Working for Illinois Caucus

A bill heading to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk guarantees 40 hours, or five days, of paid leave for every worker in Illinois. The bill’s path to law has been lengthy and contentious since it was first introduced in 2019.

State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is a part of the process since the beginning. A sponsor of the bill in the House, she said the legislation provides dignity to workers across the state.

“There are millions, not hundreds or thousands, millions of workers in the state of Illinois, they get nothing. They get absolutely nothing,” said Gordon-Booth. “And they have the very same responsibilities that you and I have.”

It also comes from a personal place. Gordon-Booth said she’s a working mother and also remembers times growing up where paid leave would have made a difference for her family.

“My father had cancer twice,” she said. “And he, even through all the chemo treatments, he wouldn’t miss work. And at the time, the employer that he worked at, they did have some days, but his previous employer (didn’t), he had just been indoctrinated.”

In guaranteeing time off for every employee in the state, Gordon-Booth hopes to allow families and individuals to address emergencies and unusual circumstances. She also believes the ability to step away in a time of crisis creates better employees.

“When your employees have the ability to manage their own lives outside of the workplace, you have an employee who actually can show up and do the job and do it well,” she said.

Over the course of the bill’s life, the total number of days changed from five to seven and back to five again. Gordon-Booth said negotiations with business and labor groups from around the state hinged, at least partially, on whether or not pre-emption is included in the bill. Pre-emption would allow the state government to overrule county or local governments when setting policy surrounding paid leave.

“The reality of it is, there’s no county in the state besides the city of Chicago that actually has any kind of paid leave policy,” said Gordon-Booth. “So, we decided to not go in the direction of pre-emption. So we went back down to the five days.”

Some critics of the bill expressed concern about what the 40-hour requirement will mean for small businesses, and if it could increase operating costs when applied equally to businesses of all sizes. Gordon-Booth said officials plan on working closely with representatives of small business and business community leaders to make sure the bill doesn’t cause harm ahead of its Jan. 1, 2024 implementation.

“All voices have a seat at the table when it comes to the issues that I work on. And that’s not going to change anytime soon,” she said. “So, we’re going to keep them engaged. Because we want to hear from them.”

There are a few conditions on why and how the paid leave can be used. Workers earn the leave at a rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked and can only start using it after 90 days; employers can allow them to use it sooner if they want. The hours carry over if they’re not used within a year, but employers can still require their employees to give notice before taking the time off.

“I believe that we are leading in a very intentional, dignified way by offering this to the workers,” said Gordon-Booth. “To the millions of workers in Illinois, who don’t have any family policy.”

Pritzker expressed support for the bill and is expected to sign it. You can find the full text of the bill here.

SPRINGFIELD (25 News Now) – Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has selected State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) to serve as lead budget negotiator for House Democrats.

The appointment makes Gordon-Booth the first African American and first woman to serve in that role in Illinois history.

“From improving access to nutritious food in schools to negotiating critically needed public safety laws, Jehan has been able to work to bring everyone to the table and deliver productive outcomes. She understands the challenges facing families across our state and will be an outstanding budget negotiator for our Caucus,” speaker Welch said in a prepared statement.

Gordon-Booth will continue in her role as Speaker Pro Tempore. She has been in the state legislature since 2009, and represents the 92nd District, which includes Peoria, West Peoria, Peoria Heights and parts of Bartonville.

“I am appreciative of the faith my colleagues have placed in me and am looking forward to the work ahead to support Illinois families.” Gordon-Booth said in a prepared statement.

She replaces retiring House Majority Leader Greg Harris (D-Chicago) as the Democrats’ chief budget negotiator in the House.

Copyright 2023 WEEK. All rights reserved.

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston Democratic State Rep. Robyn Gabel was named the House majority leader for the 103rd Illinois General Assembly by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch on Thursday.

“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,” Gabel said in a statement.

Gabel, 69, was the only state representative among the 19 who banded together to oust longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan to be named to Welch’s leadership team two years ago.

Madigan has since been indicted by federal prosecutors on corruption and conspiracy charges that are due to go to trial next year, while Gabel has been promoted from assistant majority leader to majority leader.

“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,” Gabel said.

Gabel was first appointed as 18th District representative in 2010 after 22 years as the executive director of the nonprofit Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition. She also previously worked as a legislative aide to then Chicago Ald. Luis Gutierrez and the co-director of the Chicago Women’s Health Center. Last year, she won a seventh full term in office with more than 81 percent of the vote.

Greg Harris, the North Side state rep who was named majority leader four years ago, stepped down this week after declining to seek a ninth term in office. As Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office, former Speaker Mike Madigan picked Harris as his top deputy to succeed longtime Hyde Park State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, who Pritzker appointed to chair the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

“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,” she added. “I look forward to the great things we’ll accomplish together in this upcoming legislative session.”

During the recently concluded legislative term, Gabel sponsored an amendment to the Health Care Right of Conscience Act, or HCRCA, that was enacted with the intention of preventing its use to circumvent mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or testing, as well as the Birth Center Licensing Act, which requires birth centers to be licensed with state regulators.

In addition to Gabel, Welch named State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) as speaker pro temp and chief budgeteer and State Reps. Mary Flowers and Elizabeth Hernandez as deputy majority leaders.

Welch named eight assistant majority leaders: State Reps. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea), Natalie Manley (D-Joliet), Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), Aaron Ortiz (D-Chicago), Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), Marcus Evans (D-Chicago), Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) and Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn.)

State Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) was named majority conference chair and State Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) was named sergeant-at-arms, according to Welch’s office. The speaker also named a dozen members as caucus whips or assistant floor whips.

Earlier: New House Speaker Names Evanston State Rep To Leadership Post

* 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