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* The list is getting really long and it’s going to get longer…
State Representative Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) announced today that she will not seek re-election to the Illinois General Assembly in 2018. She will continue to focus on serving her constituents and continuing her work on improving access to quality health care for every Illinois family and strengthening the safety net for the state’s most vulnerable residents until the completion of her current term in January 2019.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my community in the Illinois General Assembly,” Rep. Bellock said. “I would like to thank my family, friends and the residents of my district for their support over the years and to all those who suggested ideas for legislation that we were able to enact into public policy together. Making a positive difference in the lives of others has been the greatest reward in this job. Next year will be time to give someone else the opportunity to serve our community in the Illinois House of Representatives. Until then, I look forward to continuing to work with my constituents and my colleagues to make progress on many important issues until the end of my term in January 2019.”
Representative Bellock became the first woman in Illinois history to serve as Deputy Leader of a legislative caucus when she was appointed Deputy House Minority Leader in 2013, a position she continues to hold.
Her landmark legislation –the SMART Act reforming the Illinois Medicaid system and bills requiring mental health parity, MRSA infection control, grant transparency and reform, improving the Amber Alert system and strengthening child support in Illinois have been recognized on a national level. Currently Bellock serves as a budget negotiator for the House Republicans, Minority spokeswoman for the House Human Service and House Human Service Appropriations Committees, as well as being the co-chair of the Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force. She has been a strong advocate and voice for people with disabilities throughout Illinois.
Bellock has received state and national awards for her role in numerous community projects and serves on several local boards for groups addressing the issues of Taxes, Substance Abuse, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Human Services, Mental Health, Child Welfare, Domestic Violence and the Arts. The Illinois Manufacturer’s Association rated Bellock among the top five legislators because of her consistency on business issues. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce also recognized Representative Bellock’s support of state and local business by naming her a Champion of Free Enterprise for several years. In addition she has been named Legislator of the Year by over 20 associations. Her focus on women’s issues earned her the honor of “Illinois Women Making a Difference” from the State Treasurer’s office.
Love me some Bellock, and not just because she’s the great-granddaughter of Charles Comiskey. She’s been a solid legislator who worked to solve problems.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement today on the retirement announcement of Deputy Leader Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale):
“I have been privileged to serve alongside Patti Bellock since she first came to the Illinois General Assembly in 1999. Patti has brought the common-sense approach of a mother and grandmother to her public role, combining a keen understanding of how the law impacts people’s lives with a depth of knowledge and expertise in key policy areas unequaled among her peers. Patti’s unparalleled work ethic has been a tremendous asset to our caucus, particularly over the past four years in her role as our Deputy Leader, the first woman in Illinois history to serve in that post. Patti will long be remembered as an extraordinary leader and a tireless advocate for Illinois families; particularly on health care, disability and budget issues. Patti and I have been personal friends for many years, so I wish her and her family all the best as she looks forward to the next chapter in her life at the completion of her term.”
Leader Durkin appointed Representative Bellock to the position of Deputy House Republican Leader in October 2013. Leader Bellock also currently serves as a budget negotiator for the House Republican Caucus, Minority Spokeswoman for the House Human Services and Human Services Appropriations Committees, respectively, as well as being the co-chair of the Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force. She has been a member of the Illinois House of Representatives since 1999.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 12:53 pm
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Because of the environment and the amount of money expected to be in play this cycle I’m not surprised that we’re seeing a lot of retirement announcements, especially since petitions hit the street about a month from now, but I am somewhat surprised that they’ve been heavier on the Republican side. It’s early and the sample size is still rather small but I’m curious if this is a coincidence or if this process has been harder on the Republicans than I was expecting.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 12:58 pm
Are there enough Republicans retiring yet to override the SB1 veto?
Comment by A Jack Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 12:59 pm
Patti is one of the good ones. She will be sorely missed.
Comment by another sad song Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:01 pm
If Rauner and Proft are picking the replacements and they probably are will be hell to pay. Not my Republican Party anymore
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:02 pm
==I’m curious if this is a coincidence or if this process has been harder on the Republicans than I was expecting.==
It’s also just that this is a midterm where they belong to the unpopular “in” party. Now, my read on the vast majority of these Republican retirements is that their districts are safe at any speed, but the environment might mean the difference between hard work and not, and maybe the game isn’t worth the candle.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:03 pm
What position did Cissy Stiehl hold?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:04 pm
It’s becoming an exodus from the GA. Pity.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:05 pm
Another good one bites the dust. Thanks for nothing, Rauner.
Comment by charles in charge Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:07 pm
There is a benefit to incumbentcy that colors assumptions that the political party in power will stay in power even when an incumbent leaves. Incumbents are valuable. They help keep their party in power.
So, it is not correct to assume that if a district’s GOP incumbent retires, voters will elect another GOP as their replacement.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:09 pm
GA exodus a microcosm of Illinois.
Comment by Mike Royko Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:09 pm
===the great-granddaughter of Charles Comiskey===
Given the man’s reputation, I would say more of a hindrance than a help.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:09 pm
Yes, very sad to see her go. She worked hard for people with disabilities.
Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:11 pm
Patti is a huge, very long time champion of the autism and intellectual/developmental disability community (and many others). Losing her immense knowledge of the issues and strong voice in the GA will be a big negative, especially considering the utter disdain for human services issues (and funding) that’s likely to come from the next candidate the ILGOP offers up. I’d love to see her switch parties and run again.
Comment by Daydreamer Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:14 pm
A Jack has a good point. Another lame duck that could vote in favor of AV override motion without any concerns about fund raising in the next election cycle. Only way to save House Republicans from the Governor’s strategy.
Comment by PragmaticR Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:15 pm
You guys want me to make my announcement next? bahaha
Comment by Madigan Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:16 pm
I’m very sorry to learn this. She is a good friend to the people that I care about, and understands the big picture. But I don’t blame her for wanting to get out.
Comment by Really discouraged in DuPage Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:17 pm
Rep. Bellock,
Thank you for always being someone who knew the job as legislator is to serve the state and your district, and also being an ally within the party when you felt your beliefs were in line with the political position.
You have been hardworking, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and compassionate in your work and your record reflects upon you as someone Illinois owes a great debt of gratitude.
These past 2 1/2 years have taken a severe toll on legislators who understood the fine balance between partisan politics and the reality of governing for a better Illinois within doing the doable and being loyal, as opposed to owned.
While saddened by this news, your voice behind the noise will be lost and those not recognizing that special knack, that’s their loss to a much bigger “happening” then the sad opera of void that now exists where thoughtfulness use to guide the smartest and best policies.
All the best and thank you,
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:20 pm
“grant transparency and reform” - as in GATA?
Comment by Smitty Irving Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:29 pm
VanillaMan is right. This is another district Hillary won by 10 points. If the Republicans don’t nominate a good replacement, they could have a fight here.
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:30 pm
One of the best, hardest working, most caring. Hate to think that those who care less will be the ones who stay.
Oh, I forgot, term limits will solve our problems and attract job creators to Illinois.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:31 pm
This announcement hurts. You couldn’t find a bigger advocate for Human Services on the GOP side of the aisle than Rep. Bellock.
That’s a lot of institutional knowledge retiring. Huge loss for Illinois.
Thank you Representative for your service, wish you weren’t leaving.
Comment by Kyle Hillman Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:32 pm
It is not a coincidence that 3 Republican legislators announced that they would not seek reelection within the last few days. We realize that the Governor’s strategy on education is toxic. Fiscal conservatives want to spend less and tax less, not reallocate less than 5% of education budget between school systems.
Comment by PragmaticR Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:47 pm
She has been such a staunch supporter of the disabled in Illinois, whether they live in SODCs or their family home. She is one of the few legislators we have always felt that we could trust to do the right thing. She will be greatly missed!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:49 pm
A fine legislator who was on the wrong side of history with medical marijuana, civil unions, and marriage equality.
Comment by anon2 Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:49 pm
…and abolition of the death penalty.
Comment by anon2 Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:50 pm
+++
===the great-granddaughter of Charles Comiskey===
Given the man’s reputation, I would say more of a hindrance than a help.+++
Better intro than…Former Federal Prosecutor. lol
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:53 pm
Wonderful Legislator is Rep. Bellock. Has had a long and distinguished run and done a lot, a lot and once more a lot.
Never did anything that required trumpets either. Just put her nose down and got it done. When you meet her, you realize how much she loves and has loved doing this job. Good luck to her in a well deserved private life!
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 1:55 pm
Representative Bellock was a role model as a legislator. While she always knew helping the party was important, she knew helping the people was most important.
She was kind and to took the time to meet everyone she met, no matter where they came from.
Springfield did not change her one iota. Through all of her work and presence over the years, Springfield was changed by her.
I wish her all the best moving forward and am so glad she can finally have unlimited time to spend with her wonderful grandchildren.
Comment by Role Model Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 2:24 pm
That oswego fella really laying it in thick today She a fine legislator but cmon already this is a political blog not a romance novel
Comment by Regular democrat Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 4:06 pm
I hate it when the good ones leave.
State Representative Patti Bellock, best wishes on your retirement.
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 4:08 pm
I had the true honor to share a district office with Rep. Bellock for several years. She is a class act in all aspects of her life. This is a major loss for Illinois and the GOP. She was an advocate– AS A REPUBLICAN— for people with disabilities and human services. Patti would always be in our local office serving local residents late into the evening and weekends. She never missed a local event and knew our west suburban schools and residents well. The loss of her institutional knowledge and her exceptional temperament will be sorely missed more now than ever in Springfield. Just simply a GREAT person. Enjoy those grandchildren, your children and the rebuilt White Sox!!
Comment by Kirk Dillard Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 4:14 pm
What Kirk Dillard said. Sad times when you’re moved to point out, in all caps, that Bellock was both a Republican and cared about those disabled and in need. That used to go without saying.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 6:11 pm
== I had the true honor to share a district office with Rep. Bellock for several years. She is a class act in all aspects of her life. This is a major loss for Illinois and the GOP. ===
Agreed, and I could say the same for you as well Senator. Illinois needs more people like you and Rep. Bellock in public service.
Comment by Bazooka Schmo Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 8:32 pm
When I worked for the Village of Westmont, for a time my office was in the same building with Rep. Bellock and Senator Dillard. Two outstanding elected officials who know what it means to hold public office and provide effective representation for constituents. Best wishes Patti, for a long and enjoyable retirement.
Comment by Fred Kimble Tuesday, Aug 1, 17 @ 8:58 pm
Rep. Bellock’s retirement is a pity. She has been a good friend to the mental health community. I see this as a further indicator that the current working environment in S-F is just driving the good people out. Again, a pity
Comment by Jerry Wednesday, Aug 2, 17 @ 8:23 am
Sad day when she leaves…. GA needs more common sense and compassion like Bellocks.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Wednesday, Aug 2, 17 @ 9:33 am
Sad to hear. What other legislators are retiring?
Comment by Anon Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:49 pm