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Pritzker changes his mind, will allow legislators to be vaccinated in 1b

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* Jordan Abudayyeh…

At the request of members of the General Assembly, any of the 177 state legislators who wish to be inoculated will be allowed to receive their vaccine in Phase 1b. The State of Illinois has urgent and vital business that must be addressed, and we hope that the General Assembly will engage in a robust and productive schedule in coming weeks and months.

…Adding… Center Square…

Illinois Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, said putting state legislators ahead of transplant patients in the line for COVID-19 vaccines is “ridiculous.”

Illinois has been administering vaccines since Dec. 15. As of Wednesday morning, more than 1 million doses have been administered. Around 1.8 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

McConchie said Wednesday during an unrelated press conference that he’s been critical of the governor’s vaccine efforts, such as advancing prisoners in front of people younger than 65 with life-threatening health conditions.

“My understanding is the governor is making an announcement today in regards to legislators getting vaccines [ahead of others] which I think is ridiculous when yesterday in, my office I had a transplant recipient who necessarily has to take immunosuppressant drugs and is very vulnerable to COVID-19 but because they’re under 65, there are zero mechanisms, there is no ability, for them to get the vaccine even if their doctor says their life depends on it,” McConchie said.

…Adding… I’m told the governor will continue to wait his turn to be vaccinated.

…Adding… The Sun-Times reported yesterday that the Senate Republicans were upset that Senate President Harmon canceled in-person session days and would hold remote committee hearings…

But Senate Republicans blasted Harmon for the Oak Park Democrat’s reliance on meeting remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Illinois Senate Republicans continue to be concerned about the lack of public and media access through an online-only legislative option,” said Whitney Barnes, press secretary for Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie. “Other state legislatures are meeting in person and have for months. We need to move towards a more transparent legislative process with safety measures and testing, instead of delaying another entire month.”

One could say that “safety measures” could include vaccinations.

…Adding… Speaker Welch…

“I commend the Governor’s decision to allow state legislators to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the 1B phase. While part of my job as Speaker is to relay the range of opinions among all House members, it was important that this decision rest with the Governor and his team of health experts. The issues and challenges facing the General Assembly are enormous, so this is a welcomed step in the interest of government functionality and safety. Whether or not to get a vaccine is a personal choice for every member, but I encourage those who are at-risk or have vulnerable family members to strongly consider it.”

…Adding… Sun-Times…

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, echoed McConchie’s concerns. Durkin said he and others have received calls and emails from people who are “extremely frustrated” by the vaccination process because they qualify for the vaccine but aren’t able to get an appointment to get it.

“We need to wait our turn,” Durkin said. “And if we have members of the General Assembly who have preexisting conditions, they will have an opportunity to go before most of the public, but we should not leapfrog over anyone in this crisis.”

…Adding… ILGOP…

It was announced today that Governor JB Pritzker has made the unilateral decision to allow Illinois politicians to jump to the front of the line in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The Governor changed his mind saying, “The State of Illinois has urgent and vital business that must be addressed.”

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider expressed his disagreement with the decision, saying, “For months, thousands of Illinois workers have been going to work and diligently abiding by safety precautions as they performed their jobs. Springfield politicians are capable of doing the same and waiting in line like everyone else to receive their vaccine. Despite some of them believing so, Illinois legislators are not more important or worthy than the rest of us.”

The Governor’s decision comes on the heels of his prior mandate to have prisoners in state custody receive a vaccine in Phase 1b ahead of vulnerable individuals with known comorbidities.

“Let’s be clear here, Governor Pritzker is prioritizing young healthy felons and Springfield politicians over high-risk adults. These decisions display a shameful lack of judgment by the Governor. He should reverse course.” added Schneider.

…Adding… Senate President Harmon…

The Illinois Senate has been prepared to follow whatever rules Gov. Pritzker and public health experts put in place.The General Assembly has important work to do this spring, some of which will certainly have to be done in person. Vaccines would help those most at risk participate without jeopardizing their health. Ultimately this is a personal, individual decision. I would encourage those with underlying medical conditions to seek out an appointment. At the same time, we have a vaccine shortage and millions of hardworking Illinoisans are waiting to get their shots. I hope that a national COVID strategy under the new Biden administration will bring about a fast, efficient and equitable vaccine distribution process across the country.

…Adding… Uptown People’s Law Center…

Prisoners were assigned to Group 1B in Illinois’ vaccination plan. In a statement released today, the Illinois Republican party attacked the state’s decision to prioritize vaccinating “young healthy felons…over high-risk adults.”

Alan Mills, executive director of Uptown People’s Law Center, had this to say:

“All prisoners are neither young, nor healthy. In Illinois, more than 20 percent of them are over age 50, and over 50 percent have a health condition of some kind. Just like people in nursing homes, they live in congregate settings, with no ability to social distance. Failure to prioritize vaccinating prisoners would be a clear violation of the ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ clause of the Eighth Amendment to the US Constitution. Furthermore, this decision is backed by science. Governor Pritzker is following CDC guidelines, as well as the advice of hundreds of doctors and scientists across the country.”

A policy paper outlining why prioritizing vaccines for prisoners is important for public health is available here.

…Adding… I asked John Patterson if Senate President Harmon would get vaccinated in 1b…

The Senate President is not seeking an appointment for the vaccine.

He is a generally healthy 54 year old.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:10 am

Comments

I’m actually okay with this. Legislators are definitely essential workers.

Comment by Just Me 2 Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:15 am
Still waiting on those vaccines for law enforcement, water operators and plow drivers….

Comment by Look County Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:20 am
=== in my office I had a transplant recipient who necessarily has to take immunosuppressant drugs and is very vulnerable ===

Yet they made an in-person visit to your office.

Does this guy ever hear himself speak.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:21 am
PW folks started getting shots last week in Kane Cty.

Comment by Proud Sucker Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:22 am
- Look County - Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:20 am:

That’s because you are a fool. First responders are in the current phase.

https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/phase-1b

Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:23 am
There’s no winning with this one, either way. I’d prefer he held strong and made them wait their turn, but whatever. 177 vaccines are a drop in the bucket, even if it does stink of privilege.

And what about staff? Legislators can’t work on their own.

Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:24 am
So? The Senate Repubs were mad yesterday about cancelling legislative days in Feb?? They are demanding in person session days. Today? They are mad because JB made a decision that can make that happen sooner.. me thinks they need a Com strategy that is coherent.

Comment by Wow Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:24 am
Pearl clutching aside from certain critics (who would not vote for ACA Medicaid expansion for sick people who need vaccine prioritization), it’s the right thing to do. Elected officials are first among peers, in a sense. Government functioning is very important. Lots of people don’t want government to function (see federal shutdowns and former governor).

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:24 am
This announcement and the wording of it will make everybody who was already complaining that they cannot get an appointment for a Covid shot–and who are not important members of the GA– feel much better I am sure.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:25 am
Rich, can you follow up and find out if this applies to us too?

Comment by Staff Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:25 am
With how much that conference center was charging per day, this is a no brainer.

Comment by Commisar Gritty Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:26 am
The governor should let the ILGA members get vaccinated as their non-ILGA status dictates. They could legislate remotely if they wanted. And, simply wearing a mask and practicing social distancing would make them safe for in-person legislating.

I am not looking to punish ILGA members, and I don’t see the need to elevate them either.

The transplant patient should be in group 1B with the medically vulnerable. So I think McConchie is incorrect.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:30 am
“- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:21 am:

=== in my office I had a transplant recipient who necessarily has to take immunosuppressant drugs and is very vulnerable ===

Yet they made an in-person visit to your office.

Does this guy ever hear himself speak.”

Do you expect people to hole up in their homes? Seems like you’re just looking for a way to run your mouth about the man.

Comment by Just A Guy Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:34 am
==vital business==

Let’s hope this includes job creation for the Pritzker administration.

Comment by Laurel Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:37 am
It is about time and it needs to include GA staff as well. You are talking about less than 500 doses. It was ridiculous to make them wait this long.

Comment by Jaded Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:37 am
Very angry that yet another group of people are being vaccinated ahead of my 56 year old wife who has severe hereditary heart disease. There is little doubt that she will die if she gets COVID. We locked down two weeks before Illinois did. My wife has only been out to go to necessary doctor appointments. I have been out little more, for fear of bringing it home to her. In fact, I’m becoming agoraphobic - I get terrible panic attacks when I have to leave the house. It infuriates me that many young, healthy people are getting the vaccine ahead of my seriously ill and at-risk wife. (I have diabetes, but it’s well controlled, so I’m not asking for myself. Only to protect my wife.)

Comment by RIJ Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:39 am
So we can anticipate in person session for middle of March, once legislators receive both shots. Will they then have in person committees and allow the public to attend in person? The House committee rooms are awful cozy… Or will the public still not be able to participate in person?

Comment by Numbers Guy Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:41 am
===can you follow up and find out if this applies to us too? ===

I did. “Just lawmakers. That was their request”

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:42 am
Thanks for following up.

Wow. That is infuriating and insulting. Just… wow.

Comment by Staff Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:46 am
I agree with McConchie and Durkin on this. I don’t consider those two essential workers either.

Comment by Nuke The Whales Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:47 am
In my county the wait list is around 4 thousand. The county only receives 400 doses per week. I am a liver transplant survivor, and 68 years old. I was told I would be on the top of the list. That was 2 weeks ago, and I have heard nothing. The roll out is way behind.

Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:49 am
Seems like you’re just looking for a way to run your mouth about the man.===

Funny, I was thinking the same thing about McConchie. If we had 10 million vaccine doses, he’d complain about the expense to store them, plus find a way to blame JB for the recent snow.

Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:51 am
They should be required to navigate the system to get their own shots. I don’t mind that they are essential it I just makes me mad that someone will bring them the vaccine. That is the privilege part.

Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:54 am
I come here to catch up on what’s going on around Illinois. It seems to me that the Center Square has become the Republicans go to place to cry and complain about the Governor. So they want to have in person sessions and getting everyone vaccinated you’d think would be a step towards that. Oh but wait. You’re putting us in front of the poor sick people Mr. Governor and that’s bad. Let’s call Greg and tell him all about it.

I’m not sure the whole group of them could put a plan together if they did meet in person.

Comment by Club J Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:55 am
=== Do you expect people to hole up in their homes? ===

I didn’t say people. I specifically only mentioned one person used in the example given by McConchie. Stay focused.

It’s a laughably terrible example.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 11:57 am
I think the key take away here is since December 15, they have administered vaccines to 1.8% of the population. That’s 7 weeks for less than 2%. This is going to take all summer at this rate.

Comment by Mother of 2 Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:00 pm
There was never going to be a “solution” that satisfied the Republican leaders other than unnecessarily exposing innocent victims to a deadly virus.

Say what you will, but governing is essential so they are essential workers. So for that reason and continuity of government, this is fine

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:03 pm
===since December 15, they have administered vaccines to 1.8% of the population===

We hit the 1 million mark yesterday, so that’s about 8 percent.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:05 pm
It seems from that statement the State isn’t allocating doses just adding to 1b where members would still have to fight to get appointment.

I don’t really see what this accomplishes other then governor satisfying vocal members to get them off his back. If its not readily available to all members or more importantly staff it doesn’t speed up the timing for safe return to session and merely makes it a political statement for members to get it/not get it especially since the governor does not seem to agree with the idea. There is a legit argument for vaccinating members, a GA session day is probably one of the largest gatherings of people in the state, its hard to social distance, and includes people from all other the state with different views of safety precautions. The governor either needs to embrace this argument or stand firm on his original thinking.

Comment by Vaccine Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:12 pm
The simple;

Can’t complain about “remote legislating” and say meeting is essential for the state.

Can’t complain when a governor agrees and puts you in line to get the vaccine so you can meet… safely… especially when members of one caucus are seemingly “anti-mask”

This is Charlie Brown level of wishy-washy.

Outside all that?

Easy.

Staff should get the vaccine. Full stop. Period. No discussion.

It’s bad enough some members are “anti-mask” thinkers, to properly do the job of that is the goal to make governing not only safe but more towards functioning as needed, skipping Staff is framing the legislators as more “entitled” than “essential” if there’s no emphasis on Staff as well.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:13 pm
Another group that got moved to Phase 1B vaccination by the Governor recently is Secretary of State employees working in customer service positions or those in frequent customer contact. Per SEIU request. Such as those working in drivers facilities (like cashiers, road test examiners, etc.). The facilities have had two virus-shutdowns already (during stay at home last spring and late last year).

SEIU also says they’re continuing to push the Governor to allow all SOS employees in all departments to get vaccinated in 1b.

https://seiu73.org/2021/01/gov-pritzker-agrees-to-local-73-request-for-vaccinations-for-secretary-of-state-workers/

Comment by Essential State Employee Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:15 pm
I guess I just shouldn’t be surprised that the vaccine is being politicized by forces opposed to progress and is being used as an attempt to distract from other important issues facing the state. I am glad that Speaker Welch has pointed out that the Governor’s decisions are driven by science and health care experts. I imagine that a lot of groups have made vaccine requests at this point in time and glad to see that the Gov is working on getting them distributed as fast as possible.

Comment by Laurel Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:15 pm
Further clarification, I guess that is the distinction between # of doses and % of population that is fully vaccinated. According to IDPH 1.92% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Comment by Mother of 2 Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:16 pm
So then the question is when will everybody who wants to be vaccinated be able to get vaccinated? AmI going to have to wait until the end of the year or into next year? I am so frustrated especially since I know some people have found a way to get ahead in line. My Doctor told me in December that I would probably get mine in the summer but with only 8% I wonder if I will still be waiting in December 2021

Comment by Jason Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:18 pm
== I am glad that Speaker Welch has pointed out that the Governor’s decisions are driven by science and health care experts. ==

I’m not aware that “science and health care experts” have come down on the side of SOS employees and GA members over Illinoisans who are old and/or chronically ill and can’t get vaccinated. Got a link?

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:24 pm
I remember seeing Pulaski County having a lot of doses. Maybe they so go down to Mound City and get it. It would be a good field trip to see another part of the state for most.

Comment by Publius Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:29 pm
==Got a link?==

I think this article gives you a flavor for how the Gov and his health care team are making COVID-19 decisions.

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/07/29/gov-pritzker-releases-restrictions-for-youth-sports-in-illinois/

“Lower risk sports like tennis, and baseball and golf can be played at levels one two and three, with activities like no contact practices teams scrimmages and certain competitive games allowed with DPH safety guidance.”

Comment by Laurel Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:32 pm
Seems to be pretty common around the country. Hawaii, Colorado, Maryland are all on the first page of the Google, and looks like Missouri lawmakers went and got them anyway even though they weren’t supposed to. Members of Congress got vaccinated almost two months ago.

Comment by Need More Vax Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 12:34 pm
Laurel, nice try but this post is specifically about the announcement concerning the GA being allowed to get Covid shots –not the governor’s decisions on sports teams back in July.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 1:02 pm
===Staff should get the vaccine. Full stop. Period. No discussion.

It’s bad enough some members are “anti-mask” thinkers, to properly do the job of that is the goal to make governing not only safe but more towards functioning as needed, skipping Staff is framing the legislators as more “entitled” than “essential” if there’s no emphasis on Staff as well.===

Thank you for saying this. It’s offensive not to include staff when many of us are required to be in Springfield standing right next to the legislators during session.

Comment by CommentsByStaff Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 1:06 pm
Has there been any community spread or outbreaks tied to the positive COVID case during the lame duck session?

Maybe - masks, distance and washing your hands works?

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 1:08 pm
I am getting so sick and tired of the Republican criticisms throughout this pandemic. They have no interest in being part of any solutions, only criticizing. They were out in front in criticizing the Governor over his response to the pandemic, ridiculing him for taking the absolutely necessary actions of shutting things down. Now they are ramping up the criticism of how vaccinations are going, putting out hyperbole about “felons” being vaccinated. Those “felons” reside in prisons which are congregate facilities. It makes sense to vaccinate everyone in those congregate facilities. Of course that doesn’t fit in with their ridiculous narrative. Enough already. Either be part of solutions or get out of the way and keep your mouths shut.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 1:22 pm
At least prisoners and legislators are now being lumped into the same category.

Comment by Not Now Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 1:42 pm
- Not Now - Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 1:42 pm:

At least prisoners and legislators are now being lumped into the same category.

Rolling Rim Shot plus Spit Take.

Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 1:45 pm
Has Fan Duel posted the over/under on Darren Bailey getting vaccinated?

Asking for a friend…

Comment by From the far, far western suburbs Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 2:15 pm
I would be shocked if all the legislators decided to be vaccinated - given the voting record of many of them including leadership

Also, doesn’t this really change anything in terms of session? You are still supposed to mask and social distance after getting the vaccine so don’t see how this will really address the problems of committee hearing, voting etc. You still need to be 6 feet apart. And not include legistive and captiol staff make no sense.

Comment by Pro-Vax Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 2:25 pm
“prioritizing young healthy felons”
Does the ILGOP really believe only young, healthy felons are in Illinois prisons? What about older prisoners? What about prisoners with high-risk medical conditions? What about Correctional Officers? What about support staff? What about contractors and vendors? All congregate settings should be prioritized, period(banned punctuation)

Comment by Steve Polite Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 2:32 pm
We have seen essential workers out in the open for the last 10 months, evidently not too much essential to do in Illinois General Assembly last year so they weren’t too essential then they are not too essential now. Mask up and work like the general public has been doing the last 10 months you don’t get to cut in line in front of any of those that have been working in jobs that expose them greatly too the virus and do it in the State House. Those in other essential professions didn’t get their place of employment moved to some huge facility, they didn’t get to work with the luxury of 6 foot distancing. Suck it up and wait your turn like the general population is expected too.

Comment by Arock Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 2:44 pm
Vaccinate legislators and staff. Get rid of their excuses for not acting.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 2:51 pm
Legislators have died of COVID in other states.

Do we really want that to happen here so that we can prove a political point?

$10 says a majority of Republicans in both chambers get the shot.

Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 3:51 pm
Yes, staff needs to come in and staff bills on the floor until 7am but only the members should get protection. Plenty of at-risk individuals make this place work.

Comment by More Staff Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 4:49 pm
==Vaccinate legislators and staff. Get rid of their excuses for not acting.==

And all State Employees in all agencies too. Only fair if legislators and some SOS employees get allowed to move up the line too.

Comment by Essential State Employee Wednesday, Feb 3, 21 @ 5:40 pm