* Background is here if you need it. From Dan Kovats, Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association…
Dear IDCCA Supporter,
We look forward to seeing you at the 2021 Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Brunch.
We have received a strong response from Democrats all over the state. Our friends, colleagues and allies are eager to welcome our special guest, US Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, hear from our outstanding Democratic leaders and also share in the pride as we honor John Penn and the late Barb Brown.
BRUNCH WILL BE HELD OUTSIDE AT THE CROWNE PLAZA - SPRINGFIELD
The 2021 IDCCA Annual Brunch will be held outdoors under a tent with open sides to further mitigate any concerns from attendees about the coronavirus. Plan to spend the morning outside under the tent. Pay attention to the weather forecast, we can expect heat and humidity, and dress accordingly. The schedule remains the same, but here are some new details.
IDCCA Annual Brunch
Wednesday, August 18th
7:15am – Shuttle Bus from parking lot starts
7:30am – On-Site Registration Opens
9:00am – Program Begins
Crowne Plaza- Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield
Covid Guidelines
1. We recommend that everyone in attendance wear a mask.
2. Seating capacity is limited with special precautions given to wide rows of seats and space between seats for social distancing.
3. All meals will be in boxes that you will be given when you arrive. Items in the boxes will be wrapped. Packaged hot sandwiches will be provided.
4. We have modified our ticket pick up and have a virtual option to participate.
5. Crowne Plaza staff will be taking all proper precautions.
6. We will have access to the Crown Plaza for restrooms and cooling off. Inside the Crowne Plaza you will be required to wear a mask.
Ticket Pick-Up
Tickets will be held under the name of each guest.
On Tuesday, August 17th, tickets will be available for pick up from 12:00pm to 8:00pm at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association Office – 318 E Monroe St, Springfield.
We are asking everyone to pick up their tickets on Tuesday afternoon. This will help reduce the long lines on the morning of the Brunch. If you are unable to make it to our office on Tuesday afternoon, your ticket will also be available for pick up the morning of the Brunch starting at 7:30am outside of the Crowne Plaza.
Please note, tickets will be required for entry.
If you have not already done so, please submit the individual names for your tickets to xxxxx@ildccabrunch.org ASAP!
Parking
You will not be able to park at the Crowne Plaza, unless you have a handicapped permit. We have provided free parking at the Capitol City Shopping Center just south of the Crowne Plaza, with a shuttle starting at 7:15am running continuously until 11:00 am. Note: You will be required to wear a mask while on the shuttle.
Special Accommodation
We are providing ASL interpreters and accessible seating for those with need. For more information or to request special accommodations please contact xxxxx@ildccabrunch.org
Again, thank you for your support of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association and this year’s County Chairs’ Brunch.
Questions? Please contact our staff at xxxxx.
I’ll be asking for a response from the Pritzker campaign in a moment.
*** UPDATE *** From Pritzker’s campaign spokesperson…
After deciding not to attend the IDCCA brunch the Governor made plans with his family back in Chicago. He will be sending a video message about the importance of electing Democrats up and down the ballot and will still be hosting a scaled-back outdoor event on the Director’s Lawn in honor of Governor’s Day.
A governor who can afford a private jet can make plans like this, I suppose. Still.
(To address potential comments, yes, he’s coming back to his State Fair event that afternoon.)
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* We’re going to take yesterday’s Census news in chunks today. We’ll start with Downstate…
“We see a strong relationship to population size with small counties tending to lose population and more populous counties tending to gain people,” [Marc Perry, senior demographer in the US Census Bureau’s Population Division] said.
In general, across the country, Perry said people are moving to larger cities.
“Counties with 1,000 to 5,000 people, 5,000 to 10,000 people and 10,000 to 50,000 people also lost people this decade on average,” Perry said. “Only two categories of counties showed growth. Counties with between 50,000 and 100,000 people grew by 4.1% while counties with 100,000 or more people grew by 9.1%.”
* Brenden Moore…
Downstate Illinois is continuing to hollow out, with U.S. Census data, released Thursday afternoon, confirming the region’s losses as the main driver of the state’s population loss over the past 10 years.
All but 14 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline this past decade, but the distribution was uneven, with eight counties in populous northeastern Illinois (Cook County, the five suburban “collar” counties and exurban Grundy and Kendall counties) combining for nearly 149,000 in population growth.
But, the rest of the state combined to lose nearly 167,000 people, creating a net loss of more than 18,000 residents and making Illinois just one of three states to lose population this decade. […]
There were some pockets of downstate growth, with Champaign’s population increasing 8.2% to 88,302, making it one of the state’s 10 largest cities. Bloomington also registered a 2.6% jump to 78,680.
Other areas of growth included Carroll, Effingham, Johnson, Monroe and Williamson counties.
* AP…
The Danville, Illinois, area was among 72 metro areas that lost population between the 2010 and 2020 census. The area just west of the Illinois/Indiana border saw the third-largest percentage decline of those 72, losing 12.5% of its population, according to the Census Bureau.
Kendall County, located about 50 miles southwest of Chicago and home to communities including Oswego and Yorkville, was Illinois’ fastest-growing county, growing nearly 15%.
* Tribune…
Downstate, Carroll, McLean, Champaign, Effingham, Monroe, Williamson and Johnson counties showed slight growth.
But several downstate counties suffered significant population losses of at least 10%, including some in western and southern Illinois. Alexander County at the southwestern tip of the state had the biggest loss, shedding 36% of its residents over the decade, shrinking from 8,238 people to 5,240.
* And while some college towns increased population, others did not…
Coles County’s population dropped nearly 13% in the past decade, from 53,873 in 2010 to 46,863 in 2020, according to new U.S. Census numbers.
This came as a disappointment for Mattoon City Administrator Kyle Gill.
“I figured we might see a drop in numbers, but I didn’t expect it to be that much,” said Gill. “Especially for the whole county.”
Mattoon dropped from 18,555 people in 2010 to 16,870 in 2020. Charleston also shrank in population from 21,838 to 17,286. […]
Jackson County, home of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, was down 12%. McDonough County, home of Western Illinois University, had a 16.5% decline.
* SJ-R…
In Sangamon County, 2010’s population of 197,465 dropped 0.57%, or 1,122 people, to 196,343. The city of Springfield’s population dropped 1.5%, from 116,250 in 2010 to 114,394 in 2020. […]
Molly Berns, executive director of the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, said the drop in Springfield and Sangamon County’s population wasn’t as large as predicted based on 2019 population estimates from the Census Bureau.
“You never want to be pleased with a population decline,” she said. “I was kind of bracing myself. We knew there was going to be some sort of drop in the population.”
Berns said Springfield and Sangamon County, like communities across Illinois and the Midwest, are experiencing the effects of an aging population, couples having fewer children, a reduction in manufacturing and other good-paying jobs, and the allure of major metropolitan areas for young adults and warmer climates for older people.
*** UPDATE *** Click here and you’ll see how freshman US Rep. Mary Miller regularly bashes Chicago…
But, here’s the thing. Miller lives in Coles County, which lost 13 percent of its population in ten years. The Danville area is also in her district and lost 12.5 percent of its population.
So, maybe try a little less Chicago-bashing and a whole lot more focusing on solving the very real problems in her own neighborhoods?
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* Tribune…
Chicago grew by about 50,000 residents over the last decade, according to 2020 U.S. Census data released Thursday.
The decennial population count put Chicago’s total at 2,746,388 residents — a 1.9% increase over the 2010 total. The Chicago number was revealed during a Washington news conference. More detailed county and regional data is expected later Thursday.
Chicago’s gain in population is a stark contrast to the previous decade, when the the city lost 200,000 residents — a 6.9% decrease.
* Sun-Times…
Chicago remains the third largest city in the U.S. despite worries about population loss, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. […]
But Illinois lost population from 2010 to 2020, according to the data, mostly in the southern and western part of the state.
* Click the pic for a better view if you need it of Chicago’s historical demographic trend from Frank Calabrese…
Interesting stuff there. This post will likely be updated.
…Adding… Cook is up beyond the Chicago increase…
…Adding… More on Cook County from Frank Calabrese…
White: 2,135,243 (40%)
Latino: 1,382,778 (26%)
Black: 1,185,601 (22%)
Asian: 408,691 (8%)
…Adding… More from Frank…
…Adding… Regional numbers…
…Adding… More Calabrese…
* More…
* Census shows US is diversifying, white population shrinking
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* From 32nd Ward Democratic Committeeperson Scott Waguespack and 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeperson Lucy Moog to Cook County Central Committee Chair Toni Preckwinkle…
August 2, 2021
Toni Preckwinkle Chair
Cook County Democratic Party 134 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60602
Dear Chairwoman Preckwinkle:
On June 5, the Cook County Democratic Party held a candidate forum for IL Secretary of State. When the candidates were questioned by the Committeepeople, former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias was asked whether he had ever endorsed a republican candidate; and specifically, whether he did so, in the 2014 race for Illinois Treasurer of Mike Frerichs vs. Tom Cross. Mr. Giannoulias replied that he said a few nice things about Tom Cross but did not endorse.
We are reaching out today to ask a formal request of the party to explore and determine whether an endorsement was made in 2014 by then Treasurer Giannoulias. If a candidate for the Democratic nomination were to have endorsed a republican in the past, this would be critical information for our fellow Committeepeople to know before going into the Party slating process this fall. Just this past year, we investigated and sanctioned one of our own Committeepersons for supporting a republican candidate for countywide office, recognizing our duty and importance of supporting the Democratic ticket.
We are available to answer any questions about this this request and hope that a subcommittee can get to the truth of what transpired in the fall of 2014. To keep a strong and vibrant party, we need to make sure everyone is playing for the same team with commitment and loyalty.
Thank you for your consideration.
Waguespack has endorsed Ald. Pat Dowell for SoS. Moog has endorsed Anna Valencia.
* Preckwinkle’s reply…
August 11, 2021
Committeepersons Waguespack and Moog:
We are in receipt of your letter dated August 2 in reference to a statement made by Secretary of State candidate Giannoulias at our June 5 forum. The Executive Committee met on August 9 and chose to provide this response.
Mr. Giannoulias’ actions regarding the 2014 race for state treasurer were widely covered at the time in local media outlets, so additional research on our part is unnecessary. Articles appeared in both the Chicago Tribune (https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/chi-democrat-giannoulias-backs-republican-cross-for-state-treasurer-20140921-story.html) and Chicago Sun Times (https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2014/9/21/18592294/giannoulias-a-democrat backs -republican-cross-for-treasurer). We have also searched the Illinois State Board of Elections and have not found any records of Mr. Giannoulias making a donation to Republican Tom Cross. Please feel free to share this public information as you see fit.
Thank you for your inquiry.
* The linked stories…
* Democrat Giannoulias backs Republican Cross for state treasurer: Former Democratic state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias on Sunday endorsed Republican Tom Cross over Democrat Mike Frerichs for the job of managing Illinois’ money.
* Giannoulias, a Democrat, backs Republican Cross for treasurer: Former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a Democrat, is throwing his support behind Republican Tom Cross in the current race for treasurer, opting to not support fellow Democrat Mike Frerichs.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Hanah Jubeh…
Seven years ago, Alexi said something nice about a candidate from another party. It was not an endorsement and it is certainly not what voters care about. Alexi is running to protect voter rights and modernize the office so we can reduce the lines at driver’s license facilities across the State. These false attacks are exactly what’s wrong with politics today and are what frustrate voters. Right now, people want to elect candidates who care about public service, are committed to restoring faith in government and will work hard for them to make a positive impact in their daily lives.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Greg Hinz got Frerichs on the record…
“He called me this spring, and apologized for endorsing Cross,” Frerichs told me. And Giannoulias did use the word “endorsed” in their talk, Frerichs said. “From my perspective, this all is in the past now.”
Boom.
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* From Gov. Pritzker’s campaign spokesperson in response to my question about his plans for Governor’s Day….
The Governor is planning to host a casual outdoor event on the Director’s lawn to celebrate the tradition of Governor’s Day. With the Delta variant of COVID surging and pediatric cases on the rise, the Governor doesn’t plan to attend the IDCCA brunch, which in its current form is a large indoor event. He continues to encourage others to take all possible pre-cautions to prevent the spread.
I’ve asked the IDCCA for comment.
*** UPDATE *** IDCCA President Kristina Zahorik…
This year’s hybrid gathering will convene Democratic activists from across the state to celebrate the party’s efforts to Build Back Better in a way that is safe and follows the science. While we respect the Governor and other Democrats’ decision not to join the event in person, we’d remind individuals that they can participate in our activities virtually. We hope the Governor takes part in the Brunch virtually or sends a video to address the thousands of grassroots Democrats who will be watching, attending, and supporting his reelection. Furthermore, we’ve put several COVID-19 mitigations in place:
* Do Not Attend in Person Unless Vaccinated: From the start of planning we have included a hybrid virtual option for individuals to participate. If individuals are not vaccinated we ask that they get vaccinated or participate virtually.
* Mask Requirement: All in person attendees are required to wear masks from the time they enter the Crowne Plaza Hotel until they leave the hotel after the event. If you forget your mask we will provide you with one.
* Proper Mask Use: Masks must cover your nose and chin at all times.
* Mask Compliance: If you ignore the mask requirements, you will be asked to leave the event.
* Seating: Unlike in years past, the seats will be spaced far apart from each other for social distancing. We have also limited in person attendance to allow for more spacing in the room.
* Hand Sanitizer: We will have multiple hand sanitizer stations throughout the hotel.
We look forward to seeing the Governor in person at next year’s Brunch.
…Adding… About that “required to wear masks from the time they enter the Crowne Plaza Hotel until they leave the hotel after the event” thing. There will be food and drink, so mask wearing won’t be all the time, of course.
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* WBEZ asked all 177 state legislators if they’ve been vaccinated. About 20 percent didn’t respond…
Nearly four in five Illinois lawmakers say they’ve received COVID-19 vaccines. But the two legislative blocs most unwilling to divulge their vaccination status — Black Democrats and downstate white Republicans — also represent some of the least-inoculated parts of the state. […]
In the Illinois House, less than half of the 45-member Republican caucus publicly acknowledged being vaccinated, and just under 85% of the 73-member House Democratic caucus is fully vaccinated. […]
All 41 members of the Senate Democratic caucus told WBEZ they are fully vaccinated, and all but three within the 18-member Senate Republican caucus responded they, too, are inoculated against the coronavirus.
First, surveys generally do not produce 100 percent response rates. Some of these folks may very well be vaxed and just didn’t respond for any number of reasons. Some may feel that it’s private information. Some may not want to admit being vaccinated. I do not know if we should assume the unresponsive are not vaxed, but they didn’t respond, so they’ve basically given us the go-ahead to assume whatever the heck we want.
* Let’s go over the list of unresponsive legislators, starting with House Democrats…
Aaron M. Ortiz [Sent me a screen shot of his vax card]
Jawaharial Williams [Says he was never contacted, but is “absolutely” vaccinated and is encouraging others to do so]
John C. D’Amico [He told me he is vaccinated]
Curtis J. Tarver, II [He told me he is vaccinated]
Justin Slaughter [”I’m definitely vaccinated!’]
Thaddeus Jones Vaxed.
Mary E. Flowers
Cyril Nichols [”I’m vaccinated”]
Janet Yang Rohr [Didn’t get WBEZ’s email and is vaxed]
Rita Mayfield [”I’m vaxed!”]
Natalie A. Manley [Spokesperson: “Manley is vaccinated”]
From earlier this week…
Rep. Mary Flowers asked the health experts if Illinois gave a false sense of security that people are “okay” if they’re vaccinated. She also asked if state leaders are playing a “shame game” with people who haven’t gotten vaccinated.
Flowers is a Deputy Majority Leader.
* Unresponsive House Republicans…
Tim Ozinga
Amy Grant
Deanne M. Mazzochi
Chris Bos
Martin McLaughlin
Thomas Morrison
Tom Weber
Dan Ugaste
Joe Sosnowski
Tony McCombie
Daniel Swanson
Andrew S. Chesney
Mark Luft
Norine K. Hammond
Randy E. Frese
C.D. Davidsmeyer
Brad Halbrook
Blaine Wilhour
Charles Meier
Adam Niemerg
Chris Miller
David Friess
Dave Severin
* Unresponsive Senate Republicans…
Craig Wilcox
Neil Anderson
Darren Bailey
Sen. Bailey has said elsewhere that he’s not vaccinated.
* One House Republican says he is not vaccinated…
The only legislator to tell WBEZ he is not vaccinated is state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, who said he “probably” would wind up getting the vaccine but did not return a phone call seeking further elaboration.
If any legislator on this unresponsive list would like to contact me, I will make note of it here. I’ve also asked the spokespersons for all four legislative leaders to comment on WBEZ’s story and will post those as they are received.
*** UPDATE 1 *** House Speaker Chris Welch’s spokesperson Jaclyn Driscoll…
We know the vaccine is our best defense against this virus and the Speaker will continue to encourage everyone to get their shots. He’s extremely proud of the work our Democratic caucus has done when it comes to proactively engaging their communities, both in person and utilizing social media, to get their vaccines and adhere to guidance given by our health professionals even when it feels daunting. That’s the type of action that makes a real difference in communities.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Senate President Don Harmon…
I’m proud of the personal responsibility Senate Democrats have shown and our work to promote the only real way out of this pandemic that exists. Following the science and getting more people vaccinated is how we protect our kids, our neighbors, our communities and our economy.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Leader Dan McConchie…
As you can see from the overwhelming majority of Senate Republicans who were willing to give their private medical information to the press, the Governor’s narrative that the caucus is hurting the vaccination effort is entirely unfounded. Throughout the vaccination rollout, the Senate Republicans have been unrelenting in our fight to improve access and help our constituents receive vaccines. From holding vaccination clinics, to working with their local health departments, our members have been at the forefront of fighting this pandemic on the ground in their communities. The Governor’s goals, as he has articulated them, are more likely to be achieved through a collaborative process that includes the General Assembly and both parties. That has not been his approach thus far.
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* New York Daily News…
A federal judge has ordered the Illinois Department of Corrections to “immediately” improve its treatment of inmates seeking treatment for gender dysphoria.
The ruling — which the ACLU of Illinois calls a “major victory” — comes after a four-day trial in East St. Louis last week, in which transgender inmates told the court how they were denied access to basic treatment, including hormone therapy, and how that affected them.
In December 2019, IDOC was ordered to improve care for transgender individuals who were part of the state’s correctional system. But according to U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Rosenstengel, it has failed to do so.
In a rare oral order delivered after the conclusion of the trial, Rosenstengel slammed as “nonsense” and a red herring IDOC’s arguments that the slow process for giving trans prisoners appropriate medical care was due to concerns over non-transgender “predators.”
The court also rejected claims that the COVID-19 pandemic justified delays in the process.
“I don’t have faith to simply ‘let the process play out,’” as the defendants requested. “I acknowledge that COVID understandably caused delays. But, COVID does not authorize inadequate medical care and treatment,” Rosenstengel said.
The injunction is here. I looked around and didn’t see any other news stories about this.
…Adding… IDOC…
“The Illinois Department of Corrections is committed to ensuring world class care for transgender individuals in custody. Under the leadership of Director Rob Jeffreys, the Department has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the quality of transgender care and Judge Nancy Rosenstengel recognized this progress in court. Every person in our custody deserves to have their needs fully met and humanity fully recognized and we are deeply committed to this critical work.”
Background:
Judge Rosenstengel stated in court, “I recognize that progress has been made and I even noted in the preliminary injunction order that changes ordered will take time and I acknowledge that COVID understandably caused delays.”
Under the leadership of Director Rob Jeffreys, the Department has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the quality of transgender care, including but not limited to:
• IDOC entered into a contract with Dr. Erica Anderson, President of the United States Professional Association for Transgender Health (USPATH), to consult with the Department on its policy changes and transgender initiatives. Judge Rosentengel applauded this effort stating, “Hiring Dr. Anderson was an amazing step in the right direction.”;
• The Department contracted with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to provide three separate trainings to all medical and mental health providers within IDOC;
• We contracted with The Moss Group to provide review and input regarding a new internal policy pertaining to transgender care;
• IDOC implemented a policy allowing transgender individuals to choose the gender of the person that conducts their full body searches;
• The Department approved and sent multiple individuals to receive a surgical consultation for gender affirming surgery by renown surgeon Dr. Loren Schechter;
• The Department contracted with Dr. Ravi M. Iyengar, an endocrinologist with expertise in transgender care, to consult with the Department on hormone therapy issues;
• IDOC is finalizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago to access their transgender telemedicine program;
• We implemented a policy allowing gender affirming items be present in commissary;
• The Department continues to actively review individuals for transfer to a facility that houses the gender in which they identify.
Protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all individuals in custody is among IDOC’s highest priorities. We are committed to providing the training and resources necessary to ensure the needs of transgender individuals are met.
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