County Chairs,
We're going to restart sending out press clips from our Democratic elected officials. These clips are from the last two weeks. Feel free to share these with your networks and post them to your social media. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything else. Thanks
President Joe Biden
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet Joe Biden in Washington in quest for moreaid”, Financial Times, 9/15, Felicia Schwartz and Christopher Miller
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make a visit to the White House this week. This visit comes as the White House urges Congress to approve $24 billion in additional funds to Kyiv to support its military efforts.
Governor JB Pritzker
“Pritzker, Incobrasa Industries break ground on $250Mmanufacturing facilities expansion”, Fox 32 News, 9/6
Incobrasa Industries is a biodiesel manufacturing firm and is an industry leader in soybean processing. This expansion will represent more than $250 million capital investment and will create 40 new full-time jobs, and Gov. Pritzker says the company will more than double its production capacity by 2023.
Governor Pritzker announces retirement of outstanding debt from 2010
On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker announced $49 million in tobacco bonds have been retired through a contract that voided the bonds.
UPSIDE Foods to open its first commercial plant in Glenview
UPSIDE Foods will be investing $141 Million dollars for a commercial plant in Glenview that would at minimum create 75 jobs.
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
Lt. Governor Stratton: Leads Delegation to Japan
The Lt. Governor speaks highly on her trip to Japan in which she had led a delegation to Japan and explained the importance to attract those businesses from Japan or to help them grow if they already had invested in Illinois. She also touted the trade relations with Japan are higher than any other midwestern state.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
Secretary Giannoulias testifies before Congress (WTTW, 9/12/23)
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias was in Washington, D.C., this week to testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee regarding a new state law aimed at deterring book bans.
--
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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--
Belinda J. Carr,
We're going to restart sending out press clips from our Democratic elected officials. These clips are from the last two weeks. Feel free to share these with your networks and post them to your social media. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything else. Thanks
President Joe Biden
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet Joe Biden in Washington in quest for moreaid”, Financial Times, 9/15, Felicia Schwartz and Christopher Miller
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make a visit to the White House this week. This visit comes as the White House urges Congress to approve $24 billion in additional funds to Kyiv to support its military efforts.
Governor JB Pritzker
“Pritzker, Incobrasa Industries break ground on $250Mmanufacturing facilities expansion”, Fox 32 News, 9/6
Incobrasa Industries is a biodiesel manufacturing firm and is an industry leader in soybean processing. This expansion will represent more than $250 million capital investment and will create 40 new full-time jobs, and Gov. Pritzker says the company will more than double its production capacity by 2023.
Governor Pritzker announces retirement of outstanding debt from 2010
On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker announced $49 million in tobacco bonds have been retired through a contract that voided the bonds.
UPSIDE Foods to open its first commercial plant in Glenview
UPSIDE Foods will be investing $141 Million dollars for a commercial plant in Glenview that would at minimum create 75 jobs.
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
Lt. Governor Stratton: Leads Delegation to Japan
The Lt. Governor speaks highly on her trip to Japan in which she had led a delegation to Japan and explained the importance to attract those businesses from Japan or to help them grow if they already had invested in Illinois. She also touted the trade relations with Japan are higher than any other midwestern state.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
Secretary Giannoulias testifies before Congress (WTTW, 9/12/23)
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias was in Washington, D.C., this week to testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee regarding a new state law aimed at deterring book bans.
--
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/162193aa-fd51-449c-a1c9-201198c91768n%40googlegroups.com.
--
Belinda J. Carr,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 30, 2023 CONTACT: DPI: Allison Janowski press@ildems.com IDCCA: Dan Kovats dan@ildcca.org DPI and IDCCA Launch Joint Effort to Recruit and Train Democratic Down-Ballot Candidates in 2024 IL Democratic organizations are partnering to find and support strong candidates to run in local races across Illinois Chicago, IL – Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) and the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) launched a statewide candidate recruitment and training program to build a bench of Democrats to run for office in 2024. The program will recruit candidates, assist with ballot access and petition gathering, and provide robust training and ongoing support to candidates within the program. Contest Every Race, a nationwide coalition of organizations recruiting and supporting Democratic candidates running for local office, will work with DPI and IDCCA to build this pipeline of passionate candidates to stand up for democratic values. “Earlier this year, we saw how important it was to offer our support in local races as extreme Republicans turned their sights to school and library boards around the state. Our values are under siege at every level of government, and it’s crucial that Illinois Democrats work together to defend our communities from retrograde politicians up and down the ballot. I’m grateful to IDCCA for their partnership, and I look forward to seeing Democrats run and win these races next year with our help. We can’t win if we don’t run, and I’m proud that DPI will be working to shape the next generation of Democratic leaders to ensure that Illinois remains blue,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez. “The IDCCA and County Chairs have a history of recruiting and electing Democrats at every level of government. For the past six years, we have successfully expanded our recruiting efforts using more modern methods to reach potential candidates and volunteers. We are especially excited this cycle to have the powerful partnership of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Working together across the state, we are safeguarding our future, ensuring Democratic values are represented and government works for everyone,” said IDCCA President Kristina Zahorik.
Republicans Will Try To Out-MAGA Each Other During Debate
The Extreme MAGA Blueprint:
Please reach out with any questions--thank you!
Allison Janowski
Press Secretary
Democratic Party of Illinois
ajanowski@ildems.com
--
- It doesn’t matter who “wins” the debate on Wednesday; the Republican presidential candidates have all chosen a losing strategy that is extreme, MAGA, and out of touch with the American people.
- MAGA Republican candidates want to ban abortion across the country, support gutting Social Security and Medicare, support tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, choose the NRA over our kids, and defend attacks against our democracy.
- These are all deeply unpopular positions in a general election, and not how you earn the support of the voters needed to win in 2024 – it’s a losing strategy in 2024, just like it was in 2020 and 2022.
- While the MAGA candidates try to out-MAGA each other and ignore the issues that are top of mind for Americans across the country, President Biden and Vice President Harris are running to finish the job - to build on record job creation and lower prescription drug costs – including a $35 cap on monthly insulin costs for seniors – to protect Social Security and Medicare, and to protect a woman’s right to choose nationwide.
- The contrast couldn’t be more clear: President Biden and Vice President Harris are running to fight for our freedoms and grow the economy from the middle out and bottom up, not top down.
- Team Biden-Harris will have a robust rapid response strategy for the first GOP debate - which will hold Republicans’ accountable and highlight the contrast between their extreme agenda and President Biden and Vice President Harris’ agenda of growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out and protecting American democracy and freedoms.
- This weekend, the campaign announced a historic $25 million ad buy that will highlight the president’s economic accomplishments and reach voters across the country and in key battleground states – including the largest, earliest investment in Hispanic and African American media for a reelection in history.
- This ad buy is both the largest and earliest media buy for a reelection campaign into constituency media ever, as well as the largest overall buy for a reelection campaign at this point in time ever, ensuring that President Biden’s message is heard throughout this year’s Republican primary.
- Officials, including Biden-Harris campaign co- chair Cedric Richmond and DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, will be on the ground in Milwaukee this week to meet with local leaders and key constituencies, while an aggressive war room run jointly by the Biden-Harris campaign and the DNC out of Washington will hold Republican candidates accountable for the extreme MAGA views they espouse from the debate stage.
- 2024 Republicans continue to prove that whoever the nominee is, they are guaranteed to be too extreme and out of touch for American families.
- These hopefuls are all embracing the most extreme positions in order to win over the MAGA base. Three key toplines:
- The GOP field continues to threaten health care for millions and put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block,
- Every GOP contender has an extreme anti-choice record and support for a federal ban has become a litmus test in their primary,
- GOP contenders have embraced some of the most dangerous elements of their party, such as banning books, denying free and fair elections, and choosing the NRA over public safety.
The Extreme MAGA Blueprint:
- Gutting Social Security and Medicare
- The MAGA Republican presidential candidates all have supported extreme plans to end Social Security and Medicare as we know them, even though 71% of Americans — including 59% of Republicans — support funding these crucial programs over budget cuts like 2024 Republicans have proposed.
- Donald Trump and Mike Pence proposed cuts to Medicare and Social Security programs every year they were in office.
- Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Chris Christie all have supported putting Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block.
- Cutting Taxes for the Rich, Shipping Jobs Overseas, and Raising Costs for Families
- Donald Trump promised to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, including 13,000 new jobs and a Foxconn facility right outside of Milwaukee. Instead, the Trump-Pence administration created incentives to ship jobs overseas, manufacturing was on the decline, and the super-rich got a break, while the middle class struggled to get by.
- In 2024, the Republican candidates all want to double down on Trump’s failed trickle-down economics.
- Trump, Mike Pence, Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy all support more tax giveaways for the super-rich and profitable corporations, and Florida has become an inflation hotspot under Ron DeSantis.
- Banning Abortion Nationwide
- 2024 GOP candidates have called for banning abortion across the country. Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence have all vowed to support a national abortion ban.
- This agenda is as wildly unpopular, extreme, and out of step with the American people as it is harmful – a USA Today poll from June found that 80% of Americans – including 65% of Republicans and 83% of independents – oppose a federal law banning abortion nationwide.
- Protecting the Gun Lobby Over Our Kids
- The 2024 Republican candidates have spent their careers supporting dangerous gun laws, pandering to the NRA, and proudly praising the gun lobby instead of making our communities, schools, and children safer.
- Donald Trump and Mike Pence spent four years caving to the NRA.
- Ron DeSantis signed legislation in Florida that could make it easier for criminals to carry weapons and supports concealed carry of firearms nationwide.
- After the horrific Charleston shooting that happened in their own state, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott doubled down on parroting the NRA’s talking points – choosing the gun lobby over their own community.
- Undermining Democracy
- In the aftermath of January 6, voters have resoundingly rejected MAGA Republicans who denied the results of the election, especially in 2020 battleground states.
- Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, and Nikki Haley all campaigned for election deniers last fall including Kari Lake, Doug Mastriano, and Don Bolduc.
- While the Republicans will stake out deeply unpopular, extreme, MAGA losing positions on Wednesday, President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting for the American people’s priorities.
- To protect a woman’s right to choose nationwide.
- To take on the NRA and ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines so our kids are safe in schools.
- To protect Social Security and Medicare – which Americans have already paid into.
- And to defend our democracy and fight for our freedoms.
- They are running to finish the job and continue growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out, not top down – building on their work that is already lowering prescription drug costs and bringing back manufacturing from overseas.
- The president and vice president have made important progress but there is more work to do.
- That’s what is at stake in November of next year. And, tonight, the American people will see a stage full of people espousing a losing vision they disagree with, in contrast to a president who stands with them and fights for their families.
Please reach out with any questions--thank you!
Allison Janowski
Press Secretary
Democratic Party of Illinois
ajanowski@ildems.com
--
For Immediate Release
Friday, August 11, 2023
CONTACT:
Allison Janowski
press@ildems.com
Democratic Party of Illinois Statement on IL Supreme Court Ruling on Assault Weapons BanChicago, IL – Following the Illinois Supreme Court decision to uphold the Protect Illinois Communities Act, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement:
“Today, the Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Protect Illinois Communities Act, an important victory in the fight to end preventable and senseless gun violence. All Illinoisans deserve to live without fear of being gunned down at school, at parades, in houses of worship, or in any of our communities. Illinois Democrats are leading the way to make that a reality. It is essential that we keep these lethal weapons out of the wrong hands, and I thank Governor Pritzker, President Harmon, Speaker Welch, and Representative Morgan for their commitment to protecting the wellbeing of all Illinoisans. We will continue our work to protect our children, our communities, and our right to live in a world free from gun violence,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.
###
Illinois Democrats-
Help us fight back against Republican misinformation: Rampant misinformation about a recently signed bill allowing eligible non-citizens to apply to become police officers is making waves on social media and among conservative media outlets. National Republicans from Ron DeSantis to Lauren Boebert to Mary Miller have attempted to stoke division and fear through their inflammatory rhetoric about this common-sense bill.
We need your help uplifting the facts about this bill, which empowers permanent legal residents and DACA recipients to serve their communities while addressing shortages in local police departments. You can find posts to uplift to spread the word below.
Join DPI at the State Fair: We’re busy at DPI preparing for the IL State Fair. You can find our daily schedule of events in this calendar or on our Mobilize. We’d love to see you all at the DPI tent! And, I hope you’ll join us for our DPI Down-Ballot Hoedown on August 15 at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, joining DPI and several of our great down-ballot candidates ahead of Governor’s Day celebrations. RSVP here.
DNC Convention News: In other news, the DNC announced that Chicago native Minyon Moore will chair the 2024 Democratic National Convention! The DNC also announced Alex Hornbrook, Louisa Terrell, and Roger Lau will serve on the senior leadership team. We’re excited to work with these talented team members to welcome Democrats from across the nation to our great state.
As always, please reach out with any questions or content we can help you uplift.
Allison
Help us fight back against Republican misinformation:
Share this article:
Fact Check-Illinois bill only allows certain non-citizens to become police officers
Reshare these social media posts:
DPI | Twitter/Facebook/Instagram:
After passing the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, a new Illinois law will expand the pool of police officer candidates to allow legal permanent residents and DACA recipients to serve their communities.
Read the FACTS about HB3751 here:
https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-illinois-police-idUSL1N39O1J0
Democrats for the Illinois House | Twitter/Facebook/Instagram:
Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that will officially allow legally eligible new Americans to become police officers in the state of Illinois. Illinois now joins California, Colorado, and Utah in an effort to expand the pool of candidates police departments can consider. Thank you to Leader Barbara Hernandez for your work to push this legislation forward! #PoliceShortage
JB Pritzker | Twitter:
Every House member, including those who are now complaining about it, voted for this bill. It wasn’t until the Senate GOP started spreading lies that they changed their minds. Republicans know this bill is common sense—but they’d rather satisfy extremists than tell the truth.
Share this graphic:
You can find talking points on several issues in this folder. If you’d like help with messaging on any other topics, please send me an email!
Thanks!
Help us fight back against Republican misinformation: Rampant misinformation about a recently signed bill allowing eligible non-citizens to apply to become police officers is making waves on social media and among conservative media outlets. National Republicans from Ron DeSantis to Lauren Boebert to Mary Miller have attempted to stoke division and fear through their inflammatory rhetoric about this common-sense bill.
We need your help uplifting the facts about this bill, which empowers permanent legal residents and DACA recipients to serve their communities while addressing shortages in local police departments. You can find posts to uplift to spread the word below.
Join DPI at the State Fair: We’re busy at DPI preparing for the IL State Fair. You can find our daily schedule of events in this calendar or on our Mobilize. We’d love to see you all at the DPI tent! And, I hope you’ll join us for our DPI Down-Ballot Hoedown on August 15 at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, joining DPI and several of our great down-ballot candidates ahead of Governor’s Day celebrations. RSVP here.
DNC Convention News: In other news, the DNC announced that Chicago native Minyon Moore will chair the 2024 Democratic National Convention! The DNC also announced Alex Hornbrook, Louisa Terrell, and Roger Lau will serve on the senior leadership team. We’re excited to work with these talented team members to welcome Democrats from across the nation to our great state.
As always, please reach out with any questions or content we can help you uplift.
Allison
Help us fight back against Republican misinformation:
Share this article:
Fact Check-Illinois bill only allows certain non-citizens to become police officers
Reshare these social media posts:
DPI | Twitter/Facebook/Instagram:
After passing the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, a new Illinois law will expand the pool of police officer candidates to allow legal permanent residents and DACA recipients to serve their communities.
Read the FACTS about HB3751 here:
https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-illinois-police-idUSL1N39O1J0
Democrats for the Illinois House | Twitter/Facebook/Instagram:
Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that will officially allow legally eligible new Americans to become police officers in the state of Illinois. Illinois now joins California, Colorado, and Utah in an effort to expand the pool of candidates police departments can consider. Thank you to Leader Barbara Hernandez for your work to push this legislation forward! #PoliceShortage
JB Pritzker | Twitter:
Every House member, including those who are now complaining about it, voted for this bill. It wasn’t until the Senate GOP started spreading lies that they changed their minds. Republicans know this bill is common sense—but they’d rather satisfy extremists than tell the truth.
Share this graphic:
You can find talking points on several issues in this folder. If you’d like help with messaging on any other topics, please send me an email!
Thanks!
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
CONTACT:
Allison Janowski
press@ildems.com
Democratic Party of Illinois Statement on CHIPS and Science Act AnniversaryChicago, IL – Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement celebrating one year since President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law:
“One year since President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, domestic manufacturing is booming, jobs are coming back, and America’s economy is leading on the world stage. Despite Republicans including Mike Bost, Darin LaHood, and Mary Miller opposing the bipartisan legislation, President Biden and Democratic leadership are helping us supercharge our competitiveness with China, strengthen our supply chains, and invest in the industries of the future. That’s Bidenomics in action,” said Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez.
Here’s how President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act is investing in America and strengthening our economy:
● Bolstering American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing: The CHIPS and Science Act has unlocked $39 billion to encourage American leadership in the semiconductor manufacturing industry while creating tens of thousands of good-paying, union construction jobs and thousands more high-skilled manufacturing jobs — as well as catalyzing hundreds of billions in private investments.
● Encouraging regional economic growth and development: The CHIPS and Science Act has authorized $10 billion to invest in regional innovation and technology hubs across the country.
● Jumpstarting our investments in industries of the future: In addition to providing funding for semiconductor manufacturing incentives, the CHIPS and Science Act has provided an additional $13.2 billion in American semiconductor research, development, and workforce development — ensuring that Americans are well-equipped to work in the industries of tomorrow.
● Providing STEM opportunities to more of America to participate in good-paying skilled jobs: To ensure more people from all backgrounds across the country can benefit and participate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) job opportunities, the CHIPS and Science Act authorizes new and expanded education and training in STEM from K-12 to community college, undergraduate, and graduate education.
###
County Chairs,
I wanted to pass along some exciting news. The remaining members of the Class of 2023 Party Builder Honorees have been announced. All three of our honorees will be honored at the County Chairs' Brunch on Wednesday, August 16th at the BOS Center in Springfield.
Party Builder Honorees:
Charles “Totsie” Bailey – Former Business Manager, Steamfitters Local 439 & former Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council
Sara Dorner – President, Rockford United Labor, AFL-CIO
Billy Halstead – Former Chair, Peoria County Democratic Party
Our three honorees join Deborah Cosey Lane (ATU 308) & Mike Macellaio (Chicago & Cook County Building Trades Council) who were presented the Party Builder Award at our event in Chicago this past March.
There are several ways to honor and congratulate our honorees. A lot of County Parties are choosing to place an ad in our Ad Book to congratulate our honorees (https://ildccabrunch.org/ad-book/) or they are planning on attending the Brunch (https://ildccabrunch.org/attend-the-brunch/) to celebrate in person. Please give one or both options to show your support.
If you have any questions about the Brunch or need anything else, please let me know. Thanks!
--
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
I wanted to pass along some exciting news. The remaining members of the Class of 2023 Party Builder Honorees have been announced. All three of our honorees will be honored at the County Chairs' Brunch on Wednesday, August 16th at the BOS Center in Springfield.
Party Builder Honorees:
Charles “Totsie” Bailey – Former Business Manager, Steamfitters Local 439 & former Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council
Sara Dorner – President, Rockford United Labor, AFL-CIO
Billy Halstead – Former Chair, Peoria County Democratic Party
Our three honorees join Deborah Cosey Lane (ATU 308) & Mike Macellaio (Chicago & Cook County Building Trades Council) who were presented the Party Builder Award at our event in Chicago this past March.
There are several ways to honor and congratulate our honorees. A lot of County Parties are choosing to place an ad in our Ad Book to congratulate our honorees (https://ildccabrunch.org/ad-book/) or they are planning on attending the Brunch (https://ildccabrunch.org/attend-the-brunch/) to celebrate in person. Please give one or both options to show your support.
If you have any questions about the Brunch or need anything else, please let me know. Thanks!
--
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
JUNE 19, 2023 LEGISLATIVE
House Leadership Transitions: Speaker Welch announced Natalie Manley as the new Deputy Majority Leader and Camille Lilly was appointed Assistant Majority Leader. Both positions were available following Mary Flowers' removal from leadership.
Resignation: Senator Christine Pacione-Zayas officially resigned her seat to take a position as Deputy Mayor for the City of Chicago. The local committee has 30 days to fill the vacancy.
Legislation: The Governor approved the following bills this week:
JUDICIAL
IL Supreme Court Opinions: The Supreme Court issued four opinions this week, three related to criminal issues and one civil. The issue in one opinion may find its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In People v. Sneed, the issue presented is whether compelling defendant to produce the passcode to his cell phone implicates the fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Law enforcement tried to compel the individual to turn over his password, and the circuit court denied the motion to compel based on the fifth amendment; the appellate court reversed, siding with the State that it was not a violation of the fifth amendment. There were many amicus briefs filed, including by several states facing similar questions. In a lengthy opinion that includes fascinating historical context, the Supreme Court ultimately concludes the foregone conclusion doctrine applies to compelling production of cell phone passcodes, which means its an exception to the fifth amendment privilege and law enforcement can compel a person to provide a passcode for their phone.
Associate Judges Retained: The Administrative Office of the Courts announced the retention of 396 of 400 associate judges who requested reappointment. All but four associate judges received more than 3/5 vote of circuit judges. Associate judges are appointed based on a vote by the circuit judges. The new term for these associates will be July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. More here.
Status of Assault Weapon Bans: The Center for Illinois Politics has an overview of the current status of the assault weapon ban, the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which became law on January 10th. The law has been challenged in four separate cases in Illinois, and the Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments in May. On the federal level, there are three separate cases. An unsuccessful challenge was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the seventh circuit’s decision to not suspend the law. Arguments on the merits of the law before the Seventh Circuit are scheduled for the end of June. More here.
EXECUTIVE
Changes to Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants: The Department of Healthcare & Family Services issued an advisory announcing changes to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs. Enrollment in HBIA, which covers eligible residents ages 42 to 64, will be paused beginning July 1, 2023. Enrollment in the HBIS program will be paused if the number of individuals enrolled in the program reaches 16,500. Both programs will adopt co-pays for hospital services. The changes are intended to bring program costs within the budgeted amount for State Fiscal Year 2024, which begins July 1. More here, here, and here.
End of Grocery Tax Freeze: The yearlong suspension of Illinois’ 1% tax on groceries ends July 1. The Illinois Department of Revenue estimates consumers saved about $185 million between July 2022 and March 2023. The full effect of the tax break won't be known until September, when June's tax receipts are finalized. More here and here.
Commission on Workforce Equity and Access Report: The Commission released its report with recommendations to improve the state's workforce ecosystem centered around issues of equity and structural barriers to access. The report was funded by Steans Family Foundation and Workforce Funders Alliance. Afton Partners, C-Change Strategies, and MDRC aided in the facilitation of the Commission’s work. The report is here.
Anti-Homelessness Initiative: Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and members of the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, hosted the inaugural Home Illinois Summit at Malcolm X College. The summit served as a launch for major next steps in the Home Illinois plan, a multi-year holistic approach to expand affordable housing options, target individuals in high-risk situations (including homeless college students and those leaving medical care), and provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness. The plan also focuses on bolstering the safety net, securing financial stability for clients, and closing the mortality gap all through the lens of racial equity with the goal of correcting the racial disparity among unhoused individuals. The FY24 budget commits nearly $360M for the initiative, including $118M to support unhoused populations seeking shelter and services, $37M to create more than 460 non-congregate shelter unit. More here.
EPA Sharps Program: Illinois EPA Announces Notice of Funding Opportunity for Residential Sharps Collection Program: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is providing grants to units of local government to conduct household sharps collections for residents. Sharps, include needles, syringes, and lancets, collected from private citizens. Through the grant program, Illinois EPA will reimburse grantees that operate a sharps collection station for collection and disposal costs they incur. Each unit of local government is eligible for the actual costs of sharps collection and disposal, up to $35,000. Applications for the Residential Sharps Collection Program will be accepted June 13, 2023 through July 28, 2023. More here.
DCEO Energy Transition Navigators Program: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $6M in funding for the Energy Transition Navigators Program as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The program will establish a network of community-based providers across the state offering community education, outreach, and recruitment services to encourage priority populations to participate in CEJA clean energy workforce and contractor development programs. In coordination with local workforce teams, Navigator Teams will engage with local employers, industry leaders, and unions to identify the skill and hiring needs, while the DCEO will make awards to serve the 13 regional workforce hubs of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, as outlined in statute, including Chicago (South Side, Southwest Side and West Side), Waukegan, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Peoria, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton. Qualified entities can apply for grants between $250,000 to $600,000 annually. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. More here.
EPA Awards VW Funds for EV Charging: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency awarded $12.6M to 10 companies to build 87 new public plug-in stations that will have 387 fast-charging ports. The initial wave of chargers announced by the Illinois EPA is being paid for by part of the state’s share of a nationwide settlement with Volkswagen. The biggest winner in the first round of grants is Universal EV, which hasn't built charging stations in Illinois but has done work with various hotels. More here.
Statewide Partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: State officials announced Illinois’ partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The FY24 budget included $1.6M to the program, which includes a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter a family’s income. Numerous studies have found that the first five years of life are critical for young children, with around 90% of brain developing occurring during that time. Through the Imagination Library Program, children have seen a 29% increase in kindergarten readiness.
Illinois Gaming Board Activity: The Gaming Board met on June 15th and granted more than 460 new gaming licenses and related approvals. The actions include issuing a sports wagering license to the Waukegan casino and approving the temporary casino in Chicago. The Gaming Board approved the temporary casino located at the historic Medinah Temple in River North, and Bally's could have it open later this summer. Bally’s chairman Soo Kim said the layout at the temporary site is close to done and that Bally’s is aiming to open its doors in six to eight weeks. More here. The Board also approved a settlement with Accel Entertainment Gaming, LLC to fully resolve a pending 2020 disciplinary complaint, resulting in a total payment of $1.125M and a commitment to enhanced compliance training, monitoring and reporting requirements.
IGB Sports Betting Revenue: The Illinois Gaming Board reported more than $89.5M in adjusted gross sports wagering revenue for the month of April. The state received $13.4 million in taxes, while Cook County received just over $1 million in levies. Illinois has generated some $52.7 million in state taxes from sports wagering thus far in 2023, more than $17.7 million ahead of last year’s pace.Illinois is one of the leading states for sport betting. More here.
OTHER ITEMS
Why So Many Units of Local Government?: WTTW set out to explain why Illinois has the most units of local government in the country, with nearly 9,000 if you include the general political subdivisions (cities, counties, townships), special districts (such as airports, museums, roads and bridges, water reclamation), and school districts. and school districts. More here.
Increased Abortion Patients: The number of patients seeking abortions from Planned Parenthood of Illinois increased 54% since last June, and the number of out-of-state patients increased from 7% to 25%. Since last June, Planned Parenthood of Illinois provided more than $1.5M in financial support to patients seeking abortions, with the average amount of need increasing from $250 to $500. More here.
AMA Meeting in Chicago: AMA President Dr. Jack Resneck, Jr., said at the AMA House of Delegates meeting in Chicago that he's appalled by recent physician pay cuts from Medicare. Resneck has been a supporter of legislation that would tie the Medicare physician payment schedule to the Medicare Economic Index. He also emphasized the fact that doctors are also facing political forces that are taking medical decisions away from patients and physicians in the areas of abortion and transgender care for adolescents, while there is a lack of legislative progress in addressing firearm violence. Resneck will be replaced as president as of Tuesday by Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld. He will be the AMA's first openly gay president. During the meeting, AMA delegates will discuss proposals regarding artificial intelligence, including studying how A.I. heightens the impact of public health misinformation, cyber-libel and slander and misrepresentation of physicians. More here.
Medicaid Enrollment Issues: CMS rolls out new flexibilities that aim to avert procedural coverage losses in Medicaid: Federal CMS announced new safeguards to prevent procedural coverage losses as states work through a backlog of Medicaid eligibility determinations. The goal is that managed care plans will take on more of the burden to assist members in completing renewals. Pharmacies and community-based organizations have been authorized to assist in getting coverage reinstated for people who are still eligible but lost coverage for procedural reasons. Additionally, states can delay dis enrollment for another month to allow greater time to finish necessary paperwork. More here.
Medicare Overpayments: A new analysis alleges overpayments to insurers administering Medicare Advantage plans now exceed $75B a year due to aggressive coding of patients' health conditions and easily-achieved bonus payments. Researchers said the excess amounts are higher than previously recognized because beneficiaries that flock to private Medicare plans have significantly lower expenditures than those with similar risk factors who remain in traditional Medicare. The analysis found those beneficiaries who switched to Medicare Advantage plans have lower spending than those with similar health risks who remain in traditional Medicare. To rectify this, the researchers suggested overhauling the current payment approach and instituting competitive bidding by Medicare Advantage plans to determine what insurers are paid. More here.
Mental Health Service Shortage: The pandemic exacerbated a growing behavioral and mental health crisis in the U.S., but despite increased awareness and more technology to assist with access issues, there continues to be a shortage of behavioral and mental health providers. Demand for and prescription use and talk therapy has grown, and demand grew faster than the national average in nine of the 10 largest metropolitan areas. More here.
Chicago Parking Meters Revenues: With 60 years left on the 75-year lease, Chicago Parking Meters LLC now has recouped its entire $1.16B investment plus $530M. Even though Chicago Parking Meters LLC lost a third of its annual revenue in 2020, the system still generated enough money that year to spin off a $13M distribution to investors $28.7 million in 2022. The 75-year-lease requires the city to reimburse investors for every parking space taken out of service when streets are closed for special events, sewer repairs and other construction projects or to alllow restaurants and bars to serve more customers outdoors. In 2022, there was no such compensation, in fact thew city received a $1.02M credit, apparently because new meters added to the system more than offset the number of meters taken out of service. More here.
Lion Electric In Joliet: The Lion Electric factory, located in Joliet, is surrounded by other manufacturing facilities. It's an unlikely place for zero-emission manufacturing to flourish, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker helped secure the plant with $7.9M in incentives. Pritzker convinced the Canadian company that electricity in Illinois is not just cheap, reliable and abundant, but on its way to being carbon-free by 2050. Clean energy was a big plus for Lion Electric, which brings the prospect of 1,400 jobs and the first new vehicle assembly plant to metropolitan Chicago since 1965. The facility will hold its official ribbon-cutting in Joliet on July 21. More here.
Former Governor Rauner Portrait Hanging: Former Governor Rauner returned from Florida to unveil his official gubernatorial portrait, which is now hanging on the second floor of the Capitol. More here.
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Dan Kovats
Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association
House Leadership Transitions: Speaker Welch announced Natalie Manley as the new Deputy Majority Leader and Camille Lilly was appointed Assistant Majority Leader. Both positions were available following Mary Flowers' removal from leadership.
Resignation: Senator Christine Pacione-Zayas officially resigned her seat to take a position as Deputy Mayor for the City of Chicago. The local committee has 30 days to fill the vacancy.
Legislation: The Governor approved the following bills this week:
- Allows first responders to use drones for large events (HB3902); more here.
- Medicaid omnibus bill (SB1298), which makes various changes including (i) grants emergency rulemaking authority to HFS related to the healthcare programs for undocumented immigrants ineligible for Medicaid; (ii) increases provider rates for hospitals, doctors, supportive living dementia care, substance use disorder treatment, FQHCs, nursing services for medically fragile and technology dependent children, therapies (occupational, physical, and speech), ground and air ambulance, adult day services, medically complex and developmentally disabled individuals, and long-acting reversible contraceptives; (iii) provides $17/hour wage for homecare workers in the Community Care Program; and (iv) gives IDFPR ability to license international medical graduates.
- Prohibits library boards from banning books and receiving funding if they violate the prohibition (HB2789); more here.
JUDICIAL
IL Supreme Court Opinions: The Supreme Court issued four opinions this week, three related to criminal issues and one civil. The issue in one opinion may find its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In People v. Sneed, the issue presented is whether compelling defendant to produce the passcode to his cell phone implicates the fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Law enforcement tried to compel the individual to turn over his password, and the circuit court denied the motion to compel based on the fifth amendment; the appellate court reversed, siding with the State that it was not a violation of the fifth amendment. There were many amicus briefs filed, including by several states facing similar questions. In a lengthy opinion that includes fascinating historical context, the Supreme Court ultimately concludes the foregone conclusion doctrine applies to compelling production of cell phone passcodes, which means its an exception to the fifth amendment privilege and law enforcement can compel a person to provide a passcode for their phone.
Associate Judges Retained: The Administrative Office of the Courts announced the retention of 396 of 400 associate judges who requested reappointment. All but four associate judges received more than 3/5 vote of circuit judges. Associate judges are appointed based on a vote by the circuit judges. The new term for these associates will be July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. More here.
Status of Assault Weapon Bans: The Center for Illinois Politics has an overview of the current status of the assault weapon ban, the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which became law on January 10th. The law has been challenged in four separate cases in Illinois, and the Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments in May. On the federal level, there are three separate cases. An unsuccessful challenge was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the seventh circuit’s decision to not suspend the law. Arguments on the merits of the law before the Seventh Circuit are scheduled for the end of June. More here.
EXECUTIVE
Changes to Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants: The Department of Healthcare & Family Services issued an advisory announcing changes to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) programs. Enrollment in HBIA, which covers eligible residents ages 42 to 64, will be paused beginning July 1, 2023. Enrollment in the HBIS program will be paused if the number of individuals enrolled in the program reaches 16,500. Both programs will adopt co-pays for hospital services. The changes are intended to bring program costs within the budgeted amount for State Fiscal Year 2024, which begins July 1. More here, here, and here.
End of Grocery Tax Freeze: The yearlong suspension of Illinois’ 1% tax on groceries ends July 1. The Illinois Department of Revenue estimates consumers saved about $185 million between July 2022 and March 2023. The full effect of the tax break won't be known until September, when June's tax receipts are finalized. More here and here.
Commission on Workforce Equity and Access Report: The Commission released its report with recommendations to improve the state's workforce ecosystem centered around issues of equity and structural barriers to access. The report was funded by Steans Family Foundation and Workforce Funders Alliance. Afton Partners, C-Change Strategies, and MDRC aided in the facilitation of the Commission’s work. The report is here.
Anti-Homelessness Initiative: Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and members of the Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, hosted the inaugural Home Illinois Summit at Malcolm X College. The summit served as a launch for major next steps in the Home Illinois plan, a multi-year holistic approach to expand affordable housing options, target individuals in high-risk situations (including homeless college students and those leaving medical care), and provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness. The plan also focuses on bolstering the safety net, securing financial stability for clients, and closing the mortality gap all through the lens of racial equity with the goal of correcting the racial disparity among unhoused individuals. The FY24 budget commits nearly $360M for the initiative, including $118M to support unhoused populations seeking shelter and services, $37M to create more than 460 non-congregate shelter unit. More here.
EPA Sharps Program: Illinois EPA Announces Notice of Funding Opportunity for Residential Sharps Collection Program: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is providing grants to units of local government to conduct household sharps collections for residents. Sharps, include needles, syringes, and lancets, collected from private citizens. Through the grant program, Illinois EPA will reimburse grantees that operate a sharps collection station for collection and disposal costs they incur. Each unit of local government is eligible for the actual costs of sharps collection and disposal, up to $35,000. Applications for the Residential Sharps Collection Program will be accepted June 13, 2023 through July 28, 2023. More here.
DCEO Energy Transition Navigators Program: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $6M in funding for the Energy Transition Navigators Program as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The program will establish a network of community-based providers across the state offering community education, outreach, and recruitment services to encourage priority populations to participate in CEJA clean energy workforce and contractor development programs. In coordination with local workforce teams, Navigator Teams will engage with local employers, industry leaders, and unions to identify the skill and hiring needs, while the DCEO will make awards to serve the 13 regional workforce hubs of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, as outlined in statute, including Chicago (South Side, Southwest Side and West Side), Waukegan, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Peoria, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton. Qualified entities can apply for grants between $250,000 to $600,000 annually. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. More here.
EPA Awards VW Funds for EV Charging: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency awarded $12.6M to 10 companies to build 87 new public plug-in stations that will have 387 fast-charging ports. The initial wave of chargers announced by the Illinois EPA is being paid for by part of the state’s share of a nationwide settlement with Volkswagen. The biggest winner in the first round of grants is Universal EV, which hasn't built charging stations in Illinois but has done work with various hotels. More here.
Statewide Partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: State officials announced Illinois’ partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The FY24 budget included $1.6M to the program, which includes a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter a family’s income. Numerous studies have found that the first five years of life are critical for young children, with around 90% of brain developing occurring during that time. Through the Imagination Library Program, children have seen a 29% increase in kindergarten readiness.
Illinois Gaming Board Activity: The Gaming Board met on June 15th and granted more than 460 new gaming licenses and related approvals. The actions include issuing a sports wagering license to the Waukegan casino and approving the temporary casino in Chicago. The Gaming Board approved the temporary casino located at the historic Medinah Temple in River North, and Bally's could have it open later this summer. Bally’s chairman Soo Kim said the layout at the temporary site is close to done and that Bally’s is aiming to open its doors in six to eight weeks. More here. The Board also approved a settlement with Accel Entertainment Gaming, LLC to fully resolve a pending 2020 disciplinary complaint, resulting in a total payment of $1.125M and a commitment to enhanced compliance training, monitoring and reporting requirements.
IGB Sports Betting Revenue: The Illinois Gaming Board reported more than $89.5M in adjusted gross sports wagering revenue for the month of April. The state received $13.4 million in taxes, while Cook County received just over $1 million in levies. Illinois has generated some $52.7 million in state taxes from sports wagering thus far in 2023, more than $17.7 million ahead of last year’s pace.Illinois is one of the leading states for sport betting. More here.
OTHER ITEMS
Why So Many Units of Local Government?: WTTW set out to explain why Illinois has the most units of local government in the country, with nearly 9,000 if you include the general political subdivisions (cities, counties, townships), special districts (such as airports, museums, roads and bridges, water reclamation), and school districts. and school districts. More here.
Increased Abortion Patients: The number of patients seeking abortions from Planned Parenthood of Illinois increased 54% since last June, and the number of out-of-state patients increased from 7% to 25%. Since last June, Planned Parenthood of Illinois provided more than $1.5M in financial support to patients seeking abortions, with the average amount of need increasing from $250 to $500. More here.
AMA Meeting in Chicago: AMA President Dr. Jack Resneck, Jr., said at the AMA House of Delegates meeting in Chicago that he's appalled by recent physician pay cuts from Medicare. Resneck has been a supporter of legislation that would tie the Medicare physician payment schedule to the Medicare Economic Index. He also emphasized the fact that doctors are also facing political forces that are taking medical decisions away from patients and physicians in the areas of abortion and transgender care for adolescents, while there is a lack of legislative progress in addressing firearm violence. Resneck will be replaced as president as of Tuesday by Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld. He will be the AMA's first openly gay president. During the meeting, AMA delegates will discuss proposals regarding artificial intelligence, including studying how A.I. heightens the impact of public health misinformation, cyber-libel and slander and misrepresentation of physicians. More here.
Medicaid Enrollment Issues: CMS rolls out new flexibilities that aim to avert procedural coverage losses in Medicaid: Federal CMS announced new safeguards to prevent procedural coverage losses as states work through a backlog of Medicaid eligibility determinations. The goal is that managed care plans will take on more of the burden to assist members in completing renewals. Pharmacies and community-based organizations have been authorized to assist in getting coverage reinstated for people who are still eligible but lost coverage for procedural reasons. Additionally, states can delay dis enrollment for another month to allow greater time to finish necessary paperwork. More here.
Medicare Overpayments: A new analysis alleges overpayments to insurers administering Medicare Advantage plans now exceed $75B a year due to aggressive coding of patients' health conditions and easily-achieved bonus payments. Researchers said the excess amounts are higher than previously recognized because beneficiaries that flock to private Medicare plans have significantly lower expenditures than those with similar risk factors who remain in traditional Medicare. The analysis found those beneficiaries who switched to Medicare Advantage plans have lower spending than those with similar health risks who remain in traditional Medicare. To rectify this, the researchers suggested overhauling the current payment approach and instituting competitive bidding by Medicare Advantage plans to determine what insurers are paid. More here.
Mental Health Service Shortage: The pandemic exacerbated a growing behavioral and mental health crisis in the U.S., but despite increased awareness and more technology to assist with access issues, there continues to be a shortage of behavioral and mental health providers. Demand for and prescription use and talk therapy has grown, and demand grew faster than the national average in nine of the 10 largest metropolitan areas. More here.
Chicago Parking Meters Revenues: With 60 years left on the 75-year lease, Chicago Parking Meters LLC now has recouped its entire $1.16B investment plus $530M. Even though Chicago Parking Meters LLC lost a third of its annual revenue in 2020, the system still generated enough money that year to spin off a $13M distribution to investors $28.7 million in 2022. The 75-year-lease requires the city to reimburse investors for every parking space taken out of service when streets are closed for special events, sewer repairs and other construction projects or to alllow restaurants and bars to serve more customers outdoors. In 2022, there was no such compensation, in fact thew city received a $1.02M credit, apparently because new meters added to the system more than offset the number of meters taken out of service. More here.
Lion Electric In Joliet: The Lion Electric factory, located in Joliet, is surrounded by other manufacturing facilities. It's an unlikely place for zero-emission manufacturing to flourish, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker helped secure the plant with $7.9M in incentives. Pritzker convinced the Canadian company that electricity in Illinois is not just cheap, reliable and abundant, but on its way to being carbon-free by 2050. Clean energy was a big plus for Lion Electric, which brings the prospect of 1,400 jobs and the first new vehicle assembly plant to metropolitan Chicago since 1965. The facility will hold its official ribbon-cutting in Joliet on July 21. More here.
Former Governor Rauner Portrait Hanging: Former Governor Rauner returned from Florida to unveil his official gubernatorial portrait, which is now hanging on the second floor of the Capitol. More here.
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Dan Kovats
Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association
Hello Illinois Democrats!
Welcome to the Democratic Party of Illinois’ first monthly newsletter! Each month, you’ll receive updates on events, news, operations, and more that we’re working on at DPI. I’m so excited get to work alongside each of you as we prepare to elect Democrats up and down the ballot next year and welcome thousands of Democrats to Chicago for the 2024 DNC Convention
It’s been a busy month for us all–when I wasn’t at work in Springfield, I was excited to be out across Illinois meeting many of you. I kicked off the month in Rock Island County, celebrating Cinco de Mayo with their Democratic Hispanic Caucus; we gathered with strong women at Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch; and I was honored to speak alongside Congresswoman Nikki Budzinzki and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler at the Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Training Academy’s Spring Fundraiser.
I also kicked off Pride Month with Speaker Welch, and hope to celebrate together at Chicago Pride later this month! You can sign up to walk with us at the parade here.
It’s been so exciting to get to meet Democrats at all of these events and share some of the great work our team has been doing at DPI. Back in April, we wrapped up a successful program to prevent extremists from gaining seats on school boards across the state. This month, we welcomed several new team members to DPI who are hard at work creating and implementing new ideas to elect Democrats at every level of government. And in Springfield, Illinois Democrats adjourned a successful spring legislative session where they passed legislation to further protect reproductive rights, make education accessible and inclusive, and make health care affordable to all.
At DPI, we’ve welcomed several new team members who are onboarded and ready to get to work with each of you. You’ll find updates from each of our teams in this newsletter every month.
I’ll be on the road this summer, meeting Democrats in every corner of Illinois, and I hope to see each of you along the way!
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment,
Lisa Hernandez
Chair, Democratic Party of Illinois
Welcome to the Democratic Party of Illinois’ first monthly newsletter! Each month, you’ll receive updates on events, news, operations, and more that we’re working on at DPI. I’m so excited get to work alongside each of you as we prepare to elect Democrats up and down the ballot next year and welcome thousands of Democrats to Chicago for the 2024 DNC Convention
It’s been a busy month for us all–when I wasn’t at work in Springfield, I was excited to be out across Illinois meeting many of you. I kicked off the month in Rock Island County, celebrating Cinco de Mayo with their Democratic Hispanic Caucus; we gathered with strong women at Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch; and I was honored to speak alongside Congresswoman Nikki Budzinzki and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler at the Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Training Academy’s Spring Fundraiser.
I also kicked off Pride Month with Speaker Welch, and hope to celebrate together at Chicago Pride later this month! You can sign up to walk with us at the parade here.
It’s been so exciting to get to meet Democrats at all of these events and share some of the great work our team has been doing at DPI. Back in April, we wrapped up a successful program to prevent extremists from gaining seats on school boards across the state. This month, we welcomed several new team members to DPI who are hard at work creating and implementing new ideas to elect Democrats at every level of government. And in Springfield, Illinois Democrats adjourned a successful spring legislative session where they passed legislation to further protect reproductive rights, make education accessible and inclusive, and make health care affordable to all.
At DPI, we’ve welcomed several new team members who are onboarded and ready to get to work with each of you. You’ll find updates from each of our teams in this newsletter every month.
I’ll be on the road this summer, meeting Democrats in every corner of Illinois, and I hope to see each of you along the way!
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment,
Lisa Hernandez
Chair, Democratic Party of Illinois
JUNE 4, 2023 LEGISLATIVE
Veto Session Schedule: Veto session will be held October 24 - 26 and November 7-9.
Legislation: More than 560 bills will be sent to the Governor over the next few weeks. The legislature has 30 days after passage to present a bill to the Governor, and the Governor has 60 days after receiving the bill to sign, veto, or amendatorily veto. This week the Governor took action on the following bills:
Supreme Court Opinion: The Supreme Court released an opinion in People v. Pinkett.
Fee Waiver & Remote Hearing Rule Changes: The Illinois Supreme Court announced amendments to Supreme Court Rules related to the application and filing process of waivers of court fees and assessments. The changes establish uniform and consistent procedures across the state for fee waivers and when remote hearings can be conducted in civil and criminal proceedings. The changes make permanent several measures adopted during the pandemic. More here.
HUD and Chicago Housing Authority Sued: A lawsuit was filed challenging the decision by the Chicago Housing Authority over land leased to the Chicago Fire soccer club. The deal has been mired in controversy from its inception, with the lawsuit being the latest effort to stop the Chicago Fire from building a new training facility on 23 acres of CHA land. More here.
TikTok Wants Trial In Illinois: TikTok is being sued over data privacy and the company wants the case tried in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where a judge previously approved a $92M class-action settlement that sent $167 checks to users in 2022. More here.
EXECUTIVE
Gov Pritzker Appoints Secretary of DOIT: Gov Pritzker appointed Sanjay Gupta as Secretary of Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). Gupta is a national tech leader with private and public sector experience, including running the federal government's pandemic aid portals for small businesses and serving as a board member of the federal Technology Modernization Fund. More here.
Comptroller Fiscal Focus: Comptroller Mendoza released a new Fiscal Focus here.
IDOT Hearing on Expansion of I-55 and I-72 Near Springfield: IDOT will hold a hearing on Tuesday, June 13 in Springfield to present the designs for the proposed expansion of I-55 and I-72 near Springfield. The project makes improvements to I-55 from north of Sangamon Avenue to the Williamsville weigh station, which will result in 3 lanes in each direction between Lincoln and Springfield. The project, estimated to cost more than $800M, is funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program.
IHDA Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative: The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is launching a $5M Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen) to expand the talent pipeline and increase diversity within the housing development field and related industries. The grant award will be made to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), who will use the funds to provide capital, training, and technical assistance that will expand access to housing resources administered by the state, with a focus on reducing barriers to entry for developers of color in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. More here.
Treasurer Frerichs Claps Back: Jim Day recently opined on Treasurer Frerichs decision to move from central Illinois to Chicago - the town where his wife works and where he has an office - claiming the move was poliitcal. Frerichs responded to the article by pointing out that he's been elected statewide three times as a downstater, and this decision is what's best for his family. His wife, Erica Frerichs, is a successful corporate executive and is pregnant with the couple's twins. More here.
ISBE Alleges CPS Violations: Chicago Public Schools has repeatedly violated state law over the use of physical restraints of students, failed to train its staff properly and continued the practice despite multiple directives this school year from the Illinois State Board of Education to stop. More here.
OTHER ITEMS
Todd Maisch: Todd Maisch passed away. Maisch was a husband, father, and leader of the Chamber of Commerce. He roamed the halls of the State Capitol for nearly 30 years and had an incredible impact on the legislative priorities of businesses throughout the state. More here.
White House Picks Chicago for Homelessness Program: The White House has selected 6 locations for a two-year partnership aimed at reducing homelessness nationally by 25% by 2025. The “ALL INside” program will operate in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and the state of California. In Chicago, the program will involve the existing interagency task force to reduce homelessness, the Department of Family & Support Services and All Chicago Making Homelessness History. More here.
Chicago Pension Issues: Mayor Johnson tasked his finance team and local legislators with finding long-term funding solution for the city's $33.7B of pension liabilities. While all four city employee pension funds saw some improvement in their funded ratios in 2021, they remain low with the firefighters' fund just 20.93% funded, the police fund at 23.54%, the municipal fund at 23.41% funded, and the laborers' at 45.92%. More here.
Tourists Flock to Chicago: Choose Chicago announced that visitation to the city during 2022 was up 60% from 2021, as nearly 49M visitors returned following the pandemic. Business travel has been slower to come back than the leisure set as virtual meetings have replaced a segment of travel that used to fill many downtown hotel rooms midweek. More here.
Chicago Urban League Report: The 2023 “State of Black Chicago” report by the Chicago Urban League highlights significant disparities in the educational, economic and health outcomes between Black and white residents in the city. The report predicts local businesses will close, public schools in Black neighborhoods will continue to underperform and Black residents will be pushed out of their neighborhoods if inequity isn’t addressed. Chicago lost approximately 85K Black residents as many Black families relocated to the suburbs or even farther. More here.
Medicaid Purge Begins: Nationwide more than 600K Americans have lost Medicaid coverage since April 1, and a vast majority were removed from state rolls for not completing paperwork. States are now combing through rolls and deciding who stays and who goes. More here.
Rural Communities Push Back On Negative Narrative: Those focused on economic development are working to change the narrative about small towns by showcasing the many benefits of rural living. Earlier this year the University of Illinois held a series of webinars to arm leaders of rural communities with positive data, including the fact that many small towns are finding themselves in demand. Despite some of the positive trends, a vast majority of rural counties and towns have lost population over the past decade. More here.
Covid Economy: For the past three years, low-income workers have made historic gains in wages due to series of dramatic changes in the structure of the labor market and government policies to aid the economy during the pandemic. For the first time, the lowest tier of earners saw their pay grow nearly 6 percent from 2020 to 2022. The concern is whether these gains will continue given the mild recession projected for sometime later this year. More here.
Cannabis Companies Losses: Two dozen of the top publicly traded marijuana companies in the United States posted a cumulative financial loss of more than $4B in 2022 against nearly $9B in revenue. Only three companies (Green Thumb Industries, MariMed, and Vext Science) posted profits totaling $36.5M, and the other 21 companies posted a cumulative $4.1B in losses. More here.
Cook County Eviction Program: The Early Resolution Program to provide legal and financial support to landlords and tenants behind on their rent has dramatically slowed down the eviction process, but has also come under scrutiny. The city recently put its rental assistance program on hold, and federal funds for rental assistance will likely run out by the end of summer in Cook County and by April 2024 in Chicago. More here.
EPA Fund to Replace Pipes: Even though Illinois has more lead pipes than Florida, Florida received the largest part of the pop of federal dollars. More here.
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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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Belinda J. Carr,
Veto Session Schedule: Veto session will be held October 24 - 26 and November 7-9.
Legislation: More than 560 bills will be sent to the Governor over the next few weeks. The legislature has 30 days after passage to present a bill to the Governor, and the Governor has 60 days after receiving the bill to sign, veto, or amendatorily veto. This week the Governor took action on the following bills:
- SB89: Extends the sunset dates in various provisions, including use of design build, collegiate sports wagering (extended to July 1, 2024) cocktails-to-go (extended to August 1, 2028), and certain court fees.
- HB2800: Allows specific quick-take proceedings in Menard and McHenry counties.
Supreme Court Opinion: The Supreme Court released an opinion in People v. Pinkett.
Fee Waiver & Remote Hearing Rule Changes: The Illinois Supreme Court announced amendments to Supreme Court Rules related to the application and filing process of waivers of court fees and assessments. The changes establish uniform and consistent procedures across the state for fee waivers and when remote hearings can be conducted in civil and criminal proceedings. The changes make permanent several measures adopted during the pandemic. More here.
HUD and Chicago Housing Authority Sued: A lawsuit was filed challenging the decision by the Chicago Housing Authority over land leased to the Chicago Fire soccer club. The deal has been mired in controversy from its inception, with the lawsuit being the latest effort to stop the Chicago Fire from building a new training facility on 23 acres of CHA land. More here.
TikTok Wants Trial In Illinois: TikTok is being sued over data privacy and the company wants the case tried in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where a judge previously approved a $92M class-action settlement that sent $167 checks to users in 2022. More here.
EXECUTIVE
Gov Pritzker Appoints Secretary of DOIT: Gov Pritzker appointed Sanjay Gupta as Secretary of Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). Gupta is a national tech leader with private and public sector experience, including running the federal government's pandemic aid portals for small businesses and serving as a board member of the federal Technology Modernization Fund. More here.
Comptroller Fiscal Focus: Comptroller Mendoza released a new Fiscal Focus here.
IDOT Hearing on Expansion of I-55 and I-72 Near Springfield: IDOT will hold a hearing on Tuesday, June 13 in Springfield to present the designs for the proposed expansion of I-55 and I-72 near Springfield. The project makes improvements to I-55 from north of Sangamon Avenue to the Williamsville weigh station, which will result in 3 lanes in each direction between Lincoln and Springfield. The project, estimated to cost more than $800M, is funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program.
IHDA Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative: The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is launching a $5M Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen) to expand the talent pipeline and increase diversity within the housing development field and related industries. The grant award will be made to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), who will use the funds to provide capital, training, and technical assistance that will expand access to housing resources administered by the state, with a focus on reducing barriers to entry for developers of color in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. More here.
Treasurer Frerichs Claps Back: Jim Day recently opined on Treasurer Frerichs decision to move from central Illinois to Chicago - the town where his wife works and where he has an office - claiming the move was poliitcal. Frerichs responded to the article by pointing out that he's been elected statewide three times as a downstater, and this decision is what's best for his family. His wife, Erica Frerichs, is a successful corporate executive and is pregnant with the couple's twins. More here.
ISBE Alleges CPS Violations: Chicago Public Schools has repeatedly violated state law over the use of physical restraints of students, failed to train its staff properly and continued the practice despite multiple directives this school year from the Illinois State Board of Education to stop. More here.
OTHER ITEMS
Todd Maisch: Todd Maisch passed away. Maisch was a husband, father, and leader of the Chamber of Commerce. He roamed the halls of the State Capitol for nearly 30 years and had an incredible impact on the legislative priorities of businesses throughout the state. More here.
White House Picks Chicago for Homelessness Program: The White House has selected 6 locations for a two-year partnership aimed at reducing homelessness nationally by 25% by 2025. The “ALL INside” program will operate in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and the state of California. In Chicago, the program will involve the existing interagency task force to reduce homelessness, the Department of Family & Support Services and All Chicago Making Homelessness History. More here.
Chicago Pension Issues: Mayor Johnson tasked his finance team and local legislators with finding long-term funding solution for the city's $33.7B of pension liabilities. While all four city employee pension funds saw some improvement in their funded ratios in 2021, they remain low with the firefighters' fund just 20.93% funded, the police fund at 23.54%, the municipal fund at 23.41% funded, and the laborers' at 45.92%. More here.
Tourists Flock to Chicago: Choose Chicago announced that visitation to the city during 2022 was up 60% from 2021, as nearly 49M visitors returned following the pandemic. Business travel has been slower to come back than the leisure set as virtual meetings have replaced a segment of travel that used to fill many downtown hotel rooms midweek. More here.
Chicago Urban League Report: The 2023 “State of Black Chicago” report by the Chicago Urban League highlights significant disparities in the educational, economic and health outcomes between Black and white residents in the city. The report predicts local businesses will close, public schools in Black neighborhoods will continue to underperform and Black residents will be pushed out of their neighborhoods if inequity isn’t addressed. Chicago lost approximately 85K Black residents as many Black families relocated to the suburbs or even farther. More here.
Medicaid Purge Begins: Nationwide more than 600K Americans have lost Medicaid coverage since April 1, and a vast majority were removed from state rolls for not completing paperwork. States are now combing through rolls and deciding who stays and who goes. More here.
Rural Communities Push Back On Negative Narrative: Those focused on economic development are working to change the narrative about small towns by showcasing the many benefits of rural living. Earlier this year the University of Illinois held a series of webinars to arm leaders of rural communities with positive data, including the fact that many small towns are finding themselves in demand. Despite some of the positive trends, a vast majority of rural counties and towns have lost population over the past decade. More here.
Covid Economy: For the past three years, low-income workers have made historic gains in wages due to series of dramatic changes in the structure of the labor market and government policies to aid the economy during the pandemic. For the first time, the lowest tier of earners saw their pay grow nearly 6 percent from 2020 to 2022. The concern is whether these gains will continue given the mild recession projected for sometime later this year. More here.
Cannabis Companies Losses: Two dozen of the top publicly traded marijuana companies in the United States posted a cumulative financial loss of more than $4B in 2022 against nearly $9B in revenue. Only three companies (Green Thumb Industries, MariMed, and Vext Science) posted profits totaling $36.5M, and the other 21 companies posted a cumulative $4.1B in losses. More here.
Cook County Eviction Program: The Early Resolution Program to provide legal and financial support to landlords and tenants behind on their rent has dramatically slowed down the eviction process, but has also come under scrutiny. The city recently put its rental assistance program on hold, and federal funds for rental assistance will likely run out by the end of summer in Cook County and by April 2024 in Chicago. More here.
EPA Fund to Replace Pipes: Even though Illinois has more lead pipes than Florida, Florida received the largest part of the pop of federal dollars. More here.
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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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Belinda J. Carr,
