Working for Illinois Caucus

* Filling Greg Harris’ shoes will not be easy, but Gabel is a very talented legislator and JG-B has clearly shown that she has the legislative chops to handle her tough assignment. Rep. Lisa Hernandez being moved up to deputy is also noteworthy since she is also state party chair. Leader Gabel, by the way, was a member of the “19” who refused to reelect Speaker Madigan. It’s a new day…

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the members of his House Democratic leadership team Thursday, which includes Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, Speaker Pro Tempore and Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, Deputy Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, and Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner.

“As I reflect on my first two years as Speaker of the House, I’m awestruck by what we were able to accomplish for the state we are all proud to call home,” said Speaker Welch. “It didn’t come easy or without challenges, and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve that success without the support of a strong leadership team that values our core Democratic principles and has a deep desire to put Illinois back on the side of working families. This new team I have assembled to help lead the largest Democratic majority in modern times is diverse, courageous, fiercely passionate, and driven by a strong moral compass that will continue to provide clear direction for our caucus and our House. We have much work to do for the people of this state and I am proud to stand alongside these dynamic leaders, as well as the rest of this duly elected chamber, to continue down the path of progress and purpose for all of Illinois.”

The following can be attributed to Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston.

“I’m honored to receive the great responsibility of being chosen as majority leader and I look forward to helping our entire Democratic Caucus succeed,” said Gabel. “In this new role I will continue to prioritize values that are most important to me – collaboration, inclusivity, and assisting my colleagues deliver results for their communities. I want to thank Speaker Welch for entrusting me to be our caucus’ leader, as well as Leader Harris for his dedication to our state. I look forward to the great things we’ll accomplish together in this upcoming legislative session.”

The following can be attributed to Speaker Pro Tempore and Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria.

“Over the past two years, we have proven what we can accomplish with a leadership group that values and understands collaboration,” said Gordon-Booth. “As we look ahead, I am more optimistic than ever that we can work together on effective solutions to address the challenges facing working families across our state. In replacing Leader Greg Harris as the new chief budget negotiator, I’ll continue to prioritize our fiscal health and responsibly utilize our resources for the betterment of Illinois. I’m thankful for the trust of my colleagues and Speaker Welch, and I look forward to serving alongside this remarkable group of leaders.”

The following can be attributed to Deputy Majority Leader Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Chicago.

“Speaker Welch remains committed to unifying not just the Democratic Caucus, but all of Illinois. This leadership team reflects his commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and his desire for continued collaboration among our growing caucus. As we look ahead to these next two years, we are all united in our shared responsibility to do what’s right for Illinoisans, and to make our state a more welcoming place to call home.”

The following can be attributed to Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.

“We have important work ahead of us in this next General Assembly. We must continue to prioritize our fiscal health and respond to the needs of families working through inflationary pressures. We must find opportunities to make government more effective and efficient. And we must stand united as Democrats, alongside Speaker Welch, to build a better, stronger Illinois for all.”

The following can be attributed to Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

“I want to thank Speaker Welch and the rest of my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus for entrusting me with the privilege of serving on this leadership team. Two years ago, Speaker Welch’s election as the first Black Speaker of the House in our state’s history ushered in a new era for Illinois. Since that time, we’ve seen unprecedented fiscal stability, the passage of landmark criminal justice reform, and an equity-centered clean energy jobs package. As a member of this leadership team and on behalf of the people of Illinois, I will work diligently to build upon that legislative progress.”

Speaker Welch’s full leadership team will consist of:

· State Rep. Robyn Gabel – Majority Leader
· State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth – Speaker Pro Tempore / Chief Budgeteer
· State Rep. Mary E. Flowers – Deputy Majority Leader / Dean of the Caucus
· State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez – Deputy Majority Leader
· State Rep. Jay Hoffman – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Natalie Manley – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Kam Buckner – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Aaron Ortiz – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Barbara Hernandez – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Marcus Evans – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Kelly Burke – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Theresa Mah – Majority Conference Chair
· State Rep. Nick Smith – Majority Officer / Sergeant at Arms

In addition to these leadership posts, Speaker Welch has called on members within the House Democrats to serve as caucus whips, which has been utilized as an emerging leaders program. These members will be charged with rallying various caucuses and members around legislation and priorities for the entire Democratic Caucus. This team will include:

· State Rep. Lakesia Collins – Black Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez – Latinx Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz – Asian American Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Frances Ann Hurley – Mod Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Lawrence Walsh Jr. – Downstate Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Will Guzzardi – Progressive Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray – Women’s Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Nabeela Syed – Freshman Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Maurice West – Assistant Floor Whip
· State Rep. Ann Williams – Assistant Floor Whip
· State Rep. Katie Stuart – Assistant Floor Whip
· State Rep. Bob Morgan – Assistant Floor Whip

Speaker Welch is incredibly proud of the team he’s assembled – one of the most diverse in our state’s history. It includes experienced members, whose institutional knowledge will be instrumental, while also harnessing the passion and enthusiasm of the Gen-Z generation. For the first time in the history of the Illinois House of Representatives, Speaker Welch will convene the leadership team for a leadership retreat in January to discuss emerging priorities for the House Democratic Caucus.

Welch’s previous leadership team is here.

*** UPDATE *** House Republican Leader Tony McCombie has released her own leadership list…

Deputy Minority Leader: Norine Hammond

Deputy Minority Leader: Ryan Spain

Conference Chair: Jeff Keicher

Assistant Minority Leaders:

John Cabello
CD Davidsmeyer
Charlie Meier
Brad Stephens
Mike Marron
Jackie Haas

Floor Leader: Patrick Windhorst

That’s a pretty darned good list. Also, I gotta say, Rep. Windhorst is really growing on me.

…Adding… From Leader Stephens…

State Representative Brad Stephens (R-20) has been appointed Assistant House Minority Leader by newly elected House Republican Leader Tony McCombie as the 103rd General Assembly was sworn in on Wednesday. Stephens was elected to his second full term this past November after being appointed to the seat in 2019 succeeding former State Representative Mike McAuliffe.

• When McCombie chose Stephens, she cited his strong background and experience on economic development issues as a key component of the House Republicans’ legislative agenda moving forward
• Stephens’ knowledge of the issues facing law enforcement and first responders because his district represents both City of Chicago and suburban Cook County which continues to face a litany of crime issues.
• In fact, Stephens is the only member of the House Republican Caucus who represents the City of Chicago and one of two members in the caucus representing Cook County (the only other seat is the Durkin seat)

“I’m thrilled to be joining this momentous leadership team of Leader Tony McCombie and help achieve the goals of the caucus through pragmatic, bipartisan, and effective legislation,” said Rep. Stephens. “As the only Republican House member representing parts of Chicago, I’m looking forward to bringing the perspectives of my constituents from Chicago and suburban Cook County to these important conversations. I also look forward to building bridges between the urban areas of Illinois with our fantastic rural communities so we can pass legislation to make our state better for everyone.”

“Rep. Stephens works tirelessly for his communities and brings extensive knowledge to this position from his work at the state and local level,” said Leader McCombie. “He prioritizes the needs of his constituents and is a confident advocate for legislation that helps Illinoisans. He will also bring an invaluable perspective from the 20th District, including from the City of Chicago, first responders, and people who live in close proximity to transportation hubs around our state.”

Solid choice.

…Adding… Rep. JG-G…

State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, issued this statement following her appointment as whip of the House Asian American Caucus:

“I’m grateful for the privilege of leading the House Asian American Caucus. With each General Assembly, Asian Americans are breaking barriers in Illinois and seeing their representation in the State Legislature grow. Asian American voices are getting louder through recent victories, such as the passage of the TEAACH Act, my measure to ensure an accurate curriculum of Asian American history in Illinois schools. I hope to lead our growing caucus to continued legislative achievements.”

Rep. Moeller, Colleagues Promote Cervical Health Awareness Month in Illinois for January (Springfield, IL) — January is a time of renewal and recommitment for many. A group of legislators and advocates say it’s the right time to focus on cervical health.

State Rep. Anna Moeller and several female colleagues in the Legislature joined together Tuesday at a Statehouse news conference to discuss new legislation declaring January 2023 as Cervical Health Awareness Month in Illinois.

When the new 103^rd General Assembly is sworn in Wednesday, they will officially file a House resolution calling for the special designation in January across the state.

The need for more attention to the issue is great. Cervical cancer affects 13,000 American women year, often in the prime of their lives, and 4,000 of them die. But with increased Pap testing and newer testing for human papillomavirus (HPV), the number of cases and deaths from cervical cancer has decreased significantly over the past 40 years.

HPV – one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses – now affects about 80 percent of men and women by age 45. It is a primary cause of cervical cancer, and early detection of cervical cancer is key to helping those affected survive and recover.

The disease hits minority and disadvantaged communities the hardest. The American Cancer Society reports Hispanic-Latina and Black women have the highest rates of cervical cancer cases.

There is hope, with proactive efforts. Legislators and advocates note proper HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment are formidable and effective tools in preventing the disease. COVID-19 pandemic changes dropped cervical cancer screenings by 11 percent, which raises concerns.

“We know cervical cancer can be devastating and deadly, but it doesn’t have to be,” said State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin. “We hope to use this legislation to call on all Illinoisans with a cervix and for all of their loved ones to understand the serious risks, take the steps needed for prevention and treat every January as the right time to put your cervical health first.”

Advocates note with proper awareness and proactive health care, cervical cancer has little chance. The five-year survival rate is 92 percent when detected early.

Rep. Moeller, Colleagues Promote Cervical Health Awareness Month in Illinois for January

The measure requires a state-licensed plumber to do the hookup on a sprinkler system because of the potential for sewage leaks and other toxins being released accidentally. 

State Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, said the state should not be involved in lawn sprinkler decisions.

“I believe this is another instance where the government is being brought into the mix by people who are commonly referred to as rent-seekers,” Reick said. “I think what we got is a little cabal of people who have theirs and do not want anyone else to come in and play on their playing field.” 

Hoffman said the bill is similar to current Illinois law. 

“What this simply does is clarify that an inspecting licensed plumber must inspect every aspect of the sprinkler system,” he said. “Under current law, a licensed plumber must also inspect the sprinkler system, so we are just clarifying what needs to happen.” 

The bill now waits to be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for a signature or veto. 

Allow me to share my truth with you.

Yes, I am a state representative of a major municipality in the State of Illinois. A position that brings influence and the power to convene; it is also a position that is often viewed as corrupt based on history — and I understand that.

But I am also a black man, a husband and a dad. As a matter of fact, I am the only black legislator in the northernIllinois region, so often my posture is different because of my own personal lived experiences.

I know how it feels to be judged before my mouth opens simply because of my dark skin and large physique. To this day, I find myself in rooms where my local counterparts are acknowledged, and I am forgotten.

I can’t talk to my colleagues about this, they will never understand because they are white men. That’s been my truth all my life and I, along with a lot of you, have learned to live with it.

I bring this up so that you can understand why it’s hard for me to fully support and appreciate this quote from State’s Attorney J Hanley concerning the misinformation that was shared with you regarding the SAFE-T Act;“I regrettably probably contributed to this in a way that I do regret. … It’s not going to be a purge.”

More:Rockford-area state’s attorney contemplates dropping out of SAFE-T Act lawsuit

It’s hard for me to accept the walk back because the misinformation that was spread about this legislation strategically led people down a path to think of dark-skinned people being let out of jail to destroy our community.

Once that bell is rung, you can’t un-ring it.

Consider the Rockford Sun. A fake newspaper that we found in our mailboxes shortly before Election Day with pictures of black and brown individuals to put the “fear of god” in you concerning the bill.

I saw yard signs that read, “Don’t let the Black Caucus write our laws.” They mentioned the “end of days” and “the purge” and now that Election Day has come and gone, a deafening silence.

Now, let’s apologize and pretend that all is well?

My only desire is to protect our community. Protecting our community is protecting my daughter, my wife, and my parents. Protecting our community is protecting the people that I love, and the people that you love.

And yet here’s the truth: this misinformation campaign has led to confusion and anger in our community and threats to me and my family personally — especially since I can’t hide the color of my skin.

My skin tone, in some eyes, means that I’m anti-police; even when my message has consistently focused on restoring trust between our law enforcement community and all community members.

Because of this misinformation, my faith was questioned, my life threatened, and the N-word was used so expressively and easily by some. All while my fellow local elected leaders, on both sides of the aisle, threw me under the bus for their political survival.

I get it. It’s politics and this is an occupational hazard in this arena. And I’m still standing.

But to those of you who are not elected leaders: I humbly ask that you consider your source moving forward. Even if that source is me.

Verify that the words that are coming out of my mouth are valid before we share misinformation. Let’s not be influenced, but informed.

To my fellow elected leaders, to States Attorney Hanley, let us strive to do better and be better. The end of misinformation in government starts with us.

Let’s focus on the power of convening rather than division. To our law enforcement officers who strive todo good, be good, and value and respect every community member that you are charged to protect — I value and respect you.

Now, let’s get back to work for the betterment of our community.

State Rep. Maurice A. West II, D-Rockford, represents the 67th District.