Watch now: Scherer to seek reelection in Decatur-Springfield House district

SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, has announced plans to seek reelection to the 96th House District.

The five-term incumbent, who currently represents portions of Macon, Sangamon and Christian counties, said there’s more work to be done in Springfield.

“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,” Scherer, 65, said in a statement.

Scherer said she’s focusing on a variety of issues, ranging from electric vehicles and public safety to schools and balancing the state’s budget.

The new 96th District, redrawn during last year’s redistricting process, is still anchored by the urban cores of Springfield and Decatur, but includes less rural areas between the two cities. It also picks up some Democratic-trending precincts on Springfield’s west side.

No other candidates have announced campaigns for the House seat.

In the neighboring 108th House District, former state Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, R-Morrisonville, announced his bid to return to the legislature.

Rosenthal, 71, represented the 95th House District from 2011 to 2015 before being tapped by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner to serve as director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. He served in that role until 2019.

The new 108th District, considered a safe Republican seat, covers all of Menard County and portions of Sangamon, Christian, Macoupin and Montgomery counties.

The district contains the home of state Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, who was appointed to fill Rosenthal’s seat in 2015. Bourne, 29, announced Monday that she is running for lieutenant governor on a ticket with Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin.

“This will be the year the people of Illinois take back our state from out-of-touch Democrats like J.B. Pritzker and his allies in Springfield, and I look forward to being a part of that movement,” Rosenthal said in a statement.

Multiple Republicans have endorsed Rosenthal’s campaign, including U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, and Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap. He also has the support of Bourne and former state Rep. Mike Murphy, R-Springfield, who also lives in the district but resigned last month to who resigned to become the president and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and avoid a primary challenge against Bourne.

Rollout of COVID-19 vaccine

There was perhaps no more consequential task this year than ensuring the successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, which could allow a relative “return to normalcy” should enough residents take their shots. After an initial phased rollout, vaccines became available to all Illinoisans in mid-April. The state peaked at 167,422 shots in arms on April 9. As of Dec. 23, more than 60% of the state’s population is fully vaccinated, including nearly 68% of Illinoisans five or older. But hesitancy remains high in conservative portions of the state, where rates significantly lag the state as a whole. This and the emergence of new variants have kept the state from turning the page. Just this week, a single-day record for new cases was reached, which has cities like Chicago considering the implementation of proof of vaccination for entry into certain public places like bars or restaurants.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

State receives first credit upgrades since 1990s

Illinois, long the poster child for fiscal irresponsibility, received its first credit rating upgrades in more than 20 years in 2021. It represents a remarkable reversal from 2017, when years of unbalanced budgets, pension holidays and — ultimately — going more than two years without a spending plan, placed the state just one notch above “junk” status. But, with a few years of relative budget stability, enhanced tax revenue and federal COVID-19 relief funds, the state’s fiscal picture is better than it has been in a long time. Illinois still has the lowest bond rating of any state in the country and fiscal challenges remain on the horizon, but it is worth noting some good news, for a change.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Sports betting legislation adjusted

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation that amends the state’s sports betting law that will finally allow bets to be made on in-state college sports teams while lifting the ban on online registration starting in March 2022. The former was an annoyance, especially as the Illinois and Loyola men’s basketball teams faced off in March Madness. The latter was an impediment to the continued growth of Illinois’ industry since the vast majority of bets are placed online. The state has a top five sports betting handle in the country, which is now expected to grow with the changes enacted.

PHOTO BY STACEY WESCOTT, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

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January 18, 2022 at 03:33PM

January 18, 2022 0

West announces $400k for equity in building trades

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – If you are looking for a new career path, here is your sign.

State Rep. Maurice A. West II (D-67), announced $400,000 in grant funding for the Education Design Development and Research Foundation Rockford on Friday.

The funds are part of the $9.6 million in statewide grants Governor Pritzker and DCEO announced this week under the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and will focus on diversifying the workforce of well-paying jobs in the construction industry and building trades.

“The trades offer people in our city an opportunity to develop skills and engage in a well-paying, lifelong career,” said West. “I am excited that these funds will not only help create a pipeline of talented workers that will keep our trades strong but will also work to break down barriers and provide services to ensure our trades workers are more representative of our community.”

According to a 2020 report from the Illinois Department of Labor, only 4% of Illinois apprentices are women and only 29% are people of color. This lack of diversity remains a crucial reason to invest in equity and inclusion programs that create a qualified talent in construction and the trades.

For more information about EDDR Foundation Rockford, their current programs, and future offerings, please reach out by phone at (312) 852-7331 or email learning@eddrcorp.com.

via https://www.wifr.com

January 14, 2022 at 06:10PM

January 14, 2022 0

Rep. Scherer running for reelection

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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

January 14, 2022 0

Bill promises help for families of slain DCFS workers

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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

January 13, 2022 0

Didech, newcomers in 54th, 55th districts announce 2022 candidacies

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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

January 13, 2022 0

Thomas Maillard To Run For Illinois State House District 62

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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

January 12, 2022 0

Stephanie Kifowit supports wellness checks

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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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January 11, 2022 at 07:33AM

January 11, 2022 0

QC state representative seeks legislation to deter violence after Illinois caseworker stabbing

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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.

Benjamin Reed faces first-degree murder charges.

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

January 5, 2022 0

Kifowit Host to Vaccine and Flu Shot Clinic in Aurora Jan. 5

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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

January 1, 2022 0

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House Downstate Democrats work for the good people of Illinois

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