State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is running for re-election this year. “Unlike any other time in recent history, Illinois, and especially our 96th district, is in a position to make real changes and significant progress that will positively alter the future for years to come. We need effective representation at the Capitol from leaders that know how to effect change and have the determination and courage to speak up and work hard to make change happen.
via WRSP
January 14, 2022 at 06:04PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – An Illinois bill would look to help provide support for the family of a DCFS worker who is killed while on the job.
Senate Bill 3197, filed by State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield), would extend the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act, which as of today makes health insurance benefits available to the spouse and children under 18 of a law enforcement officer when they are killed in the line of duty. The extension would apply that assistance to DCFS workers, giving those benefits to their survivors.
Turner’s office said the bill would make this change retroactive for one year to ensure the family of Deidre Silas, who was killed in a stabbing during a response to a Thayer home earlier in January, can receive the benefits.
via WAND-TV
January 13, 2022 at 11:09PM
Democratic state Rep. Daniel Didech of Buffalo Grove and a pair of political newcomers have announced their candidacies for seats representing the Northwest suburbs in the Illinois House in 2022.
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January 13, 2022 at 06:05PM
Press release from the Thomas Maillard Campaign:
Jan. 11, 2022
Local 10th Congressional Democratic State Central Committeeman Thomas Maillard announced Jan. 6 that he is running for the 62nd Illinois State House District. The seat is currently held by Representative Sam Yingling who is running for Illinois Senate. Thomas serves in local government leadership for the City of Waukegan and has experience guiding environmental protections, infrastructure improvements, economic development, and expanding community internet access. Thomas is the youngest Democratic State Party leader, who along with his family of community organizers, has helped Democrats win elected office for over fifteen years.
“I have the proven track record of getting things done to improve the lives of our residents, and I’m just getting started,” said Maillard. “High property taxes are forcing our neighbors to move out of the state or live with less. Hard working families are suffering and need a real fighter. I will relentlessly advocate for the residents in Grayslake, the Round Lakes, Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan, Lindenhurst, Hainesville, Old Mill Creek, Gages Lake, Lake Villa, Ingleside, and everywhere in between.”
“I want to ensure we keep our children and future generations in Illinois, and we will do that by pursuing meaningful change. I will help families get through COVID-19 so we can return to normal instead of accepting a new normal, protect our towns from polluters who destroy our communities and precious waterways, support our unions who ensure a quality and dignified workplace for our families, protect a women’s right to choose, fight rising prescription drug prices, and be an advocate for all the people of the 62nd District. There’s so much work to be done, and with my experience and energy, I will hit the ground running.”
This press release was produced by the Thomas Maillard Campaign. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
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January 12, 2022 at 10:00AM
Continuing her efforts to support veterans in Illinois, State representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, filed legislation to urge Congress to create a national program to help check on veterans to make sure they are receiving the proper care they need.
“As a veteran, I understand that one of our most sacred responsibilities is to look out for each other and our fellow veterans,” said Kifowit. “We have seen immediate success with the Buddy Check Program, and it is an initiative we need to continue and grow to ensure that we are taking care of our veterans.”
In 2019, the American Legion pioneered the Buddy Check concept under past national Commander Brett Reistad. The initiative was to have local American Legions perform a couple wellness checks per year for veterans in their communities. The program was an immediate success and helped many veterans before and during the pandemic. Posts used buddy checks to help get prescription refills to veterans stuck at home, connected isolated veterans missing their comrades, and delivered food, resources, and personal protective equipment during the pandemic.
Kifowit’s legislation urges Congress to continue the successes of the American Legion’s “Buddy Checks” and encourages that Congress revitalizes the Veteran wellness checks and makes the initiative a national program.
“These crucial buddy checks have been vital to helping and protecting veterans, especially as we are still working to see our way out of a global pandemic,” said Kifowit. “I encourage Congress to make this national program permanent as it has helped countless veterans throughout our state and country.”
—State representative Stephanie Kifowit, MPA, USMC Veteran 90-94, IL House District 84
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via The Voice https://thevoice.us
January 11, 2022 at 07:33AM
Following the tragic loss of Illinois DCFS caseworker Deidre Silas, state Rep. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) is reaffirming his commitment to pursue legislation cracking down on violence against caseworkers. Silas was killed Tuesday in the performance of her duties for the state.
“The recent killing of Deidre Silas is a tragic reminder that Illinois caseworkers are often faced with serious dangers in the line of duty, and we must strengthen our actions to keep them safe from harm,” Halpin said in Wednesday release. “I am absolutely committed to passing legislation to this effect. Robust penalties for violent crimes, especially against people working to provide assistance to those in need, are not simply appropriate, they are essential.”
Halpin was an early backer of House Bill 3933, legislation which strengthens penalties for harming human services caseworkers, among others. The bill was written to combat similar instances of alarming violence across Illinois, and will have a direct effect on situations like these, his release says. Halpin previously helped pass similar legislation in the House, but the Senate did not take action on it.
“I want to be clear to any criminals who are prepared to violently prey upon caseworkers: Illinois will not tolerate these violations,” he said. “The best memorial to the loss of such a dedicated public servant is ensuring similar deaths do not happen, and House Bill 3933 is a big step towards achieving that. I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of the Deidre Silas.”
Authorities have arrested a Thayer, Ill. man after a Department of Children and Family Services caseworker was found dead a residence in the village Tuesday afternoon.
Deidre Silas of Springfield, 36, was responding to a report of a child in danger in the 300 block of West Elm.
The Sangamon County Sheriff said police were called for a possible stabbing. Pawnee officers arrived first, with Auburn and Divernon police soon after, according to NPR Illinois. The sheriff said they noticed a substance that appeared to be blood near the door of the residence. Once they made into the house, the sheriff said Silas’ body was found. She was declared dead at the scene.
County deputies soon determined a suspect, who was located at a hospital in Decatur. Decatur police took Benjamin Reed of Thayer, 32, into custody. He was transported back to the Sangamon County jail.
Reed faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
The AFSCME union issued a statement calling it an unspeakable crime that must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"This tragedy is a stark reminder that frontline DCFS employees like Deidre do demanding, dangerous and essential jobs every day, often despite inadequate resources and tremendous stress," the statement read.
"AFSCME will carefully study the facts of this incident as they emerge and press for any necessary changes to DCFS operations. One death in the line of service is too many."
The union said Silas joined DCFS in August 2021. Prior to that, she worked in behavioral health and for more than seven years with the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker also issued a statement:
“Today, the State of Illinois mourns the loss of Deidre Silas, a DCFS caseworker and a hero, taken from us in the line of duty. There is no higher calling than the work to keep children and families safe and Deidre lived that value every single day. Our most vulnerable are safer because she chose to serve. I can think of no more profound legacy. MK and I send our deepest condolences to her colleagues at DCFS, her family, and all who loved her.”
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January 5, 2022 at 04:09PM
The first Vaccine and Flu Shot Clinic of the new year will be held by State representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, and alderman Patty Smith from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 at the Eola Road Branch of the Aurora Public Library, located at 555 S. Eola Road, meeting room 108.
“With the recent uptick of COVID-19 and flu cases, I encourage everyone in our community to start the new year by getting vaccinated or receive a booster,” said Kifowit. “Vaccines are one of the most important preventative measures that we can all take to keep our community safe. Vaccine clinics are a great opportunity to learn about the benefits of getting vaccinated and to either get your first, second or booster doses of the COVID vaccine and/or a flu shot.”
“In light of the current surge of Covid-19 and flu cases the vaccine clinics are an important tool to help all of us be protected from infection and serious illness. It’s important to remember that protecting yourself also helps protect our community. This is a team effort,” said Smith.
Kifowit and Smith are partnering with VNA Health Care to host their vaccine and flu shot clinic. People under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines will be available, as well as the annual flu shot. Individuals getting their second dose or booster should bring their vaccination card. While walk-ins are welcomed, individuals are encouraged to register at ILDistrict84.com/events. For inquiries and concerns, please call 630-585-1308.
“As the pandemic continues to affect our loved ones and friends throughout the state, it is critical that everyone takes the appropriate steps to combat this disease,” said Kifowit. “By working together, getting vaccinated, wearing masks, social distancing and using hand sanitizer, our entire community can be healthier and stronger.”
“I echo the comments of Rep. Kifowit,” said Smith. “That combining vaccines with other preventative measures—masks, social distancing, hand washing and using sanitizer will help us get through this surge more quickly so we can begin to see a decrease in cases.”
—Representative Stephanie Kifowit, MPA, USMC Veteran 90-94, IL House District 84
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via The Voice
January 1, 2022 at 06:53PM
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – 2021 has been especially difficult when it comes to violent crime, but local lawmakers say Rockford is not alone in the fight.
Friday afternoon, Stadelman, along with State Representatives Maurice West (D, 67th District) and Dave Vella (D, 68th District), announced Rockford will be at the center of the state’s efforts to deal with crime, receiving state funding under Illinois’ new Reimagine Public Safety Act. The $50 million will be split between ten cities, excluding Chicago, and will go towards community-based efforts to address addiction, mental illness, youth trauma and other underlying causes of firearm violence.
“It goes into youth prevention, so trying to get youth before they get in trouble,” explains Vella. “To help the issues that lead to crime, so drug addiction and mental health. And also it goes to the victims of these crimes, so it really is across the board because crime is a continuum.”
“Rockford was named one of ten cities outside Chicago that will be getting this funding to help with this critical situation,” adds Stadelman. “It addresses the root causes of crime as I mentioned but what this legislation does and what the law does is make sure the funding’s available to deal with these several issues for local programs.”
Selection of the top ten cities to receive funding was based on per-capita firearm violence from 2016-2020. Next month, the Illinois Department of Human Services is expected name individuals to serve on local advisory councils to oversee distribution of funds to local organizations.
Stadelman, Vella and West emphasize any community organizations interested in participating should reach out to their offices or the City of Rockford.
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December 31, 2021 at 06:47PM
The legal age to leave your child home alone in Illinois could soon drop. Lawmakers are introducing what they call the “babysitting bill” in an effort to help parents cope with the pandemic. The laws for latchkey kids in Illinois are among the strictest in the nation. The age limit for most states is between 8 and 12 years old, if there’s an age limit set at all. In Illinois, the age is 14. Caption: WICS.
via WRSP
December 27, 2021 at 10:35PM
Working for Illinois Caucus 