September 28, 2019

GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Gov. JB Pritzker and IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike are urging members of the public not to use e-cigarettes or vaping devices. The Governor also directed IDPH to convene an interagency work group of state agency leaders, including scientists, physicians, and attorneys to evaluate the health impacts of vaping and to identify appropriate industry controls.
In addition, IDPH is conducting a survey to try to understand if vaping habits are different among people who have become sick after vaping, compared to those who have not become sick. It is an anonymous survey that asks basic questions about the individual’s vaping habits.
Governor JB Pritzker announced $4.2 million in funding for Small Business Development Centers throughout Illinois. The funding is available to universities, community colleges and business focused non-profit organizations to provide small businesses with support services through the operation of a Small Business Development Center. The deadline to apply for funding is October 25 at 5 p.m. Applicants are eligible to receive between $80,000 and $500,000 in funding. The application process is competitive and not all organizations will receive funding.
Governor JB Pritzker has appointed two co-chairs and 25 members to the Affirming and Inclusive Schools Task Force, which the governor created through Executive Order 19-11. The group is tasked with identifying strategies and best practices for ensuring welcoming, safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming students and promoting cooperation and collaboration between relevant stakeholders and the state.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance on October 1st through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted.
Gov. Pritzker made the following appointments:

  • Ray LaHood will serve as Chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Directors 
  • Joan Brodsky will serve as the Historic Preservation Expert on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Directors
  • Kathryn Harris will serve as a Library and Museum Expert on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Directors 
  • Gary Johnson will serve on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Directors 
  • Eunice Santos will serve on the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board of Directors
  • Kathryn Doerries will serve as Commissioner on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
  • Mitchell Horwitz will serve on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board.
  • Rob Karr will serve on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board.

101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Leader Durkin appointed the following Republicans to the House Firearm Public Awareness Task Force: Reps. Bourne, Bennett, Bryant, Butler, Chesney, Davidsmeyer, Hammond, McDermed, Severin, Wheeler, Wilhour and Windhorst.
Democratic Sen. Pat McGuire announced he will not seek re-election. He intends to serve out the remainder of his current term. Rep. John Connor announced he will run for McGuire’s vacant Senate seat. Deputy Majority Leader Art Turner also announced he will not seek re-election in 2020.
Sen. Toi Hutchinson announced she is resigning her Senate seat to oversee implementation of the new cannabis legalization law. Hutchinson will oversee the activities of five state agencies: Agriculture, Public Health, Revenue, DCEO and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Rep. Ryan Spain was appointed to the post of House Republican Conference Chairman, joining Durkin’s leadership team. Spain replaces Rep. Tim Butler who was appointed Assistant Republican Leader to replace Mike McAuliffe who resigned.

COMING UP:
House Energy & Environment Committee will hold a hearing on Oct. 10th at 10:30 AM at the Bilandic Building in Chicago to discuss an update on ethylene oxide emitting facilities.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee will hold a hearing on Oct 25th at 11:00 AM at the Bilandic Building in Chicago to discuss CPS’ special education policy. Note the date change.
Fall Veto session dates: October 28th – 30th and November 12th – 14th.