Aurora State Representative Barbara Hernandez will host a “Politics and Pastries” event as part of a teenage girl empowerment series on Wednesday, December 15.
The event is free and does not require registration. It will run from four to five at Alive Aurora at 78 S. LaSalle Street in Aurora. Alive Aurora is a local youth organization.
At the event, Hernandez will discuss why she decided to get involved in public service. Participants will also get to make desserts as they listen and ask question.
The event is meant for teenage girls in grades six through twelve.
SPRINGFIELD – Behind a window with a “Save the Byron Nuclear Plant” sign taped to the glass, Ricardo Montoya Picazo listened to a father of three wonder aloud if he would still be able to support his children in a few weeks.
“If I lose this, the only thing I know how to do, then that means I have to relocate my family to find another job where they’re needing nuclear power workers. But this is where I call home,” Picazo, chief of staff to state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, remembers the man telling him.
The man on the phone was an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union worker at the Byron Nuclear Generating Station that was slated to close Sept. 13 if state legislators couldn’t approve sweeping energy legislation providing the necessary funding to keep it open.
Aside from shoring up nuclear power plants and renewable energy with subsidies, the energy regulation overhaul aims for Illinois to get 100 percent of its energy from carbon-free sources by 2050.
But the bill was contentious as labor unions, environmental groups and lawmakers butted heads. At many points, it seemed to teeter dangerously close to failure.
For Rockford and the surrounding areas, the Byron nuclear plant is a monument and a point of pride for the community. But Vella was fighting for more than a monument. Between 100 to 200 of his constituents would lose their jobs if the plant closed, and energy bills would increase too.
The battle ended when the landmark bill cleared the Illinois General Assembly Sept. 13 and was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker two days later.
Vella, 50, is no stranger to a fight, and his first ever run in 2020 for political office is proof.
The 68th District, which covers sections of northwest and east Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park and Cherry Valley, had been Republican-held since 1995. The incumbent, then Rep. John Cabello, had held the seat since 2012 and was running again.
The cards were not in Vella’s favor, and some weren’t shy about telling him that.
“There were a lot of people who said, you’re gonna lose, but that’s OK. We’ll give it a try,” Vella said.
He said he started knocking doors in June 2020. Vella estimates he personally knocked on 10,000 doors, with another 20,000 knocked by staffers.
He thought if he could turn out the Midwest moderates, both Democrats and Republicans, he could win.
Picazo, who also serves as the Winnebago County Democrats minority representative, watched the race with interest.
“Nerve-racking,” Picazo said while describing election night. “It was the race that the state was looking at.”
Vella says he believed he had lost on election night when Cabello pulled ahead.
On Nov. 17, after a recount of a quarter of the district’s precincts at Cabello’s request, the results were posted.
Vella had won the unwinnable race by just 239 votes, 0.4 percent of the votes cast.
“He walked every single neighborhood in his district. It may be one time, but he walked it.” Picazo said. “He fought for it. He walked for it. And I think that’s how he got elected.”
For Vella, it was walking the streets he grew up in, where he built his career and raised his son and daughter.
It’s also where he met his wife, in a story that seems like something fresh off a Netflix series drawing board — he was a public defender, she was a prosecutor, meeting first at Northern Illinois University College of Law and later crossing paths in a Winnebago County courtroom.
And it’s where his grandfather, Edolo J. “Zeke” Giorgi, made a name for himself in the 1970s and ’80s as a state representative known for being able to move bills with bipartisan support.
“He was a very big local figure here who is known for getting people to work together and get stuff done,” Nathan Blevins, a member of Vella’s district staff, said. “[Vella]’s trying to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and follow that mission.”
Vella’s staff says he’s already followed his grandfather’s example.
“He’s proven in his nine months in office so far that even if you won’t agree on everything, you can get a meeting together. We’ll listen. We’ll talk it out. And if there’s anything that we can do to help, we will do it. Our office will do it,” Blevins said.
The first time Blevins met Vella, he was a little intimidated.
“I was a bit shy, a little bit timid,” Blevins said.
But Vella seemed like a down to earth guy, and mentioned the district staff position was open. The next time Blevins saw Vella, they were sitting across a table from each other for a job interview.
Now he’s been with the representative’s office since July, and he’s gotten to know Vella.
Blevins says Vella is a genuine guy—the guy being interviewed on TV is the same guy in the car on the way to an event.
And that guy, outside of the office and Springfield, likes to read. Poetry, political history and sometimes science fiction are his favorites, Vella said.
He’s a fan of cooking, and he’s in the camp of people who took up baking bread during the pandemic. He enjoys cooking Italian or Mediterranean foods.
“It’s a way to kind of almost decompress from stuff,” he said.
And he said he’s getting really good at making Detroit style pizzas.
Vella isn’t a “Mr. Smith goes to Washington” type. But maybe a “Mr. Smith goes to Springfield.”
“I have no desire to go to Washington, D.C.” Vella said. “Springfield was my dream.”
And in Springfield, some of the smallest, seemingly inconsequential bills can be incredibly impactful.
Vella was just one of the many sponsors in the House of a bill lowering taxes on utility trailers, which are often used to transport off road vehicles, from $118 to $36. The bill was signed into law in August.
“A lot of people have snowmobiles, or ATVs, or motorcycles. When they get off work, that’s what they want to do to have fun,” Vella said of his constituents.
It’s efforts like this that make people believe someone in Springfield cares about them, Vella says.
“I got so many calls. It moved a lot of hearts, I think.” Vella said. “I got a call from a woman who just thanked me like four times and said, ‘You made our weekend.’ That’s important to me.”
Just as the shadow of the Byron plant’s smoke stacks still shades the 68th district, so too does the legacy of Vella’s grandfather on him.
“He wants to become his grandpa, an individual that wants to be actually a public servant, and doesn’t care about becoming a career politician. He wants to be that individual that actually brings positive change in services to the people, give them what they need, help them if they have an issue, resolve that issue,” Picazo said.
Get to know Illinois: 15 state symbols
Snack food — Popcorn
Second and third graders from a Joliet elementary school, along with their teacher, completed a class project attempting to make popcorn the official snack food of the State of Illinois. The General Assembly made that designation official in 2003. (Illinois.gov)
Amphibian — Eastern tiger salamander
Illinois citizens voted to select the eastern tiger salamander as the state amphibian in 2004. The vote was made official by the General Assembly in 2005. (Illinois.gov)
Jim Schulz
Reptile — Painted turtle
Illinois citizens voted to select the painted turtle as the state reptile in 2004. The vote was made official by the General Assembly in 2005. (Illinois.gov)
Jim Schulz
Flower — Violet
In 1907, Illinois schoolchildren voted to select the state tree and the state flower. They selected the Native Oak and the Violet. The General Assembly approved a bill to make these selections official in 1908. (Illinois.gov)
Carolyn Kaster
Tree — White Oak
In 1907, Illinois schoolchildren voted to select the state tree and the state flower. They selected the Native Oak. In 1973, a special poll of 900,000 schoolchildren changed the State Tree from the Native Oak to the White Oak. (Illinois.gov)
Wikipedia
Bird — Cardinal
In 1928, Illinois schoolchildren selected the cardinal as the State Bird of Illinois. The General Assembly made that designation official in 1929. (Illinois.gov)
Lois Bernstein
Insect — Monarch butterfly
In 1974, Decatur third-graders suggested that the monarch butterfly become the state insect. Schoolchildren lobbied for the monarch butterfly and the General Assembly passed a bill making it official in 1975.
PHIL COALE, Illinois.gov
Fish — Bluegill
Schoolchildren selected the Bluegill as the state fish in 1986. Although the Bluegill grows to only about 9 inches in length and weighs less than a pound, it has a reputation as one of the best fighting game fish. (Illinois.gov)
Phil Grout
Mineral — Fluorite
The General Assembly established Fluorite as the state mineral in 1965. Illinois is the largest producer of Fluorite in the United States. Fluorite is used in making steel, enamels, aluminum, glass, and many chemicals. (Illinois.gov)
Wikipedia
Animal — White-tailed deer
Illinois schoolchildren voted to select the white-tailed deer as the state animal in 1980. The vote was made official by the General Assembly in 1982. (Illinois.gov)
» Fun fact: Pictured above is Stephanie, a white-tailed deer—an orphaned, formerly injured young fawn, brought back to good health by a kind soul in the Lake Bloomington area. Read Bill Flick’s 2013 story about Stephanie here.
For The Pantagraph
Dance — Square dance
The Square Dance was designated as the official state dance in 1990. (Illinois.gov)
Danny Goshtigian
Prairie grass — Big Bluestem
In 1989 the Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) became the state prairie grass. The General Assembly adopted this designation following a poll of students conducted by the Illinois Department of Conservation. (Illinois.gov)
State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) is highlighting the open enrollment period for residents to shop the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace. The open enrollment period is now open through Dec. 15 to shop for healthcare coverage.
“The open enrollment period happens each fall and gives individuals an opportunity to either update their current health insurance or to enroll for the first time,” said Stuart. “Many residents have lost jobs and consequently healthcare coverage due to the pandemic. This open enrollment allows for individuals to be sure that they have healthcare coverage for the coming year.”
To help residents get their questions answered and to provide information regarding signing up for healthcare, Stuart is partnering with Get Covered Illinois to host a virtual town hall on Nov. 15th from 6 to 7 p.m. Those interested in participating should email repkatiestuart@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link for the town hall.
“I encourage residents to go to Get Covered Illinois to get the up-to-date information regarding different healthcare plans,” continued Stuart. “I hope to see residents who have questions and concerns attend the town hall to get their questions answered and more information regarding healthcare enrollment.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker discusses a new electric vehicle energy storage training program at Heartland Community College on Thursday. | Blue Room Stream
The Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training program dovetails with the state’s goal of getting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, which was included in energy legislation that passed the General Assembly last month.
As part of his plan to boost the number of electric vehicles on the road, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday announced a training program for the manufacture and repair of those cars to “attract people to some of the best paying jobs in our economy.”
The Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training program in downstate Bloomington is designed to lure jobs to Illinois and teach students the technical skills needed for the electric cars.
To further that goal, Pritzker is also hoping to provide incentives to lure manufacturers of electric vehicle charging stations and other related businesses in the industry.
“Illinois is at the center of the action for investment and growth during this economic recovery, and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to electric vehicle manufacturing,” Pritzker said.
“We’re working to double down on our investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and suppliers. With the legislative package that we’re putting forward Illinois will stake out our ground in this booming industry and bring thousands of new jobs to our state.”
Pritzker was joined by college officials at Heartland Community College and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian for the announcement at the school’s campus in Bloomington.
The program is intended to dovetail with the state’s goal of getting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, which was included in energy legislation that passed the General Assembly last month.
Heartland President Keith Cornille said the “first-of-its-kind” program will provide “cutting edge training.” In the next five years the community college will train more than 360 people in energy storage techniques, Cornille said.
The first set of students in the energy storage program began their training during the fall semester. Once they complete the program, students will be able to go through apprenticeship programs or straight into jobs in the electric vehicle industry.
Careers include advanced manufacturing, final assembly and service careers focused on inspection, diagnosis of problems and repair for electric vehicles or maintenance and support of battery systems in residential, commercial, and utility scale applications, according to Heartland’s site on the program.
After months of negotiations, Pritzker signed legislation overhauling the state’s energy sector last month, calling the measure a “giant leap forward” for Illinois.
The energy legislation included incentives for those looking to buy electric vehicles.
But the governor has also talked about an incentive package for electric vehicle manufacturers as part of boosting the state’s green energy sector.
State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, said the language of that bill could be released as soon as Friday.
“In the last energy bill, we passed a fairly substantial electric vehicle tax credit for consumers, now what we’re doing is we’re trying to bring electric vehicle manufacturers to the area,” Vella said. “This is a fairly wide-reaching economic package that is intended to bring in a lot of business, jobs and investment into the state of Illinois.”
Vella has worked with the governor’s office for the past three to four months on the legislation, which would provide tax credits to manufacturers of electric vehicle charging stations, batteries and small parts in an effort to draw more businesses to the state and grow the electric automaker sector. The specifics are still being ironed out.
During Thursday’s news conference on the training program, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch expressed support for ensuring “Illinois continues to be a leader in the nation when it comes to green energy.
“We fought hard, and we’re going to continue to fight hard to continue to put Illinois at the forefront,” Welch said.
A spokeswoman for the speaker declined to comment on the additional legislation Vella is working on because Welch’s team has not yet seen the official language of the proposed incentive package.
A spokesman for Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement the upper legislative chamber is “open to and interested in Governor Pritzker’s ideas” to build out the state’s green energy economy.
“The caucus is eager to see if it can come together during the abbreviated fall session,” the statement continued.
Medical Director of the Emergency Department at SIH Herrin Hospital Dr. Josh Miksanek joins The Morning Newswatch….
Michael Zalewski is the State Representative of the 23rd District. He spoke with Tom Miller about House Bill 2343, which would define and regulate fantasy sports services in Illinois….
Brent Gentry is a commissioner for Williamson County. He joined Tom Miller in the studio to discuss the lawsuit filed this past December against the state of Illinois by Williamson County for salary reimbursements, and whether that…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it will help develop up to seven offshore wind farms on the East and West coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico as it moves to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030 — generating enough electricity to power more than 10 million homes.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said at a wind power conference in Boston that her department hopes to hold lease sales by 2025 for projects off the coasts of Maine, New York and the mid-Atlantic, as well as the Carolinas, California, Oregon and the Gulf of Mexico.
Nabeela Syed, Palatine resident and community organizer, announced over the weekend she will run as a Democrat for the 51st District seat in the Illinois House.
“At a time where state legislatures across the country are moving backwards on critical issues, including health care and reproductive rights, we need strong leadership in our state to keep Illinois on a path of progress,” Syed said in her announcement. “My top priorities are ensuring that we have excellent public education and affordable health care while also reducing our reliance on high property taxes that disproportionately impact working families.”
Under the electoral maps signed off on by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last month, the new 51st District will encompass parts of northwest Cook County and southern Lake County, including all or parts of Palatine, Inverness, Hoffman Estates, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Kildeer, Long Grove and Hawthorn Woods.
The 51st District seat currently is held by Lake Zurich Republican Chris Bos.
Syed’s prior political involvement included serving as campaign manager for Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 board member Tim McGowan and organizing Asian American voters in the U.S. Senate election in Georgia, according to her announcement.
Syed said she graduated from of the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in political science and business administration, and now works for a nonprofit organization in digital strategy.
In the community, she has served as a high school debate coach and is active in her religious community at the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs, she said.
Syed noted that if elected, she would be the first Muslim and South Asian woman in the Illinois legislature.
“I know how important diverse representation is to making policy that works for everyone,” she said. “I’m hoping to use my lived experience as a young woman of color to elevate the voices and concerns of underrepresented communities.”
DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Illinois teachers could have their tuition paid for under a bill introduced by State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur).
Scherer’s plan is to require the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish a teach reimbursement grant program with the hope of addressing Illinois’ teacher shortage crisis. It would be used for tuition and mandatory fees that would be paid to a public institution of higher learning in Illinois.
Eligible Illinois teachers would potentially get grants for reimbursing up to eight semesters of tuition for up to 10 years in the program.
Scherer said she believes this program will encourage more people to pursue an education career and also give educators "benefits and resources they deserve for the service they provide to our state and their communities."
“Teachers are one of the most critical occupations to our society, yet they are critically undervalued for the work and skill set they provide for our education system,” said Scherer. “Many teachers have to go the extra mile financially for their students and lesson plans to have an effective and successful year of instruction, the reimbursement program will relieve some of our teachers of the financial burden of paying such high student loan debt when they give their services to Illinois schools.”
A press release from Scherer’s office cited the Illinois State Board of Education, which in 2017 reported Illinois had 1,000 unfilled teaching positions. That number grew to nearly 1,700 in 2021, with 77 percent of Illinois school districts reporting teacher shortages or difficulty hiring substitute teachers.
SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, was recently appointed as a member of the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding.
“This measure will help us to build the research and work of the House Higher Education Working Group,” said Stuart. “From the working group we will bring recommendations for the adequate and equitable funding model for higher education. It will allow universities to have stable funding to provide their students with academic and financial support.”
The Commission on Equitable Public Funding was created by Senate Bill 815, which passed the General Assembly this spring and sets guidelines for the commission’s goals. As a member of the commission, Stuart will help provide the General Assembly with recommendations and criteria to adequately fund public universities.
“As an educator who taught on the collegiate level, it has been my goal in Springfield to address the lack of funding and resources for our schools and universities,” continued Stuart. “Lacking fair funding for our universities impacts their ability to best serve their students. I look forward to being a part of the commission and helping to find solutions to provide fair funding for all our public universities to give them the best tools to help our students succeed.”
Working for Illinois Caucus 