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Alexi Giannoulias Is New Secretary of State
Newly elected Secretary of State Alexander (Alexi) Giannoulias honored outgoing Secretary of State Jesse White for his many years of service. Mr. Giannoulias previously served as the 72nd Illinois Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. He said his top priority is to restore the public's trust in government and its elected leaders. Photo by Naimah Latif
Susana Mendoza Continues As Controller
Susana Mendoza is the 10th Comptroller of Illinois, serving since December 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, she formerly served as Chicago City Clerk. She reminded voters that since her election as Comptroller, she has always made sure those doing business with the state were paid on time. Photo by Naimah Latif
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot joins DOT Sec. Buttigig along with Senator Dick Durbin and Congressman Bobby Rush as Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter, Jr. explains plans for completion of the modernization of the 95th street CTA terminal. Photo by Marcus Robinson.
President Biden Pushes American Families Plan in Illinois
President Biden Arrives in Chicago on Air Force One
In his first trip to the Chicagoland area since his election, President Joe Biden came to promote the benefits of his American Families Plan in strengthening the American economy. He spoke to an audience at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake Illinois, a Northwest Suburb of Chicago explaining the economic benefits of affordable higher education, proposing two years of free community college education. During his remarks President Biden recognized the work of Democrats in Illinois, praising U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood. Photo by Marcus Robinson.
President Biden Greeted By Mayor Lorie Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle meet briefly with President Biden as he arrives at O'Hare Airport. The President was briefed about recent incidences of gun violence in Chicago and pledged Federal support to help alleviate the distress families face in inner city communities. His American Families Plan is currently being reviewed in Congress. His visit is intended to encourage more support among Republicans. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
President Biden Promises More Jobs, Environmental Improvements and Affordable Education
President Biden promised more manufacturing jobs in areas needed to improve the environment and the U.S. infrastructure, such as the installation of new pipes and the construction of roads and bridges. His American Families plan faces opposition from Republicans in Congress. His visit to Crystal Lake, an area that favored Donald Trump in the last election, was intended to drum up Republican support by focusing on the economic benefits to residents. Photo by Marcus Robinson
Sen. Elgie Sims Introduces Legislation For Better Policing
by Naimah Latif
SPRINGFIELD, IL - House Bill 3653, introduced by Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D) Illinois 17th District, outlines provisions aimed at better police training and accountability. Among those provisions are a ban on the use of chokeholds, increased training in crisis intervention, more mental health screening for officers, and requirements that officers submit data to an FBI database on the use of force. Whistleblower protections are increased and the right to make phone calls and access their personal contacts before police questioning is codified.
Detainees, prisoners and all those who interact with police officers will have the expectation of prompt medical care while in custody, with special accommodations made for pregnant women.
Charges of resisting arrest must cite a justification for the origin of arrest that was allegedly resisted against under the measure as well. The purchase of military equipment like .50 caliber rifles and tanks by police departments would also be banned.
Courts will also see changes under the legislation including an end to the practice of cash bail as well as an end to revoking drivers licenses for nonpayment of fines.
The changes are a question of accountability, transparency and humanity, said John Rakowski of the Illinois State Bar Association in his testimony in favor of the legislation. He stead that the structural problems in the criminal justice system require a bold response.
“This Bill is.a bold response,” Rakowski said. “Now is not a time for incrementalism.”
The wide-ranging legislation came about in the months following the tragic death of George Floyd and increased calls among citizens and activists for a comprehensive approach to reforming the criminal justice system.
Sims and other members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus lead the effort in the Illinois General Assembly by convening nine public hearings in the months following the demonstrations of the summer of 2020. In all, Sims lead more than 30 hours of committee hearings soliciting input from law enforcement professionals, trial lawyers, prosecutors, community members and many other groups.
“A measure this transformative would not be possible without the heightened interest and vocal support of Illinoisans whose consciences have been shaken by years of misconduct without meaningful consequences,” Sims said. “Change, when it comes, always seems as if it has come too late but I know that our successes here today are not an end, but a beginning to uplifting our communities and better supporting law-enforcement in ways that improve our criminal justice system.”
House bill 3653 passed the Illinois House and awaits the governor’s signature to become law. Once signed, it will be effective immediately.
Mayor Lightfoot Dismisses FOP Lawsuit
Photo by Parthenia Luke
STATEMENT FROM CHICAGO MAYOR LORI E. LIGHTFOOT
Issued Wednesday, December 1, 2021
“Today, at my direction, the City’s Department of Law voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit against the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 without prejudice.
“This Verified Complaint for Injunctive Relief was initially filed in response to the president of FOP Lodge 7, John Catanzara, repeatedly calling for his members to engage in an illegal work stoppage or strike—which is strictly prohibited under Illinois Law. The past few weeks have shown what I have said from the beginning to be true: that our brave police officers are smarter than their FOP leadership, and care more about their city, their fellow Chicagoans, and upholding their sworn oath to protect and serve, than they do Catanzara’s frivolous demands to stop working.
“It should be noted, that should the FOP or John Catanzara take any further action toward encouraging an illegal work stoppage or strike, we can and will immediately refile this action.
“From day one when this requirement was announced in August, this entire process has been and will continue to be about protecting the lives and safety of all Chicagoans. The data shows that we are succeeding in that mission, and that police officers recognize that protecting and serving in the times of global pandemic means ensuring that that they are vaccinated against COVID-19. The number of officers who have come into compliance with the City’s vaccine reporting mandate, as well as the mandatory vaccination policy, have continued to grow since October 15th, and I have complete confidence that the entire Department will be in compliance with City policy in the near future.”