* Looks like the governor got outflanked by the president…
Today @POTUS will sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19th as a federal holiday. As the 19th falls on a Saturday, most federal employees will observe the holiday tomorrow, June 18th.
— U.S. Office of Personnel Management (@USOPM) June 17, 2021
* It is my company policy to take off all state and federal holidays…
With President Joe Biden signing legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, Governor JB Pritzker announced that state government offices will be closed Friday, June 18 in accordance with the new federal law recognizing the importance of emancipating enslaved Americans.
On Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker signed Illinois’ law to make Juneteenth a state holiday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, in the shadow of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“I’m pleased to see the federal government join Illinois in recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday, offering all Americans a day to reflect on the national shame of slavery and the work we must do to dismantle systemic racism,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Most importantly, let us stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Black Americans who will celebrate Juneteenth as a milestone in their fight for every ounce of the freedom that is their God-given right – and continue with them in that fight.”
When Gov. Pritzker signed Illinois’ Juneteenth legislation earlier this week with the bill sponsors, he reiterated his commitment to leading the nation in dismantling structural racism.
In addition to closing state offices on Friday, June 18, Illinois will continue the recognition of Juneteenth throughout the state, lowering all flags covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to half-staff on Saturday. In addition, a Juneteenth flag will fly proudly over the Illinois state Capitol in Springfield on every Juneteenth, starting this year.
…Adding… In addition, the comptroller’s office is giving everyone a floating holiday because some folks need to come in to the office to get the bills paid. From SoS White…
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities will be closed Friday, June 18 in observance of Juneteenth, as declared by Governor JB Pritzker following President Biden’s signing of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
All Tuesday through Saturday Driver Services facilities will be open for business on Saturday, June 19.
Monday through Friday Driver Services facilities and offices will be open for business on Monday, June 21.
Individuals can visit the Secretary of State’s website, www.cyberdriveillinois.com, to locate the nearest Driver Services facility and the hours of operation.
As a reminder, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has extended all expiration dates to August 1, 2021, for driver’s licenses/ID cards. White encourages people to conduct business online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com for services such as renewing license plate stickers, obtaining replacement driver’s licenses/ID cards and if eligible renewing driver’s licenses.
Democrat Alexi Giannoulias released a new ad in his campaign for Secretary of State today that features support from prominent progressive leaders.
The new ad, titled “Commitment”, includes endorsements from Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García and members of 22nd Ward Independent Political Organization (IPO). It showcases Giannoulias’ dedication to progressive causes and to the Latino community.
“His commitment to social justice is clear,” Garcia says of the former State Treasurer. “His commitment to voter rights, his commitment to ethics…let the community know that they have a trusted friend and ally in Alexi.”
The 60-second online ad also includes: Alderperson and Committeeperson Michael D. Rodriguez; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda; 22nd Ward IPO President Vanessa Uribe; and State Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. (D-21st District).
Giannoulias adds: “We need leaders who are going to fight for fairness and equity and inclusion. For far too long, members of the Latino community especially have been underserved. We need to make sure that we have government services there for our underserved communities.”
The ad marks the second released by the Giannoulias campaign. The first ad launched in April, highlighted Giannoulias’ fight to successfully save jobs at Illinois suit maker Hartmarx and focused on the impact of the Covid crisis and the resulting hardships facing workers and middle-class families.
