Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Time 2020-12-15 22:04:56

Web Name: Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

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100 West RandolphA group of mostly Black and Latino activists upset over the Pritzker administration’s decision to allow the participants in the rigged Lottery to keep their multiple chances to win a dispensary license will protest Thursday and demand equal opportunity.Allowing minorities in the lottery is not enough if the Governor Allows the insider groups with their suspicious “Perfect” scores to keep as many as 78 chances to win the lucrative licenses. It is obvious that the companies connected with the politicians and Major cannabis companies will easily win with those odds. We are asking the Governor to keep his word and fix things now instead of kicking Black applicants down the road during harsh economic times. The Trailer Bill should be retroactive and limit the insiders to 10 chances, end the Slave Master clause (promise to hire) and treat all citizens fairly. For more info contact former State Senator Rickey HendonGood afternoon from Springfield. The House Special Investigating Committee has reconvened to continue their scope into House Speaker Mike Madigan’s involvement in the ComEd bribery scheme. #twill pic.twitter.com/DcXnCuOtEa Mike Miletich (@MikeMiletichTV) December 14, 2020 Chairman @RepChrisWelch says he can t believe Republican members of the committee ignored emails showing Durkin s relationship with McClain. Wehrli just made a motion to have ComEd officials come back to testify and clarify answers for the group. Vote: 3-3, Republicans lost. Mike Miletich (@MikeMiletichTV) December 14, 2020 Vote to issue subpoenas fails and Republicans are fuming. Wehrli can t believe Democrats wouldn t call for Madigan to appear before the committee. He even refers to the most powerful dark wizard, Voldemort, since Welch wouldn t refer to Speaker Madigan by name. Mike Miletich (@MikeMiletichTV) December 14, 2020 After a very lengthy discussion with comments from every member, the committee fails to get enough votes to charge Madigan with wrongdoing. The committee s work is over. Mike Miletich (@MikeMiletichTV) December 14, 2020 Republicans start off the postgame press conference obviously upset the final hearing was held today. The committee met three times and only heard from one witness from ComEd. Democrats denied the motion to issue subpoenas to Madigan and key associates. #twill pic.twitter.com/RqjAAVNNnf Mike Miletich (@MikeMiletichTV) December 14, 2020 As one on-scene reporter noted to me, the House Republicans started this process by using Madigan s rules against Madigan and the HDems ended it by using Madigan s rules against the HGOPs.I m assuming we ll see some press releases.[Also, typos are inevitable and unfixable on Twitter, so give the guy a break.]*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) released the following statement after the House Special Investigating Committee’s unexpected final hearing:“One can only assume that my colleagues on the committee vigorously workout, because the hoops that Chairman Welch and his fellow Democrats are jumping through to justify the information in the emails we received from ComEd and the admitted federal deferred prosecution agreement are impressive. Actually beyond impressive and bordering on hard to believe . If you ve read these emails, the conduct of the Chairman defies belief. Today he once again spent valuable committee time prescribing all of the reasons why a subpoena to acquire witness testimony might not work. He s apparently creating a justification for not doing anything. So the leader of this House ethics investigation is saying that an investigation is too hard and therefore we shouldn t do it. Allow that notion to search for logic in your brain; too hard equals, we can t and shouldn t. If, as my colleague Rep. Manley claims, there is nothing untoward about the Speaker s conduct in his relationship with ComEd, then why won t he assist the committee in clearing his name? In fact, why wouldn t he insist on it. Why wouldn t his allies on the committee who see no untoward behavior want his name fully cleared? An investigative committee is charged with doing all it can to get information relevant to its duty, not shying away from it. It takes neither a lawyer or a soothsayer to connect the dots as to why that isn t the case with this committee. This is why people continue to lose faith in the integrity of Illinois government. I don t blame them for their frustration and their disillusionment. I m feeling the same way.”* Another Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin released the following statement on the abrupt conclusion of the Special Investigating Committee:“The Democratic Party shows again today there is no limit to the lengths they will go to protect Speaker Madigan. Chairman Welch, Rep. Hernandez and Rep. Manley have turned the rule of law on its head by refusing to investigate the charges and demand the testimony of Speaker Madigan in this scandal. I call on Governor Pritzker to finally demand Speaker Madigan resign as it is clear he refuses to answer any questions about his corrupt practices.” *** UPDATE 2 *** Press release Statement from Speaker Madigan on the conclusion of the Special Investigating Committee:“Jim Durkin insisted on initiating this political theater, and through this process we’ve come to learn that he was involved in the very conduct he claims to be so offended by – recommending people for various jobs. If Jim Durkin actually believes it is conduct unbecoming of a legislator to recommend people for jobs or help constituents, he might want to review his own hypocritical behavior. Rather than finger pointing, I suggest we focus on the important work that lies ahead of us.”*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release Statement from Eleni Demertzis in response to Madigan:Public Official A should know this was not about job recommendations. It was about a nine year bribery scheme to bribe and influence Himself and no one else. To date, there have been five indictments and all of these charges lead back to one person, Public Official A. * Press release Today, the State of Illinois has received the first shipment of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine at the Illinois Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). The state received approximately 43,000 doses in the first shipment and expects additional shipments in the coming weeks. The vast majority of doses in this shipment will be delivered from the SNS to Regional Hospital Coordination Centers around the state that will serve as pick up locations for local health departments to begin distribution to healthcare workers in their jurisdictions, with the remaining portion going directly to predetermined local health department(s). Chicago received a direct shipment from the federal government today as well. Four additional local health departments around the state will also receive direct shipments from the federal government later this week: Cook County Department of Public Health, Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, Madison County Health Department, and St. Clair County Health Department. These direct shipments account for the state’s initial expected allocation of 100,000 doses. “Today marks a momentous occasion – not just this year, but in American history. Eleven months after scientists the world over first got their hands on the genetic sequence of this virus – and we are seeing the beginning of the end of this pandemic,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want to offer my gratitude not only to the researchers who fueled this moment, but also to all the truck drivers, pilots, logistics specialists, warehouse operations managers, and law enforcement officers who have spent the last few days and weeks deploying the largest national mission in a generation. May we all take a moment to feel hope today.” Due to heightened security protocols for the distribution of the vaccine, the state has provided B-roll video* B-roll * Peoria Public Radio The Tazewell County State’s Attorney [Stewart Umholtz] said Gov. JB Pritzker’s threat to take action against businesses violating his COVID-19 executive orders raises “serious concerns.” [ ]Umholtz believes coercive actions aren’t necessarily helpful. He said he prefers a good neighbor policy over government intrusion.However, Umholtz said his office has discussed Tazewell County’s potential liabilities for violating Pritzker’s directive with local leaders. He adds the county may chose to limit its exposure – when considering Restore Illinois enforcement. [ ]Tazewell County Sheriff Jeff Lower questions the lawfulness of the governor s executive orders, and said he won t enforce them.* WBEZ COVID-19 deaths among Illinois nursing home residents are surging and near their highest level but, as the pandemic wears on, those cases are making up a smaller fraction of the state’s total coronavirus death count.Over the past five weeks, nursing home residents have accounted for 42.8% of the total fatalities, according to a WBEZ analysis of state Department of Public Health data. That’s down from 66.4% during a five-week period ending June 19.“I think that does suggest that nursing homes are doing something right,” said Ronald Hershow, who directs epidemiology and biostatistics in the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health. “They have improved their approach to this health issue over time.”* Great idea in Indiana Carmel began testing wastewater for the virus that causes COVID-19 in May, hoping to build a reliable early warning system ahead of any spikes in cases. Wastewater is one of the places where the COVID-19 virus exists, because traces of SARS-Cov2 have been found in human waste. Testing wastewater can be a strong indicator of how many people within a community have the virus that causes COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms or have been tested. “It doesn’t tell us how many people have COVID, said Mayor Jim Brainard. What it does it tell us the amount of the virus that’s in our waste stream doubled or cut or went up by 10% or went down by 10%.”* Interesting development A blood test has been developed that can predict whether Covid patients will need intensive care – or are even likely to survive – shortly after they develop symptoms.If validated in real-life hospital settings, the test could enable doctors to direct life-saving treatment to the most needy patients sooner, boosting their chances of survival. It could also bolster doctors’ confidence in the face of difficult decisions, such as whether to offer palliative care or an ICU bed when hospitals are close to capacity.* Chicago Tribune live blog headlines Pandemic necessitates new procedures, but calls are down in 2020 for south suburban paramedicsHealth care workers begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine as largest vaccination campaign in US history now underway: ‘I feel hopeful today’Zoom scavenger hunts, Champagne deliveries: With office parties canceled, Chicago companies get creativeCook County to detail plans for vaccine distribution as doses to begin arriving in IllinoisViolent crime rate doubles on CTA rail system in 2020, even with stepped-up police efforts and far fewer riders* Sun-Times live blog headlines Activists want Pritzker, Lightfoot to fix ‘big mistakes’ in vaccine distribution plansCOVID-19 vaccine shipments begin in historic U.S. effortTree sales soar ahead of coronavirus Christmas: ‘We didn’t really see it coming’127 more Illinois coronavirus deaths Saturday as state prepares to receive first vaccine dosesCOVID-19 vaccine shipments set to arrive in states on Monday I volunteered for COVID-19 vaccine trials. We need public education to build trust in the vaccine.* NBC Chicago live blog headlines Chicago-Area Hospitals Prepare for First Shipments of Coronavirus VaccineHere s What We Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine So FarSmall Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Application Deadline LoomsPositivity Rates Fall Across State Healthcare Regions, Increase Only in ChicagoIllinois Reports 7,216 New Coronavirus Cases, 115 Additional Deaths Sunday * The 2020 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best House Democratic Campaign Staffer goes to Tiffany Moy Tiffany Moy is superb. Extraordinary. Impeccable. Awesome.She is the consummate professional— always prepared, calm, smart, savvy. She is the total package.It can’t have been easy for her to navigate between the Speakers folks and Terra Costa Howard‘s campaign, but she managed with almost unimaginable grace. She remained good-humoured during some really difficult days, she was unflappable in the face of staff drama, and she rejoiced at the victory, without betraying a hint of the challenges she faced inside DPI. Runner-up is Jon Maxson.* The 2020 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Senate Democratic Campaign Staffer goes to Nick Gianinni (T)ook a progressive Latina and got her a win in Kane, Kendall and DuPage county. Not an easy task.Runner-up is Keenan Irish.Congratulations to all!* On to today s categories Best House Republican Campaign StafferBest Senate Republican Campaign StafferAs always, do your best to nominate in both categories and make sure to explain your votes or they will not count. Thanks. * The downward curve continues ever so slightly. Press release The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 7,214 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 103 additional deaths. Boone County: 1 male 80s Cook County: 1 male 20s, 1 female 40s, 2 males 40s, 3 females 50s, 3 males 50s, 11 females 60s, 14 males 60s, 9 females 70s, 7 males 70s, 5 females 80s, 12 males 80s, 11 females 90s, 9 males 90s Fayette County: 1 female 80s Jackson County: 1 male 60s Kane County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s Lake County: 1 male 50s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s LaSalle County: 1 female 80s Mason County: 1 male 60s McHenry County: 1 female 90s Monroe County: 1 male 70s St. Clair County: 1 male 70s Wabash County: 1 female 80s Will County: 1 female 70sCurrently, IDPH is reporting a total of 856,118 cases, including 14,394 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 92,256 specimens for a total 11,869,088. As of last night, 4,951 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 1,070 patients were in the ICU and 621 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 7 – December 13, 2020 is 8.7%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 7 – December 13, 2020 is 10.3%.*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov. * As I mentioned the other day, so many of Gov. JB Pritzker s 2019 accomplishments were complicated solutions that have yet to bear fruit, or, in the case of the graduated income tax, have failed Nearly a year after the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois, the state has failed to meet its promised diversity goals for the businesses licensed to be part of what’s expected to be a billion-dollar industry.Backers of the law, which took effect last Jan. 1, promised to take steps to bolster minority ownership in response to calls for the racial and ethnic groups most harmed by the federal government’s long war on drugs to be given a greater opportunity to be part of the expected cash cow.But there’s not a single licensed marijuana business that counts a person of color as a majority owner. Legal weed in Illinois continues to be dominated by a small group of white-owned, financially well-backed corporations. [ ]On the day the law took effect in January, state Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, who was chief sponsor of the legislation along with state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, said: “Moving forward, our top priorities for the cannabis industry are to ensure not only that it operates safely and in a way that generates much needed revenues for our state but that we harness the power of our state act to propel significant economic opportunity for every community and in a way that ensures diversification of the industry.” [ ]Now, Cassidy says, “It’s still too soon to measure overall success or failure.The complicated nature of this law is due in no small part to opponents, who demanded a ton of changes, and to the incumbent industry, which used its lobbying might to its own advantage.The law is what it is. It was important to get it passed in 2019. But now it s time to clean it up.Candidate petitions can be circulated in 10 months. Better birth that baby, governor. It s also worth noting that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (which handles cannabis except for growers) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security have both found themselves constantly under fire and both are overseen by Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes. His portfolio also includes the Department of Insurance, which just lost its director. Adding While Hynes does have IDFPR, the governor s office points out that he doesn t control cannabis. * Related * Illinois IDES unemployment callback complaints persist, some say they waited months only to be hung up on * A few folks have posted this statute in comments lately and they should stop Madigan will remain Speaker until a successor is “elected and qualified”.“(25 ILCS 10/2) (from Ch. 63, par. 23.2)Sec. 2. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, and the Chairman and members of the Senate Committee on Committees shall be considered as holding continuing offices until their respective successors are elected and qualified.” * Scroll down to the very next section Sec. 3. At the convening of the House of Representatives and the Senate of each General Assembly the Secretary of State and the Governor, as required by the Constitution, shall call the House of Representatives and the Senate to order and shall preside until a Speaker and President are chosen and have taken their seats. For the purpose of the organization and operation of the House of Representatives, the rules adopted by and applicable to the regular session of the House of Representatives of the preceding General Assembly, insofar as such rules may be applicable, shall prevail and be the rules governing the House of Representatives of the General Assembly then convened, until such rules are changed or new rules adopted.Emphasis added.* Current House rules 1. Election of the Speaker.(a) At the first meeting of the House of each General Assembly, the Secretary of State shall convene the House at 12:00 noon, designate a Temporary Clerk of the House, and preside during the nomination and election of the Speaker. As the first item of business each day before the election of the Speaker, the Secretary of State shall order the Temporary Clerk to call the roll of the members to establish the presence of a quorum as required by the Constitution. If a majority of those elected are not present, the House shall stand adjourned until the next calendar day, excepting weekends, at the hour prescribed in Rule 29. If a quorum of members elected is present, the Secretary of State shall then call for nominations of members for the Office of Speaker. All nominations require a second. When the nominations are completed, the Secretary of State shall direct the Temporary Clerk to call the roll of the members to elect the Speaker. (b) The election of the Speaker requires the affirmative vote of a majority of those elected. Debate is not in order following nominations and preceding or during the vote. (c) No legislative measure may be considered and no committees may be appointed or meet before the election of the Speaker.* From an attorney I respect The power of the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives derives from the Constitution and the House Rules. The Constitution requires that the House select a Speaker, with the Secretary of State presiding over the selection. It also gives the House the ability to establish its own rules. As a result, the Rules adopted by the members of the House dictate the process and procedure for electing a Speaker. Additionally, when a new General Assembly convenes, the Rules of the House from the prior session remain in effect until the new General Assembly adopts new rules or modifies the existing ones. Under the House Rules, no legislative measures can be considered and no committees can be appointed until a Speaker is elected. “Legislative measures” is broadly defined to mean anything brought before the House for consideration, including bills, amendments, resolutions, motions, etc. The effect is that once a new General Assembly convenes no business whatsoever can transpire until a Speaker is elected.The General Assembly Operations Act provides that the Speaker shall hold office until the respective successor is elected and qualified. That provision was enacted, like many holdover statutes, to make sure that there is always someone holding the office for purposes of administrative necessities. Most importantly, that statute has no impact whatsoever on the actual process of selecting a Speaker or what business can occur within the House in the absence of a Speaker. It in no way alters the provision of the Rules that prevents the House from transacting any business. That provision can only be amended by a vote of the members of the House.* And here s what Madigan spokesman Steve Brown recently told Mark Maxwell when he looked into this angle “I have not heard that interpretation,” Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown said. “History would tell you,” he said. Brown referenced the contentious 1975 election of the Speaker where the selection process was “basically all that happened. I don’t think there was any legislative activity.”There was no activity. * But there was a bit of fun Also from the election pic.twitter.com/HaGf7j1cuI Rich Miller (@capitolfax) December 12, 2020 The freshmen members asked for a caucus. If you want one for the real old members, I ll give it

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