GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Governor Pritzker continues to act on legislation passed during the Spring Legislative Session. A summary of new laws is here, here, here, and here.
Governor Pritzker vetoed SB 1515 which was intended to increase protections for workers. In his veto message, the Governor noted “due to irreconcilable drafting errors, the bill will have an adverse effect on the workers it seeks to protect”. Read the veto message here.
Gubernatorial Appointments: The Governor made the following appointments:
· Charles Wright will begin serving as the IDHS Inspector General.
· Ahmadou Dramé will serve as a Member of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Board.
· Louise Medina will serve as a Member of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board.
Community Block Grant for Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation:
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity announced the recipients for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation. A total of $56.9 million will be awarded for 54 projects, which will support housing rehabilitation projects and enable communities in non-metropolitan areas to make critical repairs to water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure to enhance safety and quality of life for residents. Read more about the award and recipients here.
Mental Health for Students: The Illinois Department of Public Health is accepting grant applications from schools and agencies that support child and adolescent health for a share of $10 million in federal funding intended to strengthen mental health services for students across Illinois. The funding from the CDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding program is being offered to help schools and local agencies improve student care in areas such as workforce enhancements, developing frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma, and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.
103rd ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Local Democrats will meet on Tuesday, August 15 to interview candidates and select a replacement for the vacancy created in the 5th Senate District when Senator Patricia Van Pelt resigned. Three candidates are vying for the appointment – Representative Lakesia Collins, Representative Jawaharial “Omar” Williams and Public health and LGBTQ+ rights advocate Jose “Che-Che” Williams.
OTHER NEWS:
Election Update: Donald D. McDonough of Alton announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the Illinois 111th House of Representatives District. Nick Raftopoulos of Granite City is also seeking the Democratic nomination. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Representative Amy Elik in the 2024 general election.
Paul Ducat, an Iroquois County Board member, is seeking the Republican nomination in the 53rd Senate District to replace Senator Tom Bennett who is not seeking reelection.
Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act:
Judge Lain Johnston blocked implementation of the Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act – a new law which prohibits “crisis pregnancy centers” from using “misinformation, deceptive practices, or misrepresentation” to interfere with access to abortion services or emergency contraception. The law also allows the Illinois Attorney General to investigate complaints against centers using such tactics and strengthens the Attorney General’s power to prosecute incidences of consumer fraud.
In his ruling Johnston sided with the plaintiffs saying the law violates the first amendment. Read the full ruling here. Governor Pritzker responded by saying he believes the law will ultimately be upheld.