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* I received this Illinois Latino Agenda press release late yesterday…
Yesterday, members of the Illinois Latino Agenda (ILA) met with Toni Preckwinkle, Chairperson of the Cook County Democratic Party, to discuss the urgency for the Party to increase equity on our state’s highest court by slating a candidate with roots in Latino communities. Given recent retention, it is unlikely that voters will have a chance to elect a Latino Supreme Court Justice in Cook County for at least another ten years.
Although the ultimate decision of who becomes Illinois’ next Supreme Court Justice comes down to voters, the Party’s endorsement has been a seal of approval and a path to victory for all Supreme Court candidates they’ve slated in recent history.
“We thank Chair Preckwinkle for the opportunity to meet with her and discuss the historical underrepresentation of Latinos in our state’s judiciary, and we continue to urge her to consider supporting a Latino to serve as an Illinois Supreme Court Justice for the first time in our state’s history,” said Jose M. Muñoz, Co-Chair of the Illinois Latino Agenda. “We believe that a Latino Supreme Court Justice, who understands the issues we face and has roots in our community, will enrich the Court and help make more inclusive and culturally responsive decisions.”
In the past five years, there have been three vacancies filled in the Illinois Supreme Court–three opportunities to finally bring Latino representation to the state’s highest court. Despite the community’s vocal and united effort to have a Latino appointed in these vacancies, they were ignored, and no Latino was appointed.
“Illinois may be a progressive state, but when it comes to equity in the highest levels of government, it is falling short,” said Sylvia Puente, Co-Chair of the Illinois Latino Agenda and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum. “We can no longer accept a court that is not reflective of the communities it serves, which is why we are strongly advocating for committee members to support a Latino candidate with lived experience who can give voice to the values and needs of our communities.”
Latinos are one of the fastest growing demographics in Illinois, and they make up more than 26% of the population in Cook County and 18% in the state. Even though Illinois has the fifth largest Latino population in the country, it is not on the list of ten states with a Latino Supreme Court Justice.
“Having an open dialogue with Chair Preckwinkle and other Party representatives about the importance of Latino representation in all levels of government is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with her to also ensure more Latinos are represented in state Appellate and Circuit Courts,” said Juan Morado, Jr., Chair Emeritus of the Latino Leadership Council and Illinois Latino Agenda member. “We are now counting on the support of the Party’s committeemen to help Illinois create a more equitable judiciary.”
I ran into Appellate Justice Jesse Reyes at a political function last night. I’d heard he was out there working the hustings, and it appears to check out. Justice Reyes wants to run for the top court, but Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham was appointed last year (an appointment Reyes also sought) and is up for election in 2024. A highly credentialed Black woman with an Irish-sounding surname is gonna be tough to beat, with or without party support. And she is expected to have that party support. Progressives, including some (not all) Latino progressives, appear to be wary of Reyes. This could very well be yet another in a series of intra-party battles next year.
* I received this release yesterday as well…
State Senator Ram Villivalam’s comprehensive public transit plan and commuter benefits legislation were signed into law Friday.
“As we work on a comprehensive solution to address the funding challenges that our major public transit agencies are facing, these laws are critical first steps to making our public transit operations more accessible, equitable, environmentally conscious, transparent and safer,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These laws will significantly assist the hundreds of thousands of riders who use Illinois transit every day and encourage more residents to do the same.”
House Bill 1342 allows public transit agencies to suspend riders if the rider commits assault, battery, sexual assault or violations of public indecency toward an employee or another commuter. It also provides for a formal appeals process.
To help survivors of domestic violence seek the services they need and deserve, the legislation requires the Regional Transportation Authority to distribute 25,000 pre-loaded $20 fare cards to domestic violence service providers. Villivalam’s law also provides for reduced fares for youth as they travel to and from their place of employment. Further, CTA, PACE and METRA are required to purchase buses that are zero-emission come July 1, 2026, which puts the state on a clearer path to achieve the climate goals that residents are advocating for.
House Bill 2068 requires employers to allow employees to use pre-tax earnings on a transit pass that would be deducted through the employee’s payroll before tax, lowering the tax burden for both the employer and employee.
The covered employer must be located in Cook County or specified townships in collar counties, have at least 50 full time employees, and be located at an address within one mile of a transit service. Under the new law, the Regional Transit Authority will create a publicly searchable map of addresses that are located within one mile of a transit service.
“We are looking at every community across Illinois to ensure their transit options are accessible and affordable,” Villivalam said. “I am honored to have pushed for improvements to safety and increased accessibility for transit as we work to find ways to help our residents who ride Illinois transportation every day.”
House Bill 1342 and House Bill 2068 were signed into law on Friday.
* And this…
Governor JB Pritzker signed HB2879 into law today, establishing the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers. The bill creates mechanisms for acquiring and distributing fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy, and eggs to organizations providing free food for those in need. The program initially began with a pilot in 2021 with grant funding from USDA and is made permanent through this bill.
“Illinois farmers are producing some of the finest food in the country, and now that produce, dairy, and meat can go directly to Illinoisans struggling with food insecurity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “It’s good for our farmers’ bottom line, it’s good for those in need, and it’s good for our state—a win for everyone in Illinois.”
The program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services with a $2 million investment in FY24, seeks to address the strain placed on nonprofits and other organizations due to increased food bank usage while also supporting local farmers. During the two years of the pilot program, nearly 2.5 million pounds of food were donated.
Food acquired via this program must be from Illinois producers and must meet market-grade quality and consumption levels. However, much of the food going to the program is excess food that would have been wasted without foodbanks as an outlet. The lack of centralized donation program was a barrier to farmers looking to donate in the past.
The bill also includes capacity-building grants for capital improvements needed to store and transport fresh food to better reach underserved communities. The program focuses on fresh and nutritious foods, which are often difficult to secure at many food banks. The bill also creates a Farm to Food Bank Advisory Council to support and advise the work of the program and establish and build relationships with agricultural producers.
* Illinois National Guard…
When Senior Master Sgt. David Schreffler started riding with Gold Star Mission it was a great way to combine two of his greatest passions, bicycle riding and a desire to honor and remember fallen U.S. service members.
The Illinois Air National Guard NCO never thought it would bring him across the ocean to ride in honor of the fallen service members of our nation’s staunch ally, Poland. But, from Aug. 8-12, Schreffler will join five other volunteer U.S. riders and two volunteer support staff on the first Polish Veterans Bike Rally.
“It is a great way to ensure the fallen are not forgotten,” said Schreffler, the Chief of Quality Assurance with the 217th Engineering and installation Squadron, 183rd Wing, based in Springfield.
The rally, sponsored by the Polish Association of Families of Fallen Soldiers, will travel 538 kilometers (almost 335 miles) throughout Poland from the city of Siedlce to Rzeszów, with stops in Terespol, Chełm, Zamość, and Stalowa Wola. It is expected to include about 60 cyclists and is modeled on the Gold Star Mission’s annual Gold Star 500 in Illinois. Last year, the Polish had 16 participants in the Gold Star 500 including seven Polish Army Soldiers, six students and three Polish Gold Star Family members.
* ILGOP…
Friend,
As you probably know, the People’s Republic of California’s government has decided that all of the economic strife they are going through isn’t enough, so now they are flirting with the idea of reparations.
STOP THE DEMOCRAT DIVISION >>
We in the Illinois Republican Party believe in creating opportunity over dependence on government handouts. We believe in the freedom to prosper and the availability of opportunity to all our fellow Americans.
Chicago suburb starts making reparations payouts
We are asking for your voice today as we get ready to send out this petition of ours to the Illinois Legislature, the Chicago City Council and Mayor, and the Governor of Illinois >>
SIGN OUR PETITION AND END THE DIVISION >>
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRO-OPPORTUNITY PLATFORM >>For America
Illinois Republican Party
* And this is from last night, so we didn’t miss it, but it’s quite something…
Best park.
Best lakefront.
Best season. 🤔
Best city in the world.Welcome Billie. Welcome Lolla. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/1cGGRSe3u9
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) August 4, 2023
Politicians are usually booed at Chicago events. I saw Harold Washington booed during the Chicago Blues Festival back in the day. My out of town brother was horrified.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 10:02 am
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- Louis G Atsaves -, yesterday;
“Include Republicans”
The ILGOP?
===the People’s Republic of California===
Yeah, no. No.
The adults are governing. Try a little less “communist” hand wringing, than maybe actual adults will include the ILGOP.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 10:24 am
Johnson wasn’t my first choice (my heart was with Buckner) but I still voted for him in the first round because he seemed best positioned to beat Vallas. I have been pleasantly surprised with how it feels to have a mayor who actually seems to love all of the city, not just some of it.
(and as an aside, can we get rid of the dump top-2 first round voting and just get ranked choice voting for mayor?)
Comment by Homebody Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 10:28 am
“than maybe actual adults will include the ILGOP.”
The only people excluding the ILGOP, is the ILGOP. Nothing gives them more satisfaction than hearing people run with the assumption that someone is shutting them out, because that allows them to be the victim.
In reality, they have every opportunity to come to the table. Nobody is putting up any roadblocks to them.
They have instead chosen to stand in fields firing high powered rifles at piles of blank paper and tanerite, to represent their chosen form of governing.
Don’t do them any favors by accepting their false argument that it is someone else, and not their own choices, keeping them from governing.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 10:45 am
What Willie said. When Republicans get serious about governing and not 100% 24/7/365 focused on campaigning, that’ll be a new day.
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 10:57 am
- Homebody - Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 10:28 am:
It seems Johnson actually loves the people of Chicago, not just a certain avatar or image of the city he wants to create. It’s quite graceful.
Comment by Google Is Your Friend Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 11:01 am
Anyone but Lori honeymoon!!!
Comment by NotRich Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 11:03 am
Imagine if the the Illinois Policy Institue’s Paul Vallas tried this
Comment by illinoyed Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 11:09 am
It is an old tradition
Some saw Mayor Jane Byrne booed at a giant Grant Park NOW rally until supporters drowned them out.
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 11:14 am
It was always an out-there strategy to run for Mayor in a city known for being protective by running against said city
Comment by Local Person Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 11:17 am
==We believe in the freedom==
Says the book banners. lol. Republicans really are a piece of work.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 12:33 pm
the Illinois Latino Agenda would have a better argument if they had a candidate who was a heavyweight. “I’d heard he was out there working the hustings, and it appears to check out.” yes, and that’s really all he does.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 12:52 pm
That Lolla clip makes my head explode a little!
On the one hand, what’s the ratio of resident vs non-resident there? Probably not wholly representative of Chicago or even young, music-loving Chicago…
… yet! It’s the suburbanites and out-of-towners that have been fed this steady drip of lurid “Chiraq” stories and Fox-branded hysteria for the last 10 years. I imagine they’re MORE likely than residents to think of Brandon Johnson as some kind of Maoist red guard ready to unleash bands of criminals on honest taxpayers, or something.
… but! If there’s a skeptic whispering “memento mori” in Johnson’s ear, it will probably be recounting Lori Lightfoot’s enthusiastic appearance at places like the Chosen Few Picnic after her election, which I saw first-hand.
Comment by granville Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 1:04 pm
I saw Rahm Emanuel get booed at a Todd Snider concert. Johnson is at least the coolest mayor in my lifetime.
Comment by Excitable Boy Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 1:05 pm
While I know, like, and would support Justice Reyes for the Supreme Court,
it should not just be “…to give voice to the values and needs….” of any community or cause. Judges should not be representatives like members of legislative bodies, they should be neutral arbiters who apply the law fairly and equally to all. Since there is the requirement in Illinois that a judge has to be a lawyer looking the general population and saying that should apply to judges is not a valid point. Looking at the percentage of the lawyer population would be, and that comparison could be made. ( I do, of course, realize that my comments about judges being neutral arbiters has long since sailed, but having been a lawyer for 47 years I can still hope and dream with some of my law school innocence.)
Comment by West Side the Best Side Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 1:27 pm
I was one of the many who thought Vallas was gonna win, but this clip is a perfect example of why BJ won: He energized the younger voters, who actually VOTED.
That said, Vallas also ran a poor race. Of the little over-the-air TV I watched, every ad I saw was Vallas basically saying to those who supported him (ie, the older white R vote): “Don’t vote for me, I’m an old-line Dem.”
Comment by Chisox fan Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 2:06 pm
I didn’t vote for Johnson, but I’m regretting that and looking forward to voting for him next time. He is a breath of fresh air and lets the experts in his various city departments do what they are expert at.
Comment by Leslie K Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 2:24 pm
===Politicians are usually booed at Chicago events.===
Corruption permeated Chicago politics for decade and it has been changing for the better. Even if people voted for a specific political boss that doesn’t mean they’re happy with corruption as a status quo.
As things continue to improve, maybe we’ll see less booing in the years ahead.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 2:56 pm
Just when you think the ILGOP can’t get any worse….The ILGOP idea of freedom is the freedom to do things their way and only their way.
Comment by Appears Friday, Aug 4, 23 @ 3:45 pm