WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ILLINOIS
MARCH 18, 2023
LEGISLATIVE
Schedule: This week the House held various committees and started the process of calling bills on Third Reading. The House passed 40 bills that will now go to the Senate for consideration. Next week both chambers meet Tuesday through Friday (3/21-24), and Friday is the deadline for passage of House bills. The Senate's Third Reading deadline is Friday, March 31.
Senate Bill Extensions: The President's Office has extended the committee deadlines to March 24th for nearly 200 bills that did not pass out of committee by last Friday's deadline.
House Cannabis Working Group: The House Cannabis Working Group met this week and heard from various individuals and groups seeking changes to the state's program. The discussion included reorganizing the agencies responsible for oversight, craft grow regulations, and the desire of some social equity licensees to sell their licenses.
EXECUTIVE
Governor Signs Paid Leave Law: Illinois is now the 3rd state to require employees receive paid time off without having to provide a reason. Employees can receive up to 40 hours of paid time off by earning 1 hour for every 40 hours worked. Employees are permitted to begin using the time after working 90 days. More here.
Medicaid Redeterminations and Publicity Campaign: Pritzker Administration is launching a public awareness initiative to ensure Illinoisans retain their health insurance coverage when pandemic-era protections end and Medicaid eligibility verifications resume. The HFS public awareness effort, coined Ready to Renew, is includes paid advertisements, print, digital and broadcast communication, and grassroots outreach to help Medicaid customers ensure they are ready for required upcoming coverage renewals. The primary goal of the Department’s Ready to Renew campaign is to help Medicaid customers who remain eligible ensure their coverage continues without disruption. Medicaid customers have not needed to renew their coverage since March 2020, but now must resume yearly renewals. The first Medicaid renewal notices will begin to arrive in early May for Illinoisans whose renewal is due by June 1. More here.
Governors Question Pharmacies On Access to Repro Health Medication: The Reproductive Freedom Alliance, a coalition of governors including Governor Pritzker, sent a letter to pharmacies asking them to clarify whether they intend to dispense a common medication used for medicated abortion. The letter urges pharmacies to resist pressure from the increasing number of states seeking to ban access to reproductive health medications and procedures. More here. Meanwhile, Wyoming has become the first state to outlaw the use of prescription medication to induce abortion. More here.
Another Credit Upgrade: Moody's upgraded the status of Illinois' General Obligation bonds and Build Illinois sales tax bonds. It's the 8th credit upgrade in the Pritzker administration. More here.
Illinois Sports Wagering Hits Another Record: The Illinois Gaming Board reported traditional sports wagering handle of slightly more than $1.07 billion for January, setting an all-time high while surpassing $1 billion for the fourth consecutive month. The state’s previous record of $1.03 billion was established in October 2022. The state received more than $14.4 million in tax receipts from its 15% rate on adjusted gross revenue, and Cook County received over $1 million in receipts based on the additional 2% tax. More here. Additionally, Illinois is expected to have more record setting numbers as we begin March Madness. More here.
Program to Distribute Air Purifiers Schools: IDPH, in coordination with ISBE, is launching a $29.6 million program to distribute more than 60,000 HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) purifiers to Illinois schools to help reduce the transmission of respiratory
MARCH 18, 2023
LEGISLATIVE
Schedule: This week the House held various committees and started the process of calling bills on Third Reading. The House passed 40 bills that will now go to the Senate for consideration. Next week both chambers meet Tuesday through Friday (3/21-24), and Friday is the deadline for passage of House bills. The Senate's Third Reading deadline is Friday, March 31.
Senate Bill Extensions: The President's Office has extended the committee deadlines to March 24th for nearly 200 bills that did not pass out of committee by last Friday's deadline.
House Cannabis Working Group: The House Cannabis Working Group met this week and heard from various individuals and groups seeking changes to the state's program. The discussion included reorganizing the agencies responsible for oversight, craft grow regulations, and the desire of some social equity licensees to sell their licenses.
EXECUTIVE
Governor Signs Paid Leave Law: Illinois is now the 3rd state to require employees receive paid time off without having to provide a reason. Employees can receive up to 40 hours of paid time off by earning 1 hour for every 40 hours worked. Employees are permitted to begin using the time after working 90 days. More here.
Medicaid Redeterminations and Publicity Campaign: Pritzker Administration is launching a public awareness initiative to ensure Illinoisans retain their health insurance coverage when pandemic-era protections end and Medicaid eligibility verifications resume. The HFS public awareness effort, coined Ready to Renew, is includes paid advertisements, print, digital and broadcast communication, and grassroots outreach to help Medicaid customers ensure they are ready for required upcoming coverage renewals. The primary goal of the Department’s Ready to Renew campaign is to help Medicaid customers who remain eligible ensure their coverage continues without disruption. Medicaid customers have not needed to renew their coverage since March 2020, but now must resume yearly renewals. The first Medicaid renewal notices will begin to arrive in early May for Illinoisans whose renewal is due by June 1. More here.
Governors Question Pharmacies On Access to Repro Health Medication: The Reproductive Freedom Alliance, a coalition of governors including Governor Pritzker, sent a letter to pharmacies asking them to clarify whether they intend to dispense a common medication used for medicated abortion. The letter urges pharmacies to resist pressure from the increasing number of states seeking to ban access to reproductive health medications and procedures. More here. Meanwhile, Wyoming has become the first state to outlaw the use of prescription medication to induce abortion. More here.
Another Credit Upgrade: Moody's upgraded the status of Illinois' General Obligation bonds and Build Illinois sales tax bonds. It's the 8th credit upgrade in the Pritzker administration. More here.
Illinois Sports Wagering Hits Another Record: The Illinois Gaming Board reported traditional sports wagering handle of slightly more than $1.07 billion for January, setting an all-time high while surpassing $1 billion for the fourth consecutive month. The state’s previous record of $1.03 billion was established in October 2022. The state received more than $14.4 million in tax receipts from its 15% rate on adjusted gross revenue, and Cook County received over $1 million in receipts based on the additional 2% tax. More here. Additionally, Illinois is expected to have more record setting numbers as we begin March Madness. More here.
Program to Distribute Air Purifiers Schools: IDPH, in coordination with ISBE, is launching a $29.6 million program to distribute more than 60,000 HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) purifiers to Illinois schools to help reduce the transmission of respiratory
This is a new application for the CO2 pipeline.
sj-r.com
What to know about Navigator's new, expanded C02 pipeline application
9–11 minutes
After withdrawing its initial application in January, Navigator CO2 Ventures has filed a new route for its Heartland Greenway carbon dioxide pipeline with the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The new application includes more miles primarily because of the addition of a route lateral to the original that stretches to Montgomery County. The application also has updated figures on economic benefits to the region. Illinois is one of five Midwestern states included in the 1,350-mile plus, $3.4 billion pipeline which seeks to remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and store it underground.
Recent:Navigator withdraws CO2 pipeline proposal; set to file new one with an expanded route
Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Navigator vice president of government and public affairs, said the project now impacts about 900 landowners in Illinois. The Nebraska-based company refiled the application, she said, to streamline the approval process instead of updating its original application submitted in July.
Burns-Thompson said the geology of the region makes it prime land for reducing emissions entering the atmosphere. Already close to 1 million metric tons of CO2 were captured during a three-year study conducted by the Illinois State Geological Survey at the Archer Daniels Midland ethanol production facility in Decatur.
The carbon dioxide was injected into the Mount Simon Sandstone formation - the same formation where Navigator will place its sequestration sites. Overall, Navigator projects its pipeline will be able to collect, transport, and store up to 15 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually when it is fully implemented.
"We say central Illinois because it really isn't restricted to one particular county or another," she said, referring to the area's ability to store carbon dioxide. "The geology is not only right for this type of activity- sequestration, geological sequestration - but it's been proven to be able to do that over the years."
The expanded scope and claims of economic boom continue to raise questions from the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, an advocacy group with members living in the Illinois counties where the pipeline is planned.
At a legislative town hall Monday in Taylorville hosted by state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield and state Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, opponents said their safety concerns were still not addressed in the refiled proposal.
Leery residents cite fears of a pipeline leak similar to one in Satartia, Mississippi that resulted in 45 people being hospitalized three years ago. The pipeline's proximity to Taylorville's more populous areas could be even more devastating if a leak were to occur said resident Dean McWard.
"We have three schools and a hospital on the north end of town," McWard said, a local farmer. "It's the worst place in the county to put it."
Updated route, facilitiesNavigator's original pipeline proposal stretched about 250 miles through 13 counties - Adams, Brown, Christian, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler and Scott - in central and western Illinois.
The new proposal includes more than 291 miles of pipeline and adds Montgomery County to the mix through what is called the "Montgomery Lateral." The lateral pipeline diverts from the main line in southern Sangamon County and travels 42 miles to a new proposed sequestration site in Montgomery County.
The Montgomery sequestration site, where the liquified carbon dioxide will be stored, would join another proposed in Christian County. The Christian County Board already has placed two moratoriums against issuing special use permits for the underground facilities, including the most recent adopted in October.
This new site concerns Joe Gleespen who lives less than five miles from the proposed Montgomery sequestration site.
"This is not going to be a benefit to any of the local area," he said. "It's going to be a dumping ground for the upper Midwest."
Related:A 1,300-mile CO2 pipeline could run through Sangamon County. Here's why it faces a fight
A new above-ground launcher site in Sangamon County is also included in the new plan. It will act as a location for internal inspection tools, said Burns-Thompson. The autonomous equipment will perform an examination, "effectively x-raying" the pipeline's wall thickness and for signs of pipeline corrosion.
The launcher site will be about two acres and will be fenced off to "ensure safe and reliable operation of the pipeline," according to the proposal.
Legislative action
Opponents have been active in attempts to build local and state-level political support since the pipeline plans became public.
So far, county boards in Christian, Fulton, McDonough and Sangamon have issued moratoriums against any pipeline to be built in their areas. Sangamon was also the first county to intervene in Navigator's ICC filing back in August 2022.
Following suit with counties in his 54th Senate District, McClure introduced Senate Bill 1916 which also calls for a two-year maximum moratorium. His bill, receiving bipartisan support, requests ICC to reject any CO2 pipeline until the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration updates its safety transport standards.
PHSMA announced in May that it would update the standards in addition to completing a failure report on the Satartia incident. McClure and Halbrook said a moratorium is needed while the administration is drafts new guidelines.
The senator's bill and other local municipalities that have issued moratoriums, Burns-Thompson said, are being "driven by misunderstanding.
I think many folks have a misconception that somehow if the pipeline is built that somehow we are grandfathered-in or exempt from any new safety regulations that may come down the road," she said, "and that's just not the case."
As reported by The Des Moines Register, Iowa Republicans proposed bills earlier that would place limits on the use of eminent domain by the three companies attempting to build pipelines in their state. Two bills recently introduced by Illinois Democrats call for similar action.
Senate Bill 2421 from state Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, co-listed under House Bill 3119 from state Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, would create the Carbon Dioxide Transport and Storage Protections Act to address several updates to pipeline construction and management.
Specifically, the bill eliminates a company's ability to secure private land in the pore space - a small subsurface area that allows for the storage of carbon dioxide - at sequestration sites without the proper approval. Operators would have to receive a written grant from the landowner or a title permitting the use of the land.
Illinois law is unclear about what protections a landowner has in these instances. The impact of the land use, however, has the potential to harm crops, water supply and the ecosystem, according to the proposed legislation.
Burns-Thompson noted the change to eminent domain would only apply to sequestration sites and not at other points of the pipeline. Other states including Indiana already have bills on file regarding right-of-way use at pore spaces.
"It's not that uncommon in Midwestern states and you have neighboring areas that are looking at this as an opportunity to help facilitate growth in these projects," she said.
The act also notably establishes a "emergency responder fee" that operators would owe the state based on a rate set by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The fee would in turn fund training for first responders in case of a pipeline emergency.
Benefits versus costsThe new application has updated figures on expected economic benefits for the region related to employment, right-of-way payments, and sales tax revenues.
In total, Navigator estimates up to 3,500 jobs will be created directly and indirectly through the project once construction begins in the second quarter of 2024. The company argues in the ICC petition the jobs will lead to higher tax revenues for local communities.
Christian County Board Chairman Bryan Sharp doubts the reported boosts to local economies will be permanent.
"There's no real long-term jobs affiliated with it in this area," he said, noting that many of the jobs would be available only to specialized construction workers.
The project would not be subject to property taxes, but Burns-Thompson said the company will work with local governments in the Illinois zone to create "community benefit agreements." This is unlike Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and North Dakota - the other states included in the pipeline - where Navigator will pay property taxes.
She said opponents have painted the agreements as a way to "buy off" counties, which is not the company's true intention.
ROW payments — payments due to landowners affected by the pipeline construction — are also expected to grow to $38 million, up from $32 million in the July petition because of the expansion into Montgomery County, Burns-Thompson said.
ICC:Ameren Illinois cites clean energy act, COVID-19, war for electric, gas rate hike request
What's next?The week following Navigator's filing already has brought several testimonies before ICC, who have all spoken in favor of the pipeline.
The ICC and its independent, five-member advisory team will review the application over the next 11 months and are expected to make a decision in late January 2024.
Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.com
sj-r.com
What to know about Navigator's new, expanded C02 pipeline application
9–11 minutes
After withdrawing its initial application in January, Navigator CO2 Ventures has filed a new route for its Heartland Greenway carbon dioxide pipeline with the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The new application includes more miles primarily because of the addition of a route lateral to the original that stretches to Montgomery County. The application also has updated figures on economic benefits to the region. Illinois is one of five Midwestern states included in the 1,350-mile plus, $3.4 billion pipeline which seeks to remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and store it underground.
Recent:Navigator withdraws CO2 pipeline proposal; set to file new one with an expanded route
Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Navigator vice president of government and public affairs, said the project now impacts about 900 landowners in Illinois. The Nebraska-based company refiled the application, she said, to streamline the approval process instead of updating its original application submitted in July.
Burns-Thompson said the geology of the region makes it prime land for reducing emissions entering the atmosphere. Already close to 1 million metric tons of CO2 were captured during a three-year study conducted by the Illinois State Geological Survey at the Archer Daniels Midland ethanol production facility in Decatur.
The carbon dioxide was injected into the Mount Simon Sandstone formation - the same formation where Navigator will place its sequestration sites. Overall, Navigator projects its pipeline will be able to collect, transport, and store up to 15 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually when it is fully implemented.
"We say central Illinois because it really isn't restricted to one particular county or another," she said, referring to the area's ability to store carbon dioxide. "The geology is not only right for this type of activity- sequestration, geological sequestration - but it's been proven to be able to do that over the years."
The expanded scope and claims of economic boom continue to raise questions from the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, an advocacy group with members living in the Illinois counties where the pipeline is planned.
At a legislative town hall Monday in Taylorville hosted by state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield and state Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, opponents said their safety concerns were still not addressed in the refiled proposal.
Leery residents cite fears of a pipeline leak similar to one in Satartia, Mississippi that resulted in 45 people being hospitalized three years ago. The pipeline's proximity to Taylorville's more populous areas could be even more devastating if a leak were to occur said resident Dean McWard.
"We have three schools and a hospital on the north end of town," McWard said, a local farmer. "It's the worst place in the county to put it."
Updated route, facilitiesNavigator's original pipeline proposal stretched about 250 miles through 13 counties - Adams, Brown, Christian, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler and Scott - in central and western Illinois.
The new proposal includes more than 291 miles of pipeline and adds Montgomery County to the mix through what is called the "Montgomery Lateral." The lateral pipeline diverts from the main line in southern Sangamon County and travels 42 miles to a new proposed sequestration site in Montgomery County.
The Montgomery sequestration site, where the liquified carbon dioxide will be stored, would join another proposed in Christian County. The Christian County Board already has placed two moratoriums against issuing special use permits for the underground facilities, including the most recent adopted in October.
This new site concerns Joe Gleespen who lives less than five miles from the proposed Montgomery sequestration site.
"This is not going to be a benefit to any of the local area," he said. "It's going to be a dumping ground for the upper Midwest."
Related:A 1,300-mile CO2 pipeline could run through Sangamon County. Here's why it faces a fight
A new above-ground launcher site in Sangamon County is also included in the new plan. It will act as a location for internal inspection tools, said Burns-Thompson. The autonomous equipment will perform an examination, "effectively x-raying" the pipeline's wall thickness and for signs of pipeline corrosion.
The launcher site will be about two acres and will be fenced off to "ensure safe and reliable operation of the pipeline," according to the proposal.
Legislative action
Opponents have been active in attempts to build local and state-level political support since the pipeline plans became public.
So far, county boards in Christian, Fulton, McDonough and Sangamon have issued moratoriums against any pipeline to be built in their areas. Sangamon was also the first county to intervene in Navigator's ICC filing back in August 2022.
Following suit with counties in his 54th Senate District, McClure introduced Senate Bill 1916 which also calls for a two-year maximum moratorium. His bill, receiving bipartisan support, requests ICC to reject any CO2 pipeline until the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration updates its safety transport standards.
PHSMA announced in May that it would update the standards in addition to completing a failure report on the Satartia incident. McClure and Halbrook said a moratorium is needed while the administration is drafts new guidelines.
The senator's bill and other local municipalities that have issued moratoriums, Burns-Thompson said, are being "driven by misunderstanding.
I think many folks have a misconception that somehow if the pipeline is built that somehow we are grandfathered-in or exempt from any new safety regulations that may come down the road," she said, "and that's just not the case."
As reported by The Des Moines Register, Iowa Republicans proposed bills earlier that would place limits on the use of eminent domain by the three companies attempting to build pipelines in their state. Two bills recently introduced by Illinois Democrats call for similar action.
Senate Bill 2421 from state Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, co-listed under House Bill 3119 from state Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, would create the Carbon Dioxide Transport and Storage Protections Act to address several updates to pipeline construction and management.
Specifically, the bill eliminates a company's ability to secure private land in the pore space - a small subsurface area that allows for the storage of carbon dioxide - at sequestration sites without the proper approval. Operators would have to receive a written grant from the landowner or a title permitting the use of the land.
Illinois law is unclear about what protections a landowner has in these instances. The impact of the land use, however, has the potential to harm crops, water supply and the ecosystem, according to the proposed legislation.
Burns-Thompson noted the change to eminent domain would only apply to sequestration sites and not at other points of the pipeline. Other states including Indiana already have bills on file regarding right-of-way use at pore spaces.
"It's not that uncommon in Midwestern states and you have neighboring areas that are looking at this as an opportunity to help facilitate growth in these projects," she said.
The act also notably establishes a "emergency responder fee" that operators would owe the state based on a rate set by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The fee would in turn fund training for first responders in case of a pipeline emergency.
Benefits versus costsThe new application has updated figures on expected economic benefits for the region related to employment, right-of-way payments, and sales tax revenues.
In total, Navigator estimates up to 3,500 jobs will be created directly and indirectly through the project once construction begins in the second quarter of 2024. The company argues in the ICC petition the jobs will lead to higher tax revenues for local communities.
Christian County Board Chairman Bryan Sharp doubts the reported boosts to local economies will be permanent.
"There's no real long-term jobs affiliated with it in this area," he said, noting that many of the jobs would be available only to specialized construction workers.
The project would not be subject to property taxes, but Burns-Thompson said the company will work with local governments in the Illinois zone to create "community benefit agreements." This is unlike Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and North Dakota - the other states included in the pipeline - where Navigator will pay property taxes.
She said opponents have painted the agreements as a way to "buy off" counties, which is not the company's true intention.
ROW payments — payments due to landowners affected by the pipeline construction — are also expected to grow to $38 million, up from $32 million in the July petition because of the expansion into Montgomery County, Burns-Thompson said.
ICC:Ameren Illinois cites clean energy act, COVID-19, war for electric, gas rate hike request
What's next?The week following Navigator's filing already has brought several testimonies before ICC, who have all spoken in favor of the pipeline.
The ICC and its independent, five-member advisory team will review the application over the next 11 months and are expected to make a decision in late January 2024.
Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.com
FEBRUARY 25, 2023
LEGISLATIVE
Schedule: Both chambers convened Tuesday through Thursday. Only the House meets next week.
Legislation: Legislators are in the process of determining their priorities and deciding which bill they want to move, which ones need more work, and which ones should not to move (a polite way of saying the idea may not be ready or doesn't have the votes to move). Bills continue to be assigned to committees and committees are meeting regularly. This week, 85 bills moved out of committees (56 in the Senate and 29 in the House). For reference, a total of 6,524 bills have been filed this session (2,531 Senate bills and 3,993 House bills).
Senate Confirmation Action: The Senate took action on 19 gubernatorial appointments and receives appointment notices for dozens of new appointments.
House Budget Negotiation Team: The House's Budget Negotiation Team will be led by chief budgeteer and Speaker Pro Tempore Jehan Gordon-Booth, and includes Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, Assistant Majority Leader and House Revenue & Finance Chair Kelly Burke, Deputy Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez, Rep. Will Guzzardi, and Rep. Mark Walker. Appropriations committees will have a lead role in the process, and will conduct a line-by-line review of the proposed budget and the current budget to determine future investments.
House Cannabis Working Group: The House has formed a cannabis working group to review the more than 30 bills filed related to the regulation of cannabis. The group is led by Rep. LaShawn Ford, joined by Leader Bob Rita, Leader Barbara Hernadez, Leader Marcus Evans, Rep. Jennifer Gong Dershowitz, Rep. Sonya Harper, and Rep. Bob Morgan.
EXECUTIVE
Gov Pritzker Unveils Kids' Behavioral and Mental Health Plan: In response to a nationwide youth mental health crisis, Gov. Pritzker launched the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative in March 2022 to evaluate and redesign the delivery of behavioral health services for children and adolescents. The Initiative issued its report, "Blueprint for Transformation – A Vision for Improved Behavioral Healthcare for Illinois Children," which includes recommendations to ensure every young person experiencing mental or behavioral health problems can access needed services and improve the State’s ability to offer families a set of streamlined, accessible, and responsive solutions. The Governor's proposed FY24 budget includes $22.8 million to continue work of the Initiative. The report is here and a summary is here.
State Receives Seventh Credit Upgrade: S&P Global Ratings upgraded the State's general obligation bonds to A-. More here.
Gov. Pritzker Joins Reproductive Freedom Alliance: Governor Pritzker joined the Reproductive Freedom Alliance (RFA), a group of state governors focused on identifying best practices for legislative and executive action to protect reproductive rights. The Alliance includes CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, RI, WA, and WI.
Gov. Pritzker Files Executive Order to Reorganize IEMA: The EO seeks to change the name of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and realign several duties to better mobilize and coordinate response efforts. The EO will take effect in 60 days unless disapproved by either the House or the Senate. More here.
Lottery Ticket Sales Boosted By Jackpots: Two of the biggest jackpots in American history helped the Lottery reach record sales of $1.8 billion July - December 2022, generating $468 million in general revenue funds to support expenses such as K-12 public schools. The Lottery paid out total prizes of $1.2 billion, with 32 Illinois residents winning prizes of at least $1 million. More here.
Attorney General Raoul Sues FDA: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and 11 other attorneys general are suing the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) claiming the FDA's restrictions on abortion pill mifepristone are burdensome and unnecessary. More here.
LEGISLATIVE
Schedule: Both chambers convened Tuesday through Thursday. Only the House meets next week.
Legislation: Legislators are in the process of determining their priorities and deciding which bill they want to move, which ones need more work, and which ones should not to move (a polite way of saying the idea may not be ready or doesn't have the votes to move). Bills continue to be assigned to committees and committees are meeting regularly. This week, 85 bills moved out of committees (56 in the Senate and 29 in the House). For reference, a total of 6,524 bills have been filed this session (2,531 Senate bills and 3,993 House bills).
Senate Confirmation Action: The Senate took action on 19 gubernatorial appointments and receives appointment notices for dozens of new appointments.
House Budget Negotiation Team: The House's Budget Negotiation Team will be led by chief budgeteer and Speaker Pro Tempore Jehan Gordon-Booth, and includes Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, Assistant Majority Leader and House Revenue & Finance Chair Kelly Burke, Deputy Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez, Rep. Will Guzzardi, and Rep. Mark Walker. Appropriations committees will have a lead role in the process, and will conduct a line-by-line review of the proposed budget and the current budget to determine future investments.
House Cannabis Working Group: The House has formed a cannabis working group to review the more than 30 bills filed related to the regulation of cannabis. The group is led by Rep. LaShawn Ford, joined by Leader Bob Rita, Leader Barbara Hernadez, Leader Marcus Evans, Rep. Jennifer Gong Dershowitz, Rep. Sonya Harper, and Rep. Bob Morgan.
EXECUTIVE
Gov Pritzker Unveils Kids' Behavioral and Mental Health Plan: In response to a nationwide youth mental health crisis, Gov. Pritzker launched the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative in March 2022 to evaluate and redesign the delivery of behavioral health services for children and adolescents. The Initiative issued its report, "Blueprint for Transformation – A Vision for Improved Behavioral Healthcare for Illinois Children," which includes recommendations to ensure every young person experiencing mental or behavioral health problems can access needed services and improve the State’s ability to offer families a set of streamlined, accessible, and responsive solutions. The Governor's proposed FY24 budget includes $22.8 million to continue work of the Initiative. The report is here and a summary is here.
State Receives Seventh Credit Upgrade: S&P Global Ratings upgraded the State's general obligation bonds to A-. More here.
Gov. Pritzker Joins Reproductive Freedom Alliance: Governor Pritzker joined the Reproductive Freedom Alliance (RFA), a group of state governors focused on identifying best practices for legislative and executive action to protect reproductive rights. The Alliance includes CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, RI, WA, and WI.
Gov. Pritzker Files Executive Order to Reorganize IEMA: The EO seeks to change the name of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and realign several duties to better mobilize and coordinate response efforts. The EO will take effect in 60 days unless disapproved by either the House or the Senate. More here.
Lottery Ticket Sales Boosted By Jackpots: Two of the biggest jackpots in American history helped the Lottery reach record sales of $1.8 billion July - December 2022, generating $468 million in general revenue funds to support expenses such as K-12 public schools. The Lottery paid out total prizes of $1.2 billion, with 32 Illinois residents winning prizes of at least $1 million. More here.
Attorney General Raoul Sues FDA: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and 11 other attorneys general are suing the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) claiming the FDA's restrictions on abortion pill mifepristone are burdensome and unnecessary. More here.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ILLINOIS
FEBRUARY 12, 2023
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Schedule: Both chambers met Tuesday and Wednesday this past week. Both chambers will meet next week Tuesday - Thursday and committees will meet. The Governor will deliver the State of the State/Budget Address on Wednesday at noon. You can watch here. The Senate bill filing deadline was last Friday, and the House's deadline is Friday, 2/17.
Legislation: A total of 2,442 bills were filed in the Senate by the deadline. As of Friday, 2,310 bills were filed in the House.
New Members Appointed: Jason Bunting was appointed as Representative for the 106th following the resignation of Rep. Tom Bennett, who was appointed to the Senate following the resignation of Sen. Jason Barrickmann. The vacancy for the 82nd District created by the resignation of former Minority Leader Jim Durkin was filled by John Egofske.
Medicaid Working Group: Once again, members of each caucus will participate in a Medicaid Working Group. This year's group will be led by Majority Leader Robyn Gabel and Senator Ann Gillespie. Traditionally the Working Group reviews all items that may impact the Medicaid program and works to find a bi-partisan consensus after meeting with various groups.
Governor Signs Lame Duck Legislation: The Governor has signed all but 4 bills passed during the lame duck session.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Governor's Megasite Development Program: Gov. Pritzker announced a new $40 million Megasites Development Program designed to take large swaths of land and develop it to attract businesses, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers. The funding is targeted towards land acquisition, clean-up, infrastructure improvements, and development expenses. The program is open to private entities, nonprofits and local governments through April 6th. More here.
Cannabis Disparity Study Begins: The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office announced they will (finally) begin a 12-month Disparity and Availability Study for cannabis licenses. The Disparity Study will collect and analyze data and will report on whether discrimination exists in the Illinois cannabis industry. In February 2022, the Office issued an RFP to identify a firm to conduct the study, and the contract was awarded to the Nerevu Group, a 100% minority-owned firm with a group of contractors and subcontractors from Peoria, Decatur, Springfield, and Chicago. More here.
ICC Supplier Diversity Report: The Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office of Diversity and Community Affairs reported that diverse spending by the state’s largest investor-owned utilities has continued for a second year in a row, despite a slight decrease in the utility companies’ overall total spending. The report provides a summary and analysis of data from seven years of reports submitted by Illinois’ six largest public utilities by number of customers. According to the annual diverse spending reports, Illinois’ diverse spending for the Big 6 currently ranges from 13 to 30 percent. More here.
Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance: Low-to-moderate income families needing assistance filing their 2022 income taxes can receive free help through programs across Illinois. Taxpayers can search for a free tax assistance provider closest to them by visiting IDOR's website or by calling 800-732-8866. Taxpayers may also visit any of IDOR's offices to receive assistance. More here.
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Judicial Conference Annual Report to the General Assembly: The Supreme Court submitted to the General Assembly the Annual Report of the activities for the 2022 Illinois Judicial Conference. The Illinois Judicial Conference, a constitutionally created entity, is required to consider the work of the courts and suggest improvements regarding the administration of justice. The 2022 Annual Report summarizes 10 initiatives and a summary of several Supreme Court decisions that the General Assembly might want to consider. More here.
Twentieth Judicial Circuit (St. Clair) Receives Technology Modernization Grant: The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts awarded the Twentieth Judicial Circuit a Technology Modernization Grant in the amount of $74,699.91. This grant will be utilized to upgrade the computer systems of the Judicial Department of St. Clair County.
FISCAL ISSUES
Super Bowl Could Mark First Billion-Dollar Sports Betting Event: According to a survey conducted by the American Gaming Association, 50.4 million American adults are expected to make a wager on Super Bowl LVII. This Super Bowl is poised to be the biggest betting event in history, with bettors expected to legally wager nearly $1.175 billion, which would mark the first billion-dollar game the country has ever seen. For the first time, the 2023 Super Bowl features a team from a state with legal sports betting, while the game itself is for the first time being played in a legal state too.
Weed Shop Values Are Dropping: Six months ago, Planet 13, a Las Vegas-based marijuana company, announced it would buy out its social-equity partner in an Illinois cannabis dispensary in a $2.9 million transaction, but by the time the deal closed the value had dropped by $1 million due to a decline in the stocks of cannabis. Marijuana stocks have fallen precipitously in recent months as interest rates rose and weed prices fell. The declines in stock prices and canceled deals will impact the value of 192 new retail licenses that have been issued in Illinois. Deals are getting renegotiated or scrapped. Miami-based Ayr Wellness recently called off its $55 million purchase of two Chicago dispensaries operated by Dispensary 33. Under state rules, holders haven’t been able to sell their licenses until their stores are open. One owner has sued to challenge those rules, but that case is still working its way through Cook County Circuit Court.
Chicago Municipal Pension Fund Woes: The $3.2 billion pension fund's return for 2022 was -11.7%. For the most recent year, the pension fund’s year ended with the Russell 3000 index and Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond index at -19.2% and -13%, respectively. The negative performance also brought the pension fund's assets down to $3.2 billion from $4.3 billion a year earlier. According to its most recent actuarial valuation, said the pension fund remains at risk of having to liquidate investments in order to pay benefits.
Lack of Broadband Access In Illinois: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Broadband is concerned about the number of homes that lack broadband access in Illinois, and the impact that it will have on creation of jobs or remote work/school opportunties. More rural parts of the state have lower rates of internet availability. Menard County has more than 30% of its population without broadband; about 5,000 households in Sangamon County do not have internet reaching broadband speed. Last year, broadband spending in Illinois was boosted by federal funds such as the American Recovery Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The state will be making nearly $400 million in grants available.
Chicago Receives Grant to Combat Homelessness: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Chicago number a $60M grant to assist with reducing the number of homeless individuals on the streets. This is part of a federal program providing funding to 46 communities across the U.S. to fight homelessness.
HEALTHCARE
Some IL Hospitals Don't Comply With Transparency Rules: A new report shows some Illinois hospitals are still not fully complying with a federal rule that requires hospitals to publish prices for common services and treatments on their websites. The report, published by health care transparency nonprofit Patient Rights Advocate, showed that dozens of hospitals in Illinois are not fully compliant with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule. Patient Rights Advocate's data shows that of 2,000 hospitals reviewed nationwide, just 25% fully complied with the law. Hospitals are deemed fully compliant if they publish a complete machine-readable standard charge file that meets specific criteria, along with an online price estimator tool. Of the nearly 60 Illinois hospitals examined in today's report, only 37% were fully compliant. Several of Chicago's largest hospitals are fully compliant with the federal rule, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and several local hospitals owned by Advocate Health Care. Some experts say hospitals are failing to comply with the rule two years after it was signed into law because the penalties aren't that steep, and while the rule is designed to help patients comparison shop for health care services before picking a specific hospital, it rarely plays out that way, because most patients pick doctors and institutions based on what their insurance plan will cover. Aside from saving patients money, the rule has the potential to cut costs across the entire health care system. If hospitals are forced to compete more often on price, they may lower prices.
California Medicaid Pilot Program Cut Hospital Visits: California's Whole Person Care pilot program resulted in fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and saved taxpayers an estimated $383 per patient per year. The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research said that for every 1,000 people enrolled in California’s Whole Person Care pilot program, there were 45 fewer hospitalizations and 130 fewer ER visits when compared to patients not in the program. The program was more successful reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations for people who were homeless, addicted to drugs or had serious mental health issues than it was for patients who had complex medical issues. These programs focused not just on a person’s medical care, but also things like transportation, education, legal assistance and help finding and keeping a job. Overall, the program cost $3.6 billion to cover 26 counties that served close to 250,000 patients.
Mental Health Programs Gets Bipartisan Support in Many States: Governors and lawmakers across the country are pushing for funding increases for mental health this year, as Republicans and Democrats agrees that the shortage of available services has reached crisis levels. The budget proposals seek to address the scarcity of mental-health workers, the mental-health needs in schools and growing demand for emergency services. There has never been this strong of a bipartisan effort on the issue. Some state leaders have the cash on hand due to budget surpluses but others are willing to move things around to make it work. One thing that both parties seem to agree on, this funding is needed to address the problems in our youth that were amplified by the pandemic.
Biden Administration Seeks to Tighten School Nutrition: New standards proposed by the Biden administration seek to change school meals by including less sugar, more whole grains, and lower sodium. Under the proposal, by fall 2024, 80% of the grains provided by schools would need to be whole grain, and by fall 2025, there would be limits for high-sugar products and sodium. Some school nutrition directors worry the stricter guidelines will push students to less healthy food choices, coupled with inflated food prices and labor shortages making new regulations difficult to implement.
Amazon Shaking Up Generic Drugs: Amazon created a new program to allow access to generic drugs for their market value for $5 a month.
IN MEMORIAM
In Memory of Laurence Msall: Known as a fiscal watchdog, Laurence served under two governors and acted as an unofficial advisor to many in government. More here.
In Memory of Andrew McKenna: Andrew McKenna was known as an incredibly accomplished Chicago businessman, philanthropist, and sports aficionado. McKenna served as the Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, worked to keep the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, and is a part owner of the Bears. More here.
--
Dan Kovats
Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association
Check out the IDCCA online at www.ildcca.org
(773) 351 - 7818 - Cell
(217) 753 - 3380 - Office
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FEBRUARY 12, 2023
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Schedule: Both chambers met Tuesday and Wednesday this past week. Both chambers will meet next week Tuesday - Thursday and committees will meet. The Governor will deliver the State of the State/Budget Address on Wednesday at noon. You can watch here. The Senate bill filing deadline was last Friday, and the House's deadline is Friday, 2/17.
Legislation: A total of 2,442 bills were filed in the Senate by the deadline. As of Friday, 2,310 bills were filed in the House.
New Members Appointed: Jason Bunting was appointed as Representative for the 106th following the resignation of Rep. Tom Bennett, who was appointed to the Senate following the resignation of Sen. Jason Barrickmann. The vacancy for the 82nd District created by the resignation of former Minority Leader Jim Durkin was filled by John Egofske.
Medicaid Working Group: Once again, members of each caucus will participate in a Medicaid Working Group. This year's group will be led by Majority Leader Robyn Gabel and Senator Ann Gillespie. Traditionally the Working Group reviews all items that may impact the Medicaid program and works to find a bi-partisan consensus after meeting with various groups.
Governor Signs Lame Duck Legislation: The Governor has signed all but 4 bills passed during the lame duck session.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Governor's Megasite Development Program: Gov. Pritzker announced a new $40 million Megasites Development Program designed to take large swaths of land and develop it to attract businesses, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers. The funding is targeted towards land acquisition, clean-up, infrastructure improvements, and development expenses. The program is open to private entities, nonprofits and local governments through April 6th. More here.
Cannabis Disparity Study Begins: The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office announced they will (finally) begin a 12-month Disparity and Availability Study for cannabis licenses. The Disparity Study will collect and analyze data and will report on whether discrimination exists in the Illinois cannabis industry. In February 2022, the Office issued an RFP to identify a firm to conduct the study, and the contract was awarded to the Nerevu Group, a 100% minority-owned firm with a group of contractors and subcontractors from Peoria, Decatur, Springfield, and Chicago. More here.
ICC Supplier Diversity Report: The Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office of Diversity and Community Affairs reported that diverse spending by the state’s largest investor-owned utilities has continued for a second year in a row, despite a slight decrease in the utility companies’ overall total spending. The report provides a summary and analysis of data from seven years of reports submitted by Illinois’ six largest public utilities by number of customers. According to the annual diverse spending reports, Illinois’ diverse spending for the Big 6 currently ranges from 13 to 30 percent. More here.
Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance: Low-to-moderate income families needing assistance filing their 2022 income taxes can receive free help through programs across Illinois. Taxpayers can search for a free tax assistance provider closest to them by visiting IDOR's website or by calling 800-732-8866. Taxpayers may also visit any of IDOR's offices to receive assistance. More here.
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Judicial Conference Annual Report to the General Assembly: The Supreme Court submitted to the General Assembly the Annual Report of the activities for the 2022 Illinois Judicial Conference. The Illinois Judicial Conference, a constitutionally created entity, is required to consider the work of the courts and suggest improvements regarding the administration of justice. The 2022 Annual Report summarizes 10 initiatives and a summary of several Supreme Court decisions that the General Assembly might want to consider. More here.
Twentieth Judicial Circuit (St. Clair) Receives Technology Modernization Grant: The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts awarded the Twentieth Judicial Circuit a Technology Modernization Grant in the amount of $74,699.91. This grant will be utilized to upgrade the computer systems of the Judicial Department of St. Clair County.
FISCAL ISSUES
Super Bowl Could Mark First Billion-Dollar Sports Betting Event: According to a survey conducted by the American Gaming Association, 50.4 million American adults are expected to make a wager on Super Bowl LVII. This Super Bowl is poised to be the biggest betting event in history, with bettors expected to legally wager nearly $1.175 billion, which would mark the first billion-dollar game the country has ever seen. For the first time, the 2023 Super Bowl features a team from a state with legal sports betting, while the game itself is for the first time being played in a legal state too.
Weed Shop Values Are Dropping: Six months ago, Planet 13, a Las Vegas-based marijuana company, announced it would buy out its social-equity partner in an Illinois cannabis dispensary in a $2.9 million transaction, but by the time the deal closed the value had dropped by $1 million due to a decline in the stocks of cannabis. Marijuana stocks have fallen precipitously in recent months as interest rates rose and weed prices fell. The declines in stock prices and canceled deals will impact the value of 192 new retail licenses that have been issued in Illinois. Deals are getting renegotiated or scrapped. Miami-based Ayr Wellness recently called off its $55 million purchase of two Chicago dispensaries operated by Dispensary 33. Under state rules, holders haven’t been able to sell their licenses until their stores are open. One owner has sued to challenge those rules, but that case is still working its way through Cook County Circuit Court.
Chicago Municipal Pension Fund Woes: The $3.2 billion pension fund's return for 2022 was -11.7%. For the most recent year, the pension fund’s year ended with the Russell 3000 index and Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond index at -19.2% and -13%, respectively. The negative performance also brought the pension fund's assets down to $3.2 billion from $4.3 billion a year earlier. According to its most recent actuarial valuation, said the pension fund remains at risk of having to liquidate investments in order to pay benefits.
Lack of Broadband Access In Illinois: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Broadband is concerned about the number of homes that lack broadband access in Illinois, and the impact that it will have on creation of jobs or remote work/school opportunties. More rural parts of the state have lower rates of internet availability. Menard County has more than 30% of its population without broadband; about 5,000 households in Sangamon County do not have internet reaching broadband speed. Last year, broadband spending in Illinois was boosted by federal funds such as the American Recovery Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The state will be making nearly $400 million in grants available.
Chicago Receives Grant to Combat Homelessness: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Chicago number a $60M grant to assist with reducing the number of homeless individuals on the streets. This is part of a federal program providing funding to 46 communities across the U.S. to fight homelessness.
HEALTHCARE
Some IL Hospitals Don't Comply With Transparency Rules: A new report shows some Illinois hospitals are still not fully complying with a federal rule that requires hospitals to publish prices for common services and treatments on their websites. The report, published by health care transparency nonprofit Patient Rights Advocate, showed that dozens of hospitals in Illinois are not fully compliant with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule. Patient Rights Advocate's data shows that of 2,000 hospitals reviewed nationwide, just 25% fully complied with the law. Hospitals are deemed fully compliant if they publish a complete machine-readable standard charge file that meets specific criteria, along with an online price estimator tool. Of the nearly 60 Illinois hospitals examined in today's report, only 37% were fully compliant. Several of Chicago's largest hospitals are fully compliant with the federal rule, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and several local hospitals owned by Advocate Health Care. Some experts say hospitals are failing to comply with the rule two years after it was signed into law because the penalties aren't that steep, and while the rule is designed to help patients comparison shop for health care services before picking a specific hospital, it rarely plays out that way, because most patients pick doctors and institutions based on what their insurance plan will cover. Aside from saving patients money, the rule has the potential to cut costs across the entire health care system. If hospitals are forced to compete more often on price, they may lower prices.
California Medicaid Pilot Program Cut Hospital Visits: California's Whole Person Care pilot program resulted in fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and saved taxpayers an estimated $383 per patient per year. The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research said that for every 1,000 people enrolled in California’s Whole Person Care pilot program, there were 45 fewer hospitalizations and 130 fewer ER visits when compared to patients not in the program. The program was more successful reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations for people who were homeless, addicted to drugs or had serious mental health issues than it was for patients who had complex medical issues. These programs focused not just on a person’s medical care, but also things like transportation, education, legal assistance and help finding and keeping a job. Overall, the program cost $3.6 billion to cover 26 counties that served close to 250,000 patients.
Mental Health Programs Gets Bipartisan Support in Many States: Governors and lawmakers across the country are pushing for funding increases for mental health this year, as Republicans and Democrats agrees that the shortage of available services has reached crisis levels. The budget proposals seek to address the scarcity of mental-health workers, the mental-health needs in schools and growing demand for emergency services. There has never been this strong of a bipartisan effort on the issue. Some state leaders have the cash on hand due to budget surpluses but others are willing to move things around to make it work. One thing that both parties seem to agree on, this funding is needed to address the problems in our youth that were amplified by the pandemic.
Biden Administration Seeks to Tighten School Nutrition: New standards proposed by the Biden administration seek to change school meals by including less sugar, more whole grains, and lower sodium. Under the proposal, by fall 2024, 80% of the grains provided by schools would need to be whole grain, and by fall 2025, there would be limits for high-sugar products and sodium. Some school nutrition directors worry the stricter guidelines will push students to less healthy food choices, coupled with inflated food prices and labor shortages making new regulations difficult to implement.
Amazon Shaking Up Generic Drugs: Amazon created a new program to allow access to generic drugs for their market value for $5 a month.
IN MEMORIAM
In Memory of Laurence Msall: Known as a fiscal watchdog, Laurence served under two governors and acted as an unofficial advisor to many in government. More here.
In Memory of Andrew McKenna: Andrew McKenna was known as an incredibly accomplished Chicago businessman, philanthropist, and sports aficionado. McKenna served as the Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, worked to keep the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, and is a part owner of the Bears. More here.
--
Dan Kovats
Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association
Check out the IDCCA online at www.ildcca.org
(773) 351 - 7818 - Cell
(217) 753 - 3380 - Office
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IDCCA County Chairs" group.
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County Chairs,
Our friends at Run for Something have reached out to provide us more information on how your candidates can receive additional support. Below is the endorsement process for their organization. If you have candidates that meet these requirements, highly encourage them to apply for this endorsement.
Once your candidates are endorsed by Run for Something, they receive additional resources including campaign planning, messaging assistance, field strategy, and possible funding.
Please let me know if you have any questions on this or need anything else. Thanks
Run for Something Endorsement Process
Run for Something helps recruit and support young diverse progressives to run for down-ballot races. RFS is currently accepting endorsement applications from candidates who meet all of the following guidelines:
Running in a 2023 U.S. election; For a local office or state legislative office (we do not endorse for US Congress, US President, statewide elections, or Democratic party positions); Born in 1982 or later for 2023 elections; Running as a Democrat, or in non-partisan local elections, in support of the values of the Democratic Party (we will not consider endorsements of third party or write-in candidates); and Running for the first, second, or third time (and not running for re-election to the same seat, unless previously endorsed by RFS). For candidates running for local or state legislative office in 2023, the next deadline is February 12, 2023 at 11:59PM ET to be considered as part of the March 29, 2023 endorsement round. We will continue to endorse 2023 campaigns every 6-8 weeks throughout the calendar year.
More info (including how to apply) can be found here: https://runforsomething.net/run/candidate-endorsement-process/.
--
Dan Kovats
Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association
Check out the IDCCA online at www.ildcca.org
(773) 351 - 7818 - Cell
(217) 753 - 3380 - Office
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IDCCA County Chairs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to idcca-county-chairs+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/idcca-county-chairs/5c40952a-8333-44b4-b836-fe3cf5bc485bn%40googlegroups.com.
County Chair,
We haven't started our Virtual Training for 2023 yet but we have a full library of videos online at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqElSL-DShQUv197_JUAmw
Dan Kovats
Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association
(773) 351 - 7818 - Cell
(217) 753 - 3380 - Office
On Tue, Jan 17, 2023 at 11:33 AM Belinda Carr <ms.bcarr@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Dan
We have several new PCs and I wanted to offer training opportunities. Can you send me information on what training is available and how we can access them? Thank you.
Belinda Carr, Chair
MCDCC
SAFE-T Act Talking Points - 12.31.22
Messaging Guidance: ● The recent ruling by the court in Kankakee only affects the 64 cases the judge ruled on. Despite the ruling on the 64 cases, the pretrial fairness portions of the law will go into effect in all counties. ● That means the ability of persons awaiting criminal trials – individuals who have not been convicted of a crime and are presumed innocent – to seek release from jail without having to pay cash bail will go into effect on January 1, 2023 in all counties in spite of the court’s ruling against that component in the 64 specific cases. ● The Kankakee County court ruling is not the final say in this matter. The Illinois Supreme Court ruling will be the ultimate decider in the coming months. ● The Illinois Supreme Court Commission has reviewed the bail system comprehensively and recommended less dependence on cash bond, so it is reasonable to believe that the Supreme Court is well prepared to provide clarity on this matter. ● The SAFE-T Act moves Illinois from a pretrial detention system which prioritizes wealth to one that prioritizes public safety. ● The amount of money an offender has will no longer determine whether they can be released. ● Public safety is best addressed by focusing on risk rather than money. That’s what the SAFE-T Act does. ● There is nothing in the law that requires those suspected of crimes be let out of prison when it goes into effect. ● Judges are still able to impose pre-trial restrictions on dangerous people, and are required to consider the threat the defendant poses to public safety. ● The vast majority of the reforms in the SAFE-T Act were found to be entirely constitutional, including the reforms already in effect. All that is in question is the Kankakee County judge’s interpretation of bail in the state constitution. Background: ● The SAFE-T Act is a comprehensive bill that has improved police training programs, expanded the use of body cameras through a $30 million Local Law Enforcement Body Camera grant program, and increased funding to mental health programs for law enforcement officers. It includes the following reforms that will still be enacted: ○ Establishes statewide standards on use of force, crowd control responses, de-escalation, and arrest techniques. ○ Creates a more thorough certification system and lays out clear standards and processes for decertification. ○ Increases officer training on crisis intervention, racial biases, use of force, and other high-conflict areas ○ Increases response resources and training for officers responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis ○ Increases accountability across police departments by requiring the permanent retention of police misconduct records and removes the sworn affidavit requirement when filing police misconduct complaints. ○ Diverts low-level drug crimes into substance use programs and treatments. ○ Expands use of body cameras and establishes guidelines for preserving and accessing footage ○ Requires police departments to develop plans to protect vulnerable people present during search warrant raids. ○ Terminates license suspensions for unpaid fines and fees due to red light camera and traffic offenses. ○ Increases services for crime victims. ○ Creates increased eligibility for early release, diversion, and probation programs for incarcerated individuals to limit prison population and discourage recidivism. ○ Additional training opportunities for officers, requires health and wellness services for officers, and protects officers from unjust lawsuits based on their reasonable actions. “Non-detainable” offenses infographic: ● There is no such thing as a “non-detainable offense.” ● Judges still have the discretion to detain dangerous criminals. ● Any person suspected of a crime can be detained because they pose a flight risk or because they are a repeat offender. Those charged with the most serious crimes can also be detained for their risk to public safety. ● The bottom line: The previous system allowed people to be released from jail if they have the money for bail. The SAFE-T Act removes money as a factor while allowing judges to detain offenders they deem to be a threat
We haven't started our Virtual Training for 2023 yet but we have a full library of videos online at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqElSL-DShQUv197_JUAmw
Dan Kovats
Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association
(773) 351 - 7818 - Cell
(217) 753 - 3380 - Office
On Tue, Jan 17, 2023 at 11:33 AM Belinda Carr <ms.bcarr@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Dan
We have several new PCs and I wanted to offer training opportunities. Can you send me information on what training is available and how we can access them? Thank you.
Belinda Carr, Chair
MCDCC
SAFE-T Act Talking Points - 12.31.22
Messaging Guidance: ● The recent ruling by the court in Kankakee only affects the 64 cases the judge ruled on. Despite the ruling on the 64 cases, the pretrial fairness portions of the law will go into effect in all counties. ● That means the ability of persons awaiting criminal trials – individuals who have not been convicted of a crime and are presumed innocent – to seek release from jail without having to pay cash bail will go into effect on January 1, 2023 in all counties in spite of the court’s ruling against that component in the 64 specific cases. ● The Kankakee County court ruling is not the final say in this matter. The Illinois Supreme Court ruling will be the ultimate decider in the coming months. ● The Illinois Supreme Court Commission has reviewed the bail system comprehensively and recommended less dependence on cash bond, so it is reasonable to believe that the Supreme Court is well prepared to provide clarity on this matter. ● The SAFE-T Act moves Illinois from a pretrial detention system which prioritizes wealth to one that prioritizes public safety. ● The amount of money an offender has will no longer determine whether they can be released. ● Public safety is best addressed by focusing on risk rather than money. That’s what the SAFE-T Act does. ● There is nothing in the law that requires those suspected of crimes be let out of prison when it goes into effect. ● Judges are still able to impose pre-trial restrictions on dangerous people, and are required to consider the threat the defendant poses to public safety. ● The vast majority of the reforms in the SAFE-T Act were found to be entirely constitutional, including the reforms already in effect. All that is in question is the Kankakee County judge’s interpretation of bail in the state constitution. Background: ● The SAFE-T Act is a comprehensive bill that has improved police training programs, expanded the use of body cameras through a $30 million Local Law Enforcement Body Camera grant program, and increased funding to mental health programs for law enforcement officers. It includes the following reforms that will still be enacted: ○ Establishes statewide standards on use of force, crowd control responses, de-escalation, and arrest techniques. ○ Creates a more thorough certification system and lays out clear standards and processes for decertification. ○ Increases officer training on crisis intervention, racial biases, use of force, and other high-conflict areas ○ Increases response resources and training for officers responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis ○ Increases accountability across police departments by requiring the permanent retention of police misconduct records and removes the sworn affidavit requirement when filing police misconduct complaints. ○ Diverts low-level drug crimes into substance use programs and treatments. ○ Expands use of body cameras and establishes guidelines for preserving and accessing footage ○ Requires police departments to develop plans to protect vulnerable people present during search warrant raids. ○ Terminates license suspensions for unpaid fines and fees due to red light camera and traffic offenses. ○ Increases services for crime victims. ○ Creates increased eligibility for early release, diversion, and probation programs for incarcerated individuals to limit prison population and discourage recidivism. ○ Additional training opportunities for officers, requires health and wellness services for officers, and protects officers from unjust lawsuits based on their reasonable actions. “Non-detainable” offenses infographic: ● There is no such thing as a “non-detainable offense.” ● Judges still have the discretion to detain dangerous criminals. ● Any person suspected of a crime can be detained because they pose a flight risk or because they are a repeat offender. Those charged with the most serious crimes can also be detained for their risk to public safety. ● The bottom line: The previous system allowed people to be released from jail if they have the money for bail. The SAFE-T Act removes money as a factor while allowing judges to detain offenders they deem to be a threat
