The announcement earlier this month of a [federal] racketeering indictment charging the Wicked Town gang faction with 19 of those killings was the latest in a concerted push by federal investigators to go after those believed to be driving the gun violence in Chicago, which has reached levels not seen in years. […]
At the core of each indictment, though, is a common theme: That much of today’s violence is being driven not by sophisticated drug trafficking enterprises but by gang factions trying to boost their group’s reputation on the street or on social media, creating a seemingly endless cycle of shootings and retaliation. […]
“We’ve seen the gangs change and shift,” [US Attorney John Lausch] said. “They’re more factionalized. … When we’re looking at the drivers of violence, we’ve seen a lot of it relate to turf and social media and retaliation upon retaliation. And this is a way from a federal law enforcement standpoint that we can make an impact.”
The indictment alleges that the Wicked Town faction engaged in numerous acts of violence, including at least 19 murders, 19 attempted murders, several armed robberies, and assaults. The gang used threats and intimidation to prevent victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement, the charges allege.
Wicked Town members regularly promoted their violent enterprise on social media, posting comments, photos, and videos to proclaim membership in the gang, taunt rival gang members, and boast about murders and other acts of violence, the indictment states. The gang operated primarily in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, where members allegedly maintained “trap houses” to store firearms and illegal narcotics, including cocaine and heroin.
Just three short years ago whenever Cindy and I decided to step up for this journey, it was because we as normal Illinoisans are fed up, we’re tired and we’re concerned about the future for our children.
That got me to wondering what “normal” is.
* The Question: Do you consider yourself to be a normal Illinoisan? Explain.
It’s not fake news, but social media ads funded by Gov. J.B. Pritzker could still fool some users.
Illinois gubernatorial candidates are expected to use traditional media like TV and radio to get their message out. But, millions have already been spent on social media outlets such as Facebook, mostly by Pritzker.
Since 2018, a Facebook page for “JB Pritzker” has spent more than $3.6 million on ads, $271,000 of which Facebook notes ran without a disclaimer.
Reform For Illinois Executive Director Alisa Kaplan said there is additional spending.
“Social media, in particular, can be a little deceptive in how ads are presented,” Kaplan said. “Some of the Pritzker ads for example are presented as news pieces.”
* Here’s one of the ads featured in the above story…
And if you click that image, it takes you directly to the Tribune column. Seems like the usual stuff you’d see in TV ads, only interactive. Labeling it “Illinois Daily” is a bit much, though.
* While we’re at it, let’s go back to the article to see what else is going on at Facebook…
The lead Facebook spender for the Republicans from the past week was Jesse Sullivan, spending $1,700, though all time Sullivan’s campaign has spent $134,000 in Facebook ads.
Businessman Gary Rabine spent around $480 in the past week and nearly $53,000 all time.
Former state Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, spent about $350 in the past week and $10,500 in total on Facebook.
State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, has spent $55,300 all time and just $190 in the past week.
* Some of their ads. Click the pics for more info…
* But then there are ads that perhaps Reform For Illinois and other groups ought to be truly concerned with. We used to call Local Government Information Services the “Proft newspapers,” but whoever the ownership, check out their latest FB ads…
Following 15 years of service as a state representative, Majority Leader Greg Harris announced he will not seek re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives.
“When I stepped into this office 15 years ago, I was committed to making change. I wanted to improve the lives of LGBTQ folks, support our immigrant community, increase the diversity of our caucus and fight for those who for so long have been ignored. As I look back at my time in Springfield, I can confidently say that I was fortunate to do that and more. Therefore, while I will finish the rest of my term and continue leading our caucus through the annual budget process, I will not be seeking re-election,” said Leader Harris.
Harris is leaving office with a litany of legislative achievements to his name. Harris was the chief sponsor of the law that delivered marriage equality throughout Illinois. Following this, Harris became the first LGBTQ person in Illinois history to be in legislative leadership. Additionally, despite Gov. Rauner’s heartless efforts, Harris successfully protected funding for critical human services programs. Early in his tenure, Harris successfully spearheaded legislation reducing economic disparities in mammograms and breast cancer treatment. He is also credited with numerous laws cutting red tape in Illinois’ health care system and lowering the costs of prescription drugs.
“As a proud member of the Democratic Caucus, I can say we stood together and worked toward change over the course of eight General Assemblies, four Governors, two recessions and a global pandemic. I am proud to have worked with dedicated colleagues, staff and activists. I am immensely proud to have served with Speaker Welch, our state’s first African-American Speaker. And finally, I’m most proud to have served my district and demonstrated that good government matters—that, with thoughtful policy, we can improve lives and make a more just society together,” said Leader Harris.
Other major bills Leader Harris has sponsored include:
· Legislation providing that Transgender Illinoisans can correct their birth certificates;
· Legislation preventing consumer reporting agencies from imposing a fee for credit freezes;
· Legislation reforming anti-consumer practices in prescription drug pricing.
“I’m making this announcement now so people considering running for office have time to think and prepare. There is much more to accomplish and we have a young, diverse group of leaders who are ready to take the reins and lead. It’s time to give them the opportunity to do so,” said Leader Harris.
“I want to thank my colleagues—on both sides of the aisle—who have worked tirelessly alongside me. I have learned many lessons, created countless memories and cemented life-long friendships. This has been an honor of a lifetime, so thank you,” said Leader Harris.
* From House Speaker Chris Welch…
Greg Harris embodies public service, and throughout his fifteen year career he has been a passionate advocate for what’s fair and just. His command of a wide range of public policy issues, particularly Medicaid and our state budget, has been such a vital asset to the entire state. Greg led the way to deliver marriage equality, protected social service programs during the budget impasse and helped lower medical costs for everyday families. As a values-oriented leader and as the first openly gay majority leader, Greg has given a voice to so many who have continuously felt left out of state government. I am grateful for Leader Harris’s support as I’ve navigated my first year as Speaker. I look forward to his continued guidance throughout the 102nd General Assembly, but I will forever be blessed to call him a friend.
Harris not only lasted through the politically rough final years of Madigan’s reign without tarnishing his reputation or being caught in continuing legal probes into the former speaker, he was held over as majority leader by Madigan’s successor Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Harris’ forte has been budgets and fiscal matters. But as the highest-ranking openly gay person ever to have served in state government, he says his proudest accomplishment was serving as chief sponsor of the bill allowing same-sex marriage in the state, an action that came years before the U.S. Supreme Court mandated that nationally.
Harris also lists as top accomplishments helping break the budget impasse in which former Gov. Bruce Rauner tried to slash state spending on social programs, something Rauner said was needed but Democrats bitterly opposed.
I’m remembering it differently.
…Adding… DPI…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly released the following statement regarding the news that Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris will retire at the end of his current term:
“Greg Harris represents the very best of Illinois. His fearless advocacy and commitment to service on behalf of the people of his district and the entire state sets an example that the rest of us can only hope to follow. From healthcare to LGBTQ+ rights to the state budget, Leader Harris consistently demonstrated an unparalleled command of policy and the legislative process that will be deeply missed in Springfield. And he did it with humor and a warm demeanor that brought people together in common cause. Because of Greg Harris, our state is a better place for all its residents. Congratulations, Leader Harris, it was an honor to serve with you and I wish you well in the next chapter of your life!”
…Adding… Terry Cosgrove…
Greg Harris is a hero to many of us for a long list of reasons. Had I called central casting and asked for a legislator who embodies all the best qualities, I would have been sent Greg Harris. It has been my honor and privilege to learn from and work with him over the past 15 years. And now his retiring responsibly should come as no surprise.
Chicago Public Schools knew about allegations of sex abuse at a Logan Square school for years — and the district recently promoted a principal who knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it, records show. […]
An explosive inspector general report Friday revealed wide-ranging sexual abuse and a cover up at Marine Leadership Academy. The report describes sexual abuse and inappropriate contact between students and teachers, the “grooming” of students who later had personal relationships with staffers upon their graduation, sexual harassment and retaliation. The report also alleges those in charge attempted to cover up this behavior.
A state bill aimed at closing a loophole that doesn’t criminalize some sexual misconduct in schools could soon become law after two years of advocacy — and as a sexual abuse scandal unfolds at a Logan Square school.
The bill — HB1975, also known as Faith’s Law — was sent to Gov. JB Pritzker’s office Monday, just days after a Chicago Public Schools inspector general report exposed sexual abuse, misconduct, harassment and grooming at Marine Leadership Academy in Logan Square. […]
The bill, filed by Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Democrat representing suburban Schaumburg, would expand the state’s criminal code to make it illegal for school employees to groom students for sexual relationships. It also increases protections for sexual abuse survivors and their families.
Grooming in Illinois law is defined as luring a child into unlawful sex using the internet. The bill would update the definition to include in-person interactions and written communication, said Faith Colson, the bill’s namesake. Colson was sexually abused by a teacher about 20 years ago while in high school in Schaumburg. […]
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez pointed to the current law last week as one of the major challenges of the Marine Leadership Academy case. Multiple adults groomed students for sexual relationships, but, in some cases, there was no indication sex acts occurred until students graduated and were legally adults. That meant there is little recourse to prosecute them, Martinez said.
In 2001, Faith Colson was a 17-year-old student at Schaumburg High School, where she was a varsity athlete and a good student with lots of friends. But something else was happening to Colson: She was being groomed by a teacher to be sexually manipulated.
There were warning signs, Colson and others said in police interviews years later that led to the arrest and 2019 guilty plea of former teacher Ronald L. Williams on charges of criminal sexual abuse.
Other teachers recalled hearing about the inappropriate relationship, including one who said Williams told him about it, according to police reports from 2018.
This is where Colson believes the problem lies, and it’s why she has worked with state Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Democrat from Schaumburg, to write legislation, HB 1975, known as Faith’s Law.
Lawyers for the General Assembly’s Democratic leaders filed documents in federal court Wednesday denying that newly drawn state legislative district maps amount to racial gerrymandering, instead accusing the plaintiffs in the three lawsuits of trying to use race to redraw districts for their own purposes.
Wednesday’s filings are the Democrats’ response to proposed changes in the district maps submitted last week by Republican leaders, a Latino advocacy group in Chicago and Black civil rights groups in the Metro East region. […]
“The September Redistricting Plan … protects minority voting strength and provides Hispanic and Black voters more than an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice,” their brief states. “The three plaintiffs have failed to provide evidence to support otherwise and have not demonstrated that the September Redistricting Plan violates the Voting Rights Act or the U.S. Constitution.” […]
“The General Assembly, understanding the different political factions in this area [Chicago’s Southwest Side], worked to carefully balance the interest of progressive and moderate factions in separate Senate and House districts to reduce political infighting among Latino groups,” lawyers for the Democrats wrote.
* As subscribers already know, the filing is long, but well worth a read. For instance, here is just one of several examples of what the Republican proposal would allegedly do…
The McConchie plan makes additional, unnecessary changes to districts not subject to challenge that result in packing minorities and Democrats in several districts. HDs 35 and 36 both currently represented by Democrats. The plan would swap precincts between the two districts such that HD 35 becomes the most Republican district in Chicago.
Plaintiff Republican Leader Durkin’s District. Finally, the McConchie plan’s attempt to proclaim themselves the champions of minority interests are compromised by engaging in a brazen racial gerrymander to create a whiter district for named Plaintiff Republican Leader Jim Durkin. In HD 82, the plan swaps Black and white populations between three districts. White precincts in Proviso Township and Lyons Township are moved into HD 8, a district with a Black incumbent, to reduce the Black VAP of HD 8 from 49.51% to 48.29%. Maxson Decl., Ex. A. Several diverse precincts in Lyons Township are moved from HD 82 into HD 21, and the population loss in HD 82 is replaced by adding white precincts from Palos Township. The changes to Plaintiff Republican Leader Durkin’s district are blatant racial gerrymanders that have the result of creating a whiter district, and therefore more politically stable, district for Rep. Durkin.
* And a sampling of what the Democrats say about the MALDEF proposal…
Little Village and Chinatown Communities of Interest. Similar to the McConchie plan, the Contreras plan splits Little Village between three House districts (HDs 21, 23, and 24) and two Senate Districts (SDs 11 and 12), and removes a Latino incumbent from the core of his current district. The Plan fractures the political base for progressive Latinos in Little Village and alters the delicate balance between the moderate and conservative factions in the area.
The Plan also splits the greater Chinatown community between two House Districts (HDs 23 and 24) while pairing the greater Chinatown community and a portion of Little Village in HD 24, which pits two significant political bases against each other and reduces the Asian American influence in the district. Historically, the 11th Ward which contains much of the greater Chinatown community and the Little Village neighborhood (Wards 12 and 22) often support different candidates, and it’s highly unlikely that these communities would coalesce around one candidate of choice. This map creates a situation where candidates would be encouraged to cater to their own political bases at the expense of districtwide representation.
And you know what, I know what it takes to serve the people of Illinois and protect them, make the city streets safe again. And you know what, speaking of Glenn Younkin, and what he did over in Virginia, well, his team could choose to work with anyone in the entire country and they chose to come and work with me and are going to be helping us win this victory in Illinois.
Kristin Davison, who most recently worked on the GOP governor’s race in Virginia, has joined Illinois Republican Jesse Sullivan’s gubernatorial campaign. Davison was senior strategist for Glenn Youngkin, who defeated Terry McAuliffe to take the Virginia governor’s mansion, handing Democrats a stinging loss. Along with Davison, Poolhouse media agency, which also worked with Youngkin’s campaign, is on Sullivan’s team, too.
Poolhouse designed Youngkin’s logo. Davison is with Axiom Strategies, which provides a menu of services for campaigns, particularly those with money, and Sullivan does have cash.
* Davison was integral to Youngkin’s win and she has talked about it several times since then. One example…
First, I think it was a textbook example of the theory that candidate quality matters. We started with a once-in-a-generation talent in Glenn. He — you know, what you see is what you get. He’s a genuine guy with a positive, upbeat attitude all the time who really wanted to focus on a positive, unifying campaign. So when you have that foundation, I think [that’s] an advantage to start.
Then, the strategy: From day one, we didn’t run to win a convention and lose a general election. We started very early to reach out to different voting groups that haven’t been Republican ever or haven’t been Republican in a long time; starting different coalitions back in February — African-American Virginians, Asians, Hispanics, women — and then focusing the race on Virginia and what families were talking about at their kitchen tables, not what the talking heads were talking about on TV.
I think the third takeaway that helped drive this home: We had an opponent who focused on every political talking point the DNC probably gave him. And Glenn stayed focused on things like cost of living, education and safety — [which] were on the forefront of conversations that families were having every day.
* She also has some Illinois experience, which didn’t turn out so well. Here’s the McHenry County Blog…
McHenry County voters have seen Kristin Davison’s handiwork in Illinois before, as recent as the 2020 election cycle when she was the general consultant for then IL-14 Republican candidate Catalina Lauf (R, Woodstock).
Davison also organized in December of 2019. the short-lived “Stop The Squad” slate uniting Lauf with Anna Paulina Luna (R, FL-13), Lisa Song Sutton (R, NV-04) and others, covered on McHenry County Blog nearly two years ago.
As many local Republican activists are aware, Axiom Strategies was trying to recruit young, attractive minority women to seek election to Congress for the 2020 election cycle, and Stop the Squad slate was a result of this recruitment effort.
Only two of the original Stop the Squad slate members won their respective Republican nominations, and none won election to Congress last year.
Lauf lost the primary to Jim Oberweis.
* Back to Sullivan’s Fox News interview. It focused on Chicago crime, of course…
Blood on the streets of Chicago every single day. Look, I’ve lived and worked in some of the most dangerous, corrupt violent cities across the world, from Port au Prince, Haiti, to Helmand, Afghanistan. And it pains me that this home that I love so much, Illinois and this great city of Chicago, it’s now become a corrupt warzone. Why? Because our political leaders have failed us. They want to separate this out into blue lives, verse Black lives. It’s not only wrongheaded, it’s dangerous because the truth is 95 percent of all of those violent deaths that have happened, the victims are minority communities, our Black and Brown brothers and sisters. I listen to those gunshots happen on the streets of Chicago and it brought me right back to Helmand, Afghanistan. And it’s wrong and our political leaders need to step up and quit prioritizing criminals and putting them before victims and police
Nobody creates a better contrast with JB Pritzker than me. You know, JB Pritzker was born in California with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s one of the wealthiest governors in the country. But you know what, he’s morally bankrupt. And the people of Illinois know that. Whereas I was born in central Illinois with a set of values of faith and family and service. And I grew up working on a farm, and I’ve earned everything that I have. JB Pritzker, he wants to raise taxes on the people of Illinois, whereas I want to lower taxes. I’ve worked with Alter to create jobs around the world to back entrepreneurs. I know what it takes to make Illinois a business-friendly state. JB Pritzker, he doesn’t know the first thing about what it means to protect and to serve. It’s the reason he’s not backing are law enforcement falls back on these, you know, Democrat talking points of blaming guns, and throwing money at the problem through social programs, not actually backing and supporting our police. I’ve served over in Afghanistan. And you know what, I know what it takes to serve the people of Illinois and protect them make the city streets safe again.
He never actually says what he’ll do, however. We hear this a lot. One 2016 presidential candidate claimed the problem could be solved in a week with unspecified tougher police tactics.
“Yeah, we’re a year-and-a-half in, but a lot of these decisions had to be made very quickly, because nobody knew what the impact was going to be,” he said, adding that he doesn’t fault Pritzker.
“Now, we can have a debate about what we could and couldn’t have done differently. And I think there should be once we’re done with the pandemic,” he said. “I don’t think we’re quite done, though. I think we’re getting close. If people would just get vaccinated, I mean, this thing could be behind us. That’s the thing that just I cannot understand.”
“I mean, I grew up in the era of polio,” Edgar said. “I mean, we rushed as kids down to get vaccinated and they hadn’t tested that thing. But we wanted vaccinated. We didn’t want to get polio. And so I have a hard time today — maybe I’m just too old. I just don’t understand this hesitancy to get vaccinated, but a lot of people haven’t, so we still have the pandemic hanging around.”
“I do think once it’s done — and I hopefully it’ll be done sooner than later — you take a look at what is the right procedure,” he added. “I don’t begrudge some of the things that Governor Pritzker had to do. You never want to have to… That would have been a terrible thing to have to deal with. Saying that, there is no doubt there is fatigue.”
Edgar says Pritzker could be defeated in the upcoming 2022 election, but only if his party picks an electable candidate who can appeal to a statewide audience beyond the primary.
Illinois Democratic leaders announced Thursday that they have agreed to repay federal pandemic-relief loans more than a year earlier than scheduled, saving taxpayers $100 million in interest.
The plan was announced as Democrats who control the House and Senate head into the final 10 days of the legislative session, still struggling to find ways to close a $1.4 billion deficit for the budget that begins July 1.
Washington lent money to in early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures left economies battered and hundreds of thousands on the unemployment line. Illinois borrowed $3.2 billion and has repaid $2 billion. The rest was due by December 2023, but the state has money to pay it earlier.
“The federal loan was a lifeline to keep our state and our economy afloat,” said Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat. “That our economy has rebounded so strongly that we can now pay it off early is a testament to the resilience of the people and businesses of the great state of Illinois.”
$870 million is remaining on the principal as of today. But the rebounding economy may not be enough to pay the rest of it off, along with $928 million in interfund borrowing.
During the brief debate over a $42 billion state spending plan introduced in the closing hours of this year’s spring session, the Illinois legislature’s Democratic majority outlined less than $3 billion in spending in the coming year from a massive infusion of federal coronavirus relief money.
With the state in line to receive $8.1 billion from President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Democrats said they wanted to spend the money judiciously and avoid creating programs that would continue to demand funding after the one-time federal cash influx was gone. They said this year’s plan for the relief money called for $1 billion in infrastructure spending, with the remainder going to items such as hospitals, violence prevention, and tourism and business recovery.
Left unmentioned as lawmakers were approving the budget, however, was the creation of a state fund that gives Gov. J.B. Pritzker authority to spend billions of dollars from the federal aid without first getting approval from lawmakers.
In the end, the state’s spending plan for the budget year that began July 1 counts on using at least another $2 billion from the pandemic relief funds to make up for “lost revenues,” leaving less than $3.6 billion to budget out over the next three years.
If you go the very last paragraph of the story, you’ll see that $144 million has been spent so far to make up for operational costs last fiscal year at the Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice.
* Fitch Ratings explained how the Essential Government Services Support Fund works last week in its positive outlook on the state’s credit rating…
Illinois’ legislature also enacted a spending plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) aid, focused on one-time investments rather than recurring operating needs. The plan uses $2.8 billion of Illinois’ $8.1 billion ARPA direct aid distribution on infrastructure and other one-time, or pandemic-specific needs. With this initial allocation, the state appears to have avoided the use of ARPA aid for any material ongoing program costs in this budget.
Additionally, as part of the enacted budget, the state created the Essential Government Services Support Fund (EGSSF) and allocated $2 billion of the more than $5 billion in remaining ARPA aid to flow through the fund. Fitch anticipates the state will primarily use the EGSSF as a cash flow management tool that will assist in ensuring compliance with U.S. Treasury guidelines for ARPA direct aid.
The $2 billion is essentially offset from a budgetary perspective with planned repayment of the MLF loan ($1.045 billion) and interfund borrowing ($928 million), though ARPA aid will not be used for the actual repayments. Fitch will carefully assess the state’s plans for the remaining ARPA direct aid which we anticipate will be focused on non-recurring uses.
* Governor’s office…
The Essential Government Services Support Fund was set up to hold funds that are allowed under federal rules to replace lost revenues of the State. At the time the budget was enacted in May, the final rules and guidance from US Treasury was not available – and the Interim Final Rule was only just released shortly before the end of session.
* US Treasury guidance for states on how to calculate lost revenues from the pandemic that was issued shortly before the end of session…
a. States should look at Fiscal Year 2019 base year revenue by looking at the state’s “own source” revenues to calculate (excluding for example, federal revenues or revenues that are passed through to local governments)
b. Using the same base, calculate state’s average annual growth of the past three fiscal years (FY16 – FY19)
c. Apply average annual growth rate multiplier to annual revenues collected
d. Multiplier applies to the revenue collected in each calendar year
e. Calculate each December 31 for actual revenues
f. Compare projected growth revenue to actuals collected
* And using that formula…
GOMB estimates that Fiscal Year 2019 base revenues according to the US Treasury definition/guidance was approximately $47B, and with the multiplier applied, Calendar Year 2020 revenues should have totaled about $53B. Actual revenues in Calendar Year 2020 totaled about $50B.
* Also from the governor’s office…
This mechanism was created for flexibility for the State to adapt to the rules as understanding of them evolved over the course of the year. Including the replacement revenues in a separate account assists the state in reporting to US Treasury as funds are spent.
At least one Republican was quoted in the story saying the General Assembly should have direct spending authority on that pile of cash. From the governor’s office…
GOMB provides monthly reports to the Legislative Budget Oversight Committee and testifies in front of the committee quarterly.
* The point of all this is that the Trib and Fitch both point out that the governor’s office can use the aforementioned $2 billion to make allowable expenditures in order to free up money to do things like repay the $1 billion left on the Federal Reserve loan. The governor’s office, however, says it’s too early in the fiscal year to say how much it will use.
* It hasn’t been a full week since the last IDPH weekly update, but cases are down about 26 percent from last week after a big spike. Deaths are down by 42 percent, but hospitalizations went up 13 percent, from 1,759 to 1,982. ICU admissions are up ten percent. Ventilator usage is essentially the same (152 a week ago and 150 as of last night). Case and test positivity rates are up a little…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 21,034 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 87 additional deaths since reporting last November 19, 2021.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,784,900 cases, including 26,313 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since reporting on Friday, November 19, 2021, laboratories have reported 632,533 specimens for a total of 38,528,321. As of last night, 1,982 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 384 patients were in the ICU and 150 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from November 17-23, 2021 is 3.3%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from November 17-23, 2021 is 4.1%.
A total of 17,031,036 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as of last midnight. The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 64,199 doses. Since reporting on Friday, November 19, 2021, 311,308 doses were reported administered in Illinois. Of Illinois’ total population, approximately 67% has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and almost 61% of Illinois’ total population is fully vaccinated according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All data are provisional and will change. Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html. Data on the IDPH website will not be updated over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but will resume on Monday, November 29, 2021.
Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.
* Brenden Moore asked several politicos what they were thankful for. This response from Comptroller Susana Mendoza stood out for me...
“For me, it’s my brother still being with us. Last Thanksgiving he was fighting for his life. This Thanksgiving he’s still with us. Complications from COVID-19 cost him his kidneys. But he has a good attitude. He’s a fighter and we’re blessed to have him with us. I’m thankful for the love of family and friends and that we can gather with family and friends including my brother this year. We’ll be celebrating my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday.”
* You may remember that Comptroller Mendoza talked about her brother, Chicago Police Det. Sgt. Joaquin Mendoza, in March…
Back in November, I called him on his birthday to wish him a happy birthday and he had a cough. Two days later - he’s only 56 - he was at Northwestern Memorial Hospital fighting for his life for 41 days. And then about a month later - a month he spent in an inpatient rehab - he’s had tremendous complications. He’s suffered mini strokes in his brain while he was in the hospital. Total, complete kidney failure, so he’ll be on dialysis for the rest of his life.
And I share it because I think it’s important for people to know that when we hear about a 99% survival rate, you know, think about my brother’s situation. Sure he survived, and it’s a blessing for us, but it breaks my heart to see the complications for somebody who’s dedicated his life to public service and to protecting the public as he’s going through this. And it’s no joke. This is very real, and we’re thankful that he’s still with us, but many people are going through something similar. Many people have lost their loved ones. And I seriously, both as a sister and as a comptroller, you know, when we have to order things like body bags, it really hits close to home. And I just ask people, please get vaccinated the first chance you get. Please, do everything to protect yourself and protect your loved ones and let’s get through this together.
I would just say it’s pretty devastating. And I’m so thankful that I can take care of my brother right now when he needs me. There’s so many families who probably feel completely overwhelmed. And I was one of them. I mean, honestly, I never thought I’d tell you that the easiest part of my life right now is managing billions in state debt, but it truly is. I feel so confident and sure of what I’m doing as the comptroller, but it’s certainly a lot heavier of a lift to try to keep my brother healthy. That’s where we’re at. Thank you for asking. I mean, it is something that I can relate to and I know that we’re not alone. Lots of families in Illinois and across the country are going through similar or even worse scenarios with having lost loved ones. But, it’s real and I just ask you to take care of yourselves, please.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security is nearly a month late in filing a report about the state’s unemployment trust fund, according to the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus.
A spokesperson for IDES didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Republicans said the legislative leaders received a letter from the Illinois Comptroller that IDES failed to submit necessary financial information on the trust fund’s financial activities and is nearly a month delinquent.
“If regular Illinois businesses and families miss financial reporting they are fined and can even face criminal penalties,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods. “The governor is not above the law. The UI Trust Fund is deeply in debt and without this report, we have absolutely no idea how big the problem really is.”
Neither the Illinois Comptroller, the House Speaker or Senate President’s office immediately returned a message seeking comment.
* The comptroller and all four legislative leaders were sent this response by the IDES director two weeks ago. It’s quite something, but it basically boils down to IDES has been overwhelmed for more than a year…
Thank you for the letter dated November 4, 2021 regarding financial information necessary for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) takes its role in providing information essential to completing the ACFR seriously, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide an action plan. The circumstances that caused the delay in the submission of our draft financial statements, footnotes, and Form SCO- 599, Contingencies, Commitments and Related Party Transactions, are described below as well as the estimated timeline to complete.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the time to complete the prior year audit and the complexity and volume of the financial transactions were significant, and on average 2-3 times as many transactions than in the normal course of the Department’s operations. This resulted in a delay in the posting of the initial SFY 2021 Trust Fund transactions to the general ledger. In addition, the Department’s Trust Fund software application prohibits the user from having two years open concurrently, and although we were current in preparing and recording journal entries on our worksheets, we could not upload any journal entries or prepare reconciliations until SFY 2020 was closed.
It is also important to note that our financial operations and Department of Innovation and Technology (DOIT) staffing resources are stretched across five concurrent audits, and we are preparing to begin a sixth:
▪ RSM Financial Audit
▪ RSM Compliance Audit
▪ KPMG Single Audit
▪ Emergency Unemployment Relief for Government Entities and Non-Profit Organization (EURGENO) Audit
▪ Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistic Audit
▪ OAG Performance Review Audit (entrance conference was 10/27/2021)
IBIS Accrual – DOIT resources have been strained due to high volume processing in our benefit system (IBIS), implementation of seven complex new programs, subsequent system adjustments as a result of new and updated federal laws and guidance, and requests from multiple audits. While the IBIS accrual data has been verified, the auditors have requested that the accrual be documented with a daily match to our benefit payment reports.
PUA Accrual – Given the complexity of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program accrual and the fact the Department will need to restate the beginning accrual amounts as a result of the last audit, numbers will need to be pulled internally. The DOIT employee who is qualified and able to do this is currently working on a large data file request for the OAG. Once completed, he will start pulling the data for the PUA accrual.
Overpayments – Due to the complexity and volume of transactions, the process for pulling the data has become far more challenging than in the past. In addition, the new processes for waiving recovery of overpayments in both federal and non-federal programs will require that overpayments be placed in different risk buckets to determine the allowance associated with these receivables.
Cash Reconciliations – Due to the extended length of the last audit and staff shortages, the Department contracted an outside public accounting firm, Crowe LLP, to assist in preparing cash reconciliations.
IDES’ Estimated Timetable to Completion:
IBIS Accrual – The Department is building the IBIS accrual by day per the auditor’s request. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 12, 2021.
PUA Accrual – DOIT is currently pulling large amounts of data for the OAG for the RSM Financial Audit. Once completed, pulling the data for the PUA accrual will begin. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 17, 2021.
IBIS Overpayments – The Department is reviewing this large data file for accuracy. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 12, 2021.
PUA Overpayments – The Department is reviewing this large data file for accuracy. We anticipate this will be completed and verified no later than November 12, 2021.
Cash Reconciliations – The Department is working with staff from Crowe LLP to complete the cash reconciliations. We anticipate these reconciliations will be completed and verified no later than November 17, 2021.
Once these tasks are completed, the Department will prepare and post journal entries to submit to the IOC for GAAP. The Department will then prepare Form SCO-599, the financial statements, and footnotes. We anticipate this to be completed by end of day November 30, 2021.
Just to follow up one last time: Young Americans for Liberty (YAL)—the nation’s most active youth libertarian organization—has just launched a new petition to end the seemingly “endless” COVID-19 pandemic, expecting to garner 100,000 signatures from students, faculty, and alumni in the coming weeks.
See the official press release below. Are you interested in the story?
Thank you,
Luka
Um, petitions don’t end pandemics. Vaccines, proven treatments and mitigations end pandemics.
Following an unprecedented commitment to a public appointment process, Michael Kelly has been appointed State Representative for the 15th Legislative District, replacing former state Rep. John D’Amico who announced his resignation earlier this month.
The appointment process, as required by law, had to happen within 30 days of the vacancy announced on Nov. 5, 2021.
“We owed it to the people of the 15th Legislative District to make sure public input informed this appointment,” said state Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), committeeperson for the 39th Ward. “As a result, we had seven applicants up for consideration who we heard from today for close to four hours and all of the respective elected committeepersons voted for an applicant that represents the values of the 15th Legislative District and the priorities expressed by our communities during the last few weeks.”
Villivalam was the Chief Co-Sponsor of Senate Bill 825, which was signed into law in June and includes a process to the legislative appointment procedure, where none had been before.
Per the new statute, prior to holding today’s meeting to fill the vacancy, the committee made public:
• The names and contact information for the Committeepersons legally tasked with the appointment
• Information on how to apply or submit a name for consideration as the appointee
• The date, time and location of today’s in-district and virtual meeting to fill the vacancy
The appointment committee also sent multiple email blasts, made multiple social media posts, purchased ads in multiple newspapers, contacted members of the press, made themselves publicly available to the communities they serve, and invited press to the in-person and livestreamed appointment meeting.
Kelly’s appointment to fill out D’Amico’s term was not a surprise. In political circles he was considered the favorite, with the behind-the-scenes backing of D’Amico, who had served in the General Assembly since 2004.
Edgebrook area resident Michael Rabbitt said that he helped start the social justice ministry at the Saint Mary of the Woods Parish and launched Neighbors for Affordable Housing. He said that he would support lifting the statewide ban on rent control, explaining that towns should make their own decision on the matter, and that he supports the proposed 297-unit apartment complex at 8535 W. Higgins Ave., which Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st) opposes. It would include nearly 60 affordable units.
“I have a track record as a problem solver (and) a community connector,” said Rabbitt, who works as a business transformation leader for Argonne National Laboratory.
Rabbitt, who is supported by SEIU Healthcare and the political group 39th Neighbors United, launched his campaign prior to D’Amico’s retirement announcement and plans to challenge Kelly next year in the primary.
Kelly has worked on previous campaigns for D’Amico, Ald. Samantha Nugent (39th) and her predecessor, Ald. Margaret Laurino, who is D’Amico’s aunt. D’Amico was not part of the process to pick his replacement, but voiced his support after the appointment. […]
As for Kelly, “he voted in two Republican primaries,” [Anthony Joel Quezada, 35th Ward Democratic committeeperson] said. “I just didn’t see a lot of political experience and history, and I didn’t get a lot of calls from community members supporting him. But, again, that does not necessarily speak to the full character of Mr. Kelly. I wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.” […]
Rabbitt has already launched a campaign for the office. Brophy and Melaniphy said they would not run, while Kehoe said she likely wouldn’t either.
Kelly said he took a GOP ballot in 2010 because his union endorsed Judy Baar Topinka in the primary. He took a Republican ballot two years later as a favor to a friend.
Committeeperson Quezada, by the way, had an infinitesimal 0.01 percent of the weighted vote. He talked a lot, but had pretty much zero influence. Rabbitt was already running against D’Amico, which ruled him out.
* D’Amico’s backing and this list of Kelly’s endorsements is what got him the win…
• Chicago Fire Department Local 2 - Jim Tracey
• Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois - Chuck Sullivan
• IBEW Electricians Local 134 - Michael Cudzik
• Carpenters Local - Kevin O’Gorman
• Chicago Laborers District Council, LiUNA - Jim Connolly
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 - James Sweeney
• Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 - Tom Collins
• Sheetmetal Workers International Association, SMART Local 265 - John Daniels
• Sheetmetal Workers Local 73 - Ray Suggs
• IBEW Electricians Local 176 - Mike Clemens
• Stationary Engineers Local 399 - John Hanley
• Plumbers Union Local 130 - James Coyne
• Iron Workers Local 62 - Paul Wende
• Teamsters Joint council No. 25 - Terrence Hancock
• Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 137 - Aaron Gurnsey
Kelly read that list at the meeting. Those trade unions are very active in that part of the world. AFSCME and the CTU did not endorse a candidate. Interestingly enough, Sen. Villivalam comes out of SEIU Healthcare, which is apparently backing Rabbitt.
