide essential services during this challenging time.”
Employees will be required to show proof of their vaccination status. Employees who are not vaccinated will be required to submit the results of COVID-19 tests every two weeks.
This announcement follows the implementation of White’s policy requiring all employees and customers at Driver Services facilities, Secretary of State Offices and the Illinois State Capitol Complex to wear masks while inside those locations.
White stressed that it is imperative for his facilities to remain open to serve the public to reduce the heavy customer volume caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year. White said reinstating the mask policy for employees and customers, as well as this new initiative will help achieve this goal.
White is reminding customers that his office extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards until Jan. 1, 2022. As a result, expired documents will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2022, so customers do not need to rush into a facility. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.
* And this was announced while I was on break, so I figured I’d post it now…
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is launching a comprehensive plan to address the heavy customer volume at Driver Services facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. White’s plan includes two key elements:
• Expanding the appointment pilot program in September to include most Driver Services facilities in the Chicagoland area.
• Expanding remote renewal over the next six months to allow approximately 1 million more people to renew their driver’s licenses and ID cards online, by phone or by mail. Letters will be mailed out to those who qualify beginning in September until the end of February 2022.
“During the pandemic, my office has continued to serve the public, including face-to-face transactions, in a safe and responsible manner,” said White. “Throughout this time, we also greatly expanded online services. This next step will allow many more people to renew their driver’s licenses or ID cards remotely instead of visiting a Driver Services facility. To further address the heavy customer volume at facilities, my office is expanding the appointment program in September to include most Chicagoland facilities, so customers who must visit a facility can schedule an appointment. Certain designated facilities will still accommodate walk-in customers.”
Expanding the Appointment Program
Beginning the first week of September, customers will be required to make an appointment to visit the following three Chicago facilities: Chicago North, 5401 N. Elston Ave.; Chicago South, 9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; and Chicago West, 5301 W. Lexington St. The days and hours of operation at these facilities will be Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Aug. 2.
Lake Zurich, Melrose Park, Midlothian and Woodstock have been serving as appointment facilities since early this year. These facilities, which also operate Tuesday through Saturday, will continue requiring appointments.
The week of Sept. 7th, many other metro Driver Services facilities will also require appointments. These facilities include Schaumburg, Bridgeview, Lombard, Des Plaines, Waukegan, Naperville, Aurora, Plano and Joliet.
Appointments will be required for customers applying for or renewing REAL IDs, standard driver’s licenses and ID cards, and for behind-the-wheel road tests at these facilities. Customers can visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to schedule an appointment up to 10 days in advance during this phase of the program. New appointment slots will be available each day at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
All 16 facilities will have the same standardized days and hours of operation: Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Secretary White emphasized that seniors, persons with disabilities and expectant mothers will be served as walk-ins at all 16 of the designated appointment facilities.
Beginning in September, customers can schedule an appointment online or by calling the appointment helpline at 844-817-4649. The Secretary of State is partnering with the Chicago Lighthouse to provide these call center services. The Chicago Lighthouse’s call centers offer career opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, veterans and economically disadvantaged.
Larger central and downstate Illinois facilities will implement a customer scheduling system in the near future.
Walk-in Facilities
White noted that not all facilities will go to the appointment-based system. Many small, rural facilities will not require the appointment system because they do not encounter the heavy customer volume that large facilities encounter.
Additionally, some Chicagoland facilities will remain accessible to walk-in customers. These facilities include Deerfield, Elgin, Chicago Central (James R. Thompson Center) and the temporary facility at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights.
Expanding remote renewal to address heavy customer volume
Beginning in September and running through February 2022, White’s office will be expanding remote renewal for driver’s license and ID card holders. During this six-month period, the office will mail letters to eligible customers with expired driver’s licenses and ID cards, requiring them to renew online, by phone or by mail. The office estimates that this will eliminate the need for approximately 1 million people to visit a facility.
In addition, White’s office will continue mailing remote renewal letters to drivers and ID card holders 90 days before their cards expire. Through this innovative approach, most customers will be able to renew remotely and avoid visiting facilities. Customers who must visit a facility include first time driver’s license or ID card applicants, first time REAL ID applicants and drivers ages 75 and older who are required by state law to visit a facility when renewing their license.
White continues to encourage people to conduct other business online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Aside from driver’s license and ID card renewals for those who qualify, online services include obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, ordering a driver record and purchasing license plate stickers.
As a reminder, White has extended all driver’s license and ID card expiration dates to Jan. 1, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023.
You’ll recall that SoS candidate Alexi Giannoulias said last month that he would expand that appointment pilot program if elected.
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* Rachel Hinton at the Sun-Times…
Menstrual products will be provided free of charge at shelters for homeless people and in campus bathrooms at public universities and community colleges under pieces of legislation signed into law Thursday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
“Given the high price of menstrual products such as pads and tampons, it’s no wonder that many women below the poverty line have had to sacrifice their personal health and hygiene in order to afford food or other basic necessities, turning to socks and toilet paper to manage their menstrual cycle,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker was joined by the sponsors of House Bills 155, 310 and 641 which he signed Thursday at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The bills increase access to menstrual products, necessities “which fit right alongside hand soap and toilet paper as critical hygiene care” that can make or break a student’s day, the governor said. […]
Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, said the legislation signed Thursday “recognizes a simple fact of biology: about half our population experiences menstruation throughout a significant portion of their lifetimes.”
“We all agree collectively that soap, toilet paper, napkins, tissues, seat covers and all those other things are provided for us in public spaces,” said Stuart, a sponsor of the legislation. “In fact, we probably don’t really ever think about it until we’re in a situation where we really need something like that, and it’s just not there. This legislation puts menstrual hygiene products in that same category, which is exactly where they belong.”
* WEHT…
HB 155 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to apply for a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, that would pave the way for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to use the two programs for diapers and menstrual hygiene products. This piece of legislation goes into effect January 1, 2022.
HB 641 requires all public colleges and community colleges across the state to provide free feminine hygiene products in campus bathrooms. This legislation goes into effect immediately. The Board of Trustees at Illinois colleges and universities will need to decide how these needs are funded.
* Capitol News Illinois…
House Bill 310 requires homeless shelters that serve women and youth to make menstrual hygiene products available free of charge. That requirement, however, is “subject to the availability of funds in the homeless shelter’s general budget,” according to the bill.
“I cannot personally imagine the indignity of having to use some other item as a makeshift sanitary product,” bill sponsor Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, said at the news conference. “But I believe people who have already been deprived of so much should not have to suffer that, too.”
That measure passed the General Assembly with only one vote against in the Senate and three votes against in the House. It will become law in January 2022.
Republican Sen. Terri Bryant and GOP Reps. Brad Halbrook, Chris Miller and Adam Niemerg voted “No.”
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* Delays are not optimal, but this is still good news from Greg Hinz…
Citing a flurry of last-minute interest, the city now is considering extending the period in which gambling companies can submit a bid to operate Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposed mega-casino, according to a source familiar with the matter.
An extension of two months or so now appears likely, and an announcement is possible by the end of the week.
Bids now are due on Aug. 23, and the mayor has faced the politically awkward possibility of getting only one bid, from a partnership of Chicago casino mogul Neil Bluhm and Related Midwest, with the facility going on Related’s The 78 development at Roosevelt and Clark. […]
Though Lightfoot has insisted there is “no hometown favorite,” awarding a pact to the Blumn/Related team without competition could generate some negative headlines, given that Bluhm’s daughter, Leslie Bluhm, has donated and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the mayor’s campaign fund.
Um, yeah.
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* First he spread false reports of people dying from taking the vaccine, and now this…
Gary Rabine, one of three announced GOP candidates for governor, attacked Gov. J.B Pritzker’s mask mandate for schools by falsely contending the results of a Danish study last year dismissed the efficacy of face coverings by concluding there was “no statistical advantage to those who wore masks.” […]
But Rabine went further, contending a Danish study in 2020 found that people who wore masks “were just as likely to get COVID-19 as those who didn’t.” Rabine said the study concluded there was “no statistical advantage to those who work masks.”
Rabine’s conclusion conflicts with context provided by authors of the report who said the study of 6,000 people was geared to look at a 50% difference in COVID-19 infections between those who wore masks and those who did not.
According to FactCheck.org, the authors emphasized that their results “should not be used to conclude that a recommendation for everyone to wear masks in the community would not be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infections, because the trial did not test the role of masks in source control of SARS-CoV-2 infection.”
Source control means the spread of mask wearers to others, meaning the study only assessed the personal protective effect of a mask from being infected, not the potential for masks to block the spread to others, FactCheck.org noted. […]
Still, the Danish results have been misreported widely among COVID-19 deniers and those who oppose mitigation measures to contend that masking is ineffective against the virus. A number of researchers have pointed to concerns about the study, including the adequacy of COVID testing among participants and whether test subjects actually wore masks as were required.
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COVID-19 roundup
Thursday, Aug 5, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
…Adding… US Rep. Adam Kinzinger was interviewed about several things, including the mask mandate…
In regards to the state’s school mask mandate, Kinzinger said, “If that’s what keeps kids safe – all these kids aren’t vaccinated – then it’s fine to lean forward on it, as long as it’s not being done in a strong handed way, as long as it’s being done on scientific recommendations.”
* Marni Pyke…
In just one month, new COVID-19 infections more than tripled, but vaccinations dropped nearly by half, Illinois Department of Public Health data showed.
The latest mutation of COVID-19, the delta variant, is spreading rapidly, and it shows in average daily caseloads spurting from 318 in June to 969 in July across Illinois.
However, COVID-19 vaccinations shrunk from an average of 40,452 a day in June to 21,102 in July, reflecting some people’s hesitancy about getting a shot and the fact most Americans who are eligible for a dose have already gotten one. […]
On Tuesday, 26,667 more COVID-19 shots were administered. The seven-day average is 28,180.
* Notice that GOP legislators almost never say how they’d vote if a bill was in front of them. It’s mainly a deflection tactic to avoid taking a stand one way or another…
State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said such decisions can’t be left to one person. Legislators elected by the people should be debating such issues.
“We’ve been saying from the beginning from here as well that the legislature should be involved,” McClure said. “I think hearings are important.”
* Unclear on the concept…
The governor’s direction requires masks to be worn for workers in state facilities, prisons, day care centers, and public and private schools — where students must mask-up, too. The rule kicks in Oct. 4, allowing for unions that represent state workers to negotiate the specifics.
Um, the governor’s announcement was about a mask mandate for P-12 schools and long-term care facilities and a vaccine mandate for congregate state facility workers. It was in all the papers.
* More like this, please…
The nation’s largest nursing home operator told its workers this week they will have to get COVID-19 vaccinations to keep their jobs — a possible shift in an industry that has largely rejected compulsory measures for fear of triggering an employee exodus that could worsen already dangerous staffing shortages.
The new requirement at Genesis Healthcare, which has 70,000 employees at nearly 400 nursing homes and senior communities, is the clearest sign yet that such places may be willing to take that risk amid the surging delta variant and the fact that more than 40% of U.S. nursing home workers still have not gotten the shot.
Some experts are calling for mandatory vaccinations at nursing homes, warning that unprotected staff members are endangering residents. Even residents who have been inoculated are vulnerable because many are elderly and frail, with weak immune systems.
More than 1,250 nursing home residents across the U.S. were infected with COVID-19 in the week ending July 25, double the number from the week earlier, and 202 died, according to federal data.
* Same for this…
Major hospital system Advocate Aurora Health will require all of its workers to get COVID-19 vaccines, joining a growing list of Illinois health care providers mandating the shots.
Advocate Aurora, which has 10 hospitals in Illinois, will require its workers to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. The system has 75,000 workers in Illinois and Wisconsin.
“Our ultimate duty is to protect the health and safety of our team members, patients and communities,” President and CEO Jim Skogsbergh told employees in a video Wednesday. “The data is overwhelming. This vaccine is safe, and it’s highly effective in preventing infection and even more so, serious illness and death.” […]
More than 50 health care organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Nursing Association, released a statement last week supporting vaccine mandates in health care.
* Leaving it up to the locals was creating divisive local fights…
At first glance, the hurling of F-bombs, menacing threats and burly security guards whisking away unruly members of the crowds packing suburban school board meetings in recent weeks seems straight out of a reality TV show.
But the scenes are unfolding in real time across the Chicago suburbs, where concerned parents and beleaguered school district officials on Wednesday greeted Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mask mandate with everything from anger and sadness to relief and appreciation. […]
This summer, some members of the crowd at a Barrington Community School District 220 board meeting were escorted out of the room by security, and a recent District 45 meeting in Villa Park was adjourned after a mask debate devolved into a shouting match.
* Other stories…
* Read Gov. Pritzker’s Full Remarks on New COVID Mitigations for Illinois
* Superintendent concerned Pritzker’s mask order removes local control
* ‘Hard to disagree’; Southern Illinois leaders react to Pritzker’s school mask mandate
* Area superintendents adjust on mask mandate, with changing information, governor’s update
* McLean County Schools Shift As Pritzker Issues Mask Mandate
* Gov. Pritzker issues mask mandate for indoor youth sports
* Masks Mandated at Schools, Day Cares, Long-Term Care Facilities
* Less than 2 months after lifting most COVID-19 orders, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issues mask mandate for schools and vaccine requirement for some state workers
* Illinois announces new mask rules for schools as fight against COVID-19 continues
* Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Announces Statewide School Mask Mandate
* Pritzker orders up school mask mandate: ‘We all must take immediate and urgent action’
* Mask-optional schools in suburbs reverse course, say they’ll obey governor’s mandate
* If you went to Lollapalooza, get a COVID-19 test this week, Champaign-Urbana health department urges local residents
* Amid delta variant threat, employers step up pressure on unvaccinated workers to get COVID shots
* US plans to require COVID-19 shots for foreign travelers
* Secretary of Defense Austin to announce mandatory vaccine policy for all active-duty military
* Republican official who mocked COVID in final Facebook post dies of virus in Texas
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Question of the day, Part 2
Thursday, Aug 5, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Do you agree or disagree with the governor’s vaccine mandate for employees at the Illinois Departments of Human Services, Veterans’ Affairs, Corrections and Juvenile Justice who work in congregate facilities? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
bike tracks
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* Statement from Roberta Lynch, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 31…
Our fundamental goal as a union is to protect the lives and health of every union member and the people they serve. That’s why, since the first availability of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, AFSCME has worked to educate and encourage union members to be vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their families, co-workers and communities.
We have been working collaboratively with state agencies over the past months to increase vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of COVID in veterans’ homes, correctional facilities and care centers. And those efforts have been making steady progress.
In many of these state facilities vaccination rates now exceed those in the surrounding communities. More importantly, the numbers of COVID cases have declined dramatically in every one of these settings. In fact, some facilities have had no new cases at all—even with the arrival of the highly contagious Delta variant.
In other words, the combination of education about vaccine efficacy, ongoing testing, and appropriate protective measures, such as masking, has in fact been highly effective in reducing the spread of the virus in these facilities. Certainly more can be done, and our union is prepared to continue to work to further strengthen COVID prevention measures. We believe such efforts represent a better path forward than rigid mandates.
The employees in these congregate facilities have been on the job every day since the onset of this pandemic, putting their own health and safety at risk to assure public safety and provide essential care. We strongly oppose any effort to define them as part of the problem rather than recognizing their dedication and the vitally important contributions they have made to protecting health and saving lives.
The Pritzker Administration has already notified AFSCME that they stand ready to bargain over the implementation of the Governor’s plan for a vaccination mandate in these congregate facilities. Our union is fully prepared to engage in those discussions in order to ensure fairness for employees, while safeguarding the health of staff and all those who reside in these facilities.
Just get the shots.
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* Press release…
In response to Governor Pritzker issuing a statewide mask mandate in Illinois schools, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement:
“For over a year, the Governor cut out a co-equal branch of government and ruled the state with unilateral authority instead of working collaboratively to handle the Covid-19 pandemic in Illinois. Governor Pritzker must put this continuing power trip aside and allow local health departments, elected officials, schools and most importantly, parents, to make decisions on these serious issues to help stop the spread of Covid-19.”
* IEA…
The pandemic is not over. The numbers in Illinois are going in the wrong direction. We need to keep our students in the classroom and keep them, and those who teach and work with them in schools, safe. Masks, along with other mitigation, such as ventilation, testing, appropriate cleaning and protective gear, are proven tactics.
The number one key to controlling the spread of the virus is vaccination. We encourage all who are able to get the vaccine to do so. It is the clearest path back to “normal” that exists and only about half of those eligible to receive the vaccine in Illinois have done so.
“We all want to get back to normal. Let’s pull together and take care of one another. Vax up and mask up. We owe it to our students and we owe it to each other,” said Kathi Griffin, president of the Illinois Education Association. “We’re so thankful to have leadership in this state that won’t let the virus fester and grow. But, it us up to all of us to bring COVID-19 to its knees.”
* IFT…
“We continue to be thankful for Governor Pritzker’s steady leadership throughout the pandemic. As school resumes soon in most Illinois districts, we welcome his updated mask mandate. With the large number of unvaccinated individuals and the rapid spread of the highly infectious Delta variant in Illinois, requiring masks in all schools is a prudent course of action.
“Science tells us that a layered approach will go a long way towards helping keep schools open and students, staff, and communities safe. In addition to mask wearing, we strongly urge all school districts and institutions of higher education to employ additional safety measures, including physical distancing, regular handwashing, adequate building ventilation, and regular COVID testing of students and educators.
“The sharp increase of COVID-19 cases in our state is a stark reminder that this pandemic is far from over. It is the responsibility of every one of us to do whatever is necessary to keep one another safe and bring this pandemic to an end. Our union takes that responsibility seriously and will continue to fight to help make that happen.”
Notice that neither union came out in favor of vax mandates.
This post may be updated.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Leader McConchie…
“The governor’s continued unilateral, go-it-alone approach on pandemic decision-making actively undermines the state’s ability to have broadly accepted mitigation strategies,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods).
“The Governor encourages the public to be ‘all in Illinois’, but he himself refuses to be ‘all in’ with state and local elected officials who better understand their geographic areas and their communities’ needs. If he really wants to achieve the best possible mitigation results, he would abandon this singular approach and instead bring others to the governing table to ensure that mitigation efforts will be broadly accepted by the populace and effectively implemented. By continuing to exclude other state and local leaders, he is failing the people of Illinois who need statewide coordination, input and buy in from the public.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Jordan Abudayyeh…
Republicans need to spend less time complaining about doctors’ recommendations for ending this pandemic and more time actually trying to end it – by encouraging their supporters to get vaccinated.
…Adding… Gary Rabine…
Gary Rabine, a candidate for Governor, says JB Pritzker’s new school mask mandate is an unnecessary abuse of power, and he is calling on the Governor to allow school boards to make these decisions at the local level.
Rabine said the efficacy of mask mandates is sketchy at best. In the spring of 2020, a Danish study of 6,000 participants found that those who wore masks were just as likely to get COVID-19 as those who didn’t. Participants in the study were told to spend at least three hours outside their home and to practice social distancing and were then tested for COVID-19. The comprehensive study found no statistical advantage to those who wore masks.
“This is about control – not about science,” Rabine said. “We know that kids are at a low risk for the virus. Our kids had a rough year last year thanks to Governor Pritzker’s policies. We should allow local school boards to work with parents and students to set mask policies at the local level, instead of Pritzker’s one-size-fits-all solution. We need bold leadership, and we need to protect the rights of parents to make decisions for themselves and their children. I stand opposed to Governor Pritzker’s decision to infringe on parental rights.”
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* This post will be updated. Click here if the video doesn’t show up below…
…Adding… Pritzker…
This [mask] requirement extends to P-12 sports. Face coverings will be required for all indoor recreation, whereas outdoors, where transmission risks and rates are lower, athletes and coaches will not be required to mask.
We will continue to encourage school districts to make sure their athletes are tested regularly to catch any potential outbreaks early, and to ensure that schools have what they need to adhere to the new mask requirement. My administration is ready to supply masks to any school districts that need them. That’s on top of the free COVID-19 testing supplies we’re providing to all of our public schools statewide.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
* Vaccines…
Today I’m also announcing that Illinois will require vaccinations for all state employees who work in congregate facilities such as our veterans homes, our corrections facilities, and the Department of Human Services developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals, our most vulnerable residents, such as veterans who can’t live on their own, and adults living with developmental disabilities have no choice but to live amongst these workers.
By and large residents of the state run facilities have done what they can do to protect themselves by getting vaccinated. For example, residents of our state’s veterans homes have vaccination rates of 96% 98% and even 99%.
And yet many of the long term care facilities employees have themselves, not been vaccinated, they run the risk of carrying the virus into work with them, and then it’s the residents who are ending up seriously sick hospitalized or worse. It’s a breach of safety. It’s fundamentally wrong. And in Illinois, it’s going to stop. […]
We’ve notified the unions about this necessary safety measure, requesting that they come to the negotiating table to work out the details. Our state agencies will continue to make the vaccine readily available for employees, including posting vaccination drives at work sites and offering paid time off for receiving the vaccine.
This directive takes effect October 4 Two months from today, leaving ample time for employees to get fully vaccinated. If I could do it sooner. I would. Until then, all employees will remain masked up.
Related: 5 new positive COVID-19 cases at La Salle veterans home - IDVA confirms 2 residents, 3 workers positive from July 29-31
* Long-term care facilities…
Finally, I’m announcing a universal mass mandate in all long term care facilities all long term care facilities across Illinois, including those that are privately owned and operated. This means everyone vaccinated or not, must wear a mask when you’re in a facility with long term care patients and residents. This is already standard practice in much of the industry. But while the Delta variant rages on, I want to leave no doubt on the need for compliance.
* Wrap-up…
I want to end with a message for our vaccinated residents. I know this is hard. You did the right thing for yourself, for your family, for your community. And now, because of the new delta variant and the high number of unvaccinated people in the United States. It feels like we’re going backwards in this journey.
Please remember that the vast majority of vaccinated people are safe, no vaccine is 100% effective in hearing about breakthrough cases on the news can feel scary. Even when breakthroughs are rare and mild, but the likelihood of a vaccinated person testing positive for COVID-19 remains extremely low, and most importantly these vaccines are doing what they’re designed to do essentially to eliminate the risk of hospitalization and death again to all of those who are already vaccinated.
I’m going to ask you to do one more thing. Talk to someone in your life who could get the vaccine, but hasn’t yet. Please share your story with them share why you got that. Let them know that the vaccine is free, let them know that they can go to their doctor to a pharmacy to a clinic, and if their hometown, someone can come and vaccinate them right there at home. Let them know that they’ll still be eligible for the $1 million, Illinois vaccine lottery, and most importantly, that they’ll receive the life saving benefits of the vaccine.
We’ll get through this all together as Illinoisans as we have in so many other circumstances. By working together. And I want to thank everybody.
* More…
I will continue to listen to the IDPH and other experts to evaluate any and all necessary action to protect children, prevent death and support our healthcare systems. I’m asking private employers to do the same. Already we’ve seen companies with Illinois operations like Tyson and Google announce vaccine requirements for employees. I applaud those employers who have taken steps to protect their employees, their customers, and the public from the virus and I hope to see others join them most crucially, I’ll be putting out a call to all long term care facilities and nursing homes in the state of Illinois your workers are on the front lines of protecting 1000s of our elderly loved ones. But across the state staff vaccination rates are dramatically lower than those of your residents, and a troubling number of facilities staff vaccination rates are below 25%
* Press release…
As COVID-19 infection rates across the state continue to increase and with a number of school districts not yet adopting CDC guidance on masking, Governor JB Pritzker and IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike today announced masks will be required for students, teachers, and staff at pre-kindergarten-12th grade schools and day cares across the state. The new requirement formalizes CDC guidance released in July on universal masking for both unvaccinated and vaccinated people in schools to ensure a safe return to classrooms.
The governor also announced his intent to require all state employees working in congregate facilities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by October 4th. The state is informing the unions representing these employees of its intention to move forward with this requirement, which covers employees at the Departments of Human Services, Veterans’ Affairs, Corrections and Juvenile Justice working in congregate facilities. The state is also requiring universal masking in private long-term care facilities and strongly encourages owners of private facilities to join the state in adopting vaccination requirements.
The new measures are part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat a new surge as the Delta variant rapidly spreads among the unvaccinated. Since COVID-19 metrics reached their lowest points earlier this summer, cases have soared by a factor of nearly 10, hospitalizations and ICU rates have more than doubled in a month, and the number of COVID patients requiring a ventilator has multiplied nearly 2.5 times over since July 16th. In June, 96 percent of people hospitalized in Illinois with COVID-19 were unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated, with the majority of those hospitalizations occurring in residents under 60 years old.
“Given our current trajectory in hospitalizations and ICU usage, we have a limited amount of time right now to stave off the highest peaks of this surge going into the fall,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To combat the Delta variant, Illinois is taking three key steps to protect our state’s 1.8 million unvaccinated children under 12 and their families, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, and those highly vulnerable people who rely upon state employees for their daily care. I also encourage every Illinoisan who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as millions of their neighbors already have. This vaccine is safe, effective, and essentially eliminates the risk of hospitalization and death even from the Delta variant. In short, it’s the best tool we have.”
“Vaccination is the best way we can prevent further spread, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19 and the Delta variant,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Data show that the vaccines are preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and are effective against the Delta variant. We have the tools to turn the tide of another wave, but we need people to use them.”
Mask Requirement
In preparation for the start of the upcoming school year and in response to the highly contagious Delta variant, all students, teachers, and staff at pre-kindergarten – 12th grade schools and day cares will be required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status, effective immediately. This guidance is in line with recommendations from the CDC.
The state is also requiring universal masking in long-term care facilities regardless of vaccination status.
Illinois is home to 1.8 million children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. With the Delta variant infecting the younger population at a greater rate and with people under 29 years old now accounting for 12 percent of COVID hospitalizations in June, requiring the use of masks is the most effective tool to allow students to return to their classrooms safely while protecting them from the virus. Mask wearing will also help prevent unvaccinated students from transmitting the virus to more vulnerable members of their broader communities.
The mask requirement is inclusive of youth sports and activities, with masks now required for all indoor extracurriculars and sports. In line with CDC guidance, masks are not required for activities outdoors where transmission risks and rates are lower.
The administration is providing free testing to all pre-K-12 schools in Illinois outside of Chicago, which received a separate federal funding allocation for testing.
IDPH also provided additional guidance for students and staff who are exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Close contacts of a positive case can remain in school if they receive testing on days one, three, five, and seven post exposure and if they wore masks at the time of exposure.
“The CDC strengthened its guidance last week for universal indoor masking in schools, and Illinois will continue to follow the science, data, and public health experts to keep students in school and keep communities safe,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “We know that consistent and correct mask use is the simplest, most effective way to keep students safely in school, where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential.”
A number of school districts across the state have already adopted CDC guidance and implemented a mask requirement to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students, teachers, and staff and the communities they live in. Those districts include the state’s two largest school districts, Chicago and Elgin U-46, as well as Edwardsville Community School District 7, Peoria Public School District 150, Champaign Unit 4 School District, Springfield School District 186, and Naperville School District 203.
To help schools across the state protect the health and safety of students and staff, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has distributed 2.5 million free face masks to public schools since the beginning of the pandemic. The free masks grant every child the ability to access the learning opportunities provided by their school in person, regardless of their ability to purchase a face covering or make one at home. The administration will continue to supply masks to school districts as they request assistance.
COVID-19 Vaccination
From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pritzker administration has implemented policies and guidelines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at protecting the state’s most vulnerable residents. With the Delta variant causing a rapid increase in infection rates across the nation and Illinois, the state is taking additional steps to slow the spread of the virus in congregate facilities, where residents are most vulnerable.
With vaccination rates among residents in state congregate facilities largely being significantly higher than rates among staff, approximately 80 percent of the new COVID-19 cases in state-operated congregate care facilities have been due to infection among employees. However, the individuals in these facilities, who frequently lack the ability to live on their own, are bearing the brunt of the consequences of unvaccinated workers as their hospitalization rate due to the virus increases.
The state is notifying the unions representing all employees who work in 24-7 state-operated congregate living facilities of the intent to require that these employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine by October 4th. This includes employees who work in state veterans’ homes, developmental centers, correctional facilities, and juvenile justice facilities. Increased vaccination rates will help prevent and slow community spread, reduce the likelihood of infecting vulnerable populations, and allow for potentially less-severe illnesses for those who contract COVID-19 post vaccination. State agency leaders will ensure ongoing vaccination opportunities for employees at state-run facilities, as they have since vaccine was first made available to employees.
Governor Pritzker urged privately-owned and operated long-term care facilities to implement a similar vaccination requirement for their employees to protect the vulnerable residents they serve.
“As the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread and evolve, our state guidance needs to do so as well,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “We know vaccines save lives and build herd immunity in our communities, so it is imperative that we encourage everyone to get theirs. But with the lower rate of vaccinations among teens and younger children not yet eligible to receive theirs, these are the difficult decisions our leaders must make to prevent illness and save lives.”
“When we follow medical science, we make progress against this pandemic. I applaud the governor for continuing to follow the science to protect the people of Illinois,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.
“Keeping our veterans safe and healthy is a top priority, especially those in our state-operated long-term care facilities who were hit hardest early on in this pandemic,” said State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park), Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs committee. “I commend the governor for taking the necessary actions needed to protect the most vulnerable in the state, as well as the workers who care for the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
“I want to thank Governor Pritzker for taking steps to secure the safety and welfare of our residents. These decisions are not easy, however not making decisions is not an option when the health and lives of Illinoisans are at stake,” said State Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates). “As he did in the past, Governor Pritzker is following the science, which is the only way to combat this pandemic. This is not a political issue, it’s a very serious health issue. The sooner we act, the more successful we’ll be in controlling the Corona Delta variant.”
“Anything we can do to protect our most precious children who are still unable to receive vaccinations is essential. We have to do everything in our power to keep the COVID numbers down,” said State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur).
All Illinois residents over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and proof of immigration status is not required to receive the vaccine. To find a vaccination center near you, go to vaccines.gov.
* On to questions for the governor. Parents are asking what has taken you so long? Others say they are going to file lawsuits to challenge this mandate…
It’s important that you know as I watch these numbers, as the IDPH tracks this across the state that we take action. We want to take action at the proper time we want to make sure that we’re keeping our hospitals as open as possible. So their beds available even for people who might have other kinds of ailments. And so we’re doing this I think at the right time and making sure that as schools get back in session that we’re limiting the spread, mitigating the spread…
We have the legal authority to enforce this and we will if necessary. What we think is going to happen is that schools will follow this do the right thing, again this is about keeping our children and their families safe. That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to get every child into school every day, so that they can learn properly. We left it open to school districts last year to make the kinds of adjustments that they needed to to keep kids in school, and this year because things are very different. Now that we have a vaccine available for at least every person 12 And over including all the people obviously the adults that work in schools. We now have the ability to keep many of those people safe, but we also have kids who are unvaccinated so we’re trying to do the best we can for them and their families.
* Are you still considering or are you at all considering a universal mask mandate outside of schools and other throughout the state and other buildings?…
It’s not something on the table but obviously we monitor these numbers very closely, and we make adjustments as necessary.
* If you have a parent who I don’t want my child to be masked? … What is the recourse there?…
So, obviously schools are the ones that are responsible for keeping their school environment safe. This is something that’s in endeavoring to help them. Schools can be held liable if they don’t follow the mandates are put in place, there’s even the ability for the state to revoke recognition status for school, though I think that’s something that would happen long after other mitigation or other efforts are made to get a school to impose mitigations and to maintain the mask mandate.
* What about the ILGOP demand that you take down your TV ads?…
I’ll just say that we’re celebrating the fact that the people of Illinois have stepped up and are doing the right thing, following the mitigations have kept our state safe, and obviously as the virus which is unpredictable, now has delta variants. We’re addressing it as best we can with masks in schools, requiring people who are providing service to those who are vulnerable in the state to be vaccinated. Those are I think the right things to do and nobody’s you know doing what they’re describing what we’re doing is simply saying that Illinois is doing a good job of addressing the challenges that were faced by this very unpredictable virus.
* Could this be first step to remote learning?…
Again, that is not on the table. We have many different tools today than we had six or eight or 12 months back, and that is we have vaccinations available. People should go get vaccinated, that is the most important thing you can do to yourself, your community, your school safe. We hope that people will take advantage of that, that will reduce the need to have masks, and indeed, that may be the reason as we see vaccines available for kids under 12. I, you know, that’s one thing that we’ll take into account as we’re contemplating how long a mask mandate might need to stay in place in schools, but that’s what we’re talking about today’s mask mandates of schools, and to make sure we’re keeping the most vulnerable people in care of staff who should be vaccinated, making sure that they’re getting back on their feet and keep everybody safe
* On vaccines, why not do it more quickly, why not all state workers?…
As you’ve seen, there are, you know there’s a menu of options for managing through waves of this virus. And so we’re simply taking advantage of what we think will work for the most vulnerable populations to keep them safe. And again, I want to remind you, we live in a world where vaccines are readily available literally if you are in this room and you haven’t been vaccinated, I hope that’s nobody in this room, but if you haven’t been vaccinated, you can walk down the street and go to a Walgreens or CVS, you can find the Public Health Department, and you will get vaccinated probably within the hour.
* Mandate on private employers to vaccinate workers?…
That’s not something we’re looking at compelling companies to do that now. But certainly companies that are doing it, I think are doing it because they want to keep their workers safe, and the rest of our communities safe
* Another question about tougher mitigations…
We’re no longer in the kind of mitigation plan that you’re talking about there. We are living in a world now where there are vaccinations available to everybody and what we’re trying to do is address the vulnerable, and make sure that everybody wherever there is a problem and you’ve seen there’s been, you know, a high likelihood of spread in certain areas and red alert and other areas and so we’re essentially focusing in on those areas and doing everything we can to get everybody vaccinated and that’s really what our plan is right now.
* Should NY Gov. Cuomo resign?…
Yes, Governor Cuomo should resign.
* Energy bill talks?…
We have spent more than a year negotiating, working in working groups with all of the interests involved. This is not something that’s left to interest groups to decide. This is a decision that gets made by the legislature and by the governor. And here we are. This bill has been put together after much negotiation over many, many months, and we now have a piece of legislation that is ready to go. And it needs to be called by the legislature and voted on. And the legislation that I put forward that is that compromise is what is ready to move and I intend to sign it if they’ll pass it.
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* Press release…
To help ensure schools can more safely resume in-person learning, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced it is expanding access to free COVID-19 testing to all K-12 public schools across Illinois outside of Chicago which received its own federal funding. Schools can choose to utilize the SHIELD Illinois saliva-based test developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), which is able to detect SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in symptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and asymptomatic individuals.
“In-person learning is a priority and we want to make sure students, teachers, and staff are able to return to the classroom as safely as possible,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “With the surge in COVID-19 cases and Delta variant, the sooner we know if someone has been infected, the quicker we can take action to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Not only is testing the best way to identify these cases, it can also help keep kids in school with a new Test-to-Stay protocol. We encourage all school districts to take advantage of this free resource.”
As an alternative to quarantine, students and teachers who have been identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case now have the option of a Test-to-Stay protocol. Close contacts must be tested on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after exposure. As long as close contacts remain negative, they are not required to quarantine. Close contacts are only eligible for Test-to-Stay if their school requires universal indoor masking of all individuals (age 2 and older), regardless of vaccination status, and both the close contact and infected individual were wearing masks at the time of exposure. IDPH encourages all schools to implement weekly testing of their unvaccinated students and staff. Schools that implement weekly testing will be prioritized for Test-to-Stay and outbreak testing when required.
Previously, SHIELD Illinois tests were offered to schools in predominantly low-income communities that have experienced high rates of COVID-19 infection at no-cost. Thanks to additional funding from the federal CARES Act and American Rescue Plan, IDPH has the ability to expand free testing to all K-12 schools outside of Chicago. The classification of low-income school districts is determined by the Illinois State Board of Education’s evidence-based funding criteria.
“From the onset of the pandemic, the University of Illinois System has been committed to helping the state and its people navigate and safely emerge from this crisis,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “The decision by IDPH to provide our test-and-trace system at no cost to many thousands of K-12 students will allow a return to in-person learning and the kinds of educational opportunities for these young people that mean a better tomorrow for us all. We are grateful to state health officials for their leadership through this difficult time, and their ongoing partnership with the U of I System.”
* Related…
* Masks back in demand as Illinois moves to statewide mandate in schools. ‘We are going to be selling masks like crazy.’
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Aug 4, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Here are the scripts for Gov. JB Pritzker’s TV ads that started running in July…
Meet Jenica. When things were at their worst she volunteered to be part of the state’s response to COVID, one of the many nurses who put themselves at risk to save lives, and they needed protection to keep up the fight. Illinois health care workers never wavered, and people like Jenica showed us that together, there’s no challenge we can’t overcome.
Meet Corey. In addition to being a physician assistant, for seven years he’s been a committed member of our Illinois National Guard. And when I called on the Guard to help set up testing and vaccination sites they led the way to getting the job done. Our state is back to business because we refused to let this pandemic beat us, and people like Corey remind us anything is possible for Illinois.
Meet Doris and Rick. When COVID hit, they stopped production of bourbon at their distillery to instead make hand sanitizer for nurses, doctors, and other frontline workers. Like so many Illinoisans they understood that the only way through the pandemic was looking out for each other. Now the bourbon’s flowing again in Rochelle and we’re on our way back. I’m so inspired by the people of Illinois—we can accomplish anything if we continue to work together.
* ILGOP press release…
As Governor J.B. Pritzker reinstitutes statewide COVID-19 mitigations and mandates, his re-election campaign is running ads highlighting his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, taking an obviously premature victory lap. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy issued the following statement calling on Pritzker to take his TV ads off the airwaves :
“Governor Pritzker cannot have it both ways. He cannot run political TV ads that take a victory lap over his pandemic response while at the same time reinstituting COVID mandates and mitigations. The return of these mandates is a clear admission of his own failure. Pritzker should take his self-serving TV ads off the air. Whether it’s veterans who have died under his care, massive unemployment insurance fraud, or the return of mandates after our state’s full re-opening, Pritzker’s executive incompetence has been the hallmark of his pandemic response.”
* The Question: Should Pritzker take down those ads? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
survey software
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Dillard hoping for Griffin coronation
Wednesday, Aug 4, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Politico in April…
Republican Kirk Dillard has been approached “by prominent business and Republican leaders” to run for governor, but he told Playbook he’s not interested.
* MAA in May…
I followed up with Dillard at the time…
Was in town but met with no Edgar people. Haven’t discussed with Gov. Edgar himself either. Rumors in Springfield never cease to amaze me.
* Greg Hinz today…
GOP moderates are wooing a well-known public official to challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker for re-election, and he’s considering the offer.
In a phone interview, Kirk Dillard, who has held a variety of top jobs in state government and now serves as chair of the Regional Transportation Authority, confirmed that he’s been approached and is pondering his next move. […]
Asked to elaborate on “until I see how it shakes out,” Dillard said he was referring in part to whether big GOP funders would come to his aid, especially Chicago hedge fund mogul Ken Griffin.
Dillard and Griffin have not spoken, although there’s been some communication via associates.
I’m not yet seeing it, but a person’s entitled to dream, I suppose.
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Today’s quotable
Wednesday, Aug 4, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* His last breath? Hopefully for this unmasked, unvaccinated dude’s own sake, it’s not through a ventilator…
* Reposting…
* Poll: America’s pandemic pessimism returns: Americans place the most blame for rising COVID-19 cases and the spread of new variants on the unvaccinated [79 percent]
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* Paul Simon Public Policy Institute…
Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, announced Tuesday that the inaugural recipients of the Paul Simon-Jim Edgar Statesmanship Award are the 11 Republican members of the Illinois General Assembly who supported a critical budget package in July 2017 in the interest of fiscal solvency for Illinois.
The Republican lawmakers joined with Democrats to override then-Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of a budget compromise. This vote ended a two-year fiscal stalemate that tarnished Illinois’ reputation, damaged schools, battered the state’s credit rating, and led to about $15 billion in unpaid bills.
The budget that emerged allowed Illinois to avoid further downgrading of its debt. It also ensured that Illinois state government would resume regular operations.
The 2017 budget paved the way for subsequent fiscal progress in the state as reflected in recent upgrades to Illinois’ credit rating by Moody’s Investor Service and S&P Global Ratings.
The decision to support this agreement was courageous, consequential, and effective. While several of the Republican lawmakers received accolades from their constituents in response to their votes, many were sharply criticized and later faced primary opposition. Several opted to retire after casting the critical budget vote in 2017.
“I have been observing Illinois state government for 50 years and this vote was one of the most consequential and courageous votes that I have ever seen,” said Edgar, who served in the Illinois House and as Illinois secretary of state and governor.
“It pulled Illinois back from the brink and helped put us on a much better path. This was not an easy vote and we are very fortunate there were people in the General Assembly who were willing to risk their political careers to do the right thing. This was a very important moment in Illinois history, and we should acknowledge the courage of those who were willing to cast very difficult votes,” Edgar said.[…]
Edgar and Shaw said they expect future Simon-Edgar Awards to go to a single person, but the 2017 budget vote was so consequential that they decided on a collective award this year.
The 11 Republican lawmakers who cast the decisive votes in 2017 were:
• Representative Steve Andersson of Geneva
• Representative Terri Bryant of Murphysboro
• Representative Mike Fortner of West Chicago
• Representative Norine Hammond of Macomb
• Representative David Harris of Mount Prospect
• Representative Chad Hays of Catlin
• Representative Sara Wojcicki Jimenez of Springfield
• Representative Bill Mitchell of Decatur
• Representative Reggie Phillips of Charleston
• Representative Mike Unes of Pekin
• Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon
Political, academic, and business leaders, along with interested Illinois citizens, submitted dozens of nominations of city and county officials and state legislators for the inaugural Simon-Edgar Award. These nominations confirm that statesmanship is alive and well in the Prairie State.
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*** UPDATE *** New York Times…
With a new surge of coronavirus infections ripping through much of the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has accelerated its timetable to fully approve Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine, aiming to complete the process by the start of next month, people familiar with the effort said.
President Biden said last week that he expected a fully approved vaccine in early fall. But the F.D.A.’s unofficial deadline is Labor Day or sooner, according to multiple people familiar with the plan. The agency said in a statement that its leaders recognized that approval might inspire more public confidence and had “taken an all-hands-on-deck approach” to the work.
Giving final approval to the Pfizer vaccine — rather than relying on the emergency authorization granted late last year by the F.D.A. — could help increase inoculation rates at a moment when the highly transmissible Delta variant of the virus is sharply driving up the number of new cases.
A number of universities and hospitals, the Defense Department and at least one major city, San Francisco, are expected to mandate inoculation once a vaccine is fully approved. Final approval could also help mute misinformation about the safety of vaccines and clarify legal issues about mandates.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* I shared this with you earlier today…
Last fall, 36 residents of the LaSalle Veterans’ Home died of COVID-19 in a matter of weeks. After several reports and legislative hearings, Republicans sent a letter to the Illinois Attorney General to investigate if state statute applied to the “negligent and disturbing activities that arose.” […]
State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, comes from the long-term care industry. He was one of 26 lawmakers who signed the letter.
“Any private entity that had that kind of situation would have been prosecuted for one death, two deaths, but 36 deaths,” Caulkins told WMAY.
* With that in mind, here’s WSIL TV…
To help ensure transparency, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that COVID-19 vaccination data for both residents and staff in long-term care (LTC) facilities is now available on the IDPH website at dph.illinois.gov/covid19/long-term-care-facility-data.
Given that LTC facilities have experienced a significant portion of COVID-19 deaths, particularly early in pandemic, this resource will be used for tracking COVID-19 vaccinations for both staff and residents in facilities across state.
The new site will display an interactive map where the user can choose to view either the percentage of staff or percentage of residents who have been vaccinated. The site will also show weekly confirmed cases, total confirmed cases, weekly COVID-19 deaths, total COVID-19 deaths, and vaccination rates.
Click here to go to the site. I looked at Rep. Caulkins’ home county of Macon. The worst staff vaccination rate is at Fair Havens Senior Living: 4.58 percent. That’s not a typo on my part.
I’m kinda wondering if Rep. Caulkins would support a vaccine mandate for nursing home employees.
* Some history from Clarence Page…
I remember nothing but gratitude and relief from my own parents about the rise of polio vaccines in the 1950s. That’s what I found in a survey by polling pioneer George Gallup in 1954, shortly after Jonas Salk’s new polio vaccine became available.
Gallup found the American public to be generally “very optimistic” about the shots. Such optimism was what I expected from those seemingly more innocent and trusting post-World War II days.
But, reading on, I found more thorns among the roses. Asked if they were willing to take the new shot themselves, Gallup found 60% of Americans said they were willing to do it while 31% said they would not.
That’s remarkably close to the 35% who told Gallup they would not take a COVID-19 inoculation last year shortly after it was first announced. Even higher numbers — 45% — said they would not take the new vaccines for smallpox in 2002 or the swine flu in 2009.
So, I think that in the future many of us will look back on this era and view vaccine skepticism as a natural and predictable development. I also think that vaccines will help us live long enough to be able to look back.
* Kankakee Daily Journal…
COVID-19 transmission in Kankakee County on Tuesday shifted from “moderate” to “substantial,” the second highest metric from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID data tracker.
Areas with 1 to 49 cases per 100,000 people are considered to have moderate transmission, while 50 to 99 is substantial and 100 and above is high, according to the CDC.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) uses 50 cases per 100,000 as a target threshold for counties to aim to stay under.
The data tracker showed Kankakee County moving from 36 cases per 100,000 on July 24 to 50.06 on Tuesday, with Kankakee County Health Department administrator John Bevis saying there could be as many as 55.
All but six Illinois counties are rated as having substantial or high community transmission, according to the data tracker.
* Other news…
* Poll: America’s pandemic pessimism returns: Americans place the most blame for rising COVID-19 cases and the spread of new variants on the unvaccinated [79 percent]
* “Mask up to keep it up”: Preliminary evidence of the association between erectile dysfunction and COVID-19
* Surprise dip in UK COVID cases baffles researchers: Hospitalizations in England have also started to decline gradually — there were 645 admissions on 1 August, compared with 836 on 25 July. However, Paget cautions that there is some indication that infections might now be creeping up again.
* Arkansas’ Republican Governor Admits Mistake on Mask Mandates as Cases Soar: ‘I Wish That Had Not Become Law’: Arkansas has the third-lowest vaccination rate in the country — ahead of only Mississippi and Alabama among all states.
* NYC, big employers taking hard line against vaccine holdouts
* Chicago has no plans yet for vaccine mandate for restaurants and gyms, Arwady says, but city is watching New York closely
* Here’s what we know about the delta-plus variant
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* Hannah Meisel…
Three months after an investigation into the COVID outbreak that killed 36 residents at the state-run veterans’ home in LaSalle found the facility’s management was “ineffective, reactive and…chaotic” responding to the virus’ spread, Republicans in the Illinois House are once again agitating for more information from Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration.
GOP members are also renewing their call for Attorney General Kwame Raoul to open a criminal probe into the fatal outbreak, which infected nearly all the residents at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home last fall, killing more than a quarter of the facility’s population, and spreading to more than 100 staff members.
But Republicans, who are in the superminority in the General Assembly, have not received answers from those Democratic leaders in months, and are turning up the volume on the issue has largely faded into the background of Illinois’ political discourse.
In communications obtained by NPR Illinois, the top attorney in Pritzker’s office last month blamed the two-month delay in responding to LaSalle-related document requests from a House Republican member on the fact the member sent his formal demand via the U.S. Postal Service to Pritzker’s statehouse office, which also receives a high volume of mail from the general public.
“I regret that our response was not more timely and assure you that the delay was unintentional,” Pritzker’s General Counsel, Ann Spillane, wrote in her letter to State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha), the minority spokesman on the Illinois House’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
#Facepalm.
* Meanwhile…
Some at the statehouse continue to demand a response from the Illinois Attorney General about whether he’ll investigate possible negligence at a state-run home for veterans.
Last fall, 36 residents of the LaSalle Veterans’ Home died of COVID-19 in a matter of weeks. After several reports and legislative hearings, Republicans sent a letter to the Illinois Attorney General to investigate if state statute applied to the “negligent and disturbing activities that arose.”
“The poor practices that allege to have led to the loss of life of at least 36 Illinois heroes in the state’s care are well documented, especially in the Acting Inspector General for the Illinois Department of Human Services report dated April 26th of this year,” said a letter House Republicans sent Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Friday. “To date, your office has not responded to this investigation request. This is not acceptable.”
State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, comes from the long-term care industry. He was one of 26 lawmakers who signed the letter.
“Any private entity that had that kind of situation would have been prosecuted for one death, two deaths, but 36 deaths,” Caulkins told WMAY.
There’s no doubt that the LaSalle Veterans’ Home outbreak was a horrible and unpardonable utter disaster. Zero doubt. But in LaSalle County alone, three nursing homes have reported at least 24 COVID-19 deaths. Heritage Health Mendota had 24, Liberty Village of Peru had 31 and Ottawa Pavilion had 35. Of 25 nursing home facilities in that county, 16 reported deaths.
* Also, back to Hannah…
Though Raoul’s office has communicated its receipt of the Republicans’ requests via media, as well as indicated it had no plans to open a criminal probe, the GOP members claim they have not received any response from Raoul’s office in the last three months.
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* Ann Maher at the Madison County Record…
Greenville attorney Tom DeVore has announced he will seek a seat on the Fifth District Appellate Court in the 2022 general election.
He will compete in the Republican primary with two other actively campaigning judges running for the seat vacated by Justice David Overstreet, who was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court last year.
DeVore’s profile was heightened last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic as he led many attempts to curtail Gov. JB Pritzker’s use of emergency powers, though unsuccessfully. […]
[Fifth District Justice Justice Barry Vaughan], of McLeansboro, simultaneously is an elected circuit judge in Hamilton County, of the Second Judicial Circuit. His appointment to the Fifth District came at the recommendation of Overstreet to fill the seat that had been occupied by Judge Mark Boie, who was elected to a permanent seat on the court last November. […]
[Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Michael McHaney] granted a temporary restraining order to plaintiff Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), represented by DeVore, before the case was removed to federal court. (Bailey, now a state senator, is campaigning for governor against Pritzker).
Gonna be wild.
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*** UPDATE 1 *** Subscribers know more about this, too…
Sources briefed on the matter say the governor also will announce a vaccine mandate for certain state employees in positions that put them in substantial contact with the public, including prison guards and certain nursing home personnel. The state already requires masks to be worn in state facilities.
Pritzker has resisted such moves, but they have become much more frequent in other states and cities in recent days.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Tribune…
Pritzker, who’s made his handling of the pandemic central to his reelection bid next year, is stopping short of requiring all state workers to get vaccinated but will mandate it in settings where people are in the direct care of the state, including prisons, juvenile detention facilities and veterans homes. […]
Vaccine uptake has been sluggish among employees at some homes run by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, with 63% of employees at five homes — including a brand-new one in Chicago that hasn’t opened to residents — fully vaccinated as of July 23, according to the department. That’s compared with 98% of residents of those facilities.
The vaccination rate is even lower among employees at the Department of Corrections, with just 44% fully vaccinated, spokeswoman Lindsey Hess said. While vaccination status is more challenging to track among inmates as they enter and leave the system, the rate was about 69% as of a recent count.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* Subscribers know a lot more about this announcement…
The governor’s press conference is today at 2:30. We’ll have live coverage.
* Also…
* Here’s a short audio clip from that school board meeting provided by a subscriber. The meeting most certainly wasn’t all “civil” as the above story claimed…
“They need to help themselves,” the guy said about Black people. What that has to do with mask-wearing is kinda beyond me, except that he seemed to happily say the quiet part out loud.
Sheesh.
* Related…
* Louisiana Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate As State’s Largest Hospital Runs Out Of Beds
* Florida COVID-19 hospitalizations break record for third straight day
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