Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Pritzker to meet with Texas Dems as Trump urges GOP remaps (Updated)

Friday, Jul 25, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Some context from Capitol News Illinois’ Ben Szalinski…

The Texas legislature is meeting in special session this week with 18 items on their agenda, including redrawing the state’s congressional maps after President Donald Trump urged the state to redraw district boundaries ahead of the 2026 midterm election in hopes of adding five more Republicans to Texas’ congressional delegation and insulating his party against any seats they might lose elsewhere in the country.

[Governor JB Pritzker] blasted the move at an unrelated event in Chicago on Tuesday.

“I think we ought to play by the rules – everybody – and I think we ought to have an election in 2026,” Pritzker told reporters. “We’ll see who comes out ahead in the Congress. But I think cheating the way the president wants to is improper.” […]

Pritzker didn’t rule out the thought of Illinois Democrats redrawing congressional districts to add more Democrat-leaning districts in response to Texas.

“We’re all going to have to band together to try to address that; at least to try to stop them by letting them know that if we were doing what they were doing, in fact we would counterbalance and indeed take control of the Congress,” Pritzker said.

The process, however, would have to go through Illinois’ legislature.

“That’s not something we’re pursuing,” a spokesperson for Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, said.

* Press release…

Today, Governor JB Pritzker will hold a roundtable and media availability with Texas state legislators about the Republican attacks to rig elections and the Republican cuts to healthcare, food assistance, and more.

WHAT: Governor JB Pritzker to hold roundtable with Texas state legislators

WHEN: 1:00 PM CT, Friday, July 25

WHERE: NEIU Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), 700 E Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, IL 60653

WHO:
Governor JB Pritzker
Minority Leader Rep. Gene Wu
Rep. Linda Garcia
Rep. Ana Hernandez
Rep. Donna Howard
Rep. Cristina Morales
Rep. Richard Raymond
Rep. Toni Rose
Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons

Thoughts?

…Adding… Leader McCombie…

In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s media roundtable event with Texas lawmakers to again double down on his mid-term redistricting comments, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie issued the following statement:

“Today, Democrats from Texas are in Chicago for a roundtable with JB Pritzker to complain about “Republican gerrymandering”—yet they’re sitting with the guy who signed one of the most extreme gerrymandered maps in the country. A map so bad, it was challenged by the NAACP and MALDEF and ranked worst in America. Apparently, they don’t think gerrymandering is wrong, they just want to be as good at it as Illinois’ own Governor.

“While they’re virtue-signaling about healthcare and food assistance, let’s be clear on the facts:

Governor JB Pritzker refused to verify citizenship for SNAP benefits, which pulls resources away from Illinois families in need.

Governor JB Pritzker spent billions on Medicaid for illegal immigrants, while legal residents are paying for them and seeing increases in their own bills.

“This roundtable isn’t about justice—it’s about political theater.”

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Planned Parenthood names new CEO, Medicaid funding remains on the chopping block

Wednesday, Jul 23, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Planned Parenthood of Illinois…

Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is proud to announce Adrienne White-Faines as the new President and CEO. White-Faines most recently was the Chief Strategy Officer for the American College of Physicians, the largest medical specialty society in the world, with over 161,000 Internal Medicine specialists and subspecialists. In September 2025, she replaces Tonya Tucker, Interim President and CEO who stepped into the role in February 2025 and who will be returning to her role as CFO. […]

White-Faines is a proven leader who recognizes the complexities of the evolving healthcare delivery environment. She has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the American Osteopathic Association, and the Vice President and Chief Health Officer for the American Cancer Society’s Illinois Division. She began her healthcare career in strategic operations, and capital planning in academic medicine settings, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago); New York City Health and Hospitals Corp; LA County Hospital (Los Angeles) and large physician practice management companies in California and Illinois. […]

White-Faines experience as a healthcare strategy executive will be useful at this point in time. She brings a history of successfully implementing transformative collaborative initiatives such as statewide patient navigation systems, integration of a single accreditation system for Graduate Medical Education, and the ’Smoke Free Illinois’ Campaign, to name a few.

On a more personal note, White-Faines comes from a family with a strong generational commitment to Planned Parenthood. Her grandmother, mother and sister have served and collaborated with Planned Parenthoods since the 1960s from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. White-Faines herself, served on the Planned Parenthood of Chicago Board for 8 years and throughout her work in national health care advocacy, has collaborated often with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

* On Monday, the New York Times reported most Planned Parenthood clinics have been cut off from Medicaid funding…

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Monday night that allowed only a fraction of Planned Parenthood health centers to receive Medicaid payments for services like birth control, annual checkups and tests for sexually transmitted diseases. While the judge is open to extending the injunction to cover more clinics, for now most of them are not covered by the order. […]

Judge Indira Talwani, of the Federal District Court in Massachusetts, said that in all, 10 affiliates were covered under her injunction, including Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, Planned Parenthood of Delaware, Planned Parenthood Greater Texas, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, and Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi. […]

Judge Talwani ruled on Monday that affiliates like the one in Utah that do not exceed the $800,000 revenue threshold should continue to receive Medicaid funding while the lawsuit makes its way through the courts. And she said that affiliates that are in states where abortion is illegal, and thus do not provide the procedure, should continue to receive Medicaid reimbursements as well.

Both sides in the dispute criticized the judge’s ruling. “We strongly disagree with the court’s decision,” said Andrew G. Nixon, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services. “States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care.”

Planned Parenthood Federation of America said in a statement, “While we’re grateful that the court recognized the harm caused by this law, we’re disappointed that not all members were granted the necessary relief today.”

* The Tribune…

The injunction does not apply to Planned Parenthood of Illinois, the organization said Tuesday, meaning its Medicaid funding is still on the chopping block.

More than 40% of Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ patients – or nearly 30,000 people – are on Medicaid. The organization stands to lose about $4 million if it can’t get federal Medicaid dollars for a year.

“We continue to serve Medicaid patients and have contingency plans in place to temporarily cover the costs for patients,” Planned Parenthood of Illinois said in a statement this week. “We will continue to do this as long as possible.” […]

“Planned Parenthood is committed to continue to provide care,” White-Faines said. “We don’t have a choice and we will not to any degree possible leave patients in the wind. … We will have to look for alternative funding sources. We’ll have to dig deep in our philanthropy, but we’re going to have to work to find long-term sustainable solutions.”

…Adding… PPIL has said it would need $16 million annually to maintain its current service without Medicaid funding. I asked Governor JB Pritzker yesterday if he would commit to covering the funding gap…

Isabel: Washington’s governor has pledged to backfill the $11 million loss in federal funding For local Planned Parenthood in his state. Do you commit to helping fill that $16 million threshold that may be lost if you know it fails in the court and that money is taken away from Planned Parenthood Illinois?

Pritzker: I’ve been committed to preserving reproductive rights in the state. I don’t think there’s any governor that has done more to support reproductive rights and the security of that than I have. We’ll do everything that we can. We obviously have budget limitations in the state. But if you look back over the years that I’ve been in office, we have increased funding and support for clinics across the state for making sure that we’re protecting women’s rights in this state. And so I’ve not been reticent to use state dollars to protect people’s medical and health care needs. And so we’ll continue to look at that with regard to Planned Parenthood or any other organization.

Isabel: So that $16 million could come from the $100 million dollar fund that you have set aside?

Pritzker: The answer is-I think you know where my heart is. We’ve got to look at the budget and figure out whether there are things that we can do, you know, even more things that we can do to support a woman’s right to choose.

* More…

AP | Planned Parenthood wins partial victory in legal fight with Trump administration over funding cuts:

* Cal Matters | Planned Parenthood of California loses $300 million in federal funding under court order: California Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the state, lost all federal funding this week under a preliminary court order that allows the money to be withheld while a larger legal dispute plays out. Planned Parenthood Federation of America sued the Trump Administration on behalf of its members earlier in July over provisions of the congressional reconciliation bill — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — that prohibited Medicaid reimbursements for large nonprofit health clinics that provide abortions. The lawsuit argues that the law defunds Planned Parenthood’s services in violation of multiple constitutional amendments. The ruling, which left both parties dissatisfied, partly blocked the law from taking effect but only for a small fraction of Planned Parenthood organizations. None of California’s Planned Parenthood health centers are included.

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Pritzker on Texas remap, Stratton not being slated, whether state should opt in to new federal tax credit for private schools (Updated)

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Gov. Pritzker was asked today whether Illinois should redraw its congressional districts now that Texas is planning to redraw its own districts to reduce the number of Democratic congresscritters…

We have to see what they decide to do about Texas. But I think that the President of the United States encouraging Texas, Texas being willing to do this, should be an indicator to the rest of us that that if they’re going to cheat, that that’s not a proper way to act.

We’re all going to have to band together to try to address that, at least to try to stop them, by letting them know that if we were doing what they were doing, that in fact, we would counterbalance, indeed take control of the Congress.

I think we ought to play by the rules. Everybody. And I think we ought to have an election in 2026, we’ll see who comes out ahead in the Congress. But I think cheating the way the President wants to is improper. We all ought to stand up against it. People ought to be outraged.

Please pardon all transcription errors.

…Adding… Leader McCombie…

In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s comments today regarding potential mid-decade redistricting, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie released the following statement:

“It’s rich that the Governor now claims to support playing by the rules—after he enthusiastically signed into law the most gerrymandered maps in the nation. When it was convenient, he promised to reject partisan maps in favor of fair representation. Illinois Republicans remain committed to fairness and transparency.”

* He was also asked about the Cook County Democratic Party deciding not to slate anyone for US Senate, even though the lt. governor is one of the candidates…

Look, it’s rare. They have three, you know, reasonably well known candidates who are running for a big office like United States Senate, I think the Cook County Democratic Party rightly recognized that there are these are all significant players, all three of them. So I mean, personally, I understand why they ended up where they are. I know that Juliana Stratton was the leader among the three of them. But when you don’t get the endorsement, you don’t get the endorsement. So, but from my perspective, she has support from all across the state and all across Cook County. So I feel confident on her behalf that she’ll do well in the primary.

* Pritzker was also asked if the state would opt into a new federal tax credit for private school students…

We’ve got to look at [that]. Remember, Donald Trump is trying to take away funding from public schools, right? He has shut down funding to the states for public schools, and we’ve had to sue to try to get back. So this idea that he’s for education, and that’s why he pushed having this provision in the bill is just false narrative. So we’re going to have to look at whether or not we can implement a program that will be good for all students and all families that have students in school, and not just a program that’s about private schools, sometimes religious schools, and sometimes schools that would reject having an LGBTQ member as a teacher, whether we should be supporting a program that just does that, when, in fact, the federal administration is taking away money from people who can’t afford to go to a… private school, who would like to go to a public school that’s a quality school, but they’re having their funding taken away. That doesn’t seem fair to me.

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It’s just a resolution: Chicago leaders call on Springfield to ban masks, require identification for ICE agents (Updated)

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* The Hill…

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting Director Todd Lyons said agents can continue to use masks in the field, even as the agency has increasingly come under fire for moves that limit identification of its personnel. […]

“I’ve said it publicly before, I’m not a proponent of the masks. However, if that’s a tool that the men and women of ICE to keep themselves and their family safe, then I will allow it,” he said. […]

Masked, plainclothes officers have also been conducting arrests at immigration courthouses. ICE attorneys will move to dismiss a case, a practice that most migrants interpret as the agency dropping efforts to deport them but opens the agency to then arrest them and place them in expedited removal proceedings that largely receive no court review.

Lyons disputed that agents are not identifiable, saying they should be wearing clothing with some kind of ICE insignia.

* NBC Chicago…

During a controversial ICE action in Chicago earlier this year, federal agents wearing facemasks could be seen in the South Loop taking undocumented people into custody. Many of the agents wore civilian clothing, with no name tags or badges.

* Block Club Chicago today…

Alds. Michael Rodriguez (22nd) and Andre Vazquez (40th) on Wednesday introduced a resolution to the City Council that calls on state legislators to pass laws banning federal agents who are conducting arrests from wearing masks.

Lawmakers should also pass legislation that would require federal agents to wear appropriate uniforms and identify themselves, according to the proposed resolution, which was co-sponsored by Mayor Brandon Johnson and 18 alderpeople. […]

With the resolution, which is not legally binding, city leaders join a growing number of state, local and national officials pushing for legislation banning mask-wearing among federal agents and requiring immigration agents to identify themselves.

The proposed resolution was referred to the city’s rules committee, where legislation is often sent to die.

* The Gothamist…

New York lawmakers are pushing for a bill that would ban law enforcement officers — including federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — from wearing masks. […]

That’s a major constitutional question raised by the bill, according to Jessica Bulman-Pozen, a constitutional law professor at Columbia Law School. She said that if the measure advanced, it was likely to face a legal challenge.

She also said there’s a “strong case” that the state should be able to enact the bill, if it becomes law, since it affects all law enforcement officers and doesn’t single out federal officers.

[State Assemblymember Tony Simone, the bill’s sponsor] said he’s been in touch with constitutional lawyers who say the bill is legally sound.

…Adding… Rep. Patrick Sheehan…

State Representative Patrick Sheehan has introduced House Resolution 428 to affirm his support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to call attention to the growing threats faced by ICE officers.

“Many ICE officers and their families are being harassed and assaulted which is horrific and unacceptable,” Rep. Sheehan said. “They wear masks, sunglasses, and hats in the field to avoid being targeted at home by dangerous individuals. As a police officer, I know this is a common practice used by tactical and undercover officers during dangerous encounters. These officers and their families deserve to be protected from malicious intent.”

HR0428 outlines the crucial role ICE plays in upholding national security and federal immigration law, noting its collaboration with law enforcement agencies across Illinois. The resolution raises serious concerns about provisions in the Illinois TRUST Act, which prevent local authorities from assisting ICE in their duties, potentially undermining enforcement efforts and exposing officers to increased danger.

ICE officers have faced a sharp rise in assaults during enforcement operations, a reported 830% increase, alongside a troubling trend of personal information being published online with malicious intent. HR0428 recognizes the need to protect ICE officers from doxxing and harassment both on and off duty.

“I filed this resolution to make it clear that protecting public safety includes protecting those who enforce the law,” said Rep. Sheehan. “Our federal officers deserve respect for their service.”

Thoughts?

* More…

Press Release | Attorney General Raoul Joins Coalition Urging Congress To Pass Legislation To Curb Unscrupulous ICE Tactics:

* The Tribune | ‘We’re tired of this’: Cicero residents demand action from town president after Latina aunt stopped by federal agents: Vanessa Mendoza, an early childhood educator in Cicero, was gathering materials for her classroom in late June when she paused to look at Facebook. What she saw shocked her. Posted on the social media site was a video of her aunt, Rocío, being pulled over by unidentified agents driving black vehicles who questioned her citizenship — despite her legal status to be in the United States. The agents did not specify why they pulled Rocío over or which agency they were affiliated with, Mendoza, 32, who grew up in Cicero, said at a news conference outside the town hall Thursday morning. After Rocío showed identification, she was not arrested or detained, her niece added.

* WaPo | ICE chief stands by mask use in immigration raids, despite criticism: On Sunday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) voiced her objections to the practice in a television interview, saying: “These masked men pull up in unmarked cars and jump out of the cars with rifles and detain people. So, for the average citizen, it looks like it’s a violent kidnapping.” Protests in Los Angeles over the immigration raids prompted the unprecedented deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and Marines to the city in June.

* Axios | ICE arrests of noncriminals spike in Illinois: In January, ICE arrested 160 people in Illinois, of whom 31% had no criminal charge, an Axios analysis found. By June, 61% of the 333 people ICE arrested in the state had no criminal charge.

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