SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Waukegan, will announce the Fossil Fuel Disinvestment Act at a press conference in the Blue Room on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 9:30 a.m., highlighting the need to combat climate change and secure Illinois’ pension system.

“Combatting climate change is critical for our state and communities’ long-term health and competitiveness on the world stage; continuing to prop up failing fossil fuel holdings creates more instability for pension earners and contradicts that very goal. To continue being a leader on climate change, Illinois needs to work at all levels and across all sectors to make sure our money is where our values are, and they are not aligned with pollutant and destructive industries.”

Guzzardi’s proposed Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (Senate Bill 130) will halt further investment in fossil fuels and require the State’s pensions to divest current holdings over five years. Eliminating the contradiction Illinois’ environmental objectives under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and current, underperforming holdings in key fossil fuel industries, the Act is ultimately aimed at stabilizing pension funds against global clean energy trends.

“The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act is a forward-thinking approach that not only protects our pension funds but also aligns with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act’s bold vision for combating the climate crisis. Illinois is leading by example, proving that economic responsibility and climate action can go hand in hand.”

For more information, please visit ilga.gov.

Who: State Rep. Will Guzzardi, state Sen. Adriane Johnson, Climate Safe Pensions Illinois
What: Fossil Fuel Disinvestment Act Introduction and Q&A
When: Wednesday, Jan 29; 9:30 a.m.
Where: Capitol Blue Room

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch today announced Representative Frances Ann Hurley as the new whip of the Democratic Moderate Caucus (Mod Caucus), a relatively new caucus of like-minded members who advocate for a balanced, steady approach to lawmaking.

“The Mod Caucus has made an excellent choice in selecting Representative Hurley as their whip, and I welcome her to the leadership team as we continue to do the people’s work,” said Speaker Welch. “As Democrats, we are proud of our diversity and want to bring together ideas from all corners of our party as one common agenda for everyday families.”

“I am proud to represent the Mod Caucus as we tackle a number of issues that will impact the state for years to come: from revitalizing our economy to our fiscal house, public safety and law enforcement, human services, and education,” said Representative Hurley. “Honoring the Mod Caucus’s request for a whip is a great example of Speaker Welch’s promise to lead in a more decentralized and inclusive manner.”

As whip, Representative Hurley will join a cohort of members empowered to rally Democratic sub-caucuses around key issues and pieces of legislation. The full list of whips include:

State Rep. Kam Buckner                    Black Caucus Whip

State Rep. Deb Conroy                      Women’s Caucus Whip

State Rep. Will Guzzardi                   Progressive Caucus Whip

State Rep. Frances Hurley                 Moderate Caucus Whip

State Rep. Theresa Mah                     Asian Caucus Whip

State Rep. Aaron Ortiz                       Latinx Caucus Whip

State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr.                Downstate Caucus Whip

Representative Hurley’s appointment is effective immediately.

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. – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s recent threats that he will withhold COVID-19 related economic relief from states that do not comply with his extreme anti-immigrant agenda:

“It is unconscionable that the president would exploit a public health crisis to play demagogic political games with the lives of working families and seniors who are physically and financially suffering during this pandemic. His threats to withhold needed economic aid to states that are welcoming to immigrants is simply another chapter is his amoral playbook, written to distract from his failures by cloaking them in his racist, xenophobic rhetoric.

“We strongly condemn the president’s villainous attempts to turn us against our immigrant families, friends and neighbors by extorting us in our time of need. The Latino Caucus will not allow our immigrant communities to be left behind and any attempts made to alienate them will fail because immigrants are sewn into the fiber of our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s recent announcement that he will suspend immigration into the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

“We are deeply concerned that during a global pandemic that requires thoughtful and consistent leadership, the president swings back and forth between dismissing the gravity of the situation to continuously finding someone to unfairly blame for the toll it is taking on our economy and families. Rather than heed the recommendations of medical and public health experts, he is once again inserting his anti-immigrant, xenophobic, fearmongering rhetoric into the conversation to distract from his mishandling of the crisis and for tens of thousands of lives lost.

“During this pandemic, the labor of many professions with high immigrant demographics, such as janitorial staff, grocery store workers and farmworkers, has been deemed essential- but to us they have always been essential. Countless continue to go to work each day during this pandemic to provide for their families and to serve all of us. This demonstrates not only their commitment to their families but also highlights their contributions to our communities as critical to our collective livelihoods. Without them, we would not have food to eat, shelves stocked and clean hospital rooms, along with the numerous immigrants that are serving as first responders, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, x-ray techs, and the list goes on. They should all be treated accordingly.

“We are appalled that even during this unprecedented crisis that necessitates unity and empathy, the president continues to attack our immigrant families and neighbors instead of giving them the respect they deserve. The Latino Caucus will continue to stand and fight with the immigrant community to ensure that they have a seat at the table as we navigate these uncertain times.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement amid Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “stay at home” order, urging local families to contact their constituent service offices via phone or email in order to continue connecting them to resources, as well as to follow the recommendations of medical experts. 

“It it is on every one of us to continue following the advice of medical experts and community leaders to ensure the well-being of our communities. The number of new cases has to be slowed down, so that our local hospitals and health care workers have the capacity and the resources to care for those who are sick. Now more than ever, we must support each other and ensure nobody is left behind. Immigrant families must know that they are not alone and that we are fighting for them just like everyone else.

“The governor’s ‘stay at home’ order is based on the best recommendations of medical professionals to ‘reduce the curve’ and save lives, and we must all take it seriously. While we should all take steps to remain inside as much as possible, essential services will continue. We can continue to get groceries, medicine, gas and other essentials. We can continue to exercise outdoors in keeping with social distancing practices. We should continue to care for and check in on loved ones.

“A lot of misinformation is being spread on the internet, so we must stay vigilant. We encourage local families to continue contacting our offices via phone or email. It is our priority to ensure our community is informed on the actual work that is being done to address this public health crisis. Whether you are small business owner, a Dreamer, a single parent or senior we are here to support you and connect you to whatever resources you may need. We will get through this together.”

Local families with questions about COVID-19 may also call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov. For more information regarding unemployment benefits, people may contact the Illinois Department of Employment at 1-800-244-5631 or visit www2.illinois.gov/ides.    

 

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CHICAGO – En medio de la orden de ‘permanecer en casa’ del Gobernador J.B. Pritzker, el Caucus Legislativo Latino de Illinois publico la siguiente declaración de prensa cual urge a las familias locales a que contacten a sus oficinas de servicios al contituyente por teléfono o correo electrónico para poder seguir conectandolos con recursos, y también que sigan los consejos de los expertos médicos.

“Es la responsabilidad de cada uno de nosotros a seguir los consejos de los expertos médicos y líderes locales para asegurar el bienestar de nuestras comunidades. La cantidad de casos nuevos debe ser reducido para que nuestros hospitales locales y trabajadores de salud tenga la capacidad y los recursos para atender a los enfermos. Ahora más que nunca, tenemos que apoyarnos y asegurar que nadie sea olvidado. Las familias inmigrantes tienen que saber que no están solas y que estamos luchando por ellos como todos los demás.

“La orden de ‘permanecer en casa’ del gobernador esta basada en las mejores recomendaciones de profesionales médicos para ‘reducir la curva’ y salvar vidas, así que la tenemos que tomar en serio. Aunque todos debemos tomar medidas para permanecer en casa lo más posible, los servicios esenciales continuarán. Podemos seguir comprando alimentos, medicina, gasolina y otras necesidades. Podemos seguir haciendo ejercicio afuera de acurdo a los consejos de mantener distancia social. Y podemos seguir cuidando a nuestros seres queridos.

“Mucha información falsa se está distribuyendo en el internet así que tenemos que estar en alerta. Urjamos a las familias locales a que sigan contactando a nuestras oficina por teléfono o correo electrónico. Nuestra prioridad es asegurar que nuestra comunidad esté informada sobre el trabajo que se está haciendo para resolver esta crisis de salud pública. Sea un dueño de negocio local, un Dreamer, una madre soltera o un anciano, sepa que estamos aquí para ayudarle y conectarlo con cualquier recurso que necesite. Superaremos esto juntos.”

Familias locales con preguntas sobre el virus COVID-19 pueden llamar la linea del Departamento de Salud Pública de Illinois al 1-800-889-3931 o por correo electrónico a dph.sick@illinois.gov. Para más información sobre los benificios de desempleo, individuos pueden comunicarse con el Departamento de Seguridad de Empleo de Illinois (IDES) al 1-800-244-5631o visite www2.illinois.gov/ides.   

 

 

 

CHICAGO – Amid the announcement of a national emergency by the president and restaurant and bar on-site consumption closures by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, is highlighting unemployment benefits and other economic assistance available to working families:

“It is crucial that working families in our community, particularly Spanish-speaking and immigrant families, know that we are here for them during these tough times,” state Rep. Lisa Hernandez said. “We are coordinating with Gov. Pritzker and leaders at all levels of government to make sure families are fully informed about the available resources to help them overcome this public health crisis. And we look forward to ensuring testing is available to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status.”

In an effort to assist working families impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) adopted emergency rules that would allow individuals who have been temporarily laid off to qualify for benefits. Individuals would be considered actively seeking work as long as they are prepared to return to work as soon as their employer reopens. Individuals that are confined to their home due to illness or to care for a family member, must meet eligibility requirements such as registering with the state employment service and actively seeking work. For more information, please contact IDES at 1-800-244-5631 or visit www2.illinois.gov/ides.

Starting on March 17, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will work with schools statewide to provide two meals a day to children who qualify for free and reduced lunch and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will provide food to every child outside their nearest neighborhood school between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Additionally, a moratorium on shutoff was put out for utility companies. ComEd and Ameren announced they are suspending disconnects and waiving late-payment fees, as well as AT&T and Comcast. Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.

Court-ordered evictions have been suspended in Cook County and Emergency Rental Assistance is available to Chicago families suffering financial hardship. For more information, local families can visit their local Community Service Center or call 3-1-1.

“Our state has taken critical first steps to prevent food insecurity and make sure families do not fear losing their homes,” state Rep. Delia Ramirez said. “The Latino Caucus is ready to get work to ensure resources are making their way to our communities and ensure proactive steps are taken to lessen the effects of the housing and employment crisis that will soon hit working families.

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CHICAGO – En medio del anuncio de una emergencia nacional por parte del president y el Gobernador J.B. Pritzker ordenando que todos los bares y restaurantes deben parar de servir clientes dentro de sus locales, el Caucus Legislativo Latino de Illinois, está llamando atención hacia beneficios de desempleo y otra asistencia económica para las familias trabajadoras:

“Es critico que la familias trabajadoras en nuestra comunidad, particularmente las familias inmigrantes y los hogares donde el español es el idioma dominante, sepan que estamos aquí para ellos durante estos tiempos difíciles,” dijo la Rep. Estatal Lisa Hernandez. “Estamos coordinando con el Gobernador Pritzker y líderes a todos los niveles del gobierno para aseguar que las familias sepan sobre los recursos disponibles para ayudarles a superar esta crisis de salud pública. Y esperamos trabajar para asegurar que las pruebas del virus estén disponibles para todos los residentes de Illinois, a pesar de su estatus migratorio.”  

Para ayudarles a las familias impactadas por el virus COVID-19, el Departamento de Seguridad de Empleo de Illinois (IDES) adopto reglas de emergencia que permitirá que individuos que han sido despedidos temporalmente califiquen por beneficios. Individuos serán considerados como buscando empleo activamente siempre y cuando estén preparados para regresar a sus trabajos tan pronto como vuelvan a abrir sus puertas. Inviduos que esten confinados a su hogar debido a una enfermedad o para cuidar a un familiar, deben cumplir con los requisitos de elegibilidad, como registrarse en el servicio estatal de empleo y buscar trabajo activamente. Para más información, por favor contacte a IDES al 1-800-244-5631o visite www2.illinois.gov/ides.    

Empezando el 17 de marzo, la Junta de Educación Estatal de Illinois (ISBE) trabajará con todas las escuelas para proveer dos comidas diarias a los niños que califiquen por almuerzo gratis o reducido y las escuelas de Chicago (CPS) proverán comida para cada niño afuera de las escuela locales durante las horas de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Adicionalmente, ComEd y Ameren anunciaron que van a suspender las desconecciones y los cargos por pagos atrasados. AT&T y Comcast anuncionaron lo mismo. Xfinity WiFi hotspots estarán disponibles para todas las personas que los necesiten, incluyendo a los que no sean clientes de la compañía. Visite www.xfinity.com/wifi para un mapa de los WiFi hotspots de Xfinity.  

Desalojos ordenados por una corte has sido suspendidos en el Condado de Cook y Asistencia de Renta de Emergencia para las familias de Chicago con dificultades financieras están disponible. Para más información, familias locales pueden comunicarse con su Centro de Servicios Comunitarios o con el 3-1-1.

“Nuestro estado ha tomado los primeros pasos críticos para prevenir la inseguridad de comida y asegurar que las familias no pierdan sus hogares,” dijo la Rep. Estal Delia Ramirez. “El Caucus Latino está listo para trabajar para que recursos lleguen a nuestras comunidades y asegurar que pasos proactivos sean tomados para disminuir los efectos de la crisis de vivienda y empleo que pronto afectará a las familias trabajadoras.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to the illegitimate lawsuit by four county sheriffs who are defending the extrajudicial detention of immigrants that allows some of these interests to benefit from lucrative contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

“We are deeply disappointed that some of those tasked with enforcing our laws think that they can pick and choose who has constitutional rights. Time and time again in our country, communities of color have had to fight tooth and nail for the chance to be treated with the same dignity and respect under the law as their neighbors.

“We find it curious that some of the very interests who benefit financially from the unconstitutional detention of immigrants are bringing forth an illegitimate lawsuit based on a gross distortion of the law and cloaked with racially charged language.

 “The Illinois Trust Act is a bipartisan effort that ensures our state does not violate the constitutional rights of its people. In what world do these law enforcement officials think it is just to incarcerate someone without probable cause? And in what world do these officials think it is just to continue the incarceration of a person after they have served their time?

“We have faith that Attorney General Raoul will put an end to this racist fearmongering by enforcing the laws that ensure every resident in our state is afforded the civil rights they deserve. And we look forward to continuing to work with Gov. Pritzker to empower law enforcement to develop meaningful, positive relationships with the communities they serve.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to the Republican attempts to misrepresent legislation preventing the extrajudicial detention of immigrants:

“While we have made tremendous progress to protect the civil rights of all Illinois residents, the Republican Party is falsely claiming that individuals that are a danger to the public are being released back into communities. This is a bigoted lie and they should be ashamed of themselves. Ultimately this comes down to the fact that local police departments are no longer able to benefit from their lucrative contracts with ICE to oppress immigrants. The Trust Act ensures that people are treated fairly in our criminal justice system, so that once they serve their time, they are released just like everyone else. That’s it.

“Every time people of color have achieved a step toward equity under the law, there are those who actively seek to undermine that progress through fearmongering and grossly distorting the truth. This sort of rhetoric has no place in Illinois and it must be called out what it is, inflaming racial tensions for the sake of political gain and preservation.

“We will continue to stand with those on the front line doing the work to protect our communities and do the work in the Legislature to advance laws that reflect our values of equality and justice for all.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address:

“Last year marked a historic moment for working families in Illinois and we’re ready to continue building on that progress by ensuring our communities get their fair share of funding. We are encouraged that the governor’s proposal echoed our values by having investments in education, human services, public safety and ensuring the accurate count of our communities in the 2020 Census. In order to have true equity for all Illinoisans, we need a balanced budget that allocates additional revenue to provide our local schools with more funding than just the minimum that they need to reach adequacy; to make health care and child care more accessible; to invest in affordable housing; and to ensure the safety of our families.

“While we have made great strides to protect immigrant communities, much more remains to be done to provide Illinois with the tools it needs to fight back against our bigoted president. So it is with great urgency that the vacancy in the Office of New Americans is addressed. We look forward to working with Gov. Pritzker to ensure we have an all-inclusive immigrant rights office that works to protect and educate families about their rights as immigrants in this country.”