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* Press release…
State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) today announced her resignation after 12 years of service, declaring “it’s time for fresh faces and new energy” in Springfield.
“It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to represent the most diverse Senate district in the State of Illinois,” Steans said. “I’ve benefited tremendously from the many perspectives of the people a I’ve represented. We’ve made great progress together, and now it’s time to pass the baton.”
During her tenure, Steans has been a leader on issues affecting women and the LGBTQ community, introducing and passing the historic bill that legalized gay marriage in Illinois, the first state to address this vital civil rights issue through the legislative process. She sponsored and passed the landmark House Bill 40, which will ensure that abortion remains legal in Illinois if the Roe v. Wade decision is ever overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. And Steans was the Senate sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was finally ratified by the Illinois legislature in 2018.
“For every significant piece of legislation expanding women’s or LGBTQ rights in the past 12 years, Heather has been a leading voice,” said Terry Cosgrove, President and CEO of Personal PAC. “Her fingerprints are all over the tremendous gains we’ve made in Illinois in ensuring that our fundamental rights are protected.”
Steans played the key legislative role in expanding access to healthcare to hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans under the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. She was a strong supporter of social equity legislation, including sponsoring the legalization of cannabis in Illinois that contained the largest criminal drug records expungement and social equity considerations in the country.
The cannabis legalization law, which Steans wrote and passed through the Senate, contains strong social equity requirements that have yet to be realized in the law’s implementation. It was the first legal cannabis law in the nation to be created through legislation rather than by referendum and has brought tens of millions of dollars of revenue to state and local coffers during the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus.
“Heather has been a valiant partner in forcing state government to address the historic racism and discrimination that has left too many of our families behind,” said former-state senator Toi Hutchinson, now serving as the Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. “Heather’s voice and leadership in that ongoing battle will be missed.”
Steans said that one of her greatest joys as State Senator was working with the many not-for-profit organizations throughout her district, which includes the Rogers Park, Edgewater, Andersonville and Ravenswood neighborhoods of Chicago.
“There are hundreds of people across our community who are working and fighting every day to protect our most vulnerable and give everyone a shot at a better life,” Steans said. “It’s been my privilege to work closely with those citizen-activists over the past 12 years and I will continue to support their efforts after leaving the Senate.”
Steans’ resignation is effective January 31, 2021. Her successor will be chosen by a weighted vote of the Democratic committeemen and committeewomen from the wards that make up the Seventh Senate District. Whoever is appointed will serve out the final two years of Steans’ term and must run to retain the seat in the 2022 election, when all Illinois House and Senate seats will be on the ballot.
Her two House members are Reps. Greg Harris and Kelly Cassidy.
*** UPDATE 1 *** From Rep. Cassidy…
I intend to seek the appointment to the Senate.
…Adding… Press release…
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement regarding Senator Heather Steans’ decision to leave the Illinois Senate.
“Heather Steans forever changed this state for the better. People across Illinois had their rights recognized and protected thanks to her leadership.
She is a forceful advocate for progress and problem solving, who fearlessly tackled many of the biggest issues in our society and was always looking for her next challenge.“I wish her the best in her next adventures and thank her for all she has done for the Senate and the great state of Illinois.”
…Adding… Numbers…
If @RepKellyCassidy becomes Sen. Cassidy and is replaced in the House by someone with no prior GA service (and likewise for former Sens. Manar and Brady) here's how the ol' chart will look.
This does not account for the potential retirement of a certain longtime House Democrat. https://t.co/vHmAYDNEle pic.twitter.com/wPe7sNCp2q
— John Amdor (@JohnAmdor) January 19, 2021
…Adding… IARF President & CEO Josh Evans…
“For as long as I’ve known and worked with Senator Heather Steans, she has been a clear eyed and hardworking champion for services and supports for persons with disabilities and mental illnesses. In the nearly 50 years IARF has advocated on behalf of our social safety net, few legislators have as consistently and effectively taken up the mantle of ensuring Illinois government met its obligation to adequately support our service array as Senator Steans. From leading the charge to increase wages for direct support professionals to constantly working to improve the Medicaid program for enrollees and social service providers, Heather gave a strong voice in the General Assembly to those who so often felt they never had one. We wish Senator Steans all the best in her future endeavors..she will be missed.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** This looks like a done dealio…
Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris has indicated he's not pursuing the soon-to-be vacant state Senate seat now held by Sen. Heather Steans. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy is interested in moving to the Senate. She's the clear frontrunner for the seat.
— Dave McKinney (@davemckinney) January 19, 2021
Also…
I deleted an earlier tweet that incorrectly said Cassidy would have total power to pick her House replacement.
Neither she nor Osterman quite has enough votes on their own to break the 50%-plus-one threshold.Here's the actual breakdown for the 14th House District appointment: https://t.co/tGrOOiJUSh pic.twitter.com/codQVNXovb
— Alex Nitkin (@AlexNitkin) January 19, 2021
…Adding… Colleen Connell, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois…
“We join those across Illinois in recognizing the incredible accomplishments of Heather Steans during her tenure in the Illinois Senate. Over the past 12 years, the ACLU of Illinois has been proud to stand by her side in advancing marriage equality, advancing access to reproductive health care for all women in Illinois, protecting children under the care of DCFS, implementing critical protections from discrimination in health care based on religion and the effort to legalize cannabis. Senator Steans has been a leader for progress in Illinois and her voice in the Senate will be missed.”
…Adding… IWIL Training Academy President Barbara Flynn Currie…
“Few women in Illinois have done more to press for equality in public life and promote women in public office than Senator Heather Steans. IWIL Training Academy is enormously proud of her service in the General Assembly and to the numerous graduates of our academy who call her a mentor and friend. We salute her accomplishments in the Senate and look forward to her next chapter.”
Senator Heather Steans serves as Vice-President of IWIL Training Academy and is a long time member of the board of directors.
Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership (IWIL) Training Academy prepares and trains Democratic women to run for elected office, seek public appointments, and govern effectively at all levels in Illinois. Each year, IWIL Training Academy accepts a diverse class of twelve women from around the state into an intensive year-long training program. The organization provides participants with the expertise and support needed to put together successful campaigns and lead in their communities. IWIL Training Academy is one of only a handful of groups around the country dedicated to ensuring that when women seek political office, they are prepared.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:43 pm
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The time is now for Senate President Cassidy.
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:44 pm
A big loss to the Senate Dem Caucus. She knows how to build budgets and of all the lawmakers in Springfield, has one of the best understandings of how the human service delivery system works.
She knows how to get the attention of DHS, HFS, DCFS and DOA in hurry and has done so more than once.
Between Manar and now Steans, that is two big hits to Harmon’s caucus when it comes to budget making.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:49 pm
I second the nomination of Kelly Cassidy for Senate President.
Comment by Inverted Pyramid Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:49 pm
Not a supporter but sad to see a good legislator leave. The State needs more Sen Steans who though a partisan was always known to be both an honest pol and someone who would stand up and challenge the leadership when she believed it was appropriate. Coming from a wealthy family allowed her to be independent. The Senate needs more members like her not fewer
Comment by Sue Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:53 pm
You have to wonder if the Black Caucus’ rejection of Illinois’ managed care system played a role in her decision?
Comment by Giselle Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:55 pm
Weed is lily White…in Illinois…still.
Growing your own…is a “crime”…still.
Weed prices are unregulated from monopoly…still.
Do better.
Comment by Dotnonymous Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:55 pm
But - term limits.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 12:56 pm
President Cassidy
Comment by Dee4Three Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:00 pm
Sen. Steans: terrific advocate, brilliant, pushed back on lobbyists, independent, tough and great to work with. She will be missed!
Between hers and Sen. Righter’s retirement, the Senate will really miss their leadership and experience on Medicaid.
Comment by CitizensArrest Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:01 pm
I’m not sure a first-term senator would be in line for Senate President, although Cassidy would be a fine choice.
Comment by Graybeard Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:03 pm
Very smart, knowledgeable, and diligent. She will really be missed.
Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:06 pm
Cassidy is also one of the Committeewomen, but someone with more time on their hands than me can figure out how much weight she has.
Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:15 pm
Since Cassidy voted present for Welch it was going to be interesting to see how the new speaker handled her committee assignments etc. If she gets the support of the other committee persons this will be a great move for her to make. I have no idea on the relationships of all the committeepersons in that area but it looks like she only has around 22% of the weighted vote herself. She does have a carrot with her house seat also. I think Osterman has enough of the weighted vote there and if he and Kelly combine for the senate seat they appear to have enough for her to take the senate seat. (I used the last primary vote for those races to calculate the weighted vote. I am not sure if that is correct)
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:22 pm
Close to a quarter of the weighted voted.
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:23 pm
i predict state cassis’y state rep seat goes to jen walling.
Comment by anonynon Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:27 pm
Osterman and OKeefe have enough to control the outcome if Osterman and Cassidy dont cut a deal.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:28 pm
Just lost of ton of respect for Steans.
It infuriates me when an elected official does not fill out their term of office when they aren’t moving to another public position or due to health concerns. These folks beg us - they absolutely beg us - to vote for them, and as a voter I expect them to fulfill their end of the bargain by representing me for the entire term. Resigning in the middle of the term and then picking a successor through some secretive process where as a voter I do not have any voice is corrupt.
We should have special elections in Illinois so this doesn’t happen so often. If it works for the U.S. Congress it can work for the Illinois General Assembly.
Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:28 pm
Based on the 2020 primary, Osterman seems to have 52% of the weighted vote.
Comment by Graybeard Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:29 pm
I do not believe Osterman or O’Keefe have any interest whatsoever in going to Springfield…
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:29 pm
And what deal needs to be cut? These aren’t erstwhile enemies needing to come together
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:32 pm
I hope Representative Harris puts his hat in the ring for the Senator position as well.
Comment by Yo Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:32 pm
I love Rep Harris ~ But feel Rep Cassidy is just the ticket!! “Works well with others”
Comment by Southern IL Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:32 pm
===Based on the 2020 primary, Osterman seems to have 52% of the weighted vote====
That is for Cassidys current house seat. But he has around 30% for the senate seat.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:44 pm
And obviously, replace Goldstein w/Iris Martinez on that list.
Comment by Graybeard Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:51 pm
Classy statement by Harmon
Comment by Scott Cross for President Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:53 pm
I have a lot of respect for her as a legislator. She is in line with Howie Carroll and Steve Rauschenberger when it comes to budget knowledge and negotiating ability. I wish her well in her future endeavors.
Comment by Eastside Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:53 pm
It seems unlikely this seat goes to someone outside of the 48th Ward, but we shall see.
It would probably be best for all if Cassidy went to the Senate.
I doubt Steans is retiring without a replacement lined up.
Comment by Ferris Wheeler Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:56 pm
Sen Steans us a gem and is irreplaceable as far as I’m concerned. I’m sad to see it. I wish her all the best.
Comment by Ugh Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 1:58 pm
“These folks beg us - they absolutely beg us - to vote for them”
On November 3, more than 90,000 votes were cast for Illinois State Senate District 7.
Heather Steans won 100% of them.
I doubt that she had to beg anybody for anything.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:01 pm
===These folks beg us - they absolutely beg us===
Really getting tired of the melodramatics. You can make your point without being so weirdly over the top. This ain’t the Tribune editorial board.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:03 pm
–It infuriates me when an elected official does not fill out their term of office when they aren’t moving to another public position or due to health concerns. These folks beg us - they absolutely beg us - to vote for them, and as a voter I expect them to fulfill their end of the bargain by representing me for the entire term. Resigning in the middle of the term and then picking a successor through some secretive process where as a voter I do not have any voice is corrupt.
That was how Heather Steans got her seat in the first place. Carol Ronan resigned after re-election and had her hand-picked successor waiting in the wings.
Comment by Chicago J Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:14 pm
What’s going on in the Senate? They’re all dropping like flies. A huge loss for the Dem Caucus and she is/was a whiz with budget/approps along with Sen. Manar.
I feel bad for Prez. Harmon, he may have to soon ask GOP members to join his caucus.
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:21 pm
===We should have special elections in Illinois so this doesn’t happen so often.===
What problem would this solve? Voter turnout is so low at special elections that the winner it almost going to be someone with the party support that can get people to the polls.
Different, more expensive, means for the same result.
Comment by twowaystreet Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:22 pm
With Manar and Steans gone, Harmon may not have his caucus majority locked in anymore.
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:29 pm
Heather Steans worked hard, researched evidence, mentored others, told the truth to colleagues and constituents, networked for new ideas, and used real math. All attributes of a great legislator. This is a loss for all of us.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:33 pm
Alex Nikki apparently doesn’t realize the 7th and 14th actually go up into Evanston
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:42 pm
===Harmon may not have his caucus majority locked in anymore===
LOL
Either go sleep it off right now or leave this blog. Seriously. He has *41* seats in a 59-seat chamber. Sheesh. Too early to be that drunk. Actually, any time of day or night would be too early to be that drunk.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:43 pm
LOL.
I am juuuust saaaaayyying that Senate President Cassidy has a chance, and (more directly) that 22-18 caucus vote Harmon got doesn’t quite look the same without Manar and Steans.
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 2:47 pm
Music to the Speaker’s ears and screeching nails for the President.
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:00 pm
there goes the loudest voice to get clarity on the past of the Speaker.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:16 pm
My Senator, my hero. Always focused, always helpful, always got the job done. Forever grateful for Heather Steans’ commitment and accomplishments!
Comment by Cosgrove Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:24 pm
== We should have special elections in Illinois so this doesn’t happen so often. If it works for the U.S. Congress it can work for the Illinois General Assembly. ==
I don’t think “we should do it more like DC” is all that persuasive. Also, it doesn’t really work for Congress. If it’s a competitive district, the DCCC and NRCC descend upon the district and pump way too much money into the race to sling mud. If it isn’t a competitive district, it’s a truncated primary and low turnout general. Then there’s cases like John Lewis’s special, where the special election winner only served for a month (winning the special AFTER the general) but then the party-replacement for the regular general election (which, again, happened BEFORE the special) assumes the office a month later. Total waste of time and resources.
Comment by Disgruntled IL Democrat Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:24 pm
== that 22-18 caucus vote Harmon got doesn’t quite look the same without Manar and Steans. ==
That vote is 22-16 without Manar and Steans. They weren’t with Harmon.
Comment by TNT Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:30 pm
I have no problem with a resignation. Maybe you want to advocating of the replacement process? Okay, that’s fair game for a policy debate. But it’s rather silly to say that elected officials cannot resign.
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:31 pm
I meant to say “advocate for reforming of the replacement process” sorry about that
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:32 pm
Wow. Sen. Steans has been a major force and served as such an expert on a range of essential issues for the state. She will be missed. That being said, this is a huge opportunity for Cassidy if she were to land the appointment. I think the bigger question is who gets that open house seat then.
Comment by Veil of Ignorance Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:33 pm
@OK you do realize Manar and Steans were the first backers of Lightford, endorsed, raised money etc literally the moment Cullerton announced resignation and now they’re both gone? Seems to me to be the other way around, the culling of the herd and placing your loyalists into the key positions?
Comment by Frank talks Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:33 pm
Sen. Steans would have been a great Senate Prez one day. She will be missed. We thank her for her service.
Will she, too, join the Pritzker administration?
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:38 pm
Just to be clear about the weighted vote to replace Steans and Cassidy…it is the general election vote and part of these districts is in Evanston. So the calculations above are incorrect because they only include the city of chicago. Geez…as Rich would say. Get it right
Comment by Surge voter Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:40 pm
A good ticket out of the House Dems, after no voting for Speaker Welch…don’t think she will be receiving a plum committee chairmanship or office suite anytime soon from the speaker?
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:41 pm
Steans and Manar backed the wrong horse. They had to go or sit powerless. Same with Cassidy. Pretty simple. And it’s certain Harmon will look warily at a Sen. Cassidy.
Comment by phocion Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 3:47 pm
Really?…throw Harmon under the bus? Surely, you must be joking or wasted way early in the day…
Thank goodness he’s one of the four tops…
Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 4:02 pm
“Steans said that one of her greatest joys as State Senator was working with the many not-for-profit organizations throughout her district” She was a joy to work with. Integrity. Not shy about speaking truth to her allies. Hope she has a great next chapter
Comment by Uptown Progressive Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 4:15 pm
We will miss Sen. Steans’ fierce advocacy for children, youth, and families, especially those who experienced abuse or neglect. Her leadership and voice will be missed, along with her deep institutional knowledge.
Comment by Andrea Durbin Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 4:30 pm
I love both Steans and Cassidy. A loss for the House, but a loss and a gain for the Senate.
Will Cassidy be the first openly LGBTQ Senator?
I do note that she and Harry Osterman would get to pick her successor to the House seat.
Note that Cassidy should be able to appoint her successor l
Comment by WH Mess Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 4:43 pm
[apologies for the garbled last line in previous post - previous sentence is accurate]
Comment by WH Mess Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 4:46 pm
I have to wonder what she is planning next. A spot in the Biden administration? A run for state-wide office? Head up the family foundation?
I have to add that I think it is undemocratic to win an election, resign, and then have a replacement picked.
Comment by City Guy Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 4:52 pm
I live in Sen. Steans district, and voted for her in the last election (although she ran unopposed if I remember correctly). And, I am not a Democrat. She earned my vote by earning my respect. Unless there was a very good reason to resign now that did not exist when she ran for reelection, this respect is lost. Granted, winning an election as a sure thing candidate with the intention of passing the seat to another person afterwards seems to be political SOP. Just because a practice is common, however, does not make it ethical…and Illinois does not need more political machinations devoid of ethics. This is especially true if Cassidy or Osterman gets the nod. All share an office on Broadway. Thus, it is unlikely they did not know this was coming.
Comment by Annoyed in Edgewater Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 5:23 pm
**I am juuuust saaaaayyying that Senate President Cassidy has a chance, and (more directly) that 22-18 caucus vote Harmon got doesn’t quite look the same without Manar and Steans.**
Uh… Manar and Steans were with Lightford.
Comment by SaulGoodman Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 5:58 pm
Biden admin?
Comment by walker Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 6:12 pm
we miss you, BFC.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 6:57 pm
Steans for Mayor.
Comment by FedUpin49 Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 7:36 pm
Manar was probably also happy to more than triple his salary and not have to run a tough campaign, but make no mistake Harmon was out to get him too.
Comment by Advocate Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 10:28 pm
Much respect to Senator Steans on her legislative career and knowing when “it’s time.” I’ve never supported the idea of term limits but there comes a time to move along. 12 years is plenty of time to get some legislative wins and distinguished yourself. She’s done that and in a big way. Much respect Senator!
Comment by Much Respect Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 11:06 pm
@ Advocate…..Does this mean both Manar and Steans saw the writing on the wall (by Harmon)?
Comment by Pizza Man Tuesday, Jan 19, 21 @ 11:16 pm