Senate Committees Address COVID-19 Concerns

The Senate’s regularly scheduled legislative session was canceled this week, but Senators continued their work remotely. The Senate’s Labor, Commerce, and Health committees met to discuss a variety of issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senate Labor Committee heard testimony about the ongoing issues with the state’s unemployment insurance system. Senate Republicans expressed concern over the continued fraudulent claims, the long call-back times, and IDES offices remaining closed.

The Senate Commerce Committee also heard testimony regarding Business Interruption Grants (BIG), which seek to assist businesses forced to close under the Governor’s mitigation restrictions. Republican members of the committee expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the process of awarding grants, and were frustrated with the fact that only 20 percent of applicants have received grants.

What garnered the most attention this week was the Senate Health Committee, which dove into the issues revolving around the Administration’s handling of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Illinois continues to lag behind others states in the percentage of people who have received at least one dose. Additionally, Senate Republicans continue to hear from constituents regarding the struggles they face in accessing a vaccine.

Following the Committee hearing, Sen. Bailey said he is frustrated by the lack of accountability by the Pritzker Administration.

“While I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on this committee, our first meeting was very disappointing. Our state’s vaccination program is an extremely important subject and this should have been an opportunity to get to the bottom of issues plaguing the process. Instead, we were told that multiple officials, including IDPH Director Dr. Ezike, who left after just a few minutes of questions, were too busy and had very little time to answer questions. Unfortunately all we ended up with was the same lack of transparency that has become a hallmark of this administration’s COVID-19 response.”

Just this week, the Governor signed his 13th consecutive emergency declaration, marking one full year of ruling under Executive Order. Despite having total control over every aspect of COVID-19, the Governor continues to blame everyone but his own Administration for the failures of the vaccine rollout.

ISBE Rules Continue to Cause Concerns

State Sen. Bailey is continuing to voice his concerns about a pending rule that is set to come before members of the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules committee on Feb. 16.

The controversial new rule gives the Illinois State Board of Education broad power to implement guidelines that impact teacher preparation standards. However, due to the nature of the demands the new rules place on teachers, Sen. Bailey is questioning the real intent behind the proposal.

Sen. Bailey notes the new rules are setting a highly progressive narrative in the classroom, arguing that the proposal creates a burdensome, confusing, and vague set of progressive requirements that threaten a healthy learning environment in Illinois classrooms.

Sen. Bailey is encouraging constituents to voice their thoughts on the proposal by reaching out to members of JCAR.

To read the full text of the CRTL standards, click here.

Sen. Darren Bailey Schedules Mobile Office Hours for Constituents

State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) is working to make sure that residents of the 55^th Senate District have regular opportunities to get help with state government issues or questions. His district office staff will be rotating through 10 different locations each month to be more accessible to constituents.

“I work for the people of the 55^th District and I want to make it as easy as possible to help them with whatever issues they may be dealing with,” said Sen. Bailey. “Of course they can always contact us at one of my district offices, but with our mobile office hours, they can meet with staff face-to-face and hopefully have a shorter drive.”

The mobile office hours will rotate each month through 10 locations:

1st Monday- Lori Bear

Clark County: 9am-12pm
Location: Marshall City Hall, 201 S Michigan Ave, Marshall IL 62441

Crawford County: 2pm-4pm
Location: Robinson City Hall, 300 South Lincoln Street Robinson,IL 62454

2nd Wednesday- Collin Moseley

Lawrence County: 8am-10am
Location: City Hall 700 State St, Lawrenceville, IL 62439

Richland County: 11am-12pm
Location: Richland County Jail, 211 W Market St, Olney, IL 62450

Wayne County: 2pm-4pm
Location: Fairfield City Hall, 109 NE 2nd St, Fairfield, IL 62837

3rd Tuesday- Lori Bear

Cumberland County: 9am-12pm
Location: Toledo Village Hall, 160 E Main St, Toledo, IL 62468

Jasper County: 2pm-4pm
Location: Newton City Hall, 108 N Van Buren St # A, Newton, IL 62448

4th Thursday- Collin Moseley

Wabash County: 8am-10am
Location: Mt Carmel City Hall, 631 N Market St. Mt Carmel IL

Edwards County: 11am-1pm
Location: Albion City Hall, 27 W Elm St, Albion, IL 62806

White County: 2:30pm-4pm
Location: Carmi City Council Chambers, 225 E Main Carmi IL 62871

Senator Bailey asks constituents to call his office at 618-665-4109 to set up appointments for the mobile office hours.

Phase 1B Expanded to Include Those With Underlying Conditions

This week, after hearing calls from the public to prioritize those most vulnerable to COVID-19, the Governor announced the expansion of Phase 1B vaccine eligibility to include those with underlying health conditions.

For weeks, Senate Republicans, who have been critical of Illinois’ vaccination rollout, have been urging the Governor to prioritize these individuals, saying those most at risk of dying from the virus should be first in line.

Beginning Feb. 25, those with comorbidities, underlying conditions, and disabilities will be able to receive the vaccine. Prior to this announcement, Phase 1B included those ages 65 and older, essential workers, prisoners, and legislators.

The list of qualifying underlying conditions includes:

Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Diabetes
Heart Condition
Immunocompromised State from a Solid Organ Transplant
Obesity
Pregnancy
Pulmonary Disease
Sickle Cell Disease

While Senate Republicans are pleased that those with underlying conditions will soon be able to receive the vaccine, they say it’s long past due. Additionally, Senate Republicans remain concerned that these individuals have to wait another two weeks, while prisoners and legislators have already begun receiving shots.