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* Unreal…
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) is pitching in against a recently introduced bill that would allow for politicians to take “any means necessary” to control COVID-19 and other public health issues.
The bill – HB 4640 – is sponsored by State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park). It has been roundly criticized for its authoritarian tone.
“This legislator obviously does not understand what her job is, or where her authority lies as an elected state representative,” McLaughlin told the Lake County Gazette “She does not get to unilaterally declare that constitutionally protected rights of individuals are no longer relevant in our state or let alone in her representative district.”
Conroy’s bill would allow the state to “isolate or quarantine persons who are unable or unwilling to receive vaccines, medications, or other treatments.”
“Former Illinoisan Ronald Reagan said it best, ‘The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help,’” McLaughlin said. “ Uh ….no thank you on HB 4640 Rep. Conroy.”
* OK, first of all, Rep. McLaughlin is yet another person who appears unable to discern between what’s in existing law and what is being proposed in legislation, perhaps because he has yet to pass a bill. The underlined words are proposed language, Representative. What’s not underlined is already in law. Perhaps a call to staff would help you with this kindergarten-level of legislative analysis.
Secondly, and more importantly, Rep. McLaughlin apparently doesn’t even know how to read.
* This is what’s in existing state law, the Illinois Department of Public Health Act, that so many on the far right, including McLaughlin, is freaking out about and falsely accusing Rep. Conroy of sponsoring…
To prevent the spread of a dangerously contagious or infectious disease, the Department may, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (c) of this Section, isolate or quarantine persons who are unable or unwilling to receive vaccines, medications, or other treatments pursuant to this Section.
* So, what’s actually in subsection (c) of the IDPH Act?…
Except as provided in this Section, no person or a group of persons may be ordered to be quarantined or isolated and no place may be ordered to be closed and made off limits to the public except with the consent of the person or owner of the place or upon the prior order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Emphasis added.
It’s insane that people are this ignorant.
But, wait, it gets better.
* Rep. McLaughlin on Friday…
Judge blocks schools from enforcing Pritzker's mask, vaccine mandates, refers to policies as 'type of evil' https://t.co/mmEyYWqWvA via @thecentersquare pic.twitter.com/uyImYgqPjz
— Martin McLaughlin (@MartyForIL) February 5, 2022
* From that linked story…
School districts are restrained from requiring masks if a person objects, “except during the terms of lawful order of quarantine issued from their respective health department, in accordance with the IDPH Act.”
OK, so let’s go back to subsection (c) of the IDPH Act which further describes the terms of a lawful order of quarantine…
In the event of an immediate order issued without prior consent or court order, the Department shall, as soon as practical, within 48 hours after issuing the order, obtain the consent of the person or owner or file a petition requesting a court order authorizing the isolation or quarantine or closure. When exigent circumstances exist that cause the court system to be unavailable or that make it impossible to obtain consent or file a petition within 48 hours after issuance of an immediate order, the Department must obtain consent or file a petition requesting a court order as soon as reasonably possible. To obtain a court order, the Department, by clear and convincing evidence, must prove that the public’s health and welfare are significantly endangered by a person or group of persons that has, that is suspected of having, that has been exposed to, or that is reasonably believed to have been exposed to a dangerously contagious or infectious disease including non-compliant tuberculosis patients or by a place where there is a significant amount of activity likely to spread a dangerously contagious or infectious disease. The Department must also prove that all other reasonable means of correcting the problem have been exhausted and no less restrictive alternative exists. For purposes of this subsection, in determining whether no less restrictive alternative exists, the court shall consider evidence showing that, under the circumstances presented by the case in which an order is sought, quarantine or isolation is the measure provided for in a rule of the Department or in guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization. Persons who are or are about to be ordered to be isolated or quarantined and owners of places that are or are about to be closed and made off limits to the public shall have the right to counsel. If a person or owner is indigent, the court shall appoint counsel for that person or owner.
Imagine doing that for every school worker and student in Illinois to get them to wear a mask or take a covid test. That’s why the governor maintains his powers derive from the Illinois Emergency Management Act, not the IDPH Act. The judge, however, ruled otherwise.
* So, to recap: On Friday, Rep. McLaughlin cheered a judge’s ruling submitting vax/testing/mask requirements to the IDPH Act’s quarantine law. Today, Rep. McLaughlin raged at a bill that didn’t change one bit of the quarantine law’s massive and detailed requirements. He was, in other words, for the law before he was against it.
* From Rep. Conroy…
This uneducated legislator is part of the reason I am now in this situation. I hope it is worth it for him when he closes his eyes with no worries at night. That is not my current reality.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 1:47 pm
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Need to update most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m Rep. McLaughlin and I’m here to analyze a bill”
Comment by Buford Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 1:57 pm
This is like the anatomy of a smear. Stuff like this starts out on fringe sites and then gathers a little steam. It gets picked up by others who share and amplify it, and the next thing you know these so-called facts take on an air of credibility like God’s own wisdom. Now we have actual Republican legislators broadcasting their ignorance to stay in the good graces of the mob of scared morons masquerading as citizens.
It takes leadership to stare down the mob. Sadly, that is in short supply these days.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:01 pm
Leader Durkin said this today:
“but we can never let the fringe elements that neither party is immune from control the narrative.”
So, Leader Durkin, start controlling this “fringe element” of your party. It’s your member. Do something about it.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:02 pm
“In an effort to be part of the solution, I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded.” - Jim Durkin
If you want to be taken seriously, maybe start by actually reading the legislation that you’re using to incite the angry mob.
Comments such as McGlaughlin’s are deliberating putting Conroy in harms way. Do we have to wait for the inevitable consequence to recognize how wrong this behavior is?
Comment by Pundent Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:02 pm
Demoralized- the fringe is now the majority there. They’re lost.
Comment by Former Downstater Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:04 pm
From Leader Durkin’s letter: “I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded. Cooperation and civility is a two-way street.”
1) The voices of the minority party are certainly being heard.
2) The voices of the minority party should be disregarded because they are misleading, inconsistent, and dangerous.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:04 pm
Yeah, Leader Durkin has a responsibility to stand up here. These people are in his caucus.
Comment by Soccermom Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:05 pm
In a perfect legislative world, Leader Durkin would summon the Rep to a “come to Jesus” meeting and then have a senior member of leadership babysit him until he learned the process.
The chances of that happening in today’s “look at me a all costs” legislative world are pretty slim.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:06 pm
It would be interesting to know what the GOP staff analysis says about the bill or if GOP staff has urged these members to put out these statements.
I bet you the answer is the staff knows better that the members.
Comment by just the facts Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:07 pm
If you are a legislator and you don’t learn your job as one of a trade, no different than a carpenter, plumber, et al, then you will never learn the necessary “things” in the trade to stop yourself from looking ridiculous.
Durkin *could* maybe do something now to help correct all this, or have Staff and/or Crew help deflate some of it too…
But, sadly… “feature/bug” seems to stop me from going too far down a road to correction here.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:07 pm
- Demoralized - Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:02 pm:
If you’re waiting on Durkin, don’t set an egg timer.
Comment by Google Is Your Friend Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:07 pm
There are better odds of the Cubs winning the world series three times in a single year, than the ILGOP censuring this behavior.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:16 pm
=“I encourage you to allow the voices of the minority party to be heard and not continue to be disregarded. Cooperation and civility is a two-way street.”=
Tyranny by the minority.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:18 pm
Thoughts and prayers sent for Rep. Conroy for safety and calm.
Comment by Vote Quimby Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:47 pm
Gee Sauron, Rich couldn’t do much about that hypothetical nuclear attack. But his continued focus on shameful behavior sometimes does improve the cesspools of Illinois government. Sunlight is a good disinfectant.
But Sauron did always stay out of the sunlight.
Comment by Keyrock Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 2:48 pm
=Secondly, and more importantly, Rep. McLaughlin apparently doesn’t even know how to read.=
=“Early childhood education, I’m not not a fan of, number one,” Rabine said in an interview on Capitol Connection=
New GOP education policy - “No education for no one, nowhere.”
PS I sent money to a funder for the Catlow Theatre’s new equipment, bummer I can’t go there anymore.
Comment by Snarkie from Schaumburg Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:01 pm
Doing interviews and social media posts to revel in one’s ignorance, that’s quote the communications strategy Rep. McLaughlin has.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:07 pm
===It would be interesting to know what the GOP staff analysis says about the bill===
I was thinking the same thing. If they have an analysis that is accurate (personally, I would cut and paste Rich’s–with attribution, of course), then all this manufactured outrage is even more unforgiveable. Although it’s completely unforgiveable either way.
Comment by Leslie K Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:13 pm
As my rep, I once met with him to share what was on my mind.
I spent the next 90 minutes hearing all about what was on his mind.
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:31 pm
===It would be interesting to know what the GOP staff analysis says about the bill===
Former staffer here. The legislator has to actually read the analysis. And understand it if they do read it. They would prefer staff to hand feed them information.
Comment by Anon again Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:38 pm
Love the Rabine interview. Teachers over paid, doesn’t believe in early childhood education, 401K plan instead of pensions, and no precise ideas on anything budget related. All of that was far overshadowed by the giant orange jumpsuit he was wearing. What was that? Credit Maxwell for keeping a straight face. Perhaps the best thing for Rabine was that few people heard what he was saying. They were wondering why he was dressed up as an Orange Julius.
Comment by Stormsw7706 Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:39 pm
I guess McLaughlin is engaging in ‘legitimate political discourse’ while anarchistic fools torment his fellow member.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:40 pm
“Former Illinoisan Ronald Reagan said it best, ‘The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help,’”
Ronnald Reagan could not have been more wrong…even though He tried.
Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:48 pm
Well not only is McLaughlin part of that same government he’s criticizing, he’s also not helping.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:55 pm
===It’s insane that people are this ignorant.===
Does this really surprise you??
After the last 2 years of the pandemic, nothing can surprise me anymore.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 3:58 pm
Mclaughlin’s ignorance is expected and scary, but that Lake County Gazette article is just as terrifying. The last sentence of the article states,”The legislation comes as CDC and Johns Hopkins University are reporting natural immunity provides more protection against COVID-19 than vaccines.” How did that natural immunity work out for the 900,000 people that have died?
Comment by Chicago Blue Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 4:04 pm
The only good is that they continually expose who and what they really are. Sadly, there are too many just like them.
Comment by Lt Guv Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 4:12 pm
If, “ no place may be ordered to be closed and made off limits to the public except with the consent of the person or owner of the place or upon the prior order of a court of competent jurisdiction.” Then under what authority has the government been shutting down businesses for not complying with idph mandates?
Comment by Question? Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 4:32 pm
=that Lake County Gazette article is just as terrifying=
Keep in mind that it’s not a real newspaper. As they would tell you, they provide “news” which is funded by advocacy groups who share their belief in limited government. The fact that McLaughlin would completely mischaracterize this legislation is in keeping with the Gazette’s mission.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 4:34 pm
===Then under what authority has the government been shutting down businesses ===
Different statute and those are local governments, not the state.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 4:39 pm
What has me concerned is how far a blatantly false quote has gotten. Any layman can prove it false in two minutes.
When this misinformation tactic is used on more complex bills, like campaign finance, we will be helpless before the tsunami of lies.
Comment by Circular Persective Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 5:12 pm
The new text in HB4640 isn’t all underlined. The first several sections of the bill are not underlined, because they are a new act. This is why it says, “SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
New Act,” and the first Sections 10-30, are substantively new, and would be inserted between Section 1.1 and Section 2. They are not found in 20 ILCS 2305/1.1 or /2. When you are amending an existing statute, that is what gets underlined.
LRB does underline text for a new act. Maybe they should, but they don’t now. So everyone-really READ the bill.
Comment by Mary Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 6:05 pm
===The new text in HB4640 isn’t all underlined. The first several sections of the bill are not underlined, because they are a new act. This is why it says, “SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:===
Mary, go look up the definition of the word synopsis and then please don’t ever comment here again, especially when you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 6:16 pm
Inciting a mob is so easy the ignorant and uninformed can do it. There’s no reason for Rep. Martin McLaughlin to change his behavior because the leadership of his caucus is either supportive of his activities or to cowardly to rebuke him.
It is a travesty that the Republican Party of Illinois, the home of Abraham Lincoln, would find itself in this place. They’ve become nothing but a pack of rats climbing over each other to be at the front of the mob.
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 6:18 pm
- Mary -
Here is a guide on how to use ilga.gov to read a bill:
https://ilga.gov/legislation/guide.asp
As it explains, HB 4640 will add the underlined text, and only the underlined text, to existing state law.
The additions are on pgs 14,21,&25. Text that is not underlined is already part of the state code and is shown for context.
Comment by Twitter lady who won't shut up about hb4640 Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 6:36 pm
Two people running for general assembly, Phillip Nagel and Jack Lombardi, are now posting screenshots of section (g) of the state code and claiming Dems want a new law to enter out homes and kill our dogs.
The GOP needs to crack the whip. Even from these small fry this is embarrassing.
Comment by Twitter lady who won't shut up about hb4640 Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 7:43 pm
== This is why it says, “SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:==
Mary, it says that because that is the way the bill is before being amended or changed in any way.
Comment by low level Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 8:26 pm
Either (1) McLaughlin doesn’t know how to read a bill, or (2) McLauglin is purposefully lying to the public for political gain. Either way it is embarrassing.
What do Republicans stand for these days? It seems to be they’re just against whatever the Democrats are for without even bother to study it.
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Feb 7, 22 @ 9:17 pm