Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Preliminary vote total…

Congratulations to the newly elected Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Robin Kelly @RobinLynneKelly !!! ????????

Final vote:
Robin Kelly @RobinLynneKelly 52%
Michelle Harris @AldermanHarris 48%#twill #electiontwitter pic.twitter.com/IDcauEtLL6

— Frank Calabrese (@FrankCalabrese) March 4, 2021

…Adding… Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) President Kristina Zahorik…

“On behalf of all 102 County Democratic Party Chairs and the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association, I would like to congratulate our new State Democratic Party Chair Robin Kelly. Chair Kelly brings a wealth of experience to the table and has been a friend of the IDCCA. We have a lot of work to do before 2022 and we look forward to working with her. We are confident Chair Kelly will lead our Party to victories throughout Illinois.”

…Adding… ILGOP…

Tonight, the central committee of the Democratic Party of Illinois met to elect a new party Chair after the reign of Mike Madigan has come to an end. Unfortunately for Governor JB Pritzker, his hand-picked candidate (and the candidate Madigan also supported), Chicago Alderman Michelle Harris, was unsuccessful in her bid losing to Congressmen Robin Kelly.

The Illinois Republican Party would like to provide our sympathies to Governor Pritzker as he is in the midst of a long string of high-profile political losses. It really is sad.

As a reminder…

Tax Hike Amendment - DEFEATED

Governor Pritzker’s signature proposal - a progressive tax that was supposed to plug our budget hole and pay for all of his other promises - was soundly defeated by Illinois voters last November. Pritzker spent big on his tax hike gambit and came up short.

Senate President Kimberly Lightfort - DIDN’T HAPPEN

Pritzker and his team, including Senators Andy Manar and Heather Steans, worked overtime to get the Illinois Senate Democrats to choose Kimberly Lightford as their next Senate President. Team Pritzker lost that battle too when Lightford lost to Senate President Don Harmon. Bad feelings remain and Manar and Steans have resigned their seats.

$1 Billion Small Business Tax Hike - VOTED DOWN

Governor Pritzker thought he was walking into friendly territory when he tried to get his super-majority Democrat legislature to pass a $1 billion dollar tax hike via a bill that “decouples” Illinois tax law from federal tax changes under the CARES Act. He was mistaken. It failed.

Tonight’s loss was no different than the others. Governor JB Pritzker expended considerable political capital to get his way but just wasn’t able to pull out a win.

We would like to send him a sympathy card for his many losses. See you in 2022 for another one!

…Adding… Robin Kelly…

Congresswoman Robin Kelly Elected Chair of Democratic Party of Illinois
Makes history as the first black woman elected to lead; Vows to Unite All Democrats

Remarks as Delivered to the Democratic State Central Committee

“Thank you Chairwoman Yarbrough, Tonight we made history together. We as Democrats are at our best when we have vigorous debate, and then come together for the betterment of the party and our country. I want to thank the members for the State Central Committee for your support and vote of confidence. I look forward to working collaboratively with you as we strengthen our party and work together to build a bench across our 102 Counties.

As President Obama said “We can disagree without being disagreeable”.

And that’s more important than ever.

Our Democracy is under siege. Yes, in State after State Republicans are trying to roll back voting rights, suppress the rights of people of color to vote, and trample on what makes Democracy sacred: the right of all people to participate in the process.

I was in the House chamber, trapped in the gallery when a violent mob invaded the greatest symbol of democracy in the history of the world. I stood with my fellow members, elected representatives of the people, as insurrectionists, fed the big lie, for the first time in American History attempted to prevent the peaceful transfer of power.

Yes, we all felt personally afraid. But beyond the threat to personal safety was a fear for the very fabric of our democracy. We’ve always said democracy is fragile, that it must be fought for. But has that ever been more true than tonight?

If we are going to preserve, protect and defend the government of the people, by the people and for the people, we must change. We must fight back. We must take on the big lie, the insurrectionists, the fox news, the q anon’s head on. And with your help, the same Illinois party that elected the first African Woman to the United States Senate, sent the first African American President to the White House, and had so many other firsts, will lead the way once again.

My friends, we start from a position of strength. Illinoisans have trusted us with the Governorship, both US Senators and every State-wide office. We have not just majorities but supermajorities in both legislative houses. We made and continue to make strong progressive gains throughout the State. But we know we need to do more if we are going to protect these gains and build upon them. Together, we can move our democratic party forward. Starting tonight.

* Gov. Pritzker…

Congratulations to Congresswoman @RobinLynneKelly on her election as the first Black woman elected Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, I look forward to a successful 2022 election year for Democrats across the state and up and down the ballot.

— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) March 4, 2021

* Ald. Michelle Harris…

“Congresswoman Kelly is an esteemed colleague and I am proud to work with her as our next Chair and the first Black woman to lead our Party,” said Ald. Harris. “It is time to move forward and we will do that together.”

* Mayor Lightfoot…

“Today, Illinois Democrats made history by electing Congresswoman Robin Kelly as party chair. Rep. Kelly has the experience and energy to lead Democrats to victory in 2022 and beyond.

“Chairwoman Michelle Harris and Senator Cristina Castro are also accomplished leaders and well qualified to lead our party. The race to fill this seat was at times contentious and I know that Rep. Kelly will work closely with Chairwoman Harris and Sen. Castro to bring Democrats together and build a better, more modern party. I look forward to helping support Rep. Kelly’s work to build a strong, inclusive Democratic Party of Illinois.”

* Senate President Harmon…

Congratulations to Congresswoman Robin Kelly on being elected to lead the Illinois Democratic Party. Her exemplary service in Congress during such trying times, background in local government, upbringing in Peoria as the daughter of a small business owner and postal worker, along with her compassion for people are exactly the qualities Illinois Democrats need right now to lead us and move our party forward. I’m ready to work together with her on behalf of Democrats across Illinois.

* Speaker Welch…

“I congratulate Robin Kelly on her election as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. I am confident we will work together to offer voters a bold agenda for Illinois: more resources for our public schools; social and economic justice for Black, Indigenous, and communities of color; improved access to health care and social services; and a safe and resilient recovery from this pandemic. With her at DPI, we will build on an already strong and diverse Democratic coalition, so I look forward to working with her.

* Sen. Cristina Castro…

“I was honored to have the support of my fellow Latino elected officials when I put my name forward to become the next Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, so I was proud to give voice to Latinos throughout Illinois when I cast my vote for Congresswoman Kelly. For too long the Illinois Democratic Party has focused singularly on Illinois House races, but with Congresswoman Kelly as the new Chair we’re now in a position to refocus the Party, expand the gains Democrats have made in the collar counties, and win races up and down the ballot. She has what it takes to represent our Latino community and Democrats in the suburbs as she moves our entire state forward.”

44 Comments

Drop in state unemployment rate leaves some PUA benefit recipients in the lurch

Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Reader email…

I’ve been on PUA unemployment since July (it was backdated to March and suddenly and unexpectedly last night my unemployment seems to have stopped. Apparently, this happened to thousands of others as well.

As you can see from screenshots below of my account, I was not paid this week and given no correspondence as to why even though my claim should have seven more weeks thanks to the covid relief Congress passed before Trump left office. Other people with the same issue did receive an email from IDES explaining why they were cut short and I’ve included a screenshot of that as well. Unfortunately, IDES never made any of this clear from the onset.

In a Facebook group specifically for PUA Unemployment in Illinois, many other people are reporting this problem. It seems as though IDES is claiming either due to a metric or configuration in the CARES Act, PUA claims were exhausted at 50 weeks even though congress extended the federal benefit through March (11 weeks). Everyone was completely blindsided. The bigger issue is that in order to get extended unemployment in President Biden’s bill in the senate you have to receive at least $1 WBA from your state. If IDES kicks so many of us off now, I’m pretty sure we won’t qualify for that new extension.

I’m self-employed with children at home whose schools still have not fully reopened. One daughter is remote hybrid and the other daughter I’m personally homeschooling fulltime because remote learning doesn’t work for her. I haven’t been able to receive any self-employment income since this pandemic and unemployment has helped keep my family afloat.

I called constituent services for Senator Duckworth and Durbin and emailed Stephanie Kifowit and Linda Holmes but no response yet.

I know IDES has had a lot of issues and I’m hoping this is newsworthy.

I thought it was quite newsworthy and reached out to the governor’s office right after I read the email. I was told that the state’s unemployment rate had dropped below the threshold where the state was allowed by the federal government to make those payments. That doesn’t excuse the fact that people believed they were left in the dark, though.

* An IDES press release was issued today…

Because Illinois’ unemployment rate has dropped, federal rules now prohibit individuals from seeking seven additional weeks of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a new federal effort to cover individuals who did not qualify for regular unemployment and which largely covers those who are self-employed.

“This is precisely why I’ve encouraged Congress to set out long-term rules that help the people most hurt by this pandemic, and why it’s imperative that they pass something immediately that corrects this gap,” Governor JB Pritzker said. “Our federal leaders must come together around a solution, and we will be ready to help people get the benefits they need to get through this pandemic.”

According to unemployment data published by the federal government, Illinois’ unemployment rate is now below the threshold for the state’s High Unemployment Period (HUP) to be active, and individuals no longer qualify for additional weeks of benefits provided during HUP. Under federal law, when a state is in the HUP, there are seven additional weeks added to PUA eligibility, as well as seven additional weeks added to Extended Benefits (EB) eligibility under state law. As a result of Illinois’ unemployment rate dropping, under state and federal law, the seven additional weeks for both programs are no longer available.

The maximum number of weeks available to PUA claimants has reduced from 57 weeks to 50 weeks. Additionally, extended benefits (EB) for regular state unemployment insurance benefits reduced from 20 weeks to 13 weeks. Federal law provides regular unemployment insurance benefit recipients with a transition to added weeks of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits but is currently silent with regard to extra assistance for PUA claimants.

PUA claimants who have exhausted the 50th week or more have been, or will be, notified they will have reached the maximum number of weeks allowable under federal law. Barring additional federal action or extensions to federal unemployment programs, PUA claimants who have exhausted the maximum number of weeks will no longer be eligible to collect unemployment insurance benefits.

The Department is closely monitoring any action from the federal government to extend PUA benefits, in addition to the other federal unemployment benefits programs, set to expire on March 13, 2021. As was done with the CARES Act and the Continued Assistance Act, IDES will publicly provide individuals with programmatic updates, changes, and information pertaining to unemployment programs as they are made available by the federal government and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Those with questions or in need of assistance with unemployment benefits at this time are encouraged to visit IDES.Illinois.gov.

…Adding… From Rep. Kifowit…

Hi Rich, In regards to your post. That concern came into my office just before 1pm yesterday and it was sent over to the IDES Liaison. This morning at 11:15am we got a response from the IDES Liaison and responded to the person at 11:21am. Our office, as I’m sure all our offices, is working very hard to reply to our residents within 24 hours with an initial response. Thank you for bringing to light the struggles of many families.

…Adding… From Sen. Holmes…

Hi Rich, I want to thank you for bringing attention to this issue and to this constituent for reaching out to my office late yesterday afternoon. We are doing everything we can to get them the assistance they need. I have facilitated multiple conversations with my colleagues and IDES on the many unemployment issues we’ve seen over the past year, with a focus on getting help to constituents across the state. This pandemic has turned so many families upside-down. There is still work to be done, and I will continue to work with and put pressure on IDES to get people the benefits they need.

12 Comments

*** UPDATED x1 - Pelosi weighs in *** Lots of unanswered questions

Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From a legal memo prepared for US Rep. Robin Kelly…

In its most basic interpretation, Section 300.62 would prevent you from raising or spending soft money in state and local elections. In addition, the DPI would be prohibited from spending soft money to the extent that you directly or indirectly “controlled” DPI.

Again, that’s Kelly’s own attorney saying this.

So, unless they come up with a way to make the state party chair completely and utterly powerless, the party can forget about raising and spending soft money. Millions of dollars, perhaps tens of millions, will be left on the table. And that’s why organized labor is watching this contest with growing dismay.

* More from that legal memo…

I previously recommended that, once we have set forth the proposed new decision making structure for DPI, we seek an advisory opinion from the FEC with a set of questions and a list of proposed activities for you as Chair. On this course of action, both Mr. Svoboda [the DPI attorney] and I agree. Getting the FEC’s imprimatur will resolve any possible ambiguity in the regulations and will provide a safe harbor for DPI.

So, the state party will to have to wait until the FEC decides to issue an advisory opinion before they can do anything? What could possibly go wrong?

* And what will US Rep. Kelly be doing if elected state party chair?…

Senator Durbin’s longtime aide Bill Houlihan… sits on the State Central Committee, and said Kelly would make a great spokesperson for the party.

“That was not something that Chairman Madigan was interested in doing,” Houlihan said. “I think Robin Kelly will be very good at getting around the state.”

A strong party spokesperson would be a good thing. And I fully agree with Houlihan that Robin Kelly would be great at that job. But they’re not supposed to be electing a spokesperson. They’re electing a new chair.

It’s a no-brainer that Gov. Pritzker and his peeps will be actively involved in the party if Michelle Harris wins. He’ll effectively have control and that understandably rubs some folks the wrong way. They have a perfect right to that position.

But who will be controlling things if Kelly prevails? Will they set up special decision-making committees? Who will appoint the members? Who will set the agenda? Because, according to her own attorney (and despite what this WCIA story implies), she cannot have any direct or indirect party control if they want to raise and spend soft money…

Dueling legal memos outlined federal election laws and limitations that would prevent Kelly from raising “soft money” or controlling the party coffers on her own, but members of Congress in Colorado and Georgia have taken the helm of their respective parties by delegating those restricted activities to other party leaders.

“We’re willing to make those changes,” Houlihan said. “It says that more people are going to be involved in both the fundraising as well as the spending of the money.”

Georgia’s situation is new since that state party chair was only recently elected to Congress. And with the legit compliance questions, it may not be a legally safe model to follow.

* Politico…

Taking the reins of the party also means controlling money. Given Pritzker’s wealth, he’s expected to fill party coffers and in turn have a big say on how funds are spent. Kelly, because of her position in Congress, would operate a more decentralized operation that likely would see Durbin’s top aide, Bill Houlihan, playing a role in governing.

Hmm. But you’d think Houlihan would also be limited in what he could do since he’s an employee of the US Senate.

* Back to Politico…

Players to watch: Board of Review Commissioner Mike Cabonargi is the big question mark because he holds a large number of weighted votes. He’s a longtime friend of Pritzker’s — the two were part of a brat pack group of Democrats that worked on elections outside of the ward system. But Cabonargi also worked for Durbin and has remained loyal to the senator.

Lauren Beth Gash is a former state rep who now chairs the Lake County Democratic Party. Like Pritzker, she served on the Illinois Human Rights Commission and years ago worked on staff for Sen. Alan Dixon.

Kristina Zahorik, a former senior legislative aide for the late Sen. Paul Simon, holds a powerful position separate from the state committee. She’s president of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association.

Cabonargi will likely be with Kelly, I’m told. Gash is expected to be with Kelly as well. We’ll see. Durbin has been the force behind the IDCCA, so I’ve always just figured Zahorik would be a Kelly vote.

You can watch events unfold by clicking here at 6 o’clock tonight.

*** UPDATE *** Speaker Pelosi offers kind words for a caucus member…

Whether it’s through securing good-paying jobs, standing up to the gun lobby or strengthening health care, Rep. Robin Kelly is always working to find solutions that improve Americans’ lives.

She has a proven track record of fighting #ForThePeople! -NP

— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) March 3, 2021