* Sorry that I didn’t get to a question today. We’ll get back to it next week, but we didn’t receive very many responses to our campaign staff question, so I’m not sure what to do with this particular category. Click here and comment over the weekend (I’ll be able to see them, even if nobody else will until Monday) and we’ll see if we can push the numbers up a bit.
Also, I received a very nice note from Lutheran Social Services of Illinois thanking me for the fundraising. But, really, that praise belongs to all of you who have contributed to LSSI this year. If you haven’t yet, please, click here. Thanks.
Reports continue of people receiving unemployment benefits when they didn’t apply for them, and other fraudulent activity. There’s also a slew of reports of independent workers like hair stylists who were shut down by the state in the spring because of COVID-19 being told they have to pay back the money they got for unemployment.
State Rep. Mike Marron, R-Fithian, said he can’t get anyone at the state agency to return his calls after constituents pleaded for help.
“They were shut down by the government,” Marron said. “They were promised relief, help to make sure they got through. That liked to never come but when it finally did get there, now months later after that’s been spent just so these people can just keep their head above water, the government’s demanding that they pay the money back?”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker reacted to the growing reports saying the federally created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is faulty because it required the benefactor to self-report their income level.
“They put down what they might have thought was going to be their income for the year otherwise, and the state has to verify those numbers on the backend,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker said Congress created the program and it’s up to them to fix it.
* Pritzker is right that this is a national issue. New York Times…
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal program that covers gig workers, part-time hires, seasonal workers and others who do not qualify for traditional unemployment benefits, has kept millions afloat. The program, established by Congress in March as part of the CARES Act, has provided over $70 billion in relief.
But in carrying out the hastily conceived program, states have overpaid hundreds of thousands of workers — often because of administrative errors. Now states are asking for that money back.
The notices come out of the blue, with instructions to repay thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Those being billed, already living on the edge, are told that their benefits will be reduced to compensate for the errors — or that the state may even put a lien on their home, come after future wages or withhold tax refunds.
Many who collected payments are still out of a job, and may have little prospect of getting one. Most had no idea that they were being overpaid. […]
House Democrats have called for renewed pandemic relief to include a provision allowing states to waive overpayments when workers cannot repay them without severe hardship. The provision would apply to previous and future cases. A separate House bill, with bipartisan sponsorship, provides for forgiveness if the overpayment was not the recipient’s fault and “such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.”
Even so, IDES just has to find a way to be more responsive. And do it, like, now.
*** UPDATE *** Rep. Lindsey LaPointe…
Hi Rich,
I have filed a bill to waive unemployment overpayments during the pandemic if the state is at fault, HB5861. As reporting has outlined, a big source of the overpayments is PUA and we would need federal action to allow states to waive those overpayments.
After some media coverage, I am now receiving emails from residents quite literally from all over the state with their anxiety provoking experiences and desperation. The state is asking them to payback amounts in the range of $1k-11k. Here are a few highlights.
• “I received an email this week saying that I owe the State over $3,000. That’s about 20% of what they paid me to begin with. I understand miscalculations can be made, but how can you be off by 20%? It makes no sense. My entire family had COVID a few weeks ago, and I barely worked the entire month to recover and care for them. Still, I did not file for Unemployment because it is such a headache. Well, since I haven’t worked, I don’t have much money coming in, and Christmas is two weeks away as well. Where am I supposed to come up with $3000? I think this is an injustice. Why is it my problem that you can’t figure out benefits properly? Still, I doubt it is worth my time to appeal.
I’ve never been on food stamps, SNAP, welfare, or collected unemployment before. I just needed a little help to get me through the pandemic, and now I feel like I am being stabbed in the back”. - Byron, IL
• “Today I received a correspondence letter from IDES claiming that I was overpaid by almost 4k. They are demanding I pay this back in less than a month. When the pandemic hit in March, my hours were reduced from 40 hours a week to 10-12 hours a week. I spent several weeks trying to get approved for IDES, from March-May and finally received my benefits in June. They deposited a lump some, it was back pay from the date that I applied. Now they claim that I was over paid every single week that I received pay and they are demanding that I also pay ALL of the additional $600 back. I am utterly, sick to my stomach. I feel like giving up. This feels like a nightmare.” - Chicago, IL
Echoing her career work fighting for Black families and disadvantaged communities, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, was elected Joint Caucus Chair for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC).
“I am honored to receive the trust of my colleagues as we enter what I expect to be an impactful legislative session,” Harper said. “This past year has illustrated the critical need for reform in Illinois to combat systemic racism in the areas of education, economic development, criminal justice, health care and human services. Tremendous sacrifice has led us to this moment, and it is our duty to improve the quality of life for Illinoisans.”
Since its founding in 1968, the ILBC has worked to ensure that the interests of African Americans and Black communities are given equitable representation in the Illinois General Assembly regarding areas of education, health and welfare, minority business enterprise, job creation, consumer education and criminal justice reform. As Joint Caucus Chair, Harper succeeds Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.
Harper plans to focus on four policy pillars announced by the Black Caucus this fall to promote racial justice and equal opportunity. The four pillars are:
• Criminal justice reform, police accountability and violence reduction.
• Economic access, equity and opportunity.
• Education and workforce development.
• Health care and human services.
“In addition to working to pass our legislative priorities regarding racial justice, we will continue to focus on assisting students pursuing higher education and sparking greater interest in civics and the legislative process,” Harper said. “I’m grateful for the dedication and hard work exhibited by Senator Lightford and I can’t thank her enough for her incredible leadership and stewardship of the Black Caucus. I look forward to working with the diverse and talented members of our caucus to continue our mission to improve the lives of Illinoisans.”
Harper, a Chicago Democrat, defeated Rep. Carol Ammons for the leadership position.
Also elected to the joint Black Caucus leadership team: Sen. Emil Jones will be treasurer, newly elected Rep. Lakesia Collins is secretary, and Rep. Curtis Tarver II is sergeant-at-arms. All are Democrats.
Separately, the Senate Black Caucus elected Sen. Robert Peters as its chair.
The House Black Caucus will elect its new leadership Dec. 15. There is buzz that Rep. Kam Buckner could be part of the leadership team.
After six years in this role, I leave it with a heavy heart but a content one. My colleagues and I went to battle against a governor who tried to undermine our communities for four years and we still managed to get things done that will have lasting impacts on closing opportunity gaps for the people we serve. And now we have a historic opportunity to undo harm from generations of systemic racism through the passage of our Black agenda. And I’m going to finish what I started because there is nothing more important to this caucus, our communities and our state then putting racism and the structures that have given them life to rest.
The countdown to the 2021 Illinois State Fair is formally underway with fair officials announcing the start of the holiday promotional campaign starring the Mega Pass. A new Jumbo Pass will give fairgoers access to everything the Mega Pass has to offer, but with the added bonus of unlimited rides on a fan favorite, the Giant Slide.
The Illinois State Fair will be offering a Holiday Special on both passes December 15, 2020 through February 15, 2021. During this time the 2021 Mega Pass is just $60, while the Jumbo Pass will be offered at $70. Anyone who purchases a Mega or Jumbo Pass will receive a full refund if COVID prevents the Illinois State Fair from being held.
“You will see all new rides on our midway in 2021, adding more value to your Mega or Jumbo Pass,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon. “The Double Ferris Wheel (Skywheel) and Mega Drop (Supershot) make their way back to the Illinois State Fair along with numerous other spectacular rides including: The Eclipse, X Scream, Rockstar, Screamer, Catch N Air and Surfs Up, just to name a few of our new attractions.”
Mega and Jumbo Passes will be available for purchase throughout the Fair. However, the price will increase to $70 for the Mega Pass and $80 for the Jumbo Pass on February 16 and increase to $80 and $100 beginning August 1.
Admission Bargain Books and Seasonal Infield Parking Passes are also available and make great stocking stuffers. For just $45, the Admission Bargain Book provides eleven any-day admissions to the 2021 Illinois State Fair. The Seasonal Infield Parking Pass is only $40. This allows you to park on the infield all eleven days of the fair.
More information regarding the 2021 Illinois State Fair will be released in the near future. To be among the first to receive new information about the Illinois State Fair, sign up for alerts at www.illinoisstatefair.info.
Take advantage of these limited time deals in any of the following ways:
Online: www.illinoisstatefair.info
By Mail: Download the application at www.illinoisstatefair.info and mail to the address on the order form.
To Order By Phone or Have Questions: Call 217-782-6661 and leave a message. We will get back to you directly to take your order.
The 2021 Illinois State Fair will take place August 12-22.
*** UPDATE *** Wasn’t expecting this…
The Illinois State Fair is excited to announce seven confirmed Illinois Lottery Grandstand acts for 2021. This is the first time the Illinois State Fair has announced and gone on-sale with grandstand acts prior to the new year. This year’s lineup has something for everyone. Fairgoers who purchase grandstand tickets will receive a full refund if COVID-19 prevents the Illinois State Fair from being held.
Veterans Day at the fair will feature an artist who is no stranger to performing for our troops. Toby Keith takes the stage on Sunday, August 15. Keith has gone on 11 USO Tours and entertained nearly 256,000 troops in 18 countries. Craig Morgan will open for the two-time Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year.
On Tuesday, August 17, Chris Young will take the stage for Agriculture Day. The “Raised on Country” singer and songwriter will be accompanied by Ingrid Andress and Payton Smith.
Coming straight off her Female Artist of the Year nomination at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kylie Morgan will play the grandstand on Friday, August 20.
Saturday, August 14 the sounds coming from the grandstand will change from harmonious melodies to roars of laughter when Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias brings his comedy to the Illinois State Fair. The star of I’m Not Fat…I’m Fluffy and Hot and Fluffy will entertain the whole family.
The grandstand will be rocking for two nights when Badflower and George Thorogood take the grandstand stage. Since their emergence in 2014, Badflower has shared the stage with the likes of Cage the Elephant, Soundgarden and Ghost. They will be on the grandstand stage Thursday, August 19. George Thorogood has been generating hit songs since 1975. The Good to be Bad Tour will bring along 38 Special to the party on Sunday, August 22.
The Traveling Salvation Show will return in 2021, after entertaining crowds with the sounds of Neil Diamond in 2019. This up-tempo, rock-oriented tribute to the legendary singer will have you dancing and singing along to all of Diamond’s classic hits. The free show will be Monday, August 16.
“We are excited about this year’s Illinois Lottery Grandstand lineup,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon. “Our goal is to have entertainment for everyone and this diverse lineup accomplishes that goal. We will have more to announce soon to give us even more to be excited for in 2021.”
In addition to a fantastic grandstand lineup, fairgoers will now have the option of buying premium tickets in our new seating area called The Blue Ribbon Zone. The price of this ticket includes a seat at a high-top table with accompanying bar stool, finger foods served to ticketholders prior to the concert, and a designated waitstaff at your service throughout the show.
Tickets to all the announced Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage concerts can be purchased starting December 15 at Ticketmaster.com.
Thursday, August 12: TBD
Friday, August 13: TBD
Saturday, August 14: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Tier 3 - $26 / Tier 2 - $31 / Tier 1 - $36 / Track Seats 1200 Avail. - $46 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $71
Sunday, August 15: Toby Keith with Craig Morgan
Tier 3 - $39 / Tier 2 - $44 / Tier 1 - $49 / SRO Track - $59 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $84
Monday, August 16: The Traveling Salvation Show – A Tribute to Neil Diamond
FREE Concert
Tuesday, August 17: Chris Young with Ingrid Andress and Payton Smith
Tier 3 - $27 / Tier 2 - $32 / Tier 1 - $37 / SRO Track - $47 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $72
Wednesday, August 18: TBD
Thursday, August 19: Bad Flower with TBD
General Admission Seating - $15 / SRO Track - $15/ Blue Ribbon Zone - $50
* At time of purchase, customer will choose whether they are buying Blue Ribbon Zone seats, a general admission seat, or a standing room only track ticket.
Friday, August 20: Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kylie Morgan with Chapel Hart
Tier 3 - $25 / Tier 2 - $30 / Tier 1 - $35 / SRO Track - $45 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $70
Saturday, August 21: TBD
Sunday, August 22: George Thorogood with 38 Special
Tier 3 - $14 / Tier 2 - $19 / Tier 1 - $24 / SRO Track - $34 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $59
Mark your calendars for the 2021 Illinois State Fair, August 12 through 22, in Springfield. Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements from the Illinois State Fair by connecting with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Citing concerns that their division over reelecting Michael Madigan as Illinois House Speaker is giving strength to their political opponents, six Illinois House Democrats are pleading with their 19 colleagues who have committed to not supporting Madigan to “come together as a family” and “unite for a common purpose.”
In a letter marked “Confidential” and obtained by WBEZ on Thursday, the group laid out a lengthy case that the Democratic caucus should unite in order to advance their own substantial agenda. That includes addressing systemic racism, a massive state budget hole caused by a stalled economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and even ethics reforms.
While the letter does not overtly call on any of the 19 lawmakers who oppose Madigan to flip back in favor of Madigan, the authors do appear to be challenging the 19 — urging them to talk with the Democrats who remain aligned with Madigan to come up with a solution. […]
They cite a recently-published Chicago Tribune editorial in which the newspaper’s editorial board advocates for Republicans — who hold a super minority of members in the House — to get behind a Democratic lawmaker who is not Madigan to be the next speaker. […]
The letter was signed by six Madigan-aligned state representatives: Michael Zalewski, D-Riverside, Frances Hurley, D-Chicago, John D’Amico, D-Chicago, Nick Smith, D-Chicago, Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, and Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island.
*** UPDATE *** The letter…
Dear Colleagues,
We write to you during unprecedented times for the House Democratic Caucus. Commonwealth Edison’s deferred prosecution agreement and subsequent indictments have understandably caused many of us to consider the future of our Caucus, who should lead us, and the type of transition process we all wish would occur in the coming months. Each of you has publicly, in your own way, acknowledged that these circumstances have led you to a position where you cannot place your faith in Mike Madigan to continue as House Speaker for the 102nd General Assembly. While many members of the Caucus do not agree with that conclusion, your personal process in reaching your decision deserves respect and recognition, both individually and collectively. You are our brothers and sisters, and we have no doubt through all of this, our Caucus will come out stronger on the other side.
We would be remiss if we didn’t also acknowledge the perilous state our Caucus finds itself in as we enter 2021. Illinois is facing a massive budget crisis, exacerbated by a decimated economy due to COVID-19 and the failure of the Fair Tax proposal. Our state’s congressional and legislative maps must be redrawn next Spring, a process that inevitably will be challenged by forces determined to undermine the racial, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity of this state by insisting that artificial constraints be placed upon our ability to best represent our constituents. The Black Caucus is asking us to address systemic racism, including the fundamental flaws within the criminal justice system, economic inequity, and policing reform. The Governor’s office and environmental groups are prepared to ask us to address an environmental package that will fundamentally change Illinois’ energy market and our approach to environmental justice for generations. Local property taxes continue to rise unabated, and taxpayers will continue to suffer as units of local government struggle to fund education, fire departments, and other necessary services. Ethics reforms to help rebuild faith in our state and local elected officials can’t be implemented until we reconvene. Not to mention the various issues of importance to local communities and the 177 members of the General Assembly. None of this is, nor should be, news to you. But saying it out loud demonstrates the enormity of what lies ahead.
On Sunday, December 6, the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board wrote the following:
Illinois Republicans made minor gains in the November election in Illinois. They recently floated the idea of their House leader, Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs, courting Democrats for the January vote to be House speaker. That idea got torpedoed within hours. Democrats might not want to keep reporting to Madigan, but they won’t support a Republican to lead the House.
To be clear, the Editorial Board with a history of animosity toward core issues that our Caucus holds dear has openly called for the House Republican Caucus to intervene in our leadership election. The inherent danger in even considering that premise cannot be understated.
For any outside forces, specifically those with ideological bents against social services, persons of color, women, veterans, public education and labor to even broach the idea that our Caucus’ leadership should be decided by any other voices but our own is disturbing. It poses a risk to our constituents we individually and collectively work to protect. For four years, our caucus stood united as the single barrier between Bruce Rauner, the Republican caucuses, the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, and others who fought to destroy our state and our values. Meanwhile, we are the Caucus that delivered on promises to allow our citizens to marry who they choose to love; guarantee equal pay for women; raise the minimum wage; repeal the death penalty; legalize and regulate cannabis; mandate corporations prioritize diversity on their boards; develop a first-of- its-kind mental health reporting system for firearm ownership; require disinvestment of State funds from countries such as the Sudan and Iran, and pass a comprehensive capital bill. United, we are capable of fundamentally good things.
The reason the Editorial Board felt it had license to even make the suggestion is because we aren’t united—neither publicly, nor privately. This kind of pressure will only increase in the coming weeks, and, left to fester, cause damage to our mission to serve our constituents best. There is so much on the line. The time is short. The stakes are high.
This letter isn’t meant to persuade you to question your decision, rather it is an invitation to come together as a family and show our opposition that we’re better than they assume. That we, the House Democratic Caucus, can once again unite for a common purpose. That we are more concerned about the collective fate of our state than our individual elections.
We very much hope you consider this in the spirit in which it was intended: a desire to start a dialogue, in the forum of an agreed upon choice, to achieve a path forward for us all. We look forward to hearing from you.
* Republican Illinois US Reps. Mike Bost and Darin LaHood signed on to an amicus brief with about half the Republican members of Congress in support of the Texas attorney general’s attempt to overturn the presidential election results in four states. This afternoon, Attorney General Kwame Raoul signed on to a much different amicus brief, and here’s his press release…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 23 attorneys general, today urged the Supreme Court to reject Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit asking that the court overturn the 2020 election results in four states.
In an amicus brief filed in Texas v. Pennsylvania, Raoul and the coalition argue that Texas’ unprecedented lawsuit depends on a misreading of the Constitution’s Electors Clause. Texas’ unsupported theory clashes with a century of precedent, denies states the authority to make their own decisions about election administration and oversight, and threatens to upend basic notions of federalism and states’ rights. Further, the lawsuit depends on specious claims of voter fraud, without offering any evidence of systemic fraud in the November election. Raoul and the coalition are asking the court to throw out Texas’ lawsuit.
“It is concerning and dangerous that the president and his allies have spent the weeks following the election seeking to undermine its results, as elections are at the very core of our democracy. Further, it is unconscionable that a state attorney general would use his authority to file a frivolous, unfounded lawsuit aimed at overturning an election,” Raoul said. “The people of the states in question have spoken decisively, and I stand with my colleagues to defend their right to be heard.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the 2020 election was “the most secure in American history.” President-elect Joe Biden was declared the winner in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Subsequent recounts in Wisconsin and Georgia confirmed the results, and election officials in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have now certified their results.
While the president’s campaign has continued to make allegations of electoral tampering, neither the campaign nor its supporters have produced any evidence of substantial voter fraud or other forms of wrongdoing. The president and his allies have filed 55 election-related suits since November 3, and federal and state judges have rejected their claims in all but one minor case.
Despite this, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, supported by 17 Republican attorneys general, filed a lawsuit against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in the Supreme Court. The lawsuit alleges that the states unlawfully enacted changes to their election laws under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plaintiffs are asking the Supreme Court to take the unprecedented step of intervening and invalidating the will of the voters in those four states. Tellingly, the lawsuit makes no mention of other states – including Texas and several other states that supported Texas’s lawsuit – that made similar changes to election processes to guarantee residents could access ballots while staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Raoul and the coalition filed an amicus brief today in vigorous opposition to Texas’ undemocratic effort to overturn the results of the election. Specifically, the states urge the Supreme Court to deny Texas’ lawsuit on the grounds that:
• Texas’ interpretation of the Electors Clause is contrary to a century’s worth of precedent: The Electors Clause of the Constitution grants the states the power to set their own rules for presidential elections held within their own states. While the Constitution grants this authority to “state legislatures,” since the early 20th century, the Supreme Court has allowed legislatures to delegate authority to elections administrators or other state government entities.
• States have a constitutional right to determine the process for administering their own elections: Federalism is a core component of the Constitution, governing the division of power between the states and the federal government. The Constitution makes clear, and the Supreme Court has affirmed, that the framers granted states the right to administer and oversee presidential elections on their own. Yet Texas’ lawsuit – calling on the Supreme Court to intervene in the elections held by the four defendant states – would infringe on that right, and thus, states’ sovereignty. Further, it would set its own destructive precedent limiting states’ ability to make critical changes to the structure and oversight of elections.
• There is no evidence that the states’ commonsense measures to protect the voting rights and health of residents produced significant voter fraud: Since 2000, more than 250 million people in all 50 states have voted using mail-in ballots. In 2018 alone, more than 31 million Americans – or approximately 25.8 percent of voters – cast their ballots by mail. Moreover, five states – Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington – had all-mail voting systems prior to the 2020 election, through which every registered voter receives a ballot in the mail. Despite the prevalence of voting by mail, officials at the state and federal levels have consistently found no evidence of widespread fraud. This remained true for the 2020 election. Despite the president’s claims that the results were tainted by voting fraud, his lawyers and other allies have consistently failed to produce any evidence to substantiate these assertions. Indeed, Republican and Democratic officials overseeing the elections in all four defendant states have repeatedly confirmed that processes were safe and secure.
Joining Raoul in filing the amicus brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington.
* From Raoul’s spokesperson, when asked about Bost and LaHood…
It’s clear the president is asking both state attorneys general and congressmen to take this action, and it is unfortunate.
I’ll be more than happy to post any statement from Bost, LaHood, the Illinois Republican Party or the two GOP legislative leaders in response.
*** UPDATE 1 *** I have yet to hear back from the ILGOP or the two legislative leaders (surprise!), but Congressman LaHood gave a brief statement to Crain’s…
In a statement, LaHood said, “The cornerstone of our democracy is our electoral system and any irregularities presented should be investigated. I support President Trump’s right to make his case and I believe that the Supreme Court is the final venue to examine any election irregularities in full.” He said he believes Illinois’ election results were “accurate and fair.”
“President Trump is using the legal means available to him to ensure that every legal vote is counted,” Bost said in a statement Tuesday, prior signing on to the amicus brief. “At a time of great uncertainty for our country, it is vitally important that the American people have faith in our elections and trust the results.”
Bost followed up after signing the brief with a statement Friday saying the lawsuit represents an effort “to ensure that the American people can have faith in our elections and trust the results.” The Supreme Court, he added, is the “final arbiter in cases of election irregularities.”
* Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association President Kristina Zahorik…
“Darin LaHood and Mike Bost apparently do not believe that the votes and the will of the people matter this election. By signing their name to a legal argument that ignores the rights of a state to determine how to manage their own elections, they are not only showing their hypocrisy when it comes to states’ rights, they are also attempting to undermine votes legally cast by citizens of this country.”
“The IDCCA salutes Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul for standing up for the rights of Americans to vote safely and securely. Shame on Bost and LaHood for tarnishing Illinois’ reputation and for this baseless attack on our democracy.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** The governor was asked about this today…
There are I think more than 100 Congressional Republicans who signed on to that. I am surprised. In the Land of Lincoln, I think of Republicans, Democrats as being a lot more reasonable than the people who have followed Donald Trump down every rabbit hole.
And so I just would say it’s irresponsible.
And it’s a ridiculous lawsuit. I don’t know why they would sign on except for apparently undying commitment and loyalty to a failed president.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…
Rep. Brad Halbrook sends letter to Attorney General Kwame Raoul urging him to join Texas election lawsuit
Reps. Chris Miller; Blaine Wilhour; Darren Bailey; Andrew Chesney; John Cabello and State Reps. Elect Adam Niemberg and Paul Jacobs join Rep. Halbrook in calling for Illinois to join Texas lawsuit
State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) has sent Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul urging him to join Texas and 18 other states that have filed a lawsuit against four states that have failed to follow the US Constitution with changes in election law that were implemented without legislative approval.
“The Constitution makes it clear that it is the sole responsibility of state legislatures to make the rules for presidential elections, but yet in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Georgia there were changes in the rules that occurred without legislative action that affected the outcome of the election,” Halbrook said. “The failure of these states to follow the Constitution diluted the votes of millions of people living in states that did follow the Constitution. It is important to make sure that we can trust the outcome of this and future elections. We cannot and should not tolerate an unequal application of our laws. It is imperative that we have free and fair elections. This is why it is important for Illinois to join this lawsuit.”
The letter asks Attorney General Kwame Raoul to join Texas and 18 other states in the STATE OF TEXAS, Plaintiff, v. COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, STATE OF GEORGIA, STATE OF MICHIGAN, AND STATE OF WISCONSIN lawsuit. Joining Rep. Halbrook in signing the letter were: State Reps. Chris Miller (R-Oakland); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City); John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) and Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) State Rep. Elect Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) and State Rep. Elect Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona).
“We are hearing everyday from constituents who are upset with what is going on in the swing states of Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania,” Miller said. “They have no confidence in the results of this election. What is happening goes well beyond the President. This is about the integrity of future elections. We need to make sure the American people can trust the outcome of our elections. The future of our Republic depends on it.”
* Also…
Mary Miller, Congresswoman-elect (IL-15), joins the Texas Attorney General and 18 other State Attorney Generals, several elected officials in the states under question, and numerous elected leaders supporting the Texas lawsuit. She released the following statement.
“I support this lawsuit and President Trump’s efforts to ensure the integrity of our election process. The American people deserve an honest and fair election process where all legal ballots are counted, and illegal votes are removed. This is the only way we can all move forward together in confidence,” stated Conservative Mary Miller.
“Sunshine patriots and fair-weather fighters won’t win this fight or stop the radical left’s attempts to push their socialist agenda. President Trump endorsed my campaign because he needed more actual allies in Washington. I will continue to fight the establishment in both parties that wants to defeat President Trump,” Miller added.
Miller continued: “I was elected to promote Illinois agriculture and economic opportunities, to uphold the rule of law, to defend our values of faith, family, and freedom, and to support President Trump.”
Mary concluded: “We have too many politicians who talk the talk to get elected, but when it comes time to uphold it and fight, they’re nowhere to be found. I’m going to Congress to fight for the things I campaigned on and, more importantly, the people in my district. The fight has begun.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** Over…
To explain the statement by Alito and Thomas: This is totally separate from the merits. They think the Supreme Court is required to hear suits between states, so they think they can't just deny the filing. But they also clearly say they would NOT grant relief to Paxton et al.
The surprise jump in new jobless claims filings to the highest level since mid-September signals a weakening in the labor market that could drag down the economy into the first quarter.
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits jumped to 853,000, rising 137,000 during the week ended Dec. 5 from the prior week, the largest weekly increase since the height of economic shutdowns in March. Economists had expected 730,000 claims, according to Dow Jones. They note the Thanksgiving holiday period could have added distortions in both weeks, but the trend is clearly negative.
State continuing claims rose by 230,000 to 5.76 million, the first increase since August.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported 107,616 new unemployment claims were filed across the state last week, the week of Nov. 29, the most jobless claims the state has had in nearly eight months.
Illinois’ estimated claims last week were among 853,000 total filed across the country.
The most recent claims represent a 45% increase from the prior week, when 74,131 unemployment claims were filed statewide, and a 627% increase over the 14,798 new claims filed in the same week of 2019.
Illinois numbers have not been this high since mid-April, when there were over 141,000 claims filed the week of April 6.
If these high numbers are due to fraud, as the governor has said, then Illinois is having truly gigantic fraud problems. We have 3.9 percent of the US population and 12.6 percent of the benefit applications?
*** UPDATE *** Text from a reporter buddy…
On unemployment, IL’s situation isn’t quite that bad. (Altho it’s still bad.) Seasonally adjusted national unemployment apps were 853,000. Actual were over 947,000. So IL accounted for 11.3%
* Hannah Meisel asked Gov. Pritzker on Tuesday if the National Guard was being sent to the LaSalle Veterans’ Home. He gave her the brush-off, saying “I don’t know where you get your rumors from.” That was a needless and disrespectful jab even if it wasn’t true. Turns out, Hannah’s sourcing was right. Here’s her scoop…
Members of the Illinois National Guard staff have been sent to the LaSalle and Quincy Veterans’ homes to assist with COVID-19 testing and screening at the facilities, Gov. JB Pritzker’s office confirmed Thursday.
It’s not a deployment and those going into the facilities are National Guard staff members and not reserve members. But Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said the homes are in need of help with daily COVID-19 testing.
In a statement Thursday, La Salle County Veterans Assistance Commission Superintendent Steven Kreitzer said the staff are “medical units that will be utilized to maintain records of temperature checks and COVID-19 testing as well as make sure PPE is being worn at all times properly.” […]
The extra help comes after a massive deadly outbreak of the virus is mostly under control at the LaSalle facility, and a smaller outbreak at the Quincy home is ongoing. A 33rd resident at LaSalle died this week after testing positive for COVID-19, meaning more than a quarter of the residents in the home since the outbreak was first reported on Nov. 1 have died. There have been two COVID deaths at Quincy.
Hannah also asked Pritzker this week if the LaSalle Veterans’ Home director had been terminated based on new information or information from the initial probe. And if the firing was based on old info, she asked, what took him so long to do it? Pritzker sidestepped the question.
Every time he does something like that, I wonder what else he’s not telling us. And I’m sure I’m not alone.
We also have the Illinois National Guard on the ground, assisting efforts at LaSalle, with their arrival at Quincy and Manteno set for Monday, providing staff support for screening and handling testing data tracking so that medical staff can focus on direct patient support.
Two days ago, I was asked here about the National Guard being deployed to our homes, and I dismissed it as a rumor. In retrospect, I had directed every member of my administration to move quickly to respond with every available resource to assist IDVA, and the National Guard was asked to be of assistance before I was made aware.
That’s a good thing. I want my administration to be nimble and responsive, but I want to apologize for being dismissive when I was asked about it.
I will say this is just one example of how we are directing every available resource to our veterans’ community through the period of exceptional risk here in Illinois. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to safeguard our most vulnerable, especially those who lived to serve.
In response to decreased use of health care services through Medicaid managed care organizations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, state Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, and state House Assistant Majority Leader Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, filed legislation today to require companies to return excess profits and reallocate funding to critical health care services.
“While insurance companies and managed care organizations see record-setting profits at the height of a global pandemic, rural communities across the state are experiencing unsustainable strain in their health care systems due to lack of resources,” Koehler said. “The money recouped through this legislation would provide immediate relief for Downstate hospitals that have been devastated by COVID-19.”
Hospitals across the state are facing an unprecedented decline in outpatient procedures and elective surgeries as a result of the pandemic, contributing to severe financial strain on health care facilities that serve Illinois’ most vulnerable populations. Conversely, MCOs in Illinois have benefitted from these declines, as enrollment-based payments have continued despite decreased use of non-emergency health care services.
In response, Koehler and Crespo introduced Senate Bill 4207 and House Bill 5867, respectively, which seeks to reallocate a portion of enrollment-based payments made to Medicaid MCOs throughout the pandemic. From an estimated monthly payment of $1.7 billion, a 20% return would yield $340 million per month that can provide needed relief to hospitals and other health care facilities that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, recouping these funds can provide relief to health care service providers that may be impacted by state budget deficits.
“While safety net and critical care providers are struggling to remain open and serve their communities, MCO’s are continuing to receive over a billion dollars in state and federal funding each month,” said Crespo. “Residents across Illinois are making significant sacrifices in order to protect themselves and their communities, and we’ve even seen the auto insurance and cable television industries return unused money to consumers. It is unacceptable that MCO’s are profiting off of taxpayer dollars that aren’t being used. Clawing back some of the funding that MCO’s have received throughout the pandemic and reallocating those dollars to health care providers in low-income and rural communities could help hospitals remain open amid ongoing financial instability that has been exacerbated by the pandemic.”
* This is how Rep. Crespo explained the bill to WTTW…
“We know that hospitals have not been doing services they normally do, elective surgery,” Crespo said. “So costs have gone down. So the plan here is to say, we should take back 20% of (the managed care organizations’) profits and redirect it to other Medicaid expenses the state has.”
Except he’s not talking about clawing back profits, necessarily. But, yeah, if they’re profiting off of a shift in the types of care provided, they should definitely lose that money.
*** UPDATE *** From Samantha Olds Frey, CEO, Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans…
The State of Illinois already has an existing mechanism to protect taxpayers and state from overpaying for underutilization and for 2020 requires that approximately 90% of the capitation received is spent on direct medical care.
While we have seen a shift in utilization we have not seen a 20% decrease in total medical costs for the Medicaid program.
It is important to note that MCOs don’t just pay for hospitals but a comprehensive healthcare benefit; such as: pharmaceuticals, long term care, and behavioral health. The proposed legislation would reduce the necessary resources to the Medicaid program and negatively impact providers and actually harm our most vulnerable residents. IAMHP is opposed to cutting a healthcare program for over 2 million people by 20% especially in the middle of a pandemic.
* Press release…
Illinois legislators and renewable energy businesses are calling for urgent action to save the state’s solar and wind energy jobs, and a new economic analysis shows that the proposed Path to 100 Act would not only save current jobs but would create more than 50,000 new jobs and $8.7 billion in increased economic output by 2033.
On December 4th, the Illinois Power Agency announced the close of state renewable energy incentives for residents in central and southern Illinois. With funding expected to disappear in northern Illinois in coming days, Illinois’ renewable energy program will abruptly end before the end of this year. The end of incentives will immediately impact the ability of homeowners and businesses to go solar and will force thousands of layoffs at solar businesses across the state in the coming months.
Senator Bill Cunningham and Representative Will Davis introduced the Path to 100 Act in early 2019 to address Illinois’ looming renewable energy crisis. The Path to 100 Act would improve and expand Illinois’ existing renewable energy program to allow the state to reach 40% renewable energy by 2030.
A new economic impact analysis of the Path to 100 Act found that, by 2033, the legislation would result in:
• 53,298 jobs created or supported during construction
• 3,215 jobs created or supported annually during operations
• $8.27 billion in increased economic output during construction
• $571 million per year in increased economic output during operations
The analysis was conducted by Dr. David Loomis. Loomis is the co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University and the President of Strategic Economic Research and has over 20 years of experience in energy and economic development analysis.
“Fixing Illinois renewable energy program is low-hanging fruit for the General Assembly and should be a top priority – we have a proven way to create jobs, benefit consumers and reduce pollution as well as a backlog of projects that could provide a rapid economic stimulus across the state,” said Representative Will Davis, House Sponsor of the Path to 100 Act. “There is no reason to delay fixing this.”
* My headlines are automatically posted on Twitter, so this one was specifically designed to freak out those folks. The real story here is that Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob Karr has been elected the new Speaker of the Third House, an organization for lobbyists.
The group held its annual holiday party today via Zoom. Outgoing Speaker Julie Sullivan joked that she had the honor of hosting the lamest Third House party ever. But it did have the smallest bar tab.
Anyway, congrats to Rob, who does a fine job with IRMA. I looked around and couldn’t find a suitable photo to use for a caption contest, so we’ll just have to settle for this story from The Onion that’s going around this week…
GAITHERSBURG, MD—Plotting out a career path that would enable him to one day land his dream job, aspiring lobbyist Christopher Talley told reporters Wednesday that he’d been able to get his foot in the door as a state senator. “Obviously I can’t jump right into my dream gig, but being a state senator and nominally representing the people of this district for a few years will help me work my way up the ladder to something actually worthwhile,” said Talley, who won a state senate seat in November as the first part of his personal 15-year plan to someday pursue the financial interests of agribusiness conglomerates in Washington. “Being in a state senate seat is kind of like having some control over how the government works for business, so this will help me get my feet wet and prove to potential lobbying firm employers that I have what it takes to network with people in the government biz. The money’s not great right now on a public servant salary, but this is just the first step to getting into the House of Representatives, maybe a mid-city mayorship, and finally make it to the lobbyist level. I can’t wait.” Talley also admitted that it did make him nervous to see how many of his state senate colleagues were also competing to be lobbyists someday.
*** UPDATE *** OK, now we got us a caption contest. Here’s Rob Karr at the 1990 holiday party…
Statement from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House held a first of its kind Speaker of the House Candidate’s Forum Saturday, December 5th. Out of the 118 members of the Illinois House, only two candidates availed themselves to our process for Speaker of the 102nd General Assembly. After analysis, we believe our caucus is in a more advantageous position under the leadership of Speaker Madigan to deliver on our priorities. We have a daunting task ahead of us to repair harm done to black communities because of long standing systemic disinvestment, the challenges stemming from COVID-19 and of course the underlying reasons why it is important to pass the Black Caucus’ Policy Agenda: Criminal Justice & Police Reform; Education & Workforce Development; Economic Access; and Access to Health Care.
The members of the House Illinois Legislative Black Caucus have taken a Caucus position in support of Representative Mike Madigan as Speaker for the next General Assembly. We need a Speaker that will provide strong, consistent leadership and support for the challenges ahead.
It’s time to refocus on the work in front of us and be prepared to start the next General Assembly’s business immediately.
This means, of course, that now the opposition cannot reach 60 votes for a different House Speaker.
*** UPDATE *** From the only Black Caucus member who has said he will not vote to reelect Madigan…
State Rep. Maurice West Responds to Black Caucus Statement with 4 words
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 8,256 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 179 additional deaths.
- Adams County: 1 female 100+
- Bond County: 1 female 60s
- Boone County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
- Bureau County: 1 male 70s
- Champaign County: 1 male 70s
- Christian County: 1 female 40s
- Cook County: 1 female 40s, 3 males 40s, 3 males 50s, 5 females 60s, 7 males 60s, 5 females 70s, 9 males 70s, 11 females 80s, 11 males 80s, 7 females 90s, 2 males 90s, 1 female 100+
- Crawford County: 1 male 80s
- DeKalb County: 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
- DuPage County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 70s, 2 females 80s, 2 males 80s
- Edgar County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
- Effingham County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 females 90
- Fulton County: 1 male 80s
- Greene County: 1 male 70s
- Grundy County: 1 female 80s
- Hamilton County: 1 male 80s
- Henderson County: 1 female 90s
- Jackson County: 1 female 90s
- Jefferson County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 80s
- Johnson County: 1 male 40s
- Kane County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
- Kankakee County: 1 male 80s
- Knox County: 1 female 80s
- Lake County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 70s, 2 male 70s, 1 male 90s
- LaSalle County: 1 female 80s
- Lee County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
- Livingston County: 1 female 90s
- Logan County: 1 female 60s, 2 females 90s
- Macoupin County: 3 females 60s, 1 female 80s
- Madison County: 1 female 40s, 2 females 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s
- Marion County: 1 male 60s, 1 female 90s
- Massac County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
- McDonough County: 1 female 70s
- McHenry County: 1 female 70s
- McLean County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s
- Morgan County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
- Moultrie County: 1 female 80s
- Peoria County: 1 female 40s, 2 males 70s
- Rock Island County: 2 females 70s
- Sangamon County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 3 females 90s
- Shelby County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
- St. Clair County: 3 females 70s, 1 female 90s
- Stephenson County: 1 male 80s
- Tazewell County: 1 female 90s, 1 female 100+, 1 male 100+
- Vermilion County: 1 male 90s
- Washington County: 1 male 80s
- Will County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 2 females 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s, 1 male 80s
- Williamson County: 1 female 60s
- Winnebago County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 812,430 cases, including 13,666 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 92,737 specimens for a total 11,367,345. As of last night, 5,284 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 1,176 patients were in the ICU and 647 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 2 – December 8, 2020 is 9.6%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 2 – December 8, 2020 is 11.4%.
*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered. Information for a death previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
…Adding… Keep wearing that mask, keep washing your hands and keep on keeping on with the distance thing and maybe the state will get out of this mess…
Illinois' 7-day average case positivity rate has been falling since abt 11/13, but there is still time to see a post-Thanksgiving surge. Also stil 3x higher than in July. Trend is good, but not out of the woods yet. pic.twitter.com/rwCxAKo5kg
The food permits of several Henry County restaurants have been suspended, the Henry County Health Department confirmed Tuesday. The suspensions were handed down after several area restaurant and bar owners defied the governor’s most recent mitigation measures and continued to serve patrons indoors. […]
As of Tuesday, the Broken Chimney remained closed, but at noontime, Cerno’s Bar and Grill continued to serve food without a food permit, even as the attorney for the restaurant’s owners, Thomas DeVore, appeared in Henry County Court at a preliminary hearing.
On Monday, a complaint for a preliminary injunction was filed against the restaurant owners and a motion for a restraining order barring the restaurant from opening. The hearing was scheduled for Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
On Tuesday afternoon, the bar and grill owners announced the restaurant’s closing on their Facebook page.
“Today our lawyer went to court for us and battled for our doors to stay open, unfortunately the judge did not rule in our favor. That ruling unfortunately means a temporarily full shut down. The health department is working to decipher the rules on reestablishing our food license,” the post read.
A lawsuit filed by a Thayer bar against the Sangamon County Department of Public Health on November 25th was thrown out Wednesday afternoon. Represented by Attorney Thomas DeVore, Brewzrz Pub claimed that the Public Health Department violated Illinois law by suspending its food license on November 19, 2020 as a result of the bar’s failure to comply with Sangamon County’s Covid-19 mitigation restrictions prohibiting indoor dining and bar service.
Seven restaurants in St. Clair County have faced recent aggressive actions from the local health department and more actions are coming soon. It’s a new approach to shutting down indoor dining.
Restaurants defying indoor dining orders did not think Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s order was enforceable. Then the St. Clair County Health Department started stripping businesses of their food licenses.
Why on Earth would they think the order was unenforceable? You guessed it…
“You have a very small segment of county health departments, and it’s 6 or 7 out of the 102 at this point, St. Clair County being one of them, that’s saying, ‘Well, we’re not closing or making your business off limits to the public, we’re just gonna suspend your food license,’” said attorney Tom DeVore. […]
“The suggestion is they can still use their bar or restaurant to teach typewriter maintenance I guess, but you’re not closed and off limits to the public to where we have to follow the law,” he said. “‘We’re just telling you, you don’t have a food license.’ It’s a big work around.”
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District removed the food permit of Apple Dumplin’, 2014 N. High Cross Road, for continuing to serve indoors, but the restaurant continued to operate without the permit, according to health district Administrator Julie Pryde. […]
Earlier Wednesday, Flanigan contended it’s not illegal to serve indoors, and that he believes Gov. J.B. Pritzker would have had to turn to the state Legislature to pass a law banning indoor restaurant and bar service beyond 30 days of the original order back in March.
He said the health district told him last Thursday that his food permit would be removed, but he passed his health inspection without issues Nov. 24.
“To me, it doesn’t matter,” he said about his food permit being removed. “Even if they did, they did it wrongly.”
Selling snake oil to people to ease their headaches is one thing. Marketing it as a cure for desperate people with terminal cancer is quite another. The ARDC, the Supreme Court, the IBA or somebody needs to step in here. Now.
When asked Monday if he would support Madigan, [Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa] replied: “I will evaluate all candidates to see what their plan is for our state and if those are in line with the values of the Illinois Valley and our working class sensibilities.” […]
In a September interview with the Shaw Media Local News Network editorial board, Yednock said he wanted to wait to see how the investigation goes before he calls for any resignation.
“I’m not going to call for anybody’s removal unless they are convicted,” Yednock said. “I will do that to a friend or political foe. I think due process still has to be the law of the land.”
In a bid to keep his job, Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan appeared over the weekend before members of the Democratic Black Caucus.
He’s expected to win the group’s endorsement, and state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, said she intends to follow that lead.
“I’m going to support the position of the caucus,” Ammons said.
She said it will be “no surprise” if the caucus endorses the beleaguered Madigan’s tenuous bid for re-election to another term as speaker because of the assistance Madigan has given to the group’s policy priorities.
Ammons also said she will be pleased to support Madigan because “he’s helped (my) district” on university- and hospital-funding issues.
The National Restaurant Association warns 10,000 American restaurants could close in three weeks unless Congress passes a relief package. That’s on top of 110,000 restaurants that have already closed this year.
* Meanwhile, from the free Daily Line email…
The Chicago Restaurants Association and Fulton Market Association plan to co-host a press conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday at City Wintery at 1200 W. Randolph St. to call on Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. JB Pritzker to restore indoor dining in Chicago to 20 percent occupancy by Jan. 15. They are also calling on Ald. Tom Tunney (44) to be fined the maximum penalty of $10,500 for serving indoor diners at his restaurant. “Chicago restaurant violators must be punished to the full extent of the law, in order to avoid unfair government scapegoating of restaurants as “virus super-spreaders,” according to a press release released by the groups Tuesday.
Thoughts?
*** UPDATE *** Good point…
Lightfoot on Fulton Market group: "I never appreciate hearing that 'someone is demanding a meeting with the mayor' through the very first time through the media." If you're serious, you contact her. She'll find out the particulars of that.
