Pulling back the curtain: Bipartisanship end-around. Partisan working groups have become the favored form of policymaking for House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch since he took over as the presiding officer of the Illinois House of Representatives in 2021. By all appearances, the working groups are his not-so-subtle way of shutting Republicans and, more importantly, the public out of the process. An end-around, if you will, to stave off opposing viewpoints.
By comparison, Senate President Don Harmon doesn’t feel the need to engage in these partisan shenanigans. Instead, he has opted for public hearings in the committee framework set forth in the Illinois Constitution. This leads us to question the Speaker’s intentions.
The Speaker’s Democrat Senate counterpart holds bipartisan public committee hearings on important issues like the teacher shortage, public safety, immigration, and most recently, public transit. The Speaker could do the same, after all, House Rule 13 gives him the authority to create bipartisan committees whenever there is a need. Nonetheless, the Speaker has gone in a different direction, establishing Democrat-only behind the scenes working groups, including these:
- Firearm Safety and Reforms Working Group
- New Arrivals Working Group
- Mental Health Working Group
- Public Safety Working Group
- Public Transit Working Group
- Reproductive Health and Dobbs Decision Working Group
- Social Media and Online Extremism Working Group
- Teacher Shortage Working Group
Illinoisans deserve a deliberative, inclusive, and transparent legislative body that is responsible to its Constitutional duties. In addition, Illinoisans deserve a legislative body that works within the committee process, allows for public hearings held at times when the public can attend, and robust debate from a bipartisan group of lawmakers.
Senate President Harmon understands the need to bring his chamber together, both Democrats and Republicans. He’s not afraid to consider the myriad of viewpoints and the vast experiences that all members of his chamber bring to the table. Harmon’s bipartisan Senate Transportation Committee is working to address the issues by holding public hearings around the state to gather the information that all senators will need to cast an informed vote.
When announcing his newly formed “Transportation Working Group,” the Speaker said the working group ... “members will talk with stakeholders, review transportation proposals and create new solutions for public transit.” Republicans will not get the opportunity to weigh in nor, it seems, will the public.
As the minority caucus, the role of the House Republicans is to hold the majority accountable, shine a light on improprieties, and speak out when the more than four million Illinoisians they represent are not included in the process that affects their everyday lives. We feel it is important to call out the Speaker’s working group strategy and urge him to allow full debate of these important issues in committee.
We have to ask: What is the Speaker afraid of? After all, Democrats hold the supermajority and they can pass or kill any piece of legislation they want with their votes. Why not hold in-depth hearings and consider testimony from all sides of an issue? Why the need to suppress debate? Why stand in the way of public bipartisan committee hearings?
Shutting out the public and opposing views makes for a vicious cycle of partisanship. Speaker Welch could easily reverse this by adhering to his promise when he was first elected to lead the House, which was to work with Republicans in a bipartisan manner and to ensure all Illinoisans have a voice in Springfield.
CORRUPTION
Former longtime Chicago Alderman Ed Burke reports to prison. The former Chicago alderman and dean of the City Council Ed Burke has begun to serve his two-year sentence for racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion. The onetime political boss is now confined to a low-security section of the federal correctional center in Thomson, Illinois, north of the Quad Cities.
Burke reported to prison after a saga of almost 6 years in duration. After the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided the alderman’s Chicago offices in November 2018, it was clear that the politician was under serious criminal scrutiny. Even after being charged with multiple federal criminal counts in January 2019, his case continued to move slowly. After numerous continuances and delays, the trial began in late 2023, more than four years after Burke had been charged. The now-former alderman (after 54 years in office, Burke did not run for re-election in 2023) was convicted in December 2023. The verdict was “guilty” on 13 of the 14 counts against him.
Former Alderman Burke’s sentencing cycle consumed an additional six months, as the prosecutors and defense counsel presented sentencing information to the court. On June 24, 2024, the court sentenced Burke to serve two years of confinement and pay a $2 million fine. Burke was then given almost three additional months to put his affairs in order. Finally, in September 2024, the former Chicago political leader reported to federal prison.
DISASTERS
Mid-July storms lead to federal disaster declaration. The federal disaster declaration refers to rainfall and flooding associated with a powerful weather front starting July 13, 2024, and ending July 16, 2024, in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties. These counties contain approximately 6.5 million people, more than half of the population of Illinois.
The disaster declaration opens the door for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to operate a set of individual assistance programs to target persons negatively affected by certain defined facets of the disaster. People in need of assistance to cover the costs of temporary housing, and/or home repairs, made necessary by the torrential rain and flash flooding may be eligible to apply for assistance. A separate FEMA program can cover low-cost loans to cover losses suffered by Illinois residents as a result of uninsured property. Persons who want to learn more about this disaster declaration and relief programs, including the time window within which to seek advice and file a claim, may consult the federal Disaster Assistance website, or call the FEMA hotline at 1-800/621-3362. The federal Illinois July 2024 disaster declaration was announced on Monday, September 23.
OUTDOOR SPORTS
Fall trout season set for cold open on Saturday, October 5, and full open on Saturday, October 19. The first trout season window, which will be open from October 5 through October 18, is for catch-and-release at selected sites only. The standard trout season, with a five-trout limit, will open at 5 a.m. on October 19. An Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) fishing license, including a $6.50 trout stamp, will be required for both types of fishing activities.
The full trout fishing season will be enjoyed on 60 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state that have been stocked by IDNR. This list includes Highland Old City Lake, in Madison County, which has been remediated and returned to the trout list. The trout list includes waters in Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois.
IDNR doubles bobcat permits for season; application deadline is Monday, Sept. 30. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced the doubling of bobcat hunting permits for the upcoming season. This decision shows the successful recovery of the bobcat population and teaches the importance of effective wildlife management in our state.
Bobcats have a storied history in Illinois. Once nearly eradicated from the state due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, these elusive animals have made a remarkable comeback over the past few decades. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of IDNR and various conservation organizations, bobcats have rebounded significantly, reclaiming their rightful place in Illinois’ ecosystems.
According to IDNR, the estimated bobcat population in Illinois has been growing steadily. In fact, recent surveys indicate that there are now around 5,000 bobcats in the state, a remarkable increase from previous years. This growth is attributed to improved habitat conditions and the implementation of regulated hunting and trapping practices that ensure sustainable population levels.
Managed hunting plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations. IDNR has carefully evaluated the bobcat population dynamics and determined that increasing permits from 1,000 to 2,000 is both a responsible and necessary step. By allowing regulated hunting, IDNR can manage the population effectively, preventing overpopulation and associated ecological issues.
State Representative Charlie Meier commented on this development, stating, "The doubling of bobcat permits is a testament to the successful conservation efforts and responsible management of our natural resources. It shows that with careful regulation, we can support both our wildlife populations and the interests of our local communities."
Balance must be maintained between conservation efforts and the recreational activities of hunting and trapping. Responsible hunting not only contributes to wildlife management but also provides economic benefits to local communities. The sale of hunting permits, as well as the associated spending on equipment, lodging, and food, supports local economies significantly.
"It's important that we continue to educate our communities about wildlife management,” Rep. Meier continued. “By working together, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the beauty and diversity of our state’s wildlife."
The deadline for applying to IDNR for a bobcat hunting/trapping permit is Monday, September 30.
TRANSPORTATION
Rail Safety Week Sept. 23-29. Illinois has more than 11,000 mapped locations where motor vehicles and railroad tracks come together. Of these crossings, 7,550 are public rights-of-way, and 3,744 are crossings located on private property – typically driveways where the property owner has to cross over a track to drive to or from a public road. These railroad crossings are potentially dangerous to drivers, pedestrians, and bikers. Passenger trains can travel as fast as 110 miles per hour.
In calendar year 2023, 102 collisions and 55 pedestrian incidents were reported at Illinois highway crossings. The collisions resulted in 18 deaths and 22 injuries in 2023, and the pedestrian incidents resulted in 35 deaths and 20 injuries in 2023. The State of Illinois is cooperating with the railroad industry to once again promote railway right-of-way safety through the observance of Rail Safety Week from September 23-29.