- Illinois Gov. Pritzker allows non-US citizens to become police officers with new law: ‘Fundamentally bad idea’ New York Post
- Governor signs bill into law that will limit drug testing for parolees, implement other criminal justice reform in Illinois Lake and McHenry County Scanner
- Pritzker proud to sign non-citizen police bill opponents say is a ‘bad idea’ The Center Square
- Here are some of the new Illinois laws hitting the books in coming months NBC Chicago
- New Illinois law allows non-citizens to become police officers FOX 32 Chicago
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Tag Archives: Pritzker
Gov. Pritzker signs gun bill
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law Tuesday night a comprehensive measure that supporters called one of the nation’s toughest bans on military style firearms, immediately prohibiting their sale and giving current owners until Jan. 1 to register gun serial numbers with Illinois State Police.
“Illinois now officially prohibits the sale and distribution of these mass killing machines and rapid fire devices,” said Pritzker, who was inaugurated for a second term on Monday during a ceremony in the Capitol. “I’m signing this legislation tonight so that it can take immediate effect and we can end the sale of these weapons of war.”
Pritzker signed the bill just hours after House Democrats led final passage of the measure on a 68-41 vote, and a day after Senate Democrats approved it 34-20. Pritzker and legislators acted amid warnings from most Republicans and gun-rights advocates that the new law was unconstitutional and would face a legal challenge.
The House vote on the gun ban came on the final scheduled day of action for the lame-duck 102nd General Assembly, during which Democrats also sent Pritzker a bill that would protect health care professionals and people seeking an abortion or gender-affirming care in Illinois from restrictive laws in other states.
The new 103rd General Assembly–all 118 House and 59 Senate members with Democratic supermajorities in each chamber–is set to begin a new session after they are inaugurated on Wednesday.
With Pritzker’s signature, Illinois became the ninth state to ban military style firearms. The effort to achieve the ban accelerated following a deadly mass shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, where the alleged shooter used an AR-15 style of weapon.
“We got this done for all the victims, the spouses, the children, parents and friends and loved ones who are no longer with us, and for those who have survived mass shootings but were injured,” Pritzker said after reciting the names of the seven people killed at the parade.
“No single law…will end gun violence once and for all. So we must keep fighting, voting and protesting to ensure that future generations will only have to read about massacres,” he said. “It’s our burden and our mandate, one that we carry with solemn honor for our children, who will grow up in a better and safer world.”
The new law immediately bans the delivery, sale, import and purchase of so-called “assault weapons.” After Jan. 1, people who possess an unregistered firearm covered by the ban face a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses.
The new law also immediately bans the delivery, sale or purchase of large capacity ammunition magazines of more than 10 rounds for long guns and 15 rounds for handguns. As of April 10, current owners’ possession of large-capacity magazines will be allowed only on private property, at a firing range or a sport shooting competition or at a federal licensed gun dealer for repairs. Violations will be subject to a $1,000 fine.
In addition, devices that increase the firing rates of a firearm, known as “switches,” to turn them into semi-automatic or automatic weapons, are immediately banned and someone in possession would face a felony count for each device.
The new law also speeds up to July from January the existing requirement for universal background checks by federal firearm dealers or the State Police for private gun sales.
It also modifies the state’s current “red flag” law that allows relatives and police to seek a court approved firearm restraining order to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. The new law extends the duration of the orders from six months to a year.
Most Republicans contended the legislation would do nothing to prevent crime, would run counter to rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court involving Second Amendment rights and would face a court challenge upon becoming law.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City, a member of the ultraconservative Republican House Freedom Caucus, accused Pritzker and majority Democrats of continuing to “allow our Constitution and our freedoms to be shredded.”
“A government unchecked, a government willing to defy our Constitution is a government that is completely out of control,” he said. “You can sit here and dictate whatever you want today. Maybe the political winds are in your favor here today. But I can tell you that we will not comply and you’re not going to do a darn thing about it because the law, the Constitution and the founding principles are on our side.”
Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch of Hillside declared that the Democratic-controlled legislature and Pritzker “reached a deal on one of the strongest assault weapons bans in the country.”
“It’s time that we protect Illinois communities. It’s time that we protect Illinois families. Let’s end families having to change overnight. Let’s not lose any more brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and children to gun violence,” Welch said.
Two House Republicans — outgoing House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs and state Rep. Bradley Stephens of Rosemont — joined Democrats in voting for the bill. Three House Democrats voted against it: state Reps. Anthony DeLuca of Chicago Heights, Michael Halpin of Rock Island and Lance Yednock of Ottawa.
Democrats in the Senate voted 41-16 and the House followed with a 70-39 roll call to send Pritzker a measure he supports that would extend abortion and transgender protections to patients as well as health care workers who come from other states.
The measure was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June that overturned a federal right of women to seek an abortion and turned the issue over to the individual states.
Illinois has enshrined a right to an abortion in state law, making it one of the most liberal states on the issue in the country. Pritzker also has called for the next General Assembly to submit to voters in 2024 a proposal to put the right to abortion in the state constitution.
“Right now there are states across the country that are trying to criminalize parents for seeking medical care for their children, seeking to criminalize pregnant people from being able to make decisions about their bodies, states that are criminalizing people who are looking for help,” said state Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago.
“This bill provides protections to patients, families and providers and it also ensures meaningful access to health care,” she said. “I do believe this bill will save lives.”
Outgoing state Sen. Darren Bailey of Xenia, whose evangelical Christian-based opposition to abortion was one factor in his unsuccessful challenge to Pritzker in the Nov. 8 election for governor, called the measure “pure evil” before reading a Bible verse.
“This is wrong,” he concluded. “God help us.”
The Senate’s legislation is closely aligned to a House proposal that passed last week. Among its aims is expanding the pool of health care providers who can perform certain abortion procedures in an effort to ease access amid increased demand for services from Illinois abortion clinics.
The measure also would authorize the state Department of Public Health to partner with nonprofit groups to administer grants for abortion training programs, with underserved areas and transportation hubs given a priority.
Additionally, the measure authorizes protections for the transgender community and their access to gender-affirming care.
Also Tuesday, the legislature sent Pritzker a bill to create “closing fund” of about $400 million for use at Pritzker’s discretion in an effort to seal deals to attract businesses to the state. The measure was approved on an 86-23 House vote and 40-15 Senate roll call.
The measure includes a provision that would prohibit the governor from using any of the money to help the Chicago Bears develop a new football stadium and entertainment complex if they complete a purchase agreement for the former Arlington International Racecourse property.
The Bears have said they would not need public subsidies for construction of a new stadium, but would would need assistance for developing the remainder of the 326-acre property. Pritzker has shown no interest in providing direct public financing to help the Bears.
“If the Bears are choosing to move to Arlington Heights they can’t go to the state and say give us some money out of the closing fund to do it,” said state Rep. Mike Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat who sponsored the measure. “I think they are going to continue to pursue sort of different avenues of relief. I don’t know what that will look like in the next General Assembly.”
The measure also would provide additional incentives aimed at attracting electric vehicle and vehicle component suppliers to locate in Illinois.
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Gov. Pritzker signs assault weapons ban
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a statewide ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines Wednesday night, after the state Senate and House approved the legislation.
The House voted 68-41 to approve the ban Tuesday afternoon. The bill passed 34-20 in the Illinois Senate on Monday.
Before signing the bill, Gov. Pritzker raised the memory of the July 4th parade massacre in Highland Park last year – which left seven people dead and 36 injured, and left a 2-year-old boy parentless and wandering around.
The shooter used legally-purchased semiautomatic weapon.
Pritzker said the massacre was allowed to happen “all because our state and our nation have been held hostage by the NRA and their allies time and time again.
“After nearly every mass shooting, we’ve seen efforts to ban dangerous weapons thwarted – and then leaders send their thoughts and prayers, while the they throw their hands up – resigning themselves to the idea that gun violence is a sacrifice that Americans must accept,” Pritzker said. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.”
Pritzker emphasized that he and members of the Illinois General Assembly have been battling the gun lobby to pass gun safety legislation for years and with some success – but until now, bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines have been elusive.
Pritzker noted that while most attention has gone to “weapons of war” such as AR-style rifles like the one used in Highland Park, many mass shootings also involve handguns modified by switches that turn them into automatic weapons. Such a modified handgun was used mass shooting in May of last year that killed two people and wounded seven outside the McDonald’s at Chicago Avenue and State Street, Pritzker noted.
“Gun violence is an epidemic that is plaguing every corner of this state and the people of Illinois are demanding substantive action. With this legislation we are delivering on the promises Democrats have made and, together, we are making Illinois’ gun laws a model for the nation,” House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Senate President Don Harmon, and Gov. Pritzker said in an earlier joint statement Monday night after Illinois Democrats reached a deal to approve the legislation.
Welch, Harmon, and Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton also spoke and thanked advocates before Pritzker signed the bill.
Passage of the assault weapons ban came down after almost five full days of backroom discussions and debate, after the House passed a slightly different version of the legislation last week. The clock had been ticking to pass the ban before current lawmakers leave office and newly-elected ones are sworn in Wednesday.
Pritzker had said he wanted the bill passed by Tuesday, so he could sign it before the end of the current legislative term.
Speaker Welch (D-Hillside) said the legislation, once signed by the governor, immediately bans the sale, delivery, and purchase of assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines in Illinois. Long guns will be limited to 10 rounds per magazine and handguns cannot have more than 15 rounds.
“This legislation includes a comprehensive, detailed, and updated list of assault weapons subject to the ban,” Welch said.
The bill also bans the possession and use of rapid-fire devices that increase the firing rate of semiautomatic weapons.
“That’s something we should really be proud of. That’s historic,” Welch said.
Those already owning guns on the assault weapons list will be allowed to keep them, but would have to register them with the Illinois State Police. It would still be legal for current owners to possess such weapons on their own private property, at gun ranges, in designated hunting areas, and in other locations.
The bill will in addition expedite the implementation of universal background checks, but would not change the age range for Firearm Owners Identification cards.
Senate President Harmon (D-Oak Park) introduced the final version of the bill in committee Monday morning. On Sunday, Welch said the House would not accept a watered-down version of the bill, but on Monday evening, Welch, Harmon, and Pritzker said they had reached a deal on the legislation, and the Senate approved the bill by a 34-20 vote on Monday.
Opponents of the legislation have said it would do nothing to reduce violent crime in Illinois.
“People who break the law, people who commit violent crime are not going to register their firearms, are not going to turn in their magazines. This will not stop that crime. What will happen is law-abiding gun owners will be yet again impacted by laws in this General Assembly, yet again have their Second Amendment rights restrained,” Illinois State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) said during Tuesday’s debate.
Some Republicans even went so far as to say they would openly defy the ban.
“We will not comply, and you’re not going to do a darn thing about it, because the law, the Constitution, and the founding principles are on our side,” said Illinois State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City).
Outgoing Illinois State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), who lost the governor’s race to Pritzer, tweeted, “I’ll die on my front porch before anyone takes my guns away. My message to Springfield: If you want my guns, come get them.”
The bill also met with strong opposition from some state House lawmakers.
“The only thing in this bill is it’s placing a burden on law abiding citizens,” said state Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur).
“This will greatly impact 2.4 million FOID card law abiding citizens in the state of Illinois that strongly believe in their second amendment rights,” said state Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Pontiac).
Those opposed to banning assault-style weapons say as soon as Gov. Pritzker signs the bill into law, lawsuits will start flying challenging it as unconstitutional. But that threat did not stop supporters from celebrating what they describe as a hard-fought victory.
“This is the first time we’ve gotten to a floor vote – and it’s about time,” said Illinois state Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), whose district includes Highland Park.
Morrison has introduced similar bills in the past. She talked about the trauma of being at the Highland Park July 4th parade.
Dan Eldridge, president of the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois and the owner of Maxon Shooter’s Supplies in Des Plaines, said “we’ll react accordingly” after opposing the bill.
His store saw a surge in gun sales last weekend compared to the same weekend in 2022.
“Rifles are running at 10 times the rate as last year. So obviously law-abiding gun owners are concerned,” he said.
Eldridge said, thanks to the 72-hour waiting period for all firearms transactions, they should be able to complete any sales that we’re initiated before the bill is officially signed, but they will have to remove those magazines from the package, and provide the firearm to the customer without the magazine.
Meantime, he expects courts eventually will side with gun owners, and reject the ban.
“We anticipate that we will simply retain possession of those magazines, in anticipation of the dealer lobby group getting injunctive relief against this bill in federal court, which should happen fairly quickly, and then we’ll contact customers and let them collect the rest of their property,” he said.
And Harmon is ready for a fight, saying he’s confident the law will be upheld as constitutional.
“We’ll see you in court,” he said.
And some lawmakers say there is more work to be done.
“Until such time that we begin to make a serious investment in the South and West sides and other poor communities around this state, we’ll be back,” said state Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago). “We’ll be back.”
Gov. Pritzker declares monkeypox virus outbreak in Illinois a Public Health Emergency
CHICAGO (CBS) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday declared the monkeypox virus a public health emergency, and declared Illinois a disaster area regarding the disease.
The declaration applies statewide, and will allow the Illinois Department of Public Health to coordinate logistics so as to aid in the distribution vaccines, and in treatment and prevention efforts. The declaration will also help coordinate the state response with the federal government.
“MPV is a rare, but potentially serious disease that requires the full mobilization of all available public health resources to prevent the spread,” Gov. Pritzker said in a news release. “That’s why I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure smooth coordination between state agencies and all levels of government, thereby increasing our ability to prevent and treat the disease quickly. We have seen this virus disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community in its initial spread. Here in Illinois we will ensure our LGBTQ+ community has the resources they need to stay safe while ensuring members are not stigmatized as they access critical health care.”
The proclamation takes effect immediately and will remain in place for 30 days. The World Health Organization declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on July 23.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady released a statement endorsing the state Public Health Emergency declaration, and saying an additional declaration for the city is not necessary:
“This emergency declaration brings a necessary, increased focus to the Monkeypox (MPV) outbreak we’re seeing here in Chicago, across our state, and around the country. Since the beginning of this outbreak, the Chicago Department of Public Health has been working diligently with clinical and community partners to raise awareness and vaccinate residents at increased risk and will continue to do so. Ultimately, however, we need more support from the federal level to fully address the threat MPV presents to our city. It is our hope that this declaration joins a chorus of others across the nation and encourages the rapid increase and distribution of vaccines. This declaration will allow the state to use emergency procurement powers and to directly involve other state agencies, like Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), in the response statewide. Chicago does not need a separate emergency declaration as we are covered by the state one, and in addition, we already have a local emergency procurement process; a strong local distribution network; and a diverse group of clinical and community partners working to raise awareness and vaccinate Chicagoans at increased risk.”
Monkeypox: What we know so far
As of Monday, a total of 520 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Health. This total includes all probable and confirmed cases.
The City of Chicago reported a total of 330 cases as of July 28.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said Monkeypox can spread through close, personal and often skin-to-skin contact. Officials have noted the virus is spreading primarily among men with same-sex partners.
According to the CDC, symptoms include respiratory issues, fever, headache rashes. A full list of symptoms can be found here.
CDC officials said symptoms usually start “within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus.” The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.
As CBS 2 reported, patients have described painful sores all over their bodies, along with fevers, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Cases of monkeypox often resolve after a few weeks without additional treatment. Some reported cases have been more severe and have led to hospitalizations.
Monkeypox Chicago: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker declares monkeypox a public health emergency
CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker declared monkeypox a public health emergency Monday to help coordinate a statewide response.
Declaring the state a “disaster area” allows the Illinois Dept. of Public Health to better coordinate with other state agencies and the federal government on vaccine distribution and disease prevention.
Illinois currently has the 3rd highest number of cases in the United States, according to governor’s office.
MONKEYPOX | Everything you need to know about symptoms, spread, treatment and vaccines
As of Friday, there are 330 monkeypox cases in Chicago, where the focus continues to be getting vaccines to those who are at higher risk, despite low supplies.
TPAN in Edgewater had 100 doses of the monkeypox vaccine and they were accounted for quickly Monday. People lined up even before the clinic opened.
“I don’t want put anybody I love at risk,” Carlos Alfaro said. “If I get the virus, I can bring it home, so that’s a major concern for me.”
“I think the LGBT community is more vocal about diseases but that said,” Luis Castello said, “I think all of us need to learn from our community. And everyone straight, however you identify, you have to be cautious.”
Chris Mooney lives on Chicago’s South Side but came to the North Side location after doing his own research to find vaccine.
“Really a lot of the clinics and places offering the vaccine were on the North Side,” Mooney said, “and then for figuring out do you have to book an appointment, is it walk in, first come/first serve?”
In Hyde Park, the Center for HIV Elimination has been doing outreach and continues to do so with its mobile unit to try and share information with those who may not be able to easily access monkeypox vaccination clinics, especially those with compromised immune systems.
“Because their immune system may not be the healthiest in terms of responding to that,” said Noel Green, manager of outreach at Center for HIV Elimination. “Making sure they are aware before they are prepared and vaccinated before they are introduced is critical to their survival.”
The center is planning more outreach and vaccination events depending on the availability of vaccine.
Full statement from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady
“This emergency declaration brings a necessary, increased focus to the Monkeypox (MPV) outbreak we’re seeing here in Chicago, across our state, and around the country. Since the beginning of this outbreak, the Chicago Department of Public Health has been working diligently with clinical and community partners to raise awareness and vaccinate residents at increased risk and will continue to do so. Ultimately, however, we need more support from the federal level to fully address the threat MPV presents to our city. It is our hope that this declaration joins a chorus of others across the nation and encourages the rapid increase and distribution ofvaccines. This declaration will allow the state to use emergency procurement powers and to directly involve other state agencies, like Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), in the response statewide. Chicago does not need a separate emergency declaration as we are covered by the state one, and in addition, we already have a local emergency procurement process; a strong local distribution network; and a diverse group of clinical and community partners working to raise awareness and vaccinate Chicagoans at increased risk.”
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Illinois primary election results pit downstate Sen. Darren Bailey against Gov. JB Pritzker
CHICAGO (WLS) — After Tuesday’s primary election, ABC News projects downstate Sen. Darren Bailey has won the Republican nomination for Illinois governor, pitting him against Gov. JB Pritzker in November.
PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS: Latest updates on races around the state of Illinois
Bailey has been perceived as more conservative than many of the other Republican challengers in the state, ABC7 political analyst Laura Washington said; he may in fact be the most conservative challenger to Pritzker.
But Washington noted that Bailey built a strong grassroots following especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was outspoken against lockdown, mask mandates and remote schooling. He sued Pritzker over a stay-at-home order the governor issued, and was escorted off the floor of the Legislature for refusing to wear a mask.
Taking the stage at his victory party, Bailey criticized “elites” like Pritzker, the GOP establishment and others who say he cannot win in November. He pledged to outwork his opponent and stand up for regular, working people across Illinois.
“Here’s a tip and some advice for JB Pritzker: Start packing, friend. Because, on November eighth, you’re fired,” he said. “Illinois is a lot worse off than it was four years ago, it’s a lot worse off than it was 40 years ago and it’s time for something different.”
Bailey spoke with ABC7 Chicago in downstate Effingham Wednesday morning.
Coming off a stunning primary victory, Bailey is pausing to catch his breath for just a moment before shifting into gear again with the focus now on Pritzker and the November election.
“It just feels good when you get to take a look at the labors of your hard work, and see this to, you know, things paid off, so better at the end of the day. It’s just another day we move forward. The mission is the same. The goals are the same, and we keep going,” he said.
Jobs and crime will be his top issues.
But so will the endorsement he received from former President Donald Trump, which Pritzker will use to attack Bailey in this state, where Democrats far outnumber Republicans.
The race is shaping up as a classic David versus Goliath battle, with Bailey saying he’s not concerned about naysayers in his own party.
“I simply say, ‘what do we got to lose?’ We’ve had the naysayers; they said that there’s no way that I could win the primary, and they got behind someone and wasted millions of dollars, and when we knew all along that the people of Illinois were thinking differently. So, I think it’s going to be pretty amazing what’s going to happen,” he said.
Bailey will be hitting the campaign trail in the next day or so, with plans to march in some July 4 parades.
Irvin, the one-time frontrunner whose campaign was torpedoed by $35 million in negative ads run against him by Pritzker and his allies, struck a triumphant note with supporters even after losing the nomination. He did not mention Bailey in his speech but instead spoke about the future of Illinois and Pritzker.
“Listen, I hope this governor is wrong in his assessment that he can easily defeat the opponent he paid tens of millions of dollars to face. But, if this governor is correct, and if he does easily prevail, we as citizens must rise up,” Irvin said.
Irvin had the backing of the richest man in the state, Ken Griffin, who helped get Bruce Rauner elected governor. Griffin poured $50 million into the Irvin campaign, with $30 million spent on TV and radio ads, but it didn’t quite move the needle.
“Pritzker stopped us from winning tonight, but he couldn’t stop us from changing so many hearts and minds across the state,” Irvin said.
Sullivan also addressed supporters after losing his bid for the nomination Tuesday, thanking them and his family for their support.
The young father and venture capitalist based his entire campaign around family values, his Christian faith, and military service.
He leaned heavily on moral issues, coming out staunchly against abortion and often talked about how politicians and government had no place in classrooms or controlling school curriculums.
Sullivan saw a last minute surge with the decision by the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, and he leaned heavily into that momentum, trying to pick up Republican votes in the Chicago area.
The venture capitalist turned first-time candidate is popular in his hometown of farmers and state workers just north of Springfield.
Having lost his bid, he threw his full support behind Bailey, and encouraged all his voters to do the same.
Bailey has also dismissed the notion that Pritzker’s campaign against Irvin is the reason he’s on the verge of victory.
“Let them say what they want to say; there is no doubt about it. It’s our hard work ethic. It’s our campaign’s work ethic, the people that have had the, you know, come around the table to work with us,” he said.
Former Gov. Jim Edgar is worried about the down-ballot impact of a Bailey primary victory.
“We would have the most right-wing slate we’ve ever had going into the general election in Illinois, and I don’t think that’s good for the Republican Party in Illinois,” Edgar said. “Not only do I think they have difficulty winning, I think they can have a drag on the people down the ballot.”
During his victory speech, Pritzker blasted Bailey.
“Let me be clear, someone who seeks out and accepts the endorsement of a racist, misogynistic, homophobic, xenophobic former president does not deserve to come anywhere near this state’s highest office,” he said.
The governor said voters will have an easy choice come November.
The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, removing the constitutional right to abortion will be front and center in Pritzker’s campaign.
He has said Bailey is too extreme for Illinois. He also confirmed Wednesday he is not considering a presidential run, saying he looks forward to four more years of leading Illinois.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also responded to Bailey’s win on Twitter, saying “Illinois, under no circumstance can we allow Darren Bailey anywhere near executive office. To protect women, our diverse communities and our sanity – Vote @JBPritzker in November.”
Illinois, under no circumstance can we allow Darren Bailey anywhere near executive office. To protect women, our diverse communities and our sanity — Vote @JBPritzker in November.
— Lori Lightfoot (@LoriLightfoot) June 29, 2022
Three other contenders vying for the Republican nomination were Gary Rabine, Paul Schimpf and Max Solomon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Ill. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has spent $30 million in the GOP primary to defeat a potential rival
The gambit might work. Polls show state Sen. Darren Bailey’s candidacy surging, and last weekend, he picked up an endorsement from former president Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, whose campaign has been buoyed by a $50 million contribution from hedge-fund manager Kenneth Griffin, has seen his numbers drop.
The third billionaire in this battle, Richard Uihlein, who owns the shipping company Uline, has given $9 million to Bailey’s campaign and donated about the same amount to a political action committee organized to attack Irvin.
But it’s Pritzker’s expenditures that have sparked conversation.
Kent Redfield, an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Illinois Springfield, said having the state’s most powerful Democrat get involved in Tuesday’s Republican primary is a first in the state’s election history.
“They’re clearly trying to boost Bailey because they think he’s the weaker candidate. Because if it’s between Pritzker and Irwin … that’s a much tougher fight,” Redfield said.
Once Pritzker started targeting Irvin in the spring, Bailey surged. Pritzker is expected to win against one challenger: Beverly Miles. Bailey is leading the Republicans, followed by Irvin, then Gary Rabine, former state senator Paul Schimpf, Jesse Sullivan and Max Solomon.
Both Pritzker and the DGA also are citing Friday’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade to draw a distinction between the governor and his Republican opponents, some of whom praised the ruling that stripped away the constitutional right to abortion. Yael Sheinfeld, Illinois spokeswoman for the DGA, in a statement called Pritzker “the last line of defense to protect women’s access to safe, legal reproductive care.” She added: “Voters will remember that at the ballot box.”
Pritzker, speaking at an abortion rights event last month, sought to appeal to voters beyond Chicago and its suburbs. “As you move to the outer exurbs, we’re also winning voters over because they understand the radical right isn’t what Illinois is about and it isn’t representing the women of the suburbs,” he said.
All the Republican hopefuls, except Solomon, support abortion if the pregnant person’s life is in danger. Irvin, Sullivan and Schimpf say abortion is warranted in cases of rape and incest. Rabine does not, and Bailey has not directly answered the question to date. He has only said he supports abortion if it protects the health of the pregnant person.
The governor also has sparked speculation about presidential aspirations. This month, he traveled to New Hampshire to speak at the state’s annual convention for Democrats. While on the East Coast, he campaigned for other Democratic candidates, including gubernatorial candidate Maura Healey and Maine Gov. Janet Mills, and lobbied the Democratic National Committee to host its quadrennial meeting in Chicago in 2024.
Shifting demographics within Illinois have enabled Democrats to win elections by dominating fewer counties than were required in the past, even though Republicans win more counties overall across the state. The counties that Democrats now control — Chicago and its collar counties — are among the most dense in population and the most racially and ethnically diverse. Comparably, support for Illinois Republicans now emanates from large swaths downstate, where population growth is either stagnant or shrinking.
Nothing illustrated this change more than the 2020 general election when President Biden beat Trump by 17 percentage points by carrying just 14 of the state’s 102 counties. (By comparison, Barack Obama won 46 counties in 2008.) Likewise, Pritzker handily defeated Republican incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018 by carrying just 16 counties. Pritzker’s strength came from the northeast pocket of the state — Cook County, which includes Chicago, and four of all five collar counties — and he barely campaigned elsewhere.
‘The Republicans don’t seem to have enough voters and they don’t have enough growth,” Redfield said. “While they may have hardcore voters, their base is shrinking. Rural Illinois is not growing.”
Some areas of downstate or central Illinois are closer to St. Louis, Louisville and Nashville than they are to Chicago. Resentment has festered over decades. In a primary debate last month, Bailey, articulated that anger by calling Chicago “a crime-ridden, corrupt, dysfunctional hellhole.” In 2019, he co-sponsored a bill to declare the city the 51st state and separate it from the rest of Illinois.
On Saturday, Trump endorsed Bailey, calling him “just the man to take on and defeat one of the worst governors in America.”
The endorsement, made in a central Illinois fairground, is unlikely to win Baily many voters closer to Chicago.
Pritzker and the DGA are speaking directly to those voters, running television ads tailored for the Republican primary. One ad is simply a collage of video clips of Irvin calling Pritzker “a great friend” and praising his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. “Why is he even running?” a narrator asks.
Some caution that the Democrats’ strategy isn’t foolproof. Wayne Steger, a political scientist at DePaul University in Chicago, said that given the unfavorable climate for Democrats, the plan could backfire.
Several factors could work against Illinois Democrats in November: Rising inflation and gas prices strike at the heart of suburbanites used to driving long distances across the Chicago region’s broad geographical map. Greater diversity in the suburbs, especially among an increasing Hispanic population that leans antiabortion and might be energized by last week’s Supreme Court decision.
“Any one of those issues could make a big difference” in the general election, Steger said. “If the national wave against liberal Democrats catches fire in Illinois, that could unify Republicans” for Bailey.
Early on in the Republican primary, Irvin appeared to the favorite. He had the backing of Griffin, the wealthiest person in Illinois, whose money was largely responsible for helping elect Rauner in 2014. The founder and CEO of Citadel, a Chicago-based hedge fund, Griffin has spent millions attacking Pritzker and his policies in recent years. He announced last week that he is moving to Florida.
But Irvin wasn’t the favorite of more conservative Illinois Republicans. Trump’s tenure helped give rise to local hard-right candidates like Jeanne Ives, a former state lawmaker from Chicago’s suburbs who narrowly lost to Rauner in 2018. She supports Bailey and on social media called Irvin “a Democrat, not a Republican.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signs retail theft crackdown bill into law to crack down on smash-and-grab burglaries
CHICAGO (WLS) — After multiple smash-and-grabs at malls in the suburbs and at many high-end shops along Michigan Avenue, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday imposing harsher punishments on those who commit retail crimes.
“This is about the safety of our communities,” Pritzker said. “It’s about preventing militarized storefronts and empty commercial.”
The governor put pen to paper to sign the Inform Act into law, which enforces the new crime of organized retail theft.
It’s the latest step in Illinois’ effort to fight a crime that has been plaguing big and small businesses around the state.
SEE ALSO: Bike shop burglaries: Naperville store boards up windows in response to recent crimes
Surveillance videos captured several incidents showing mobs of people rushing into stores to steal goods from luxury goods to convenience stores, even while employees or customers are inside. Macy’s, Nordstrom, Burberry, and LensCrafters along the Mag Mile have all been hit.
Last December alone, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s organized crime task force retrieved one million dollars’ worth of stolen items from storage units.
Also in December, a group of 14 people ransacked the Louis Vuitton in Oak Brook, making off with $120,000 in merchandise.
WATCH | 14 involved in Oak Brook Louis Vuitton grab-and-run
The new law cracks down on the ring leaders organizing these crimes who are profiting and using it to fund other illegal activities.
“This is not aimed at a low-income parent desperate to feed their child,” Governor Pritzker said. “It’s not about a kid making a short-sighted mistake. This is about a multi-billion dollar industry of organized criminals carrying out sophisticated theft operations to turn a profit on the resale market.”
As part of the new law, those who knowingly engage with others in a theft valued at $300 or more would be guilty of a Class Three felony. Those who engage in a retail theft from one or more establishments would be guilty of a Class Two felony, which would carry more jail time.
Burberry Michigan Ave. store burglarized for 2nd time in a week, Chicago police say
The law allows prosecutors to bring perpetrators to justice even if the conspiracy, theft and/or selling crosses county boundaries. They are now able to prosecute the whole crime.
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association partnered with several lawmakers to make the law a reality.
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Mike Madigan indicted: Former Illinois House speaker charged with racketeering, bribery, attempted extortion, more
CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, once the most powerful politician in Illinois, has been indicted on an array of corruption charges, the U.S. attorney announced Wednesday afternoon.
Federal prosecutors announced the charges in downtown Chicago Wednesday afternoon. The full indictment, obtained by the I-Team, contains a complex list of 22 counts, including for bribery and racketeering, allegedly executed by Madigan and a web of co-conspirators.
Click here to read the full indictment
The alleged scheme stretches from Chicago to Springfield and connects politicians, lobbyists, business and utility executives and Madigan’s law firm. Prosecutors allege Madigan, 79, led a criminal enterprise meant to enhance Madigan’s political power and financial well-being while also generating income for his allies and associates for nearly a decade.
Madigan’s close friend Michael McClain is named as a co-defendant, and prosecutors allege he carried out criminal activities at Madigan’s behest.
The indictment accuses Madigan and McClain and other members of the conspiracy of unlawfully soliciting benefits from businesses and other private entities, and accuses Madigan of engaging in multiple schemes to benefit from private legal work unlawfully steered to his law firm.
Madigan and McClain are charged with racketeering conspiracy and individual counts of using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, and wire fraud, prosecutors said. Madigan is additionally charged with attempted extortion.
Madigan released a statement responding to the charges, saying, “I was never involved in any criminal activity. The government is attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations. That is not illegal, and these other charges are equally unfounded. Throughout my 50 years as a public servant, I worked to address the needs of my constituents, always keeping in mind the high standards required and the trust the public placed in me. I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois.”
As part of the scheme, prosecutors allege that Madigan and his conspirators used “coded language in their discussions” and attempted to “reduce law enforcement’s ability to intercept their communications” by meeting in person or using third-party cell phones to communicate. Prosecutors say Madigan was often referred to by ComEd officials as “our Friend,” or “a Friend of ours” rather than using his name, in an effort to conceal the scheme.
McClain’s job was to “shield Madigan” from the enterprise’s criminal activity, as well, according to the indictment.
READ MORE: Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff Tim Mapes indicted for allegedly lying to grand jury
In the indictment, prosecutors allege that ComEd officials arranged jobs for Madigan’s political allies where they “performed little or no work” in exchange for Madigan’s influence in passing legislation favorable to the utility or defeating legislation that would harm its business.
As part of the conspiracy, prosecutors say internships with ComEd were set aside for people associated with Madigan’s home ward, the 13th Ward on the Southwest Side of Chicago. They alleged that McClain identified candidates for the internships and some didn’t meet the minimum academic requirements for the position.
ComEd released a statement, saying, “We are not in a position to comment on charges related to the former Speaker or beyond what is in the statement of facts in ComEd’s deferred prosecution agreement, which resolved the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s investigation into ComEd and Exelon. ComEd has cooperated fully with the investigation, been transparent with customers, and implemented comprehensive ethics and compliance reforms to ensure that the unacceptable conduct outlined in the agreement never happens again.”
In the indictment, prosecutors also allege a scheme former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis called a “quid pro quo” where a company seeking approval for an apartment complex’s zoning change would provide work to Madigan’s law firm. Prosecutors say Madigan told Solis later privately “not to use the phrase quid pro quo” and suggested a false pretext for Solis to connect the company with Madigan’s firm for tax services. Danny Solis’ attorney, Lisa Noller, told ABC7 “we have no comment at this time.”
Some of the alleged conduct made public was already known as part of previous corruption investigations, but in the indictment, additional schemes emerge. According to prosecutors, Madigan sought to appoint a retiring Chicago alderman to a paid state board position in exchange for business steered to his private law firm.
Another scheme detailed in the indictment involves a development group who wanted to convert a parking lot in Chinatown to a commercial development that would include a hotel. Prosecutors allege Madigan used his position as speaker of the Illinois House to facilitate the transfer of the property from the state to city ownership in exchange for the steering of legal work to his private firm. Prosecutors write that Madigan and McClain worked to facilitate the land transfer by seeking a legislator who would sponsor the bill and introduce the transfer amendment in the fall 2018 veto session. But, after opposition to the transfer emerged from community members and legislators, prosecutors allege Madigan and McClain abandoned the effort to pass it at that time.
READ MORE: Mike Madigan confidant and ex-ComEd CEO charged with bribery in lobbying scheme; speaker denies wrongdoing
McClain’s attorneys released a statement after the charges were announced, saying in part, “For years, the Government has been trying to force Mike McClain to cooperate in its quest against former Speaker Mike Madigan. These latest charges are nothing more than the Government’s continued attempt to pressure Mike McClain to do the Government’s bidding. Mike McClain was innocent of the charges when they were first filed in November of 2020. He remains innocent of the recycled and new charges in this latest Indictment. He will never testify falsely about himself or anyone, no matter how many indictments are brought against him. We will fight to prove his innocence.”
Illinois, Chicago politicians react to Madigan indictment
Madigan’s name has bubbled up over the years, but he has always brushed aside suggestions of wrongdoing. Even when Madigan was directly linked by federal investigators to the bribery scheme involving top ComEd executives, the state’s most potent powerbroker insisted he had done nothing wrong.
The case has been officially under investigation for more than two years, but Madigan has been a top target of federal investigators for much longer.
A titan of Illinois’ notoriously corrupt politics, Madigan was thought to be made of Teflon.
“This one is particularly stunning, because Madigan has been such an iconic figure in our politics for so long, and because he has been notoriously cautious about how he’s done his business to try and avoid this kind of situation,” said David Axelrod, political consultant and University of Chicago Institute of Politics director.
“I’ve been saying for years now that we’ve got to root out corruption wherever it exists in government,” said Gov. JB Pritzker when he was told of the charges. “It’s why we’ve passed and I’ve signed ethics reforms in the state of Illinois, but anybody who is guilty of corruption or corrupt acts in this state should be held to the fullest extent of the law accountable for their actions.”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also reacted, saying, “So this is a kind of case. If this is factual, of such incredible significance. Somebody who has really shaped Illinois politics for 40 years, dominated almost every aspect of life. From a political standpoint, from a legislative standpoint, you better have a tight case, because you’re going to take the shot, you’re not going to want to miss.”
RELATED: 3 plead not guilty in ComEd bribery probe
As a witness in the investigation, Pritzker’s office said the governor voluntarily met with federal investigators in February and answered questions about his interactions with the former speaker. U.S. Attorney John Lausch clarified that Pritzker is not implicated in the indictment or under investigation in any way.
Pritzker confirmed the FBI questioned him during a press conference Thursday morning.
Alaina Hampton worked closely with Madigan as a former campaign worker. She settled a lawsuit in 2019 alleging sexual harassment by a supervisor in Madigan’s campaign office, Kevin Quinn, which he denied.
Hampton, who confirms she too was questioned in this current investigation, believes this indictment against Madigan is the turning point for corruption in the city of Chicago and state of Illinois.
“I think things are moving in a new direction for sure. And you know, younger leaders are being elected, and there’s definitely been a shift in Illinois politics since he is no longer the speaker, but I think there’s still a lot of corruption to root out, a lot of people that worked in his sphere, but still have deep loyal ties to him that also need to be ushered out of politics here,” she said.
The politically charged case will play out at a precarious time for Illinois Democrats.
“This hands a great weapon to the Republican Party in an election year,” said ABC7 political analyst Laura Washington. “The Republican party, Republican candidates, can go after the Democratic party and use Mike Madigan as a cudgel and say the party is corrupt.”
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin released a statement on the indictment, saying, “Illinois deserves better. This is another chapter in the sad story of corruption that has pervaded every corner of the state that was touched by Mike Madigan and his Democrat enablers and has dismantled true democracy in Illinois. Today, the same Democrats who empowered Madigan are still blocking real ethics reform just like they blocked the Special Investigating Committee that was created to get to the bottom of Madigan’s corrupt activities.”
Federal prosecutors charged ComEd with bribery in July 2019 in a bombshell case. It prompted a legislative probe of Madigan’s dealings with ComEd. Prosecutors said ComEd admitted to rewarding “Public Official A,” identified as the House speaker, with vendor contracts in exchange for favorable treatment in the general assembly.
The former Illinois House Speaker from Chicago was the longest serving leader of any legislative body in US history, and held his house seat for more than 50 years.
Madigan first took office as state representative for the 22nd District in 1971. He served as the Illinois House speaker from 1983 to 2020, and from 1998 through 2021 served as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
He resigned from the Illinois House in 2021.
He made way for the first Black speaker of the House in Springfield.
Madigan’s neighbors, constituents have mixed feelings on indictment
No one came to the door at Madigan’s home in West Lawn where he’s lived for decades in the district he represented, but Wednesday afternoon a Sun-Times photographer captured an image of him pulling into his garage.
Most neighbors ABC7 approached declined to comment, but a few said they think Madigan, over the years, has serve the district well and thought he had been a good neighbor.
“Until he’s proven guilty, I still think he’s innocent,” said John Lazarus, a neighbor. “He’s a good man for the neighborhood and always been, especially for Illinois.”
“He do a lot of good things in here, a lot of good work in here. I feel sorry for them,” said Jose Alvarez, another neighbor. “Yeah, for sure, I’m surprised.”
“Pretty surprising just because, you know, usually you haven’t really heard much from him, and then to hear something as big as this, it’s like wow. Is this what’s really going on?” said Jasmin Antunez, a West Lawn resident.
Others were less surprised, considering how long Madigan has been under investigation. One neighbor, who declined to go on camera, said simply, “Well, it is Chicago.”
A “W” flag, a symbol of victory, was draped on Madigan’s front door by nightfall, making it clear he plans to fight the charges.
McClain and Madigan are scheduled to enter a plea in federal court in Chicago next Wednesday.
If convicted, Madigan, who is 79, is looking at the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.
More reaction to Madigan indictment from political world
Illinois Senate President Dan Harmon (D-Oak Park)
“These are obviously disturbing allegations. I have confidence in our system of justice. Like everyone else, I will be watching to see how this unfolds.”
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch (D-7th District)
“As Chair of the Special Investigating Committee, I made it clear that this matter needed to be handled in a court of law, completely separate from the legislature. As is evident by this federal indictment, the full weight of the justice system was needed to ensure all charges are investigated properly and thoroughly. At my direction, the Office of the Speaker has fully cooperated with the investigation and will continue to do so.”
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly:
“For the past year, I have been honored to lead our party as the first person of color and the first woman to chair the Democratic Party of Illinois. The DPI is committed to building a party that is more transparent, more diverse, and more inclusive in everything we do. Today’s announcement is a stark reminder that elected leaders must hold themselves to the highest ethical standards. We will observe the legal process as it unfolds, but there can be no tolerance of anyone guilty of violating the public trust. While he stepped down as party chair more than a year ago, Michael J. Madigan remains a State Central Committeeman from the 3rd Congressional District. He should resign from that position as well.
“Since I became chair a year ago, our focus has been on electing Democrats up and down the ticket across Illinois and continuing to fight for the things all Democrats believe in, including raising wages, lowering costs, defending reproductive choice, protecting the environment, investing in our infrastructure, providing high quality education for all, and more. We will not let actions of the past distract us from our mission in 2022 and beyond.”
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy
“For many years, Illinois Democrats across the state — from Governor JB Pritzker on down — supported, enabled, and kissed the ring of Mike Madigan as he built a corrupt state government that served to enrich his allies and special interests while Illinois crumbled. Illinois is a diminished state and a laughing stock for the rest of the nation because Mike Madigan cared more about holding on to power than serving the interests of its citizens – and because elected Democrats across the state supported him.
The Illinois Republican Party is committed to exposing and defeating every last Democrat still around that accepted Madigan’s money, voted Madigan’s way, or defended him as the leader of their party. The list of those needing to be held accountable for what happened is long, and it starts with Governor JB Pritzker.”
Gov. JB Pritzker
“An indictment of this magnitude is a condemnation of a system infected with promises of pay-to-play, and the era of corruption and self-dealing among Illinois politicians must end. The conduct alleged in this indictment is deplorable and a stark violation of the public’s trust. Michael Madigan must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“Ultimately, every person in elected office is responsible for doing the right thing – and not lining their own pockets. I am fully committed to eradicate the scourge of corruption from our political system, and today’s indictment is an important step in cleaning up Illinois. I have faith that our justice system will help restore the public’s trust in government.
“When I ran for office, I made clear that I would be beholden to no one, and that I would serve the best interests of the people of Illinois. I have upheld that vow. For the past three years, my administration has made clear that such abuses will not be tolerated, and we’ve tightened our ethics laws. I will continue to work with the General Assembly to restore the public’s trust.”
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
“Today’s indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is a shameful day for Illinois politics and further erodes trust in our public officials. It’s a sad state of affairs when so many of our officials, past and present, have been involved in criminal investigations.
“The 22 count indictment alleges that for years, Madigan used his office for personal benefit and engaged in bribery and racketeering practices. Our political organizations should not double as criminal enterprises.
“While he resigned as a Representative last year, he remains 13th Ward Committeeperson. I am calling for his resignation from this position as well.”
Congressman Darin LaHood (R-18th District)
“The indictment of former Speaker Michael Madigan is another step in the long process to clean up Illinois corruption. During his half-century in office, Michael Madigan spearheaded Illinois’ decline, all while using his position of power and the state government to enrich himself personally.
“Starting with Governor JB Pritzker, Madigan’s allies in the Illinois Democrat Party will have to answer for why they enabled this corruption for so long that contributed greatly to our state’s challenges.
“As a former federal prosecutor, I applaud the United States Attorney John Lausch and his team for their work. The type of corruption outlined in the indictment must be eradicated from our political system and the people of Illinois deserve justice.”
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Illinois lifting mask mandate for some by Feb. 28, Gov. JB Pritzker says schools, jails, hospitals will be exceptions
CHICAGO (WLS) — Gov. JB Pritzker announced plans Wednesday to partially lift Illinois’ indoor mask mandate by the end of February.
Pritzker said Illinois has handled COVID better than almost every other state in the Midwest, in part because people wore their masks. He cited improving hospitalization metrics as the driving force behind his decision to ease the statewide mandate.
“We are now seeing the fastest rate of decline in our COVID-19 hospitalization metrics since the pandemic began,” Pritzker said. “If these trends continue, and we expect them to, then on Monday, Feb. 28, we will lift the indoor mask requirement for the state of Illinois.”
Pritzker said that local jurisdictions and businesses may still require stricter rules than the state, and must be respected.
WATCH: Gov. Pritzker plans to lift indoor mask mandate in some locations this month
Pritzker said the changes will impact malls, restaurants, bars and places of business, but not schools. Schools are governed by a separate mandate, and will be addressed separately.
“We still have the sensitive locations of K-12 schools, where we have lots of people, who are joined together in smaller spaces, and so that’s something that will come weeks hence,” Pritzker said Wednesday.
A downstate judge’s ruling against the school mandate and the governor’s subsequent appeal have led to protests and confusion in districts across the state.
The changes will also not impact congregate settings like prisons or nursing homes, Pritzker said, or healthcare facilities or public transit, which are under a federal mask mandate.
RELATED: School mask policies in chaos after ruling; parents plan protests
Colleen McNeal is a CTA commuter, who is happy to keep her mask on when riding the L.
“Just because there are rush hours. It’s so many people boarding the train. There’s limited seating. There’s a lot going on, especially on the Green Line, with people smoking and things of that nature,” she said.
The governor reinstated the indoor mask mandate in late August after COVID hospitalizations started to rise again. The governor has always said the mask decision was driven by hospitalization data, and hospitalizations statewide have been falling consistently for the past seven days, and by more than 60% statewide in the past month.
Most regions in the area are out of the warning zone, or close to it, for hospital bed availability.
That has been the key metric the governor’s office has focused on in making mask mandate decisions.
“Very importantly, things are getting better across the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.
With Democratic governors on the west and east coasts lifting their mask requirements, Pritzker is facing mounting pressure.
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin wrote him a letter saying in part, “Governor, it has been a long two years and the people deserve to know what you are doing…Your lack of plan has forced people to give up hope that they can ever have a normal life in Illinois.”
Even if the statewide mask mandate is lifted, individual municipalities can continue to impose their own rules.
Separate announcements are expected in the coming days from Chicago and suburban counties.
Some business owners are eager for the mandate to be lifted.
The owner of Eggcited Pancake House in Naperville was anticipating this decision, and welcomes it.
“It’s a very unpleasant situation to be in as a business owner because, again, we have staff that are not comfortable with it, that want it to be off and then staff that do want to continue to be wearing masks,” said Filiz Sav, owner.
She expects some staff and customers may still decide to wear masks, at least for a while.
Moon Rabbit Acupuncture in the West loop has been carefully navigating through the pandemic, complying with any and all COVID safety mandates.
“It’s with a big feeling of relief to get back to normal. I think a lot of the other business owners are just gonna be so excited,” said Gudrun Snyder, with Moon Rabbit.
With wellness in mind, Owner Snyder still wants her customers to feel comfortable when the mask mandate is lifted.
“If they wanna continue to wear their masks, they should, but people who don’t want to once the mask mandate is lifted, we welcome them to come in and show us their smiles,” she said.
Some people are still leery, believing the governor was too hasty.
“I will still continue to wear my mask,” said Dana Garland. “I will still continue to wash hands and do all the things that prevent others from being sick. I would rather have some protection than none, and I would hope that others follow along.”
And medical experts encourage that kind of attitude.
“If you find yourself in a crowded indoor setting, a mask will continue to help protect you,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We will continue to recommend masks as we move forward in a world where we will coexist with COVID.”
Restaurant Owner and Chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association Sam Sanchez said lifting the mask mandate and even the vaccine mandate as quickly as possible is essential to keep more restaurants from closing.
“By removing the mask mandate and the vaccine mandate, our customers will feel comfortable and confident it’s safe to come out, and then our business will flourish,” he said.
Medical experts worry mask mandate will be lifted too soon
ICU beds are empty again at St. Anthony Hospital, but not long ago the community hospital on the border of North Lawndale and Little Village was full of COVID patients.
“Even though cases have gone down recently, it was devastating over the holidays, we saw rises and so many deaths,” said nurse supervisor Fabian Vigil.
Vigil has been on the front lines for the entire pandemic and is concerned lifting the mandate will result in another surge.
“You would almost think we would be immune to it but it still hurts,” he said. “Every COVID death, it affects us in a different way, every time.”
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Alfredo Mena-Lora said if mask mandates are going away, more people must get vaccinated. Until then, masks remain prudent.
“We are still nationwide at a point where there are 2,000 cases, 2,000 deaths a day, and it’s primarily folks who are unvaccinated,” he said.
Pediatric specialists are worried about children 5 and under who can’t get vaccinated yet, and immunocompromised patients.
“I understand people are tired of wearing masks, I’m tired of wearing masks, I think people want to get back to normal, unfortunately the virus doesn’t care what we want,” said Dr. Taylor Heald-Sargent, Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Many on the front lines say we are not yet out of the woods and suggest holding onto our masks a bit longer.
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