Week of 02/14/2022
COVID-19
Illinois legislative committee blocks emergency school mask mandate
WSIL TV 3
Staff
02/15/2022
“The Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules objected to an emergency rule filed Monday night by the Illinois Department of Public Health, according to committee member Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru).”
“Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) welcomed the vote.”
‘Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie said, “In his quest for power at all costs, the Governor attempted to go above the judicial system to continue to require masks in schools, a move that even his Democrat allies in the legislature wouldn’t support. Even they agree he has gone too far. Today, the Governor was willing to add to the confusion and chaos that has overwhelmed our schools and parents in the last several days. Fortunately for the people of Illinois, he was stopped. Enough is enough. Let’s start governing this state through the rightful democratic process, not under one man’s rule and ego."’
Republic-Times
Staff
02/16/2022
“State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) applauded JCAR’s decision.”
State Senator Reacts to Committee Vote Blocking Reinstatement of School Mask Mandate
WSPY NEWS
Staff
02/16/2022
“Morris State Senator Sue Rezin says the JCAR decision makes it clear that lawmakers will not accept Governor J.B. Pritzker's attempts to go above a court ruling suspending mandatory masks in some school districts. Rezin calls the governor's attempt to reinstate the masking rules bad government and dangerous to the rule of law.”
State Senator says appellate court ruling should be a wake up call to governor
1430 WCMY
Steven Devine
02/18/2022
“Republican St Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris says the ruling from the Fourth District Appellate Court rightfully provides schools with local control. The court dismissed the appeal Thursday that was filed by Gov. Pritzker as “moot” after the vote from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.”
Illinois lawmakers vote against renewing Pritzker's mask mandate for schools
Fox 32 Chicago
Mike Flannery
02/15/2022
‘Senate Republican Deputy Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) issued the following statement after the vote. "Today, the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules made it clear that we would not accept the Governor’s attempts to go above a court ruling made by a co-equal branch of government.”’
Legislative Committee Blocks Reissue of Pritzker School Mask Mandate
The Illinoize
Patrick Pfingsten
02/16/2022
‘“In his quest for power at all costs, the governor attempted to go above the judicial system to continue to require masks in schools, a move that even his Democrat allies in the legislature wouldn’t support,” Senate Republican leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said in a statement. “Even they agree he has gone too far.”’
“Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) says the interpretation lawmakers received is that the Governor’s proposed rule is “suspended” and not currently in effect.”
Morris State Senator supports vote from Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
1430 WCMY News
Steven Devine
02/16/2022
“Morris Republican St Sen. Sue Rezin says she supports the vote made by the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The committee voted 9-0 to block emergency rules that would have required school’s to enforce the governor’s mask mandate.”
Pritzker insists school masks still mandated despite judge and legislators blocking rule
The Center Square
Greg Bishop
02/16/2022
“JCAR member state Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said from his perspective, the mandate is over and decisions are up to local districts and parents.”
Bipartisan legislative committee blocks Pritzker's emergency mask rule for schools
The Center Square
Greg Bishop
02/15/2022
‘“Today, the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules made it clear that we would not accept the Governor’s attempts to go above a court ruling made by a co-equal branch of government,” state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said in a statement.’
Chicago Sun -Time
Taylor Avery
02/15/2022
‘“In his quest for power at all costs, the Governor attempted to go above the judicial system to continue to require masks in schools, a move that even his Democrat allies in the legislature wouldn’t support,” state Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie said in a statement.’
STATE LEADERS BLOCK PRITZKER FROM REIMPOSING SCHOOL MASK MANDATE
Illinois Policy
Joe Tabor
02/15/2022
‘“Today, the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules made it clear that we would not accept the governor’s attempts to go above a court ruling made by a co-equal branch of government,” said state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris. “In his quest for power and control, Pritzker and his administration was willing to further the chaos and confusion for schools throughout the state. With this bipartisan vote, I hope that the Governor finally recognizes that his go-it-alone tactic is not in the best interest of our state or its people.”’
GOP LAWMAKERS RESPOND TO PRITZKER'S LOSS IN 4TH APPELLATE COURT
Illinois Review
Staff
02/18/2022
‘State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) has been vocal in his opposition to Governor Pritkzer's Emergency Orders after they passed the first 30-day limit provided in Illinois state law: "This ruling is another victory for freedom that confirms what we already knew and have been fighting for since the beginning. Pritzker is a failure and I will continue fighting against his tyrannical mandates and empty threats while standing up for the rights of parents, students, small businesses, and every Illinoisan who has suffered under his unconstitutional and unilateral mandates. It’s time to restore common sense to Springfield and freedom and opportunities to every Illinoisan."’
‘State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) said, “Thanks to members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules who took a bipartisan stand to stop the Prtizker Administration’s misguided attempt to reinstate the same rules and mandates that a judge voided, the Appellate Court has moved to dismiss the Governor’s appeal as ‘moot,’ which has rightfully provided schools with local control.”’
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-16-22
KWMU Radio (St. Louis) (58 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. John Curran
2-15-22
WHOI-TV (Peoria)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. John Curran
2-15-22
WGEM-TV (Quincy)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-16-22
WCMY Radio (Ottawa)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
Galesburg Register-Mail (3 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
WFLD-TV (Chicago
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
Ogle County Newspapers
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
KHQA-TV (Quincy)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
EdGlenToday.com (Edwardsville-Glen Carbon)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
Lake and McHenry County Scanner (Reposted Center Square article)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
WQRF-TV (Rockford)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-15-22
Illinois Policy Institute
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. John Curran
2-15-22
Southern Illinoisan (5 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. John Curran
2-15-22
WIRF-TV (Rockford)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Neil Anderson
2-15-22
Southern Illinoisan (4 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. John Curran
2-19-22
WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Chapin Rose
2-15-22
WAND-TV (Decatur)
Issue: Mask mandates
Sen. Chapin Rose
2-15-22
Effingham Daily News
Issue: Mask mandates
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-16-22
News Net Daily (Unknown) (3 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-16-22
WLS-TV (Chicago)
Issue: Mask mandates
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-16-22
KWMU Radio (St. Louis) (57 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-15-22
Southern Illinoisan
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-15-22
EdGlenToday (Edwardsville-Glen Carbon)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-15-22
WMAQ-TV (Chicago)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-15-22
WKRC-TV (Cincinnati)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-16-22
Canton Daily Ledger
Issue: Mask mandate
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-15-22
WFLD-TV (Chicago)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-15-22
Effingham Dailey News
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-15-22
Galesburg Register-Mail
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-15-22
KHQA-TV (Quincy)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-16-22
Times News Express (Unknown) (2 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-16-22
Illinois Business Journal
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-16-22
Illinois Business Journal (5 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-16-22
Starvedrock Media
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-16-22
WFLD-TV (Chicago)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. John Curran
2-16-22
WICD-TV (Champaign) (1 other source)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. John Curran
2-16-22
WGN-TV (Chicago) (12 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-17-22
Peoria Journal Star (4 other sources)
Issue: House members removed from chamber for not wearing masks
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-17-22
The Heartlander (Midwest) (2 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-20-22
WMAY Radio (Springfield)
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-18-22
WIRF-TV (Rockford) (3 other sources)
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-19-22
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-18-22
WXEF Radio (Effingham)
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-20-22
Randolph County Herald Tribune (40 other sources)
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-20-22
WCIA-TV (Champaign)
Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-18-22
KHQA-TV (Quincy) (1 other source
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-17-22
Journal Gazette & Times Courier (12 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandates
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-16-22
WXEF Radio (Effingham)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-16-22
Marietta Daily Journal (Georgia) (6 other sources)
Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote
Sen. Don DeWitte
2-18-22
DeWitt Observer
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-18-22
News Nation
Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling
Bailey: JCAR ruling shows Pritzker mask mandate has no merit
My Radio Link, Premier Broadcasting
Staff
02/16/2022
‘State Senator Darren Bailey released the following statement after a bipartisan vote from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to override new emergency rules from Governor Pritzker’s IDPH that would have reinstated the K-12 mask mandate for most schools: “Today’s decision by JCAR solidifies what I have been saying for the last two years, that the Pritzker Administration severely overstepped their authority by placing mask mandates on schools.”’
STATE COMMITTEE VOTES TO BLOCK REISSUANCE OF GOVERNOR’S EMERGENCY RULES IN SCHOOLS
Kane County Connects
Staff
02/16/2022
“According to a news release issued Tuesday (Feb. 15, 2022) by state Sen. Don DeWitte of St. Charles, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules voted 9-0-2 to block the Illinois Department of Public Health’s effort to shore up its rule, which was intended to provide guidelines on implementing the governor’s order.”
4TH DISTRICT APPELLATE COURT RULING AFFECTS MASKS IN SCHOOLS
Kane County Connects
Staff
02/18/2022
“According to a news release from state Sen. Don DeWitte’s Office as well as multiple media reports, Attorney General Kwame Raoul had appealed a temporary restraining order that a Sangamon County judge issued Feb. 4, blocking the state from enforcing emergency rules requiring face masks, tests of unvaccinated individuals and brief exclusion from school buildings.”
DCFS
Republican lawmakers want to give DCFS workers pepper spray to protect themselves
WCBU
Maggie Strahan
02/15/2022
“State Sens. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, and Sally Turner, R-Lincoln, say they hope the use of pepper spray can provide an option if an investigator is in a dangerous situation like the lethal home visits that resulted in the deaths of investigators Pam Knight, who was attacked in 2017 and died in early 2018, and Deidre Silas, who was killed this past January.”
New legislation filed proposed to help DCFS workers protect themselves
WAND News
Staff
02/15/2022
“State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) and State Representative Sandy Hamilton have filed new legislation designed to help Department of Children and Family Services employees protect themselves, after another murder of a DCFS employee.”
Bills to Help DCFS Workers Protect Themselves Introduced
WLDS/WEAI News
Jeremy Coumbes
02/15/2022
“50th District Senator Steve McClure and 99th District Representative Sandy Hamilton have filed new legislation designed to help increase protection for Department of Children and Family Services employees following the murders of two employees in recent years.”
GOP lawmakers back effort to give DCFS workers pepper spray
Capitol News Illinois
BETH HUNDSDORFER
02/15/2022
‘“It is legal for people to carry pepper spray for their own protection, as many do all over this state. Yet, DCFS workers who have to walk into abusive homes are not allowed that same protection,” Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, the sponsor of Senate Bill 4165, said at a news conference. “This is a commonsense step to help them stay safe while performing what is an incredibly important job.”’
New legislation would arm child welfare workers with mace
The Center Square
Kevin Bessler
02/15/2022
‘“The goal with this bill is to give that person that is going to encounter this in the future the opportunity to potentially escape because right now they are totally defenseless,” the bill’s chief sponsor, state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said.’
Sen. Sally Turner
2-18-22
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier (2 other sources)
Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-18-22
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier (3 other sources)
Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray/Increased penalties for assaults on DCFS workers
Sen. Sally Turner
2-16-22
WAND-TV (Decatur)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
WIND Radio (Chicago)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
WAND-TV (Decatur)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
WREX-TV (Rockford)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Sally Turner
2-15-22
State Journal Register
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Sally Turner
2-16-22
WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (3 other sources)
Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (3 other sources)
Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
WREX-TV (Rockford) (multiple newscasts)
Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WBBM Radio (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)
Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WGEM-TV (Quincy)
Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WRSP-TV (Springfield) (1 other source)
Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
DeWitt Daily News
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
Southernminn.com (Minnesota) (37 other sources)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WICD-TV (Champaign)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WLDS Radio (Jacksonville) (2 other sources)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WAND-TV (Rockford)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WMAY Radio (Springfield) (1 other source)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
Marietta Daily Journal (Georgia) (7 other sources)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
State Journal Register
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-15-22
WAND-TV (Decatur)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Sen. Steve McClure
2-16-22
WBBM Radio (Chicago)
Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray
Illinois State Senator Steve McClure
93.9 fm WTAX
Joey M.
02/16/2022
“Joey McLaughlin talks with Illinois State Senator Steve McClure about new legislation to protect DCFS workers.”
LIG
Democrats approve new statehouse watchdog Republicans say wasn’t properly vetted
The Center Square, KPVI 6
Greg Bishop
02/17/2022
‘“During the late afternoon of Monday, February 14, Democrat members of the LEC called an emergency meeting for 8:30 a.m. the next morning, Tuesday, February 15, to interview a candidate for the vacant LIG position, failing to comply with the 24-hour posting rule,” a Tuesday statement from state Sen. Jil Tracy, the chairwoman of the LEC, said. “Additionally, they would not provide the name or resume of the candidate to Republican members.”’
“Before a party line vote in the Senate, state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, asked whether there’s been a full background check and what kinds of campaign donations McCuskey has made to lawmakers.”
Senate approves new ethics watchdog over objections of ethics commission chair
State Journal-Register
Andrew Adams
02/17/2022
“The Senate voted 37-17 on Wednesday for McCuskey's appointment with Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, voting "present." The resolution moved to the House.”
“Republican Sen. Jil Tracy, of Quincy, chaired the commission that has worked with a search committee to find a replacement for Pope. She strongly objected to McCuskey's nomination.”
‘"The person responsible for investigating lawmaker misconduct and corruption is about to be hand chosen by the very people he's supposed to be watching," said Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods.’
Illinois Policy
Patrick Andriesen
02/17/2022
“The senators defended McCusky’s appointment, saying he was a virtuous jurist with a proven history. Republican Sen. Jil Tracy, who chairs the recently deadlocked Legislative Ethics Commission, said her objection to McCusky was not about candidate credentials, but about bypassing the process.”
Democrats approve new statehouse watchdog Republicans say wasn’t properly vetted
The Center Square
Greg Bishop
02/17/2022
‘“During the late afternoon of Monday, February 14, Democrat members of the LEC called an emergency meeting for 8:30 a.m. the next morning, Tuesday, February 15, to interview a candidate for the vacant LIG position, failing to comply with the 24-hour posting rule,” a Tuesday statement from state Sen. Jil Tracy, the chairwoman of the LEC, said. “Additionally, they would not provide the name or resume of the candidate to Republican members.”’
Sen. Steve McClure
2-19-22
WIND Radio (Chicago)
Issue: Appointment of LIG
Harmon jams through inspector general nomination as Republican scold him for ‘dumbfounding’ maneuver
The Daily Line
Ben Szalinski
02/17/2022
“McCuskey’s nomination passed the Senate with a 37-17 vote, with Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) voting “present.” It now heads to the House, where it needs the support of three-fifths of the chamber.”
“Ethics commission Chair Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said McCuskey spoke with members of the ethics commission Wednesday. He was offered the opportunity to become acting inspector general while his nomination was vetted, but according to Tracy, he declined because he believed he should go through the same process as the other candidates who applied for the position.”
‘“It is dumbfounding to me that this chamber would fast-forward through that process putting their very candidate in a circumstance that he insists he shouldn’t be involved in,” said Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods).’
‘“I know Mr. McCuskey,” Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said. “This isn’t about me. It’s about the people of this state who deserve from this office confidence that the individual appointed by this body can do its job to hold us accountable.”’
“Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) raised concerns about McCuskey’s campaign contributions to state lawmakers and how much trust the public would have in him should he have to investigate one of the lawmakers he donated to.”
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-15-22
WBEZ Radio (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)
Issue: Legislative Inspector General
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-17-22
State Journal Register
Issue: Legislative inspector general
Sen. Dan McConchie
2-17-22
KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) (3 other sources)
Issue: Legislative inspector general
Senate Democrats Skip Deadlocked Legislative Ethics Commission to Name Inspector General
The Illinoize
Patrick Pfingsten
02/17/2022
‘"By bypassing the process outlined in law that calls for a citizen search committee to review, vet, investigate, and interview candidates for Legislative Inspector General, the [Democrats] put at risk the public's perception of impartiality of this very important office that investigates impropriety by members of the legislature,” Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said in a statement. “Bypassing the citizen oversight process set in state law is contrary to even Judge McCuskey's stated desires and interpretation of the law. This is not only uncalled for, but feeds into the mistrust that many Illinoisans rightfully have of their state government.”’
“Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), who chairs the Ethics Commission, said McCuskey was interviewed by the commission earlier Wednesday, and said McCuskey claimed he should be named “interim” LIG while he goes through the traditional vetting process.”
Democrats appoint former federal judge as legislative watchdog over GOP objections
Chicago Tribune, The Pantagraph
Jeremy Gorner
02/18/2022
“Republican Sen. Jil Tracy of Quincy, who chairs the ethics commission, said McCuskey indicated he would have been willing to serve in an interim role to allow the commission to reopen the search process outlined in state law so that he could be vetted along with other candidates.”
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-17-22
WEEK-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)
Issue: Legislative IG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-17-22
State Journal-Register
Issue: Legislative IG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-17-22
KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) (3 other sources)
Issue: Legislative IG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-16-22
WGEM-TV (Quincy) (multiple newscasts) (2 other sources)
Issue: Legislative IG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-16-22
WBEZ Radio (Chicago)
Issue: Legislative IG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-19-22
WIND Radio (Chicago)
Issue: Appointment of Legislative Inspector General
Sen. Jason Plummer
2-18-22
Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)
Issue: Appointment of LIG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-19-22
Alton Telegraph
Issue: Appointment of LIG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-18-22
Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)
Issue: Appointment of LIG
Sen. Jil Tracy
2-18-22
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Issue: Appointment of LIG
Prison Closures
Sen Plummer sends letter to Gov & DOC Director in regards to Vandalia and Pontiac Prisons
Vandalia Radio
Todd Stapleton
02/14/2022
“State Senator Jason Plummer has sent a letter to the Governor and the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections looking for some answers to several questions about the Vandalia and Pontiac Correctional Centers.”
IDOC makes plan to close units at Vandalia, Pontiac prisons
Capitol News Illinois
BETH HUNDSDORFER
02/16/2022
“In a letter to Pritzker and IDOC Director Rob Jeffreys, Reps. Thomas Bennett, R-Gibson City, Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, Paul Jacobs, R-Pomona, Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, and Sens. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, and Terri Bryant, R- Murphysboro, asked about the transfers from Pontiac and Vandalia.”
Sen. Jason Plummer
2-18-22
Alton Telegraph
Issue: Partial closure of the Pontiac and Vandalia CC
Lawmakers raise concerns about inmate transfers from prisons in Pontiac and Vandalia
WGLT
Charlie Schlenker
02/14/2022
“Other signers of the letter include state Sens. Jason Barickman, Terri Bryant, and Jason Plummer, and state Reps. Paul Jacobs, Charlie Meier, Patrick Windhorst, and Blaine Wilhour.”
WJBC
Neil Doyle
02/15/2022
“State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) says he’s concerned about the administration’s plans for the future of these facilities. He spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.”
IDOC report details possible partial closure of Pontiac Prison
ABC Heart of Illinois
Alex Gaul
02/15/2022
‘“We’re led to believe they moved prisoners out so they can make certain repairs,” State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said. “But we don’t know if they’ll make those repairs, when they’ll make these repairs or if they have the money to make those repairs.”’
Sen. Terri Bryant
2-18-22
Alton Telegraph
Issue: Partial closure of Pontiac and Vandalia CC
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-15-22
Starvedrock Media (regional radio stations)
Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-15-22
WHOI-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)
Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC
Sen. Terri Bryant
2-16-22
Pontiac Daily Leader
Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-15-22
WHOI-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)
Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-16-22
WEEK-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)
Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-15-22
Southern Illinoisan (3 other sources)
Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC
Sen. Terri Bryant
2-18-22
Pontiac Daily Leader
Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-16-22
Ogle County Newspapers
Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Terri Bryant
2-16-22
KPVI-TV (Idaho)
Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-16-22
KPVI-TV (Idaho) (30 other sources)
(I have no idea why they would post on their website, but they did)
Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Jason Plummer
2-16-22
KPVI-TV (Idaho) (29 other sources)
Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Terri Bryant
2-17-22
Chronicle Media (Lombard)
Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Jason Barickman
2-17-22
Chronicle Media (Lombard)
Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Jason Plummer
2-17-22
WGEL Radio (Greenville)
Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Sen. Jason Plummer
2-17-22
Chronicle Media (Lombard)
Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC
Public Safety
Lawmakers mull restoring death penalty to deter crime, but critics call it a ‘proven failure’
The Daily Line
Ben Szalinski
02/14/2022
“Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is proposing legislation (SB3899) that would instate the death penalty for people who kill police officers.”
All Things EEC
Staff
02/14/2022
“State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Moline) and Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) are pushing a new bill through the legislative process that would classify emergency dispatchers as first responders under Illinois code.”
Bailey: Cop killer released on ‘medical’ conditions following a denial in parole hearing
My Radio Link
Staff
02/15/2022
“State Senator Darren Bailey says he’s appalled by actions taken by the Pritzker Administration to release an inmate who abducted a southern Illinois woman and killed an Illinois State Trooper in 1976.”
MISC.
Victims privacy protections legislation passes through the Senate
WAND
Staff
02/17/2022
‘State Senator Sally Turner’s (R-Beason) announced on Feb. 16, “this legislation will empower judges to grant additional privacy to victims of child sex crimes who chose to testify by allowing the judge to use their discretion to remove non-interested parties from the courtroom.”’
A New Tax In Illinois, But One That Isn’t About Raising Revenue
Forbes
Patrick Gleason
02/15/2022
“While that historic tax hike in California is off the table for now, another Democratic-controlled state, Illinois, also has state legislators pursuing tax increases in 2022. On January 11, Illinois Senator Brian Stewart (R) introduced Senate Bill 3119, legislation that would impose a 10% excise tax on the book value of assets or liabilities, whichever is greater, of a bank that has been purchased by a credit union.”
State and local lawmakers working to fix teacher shortage in Illinois
WSIU Public Radio
Benjy Jeffords
02/17/2022
“Senator Dale Fowler says he’ll work with the General Assembly to help build up incentives for students studying education.”
SENATOR FOWLER SPONSORS BILL TO ENSURE FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR THE DUQUOIN STATE FAIR
Magic 95.1, WUEZ Radio (Carterville) (2 other sources)
Nora Inman
02/19/2022
“State Senator Dale Fowler will serve as a Chief Co-Sponsor on legislation that ensures income from the DuQuoin State Fair will be placed into the appropriate fund to ensure financial stability for years ahead.”
Sen. Dale Fowler
2-18
WSIL-TV (Harrisburg) (multiple newscasts)
Issue: Illinois entrepreneurship assistance center legislation
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-20-22
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Issue: Farmer-politicians in the Illinois G.A.
Sen. Sue Rezin
OLT News (3 other sources)
Issue: Tax incentives for Bitcoin miners
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-18-22
NASDAQ
Issue: Tax incentives for Bitcoin miners
Sen. Craig Wilcox
2-17-22
Ogle County Newspapers
Issue: CUB event
Sen. Dave Syverson
2-17-22
Ogle County Newspapers
Issue: CUB event
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-17-22
Ogle County Newspapers
Issue: Man leaves threatening message on Sen. Rezin’s district office phone
Sen. Sue Rezin
2-17-22
The Block (National publication about digital assets)
Issue: Tax incentives for data centers
Sen. Darren Bailey
2-17-22
AgUpdate
Issue: One of the few farmer-politicians
Sen. Terri Bryant
2-16-22
DuQuoin Evening Call
Issue: First Responders Backstoppers organization
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