“I am honored to be reelected to represent Illinois’ beautiful 14th District in Congress. This was a tough race under some very difficult circumstances, and I want to say thank you to my supporters, the voters, and our elections officials for their diligent work.”
“We face urgent challenges as a community and a country. I remain focused on getting results: protecting our families, ensuring a robust economic recovery, and lowering the cost of health care. Whether you voted for me or not, I pledge to represent every member of this community. That’s my responsibility, and I take it seriously. It’s a privilege to bring northern Illinois voices and values to Washington and I can’t wait to build upon all that we’ve accomplished, together.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Travis Akin, Jim Oberweis Campaign Spokesman…
“The Associated Press calling the race in the 14th Congressional District for Lauren Underwood does not change anything in this race from a legal standpoint. Illinois election law has provisions to allow parties in a closely contested race to seek a recount to ensure that all legal votes are counted and to ensure that the final outcome is the right outcome. There are still votes that have yet to be counted. The totals at this point are unofficial totals as the race has yet to be certified. We are committed to exploring all of the legal options at our disposal and will pursue these options that are afforded our campaign under law.”
Close vote margin required
Candidate determines how many/which precincts to recount
Contested election
Candidates “nominated, elected, or declared eligible for a runoff election” for any office may petition for a recount. However, a close vote margin is required: candidates must have received “at least 95% of the number of votes cast for any successful candidate for the same office” to be eligible for a recount. 10 ICSL 5/22‑9.1. These recounts are considered “discovery recounts,” and the results are explicitly not binding on the outcome of the election. The statutes require that the results of the examination and count shall not be certified, used to amend or change the abstracts of the votes previously completed, used to deny the successful candidate for the same office his certificate of nomination or election, nor used to change the previously declared result of the vote on a question of public policy.
Neither candidates nor voters may petition to recount precincts “exceeding 25% of the total number of precincts within the jurisdiction of the election authority.” 10 ILCS 5/22-9.1.
As noted above in “Court-Ordered Recounts,” candidates may also initiate a recount through the election contest process, in which the judge overseeing the contest may hold a hearing to determine if a recount is warranted.
For election contests, any candidate on the ballot and any write-in candidate in any election may contest the election. Candidates may also specifically request an “examination of records and equipment” as part of the contest. Unlike “discovery recounts,” the ruling resulting from an election contest is binding upon the election results. 10 ILCS 5/23 1.6a, 5/23 1.2a, 5/23-1.10a, 5/23-26 and 5/23-28.
…Adding… Chairman Madigan…
“We have won a hard-fought victory in the 14th Congressional District, and I extend my congratulations to Congresswoman Underwood. For the last week, Democratic Party of Illinois attorneys and poll watchers have worked side-by-side with State Central Committee members, including Lake County Chair Lauren Beth Gash and McHenry County Chair Kristina Zahorik, and Democratic volunteers to ensure that every vote was counted until this critical victory was final.”
…Adding… I’m told there are no court-ordered recounts for congressional races…
No Illinois court recount. Goes to the Floor of the House.
C. Congressional Office
The Federal Contested Election Act, Pub.L. No. 91-138, 83 Stat. 284 (1969), controls contests for election to federal office. See also the election contest rules for the house involved. Strict pleading requirements apply. H.R.Rep. No. 759, 94th Cong., 1st Sess. (1975); Young v. Mikva, 66 Ill.2d 579, 363 N.E.2d 851, 6 Ill.Dec. 904 (1977).
* The advisory is similar to what the governor has already issued. The regulations appear to anticipate the state’s Tier 2 mitigations…
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) today launched a new citywide strategy - “Protect Chicago” - an effort to help Chicago bend the COVID-19 curve for the second time. This strategy calls on all Chicagoans to change their behavior through targeted regulations, strong messaging, and a community-based outreach strategy. If changes are not made by Chicago residents, businesses, and visitors to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the city is on track to lose 1,000 more Chicagoans by the end of the year or even more.
“Chicago has reached a critical point in the second surge of COVID-19, demanding that we undertake this multi-faceted and comprehensive effort to stop the virus in its tracks,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “The gains we have made this past year have been the result of our willingness to work together. Even in this difficult moment, we will continue to unite as we always have for our city in order to halt the rise we’re seeing, shake out of the fatigue we’ve been experiencing, and make the crucial difference in what our future is going to look like.”
A key pillar of the “Protect Chicago” strategy will be the implementation of several regulatory measures aimed at combating the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Chief among these new efforts is a Stay-at-Home Advisory, which calls on all Chicagoans to follow clear measures to protect their community and help us flatten the curve. Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the Advisory by following these guidelines, which will go into effect on Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:00 a.m.:
• Only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up take-out food, or receiving deliveries. If you do leave home, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a face covering at all times.
• Do not have gatherings in your home with anybody outside of your household (except for essential staff such as home health care workers or educators), even with trusted family or friends.
• Avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel; if travel is essential, quarantining or testing negative prior to travel is required, depending on which state a traveler is originating from.
• Comply with City and State Orders, including wearing face coverings, limiting gatherings, and mandating early closure of non-essential businesses at 11 p.m.
• Practice social distancing and avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others if you go outside to get fresh air.
• Use remote modes of communication like phone or video chat instead of visiting friends or family, especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving.
In addition to the Stay-at-Home Advisory, the City is imposing new restrictions to limit meetings and social events to 10 individuals (both indoors and outdoors), which will also go into effect on Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. This capacity limit applies to events such as weddings, birthday parties, business dinners/social events, and funerals, and is applicable to any venue where a meeting or social event is taking place, including meeting rooms. However, the capacity limit does not supersede industries that have specific capacity guidelines in place, which include fitness clubs, retail stores, personal services and movie theaters (generally, 40% or 50 individuals max., whichever is fewer). More information on the new restrictions can be found at chicago.gov/reopening.
“We are at a critical point in our ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said BACP Commissioner Rosa Escareno. “Everybody needs to step up right now to flatten the curve, save lives and help our businesses reopen safely.”
These new regulations and the Stay-at-Home Advisory will be paired with the activation of a community-based outreach strategy that aims to reach all Chicagoans, especially those who live and work in COVID-19 hotspots, which are currently on Chicago’s Northwest and Southwest Sides. The “Protect Chicago” strategy will be pushed out citywide on digital assets and through collateral materials, all zeroing in on the guidance that will keep Chicagoans safe and healthy. The City plans to leverage more than 1,000 City workers, up to 550 contact tracers, and a network of hundreds of community-based organizations to reach Chicagoans who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The outreach team will be conducting data-based, geo-targeting efforts to focus on the highest-incidence zip codes, neighborhoods and census tracts to provide resources, information and support to individuals and families who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. Chicago has seen spread in every zip code, age group, and race and ethnicity, and the City has partnered with minority-owned communications firms – Flowers Communications Group and Imagen Marketing Consultants – to ensure the strategy is targeted to COVID-19 hotspots and resonates with the communities most severely impacted by the virus.
“Protect Chicago” builds upon already-existing regulations and guidelines designed to manage the second wave of COVID-19. The City continues to recommend that Chicagoans avoid all gatherings in private residences, with an exception for essential staff such as home healthcare workers or educators. Furthermore, CDPH Health Orders require that indoor gatherings within private residences be limited to six non-household members. The City has the authority to fine individuals for breaking this requirement and hosting large social gatherings in their private residences. Lastly, earlier this week, CDPH updated the City’s emergency travel order, however, the recommendation remains for residents to avoid all non-essential, out-of-state travel.
“Protect Chicago” has been developed in coordination with CDPH to respond to evolving public health data and trends that show Chicago deep into a second surge of COVID-19. Chicago, the region, and the nation as a whole have experienced several weeks of steeply rising new daily cases, and the test positivity rate has also been increasing and is now above 14% in the city. Chicago is seeing more than 1,900 new daily cases based on a 7-day rolling average, which is a higher rate than at any time during the pandemic. While Black and Latinx residents continue to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, these increases are being seen across age, race and ethnicity.
“The data are troubling, and I’m very concerned we could be looking at tens of thousands of more cases, which would overwhelm the healthcare system and lead to hundreds more deaths,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “But we know what works and what we need to do to bend the curve. We did it once and I know we can do it again.”
…Adding… Michael Jacobson, president and CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association…
It’s very disappointing to hear Mayor Lightfoot spread a falsehood that Chicago hotels are actively marketing and hosting parties or other events that violate current Covid-19 protocols or existing fire code capacity limits. That theory simply is not true. Like every sector of businesses, hotels have unfortunately been victims of a citywide uptick in crime in and around our properties throughout the Central Business District. While there are occasional instances where guests violate the hotel’s policy on the amount of people allowed in each room, those rare cases are dealt with by hotel staff immediately and the guests are evicted. Hotels have far exceeded the guidelines that the City of Chicago set in place to control Covid-19 and are dedicated to protecting our employees and guests. We welcome the opportunity to hear from City of Chicago officials of any reports to the contrary so that they can be resolved immediately.
The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week to 709,000, a still-high level but the lowest figure since March and a sign that the job market might be slowly healing.
The figures coincide with a sharp resurgence in confirmed viral infections to an all-time high above 120,000 a day. Cases are rising in 49 states, and deaths are increasing in 39. The nation has now recorded 240,000 virus-related deaths and 10.3 million confirmed infections.
As colder weather sets in and fear of the virus escalates, consumers may turn more cautious about traveling, shopping, dining out and visiting gyms, barber shops and retailers. Companies in many sectors could cut jobs or workers’ hours. In recent days, the virus’ resurgence has triggered tighter restrictions on businesses, mostly restaurants and bars, in a range of states, including Texas, New York, Maryland, and Oregon.
Last week’s new applications for unemployment benefits was down from 757,000 the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday. The still-elevated figure shows that eight months after the pandemic flattened the economy, many employers are still slashing jobs.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported 67,158 new unemployment claims were filed across the state last week, the week of Nov. 1.
Illinois’ estimated claims were among 709,000 total filed across the country last week.
The most recent claims represent a nearly 9% decrease from the prior week when 73,515 unemployment claims were filed in Illinois, but a 510% increase over the 11,015 claims filed during the same week of 2019.
Well I think I mentioned the other day that we had a huge spike in this PUA unemployment. And a lot of that is fraud-related we believe, based on the analytics. And so we’re trying to address that.
Look, unemployment is never good no matter what that is, it’s not good. We very much want to continue growing our economy. I have believed from day one that the way you do that is tackle the virus, and make sure that you’re doing everything you can. While you’re tackling the virus to keep people safe in the economy that is up and running. And to some degree is continuing to grow from a low that had hit last spring.
On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Mike Madigan’s Chief of Staff announced that the fall veto session has been canceled due to concerns over COVID-19 and proximity to the upcoming holidays. In response to the announcement, State Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) issued the following statement:
“No one is discounting the severity of COVID-19, especially now that we are in the midst of a second wave. However, we were able to meet safely in May and, with proper precautions, we can meet safely now. We have a top-notch Springfield staff that pulled together a safe environment in May that included testing, mask mandates, an abundance of hand sanitizer, and more than enough room to practice social distancing. Not one legislator contracted COVID-19 during our session in May, so we know full well the staff is capable of pulling this off.
“I can’t help but wonder if the cancelation has more to do with political unrest within the House Democratic caucus than it has to do with health and safety. I certainly hope that’s not the case, because it would be a great injustice if Speaker Madigan has placed his political problems ahead of our ability to do the people’s work during a scheduled veto session. We have a multi-billion dollar budget hole to fill and we need to be in session in order to have a voice in crafting a solution. In addition, I mentioned in a recent letter to the Governor that we need to return to Springfield so we can hit the reset button on our COVID-19 response and work together on a better plan.”
* Rep. Grant did more than just wonder…
On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Mike Madigan’s Chief of Staff announced that the fall veto session is canceled due to concerns over COVID-19 and proximity to the upcoming holidays. In response to the announcement, State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) issued the following statement:
“I question the motivation behind this cancelation. We were able to meet safely in May in an environment that included testing, mask mandates, regular use of hand sanitizer, and more than ample room to practice social distancing. No one from the House, Senate or staff contracted COVID-19 during our session in May, so we know staff is capable of putting adequate safety precautions in place. Congress is meeting and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be.
“The people of Illinois are counting on us to do our jobs, and since we know we can safely meet, I must wonder if the cancelation is more about Madigan’s growing unpopularity within his caucus and the Governor’s disinterest in engaging with the legislature than it is about our health. We have to get back to Springfield and legislators must be allowed to have a voice in future COVID-19 decisions. This cancelation sends a bad message to Illinoisans who want their voices heard through their elected representative to the House.”
* And the Tribune editorial board just came right out and said it…
Rather than bring lawmakers back to the capital where face-to-face interactions could intensify conversations to oust him; rather than deal with a major budget shortfall, a pension crisis or a timely Legislative Black Caucus agenda that includes criminal justice reform; rather than pass overdue ethics legislation that would put the ComEd investigation in the spotlight; Madigan canceled veto session altogether. Let Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who recently joined others in calling for Madigan’s ouster as state party chair, struggle with the budget and pension headaches himself. Make him wear the jacket. This is about that too.
…Adding… Rep. Halpin is the second House Democrat to disclose a COVID-19 diagnosis this week. Subscribers know that Rep. Deb Conroy also contracted the virus…
State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is recovering from COVID-19 after five days of enduring chills and fever.
Halpin said his test result came back positive on Monday, but he believes he contracted coronavirus from a family friend on Oct. 31.
“I’m feeling better now, but I had woken up on Election Day in the middle of the night with fever and chills,” Halpin said. “At that point, I made the decision to contact the doctor. For about five days or so, I was in a lot of pain with a headache and fever. I never had any trouble breathing, but it was definitely a miserable five days. After that, I started feeling better with less fatigue.”
But, yeah, it’s all Madigan.
* Meanwhile…
Chicago Unions’ Statement on Partnering with Speaker Madigan to Strengthen Worker Power in Illinois
The unions of Chicago’s labor movement, including the Chicago Federation of Labor, released the following statement supporting Speaker Madigan and partnering with him to strengthen worker power in Illinois:
“As the electoral dust settles and we look toward the next legislative session, the Chicago labor movement is excited and energized to bolster worker power and protections through state legislation. Our best chance to do so is in partnership with House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, a staunch defender of working people. Speaker Madigan has steadfastly advanced workers’ rights, resulting in some of the strongest prevailing wage, collective bargaining, gender pay equity, minimum wage, and worker safety laws in the country. He also spent four years valiantly defending the rights of union members from former Gov. Bruce Rauner’s reckless ideological attacks. Given the choice, Speaker Madigan held the line for working people and we thank him.
“There was a time, not that long ago, when Illinois was heading down the same political path as our Great Lakes neighbors— Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio — where Democrats and labor were shut out of power, and right-to-work-for-less became the law. If it were not for Speaker Madigan, working people would have been marginalized and their voices silenced like those in neighboring states.
“Instead of political in-fighting, we encourage everyone to focus their energy on finding ways to support the workers who are sacrificing so much right now, especially Illinois’ public employees who have risked their own health and safety to keep Illinois running during this pandemic.”
Bob Reiter, Chicago Federation of Labor
Don Villar, Chicago Federation of Labor
Rosetta Daylie, CBTU
James Connolly, Chicago Laborers’ District Council
Jesse M. Rios, AFGE
Sam Cicinelli, Automobile Mechanics’ Local 701
James F. Coyne, Plumbers Local 130
Donald Finn, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134
James M. Gardiner, Iron Workers District Council of Chicago & Vicinity
Terrence J. Hancock, Teamsters Local 731 and Teamsters Joint Council 25
Brian Hickey, IUOE Local 399
Mack I. Julion, National Association of Letter Carriers - Branch #11 Chicago
Thomas Balanoff, SEIU Illinois State Council
Gregory Kelley, SEIU Healthcare
Karen Kent, UNITE HERE Local 1
Ronald D. McInroy, UAW Region 4
William W. Niesman, IBEW Local 9
Robert O’Toole, UFCW Local 1546
Gary Perinar, Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
Jesse Sharkey, Chicago Teachers Union
John Spiros, Jr., International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council #14
Raymond Suggs, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 73
James M. Sweeney, IUOE Local 150
James T. Tracy, Chicago Fire Fighters Local 2
The Illinois AFL-CIO issued a similar statement on Tuesday.
Republicans opened the door to voting for a Democrat for House Speaker in January if it meant ousting Madigan — instead of casting their usual ceremonial votes for the House Minority Leader.
State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) last week survived a well-funded Democratic challenger in a race targeted by Madigan’s political organization.
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to turn the state around,” Batinick said. “For me, the one “no: vote is the vote for Speaker Madigan. Beyond that, I would be willing to engage in conversations and negotiations.”
State Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) said he wouldn’t even mind ending up with a speaker politically to the left of Madigan.
“I’d be happy to take the risk of a more progressive member getting in charge just to have a fair fight in the arena of ideas,” Marron said.
Rather than seeking GOP support for a candidate against Madigan (which could easily turn off a whole lot of Democrats), the easier way to do this is to simply deprive the House Speaker of 60 votes. The House rules require “the affirmative vote of a majority of those elected.” If enough Democrats vote “Present,” then he can’t get to 60. They can then try to coalesce around someone else later.
The Illinois High School Association announced Wednesday that it has formally invited representatives from Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health to its board meeting on Nov. 19.
“The board hopes to create a dialogue and build a more collaborative relationship with all the entities involved with developing sports policy in our state as everyone tries to navigate the myriad issues caused by the pandemic,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “The board’s decision to move forward with the IHSA basketball season was not meant to be adversarial. It was rooted in a desire to receive more direct communication and data from our state partners. They hope all the groups will see the mutual benefit of increased discourse and be represented at the meeting on November 19.”
The invite comes after only eight of the IHSA’s [813] member schools announced they would participate in the IHSA’s basketball season.
The board’s decision wasn’t meant to be adversarial? Right. They stood by silently while their supporters were picketing outside the homes of administration officials and told the Illinois Department of Public Health to shove their public health rules where the sun doesn’t shine and went full speed ahead for “the kids,” and, of course, their sweet income stream, some of it due to state law.
Without adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the governor and the IDPH, insurance companies would not cover the liability costs for schools.
The Southern Illinois University men’s basketball program has paused team activities due to positive COVID-19 test results, head coach Bryan Mullins announced on Thursday.
SIU will not participate in the Wade Houston Tipoff Classic in Louisville, Ky., from November 25-29, as previously scheduled.
“We have diligently followed the safety protocols established by our administration and local health officials, but as we’ve seen throughout the country, Covid cases can and will arise,” Mullins said. “We will resume preparation for the season as soon as our medical professionals deem it is safe to do.”
Joint Statement from House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and State Representative Tony McCombie, Rep. McCombie will not seek the position of caucus leader:
“The House Republican caucus will remain united in fighting for critical reforms to bring our state fiscal stability and rid it of the corruption it has been under for decades of Democrat control. We share the same goals and will work together as a caucus to help the people of Illinois.”
* Enjoy your day off, but please take some time to remember our veterans on their day. The late Bill Withers will play us out…
…Adding… Press release…
Gibson Gives–the charitable arm of Gibson guitars, the iconic American instrument brand–and Guitars For Vets today announce the inaugural ROCK TO REMEMBER, a virtual concert featuring all original content on Wednesday, November 11, Veteran’s Day.
ROCK TO REMEMBER will be hosted by Jared James Nichols and feature performances from 20 plus artists across the U.S. These artists join Gibson Gives and Guitars4Vets to raise funds to provide music programs for returning U.S. military veterans afflicted with PTSD. ROCK TO REMEMBER will livestream in its entirety on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:30pm CT simultaneously on Gibson Facebook and LiveXLive, a global music and entertainment platform. Fans can donate directly to the Guitars4Vets music program or text “G4V” 707070 to donate.
ROCK TO REMEMBER, will feature original performances and content from a diverse group of artists including Don Felder, Big & Rich, Joe Bonamassa, Phil X and The Drills, Travis Denning, Lee Roy Parnell, Orianthi, Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger (Halestorm), Meghan Patrick, Frank Hannon (Tesla) with JT Loux Band, Jimmy Vivino and Friends, Meghan Linsey and Tyler Cain, Honey County, Bones Owens, Nick Perri and The Underground Thieves, Laine Hardy and many more. Additionally, a handful of U.S. veteran graduates of the Guitars For Vets programs will be featured performing their original songs.
Guitars For Vets (G4V) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that directly supports veterans struggling with the challenges of Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) by providing them with free guitars of their own and guitar lessons in both a one-on-one, and a group setting. Thousands of U.S. veterans are afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggling with physical injuries. In fact, more soldiers have committed suicide since the Vietnam War than have died in actual battle. Many are now finding hope in an unlikely place: behind the wood and strings of a guitar. The healing power of music helps soldiers cope and Guitars For Vets provides veterans with the guitars and a forum to learn how to play to relieve stress. Guitars For Vets pursues its mission to share the healing power of music by providing free guitar instruction, a new acoustic guitar and a guitar accessory kit in a structured program run by volunteers, primarily through the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and community-based medical centers. Guitars For Vets’ mission is to help those who served our country rediscover their joy through the power of music.
Gibson Gives, the 501(c)3 charitable arm of Gibson guitars–believes in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a truly life-changing event. Headquartered in the heart of downtown Nashville, the iconic, American-made instrument brand Gibson, has been creating, inspiring, and contributing to the ‘share of sound’ for 126 years. After more than a century, Gibson artists, players and fans continue to experience the #1 guitar brand rejuvenated. Gibson is played by the best and brightest artists, across generations and genres and has emerged as the most relevant, most played, and most loved guitar brand around the world.
Thank you for providing staff with your input concerning the upcoming session schedule. There is a strong majority of members who would prefer the House delay convening to a later date; this is primarily motivated by concerns about the rising COVID-19 rates and proximity to upcoming holidays. I’m advised that there are similar concerns among Senate members, who were also surveyed over the weekend.
Therefore, House and Senate leadership will be announcing the cancellation of the veto session (currently scheduled for November 17-19 and December 1-3). We will continue to monitor the evolving conditions relative to the pandemic and keep members apprised of future session dates. As a reminder, the end of the term for the 101st General Assembly is January 13, 2021, on which date the 102nd General Assembly will be inaugurated.
Take care and stay safe,
Jessica
Jessica Basham, Chief of Staff
Office of the Speaker
Illinois House of Representatives
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
*** UPDATE 2 *** Official press release…
A renewed surge in COVID-19 infections forced the postponement of the upcoming General Assembly veto session at the Capitol, legislative leaders announced Tuesday.
“The front page in today’s Springfield paper warns of a COVID ‘tsunami’ sweeping the region and its health care system. This is not the time to physically bring together hundreds of people from all around the state. Given what’s happening, it was an obvious decision. It’s not safe or responsible to have a legislative session under these circumstances,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.
The Springfield area’s rolling average positivity rate for confirmed COVID infections had skyrocketed to 14.4 percent in recent days, prompting concerns about hospital capacity in the capital city, which is the medical provider for the downstate region.
The veto session was scheduled for Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3 to bracket the Thanksgiving holiday.
“The health and safety of the people who work for and serve in the Illinois General Assembly, and their respective families, is paramount. We will continue to monitor the situation, consult medical experts and do intend to schedule additional session days so we can finish our important work,” said Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
The current 101st General Assembly wraps up business in January when the members of the 102nd General Assembly will be sworn in and the legislative process starts anew. The 102nd General Assembly begins Jan. 13, 2021.
The brief fall session of the General Assembly is known as the “veto session” and is when lawmakers traditionally resolve conflicts with the governor. However, there are no vetoes to address this year. Instead, the legislative agenda is dominated by a comprehensive effort to address systematic racism and social justice.
Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, leads that effort. She said legislation will be ready when it is safe to return.
“We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and COVID-19 cases are surging across the state, making the risk too high for the General Assembly to gather at this time,” said Lightford. “While we will not be able to pass legislation as soon as we hoped, the urgency to bring an end to systemic racism remains. The moment to put forth this critical agenda is now, and I know President Harmon and Speaker Madigan share our concerns and our commitment to making a difference.”
Q: We just received a tip from two lawmakers saying there might not be a veto session. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think there should be one despite a second wave of COVID?
A: Well that would be disappointing. We have so much work to do in Springfield. There’s no doubt. I know why people are concerned about gathering. I am discouraging gathering across the state. But I must say I would be disappointed. There are so we just have so many things we need to accomplish. With regard to the budget in particular, we have major eforts underway that will require the Legislature’s engagement, indeed I’m already working with members of the Legislature. I do not know whether they’re going to not have a session, but again, it would be disappointing.
Two Springfield legislators are, indeed, saying that the House has canceled its reservation with the BOS Center. I called the convention center earlier today and was told that while the House had asked to hold the dates, they hadn’t yet heard anything today either way. The rumor mill is strong, however, that session will be canceled and they’ll return in January for an extended lame duck session. Veto session is scheduled to begin a week from today.
We’ve talked about this before, but things have changed considerably.
* The Question: Cancel veto session or go ahead with it? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
The Illinois AFL-CIO is comprised of more than 1,500 affiliated unions representing nearly 900,000 workers in Illinois. Union members and their families can be found from Antioch to Cairo and from Danville to Quincy. They work in thousands of occupations, including electricians, laborers, teachers, first responders, health care workers, transit workers and more.
Although we are many, the bedrock principle of the labor movement is solidarity: We are stronger together.
The value of this conviction has been proven time and again throughout the years. All that we have achieved for working families—including higher wages, better benefits, expanded protections and more opportunities for all to thrive—was gained through unity. All the challenges we have overcome—Bruce Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda, cuts to wages and health care, assaults on retirement security and even on our fundamental right to bargain collectively—were defeated when we stood as one.
The foes of working families have a different approach. They thrive on discord. Because they know that our power rests in remaining united, they want to divide and turn us against each other.
In this election we maintained pro-worker supermajorities in the Illinois Senate and House, elected a pro-worker President of the United States, defended the U.S. House majority and may yet win a majority in the U.S. Senate. Moreover, we helped to elect growing numbers of women and people of color at both the national and state level who will amplify the voices of those too long marginalized in the halls of power. We did all this, despite our opponents’ millions of dollars of attacks, by standing together.
These victories present a moment of opportunity, but we know the hard work that lies ahead to protect and build upon our progress. The deep pain of the coronavirus pandemic compounds and complicates the policy choices we will face.
At such a critical juncture, we cannot allow political infighting to distract from the task at hand: To build back better for the working people of Illinois and all the United States. Now is the time for unity, not division. Through all the challenges and threats that working families in Illinois have faced over the past years, Speaker Michael Madigan has been a firm ally in defense of our rights, our economic security, and the well-being of our families and our communities. That’s why the Illinois AFL-CIO strongly supports Michael Madigan’s continued leadership as Illinois House Speaker and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
Q: Have you or will you encourage House Democrats to vote against Speaker Madigan for speaker? If reelected, isn’t he a major distraction to your agenda in the spring?
A: That’s a decision that members of the House will make in January. They’ll be taking a vote on speaker and that’s their business.
…Adding… Press release…
Illinois House Republican caucus members held a Zoom press conference on Tuesday to demand their Democrat counterparts in the House stand up and speak out against the continued reign of long-time House Speaker Mike Madigan. The Republicans agree with top Democrats that Speaker Madigan’s time in leadership is up.
“When people think of Illinois, they think of corruption. This culture developed over decades while Mike Madigan ruled as Speaker of the House,” said State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield). “The General Assembly simply cannot function with him as Speaker. Every decision, every vote, every committee hearing is stained with mistrust. If last Tuesday taught us anything, it is that Illinoisans have lost all trust and faith in their government. Trust in state government does not improve until we have a new Speaker of the House. Mike Madigan must go.”
State Rep. and Assistant Minority Leader Avery Bourne argued that continued silence by members of the Democrat party is a tacit endorsement of continued corruption.
“It’s time for House Democrats to show some political courage and leadership,” said State Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville). “House Republicans are united against Mike Madigan as Speaker, and as of today eight House Democrats have stated publicly that they too will not support him. If five additional Democrats are willing to say enough is enough and it’s time for a change, Mike Madigan’s days as Speaker of the House are over. I’m calling on Illinoisans to contact their representatives and ask that they vote no on Mike Madigan serving as Speaker of the House. Silence in this case, is an endorsement of a continuation of the culture of corruption Mike Madigan has overseen.”
Rep. Mike Marron says his short time in Springfield has illuminated the number one problem facing the state.
“When the entire State’s legislative priorities are dependent on gaining favor from one single individual, in this case Mike Madigan, we’ve got a problem,” Marron said. “This democracy that we all love and fight for and rely on is constantly thwarted because Mike Madigan has consolidated so much power that he can single handedly decide if important legislation moves forward. He’s been in state government since before I was born! Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, and JB Pritzker have all called his leadership at the top of their party problematic. I don’t care about whether it’s a problem for Democrats politically. Mike Madigan’s continued leadership of the House of Representatives needs to end as soon as possible so a democratic process can be restored and followed.”
* Jim Nowlan said he hoped that denying Justice Kilbride’s retention would leave the Illinois Supreme Court deadlocked in partisan rancor over his replacement and then all sorts of magical things would happen.
Um, no. From the Illinois Supreme Court…
Justice Robert L. Carter of the 3rd District Appellate Court has been selected to join the Illinois Supreme Court next month, pending the Illinois State Board of Elections proclaiming the results of the November 3 election.
The appointment of Justice Carter is effective December 8, 2020, and terminates December 5, 2022, when the seat will be filled by the November 2022 General Election. The Supreme Court has constitutional authority to fill all judicial vacancies.
“Justice Carter’s appointment came via a unanimous 6-0 vote,” Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said.
Justice Thomas L. Kilbride, whose vacancy Carter is scheduled to fill, did not participate in the vote.
“I am humbled by the confidence and trust the Court has placed in me as it is the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court,” Justice Carter said. “It is a place where I first started my career as a law clerk to Justice Howard Ryan and it is where I will retire after this two-year appointment as I won’t seek to run for this seat in 2022.”
Justice Carter, 74, of Ottawa, has been a judge since 1979 and was assigned to the 3rd District Appellate Court on September 1, 2006. He was elected Circuit Judge in 1988 and became Chief Judge in 1993. In December 2002, Justice Carter was elected Chair of the Conference of Chief Judges and re-elected in 2003 and 2005. He holds A.B. (1968) and J.D. (1974) degrees from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and a Master of Arts (1974) in Administration from Sangamon State University. He completed a one-week course in mediation at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, in the summer of 2001.
In 1969-70, Justice Carter served in the United States Army in Vietnam and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He was a law clerk to Justice Howard C. Ryan of the Illinois Supreme Court in 1974-1975 and engaged in the general private practice of law from 1975-1979.
Since 1980, Justice Carter has been a frequent lecturer at judicial education programs for Illinois judges on such topic areas as jury trials, evidence, contempt, and domestic relations. In 2005, he taught and chaired a seminar on Judicial Administration and Management. In 1998, Justice
Justice Carter is hugely respected in judicial circles. And a spokesman for the Supreme Court says he was first elected as a Democrat.
*** UPDATE *** From the ILGOP’s Joe Hackler…
We look forward to an independent and reform-minded Republican winning the open contest in 2022 for the 3rd Judicial District against whatever Madigan-Kilbride pawn Democrats select to run for the seat.
Twelve Springfield Fire Department personnel, including Chief Allen Reyne, have tested positive for COVID-19.
Thirty-seven Springfield firefighters in all are currently quarantined because of the virus.
Reyne has been Mayor Jim Langfelder’s point person for the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Meanwhile…
The University of Illinois Springfield is suspending all campus activities through at least Wednesday after 15 people on the campus tested positive for COVID-19 https://t.co/zeWe582fST
* I have tried very, very hard over the years to stay as far away from covering local Springfield politics as I possibly can. It was a lesson I learned from reading trial lawyer Gerry Spence’s autobiography. When he bought his ranch, he refused to get involved in any local lawsuits. It seemed like a pretty darned smart idea.
But the locals are now making my vow more and more difficult every day, especially since the city’s response to the virus is weighing heavily on legislators’ minds as they’re asked to decide whether to return to Springfield for veto session. The bet is they’re not coming back, but we’ll know more soon.
* Gov. Pritzker was asked by Dave Dahl yesterday what he thought about Springfield’s mayor wanting to loosen restaurant restrictions while the county sheriff won’t enforce the judge’s order as the city’s COVID-19 point person has come down with the disease. His response…
I’ve been saying for some time now that we really need local officials to take this more seriously, to take some responsibility on their own shoulders. The idea that you’re not going to enforce the mitigations, and then the idea that when it does get enforced with a citation, let’s say, that the state’s attorneys not gonna follow through on that…
I know that locally they think that’s immediately good politics, but it’s good politics for a very small, very loud minority. The vast majority of people want us to take strong action with regard to mitigations and that takes responsibility at all levels of government.
