* I will likely open the blog late Sunday afternoon before the Senate returns at 5, but I don’t think I’ll open comments until Monday. Background on this remix is here. The tune seems appropriate since the Senate hasn’t yet decided what to do about the two big House bills awaiting action next week…
Goes to show, you don’t ever know
Watch each card you play and play it slow
Wait until that deal come round
Don’t you let that deal go down, oh no
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for terms beginning on or after January 16, 2023, the directors, secretaries, assistant directors, and assistant secretaries shall receive annual salaries, payable in equal monthly installments, and increases in salary, as designated in the Sections following this Section and preceding Section 5-500.
And then if you scroll through, salaries are laid out for directors, etc.
For terms beginning on or after January 9, 2023:
To the Governor, a salary of $205,700 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater, together with the use and occupancy of the executive mansion. To the Lieutenant Governor, a salary of $160,900 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater. To the Secretary of State, a salary of $183,300 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater. To the Comptroller, a salary of $160,900 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater. To the Treasurer, a salary of $160,900 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater. To the Attorney General, a salary of $183,300 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater.
…Adding… The governor doesn’t take a salary, but here are the current salaries for the other constitutionals…
Beginning with the 103rd General Assembly, each member of the General Assembly shall receive an annual salary of $85,000 or as set by the Compensation Review Board, whichever is greater.
…Adding… Base legislator salary is currently $71,800. So this is an 18.4 percent increase.
For any General Assembly in which the majority party in the House of Representatives has 71 or more elected Representatives, the majority party shall have one additional majority officer who shall have the title of speaker pro tempore and who shall receive an amount equal to the majority leader in the House and one majority officer who shall receive an amount equal to an assistant majority leader in the House of Representatives.
For any General Assembly in which the majority party in the Senate has 36 or more elected Senators, the majority party shall have one additional majority officer who shall receive an amount equal to the majority leader in the House and one majority officer who shall receive an amount equal to an assistant majority leader in the Senate.
And now maybe we know why legislators were willing to wait so long tonight.
…Adding… So, apparently, this all started with a request from the governor’s office for pay increases for top agency officials because Illinois’ compensation isn’t competitive with other large states. That morphed into talks about pay raises for constitutional officers. And then, as you might imagine, legislators didn’t want to be left out while everyone else was getting a raise.
The interesting thing is that this has to all be signed into law before noon on Monday, when the constitutionals are sworn in. The Senate is returning Sunday, so that chamber will be able to pass this on concurrence and get it to the governor.
Much credit for keeping this such a secret.
…Adding… For a comparison of agency director salaries to other large states, click here. To look at Illinois director and assistant director current salaries and proposed increases, click here. The documents were shared by the governor’s office.
* House members have been sitting around doing essentially nothing since the House Democratic caucus meeting ended shortly before 4 o’clock this afternoon.
All I’ve been able to discern so far is that they’re waiting on the final drafting of a BIMP after some “corrections” needed to be made and drafting has taken much longer than expected. Hopefully, they can get this moving soon. Stay tuned.
As Governor Pritzker concludes his first term in office and approaches his second inauguration, the administration announced the following personnel transitions at Illinois state agencies:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Colleen Callahan will step down from her position on January 16th. Since beginning her term in 2019, Director Callahan has guided the department through the formation of a new strategic plan focused on protecting Illinois’s natural resources and reducing the impact of climate change. Callahan also advocated for IDNR’s largest budget in decades to fund repairs and updates at state sites and led the successful re-brand of invasive carp to Copi. Prior to her appointment to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Callahan served as state director of Illinois’ Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and worked for over 30 years in agriculture communications for WMBD Radio in Peoria.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Sylvia Garcia will step down from her position on January 16th. Appointed in 2021, Director Garcia has led DCEO through key COVID-19 revitalization and rebuilding efforts, including supporting thousands of businesses and local governments through over $1 billion in economic assistance and the launch of the state’s largest ever tourism campaign, “Illinois: The Middle of Everything.” Garcia previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at the Chicago Transit Authority and as Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Transportation during the Obama Administration.
CMS Director Anthony Pascente will step down from his position on January 20th. Pascente, who previously served as CMS Chief of Staff, was appointed by Governor Pritzker in 2022. Pascente was instrumental in the historic sale of the James R. Thompson Center and the purchase of the new state government Chicago offices at 555 W Monroe Street and 115 S. LaSalle, as well as in guiding remote work and return to workplace initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his time at CMS, Pascente served as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the City of Chicago in the Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology Secretary Jennifer Ricker will step down from her position at the end of the term. Ricker was appointed Secretary after previously serving as Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary at DoIT. During her tenure, Ricker led DoIT’s efforts in expanding remote work capabilities for the state workforce and implementing pandemic-related systems and enhancements to facilitate virtual state services for residents. Prior to working at DoIT, Ricker served as chief of staff for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
The administration looks forward to announcing additional appointments in the coming weeks.
Brandon Ragle has just been named Acting Secretary of DoIT.
* Pretty decent growth. Imagine how much better it would be without the massive retail markups…
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced today that 2022 set adult use cannabis sales records in all categories it tracks. This includes number of items sold, sales totals to Illinois and out-of-state residents, and sales total by month. For the year, Illinois adult use cannabis dispensaries sold $1,552,324,820.37 worth of product, an increase of more than 12% from 2021 and 131% from 2020, the first year cannabis sales were first legally allowed in Illinois. There are currently 113 adult use cannabis dispensaries in Illinois, including the first three social equity dispensaries that opened their doors in 2022. These figures do not include taxes collected, which are reported by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
“When I signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act into law in 2019, we set out on an ambitious goal: to create the most equitable and economically prosperous cannabis industry in the nation. Our data from 2022 shows that we are well on our way towards making that idea a reality,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Not only did we break our previous sales record by more than 12% with a total of more than $1.5 billion, we also saw the first of our social equity adult use cannabis dispensaries open their doors for business—paving the way for an even stronger 2023.”
“This marks the second straight year that Illinois’ adult use cannabis industry has seen record-setting growth, and we are excited for what the future holds for the most equitable cannabis industry in the country,” said Mario Treto, Jr., Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. “We are optimistic the industry will only continue to flourish in 2023, as we welcome more dispensaries to Illinois.”
Statistics compiled by IDFPR show 2021’s sales totals were all exceeded in November 2022. In total, 36,435,129 items were sold in Illinois adult use cannabis dispensaries in 2022, an increase of 20% from 2021. In addition, Illinois resident sales totaled $1,073,132,436.48 (an increase of almost 14% from 2021), while sales to out-of-state residents totaled $479,192,383.91 (an increase of almost 10% from 2021). IDFPR’s complete adult use cannabis monthly sales tracker may be found online here.
In addition to three social equity adult use cannabis dispensaries that opened their doors in 2022, 189 other conditional licensees are in the process of receiving their full dispensary license from IDFPR. Dispensaries may begin adult use cannabis sales once they receive their full license from IDFPR. The Department also announced in December 2022 that applications for the next round of cannabis dispensary licenses will be accepted starting January 30, 2023. Additional information for prospective applicants (including a mock application, proposed timeline, and social equity criteria applicants will need to meet to receive a license) may be found on IDFPR’s Adult Use Cannabis Program webpage under the “Information for social Equity Criteria Lottery” section.
More dispensaries should force those price margins down.
* Press release…
The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is proud to announce the appointment of national nonprofit leader Bernard Cherkasov as the Museum’s Chief Executive Officer.
Cherkasov joins the Museum during an incredible moment in its history. In 2022, the Museum saw record-high attendance and gained international attention for its groundbreaking virtual reality exhibition, leadership combating antisemitism, and speaking out for justice.
“It is always incredible to find a leader who can meet the moment,” said Jordan Lamm, Chair of the Museum’s Board. “Bernard has had a profound impact on the fabric of the local, state, and national community. He committed himself with compassion and tenacity to the advancement of human and civil rights and worked tirelessly for equity and justice. Bernard’s personal connection to our work and his years of leadership make him a perfect fit for the Museum’s mission and legacy.”
When he was 13 years old, Cherkasov and his family fled antisemitism and ethnic violence in his native Azerbaijan and came to the United States as refugees. His worldview was shaped by the courage and conviction of those who took risks to help his family and refugees like them.
* House Resolution 1046: WHEREAS, Leader Harris maintains a wide variety of interests outside the General Assembly, including an abiding appreciation of bacon, watching little-seen science fiction movies, maintaining a unique collection of socks, raising awareness of days of recognition and celebration on social media, and acting as a human companion to Tip the Cat.
* Press release | Cunningham passes new law to help veterans: House Bill 5542 makes several changes to the Illinois Joining Forces network at their request. The bill removes the executive board, which allows the foundation to add an additional 18 members, nine of which can be appointed by the foundation themselves, to assist with fundraising.
* WBEZ | Is a longstanding Chicago political tradition on its way out?: Just 113 objections were filed against candidates’ nominating petitions for the 2023 municipal elections. That’s the lowest number of objections for a municipal election since 1983, when 105 objections were filed, according to a WBEZ analysis of historical objection cases heard by the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.
* The Crusader | Blacks blast Lightfoot’s plan to house migrants on South Side: In news reports, Alderman Taylor said she was “blindsided” by the decision. She told radio station WVON’S Perri Small she knew nothing about the renovations or the plan to house migrants at the shuttered school. Lightfoot herself did not attend the community meeting, fueling disappointment and disgust among Woodlawn residents, including homeowners.
* WBEZ | Chicago’s confrontational police union boss is facing a tough reelection challenger: A formidable candidate is trying to unseat John Catanzara as head of the union for Chicago’s 10,000 rank-and-file cops. But officers of color, women and political moderates in CPD may find Det. Robert Bartlett similar to the incumbent. Both are white men in a union long run by white men. Both have spoken highly of Donald Trump and both have opposed efforts to toughen police oversight.
* Daily Southtown | Area teachers join statewide effort to address racism in schools: The act would classify instances of racial harassment as civil rights violations for officials and institutions that don’t work to stop them. Schools would need to adopt and display a policy, as well as train employees and distribute it to everyone involved. The proposed bill is online at www.racismfreeschools.org.
* Tribune | Illinois ranks 2nd behind Alaska for wintering bald eagles, and festival season is underway: The state’s abundance of eagles is on proud display this month, as communities host eagle festivals large and small. One of the closest festivals for Chicagoans, the Will County forest preserves’ Eagle Watch on Jan. 14 in Channahon, will feature a good chance to see a nesting pair that likes to perch just across the Des Plaines River from the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center.
* Pantagraph | Illinois State women finish strong for MVC win over Missouri State: Paige Robinson made a successful return to the Ozarks and Illinois State’s Kristen Gillespie secured her 200th win as a head coach Thursday as the Redbirds rallied for a 67-63 Missouri Valley Conference victory over Missouri State at Great Southern Bank Arena.
* Evanston Review | Some Evanston City Council members hope to attract dispensaries with cannabis lounges: Councilmember Eleanor Revelle has already gone on the record to call the referral, sponsored by Councilmember Devon Reid, a “mistake,” citing concerns brought forth by Evanston Health Advisory Council Chair Donald Ziegler. Ziegler said he opposes cannabis lounges due to secondhand smoke and said it should be banned wherever tobacco consumption is illegal.
* WROK | World’s Largest Guitar Is Coming Home To Illinois : The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois is set to receive the largest hand-made guitar sculpture ever created. The artwork, named GIGANTAR, will begin its journey to the museum on January 14th, starting with a launch party at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. GIGANTAR will then travel across five states on an open flat-bed truck, making stops at prestigious and historical sites along the way. The sculpture will arrive in Joliet on January 16th.
Following is a statement from Rep. Bob Morgan, the chair of the House Safety & Reform Working Group, on the passage of the Protect Illinois Communities in the House of Representatives, including a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines:
“This passage by the House is a monumental step, and all the activists, organizers and survivors who have flooded this building with their advocacy should be proud of this achievement. This is your victory. We aren’t done yet–but this legislative action represents serious progress on the road to full passage. I want to thank Speaker Welch for his leadership and guidance as we have worked to negotiate this package and move forward on the path to passing this life-saving, common sense legislation.”
* Speaker Welch…
“Tonight, I want to congratulate the Firearms Safety Working Group and the Reproductive Health Working Group. More importantly, I want to thank the members whose leadership, hard work, compromise, and compassion have allowed us to find purpose and progress in the pain and trauma so many have felt.
It is thanks to their months of hard work that the Illinois House passed common-sense gun reform and necessary protections for reproductive health care. We know that the work is not done; we will continue looking for opportunities to engage stakeholders and continuing to do the work to move Illinois forward.”
* Gov. Pritzker…
Following the Illinois House of Representatives taking action on several bills today, Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement.
For months lawmakers and advocates have been hard at work negotiating two very critical pieces of legislation to keep Illinoisans safe. Tonight, with the leadership and support of Speaker Welch, the Illinois House passed critical reproductive health protections and an assault weapons ban. The people of Illinois send us to Springfield to tackle tough issues and these bills are historic steps in the right direction. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Illinois Senate to get bills addressing these issues to my desk so I can sign them as soon as possible.
I’d like to thank Rep. Cassidy for her tireless work to protect reproductive healthcare and Rep. Morgan for his work to get weapons of war off our streets.
* Rep. Niemerg…
The Illinois House has approved another extreme abortion rights bill and has once again taken aim at the rights of parents, according to State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dietrich).
The House approved SB 1534, which was amended to include more radical pro-abortion language. The bill paves the way for mobile abortion clinics and allows physician’s assistants to administer certain types of abortions.
“When is enough, enough? We pass abortion bill after abortion after abortion bill after abortion bill,” Niemerg said. “The other side is talking about the physician and the patient but what about the parents? I’m a father. There are many mothers and fathers who want to be involved in their kids’ lives. But the radical Democrat majority repealed parental notification. Now we are making it so that physician assistants can perform abortions and we are putting a mobile abortion clinic in southern Illinois. They have removed all liability for abortion clinics. So now a 14-year-old girl can be driven to an abortion clinic by her boyfriend, and she can have that abortion and that child could die on the table with no liability for abortion clinic and the parents wouldn’t know anything about it until it was all over. It is time we started talking about the parents. When is enough, enough? It is obvious there are no restrictions on abortion the proponents of this bill will support.”
Senate Bill 1534 now moves to the Illinois Senate for further consideration.
* ISRA…
The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) harshly condemns the actions of the Illinois General Assembly as it prepares to vote in the Senate on a comprehensive ban of hundreds of types of firearms across Illinois.
“The Illinois General Assembly is working to pass a bill that the law-abiding gun owners across the state will fear, but criminals will ignore, as they already do to the dozens of laws already on the books,” said Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. “What is most alarming is the impact this will happen on police departments as they try to determine how to implement this law on their law-abiding constituents,” Pearson added.
Pearson echoed the concerns and the alarm felt by ISRA members and the thousands of other FOID card-carrying individuals across the state who rely on their firearms for safety.
Our members, concerned citizens, and members of the law enforcement community are being urged to call their senators in their Springfield offices to have their voices heard on SB 2226 HA2.
The link to the bill can be found here:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=10200SB2226ham002&GA=102&SessionId=110&DocTypeId=SB&LegID=134879&DocNum=2226&GAID=16&SpecSess=&Session=
Should the bill pass the Senate and be signed into law, the ISRA will work with other groups and concerned citizens across the state who put their personal safety first and will advocate for repeal in the next session of the Illinois General Assembly as well as consider litigation on what many believe is a constitutionally flawed bill.
“A comprehensive bill targeting the weapon but not the individual who is committing a crime with them is doomed to failure,” said Terry Kreimeier, retired Will County Sheriff Deputy. “Illinoisans want bills that disarm those who should not have firearms, not those who have trained, have complied with all laws, and are state approved to have them.”
* Illinois Freedom Caucus…
The Illinois Freedom Caucus today is issuing the following statement on the passage of Amendment 3 to SB 2226 (the latest version of House Bill 5855) which represents the most expansive gun control measure in the history of the state.
“Once again, we come to the end of the legislative session and the majority party pushes through a massive bill giving rank and file members only a few minutes to read it before voting on it. This legislation is not simple. It is a complex measure that should be seen in the light of day instead of pushed through in the dead of night.
The corrupt leaders in our state care nothing for the rights of members to cast informed votes nor do they care about the honest citizens whose rights are being trampled with this unconstitutional legislation. Illinois is one of the most restrictive states in the country for gun ownership and yet it is also one of the most violent states in the nation.
Multiple studies have shown that restricting the Constitutional rights of responsible citizens does not deter crime. The only thing this legislation accomplishes is to make a direct attack on our Second Amendment rights. The respect for individual liberty found in the Bill of Rights is what has made our country a ‘city upon a hill.’ As lawmakers, it is our duty to protect and preserve the Constitution. We believe every member of the House who voted for this legislation violated their oath of office by supporting a bill they know is on its face unconstitutional. Today is a sad day for liberty and freedom. Tyranny reigns supreme in the Illinois Legislature. We will continue to stand firm in our opposition to unconstitutional laws and any and all threats to our rights and freedoms as American citizens.”
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Chris Miller (R-Oakland); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.
* Rep. Harper…
Following the passage early Friday morning of the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), state Rep. Sonya M. Harper, D-Chicago, issued the following statement.
“Last night, we made progress in promoting public safety in our state. The bill my colleagues and I voted on and passed promises to improve public safety in our state in many ways. It is important, however, that we not forget that assault weapons and mass shootings are only part of the problem we face. I hope I will not be misunderstood: the Protect Illinois Communities Act represents a significant—and necessary—step in protecting our communities. It is an accomplishment of which we should be proud. However, the fact is that assault weapons only account for about 3% of gun crimes nationwide, and mass shootings are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the totality of the gun violence that people in our state have been experiencing on a daily basis for decades—especially in majority-minority and other historically disinvested communities. Again, last night’s historic achievement should in no way be diminished. But more remains to be done. I look forward to working with Governor Pritzker and legislative leadership throughout the coming session to develop and pass common sense solutions that address the most common and incessant forms of gun violence which remain a serious problem throughout our state. We have done a good thing, but we cannot rest with the job unfinished.”
*** UPDATE *** We may be seeing more of this as groups try to pressure the Senate into taking action. NASW IL..
Last night the Illinois House passed the Patient And Provider Protection Act (PAPPA) which was a culmination of months of negotiations by stakeholders. This bill not only protects patients and social workers who work in abortion-related services but also protects our clients and social workers who work in gender-affirming care from aggressive attacks from states wishing to strip rights and protections from these individuals.
Unfortunately, the Illinois Senate’s competing bill that was posted this week stripped out protections for social workers who provide gender-affirming care and protections for our clients seeking out those services. The lessons learned from the last election should not be to stand with groups like Awake Illinois, whose aggressive approach threatens and attacks our client’s very existence.
Children and adolescents who identify as LGBTQIA+ face numerous challenges that can negatively affect their mental health in Illinois. In addition to discrimination, harassment, and violence, LGBTQIA+ people face family rejection, inadequate support, and a lack of inclusive education and healthcare, including enough mental health professionals. Young LGBTQIA+ people may also be more likely to develop mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality due to these stressors.
We already have a shortage of quality-affirming practitioners in Illinois. As clinicians licensed in multiple states fear challenges to their licenses and livelihoods, the added stressors from outside states that propose legislation that would impose their regressive policies on abortion and gender-affirming health care will only further worsen our shortage situation. Providing gender-affirming care is fraught with risks due to unclear laws, and one of the most frequently asked questions social workers are now asking is related to these risks.
In Illinois, LGBTQIA+ youth have found a welcoming beacon, but this light can shine only as long as Illinois affirms its commitment to its protections. During a time when extremist groups like Awake Illinois attack and bully our children, we look to our legislative leadership to reaffirm that hate has no place here in Illinois. The legislative leadership must reaffirm that social workers’ critical work is protected as they strive to heal the horrible wounds thrust on our children.
It is essential that Illinois protect healthcare providers and our clients seeking out abortion and gender-affirming healthcare. Social workers in Illinois are watching, and we expect the Illinois Senate to follow the lead of the Illinois House on this issue. The LGBTQIA+ children are watching, and they want the Illinois Senate to join the Illinois House in reassuring them that they are seen, wanted, and protected.
The Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers urges the Illinois Senate to support the Patient And Provider Protection Act as written and passed by the Illinois House.
And…
Today, the Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC) released the following statement from its CEO Kathleen Sances following reports that proposed statewide bans on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines passed the House. The bill will now be deliberated by the Senate.
“By passing the assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in the House, our lawmakers are prioritizing public safety over the gun lobby’s agenda. We are grateful to Representative Bob Morgan, Speaker Emanuel Welch and the House working committee for their leadership on this issue. Its passage through the House represents a critical first step in removing assault weapons and large-capacity magazines off our streets.
“Since July, G-PAC has stood firmly with gun violence prevention advocates and survivors to demand our lawmakers work to halt the assault on our families and communities. We are grateful to the network of activists who have helped us keep the pressure on Springfield and ensure gun safety remains top of mind for the General Assembly. We look forward to working with the Senate to pass these same life-saving measures for Illinois children and families. Gun safety advocates can count on G-PAC’s full support to help see this measure across the finish line.”
The Chicago Index, a collaboration between The Daily Line and Crain’s Chicago Business, conducted its second administration of the 2023 Race for Mayor survey from November 29 through December 14, 2022. A total of 1,757 Chicago residents were surveyed from a variety of sources, including subscribers to The Chicago Index’s panel, members of The Daily Line Chicago, subscribers to Crain’s Chicago Business, and via digital engagement on social media platforms
Results were weighted on age, region, housing tenure, race, ethnicity, and gender, so the sample was consistent with the demographics of Chicago. The margin of error was +/- 3%.
I mean, that’s basically just one step above the little online “polls” I run here. The difference is, I don’t claim that my little polls are scientific and they rightfully don’t generate news headlines or create talk show fodder. They’re for fun, not info. If a reporter tried to do a story on one of those silly polls, I’d laugh in their face.
If you want to see the results, by all means click those links, but they’re worthless and the media outlets need to stop publishing this silly nonsense.
[Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson] is criticizing the survey and Crain’s decision to publish it, and says that as a result he will not participate in Crain’s mayoral forum scheduled for Feb. 1.
“Crain’s published a poll that seeks to mislead the voters of Chicago,” Wilson said. “The poll Crain’s published has me at 3%. This is an insult to my supporters and Crain’s has zero journalistic integrity. I will not be a pawn in their charade; thus, I will not participate in their upcoming mayoral candidate forum.”
He added, “The news media has an obligation to demonstrate integrity and thoughtfulness when deciding which polls to publish. If they know it is misleading or inaccurate it should not be published.”
Lightfoot spokeswoman Christina Freundlich also is ripping the survey: “This is about as scientific and reliable as an Elon Musk poll,” she said. “No amount of weighting can save a survey of Chicagoans where 74% of the respondents are white. Any media organization that gives this poll any air time needs to examine their standard for poll credibility.”
One quibble: The survey sample was 53 percent white. But that’s still way, way out of line with reality.
* What Bowen said…
If you are a journalism outfit and you are covering this poll, you are engaging in misinformation.
Everyone throws this word around willy-nilly, but I am being very direct here. You are spreading a blatant untruth, and you can ask anyone with professional experience about this.
* But don’t take our word for it. Jason McGrath with GBAO Strategies and Brian Stryker at ALG Research both took strong exception to this goofy survey way back in April of 2021…
Good public opinion research should be as representative as possible. A representative sample attempts to provide every potential respondent with the same chance of entering the sample. A representative poll of Chicago-area residents must give people in every community the same opportunity to take the survey.
But the data collection method in the Crain’s/TDL/ABC survey fails to meet that standard. The survey’s sponsors reached out to their personal networks—especially political operatives and insiders—and those reading their stories directly. That gave some well-connected people (like us) a higher likelihood of entering the sample than millions of others. This meant their disproportionately white and male network of political insiders and business executives were more likely to take the poll.
There are certainly deficiencies in modern polling. The areas where pollsters are working to address problems, including achieving full coverage of the electorate, declining response rates, omitted variables and the incorporation of multiple modes of data collection, have been discussed in detail elsewhere. But the Crain’s/TDL/ABC survey fails to correct for any of the problems present in public opinion research today—if anything, it makes them worse and creates new ones.
The massive design flaws in the survey are only part of the problem. The widespread media coverage of the index treated this instrument with the same seriousness as it would one from Pew, Gallup or another academic institution with a long record of measuring public opinion.
* The proposal allows students to opt out: “No student shall be required to take or participate in any class or course in comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education”…
There had been little to no warning that this bill would be coming, but it was assigned to the Senate Executive Committee shortly after it was officially made public. It appears that they didn’t like the fact that nearly 70 percent of school districts opted out.
* I reached out to sponsoring Sen. Ram Villavallum…
It’s requiring age and developmentally appropriate, medically accurate personal health and safety education for K-5 and age and developmentally appropriate, medically accurate sex health education for 6-12.
When 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse at some point in their childhood, what she calls controversial, I call necessary for all of our youth’s safety and health.
The bill was approved by the Senate Executive Committee on a partisan roll call last night, but Democratic Sen. Linda Holmes expressed concerns during the hearing about another state mandate.
– Statement regarding the status of reproductive rights and firearms proposals. Please attribute to John Patterson, spokesman for Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.
“These are critically important issues, and the Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to enacting the most effective legislation possible.
Senators are giving these proposals an extensive review and careful evaluation.
Following today’s session, the Senate will be returning to session on Sunday.”
As we’ve discussed, Senate President Harmon’s mom recently passed away and her wake is later today, so they’re going home early today and tomorrow’s session was canceled.
The House has canceled tomorrow’s session and will be back on Tuesday. But the House has already passed an abortion bill and a gun bill.
The new General Assembly convenes Wednesday at noon.
…Adding… The Senate reconvenes Sunday at 5 pm. I doubt we’ll see much action.
State Senator Robert Peters is leading a measure that would allow principals and assistant principals in the city of Chicago to collectively bargain.
“For far too long, Chicago principals have not had a say in the work environment and procedures that affect them, as well as their students,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Chicago principals have a voice when it comes to their working conditions, and their voice deserves to be heard and valued.”
By clarifying which educators are considered qualifies “managerial employees”, House Bill 5107 ensures principals and assistant principals in Chicago will have the right to unionize.
“CPS is not only the largest school district in the state, but one of the largest in the nation,” Peters said. “With its size and staffing shortages come unique challenges that need to be addressed. I believe we should trust its principals to help create solutions to build a better work environment.”
If signed, principals and assistant principals could negotiate a work contract to focus time on developing teachers and school culture instead of dealing with problems that fall under the district’s responsibility.
School administrators in New York, California, New Hampshire, Alaska, Connecticut and several other states have collective bargaining rights.
House Bill 5107 passed the Senate Friday and awaits the governor’s approval.
The bill passed the House last March 63-35, but received significant bipartisan support in the Senate today when it passed 45-7.
Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Repeals provisions concerning exemption from bargaining unit membership. Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. With respect to an educational employer of the Chicago school district, provides that (i) a supervisor shall be considered an “educational employee” unless the supervisor is also a managerial employee and (ii) a “managerial employee” means an individual who has a significant role in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements or who formulates and determines employer-wide management policies and practices, including a general superintendent of schools (rather than an individual who is engaged predominantly in executive and management functions and is charged with the responsibility of directing the effectuation of such management policies and practices). In provisions concerning strikes, prohibits educational supervisors employed in the Chicago school district whose position requires an administrative license from engaging in a strike. Effective January 1, 2023.
Mayor Lightfoot has been able to keep this proposal bottled up for quite a while, but not today.
…Adding… The mayor changed positions…
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR’S OFFICE SPOKESPERSON
“The City of Chicago commends the passage of House Bill 5107 and encourages its statewide expansion to benefit schools all across Illinois. This bill supports principals who have been on the frontlines, especially in recent years, and under CEO Martinez, CPS will continue to work hand in hand with principals to achieve academic excellence—a goal that should be implemented statewide.”
Yesterday was the six -month anniversary of the Fourth of July shooting and I had a really hard time in the morning as we got to 10:14. And I remember where I was standing, about to start the parade, and my wife and my two children were right behind me. And my staffer was standing in front of me and yelled, ‘Gunshots! Gunshots!’
And I reached back to make sure my children were safe.
When I got to the scene, I saw those who’ve been shot, carried away a two-year-old who was covered in blood because both of her parents had been shot.
And this is not a unique situation. And I left that day thinking I will do whatever I can, whatever is in my power to make sure none of us none of you, none of your communities go through what we went through.
And yet I failed. Because within three days of the Fourth of July shooting, there were more gun deaths throughout the state of Illinois than that day on the Fourth of July in Highland Park. So I failed. And I literally have been carrying that on my shoulders to this moment as we stand here right now.
So, I really want to say thank you. I know this is a complicated issue that affects a lot of communities in a lot of ways. A lot of you have directly been impacted by gun violence, mass shootings, death by suicide, individual gun violence. And you have created this legislation by sharing your stories with me, with us in this chamber. So I want to thank you all and I urge and aye vote.
Kimberly Saunders was grabbing a gyro at a restaurant just blocks from the upscale Magnificent Mile commercial district near downtown Chicago in May when she heard rapid-fire gunshots around 10:30 p.m.
“I feel like I heard 20 shots,” she recalled. “I used to watch these war movies as a kid, so it sounded like one of those machine guns.”
The shots came from outside a nearby McDonald’s restaurant, prompting Saunders to go down the street to find out what happened. What she discovered horrified her: Sprawled on the sidewalk in a pool of blood was her 17-year-old son, Parnelius. He had been shot multiple times in his arm, shoulder and back as he walked home from the beach.
“Oh, my God, I just walked up there on my son bleeding out,” Saunders said. “So I took my shirt off, and I begin to put my shirt over his wounds.”
Parnelius Saunders survived. Police and prosecutors said Jaylun Sanders, 22, shot him and eight others. Two of the victims died. The shooting was related to a fight 20 minutes earlier, police said.
The firearm used was a Glock 19 handgun that had been converted to an illegal high-capacity machine gun with a device known as an auto sear, a square device about the size of a thumbnail. It’s known on the street as a “switch” that turns the gun from a semi-automatic to an automatic weapon.
The Glock came with an extended magazine, making the weapon even deadlier. The magazine held 34 rounds, according to court records. Sanders told authorities he bought the gun in Indiana and the switch for less than $25. […]
The number of auto sear-equipped handguns seized by Chicago police skyrocketed from zero in 2018 to 355 last year, leading federal authorities to declare that Chicago has one of the worst switch problems in the country.
Sec. 24-1. Unlawful use of weapons. (a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly: … Manufactures, possesses, sells, or offers to sell, purchase, manufacture, import, transfer, or use any device, part, kit, tool, accessory, or combination of parts that is designed to and functions to increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm above the standard rate of fire for semiautomatic firearms that is not equipped with that device, part, or combination of parts.
Discuss.
* Related…
* In Chicago, handguns easily turned into high-capacity machine guns fuel growing violence: The number of switch-equipped handguns and extended magazines seized by the Chicago police has surged over the last several years, an investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ and NPR has found. And so has the number of prosecutions by the Cook County state’s attorney’s office involving guns that have been turned into machine guns. The proliferation of illegal switch-equipped guns has made Chicago a hot spot for what federal authorities say has become a national problem. That’s happened as mass shootings — in which at least four people are killed or wounded — have become more commonplace in Chicago. Federal authorities say they believe the proliferation of these makeshift machine guns is one of the main reasons.
* Sun-Times | Illinois House approves assault weapons ban: After a lengthy debate that stretched into Friday, the House voted 64-43 to pass the measure that would also ban “rapid-fire devices” that turn firearms into fully automatic weapons. It must still clear the Illinois Senate.
* Crain’s | Out-of-state providers could perform abortions in Illinois under proposed bill amendment: Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, is proposing to expand abortion access in Illinois through an amendment to a House bill that includes granting temporary licenses to out-of-state health care providers and protecting advanced nurses’ ability to perform abortions under certain circumstances.
* News-Gazette | In Springfield, the new Sen. Bennett reflects: “Those are the four he mentioned. It’s just that those are the four he talked about,” Stacy Bennett said. “And that’s all I feel comfortable saying. Those are the four who repeatedly came up when we talked.”
* Politico | Democrats’ big presidential primary changes are still stuck in limbo: Major changes, like dropping Iowa from its influential first-in-the-nation slot and elevating South Carolina, are on track. But others, like pushing Georgia up into the early window or forcing New Hampshire to relinquish its longtime status as the first state with a primary, look far more difficult to achieve despite the fanfare surrounding preliminary approval of the plan last year.
* The Atlantic | How Worried Should We Be About XBB.1.5?: After months and months of SARS-CoV-2 subvariant soup, one ingredient has emerged in the United States with a flavor pungent enough to overwhelm the rest: XBB.1.5, an Omicron offshoot that now accounts for an estimated 75 percent of cases in the Northeast. A crafty dodger of antibodies that is able to grip extra tightly onto the surface of our cells, XBB.1.5 is now officially the country’s fastest-spreading coronavirus subvariant.
In addition to any other transfers that may be provided for by law, at a time or times during Fiscal Year 2023 as directed by the Governor, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer up to a total of $400,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Large Business Attraction Fund.
But with Illinois not yet luring big facilities such as those recently announced in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and other states, Illinois could use a big deal-closing fund, Pritzker said—essentially a pot of money the governor is empowered to dip into to sweeten economic development deals when the competition with other states is tight. “Michigan has, I believe, a $1 billion fund. They can just write a check,” he said. “It would be great if we had a closing fund in Illinois.”
Pritzker’s apparent reference was to Michigan’s Strategic Outreach & Attraction Reserve Fund, which can provide grants or loans for “infrastructure improvements, capital investments, acquisition of machinery and job training.” Officials there say the fund has been a major success.
The fund, proposed by the Governor, would allow the state of Illinois to be competitive with other states in attracting large businesses with many employees to the state of Illinois, especially in emerging technologies such as electronic vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, those kinds of things
I think there’ll be some enabling legislation coming along in which this is defined, in which there will be some guardrails and reporting on how this would be [implemented]. It’s a program that does not exist yet.
Asked when the House will see that enabling legislation, Harris said, “Hopefully, before the sun rises tomorrow.” House Exec then passed the bill on a partisan roll call.
The Dobbs Working Group has filed HAM1 to SB3799, the Patient & Provider Protection Act (PAPPA) to protect patients, providers, families & supporters who access reproductive or gender affirming care from criminal & civil penalties from hostile states. https://t.co/CoLSVdLQkQ
Reproductive Health & Dobbs Working Group Agenda
Patients and Providers Protection Act
January 5, 2023
Article 1 - Plan B Vending Machines at Colleges: Requires public colleges, community colleges, and universities to each make emergency contraception accessible for purchase in at least one vending machine on each campus at a cost no greater than $40. This is similar to HB 4247 (B. Hernandez) of the 102nd, but adds community colleges back into the bill.
Article 2 - Insurance Coverage For Abortifacients, Gender-affirming health care medications, And PEP/PrEP and Advance Provision: Requires abortifacients (i.e., medications administered to terminate a pregnancy), gender-affirming health care medications, and PEP/PrEP medication (i.e., HIV treatment) to be covered by insurers at no-cost. This applies to health insurance governed by the Accident and Health Insurance Article of the Insurance Code, State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Municipal Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the School Code, and the Voluntary Health Services Act. Additionally, this requires abortion care coverage to include medications prescribed for the purpose of producing an abortion without proof of pregnancy. This is effective January 1, 2024.
Article 3 - Birth Center Expansion for Reproductive Health Care: Expands access to reproductive health care by permitting birth centers in Illinois to provide full spectrum reproductive health care and sexual health care, instead of only childbirth-related needs of pregnant persons and their newborns. This is accomplished by stating that nothing in the Act prohibits birth centers from providing sexual health care and reproductive health care in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and licensing requirements.
Article 5 - Hormonal Birth Control Standing Order: Allows patients to receive hormonal birth control over the counter from a pharmacist pursuant to a standing order from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Currently, a patient may only receive hormonal birth control from a pharmacist pursuant to a valid prescription or a standing order by a licensed physician or local health department, not IDPH. This also limits an employee of IDPH issuing a standing order from liability for merely issuing the standing order.
Article 6 - Fetal Homicide Laws: Clarifies that no person is subject to civil liability for receiving an abortion under the Wrongful Death Act, clarifies that no hospital personnel shall report an abortion to law enforcement agencies; and clarifies that the statute of limitations under the RHA is 2 years
Article 7 - Parentage Act Amendments: Amends the Parentage Act to:
1. Allow intended parents or parents to dispose of any cryopreserved fertilized ovum to be governed by the intended parent’s or parent’s most recent informed consent or under a marital settlement agreement;
2. Allow for the establishment of a parent-child relationship in the event of gestational surrogacy in the event that an intended parent dies; and
3. Clarify that a certifying physician in the event of gestational surrogacy may be licensed in the state that the transfer or insemination took place, not just in Illinois.
The statutes collectively referred to as the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015 apply to the establishment of a parent-child relationship in Illinois.
Article 8 - Clarifying that Assisted Reproduction is Protected under the Reproductive Health Ac (RHA) and Permitting Advanced Practice Clinicians To Provide Abortions: Adds “assisted reproduction” to the definition of reproductive health care in the Reproductive Health Act. “Assisted Reproduction” means a method of achieving a pregnancy through the handling of human oocytes, sperm, zygotes, or embryos for the purpose of establishing a pregnancy. Amends the RHA to allow advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to perform aspiration abortions that do not require general anesthesia. This language is agreed between ISMS, the Nurses Association and abortion providers.
Article 9 - Disciplinary Protections For Professional Licenses: Prevents the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) from taking disciplinary action against any health care professional licensed under the Division of Professional Regulation Acts governed by DFPR based solely upon the license of the professional being disciplined by any state for providing or participating in any health care that is legal in Illinois, regardless of whether it is legal in the other state. This is an expansion of HB 1464 (Hirschauer) from the 102nd which applied only protected physicians, physician assistants (PAs), nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses. This bill protects, physicians, PAs, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed certified professional midwives, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, pharmacists, professional counselors and clinical professional counselors, genetic counselors, and registered surgical assistants and registered surgical technologists. Provides the department with rulemaking authority.
Article 10 - Two-Year Temporary Licenses for Out-of-State Medical Professionals: Allows the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to grant out-of-state physicians, physicians assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses a 2-year temporary license to authorize the practice of health care in Illinois under certain circumstances. Also makes a technical change to address the consolidation of the Medical Licensing Board and the Medical Disciplinary Board into one board, the Illinois State Medical Board. The intent behind this provision is to create an expedited process for health care providers to obtain a license in Illinois on a temporary basis. This would help Illinois continue to meet the needs of Illinois residents and out-of-state patients given the increased demand for abortion care services post Dobbs. This is modeled after the IDFPR Proclamation during COVID granting temporary licensure for licensed out-of-state professionals to meet COVID demands in Illinois.
Article 11 - Protections for Patients and Providers (“Shield Laws”): Intends to protect patients, providers, and those assisting patients and providers, from aggressive litigation from states targeting abortion and other lawful health care activity intended to impact lawful health care activity in Illinois. The bill does the following:
1. Protects information about lawful health care activity in Illinois from becoming subject to subpoenas issued from other states;
2. Protects witnesses from being compelled to testify in criminal proceedings in another state in a charge related to lawful health care activity in Illinois;
3. Creates the Lawful Health Care Activity Act to prohibit state courts from applying another state’s law in Illinois cases related to lawful health care activity and prohibits courts from enforcing foreign judgments issued in connection with litigation concerning lawful health care activity; and
4. Cabins the Governor’s discretion in complying with an extradition order from another state stemming from a charge based on conduct that involves lawful health care activity.
Article 13 - Parental Notice Of Abortion Act Repeal Clean-Up: As of June 2022, the Parental Notice of Abortion Act (PNA) was repealed and minors are no longer required to notify an adult family member in order to access an abortion in Illinois. However, the bill did not strike references to PNA throughout different Illinois laws. This bill would strike references to PNA in all other Illinois laws.
…Adding… I’m told an amendment filed earlier today by Senate President Don Harmon, and which is taking some heat from advocates, was designed to further discussions. A new amendment is pending.
…Adding… When asked about a competing Senate bill, Rep. Cassidy just said in committee that her intention was to run her bill and wouldn’t comment or commit to the Senate bill.
…Adding… As expected, the House Exec Committee sent the bill to the floor on a partisan roll call.
*** UPDATE 1 *** OK, let’s back up for a second…
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon filed an abortion expansion bill as an amendment to House Bill 4664. It would allow nurses to perform in-clinic abortions in addition to medication abortions, and grant temp licenses to out-of-state providers. https://t.co/28FvSVUld5
Brigid Leahy, the Vice President of Public Policy at Planned Parenthood of Illinois said during a press conference tonight that she didn’t see Harmon’s bill until about 11 o’clock last night. Leahy continued…
We’ve had a preliminary conversation with the Senate sponsor [Sen. Celina Villanueva]. There are some differences, and we believe that this [House] bill may be stronger in some areas. We are still looking at the Senate version. I hope that we can come to an agreement so that we can get legislation that, as Rep. Cassidy said, does what the stakeholders needed to do. […]
We did months ago provide some language to staff over in the Senate, but we had not seen the language until it was filed last night. So we are we are kind of still digging through it and figuring out. There are many parts of the bills that are exactly the same. And then there are parts that are different and that’s what we’re trying to figure out right now.
Leahy also said the House version “actually does accomplish a lot of what we need,” but also said proponents “will be coming back with certain issues that were very complex and need some more work.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Large majority…
Democratic Reps. Mary Flowers, Thaddeus Jones, Stephanie Kifowit, Joyce Mason and Lamont Robinson all did not vote. Jones, Kifowit and Mason all had excused absences today. Robinson was recorded as absent on another roll call today.
…Adding… The governor went to the floor after the vote…
* House Speaker Chris Welch has filed an amendment to SB2226 containing the assault weapons ban, etc. language. The bill is now on 2nd Reading. Working on getting you a one-pager, but take a look for yourself in the meantime.
[Deleted some excerpts because the one-pager below explains it better than I did on the fly.]
…Adding… As I told subscribers earlier this week, this provision was doomed…
Gun control advocates had hoped to increase the age a person can purchase a gun/obtain a FOID card to 21 (with exceptions for active duty military/National Guard). But this provision made many moderate Dems uneasy. So it's out. #twillhttps://t.co/MXDG67lUtS
…Adding… The House Executive Committee will take up the amendment soon. Click here to watch.
*** UPDATE 1 *** One-pager…
• Assault Weapons Ban (prohibits manufacture, possession, delivery, sales, and purchase)
o Immediately ends the manufacture, sale, and purchase of assault weapons (unless exempted below)
o Allows possession and legal use of existing assault weapons by a person who possessed them before the effective date, so long as the weapon is endorsed with ISP within 300 days of the law taking effect
o Exemptions: The following are not affected by the endorsement affidavit requirement:
• Active-duty and retired peace officers (ISP, sheriff’s deputies, municipal police)
• 10 or more years of service
• Retired or separated in good standing
• Local law enforcement acquiring and possessing for the purpose of equipping peace officers
• Wardens, superintendents, and keepers of prisons, penitentiaries, jails, etc.
• U.S. military and Illinois National Guard and Reserve Forces
• Manufacture, transportation, or sale of weapons, attachments, or ammunition to the persons listed above (manufacture, transportation, or sale is only allowed in state in this circumstance, except that existing contracts may be performed)
• Nonresidents transporting a banned weapon through this State within 24 hours if the weapon is broken down and unloaded.
• Possession and travel of a weapon while at an event held at the World Shooting Complex in Sparta. The weapon must be broken down and unloaded during transport
• Blank-firing versions possessed by authorized or permitted individuals
• Large Capacity Magazines Ban (immediately prohibits delivery, sales, purchases)
o Immediately bans devices with a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more 12 rounds of ammunition; or any combination of parts from which such a device can be assembled
o 90-day grace period for modification, personal destruction, or surrender to law enforcement
o Does not affect the same people/entities as the AWB
Rapid-fire Devices Ban (prohibits manufacture, possession, sale; offers to purchase, import, transfer)
o Immediately bans devices that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm
FRO
• Increases the duration of a Firearm Restraining Order (“FRO”) from 6 months to up to 1 year, including renewed FROs
• Includes a representative from an association of court circuit clerks to be appointed to the FRO Commission
ISP Firearms Anti-Trafficking Unit: Establishes within the duties and powers of ISP that the Criminal Division shall also investigate illegal firearm trafficking
…Adding… Press release…
Today, mayors and village presidents from across the state are calling on legislators to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act, as they conclude the current legislative session. In a new letter signed by 27 mayors and village presidents who are encouraging swift passage of common sense legislation that includes bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and other steps to protect residents of their communities.
Mayors are often on the front lines of working with local law enforcement to combat gun violence and coordinating with health care officials in the aftermath of shootings that leave families and communities shattered by their impact.
Among the mayors who signed on to today’s letter are:
“We need urgent action to reduce gun violence that tears entire communities apart. It’s our obligation as mayors to fight and advocate to pass laws to keep guns out of the wrong hands so no other city experiences the pain that we know all too well. I urge lawmakers to safeguard our communities by voting yes on the Protect Illinois Communities Act,” said Matteson Mayor Sheila Y. Chalmers-Currin.
“I am proud to join fellow mayors and leaders across Illinois in urging the General Assembly to pass this critically needed, common-sense, and lifesaving legislation,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “The flow of illegal guns is an inherently cross-jurisdictional challenge that requires collaboration and decisive action from both the State and Federal government to alleviate the scourge of senseless gun violence which threatens our communities. The Protect Illinois Communities Act will absolutely make a marked, positive difference when it comes to safeguarding Illinois residents and families.”
“Gun violence poses a pervasive threat to each of our communities, and now is the time to step up and take action to prevent more senseless deaths. We need to get weapons of war off of our streets so that each of our cities is a safe place for all. Our legislators must pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act now,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.
“I have long advocated for gun reform and hope to see lawmakers pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act as the next step in making our state safer,” said Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin. “Assault weapons and high capacity magazines are too deadly to serve any purpose but to injure and kill. Lawmakers must stand up to the NRA and pass this commonsense legislation as soon as possible.”
…Adding… The bill was sent to the House floor on a partisan roll call.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The bill was amended to take out criminal penalties that were inadvertently left in the bill…
Sentence. A person who knowingly delivers, sells purchases, or causes to be delivered, sold, or purchased in violation of this Section a large capacity ammunition feeding device capable of holding more than 12 rounds of ammunition commits a petty offense with a fine of $1,000 for each violation.
Durkin has been open to these sorts of bills in the past…
Outgoing House GOP Leader Jim Durkin quoted the late conservative Republican US Rep. Henry Hyde, who voted for an assault weapons ban, by saying "Enough is Enough." So, the bill could get at least one Republican vote.
…Adding… From Rep. Cassidy: “This language reflects the work of the advocates on these issues who spent 6 months researching and drafting language.” The Senate has not yet signed on…
The Dobbs Working Group has filed HAM1 to SB3799, the Patient & Provider Protection Act (PAPPA) to protect patients, providers, families & supporters who access reproductive or gender affirming care from criminal & civil penalties from hostile states. https://t.co/CoLSVdLQkQ
* Walgreen’s helped drive the crime theme last year, but now the company says “Nevermind”…
A top Walgreens
executive on Thursday acknowledged the company may have overblown concerns about thefts in their stores after shrinkage stabilized over the last year.
During an earnings call, the company’s chief financial officer, James Kehoe, said shrinkage was about 3.5% of sales last year but that number is now closer to the “mid twos.” He also said the company would consider moving away from hiring private security guards.
“Maybe we cried too much last year,” Kehoe said. “We’re stabilized,” he added, saying the company is “quite happy with where we are.”
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus elected state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, to become the next Joint Chairwoman.
“I am honored to be chosen by my fellow colleagues to lead the Illinois Black Caucus into the future,” Ammons said. “Our Caucus’ mandate is to make the lives, livelihoods, and opportunities for the African-American community better. I’m confident that under my leadership, we will make more progress in undoing the unjust and institutional racism black Illinoisans often find themselves facing.”
An analysis by Pew Charitable Trusts shows that Illinois is one of only two states in the country with total tax revenue shortfalls exceeding 5% of total expenses, and the only ones with annual deficits in each of the past 15 years. The other state is New Jersey.
Pew state fiscal health manager Joanna Biernacka-Lievestro said Illinois is in select company.
“Nine states failed to collect enough revenue to cover their long-term expenses over the 15 years ending in fiscal 2020,” Biernacka-Lievestro said.
Also not mentioned in the story, but which is mentioned in the Pew analysis, is that Illinois is still on a pension payment ramp, which is what drives a lot of those “expense” numbers.
* Delia Ramirez is supporting Brandon Johnson for mayor instead of Chuy Garcia. Others formerly allied with Garcia, including Rep. Lilian Jimenez, who used to work for Garcia and replaced Ramirez in the Illinois House, are also with Johnson. Nevertheless…
Neighboring districts, neighboring offices.
When we organize in Chicago, we bring change to DC!
A proud day to stand alongside Representative Delia Ramirez — the first Latina to represent the Midwest in Congress. pic.twitter.com/B43HOXDFCd
Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that the state’s organ/tissue donor registry reached 7.5 million registrants.
“I am so proud that Illinoisans have shown their giving and caring spirit by signing up for this lifesaving program,” said White. “Our mission over the past 24 years has been to strengthen the Organ/Tissue Donor Program through outreach and registration initiatives. We have worked to end the waiting for the approximately 4,000 people statewide. Each year, unfortunately, about 300 people die waiting for a transplant in Illinois.”
Of the more than 12.8 million people living in Illinois, 10,146,583 qualify to become organ/tissue donors. Of those, 74% have registered as organ/tissue donors.
In addition, more than 270,000 16- and 17-year-olds have registered with the program since 2018, when Secretary White initiated a law allowing them to register as organ and tissue donors.
“I believe our public awareness campaign, including television, radio and social media ads have helped encourage people to register,” said White. “It takes less than a minute to register and one person can improve the quality of life for up to 25 people.”
Secretary White has headed the state’s Organ/Tissue Donor Registry since 1999. He has visited countless hospitals, schools, libraries, Driver Service facilities as well as other venues to promote and register Illinoisans for the donor program. Secretary White has a personal connection to organ donation because his sister, Doris Ivy, received a kidney transplant from an anonymous donor that extended her life for 28 years.
Illinoisans can register with the Secretary of State’s Organ/Tissue Donor Registry at www.LifeGoesOn.com or by calling 800-210-2106.
* Isabel’s roundup…
* Crain’s | Illinois car dealers lose lawsuit to halt Rivian direct sales: Rivian Automotive, which assembles its high-end electric vehicles in central Illinois, can continue to sell directly to consumers in the state after a judge dismissed a lawsuit by the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association that also challenged sales by EV startup Lucid Group.
* Journal & Topics | Transition Plans In Place To Move Venezuelan Asylum Seekers To Chicago By Month’s End: State Sen. Laura Murphy (D-28th) of Des Plaines, the deputy state senate majority leader, representing parts of both Elk Grove Village and Des Plaines, said she attended a meeting late Tuesday with heads of the Illinois Dept. of Homeland Security, Illinois Dept. of Human Services, deputy governor, members of the Latino Caucus of the Illinois General Assembly, and other “interested parties” to discuss plans for longer-term housing for the Venezuelan asylum seekers.
* Daily Herald | Nicor takes first step toward rate hike that could add $9 a month to average bill: The request, filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission, comes on the heels of a $240 million rate increase Nicor implemented in late 2021. The Naperville-based utility is the largest natural gas distribution company in Illinois, serving more than two million customers and encompassing most of suburban Chicago.
* Crain’s | A call for commonsense gun legislation: Health care providers see the devastating and far-reaching impact of gun violence every day. Beyond the horrors of shootings themselves, we see survivors, their families and the families of fatal victims devastated as they begin their journey down the long road to recovery—physically and emotionally.
* Daily Herald | Kane County poised to ease campaign contribution limits: The ordinance arose as board members, at that time, decried the possible influence of campaign contributions on the awarding of valuable county contracts. A Daily Herald investigation that year showed more than $17.5 million in county funds went to 43 companies and firms that donated nearly $43,000 to former county board Chairman Karen McConnaughay’s political war chest in 2009.
* Crain’s | Former federal judge joins Latham & Watkins’ Chicago office: Before joining the firm, Feinerman served 12 years on the bench in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, leaving his post Dec. 31. He also served five years as solicitor general for the state of Illinois.
* The Atlantic | Biden’s Blue-Collar Bet: Biden also touched on another theme that will likely become an even more central component of his economic and political strategy over the next two years: He repeatedly noted how many of the jobs created by his economic agenda are not expected to require a four-year college degree.
Our downward [Illinois population] trajectory has often been demoralizing, but even more so during the past decade as professional naysayers trumpeted annual Census estimates that showed huge, six-figure population losses.
By December 2020, those annual Census estimates showed Illinois had lost about 240,000 people, or 2% of its population.
“Illinois is a deepening population sinkhole flanked by states that are adding people, businesses, jobs,” the Chicago Tribune editorial board opined. “The estimated Illinois population is 12,587,530, down more than 240,000 since the 2010 census. That’s more than Waukegan and Naperville, combined.” […]
When the official 2020 Census count showed those previous estimates were wildly wrong and Illinois’ net population loss was “only” 18,000 people, those same folks either changed the subject or harrumphed that, whatever the case, Illinois was still a net loser and had fallen to the rank of sixth-largest state behind Pennsylvania. […]
As you probably know by now, the Census Bureau admitted last week that it had screwed up Illinois’ decennial headcount, and the state actually grew by about 250,000 people – that’s almost a 500,000-person swing from the December 2020 estimate.
* Those wildly wrong annual estimates in the past should’ve injected some skepticism into the Census Bureau’s latest numbers dump. But some news media outlets are buying the recently released annual numbers hook line and sinker. SJ-R…
New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show Illinois lost a population the near equivalent of Springfield in 2022, continuing a nine-year population slide in the Land of Lincoln.
The report found Illinois subtracted more than 104,000 from its ranks this year going from 12.6 million to 12.5 million residents. The population loss of 0.8% was the third-highest behind New York and California and was among the 18 states that lost population this year. Driving that loss primarily was the 141,656 people migrating out of the state.
Wirepoints’ Ted Dabrowski joins the Steve Cochran Show to talk about what caused 104,000 people to leave Illinois in 2021, how the “Workers’ Right Amendment” may deter businesses from coming to Illinois, and what will make people stay in Illinois.
Illinois’ population shrunk for the 9th year in a row from 2021 to 2022, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The report said that the Land of Lincoln lost more than 104,000 residents this year, according to the Journal Star. That brought the state’s population from 12.6 million to 12.5 million, the third-highest drop behind New York and California. Illinois was one of only 18 states that lost population this year.
Just dumb.
* US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has repeatedly called on the US Census Bureau to reexamine its methodology and get its act together. Raja did it again today…
Robert Santos
Director
U.S. Census Bureau
4600 Silver Hill Road
Washington, DC 20233
Dear Director Santos:
In light of last month’s Census Bureau announcement concerning population estimates, I’m writing to express my ongoing concerns surrounding the repeated undercounting of the population of Illinois in the American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2020 Census, as assessed by the Post-Enumeration Survey (PES). Fundamentally, this latest release’s claim that Illinois lost a substantial number of residents in 2022 appears to closely echo the previous ACS and Census results that fueled misleading rhetoric surrounding purported population losses in Illinois which were later revealed to be unfounded by the PES.
In my repeated letters sent last year, I requested information on the ACS and Census data which showed Illinois population losses of substantially different orders, only for the May PES to conclude that 14 states had an undercount or overcount in the Census and that Illinois was among them with an undercount of hundreds of thousands of people. Beyond discrediting years of false rhetoric about Illinois population losses driven by Census Bureau products, these findings also raise serious public questions in my state over the credibility of the Census Bureau’s results more broadly because of the substantially different conclusions of its recent releases regarding our state. Census Bureau undercounting of our state poses potentially enormous financial consequences for Illinois because over the next decade, Census Bureau data will be utilized to allocate roughly $1.5 trillion through approximately 100 programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare, Highway Planning and Construction, and Pell grants.
In your June response to my letters with colleagues on this matter, you wrote that regarding incorporating PES findings into data products that inform funding allocations that, “the Census Bureau has established a team of experts tasked with researching the feasibility of taking coverage measures from the Demographic Analysis and Post-Enumeration Survey into account in the development of the official population estimates.” Additionally, in response to the question of whether the Bureau would commit to utilizing the PES in deriving Population Estimates from the Decennial Census, you wrote, “While too early to commit to incorporating PES into the population estimates, the Census Bureau is researching the feasibility of taking coverage measures from both the Demographic Analysis and Post-Enumeration Survey into account in the development of the official population estimates.”
Last month, I wrote to request clarity on the implementation of PES findings into population estimates, the timeline for doing so, and related efforts to address the repeated undercounting of Illinois. In addition to renewing my request for that information, I request answers to these additional questions by January 20th:
1. Were coverage measures from the May 2022 Demographic Analysis and Post-Enumeration Survey results which showed Illinois’ population growth accounted for in the December 2022 population estimates, or did the methodology omit these considerations while following the previous ACS and Census approaches. which led to the undercounting of Illinois’ population?
2. If coverage measures from last year’s Demographic Analysis and Post-Enumeration Survey have not yet been incorporated into annual population estimates, when will they be?
3. Were any other new efforts undertaken to address the consistent undercounting of the population of Illinois in producing the December 2022 population estimates?
4. Have any new factors been identified as contributing to the repeated undercounting of Illinois?
…Adding… From the governor’s office…
For the last decade, the narrative that Illinois is losing population was fed, by what turned out to be, inaccurate annual preliminary estimates. As the last official census count proved, Illinois’ population remained stable. When the official census results were studied further and corrected, Illinois’ population actually grew. While we will study these preliminary numbers, the context regarding their accuracy is important.
Illinois remains one of the most populous states in the nation and long term trends remain encouraging. In 2022, Illinois’ international migration nearly tripled from 2021 and the state also experienced growth due to natural changes. Illinois is on a positive trajectory by reaching $1 trillion GDP for the first time, creating more business start-ups than any other populous state. Looking ahead the state remains focused on providing long-term, meaningful support for residents and communities through unparalleled infrastructure investments, support for our workforce, and businesses that call Illinois home.
* The Question: Illinois went through its own House leadership drama a couple of years ago, so I wonder if y’all have any advice for US Rep. Kevin McCarthy and the House GOP caucus? Snark is not particularly encouraged, but allowed.
Black Caucus legislators Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and Leader Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) together with Rep. Edgar Gonzalez (D-Chicago), Local 150 and Pastor Scott Onque of Faith in Place called for the passage of Rust Belt to Green Belt legislation to jumpstart offshore wind in Lake Michigan.
“Bringing offshore wind to Illinois is an economic issue just as much as it is an environmental issue,” said Sen. Peters, Chair of the Senate Black Caucus. “The green economy hasn’t reached the Southeast Side of Chicago, where the ruins of abandoned steel mills cast long shadows. This pilot project alone would create thousands of jobs during the building phase and 50-100 long-term jobs. And that’s from only a handful of turbines.”
Leader Marcus Evans (D-Chicago), House Sponsor of the bill was absent due to a family emergency, but issued the following statement: “Illinois will miss out on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take advantage of federal dollars available from the Biden administration to jumpstart offshore wind projects. Other states are competing for this fundings, and if Illinois doesn’t pass this legislation now, it sends the wrong message both to the Black and Brown communities that are looking to Democrats to create the jobs they need, as well as to D.C.”
HB4543 allows Illinois to begin the process of making offshore wind in Lake Michigan a reality. Specifically, the legislation:
• Allows the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to seek federal funding to build an offshore wind port
• Directs the Illinois Power Agency to procure power from an offshore wind pilot project. Legislative action must happen for these initial steps to take place.
• Once passed, DCEO would be able to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find private companies capable of building the necessary wind infrastructure.
Crucially, the legislation contains provisions to ensure that the jobs generated from the project go towards the Black and Brown communities that need them the most.
• In order to win the RFP, wind developers will need to submit a rigorous proposal that will be scored in three categories: price, overall viability of the applicant, and equity & inclusion.
• The developer’s equity plan, which must detail how they will create opportunities and invest in underrepresented communities, is given the most weight when scoring each proposal.
• Learn more at rustbelttogreenbelt.com
“Offshore wind is a huge opportunity for Illinois,” said Marc Poulus, Executive Director of the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting. “The passage of this legislation means a green light for unions to start creating pipelines of diverse laborers to do the work specifically required to equip the port and build the turbines. Not only will there be a class of laborers trained to do this work, but wind represents an entry point to the trades for a new generation of skilled workers.”
“Environmental justice and economic justice go hand in hand for our communities,” said Pastor Scott Onque, Faith in Place. “Offshore wind will diversify Illinois’ renewable energy sources and make us less reliant on fossil fuels, which have created a disproportionate amount of pollution in predominantly Black and Brown communities. At the same time, environmental justice is incomplete without economic justice. The jobs offshore wind creates will help right historical wrongs and support communities that battle chronic disinvestment.”
“Offshore wind has a coalition of support, from labor, to environmental advocates, to the Chicago Chamber of Commerce,” said State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez (D-Chicago). “This is a diverse coalition because offshore wind accomplishes so much for so many. During these times of inflation and an unstable energy market, creating stability and economic security for families is essential, especially when we can do it while protecting the planet at the same time.”
“My colleagues and I helped pass the most comprehensive clean energy legislation in the country, but that cannot be the ceiling for Illinois,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). “Environmental justice and sustainability is an existential issue that needs a dedicated plan, innovative thinking, and bold solutions – like offshore wind.”
But key details are not yet available, such as the total cost of the project. And one top environmental leader immediately raised significant concerns about the proposal, among them whether state ratepayers would end up footing the bill, whether the development would violate the “public use” doctrine that generally limits Lake Michigan uses for public purposes and whether such a project even would be feasible given that the lake regularly freezes and thaws.
“These questions have not been fully addressed,” said Environmental Law & Policy Center Executive Director Howard Learner, who nonetheless stopped short of opposing the bill. […]
According to Learner, the state subsidy for the wind farm would be considerable. As now drafted, he says, the bill would require the Illinois Power Agency to spend $34 million in taxpayer money for 20 years purchasing the development’s output. That’s $680 million over term, and Learner believes the eventual subsidy could be much larger.
Except, won’t the IPA then turn around and sell the electricity? Not sure I get this ELPC analysis.
Anyway, your thoughts?
…Adding… From the Illinois Power Agency…
Hi Rich, hope you’re well.
Quick clarification on the offshore wind bill: under HB 4543, neither the IPA nor any Illinois electric utility would be taking title to the power from the project; instead, Illinois electric utilities would take title to the renewable energy credits(RECs) generated by the offshore wind project through a procurement process developed and administered by the IPA, with the sale of those RECs providing financial support back to that offshore wind project at an aggregate value capped at approximately $34 million annually (for a contract term of 20 years after project energization).
OK, now I get it.
…Adding… Also, this is ratepayer money, not taxpayer money.
Giffords, the gun violence prevention group founded by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, says its polling shows views on assault weapons fall along party lines, with Democrats supporting a ban and many Republicans opposing it. Some questions in the poll might indicate the challenges lawmakers are facing as they consider the legislation.
Dozens of faith community leaders came together Wednesday morning to share their support and perspectives on proposed state legislation aimed at addressing one of the biggest problems to plague Chicago — gun violence.
Pastors, reverends, rabbis and imams, including the Rev. Michael Pfleger and Pastor Cornelius Parks, filled the stage of Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church in East Garfield Park — just blocks from where a deadly mass shooting took place on Halloween — to voice their concerns on gun violence across the city. They used the rally as a call for action to support House Bill 5855, or the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
The legislation would ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, help to further implement Illinois’ Firearm Restraining Order law and address illegal gun trafficking in the state and is a response to the mass shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, where seven people were killed and dozens of others injured by a shooter using an assault-style rifle and high-capacity magazines.
Rep. Bob Morgan, a Democrat from Deerfield who was marching in the parade when the shooting occurred, introduced the bill in December after months of work by the Illinois House Firearm Safety and Reform working group, which he chairs. The group was formed in July with a goal of creating legislation that the General Assembly could pass to reduce gun violence in Illinois, he said.
The act would do a number of things, including banning the sale or purchase of assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. It would also raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21.
It would even extend the duration of a firearm restraining order from six months to one year. […]
The bill had two committee hearings last month. Legislators are returning to the Capitol Wednesday for a lame-duck session.
Currently, no hearing is scheduled in the session for this bill.
As of midday Wednesday, 35 state representatives, all Democrats, had signed on to Morgan’s bill as co-sponsors. It will still need to win approval in the state Senate, where similar measures have stalled in the past.
Democrats have supermajorities in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, which rewrote the state’s gun laws in 2013, but they have never called a floor vote on the issue of an assault weapons ban and it remains to be seen if it will called for a vote this time.
Gun owner advocacy groups have opposed the bill and pledged to fight it in court if it passes. The National Rifle Association, Guns Save Life and the Illinois State Rifle Association have called for their members to lobby lawmakers to vote against the bill.
Rallies in support of the bill are planned for Thursday in Springfield.
Gun-rights advocate Todd Vandermyde says they won’t negotiate despite hearing there could be amendments.
“They’re looking to modify the magazine limits,” Vandermyde told WMAY Wednesday. “We hear the number they’re kicking around now is 12. Not a big jump from 10 to 12. And we think that they’re having some discussions about the age limit stuff. I think reality is setting in with some people that they have constitutional issues with what they’re proposing.”
Vandermyde and others promise lawsuits will be filed challenging the various aspects of the proposed bill if it were to be approved and enacted.
Opposition continues to mount. Before the Christmas holiday, the Madison County Board voted to denounce House Bill 5855.
Data obtained by NBC 5 Investigates shows that more than 73,000 residents filed applications for FOID cards in Illinois during the five months after the Highland Park shooting, marking a 19% increase over the months prior to the attack.
Those individuals who currently own weapons that are deemed “assault weapons” under the proposed legislation would have the option of registering those guns with the Illinois State Police, according to bill sponsors.
* Three buses filled with gun violence survivors and advocates will be arriving in Springfield to rally and meet with legislators. ABC 7…
This grassroots effort is being led mostly by moms, as some call it a personal crusade. […]
Ashley Beasley is a parade survivor.
She will be on the buses with other moms Thursday morning to rally and meet with legislators in Springfield.
“For me, activism has been a huge part of therapy. Getting involved in trying to make change has been something that has helped me to take control,” Beasley said.
Legislators held a hearing on the bill in mid-December, when critics questioned its cost and constitutionality and supporters recounted the trauma of the year’s mass shootings.
There are enough Democrats in both state chambers to pass the bill without Republican support, but conservative, downstate Democrats have been wary of supporting similar bills in the past
In 2018, after the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 people, Illinois tried to increase the age minimum to buy an assault weapon to 21. But the bill was vetoed by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, who had called for the bill to expand the purchase wait period for all guns to 72 hours and to institute a death penalty for cop killers.
In 2005, after a federal ban on assault weapons ended a year earlier, state Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, sponsored a bill to ban semiautomatic assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50-caliber rifles and cap magazines at 10 rounds, similar to this year’s bill. But the bill failed after getting only 57 of the 60 votes needed.
* Capitol News | Bills target pawnbrokers for tighter rate limits: Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus are pushing legislation to put pawnbrokers under the same interest rate caps as payday lenders and other small-dollar, short-term lenders, but the pawn shop industry says the proposed caps would effectively put them out of business.
* Tribune | Gen Z in the House: Two young lawmakers joining Illinois General Assembly: Syed, a Democrat from Chicago’s suburbs, and Fritts, a Republican from Dixon, don’t share the same positions on many issues. She’s for abortion access; he opposes it. He stands against gun rights restrictions; she supports a ban on high-capacity guns and new regulations.
* Illinois Times | Mike Coffey to fill Butler’s House seat: “Saputo’s is a special place. It’s the only place where you could have the speaker of the House, the president of the Senate, the minority leader, the majority leader and every statewide official, all in the same building at the same time,” he said. “So, we’ve been very fortunate to have all different kinds of politicians and every walk of life come in. That’s always been our forte, to welcome anybody that wants to come into the restaurant.”
* WCIA | Legislators, union push for house visit reform on anniversary of fatal DCFS caseworker stabbing: In the past year, the Illinois General Assembly has pushed for more protections for DCFS workers. They passed a law allowing caseworkers to carry pepper spray while on duty and offered continuing insurance coverage for the families of seven case workers who died while on the job. But many Illinois lawmakers don’t think those steps are enough.
* Crain’s | A wind farm in Lake Michigan? A bill in Springfield proposes it.: Under the measure sponsored by Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, the state would authorize construction of a pilot wind farm several miles from shore that would be capable of producing 150 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 75,000 homes. The House sponsor of the bill is Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago.
* WREX | Illinois Supreme Court won’t have final ruling on Pretrial Fairness Act until March at the earliest: Here are the dates that were laid out in the filing: Record on appeal: Friday, January 20, 2023. Defendants-appellants’ opening brief: Thursday, January 26, 2023. Plaintiffs-appellees’ response brief: Friday, February 17, 2023. Defendants-appellants’ reply brief: Monday, February 27, 2023. Oral argument: In the March 2023 calendar.
* Shaw Local | Voters lose say in General Assembly appointments: Not all legislative vacancies are created equally. Wednesday’s column examined the process of replacing state Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, who won reelection but then announced a retirement, opening his 53rd District seat for two years. There’s a chance his replacement is a sitting House member, potentially triggering another appointment process.
* Triibe | The Chicago lien system is freezing my mother out of her home: Liens are like getting parking tickets from the city and not being able to renew your registration. The difference is, instead of not being able to renew her registration, she cannot get a loan to fix her house — specifically, the heat. There are some old fines for things like uncut weeds on a vacant lot she owns and other repairs on her current house that have long since been fixed.
* Crain’s | How will Illinois spend its opioid settlement windfall?: Illinois is set to collect about $760 million from some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors over their role in the devastating opioid crisis, an influx of cash that will likely spark debates over how and where to spend it in years to come.
