* This is confirmed…
…Adding… Presents, I’m told, were Didech, Deluca, Cassidy, Willis, Yingling, Williams and Scherer. Madigan actually passed, I’m told now.
…Adding… Well, this is an interesting pic. Rep. Chris Welch meets with a large number of House Democratic women at the BOS Center…
…Adding… Rep. Ann Williams…
Today I withdrew my candidacy for the Speaker of the Illinois House when it became clear I would be unable to garner the requisite 60 votes. I couldn’t be more grateful for all those who encouraged and supported me along the way. I am proud of what we accomplished and the steps we took to begin a new chapter in the Illinois House. We made history. The House Democratic Caucus continues to debate the best path forward and I am confident that we will reach a decision together and get to work for the people of Illinois. I will continue to push for strong and independent women to lead - not just in the Illinois House, but at all levels of government.
*** UPDATE 1 *** I’m being told that it’s all but done. There’s just no path to win for Rep. Hoffman and it’s now a matter of getting to the final deal. Rep. Welch has told a person close to him that he believes there will be another vote tonight and he’ll get to at least 60.
*** UPDATE 2 *** And here it is…
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* Sun-Times…
The Latinx Caucus will endorse Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch as the next speaker of the Illinois House on Tuesday, a day after the Black Caucus chose the Hillside Democrat as its candidate, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Three sources — one of them within the House Latinx Caucus — confirmed the decision.
With the Black Caucus’ backing potentially providing 22 votes, and all nine Latinx Caucus members endorsing Welch, he could have 31 of the 60 votes needed to become speaker.
* Press release…
Today, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit withdrew her name from consideration for Illinois Speaker of the House, and issued the following statement:
“On October 1, I stood up and announced my intention to run for Speaker of the House in Illinois’s 102nd General Assembly, at a time when it was assumed that Speaker Madigan would easily retain his speakership. I believed then, as I do now, that our caucus deserved a choice for new leadership in the State of Illinois.
“With additional individuals entering this race yesterday, it is clear that I do not have a path to 60 votes — but I am encouraged and energized by the fact that the caucus has a real choice in candidates for Speaker for the first time in 38 years. I am excited for the state of Illinois, and I look forward to serving in the 102nd General Assembly under new leadership”.
She deserves a lot of credit for sticking her neck out there when nobody else would.
This post will be updated. I think they’re getting close to a vote. But the results will likely be on its own separate post.
* Profiles in courage…
*** UPDATE *** Rep. Ann Williams has just dropped out of the race, I’m told. Also being told she will vote “Present” during the roll call.
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Kinzinger will vote to impeach President Trump
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Illinois U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger said Tuesday he will vote to impeach President Donald Trump, saying he “encouraged an angry mob to storm the United States Capitol.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that the president of the United States broke his oath of office and incited this insurrection. He used his position in the executive (branch) to attack the legislative (branch). So, in assessing the articles of impeachment brought before the House, I must consider: if these actions … are not worthy of impeachment, then what is an impeachable offense?” Kinzinger said in a statement. “I will vote in favor of impeachment.”
Kinzinger is the third Republican in the U.S. House to say he will vote to impeach the president. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, the third-ranking Republican in the chamber, and Rep. John Katko, R-New York, also have said they will vote to remove the president during his final days in office.
…Adding… What a country…
…Adding… Tribune…
The Illinois National Guard will deploy roughly 200 service members to Washington, D.C., ahead of President-elect Joseph Biden’s inauguration, state officials confirmed Tuesday.
The Illinois contingent will consist primarily of military police and security forces, a reflection of a recent FBI warning about the possibility of armed protests surrounding the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20. The state also will be sending soldiers and airmen to help with logistics and communications, as well as an Air National Guard chaplain.
The service members are expected to arrive in Washington as early as Wednesday. Their presence has been requested by the District of Columbia, according to state officials.
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* This is happening while the House Democrats are right now talking about their next Speaker…
* As I told subscribers this morning, lots of members are talking about this. I asked for a statement from Welch a while ago and I’ve since heard that another outlet is about to run their own story, so you can click here to read the background report. Whew. Here’s Rep. Welch’s full statement…
This verbal argument occurred nearly two decades ago. I will be honest that I have reconciled with the individual since that night. In fact, after our dispute we sought out the authorities ourselves. Their family lives in my district and are proud supporters of my public service and work. However, I must convey my dismay over the lack of decency displayed by the GOP politicians and their urge to use this report against me. At no other occasion have these events been brought up and I firmly believe my Republican colleagues are threatened by the potential growth of my profile.
I understand that the circumstances around this incident are troubling and I will, to the best of my ability, answer questions while respecting the other individual’s privacy.
I’ll update if need be.
*** UPDATE 1 *** This 2010 lawsuit just came in over the transom…
It appears Ms. Johnson voluntarily dismissed the case shortly thereafter.
I’ve asked Rep. Welch’s spokesperson for a comment.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The Tribune story is up. The paper did not talk to either woman and here’s one tidbit I didn’t have…
Johnson went on to run against Welch in the 2012 Democratic primary for state representative. She finished third in a contest Welch won by 36 votes. Welch, an attorney at Ancel Glink, went on to win the fall general election and has served in the Illinois House ever since.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Another one…
The full document is here.
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* Greg Hinz at Crain’s…
With two major new candidates entering the fray, Illinois House Democrats later today are set to renew efforts to select a new speaker—while incumbent Mike Madigan hangs in the wings in case they come up short.
The new contenders include Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch of Hillside, who threw his hat into the ring late yesterday after picking up an endorsement from the Legislature’s Black Caucus, and downstate Democratic leader Rep. Jay Hoffman of Swansea. Hoffman hasn’t formally announced his campaign, but insiders say he is lining up support and has some backing from organized labor and trial lawyers, two important Democratic funding groups.
Welch and Hoffman would join North Side independent Ann Williams, who in an initial caucus vote yesterday got far more support than anyone except Madigan. Madigan has “suspended” but not ended his campaign for a new term as speaker.
At the moment, key insiders tell me, Welch appears to have the strongest base of support, with the 22 members of the Black Caucus and potentially the Latino caucus and other Madigan backers.
* WTTW…
Welch led a special investigative panel formed to probe whether Madigan’s role as the subject of a bribery scheme by Commonwealth Edison made Madigan unfit to hold public office. Under Welch’s leadership, Democrats on the panel protected Madigan from having to testify.
Critics say it’s an indication that Welch would be a Madigan puppet.
“Madigan 2.0,” tweeted Alaina Hampton, a political strategist who used to work for Madigan’s political army but later sued Madigan’s political committees, alleging retaliation after she came forward with sexual harassment allegations against a Madigan aide.
One moderate Democratic legislator from the suburbs said he’s backing Welch with the belief that Welch will be able to unite the caucus and that he can assemble a campaign apparatus worthy of the strong one Madigan built; the lawmaker said he doubts Williams could do so given that her progressive, reliably Democratic district.
* Rep. Kam Buckner is the incoming chair of the House Black Caucus…
In 2021, do we really think it is appropriate to call a Black man and the Black Caucus ‘puppets’? Or are we ready to acknowledge that we can think for ourselves?
…Adding… I asked Welch about this the other day and he said he wasn’t aware of anyone approaching Durkin on his behalf…
*** UPDATE *** Sun-Times…
The Latinx Caucus will endorse Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch as the next speaker of the Illinois House on Tuesday, a day after the Black Caucus chose the Hillside Democrat as its candidate, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Three sources — one of them within the House Latinx Caucus — confirmed the decision.
With the Black Caucus’ backing potentially providing 22 votes, and all nine Latinx Caucus members endorsing Welch, he could have 31 of the 60 votes needed to become speaker.
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More fixing, less nonsense
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As we’ve already discussed…
The director of the state’s Veterans’ Affairs Department is stepping down, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Monday, capping a tenure that saw the coronavirus claim the lives of 72 veterans living in state homes.
A former Democratic state representative, Linda Chapa LaVia was tapped by Pritzker to lead the department in 2019.
* Tribune…
Gov. J.B. Pritzker called Chapa LaVia’s departure a “mutual decision.” But her resignation came just hours after she and her chief of staff, Tony Kolbeck, faced blistering bipartisan criticism from members of a House committee investigating the outbreak.
During the nearly three-hour hearing, Democratic state Rep. Dan Didech of Buffalo Grove called on LaVia to resign, noting he has “lost confidence that the current leadership is equipped to address the many challenges.”
The committee chairman, state Rep. Andre Thapedi, a Chicago Democrat, said lawmakers were being “stonewalled” by agency officials in response to “very simple questions.”
Following Chapa LaVia’s resignation, Republican state Sen. Sue Rezin, whose district includes the LaSalle home, said in a statement that the state’s VA leaders “failed the residents it was tasked with protecting.” Rezin said Pritzker should have removed her from leadership “long before today.”
I don’t disagree with any of that.
* It sure didn’t help that the department was being evasive at the committee.
“No more answers about how that’s a part of an investigation,” admonished the chairman of the House Judiciary - Civil Committee André Thapedi when the witnesses refused to respond. “This is the investigation.”
* But some of the Republican questions at yesterday’s hearing were a bit much. A couple asked about reports that workers had partied together on their own time. This from legislators who have consistently opposed the Pritzker administration’s mitigations. They’ve been saying publicly for months that the administration has overreacted and then are shocked, shocked! when people listen to them.
Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, who spoke at a reopen rally, also asked why IDVA didn’t prevent employees from leaving the facility after they tested positive. She was surprised when told employees were not stopped from going to their own homes, so she asked why. IDVA’s chief of staff Tony Kolbeck should’ve probably explained the Emancipation Proclamation or pointed out that the LaSalle Veterans Home is not a prison for workers, but took the polite route and said state personnel policies would not allow such a thing.
* More…
Following Chapa LaVia’s resignation on Monday, House Civil Judiciary Chairman Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago, wrote in a text message to Capitol News Illinois that the systemic problems at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are enormous and most of them predate Chapa LaVia’s tenure.
“The care and treatment of our most vulnerable people – and especially our heroes – must be entrusted to our most capable and compassionate care givers. My only hope is that the necessary reforms at nursing homes and veterans homes across the state takes this principal to heart,” Thapedi wrote in the message.
Mazzochi wrote in a statement before Chapa LaVia’s resignation that she was “particularly disturbed” that IDVA had outsourced an investigation on to the state Department of Human Services, “with no concurrent self-assessment on the practices and policies that led to the outbreaks.”
“As members of our committee from both sides of the aisle agree, what they heard today was stonewalling of our legislative investigation; and a distinct lack of corrective action being taken by the agency. And, that no steps were taken to ensure the investigative cooperation of the administrator in charge of the facility at the time is an independent critical oversight error,” Mazzochi’s statement read in part.
1) Chapa LaVia had plenty of time to correct the problems. It’s just not an excuse.
2) If IDVA had done an internal investigation, they’d be accused of a cover-up. You shouldn’t investigate yourself, and Kolbeck explained that to Mazzochi during the hearing. What would happen, he asked, if the probe led in his direction and he was running it?
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Caption contest!
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Pool photo from Justin Fowler of the State Journal-Register of House Republican Leader Jim Durkin…
Keep it clean, people.
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* Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 6,642 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 117 additional deaths.
- Adams County: 1 male 80s
- Champaign County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 90s
- Clark County: 1 female 80s
- Coles County: 1 male 60s
- Cook County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 1 female 60s, 5 males 60s, 3 females 70s, 3 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 4 males 80s, 1 female 90s
- Cumberland County: 1 female 70s
- DeKalb County: 1 male 70s, 1 female 90s
- DuPage County: 1 female 30s, 1 female 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 90
- Fayette County: 1 female 80s
- Ford County: 1 female 80s
- Franklin County: 1 female 90s
- Hamilton County: 1 female 90s
- Henderson County: 1 male 80s
- Henry County: 1 female 100+
- Jefferson County: 1 male 70s
- Jersey County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
- Kane County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
- Kankakee County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
- Knox County: 1 female 80s
- Lake County: 1 male 30s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 female 70s, 1 female 90s
- Lee County: 1 female 50s
- Macoupin County; 1 female 60s
- Madison County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 60s, 2 males 60s, 2 males 70s, 2 females 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 female 100+
- Marion County: 1 female 90s
- Mason County: 1 female 80s
- Massac County: 1 female 80s
- McDonough County: 1 male 40s
- McHenry County: 1 male 80s
- Mercer County: 1 female 80s
- Monroe County: 1 male 90s
- Montgomery County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s
- Morgan County: 1 female 80s
- Moultrie County: 1 female 80s
- Peoria County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
- Pope County: 1 male 80s
- Randolph County: 1 female 80s
- Rock Island County: 3 females 70s
- Saline County: 1 male 80s
- Sangamon County: 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
- St. Clair County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 2 females 90s
- Stephenson County: 1 female 60s
- Vermilion County: 1 female 70s, 2 males 80s
- Wayne County: 1 male 80s
- Whiteside County: 1 male 60s
- Will County: 1 male 20s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 2 females 90s, 1 male 90s
- Williamson County: 1 male 40s
- Winnebago County: 1 male 40s, 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,040,168 cases, including 17,743 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 93,491 specimens for a total 14,263,477. As of last night, 3,553 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 757 patients were in the ICU and 409 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from January 5–11, 2021 is 7.5%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from January 5–11, 2021 is 8.6%.
*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered. Information for a death previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
* Related…
* Pritzker to Announce This Week When Illinois Will Move to Phase 1B for Vaccinations
* Some Illinois communities begin second phase of COVID-19 vaccinations. Pritzker plans to unveil statewide timeline this week.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Beginning today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is now reporting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination data on its website, with data to be updated daily and additional data to be provided as available. It is important to note that vaccine distribution figures are reported in real time, while vaccine administration figures are reported with as much as a 72-hour lag.
As of last night, 638,150 doses of vaccine were delivered to providers in Illinois, including Chicago. In addition, approximately 231,475 doses have been allocated to the federal government’s Pharmacy Partnership Program for long-term care facilities. This brings the total Illinois doses to 869,625. IDPH is currently reporting a total of 353,791 vaccines administered, including 41,075 for long-term care facilities. The 7-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 24,200 doses.
“Throughout the pandemic we have used data to guide our decisions and actions and we will continue to do so for vaccine administration,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Illinois is a very diverse state, geographically and in the make-up of its population. It is important to track where we are seeing both high and low vaccination rates. These data will help us understand what actions we can take to end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”
Data on the IDPH website include the number of doses administered, the vaccination rate per population, and what percent of the population is fully vaccinated. These data are broken down by county. Additionally, the website includes information on the COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index (CCVI), also broken down by county. The CCVI looks at indicators such as socioeconomic status, household composition, type of housing and transportation, epidemiological facts, as well as access to health care. Additional data and means to track vaccination rates will be added as available.
Vaccination data can be found on the IDPH website at www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccinedata.
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* Sun-Times…
Lawmakers sent a bill designed to address racial inequities in education and the resulting divisions to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk on Monday, while a second crucial pillar of the state’s Legislative Black Caucus agenda — criminal justice reform — was discussed in a House committee.
On the fourth day of the lame duck legislative session, state Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, spoke on behalf of the education component of the Black Caucus’ omnibus bill.
The education measures passed, 40 to 18.
On Monday evening, the House gave final approval, voting in favor, 69 to 41, with eight members not voting.
* SJ-R…
The 21-page bill focuses on improving the education of minority students, including creating new programs to support early childhood education, creating a task force to support equitable environments in Illinois schools, revising the state’s standards for high school students, establishing a six-week summer program to help students in poverty, and enhancing programs to keep Black students from leaving the state to go to college. […]
Before the vote, Lightford debated with Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Champaign, about a provision in the bill that would allow schools with at least 49% of students receiving Pell Grants to match 20% of financial aid funds given to students. Schools that had less than 49% could match 60% of the funds.
Rose said the bill would derail the goals of the AIM HIGH legislation that he supported in 2019. That act allowed for schools to help low-income students discount tuition to attend public universities in Illinois. […]
“The amount of money that kids receive doesn’t change,” Lightford said. “We support AIM HIGH. We’re trying to make sure that university presidents are able to give as many scholarships as they are able to give.”
* Chalkbeat…
The omnibus legislation would create major changes to high school graduation requirements, starting in 2024-2025. Such shifts would ensure that more students meet admission standards for the University of Illinois, proponents said. The new diploma requirements include two years of laboratory sciences, two years of a foreign language, and one year of computer literacy.
The education bill also requires that schools automatically enroll qualifying students into advanced courses, such as Advanced Placement and dual credit. That move is intended to broaden access for students of color and eliminate bias in who is selected to participate in the courses.
Other parts of the legislation include initiatives to address the teacher shortage, increase educator diversity, improve access to early childhood education, and push the Illinois state board to revamp the American History curriculum to do a better job incorporating Black history.
An effort to extend the school calendar to make up for the coronavirus interruption did not make it into the final version. In its current form, the bill requires that a panel of education leaders consider short-term and long-term goals to address the digital divide and impact of school closures on students.
* Related…
* Bill to end Medicaid managed care advances in House
* Governor weighs in on criminal justice reform bill
* Economic equity bill draws scrutiny
* ADDING: Black Caucus bills include important police reforms
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* Sun-Times…
With the spotlight focused elsewhere, such as the Mike Madigan saga and the Black Caucus push for criminal justice reform, the Illinois Senate voted Monday to raise retirement benefits for 2,200 Chicago firefighters in a way that would saddle beleaguered city taxpayers with $850 million in added costs by 2055.
The bill already had passed the Illinois House and now awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature or veto.
It was introduced by Sen. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, when Martwick was a state representative. Martwick, a political nemesis of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, has since been appointed to the Illinois Senate to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of state Sen. John Mulroe.
Martwick’s bill removes the “birth date restriction” that prohibits roughly 2,200 active and retired firefighters born after Jan. 1, 1966 from receiving a simple, 3% annual cost of living increase. Instead, they get half that amount, 1.5% — and it is not compounded.
“Mayor Lightfoot believes strongly that we must work toward a comprehensive pension solution which keeps the promises made to retirees and which sets pension funds across the state on a path to solvency,” the mayor’s office said in a statement issued after the vote.
Passing this bill, “effectively under the cover of darkness in a rushed lame duck session, accomplishes neither of these important objectives, but does pass on a massive, unfunded mandate to the taxpayers of Chicago at a time when there are no extra funds to cover this new obligation,” the statement continued. It called the bill “irresponsible” and said it would leave taxpayers “on the hook” for $18 million to $30 million per year, or over $850 million by 2055.
* Martwick’s explanation…
State Senator Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) passed a measure Monday that creates transparency regarding the true conditions of the firefighter pensions system and provides an accurate path for stability.
Under current law, the cost of living for firefighters in every community other than Chicago is set at 3% compounding. Chicago firefighters receive a far lower cost of living adjustment of either 3% simple or 1.5% simple with a 30% total cap, which is the lowest cost of living adjustment in the state. However, while the law suggests that that firefighters who are born after a certain date will receive the lower 1.5% cola amount, in practice that date has been moved forward nearly every 5 years for the last 40 years.
The effect is that every Tier 1 Chicago firefighter ultimately receives a 3% simple cola, but the City’s pension contribution are calculated on the lower amount that is written into law. This knowingly and intentionally underfunds a pension system that is currently only 18% funded, and teetering on the brink of collapse. Continuing to knowingly short the payment for short term relief could force the fund into insolvency, and will make the problem exponentially worse and causing massive tax increases in the near future.
House Bill 2451 removes this outdated language and sets the cost of living adjustment for all Tier 1 Chicago Firefighters at 3% SIMPLE. This remains substantially less than the compounding COLA that their counterparts receive, but is reflective of the actual benefit they will receive in retirement.
“This legislation shines a light on the true financial condition of the fund and prevents the City from knowingly and intentionally kicking the pension can down the road, forcing bigger tax increases in the future,” Martwick said. The only way to truly fix our finances is to first acknowledge the true depth and nature of the problem. Only then can we adequately address it for the good of both our first responders and our taxpayers.”
…Adding… From comments…
Lightfoot could not convince a single Chicago legislator to vote No.
The elected school board bill was moved from 2nd to 3rd today.
Expect more fireworks.
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Today could very well be the last full day that Michael J. Madigan is Illinois House Speaker. After 50 years in the House and 36 years as the chamber’s top leader, how about you reflect on his time in office?
…Adding… Justin Fowler of the State Journal-Register is the pool photographer. Wow, what a pic…
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* IDCCA…
In light of the FBI note that warns of potential armed protests being planned at all 50 state capitols and the US Capitol, President Kristina Zahorik of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) released the following statement and called on all Illinois Republicans to publicly acknowledge Joe Biden was officially elected President:
“Yesterday’s news that the FBI is warning of armed protests at state capitols is alarming, but not surprising. These dangerous threats should be labeled exactly what they are, domestic terrorism. The voters have spoken, the courts have spoken, and the Congress has spoken. Joe Biden was elected the next President.”
“Republicans throughout Illinois, including County Clerks and other Election authorities, should publicly denounce these violent calls to action and clearly state that Joe Biden was elected President in a free and fair election. Anything less will be considered approval of these attacks against democracy.”
Your own thoughts on this?
…Adding… The ILGOP notes that the party “denounced any and all violence the day the attack happened” and “neither the ILGOP nor the Chairman has ever said the election was stolen.”
…Adding… More…
…Adding… The ILGOP and others might also want to speak out on this…
…Adding… Uihlein’s campaign contributions, both state and federal, are here. [Fixed link]
…Adding… Here’s one…
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* New York Times correspondent…
Schneider is the third member of Congress to blame Republicans for not wearing masks in a secure location during the insurrection last week.
* NBC 5…
In an appearance on MSNBC on Monday morning, Schneider said he was “very concerned” about coronavirus exposure after seeing his colleagues refuse to wear masks during the lockdown.
“For whatever reason they chose not to put on a mask, they put the rest of us in danger,” he said.
“I called my wife to tell her I was safe. She was hysterical. I calmed her down, but I wanted nothing more than to come home and give her a hug. But because of what happened on the 6th, I have not been able to do that,” he continued. “I’m sleeping in the basement, I’m isolating, I’m wearing a mask when I’m in the house. And that’s the consequence of the selfishness and the arrogance of a few of these Republican members.”
“Their behavior was reprehensible,” Schneider said. “And it’s just really tragic that the selfishness and arrogance of a few Republican members put a lot of people at risk, including our staff.”
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* I asked Illinois Democratic Women for a response yesterday to my blog post from earlier in the day entitled “Women’s groups now say that new House Speaker must have supported the ERA, HB40 and the RHA.”
“Just yesterday,” I wrote, “the groups were demanding that a woman be elected Speaker.”
First, some background.
* On Sunday, Illinois Democratic Women, We Will, Vote Mama, She Votes and eventually numerous other groups issued this statement…
Open Letter to the House Democratic Caucus
We are writing today to strongly encourage the House Democratic Caucus to choose a woman as their new leader when they convene to vote for the Speaker of the House of the 102nd General Assembly. As statewide women’s organizations, we’ve watched with pride and gratification as the declared candidates to the current Speaker, Michael Madigan, have all come from the House Democratic Women’s Caucus, which in the past several years has taken the lead on legislation important to us such as the Clean Energy Jobs Act, Equal Rights Amendment Ratification, and Reproductive Health Act, as well as initiatives on minimum wage, education, and mental health.
While we appreciate the leadership the current Speaker has provided, we believe it is time for a change, and choosing a strong female leader is the change that is needed. We’ve also watched with some concern arguments that are being made that Speaker Madigan is the only one running who can hold the caucus together, pass important legislation, and help re-elect his members. This suggests that the female candidates that have announced do not share these same qualities. We do not believe that to be true. Further, we find that sexist school of thought to be one that has permeated the legislature in Springfield for decades. Changing that culture is another reason why it is important that a woman should be chosen to lead.
All the female candidates that have declared their intention to run for Speaker of the House have done so in an environment that has been hostile to a change in leadership; this alone gives credence to their courage and fortitude. Illinois is on the precipice of a great transition as we work to come out of a global pandemic and restore jobs to working families and revive an economy that has been ravaged by Covid-19. We recognize strong leadership is needed to meet these challenges and many pressing issues, especially the much-needed criminal justice reform being championed by the House Black Caucus. We believe that all the women who have announced their candidacy are up to this challenge and strongly urge the House Democratic caucus to elect one of them as their new Speaker.
* On Monday, many of the same groups sent out this statement…
With the news of Speaker Madigan suspending his campaign, our coalition recognizes that more candidates may join the race for Speaker of the House. It is our expectation as strong supporters of women’s rights, and especially women’s reproductive rights, that the next Speaker of the House from the Democratic caucus will have supported the ERA, HB40, and the RHA, and is planning to support the repeal of the Parental Notification Act. We cannot go backwards to protecting the rights of women and girls in Illinois.
* Today, Illinois Democratic Women, Illinois NOW, We Will and Vote Mama issued this statement…
We stand by our statement from Sunday. Democratic women in Illinois want to see leadership change in the Illinois House of Representatives that reflects our gender and our values. We urge House Democrats to elect a strong, woman leader as the Speaker of the House. We expect whoever that woman is, she will put together a diverse leadership team that reflects all Illinois Democrats.
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* The ILBC includes members in both chambers…
We want to thank Speaker Madigan for his dedication to public service and leadership. We believe that in order to unite our state and party, we need to nominate a leader who will bridge the divide and seek solutions for our urgent issues. Rep. Chris Welch has worked his entire life to advocate for his district and for communities across the state. We are confident he will succeed in leading our party and prioritizing our communities.
…Adding… From Rep. Welch…
I am honored to be called upon my colleagues from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to put my name in for consideration. This historic moment in Illinois and across the country calls for new representation and unity of democratic beliefs. I want to thank Speaker Madigan for his leadership - it has been a challenging year for us all but I am grateful for his commitment to serving the public.
…Adding… Press release…
The Faith in Place Action Fund stands in solidarity with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus in their unanimous support of Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) for Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.
The Faith in Place Action Fund has worked closely with Rep. Welch to advance their mission: people of faith and conscience promoting political action for environmental justice in Illinois.
This included Rep. Welch being the chief sponsor of HR234 in 2017 (100th General Assembly), a resolution declaring “that we work together to create an environmental justice agenda that creates clean energy jobs that are accessible to all, addresses gender inequities and income disparities as we move toward a green economy, reduces recidivism rates while curbing climate change, and shapes policy that addresses the adverse and disproportionate impacts of climate change upon communities of color and economically-disadvantaged communities.”
Faith in Place Action Fund has worked closely with Rep. Welch to advance this agenda. His outspoken and tireless advocacy towards passing crucial legislation such as the Clean Energy Jobs Act is evidence of his commitment to people and justice. As a result, he receives their full endorsement, as they know he is the right leader at this moment to work for justice and equity on behalf of all Illinoisans.
“Our injustices are rooted in systematic racism and this moment calls for Black leadership at the Statehouse in Springfield to advance policies that connect the dots between mass incarceration, environmentalism, and a just economy. Rep. Welch is the candidate qualified to provide us this inspired leadership.” - Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Board Chair, Faith in Place Action Fund
The Faith in Place Action Fund is ready to work with Rep. Welch as Speaker of the Illinois House to continue to champion justice and equity focused legislation. They look forward to ongoing collaboration with the lead sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago), who is also running for Speaker as a dedicated environmental champion.
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Madigan coverage roundup
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Scandal-plagued Speaker Michael Madigan on Monday suspended his bid to keep running the Illinois House, even as he left open the possibility he could reemerge if Democrats can’t agree on a replacement.
The move was politically calculated, an aide privately acknowledged, as Madigan plays a waiting game.
The state has several important issues to resolve, and the new House that gets sworn in Wednesday can’t tackle any of them until a speaker is elected. The longer that process drags on, the greater the pressure on anti-Madigan lawmakers to compromise — which could allow the speaker, a politician known for brokering deals, to recapture the gavel.
The move amounts to a dare by Madigan to any of the other 72 House Democrats to try to cobble together a coalition to oust him, a tall task given the breadth of diversity of the caucus. It’ll take 60 votes to elect a House speaker, and Madigan had 51 during a closed-door vote on Sunday, with the next-closest contender, Rep. Ann Williams of Chicago, getting 18 votes.
* Sun-Times…
Late Monday, the Chicago Sun-Times learned that the Black Caucus had chosen state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, as its candidate for speaker. A source within the caucus said Welch would have Madigan’s backing.
But Madigan’s spokesman denied that.
Reached for comment, Steve Brown said the veteran speaker isn’t “taking any position on any of the candidates who’ve either been announced or whose names have been mentioned in the media.”
* WUIS…
Willis on Monday told NPR Illinois she felt Madigan’s refusal to withdraw from the Speaker’s race is not leadership.
“I think leadership is to make a decision and that’s why I did what I did, putting my support behind Representative Williams,” Willis said. “I think that was for the good of the caucus to be able to do that…And I would love to see a woman in that chair. That’s one of the reasons that I ran.” […]
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), one of Madigan’s most vocal critics, is reportedly mulling a run for speaker herself. Cassidy on Monday didn’t criticize Madigan for merely suspending but not withdrawing from the campaign, casting the development as an “opportunity” for unity.
“This news came as a shock to a lot of the caucus, so I expect the race will change dramatically as a result,” Cassidy said. “This is a time to hear what all of our colleagues have to say about their visions for a new leadership team. I have nothing to announce right now, but will keep everyone apprised if that should change.”
* Mark Brown…
Lawmakers were left to supply their own interpretation of the speaker’s words, hardly a first time for any of them.
My interpretation? If House Democrats figure out how hard it is to put together a 60-vote majority and give up, they’re welcome to come crawling back to Madigan.
I don’t expect that to happen. Sure, House Democrats are going to have some difficulty agreeing on somebody else after taking their cues for so long from Madigan, who leaves no obvious heir apparent.
But not so much trouble that the 19 House Democrats whose opposition brought matters to this point will decide it was all a big mistake and abandon their quest for new leadership.
In other words, I really think it is over for Madigan, except that it can’t be over until he explicitly says it’s over — or until somebody else puts together the 60 votes.
Thoughts?
* Blog coverage headlines…
* House Black Caucus backs Rep. Chris Welch for Speaker
* Pritzker on Madigan, CTU, FBI warning about armed protests (updated with comment from Leader Durkin)
* Despite suspension of his campaign, Madigan still has staunch loyalists
* Women’s groups now say that new House Speaker must have supported the ERA, HB40 and the RHA (updated with Personal PAC comments) https://capitolfax.com/2021/01/11/womens-groups-now-say-that-new-house-speaker-must-have-supported-the-era-hb40-and-the-rha/
* Speaker Madigan to suspend campaign… for now (updated)
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Open thread
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Good morning. Please keep your conversations focused on Illinois-related events. And be nice to each other. Thanks.
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