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ILGA returning to session 5/20; (was House sessions canceled again; deadlines changed)


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Reported at CapFax today. Email sent to House Democrats.

 

...

Good morning, members

 

Please be advised that the session days scheduled for next week will be cancelled. Regarding the committee deadline for House bills, which was previously extended to April 3, that deadline will be extended to April 24. The 3rd reading deadline for House bills will be extended to May 8, which will now be a scheduled session day. Note that these and other deadlines will be reviewed and extended as needed moving forward.

 

As I indicated in previous communications, the session schedule is in flux, and members should be prepared to return to Springfield to address urgent matters, including during the weeks of April 5 and April 12 (the legislative spring break).

 

Furthermore, we are planning to have another conference call for House Democratic caucus members on Monday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m. Discussions on budget-making and the hospital assessment program are ongoing this week members should anticipate receiving a status update on these matters during the Monday call.

 

Finally, the Office has been working on a Google Drive folder that contains all the various pieces of information thats been shared by the Governors Office and others. The intent is to make it easier for you to navigate all the quickly changing information on various topics. We will continue to update that folder with new information on a daily basis you will find that each file is dated, so you can quickly see how recent the information is. You can view that folder and its contents through this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16CgavsCW6YqWLMB2G_-RXOm0GCrgXSmQ?usp=sharing

 

I would encourage you to share this link with your district office staff.

 

Take care and be well,

 

Jessica

 

Jessica Basham, Chief of Staff

Office of the Speaker

Illinois House of Representatives

...

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  • 3 weeks later...

Full story at link...

 

Lawmakers slowly preparing for session to reopen

 

https://www.saukvalley.com/2020/04/22/lawmakers-slowly-preparing-for-session-to-reopen/a9r1c27/

 

SPRINGFIELD – Top leaders of the Illinois House and Senate say there is still no timetable for calling lawmakers back into session, but they have launched a process for narrowing down the topics they’ll need to address whenever they do return.

 

In recent weeks, both the House and Senate have formed what they are calling “working groups” that are focusing primarily on how to resume state services and reboot the state’s economy once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

 

The House has organized 14 such working groups, focusing on policy areas such as access to health care, economic recovery, child welfare, food accessibility, education and mental health and addiction.

 

In the Senate, there are 17 working groups focusing on many of the same topics as well as the state budget, executive orders, gaming, regulatory relief and unemployment insurance.

 

Officials have been careful, though, to stress that the working groups are not legislative committees and that they are not authorized to draft legislation, hear testimony or take votes.

 

“These are far more informal,” Rep. Michael Zalewski, a Riverside Democrat and co-chair of the House economic recovery working group, said this week. “I think they're simply ways for us to congregate and hear each other out and compare notes and ideas about what we're going to face in the near future, when we do return to normal regular order.”

 

The difference between “working groups” and legislative committees is important because Article IV, Section 5 of the Illinois Constitution requires all meetings of the General Assembly, as well as legislative committees and commissions to be open to the public, unless two-thirds of the chamber votes to close them.

 

Scott Szala, who teaches about the state Constitution at the University of Illinois College of Law, said the drafters probably never anticipated a situation like the one the General Assembly now faces, and there have been no Supreme Court cases since the Constitution was ratified in 1970 to clarify how far that provision extends.

 

In fact, he said, the only case dealing with that constitutional provision came in 2001 when the Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit filed by the Illinois Press Association and several member newspapers against then-Gov. George Ryan over media access to meetings of legislative and executive ethics commissions. The court rejected that suit on the grounds that the governor was not a proper defendant in the case.

 

Zalewski agreed that the drafters of the state Constitution probably didn’t envision such a scenario.

 

 

“I think that it's incumbent upon us to at least somewhat organize ourselves into policy silos to be ready for whatever's coming next,” he said.

 

Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said he accepts the fact that the working groups have only a limited charge.

 

“I would have to tell you that I think if we have to do any votes or anything substantive like that, we're going to have to be back to the Capitol, I think, in order to effectively make sure that what we're doing is seen by the electorate and that people have the opportunity to be part of it,” he said.

 

Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, also a Bloomington Republican but no relation to Dan Brady, said the working groups are needed so lawmakers can focus on the tasks that will face them when they reconvene.

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House session appears to be pushed to 4/28 now, too.

Canceled!

...From Jessica Basham…

 

Good afternoon, members and staff –

 

First, please note that the session days scheduled for next week (Tuesday, April 28 through Thursday, April 30) are cancelled. The deadline for House Bills out of Committees, which had previously been rescheduled for April 30, will be extended to Thursday, May 7. The 3rd Reading deadline for House Bills, which had previously been rescheduled for May 8, will be extended to Friday, May 15....

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And no surprises...

 

..."Jessica Basham…

 

Good afternoon, members and staff –

 

First, please note that the session days scheduled for next week (Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 8) are cancelled. The deadline for House Bills out of Committees, which had previously been rescheduled for May 7, will be extended to Friday, May 15. The 3rd Reading deadline for House Bills, which had previously been rescheduled for May 15, will be extended to Friday, May 22. The deadline for Senate Bills out of Committees will be extended from May 15 to Friday, May 29, and the 3rd Reading deadline for Senate Bills will be extended from May 22 to Sunday, May 31."...

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and further delays for the House and would anticipate the Senate

 

...From Jessica Basham…

 

Please be advised that the session days scheduled for next week (Tuesday May 12 – Friday May 15) are cancelled. The deadline for House Bills out of Committees, which had previously been rescheduled for May 15, will be extended to Friday, May 22.

 

Take care and be well,

 

Jessica...

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https://drive.google.com/open?id=1atff_mGmsZbARZ7ij0PYZDW3SSwTN8lP

 

IDPH DRAFT guidlines for return of ILGA

 

IDPH Guidance for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19;

Illinois General Assembly Returning to Session

 

Mission and Purpose:

This document provides guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to the members of the General Assembly and legislative staff in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Illinois. These recommendations will ensure the public health and safety of legislators, legislative staff and other support personnel.

 

Travel and Stay in Springfield:

Members who either share a residence or a hotel room in Springfield, use individual hotel rooms in order to continue the practice of safe social distancing.

Public transportation and ridesharing should be used for essential travel only. When possible, drive yourself.

 

Upon entry to the Illinois State Capitol:

IDPH recommends that the Secretary of State (SOS) should have the Capitol Police screen all those entering the capitol for a temperature of 100F degrees or greater and/or other symptoms.

 

SOS should have a robust sanitizing practice in the Capitol multiple times a day, with special attention to door handles, elevator buttons, and other frequently touched surfaces.

 

SOS should maintain limiting the number of people into the State Capitol (only state employees directly supporting session, which means excluding lobbyist and the public).

 

If a member is feeling ill, they should NOT travel to Springfield for session. While in Springfield if a legislator becomes ill or symptomatic, they should call their doctor, a nurse hotline, any telehealth hotline set up specifically for COVID-19 or an urgent care center. If they are experiencing symptoms, they should return home and follow the guidelines provided by their physician.

 

If a member has a serious underlying medical condition they should NOT travel to Springfield for session.

 

IDPH advises that members 65 years of age or older should consider NOT traveling to Springfield for session.

 

The common areas that include the Rotunda, and the House and Senate galleries should remain closed to the public.

 

Signs should be displayed around the state capitol reminding staff and legislators to wash their hands and practice social distancing (i.e. coughing or sneezing into elbow, and using hand sanitizer)

 

In-Person Floor Debates and Voting:

IDPH recommends only requiring necessary staff in the chamber. Those would include the following: Chair, parliamentarian, clerk, member presenting the bill and one appointee from each caucus to ask questions, essential doormen and sergeant at arms, and essential staff support for substantive items.

 

Only necessary members should be on the floor and voting, per the leader's agreement in advance and only enough to meet the minimum quorum requirements. Members should be arranged so they are six feet away from the next member. This may require having members occupy the gallery space.

 

In-Person Committee Hearings and Voting:

IDPH recommends all meetings, such as committee pre-meetings, caucuses, and negotiation sessions for bills, should be conducted via phone or video conferencing system in advance.

 

If committees are held, bills should be agreed upon prior to committee, to avoid unnecessary debate.

Only necessary staff should be present.

Consider only the minimum number of legislators necessary to establish a quorum (i.e. Chairman, Vice Chairman, Minority Spokesperson and limited designated members).

 

If debate must take place, agree to vote the bill on a partisan roll call so that Chair and Minority Spokesperson of each committee can perform the business of their caucus.

 

Only two larger committee rooms should be used so that members can be arranged six feet away from the next member.

 

Only legislators should be there, witnesses who want to testify must do so by providing written testimony that can be read into the record (rather than in person).

 

Members of the public can still engage with the democratic process by live steaming, engaging with their legislator by means of communication that include emails, telephone, and by filing an electronic witness slip.

 

Capitol staff should stay in their workspaces as much as possible or continue to work remotely if possible.

If Capitol staff need to report to work, staff's workspaces should be six feet away from each other.

 

Upon adjournment:

IDPH recommends social distancing and isolation for at least seven days post legislative session.

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Do we know when that was drafted/published?

NO. It was posted at CapFax this morning. The original author in doc info is Tiffany Newbern, whom a search reveals as Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs at Office of the Governor- Illinois. I looked on IDPH site but could not find it.

 

I noticed when I opened with a different app, it does show a DRAFT watermark

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Full story at link

 

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinoisplaybook

 

..."It's happening. State lawmakers are returning to Springfield to wrap up what will be a super-abbreviated legislative session hampered by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Democrats are holding Zoom caucus meetings today at 10 a.m. to discuss when and how they'll go to the state capitol. Most likely, they will return on staggered schedules, with senators going first.

 

Lawmakers expect to be called to Springfield soon. They were told this week to be sure to get tested for the coronavirus even if they dont have symptoms.

 

House Speaker Michael Madigan holds the cards on all the details. Lawmakers could convene (in a social distancing sort of way) as early as next week, though they could wait to meet until after Memorial Day.

 

By then, Illinois will have a better idea about how much and what kind of federal funding would be directed toward the state in the latest relief package to help budgets bleeding revenue.

 

Technically, legislators are already in session through May 30, but their return could be deemed a special session which would allow them to focus on a limited number of issues. It's one of those confusing, legislative inside-baseball-sort-of-things.

 

Legislation on the table: the state budget, the capital reauthorization plan, hospital assessment extension, ethics reform and a statewide mail-in election bill, which has strong backing from Madigan. Gov. J.B. Pritzker also wants to help small municipalities, small businesses and renters.

 

The legislature must convene so that we can begin to put our financial and economic house back in order, the governor said Monday. The comment turned heads, given he's spent weeks suggested it's up to legislators to decide when to meet.

 

Pritzker's comments flowed from what was already in the works between him, Madigan and Senate President Don Harmon. Minority leaders in the Senate and House, Bill Brady and Jim Durkin, have been pushing to return for weeks.

 

Watch for Pritzker to address the legislative session tonight during a special discussion with House Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch on Welchs Facebook Live interview show."...

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Per CapFax

 

..."House Democrats were just told in caucus that they're returning next week.

 

*** House Democrats were told that they will, indeed, meet in the convention center.

 

*** Senate Democrats were told they will come back next Wednesday through Friday. The Senate will convene at the Statehouse.

 

*** Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Michael Madigan are expected to issue a statement at around noon today.

 

*** The Houses plan. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IG7aPcRGnsTf8Woo7CA7siocFWXbv41O/view This will indeed be a special session in order to limit the number of topics. Speaker Madigan has also asked his members to sign a pledge. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jcarMkhyVXJWneZ437K-8je_rMatv5Ol/view

 

In the interest of conducting the necessary business of the Illinois House of Representatives in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of our fellow members, staff, and our communities at large, we do hereby pledge to follow the recommendations as approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health by:

 

- Getting tested for COVID-19 in the days before the House is to resume even if we are asymptomatic or have recovered from a previous infection. If we test positive, we will stay home and self-quarantine.

- Undergoing a temperature check on session days prior to entering the Capitol or any other grounds used to convene session. If we record an elevated fever, we will undergo a new test prior to entering the building.

- Wearing a facemask at all times when in session and whenever in the company of colleagues and staff. We understand additional protective equipment may be required if recommended by experts, and we commit to using it. (Cloth face coverings will be provided to members and essential staff who need it.)

- Traveling to session alone and staying in a hotel or apartment on our own, including doing our best to travel without spouses, children and other family members.

- Avoiding any unnecessary exposure by refraining from extracurricular activities like non-essential meetings, gatherings, shared meals or drinks with colleagues, lobbyists, or others while in session.

- Following social distancing recommendations at all times while in Springfield for the business of the House.

-Upon returning home, we will seek another test for COVID-19 and/or self- quarantine for at least seven days.

- Taking any additional individual precautions necessary to contribute to the health and safety of those around us.

 

*** As often happens, the House will have a concurrent special session along with its regular session.

 

*** Speaker Madigan has sent a letter to House GOP Leader Jim Durkin asking that the House Republicans sign the above pledge Given your enthusiasm to resume normal operations of the House and the uncertainty of these times. https://drive.google.com/open?id=14F-kIs1r9LBFUF8Ag94RCx8eCnWUPGSl"...

 

Per Chicago Sun Times

 

https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/5/13/21257310/illinois-legislators-return-springfield-budget-pandemic-issues

 

Legislators to return to Springfield next week to iron out budget, pressing pandemic issues

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Nope.

 

Test em all, even if asymptomatic ONCE!

 

Until such time as the “increased testing” requirements are removed from the State reopening plan or the testing thresholds for reopening are met there should be NO FURTHER TESTING unless they show symptoms.

 

Unlimited testing for the “special” while holding the citizens hostage to testing is unacceptable.

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