CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative House Black Caucus issued this statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision blocking efforts to expand equity and opportunity in college admissions:

“Our radical Supreme Court’s tragic decision to sever equitable opportunities and curtail human rights for countless Black Americans will exact a devastating toll on our communities. Opportunities for higher education, which were growing thanks to effective affirmative admissions policies, will once again be denied to Black students who have often had to overcome major obstacles to achieve academic excellence.

“This move serves only to meet a partisan agenda while propping up a deeply-racist power structure that has haunted the Black community for generations. Affirmative action was undertaken to overcome the lingering effects of slavery and Jim Crow policies and provide the promise of opportunity to Black children suffering under those effects. Now that promise has been broken.

“The Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus is eager to work with Governor Pritzker to take immediate action to continue expanding access to college education for all, and to continue pursuing equity-based reforms. Recent steps to substantially expand MAP grants and other education programs that benefit the Black community are a good start.  All students deserve better than a Supreme Court that embraces fundamentalism over fairness and acts consistently to preserve a system of oppression. Illinois will take every step we can to combat the racial injustice the court favors.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Upon the historic confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus released the following statement:

“Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is one of the most impressive, qualified and fair-minded Supreme Court justices ever confirmed. Her dedication to economic justice, civil rights, reproductive health care access and other pressing issues exhibits her extensive expertise and commitment to justice under the law. As the first Black woman Supreme Court justice, Justice Jackson will defend the rights of all Americans, regardless of race or background, and work towards a more just system for generations to come.

We are excited to see how Justice Jackson uses her integrity, upstanding character and expert legal knowledge to positively impact our country and inspire the next generation of Black leaders. We stand with Justice Jackson in our dedication to public service and justice, and celebrate this monumental day in our history.

By nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Biden has delivered on his promise of nominating the nation’s first Black woman Supreme Court justice with an established record of judicial fairness and a commitment to equal justice for all.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) is celebrating the signing of the Illinois Health Care and Human Service Reform Act, a historic measure to address the systemic racial inequalities within the state’s health care system, into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic devastated communities across America, it caused particular harm to families and neighborhoods that have faced decades of disinvestment and lack of opportunity due to systemic racism. To address systemic racism in Illinois, the Black Caucus identified four priority policy areas, including criminal justice, economic access, education, and health care. Today, measures addressing all four areas are now law,” ILBC Joint Caucus Chairperson state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, said. “These initiatives will address the inequities in access to comprehensive health care for our communities. I offer my thanks to Rep. Lilly and Sen. Hunter for taking the lead to pass these much needed health care reform measures, which will improve the quality of life for all residents statewide.”

“The systems that bind and neglect people of color must be addressed, and grasped at the root, creating equity through investment,” state Sen. Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago, said.  “The measures in this package reshape our state’s health care, leading with diversity, inclusion, and justice at the center.”

“This law helps protect hospital access for low-income communities devastated by the pandemic, helps build trust between patients and their doctors by requiring training for implicit bias, and puts the people in need of care first,” state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, said. “This law touches on a wide spectrum of issues that have proved problematic for too long. Black and Brown men, women, and children and low-income residents have held the burden of the health inequalities for generations, but today we took a step forward toward ensuring the quality health care that everyone deserves.”

“The Black community has experienced so much premature death at the hands of systemic racism,” state Sen. Patricia Van Pelt, D-Chicago, said.  “While this legislation won’t solve everything with the sign of a pen, I am confident that the measures in this bill will right the wrongs in our state healthcare system, giving Illinoisans of color increased opportunity to attain emotional and physical wellness.”

“People in the Black community have lost faith in Illinois’ health care system because of unequal access to care. Quality health is a necessity and should be available to everyone, regardless of race or income,” Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, D-Maywood, said. “The Black community’s health and our care has been devalued for far too long. With this law, we are taking the first steps to reshape the direction of our state’s health care, leading with diversity, inclusion, and justice at the center.”

“These reforms are critical to ensuring fair and equal access to health care for all Illinoisans, but particularly those who have been left behind by our health care system in the past because of their race or their income,” state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, Chairperson of the Illinois House Black Caucus, said. “I am extremely proud of the Black Caucus for doing the work necessary to create a better Illinois for all residents.”

House Bill 158 was signed into law today by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The signing of the law marks the enactment of all four pillars of the ILBC’s agenda to address systemic racism, developed in the summer and fall of 2020 through a series of hearings and working groups to combat bias and discrimination in criminal justice, economic opportunity, education, and health care.

HB 158 addresses the following aspects of health care and human services:

• Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse
  • Increases payment rates for psychiatric treatment at hospitals serving primarily low-income patients.
  • Protects people on supervised release from corrections programs from being deemed in violation of their release guidelines if they seek assistance for someone experiencing a drug overdose.
  • Creates a consortium of universities and other stakeholders to develop and implement a strategic plan to recruit, educate and retain a diverse behavioral health workforce.
• Children’s Health and Women’s Health
  • Updates the state’s online Child Care Assistance Program Eligibility Calculator.
  • Provides funding to preserve and maintain OBGYN services at safety-net hospitals.
  • Creates the Special Commission on Gynecologic Cancers to determine best practices for early detection of gynecologic cancers and reducing disparities in treatment.
  • Expands coverage of doula services and home visiting services for pregnant women.
  • Requires training for daycare providers on early childhood trauma.
• Health Care Access and Improved Care
  • Lowers sales taxes for blood sugar testing materials used by people with diabetes.
  • Requires the state to develop a program to coordinate care between hospitals and health centers in order to manage chronic diseases and address the social determinants of health in order to improve care coordination.
  • Requires the state establish a grant program and annual study addressing prevention and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease.
  • Requires safety-net hospitals to report on health care disparities in communities they serve and requires the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board to include a member from a community impacted by the closure of health care facilities.
  • Institutes a moratorium on hospital closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Creates the Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission to review the state’s Medicaid managed care programs and produce annual reports addressing care coordination and access for patients.
  • Creates the Medicaid Business Opportunity Commission to develop programs to better utilize the services of businesses owned and operated by minorities, women and people with disabilities in Medicaid contracting.
  • Creates the Health and Human Services Task Force to study better integration and coordination of health care and human service programs to improve outcomes for families.
• Older Adults
  • Implements a new dementia training program including continuing education for senior care providers.
  • Expands allowances for people to use sick leave provided by an employer to take care of family members to include grandparents and in-laws.
• Public Health:
  • Creates a certification for Community Health Workers to act as a liaison between communities and health care and social service programs.
  • Requires the state to study ways to identify high-violence communities and coordinate the prioritization of funding and programs to address underlying causes of violence more easily.
• Racism and Implicit Bias
  • Requires health care professionals to complete implicit bias training.
  • Creates the Anti-Racism Commission to study and recommend further policies to eliminate systemic racism.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the members of his House Democratic leadership team Thursday, including state Reps. Jehan Gordon-Booth, Robyn Gabel, Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., and Jay Hoffman.

“As we begin a new day in the House, I’m committed to assembling a Democratic leadership team that values those things that have made our caucus so successful while also pursuing needed changes to strengthen our caucus, our House and our state. Throughout their careers, Reps. Gordon-Booth, Gabel, Andrade and Hoffman have all brought leadership, integrity and unique perspectives to our chamber. They have spoke passionately for their communities and also extended their hands to their colleagues in compromise. I look forward to working closely with them, and with all members of this chamber, to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of this moment.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, who will serve as deputy majority leader and speaker pro-tempore:

“As Speaker Welch begins a historic speakership, I’m proud to be a part of a leadership team that recognizes that the diversity of our caucus is our strength. Last week, Democrats stood together to move forward on landmark legislation advancing justice for all – something that required each of us to think beyond our own experience and listen to one another. While there is a lot of work ahead, we will continue to work together in this way to build a stronger Illinois.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, who will serve as assistant majority leader:

“Speaker Welch has called on every member of this House to work together to meet the challenges of this moment. We come to the table prepared to advocate for the critical services families and small businesses need to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, smart budget solutions that invest in our future, the health of our families, our environmental resources, strong schools and a strong economy.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., D-Chicago, who will serve as assistant majority leader:

“This leadership team reflects the diversity and geography of our state, and we share a commitment to doing what is right for every part of Illinois. The challenges ahead of us are clear, but Speaker Welch has made it clear this is no time to hide from these challenges – it’s time to confront them head on and work together to strengthen our state.”

The following can be attributed to state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, who will serve as assistant majority leader:

“The work ahead of our state is so critical. We are tasked with bringing Illinois through an unprecedented pandemic, repairing the budgetary damage that crisis has created, and building a stronger, more just state. Democrats stand united with Speaker Welch in this effort. We’re enthused by this new moment and remain committed to continuing our work for a stronger middle class, an economy that works for everyone, and a better Illinois for all.”

Welch’s full leadership team will consist of:

• State Rep. Greg Harris – Majority Leader
• State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth – Deputy Majority Leader / Speaker Pro-Tempore
• State Rep. Mary E. Flowers – Deputy Majority Leader and Dean of the Caucus
• State Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Robyn Gabel – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Jay Hoffman – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Natalie Manley – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Delia Ramirez – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Carol Ammons – Democratic Conference Chair

In addition to these leadership posts, Welch has tapped leaders within each caucus of the House Democratic delegation to serve as a caucus whips. These members will be empowered to rally the various caucuses around legislation and issues of importance to the entire Democratic Caucus. This team will be:

• State Rep. Will Guzzardi – Progressive Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Kam Buckner – Black Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Theresa Mah – Asian Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr. – Downstate Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Deb Conroy – Women’s Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Aaron Ortiz – Latinx Caucus Whip

Welch and his full leadership team are preparing new changes to the House rules, based on input from both sides of the aisle.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Today in the House Chambers State Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D – Chicago) joined his colleagues as Governor JB Pritzker delivered his 2020 budget address inside the House Chambers. In response to the robust message Evans issued the following remarks:

“A budget address is about outlining priorities, and I was happy to hear that adequate revenue, jobs, early childhood education and retirement security were among the top priorities listed by Governor Pritzker.

“I look forward to working with the Governor to make this great budget proposal a reality as we look to use tax payer dollars intelligently for real improvements and results throughout the entire state of Illinois.

“As a leader from the South Side of Chicago and the Southland of Cook County I am happy that we have a Governor who wants to invest in the services and programs that help to sustain my community. I will continue to work diligently with my colleagues and the administration as we finalize a budget that will sustain, and then increase state investment in the services and programs that produce positive results.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following Gov. Pritzker’s State of the State Address, state Rep. Marcus C. Evans Jr., D-Chicago, released the following statement:

“The State of the State address reflected on some of the hard work and bipartisan progress that has been made over the past year, but more importantly it gave us an opportunity to reflect on the issues families still face and how we can use the coming months to continue building a stronger Illinois.

“The Future is bright for Illinois. Our state is finally back on the right track. Last year, we passed a Fair Tax that will transform Illinois’ unfair tax system into one that works for families by making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share while providing much-needed tax relief for 97% of taxpayers. We also passed a bipartisan, balanced budget that pays down old bills and provides $350 million in new funding for our public schools and finalized a major infrastructure plan that invests in rebuilding our roads and bridges while creating 500,000 new jobs.

“It’s encouraging that we have made some significant progress over the past year, but I understand there is more work that still needs to be done and I look forward to continuing my efforts to expand career and vocational education and reducing health care and prescription drugs costs.

“We also must once again continue to advocate for educational and employment opportunities for women and men of color in our communities throughout Illinois. This year, we need to make black and brown communities a priority when assembling a budget and spending plan that reaffirms our commitment to essential services, such as breast cancer screenings and domestic violence shelters. There will be difficult challenges and moments ahead, but I am optimistic that we can work together, both Republicans and Democrats, to tackle the real issues that impact families across Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This legislative session, state Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, fought for a Fair Tax, new jobs in our community and reforms to an outdated criminal justice system.

Evans backed a Fair Tax system for Illinois that would let the residents of Illinois vote to amend the state constitution, provide tax relief for 97% of taxpayers.

“The status quo stacks the deck against our families, while giving the ultra-wealthy a free pass,” Evans said. “With a Fair Tax we can finally makes the wealthy pay their fair share in Illinois, while providing vital funding for our neighborhood schools, critical programs like childcare assistance, early intervention programs, and new job training initiatives.”

As Chairman of the House Labor Committee, Evans fought for a living wage, to create jobs in our neighborhoods and ensure that minorities are not discriminated against when seeking employment. Evans was a chief sponsor of legislation, Senate Bill 1, to raise the minimum wage in Illinois to $15.

“We need to be doing more to create good-paying jobs and spur economic growth, especially in lower income areas,” Evans said. “By raising the minimum wage to a living wage, expanding job training programs and investing in companies that create jobs in Illinois, we can help reduce crime and revitalize our neighborhoods.

Evans fought to pass numerous social justice reforms including a proposal making it illegal for law enforcement to target an individual based on race, Senate Bill 25.

“Our community has faced systemic racism for too long,” Evans said. “I fought to change our broken criminal justice system that unfairly targets residents in our area.”

“We took real steps this session to build a stronger foundation for our community, but there’s still more work to be done. I will always put our neighborhoods first and continue to work for better schools, new jobs and more economic opportunity in our neighborhoods.”