* Editor of Herald & Review …
The state’s lame legislative session in the Bank of Springfield Center opened Friday with unacceptable restrictions on media members. […]
The restrictions have nothing to do with security. This is in theory related to pandemic. But just as other professionals were forced to adjust their work efforts to protect the safety of themselves and others, reporters figured out to do social distance while wearing masks while conducting interviews and frequent disinfection of used equipment.
Restricted access also impedes coverage of sessions in May 2020, to the benefit of no one. In addition, the May sessions allowed for outdoor interviews. These interviews are less available in January’s cold.
The main floor of the Bank Of Springfield Center is 40,000 square feet, more than enough space for lawmakers and trusted media. Socially safe seats are essentially already used in the home. The letter from the media members also outlines ways in which communications and reporters can be allowed to perform their work without danger or disruption.
The governor’s office can only provide IDPH guidance on request issued by the legislative committee for hearings last year. The House has not yet released its source for session guidance. Another photo of the cave-like space …
There seems to be enough space … https://t.co/Bdn7VtpDak pic.twitter.com/1YKYXuRHJq
– Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) 8 January 2021
The security argument is also just ridiculous and absolutely insulting to credible members of the news media. And to add insult to injury, reporters who have to use the restroom must be escorted to and from the mezzanine by Illinois police.
Would the supervision of them not be allowed on the floor?
* When I see photos like this of the Eastern Bloc representatives Chris Miller and Brad Halbrook on the floor of the conference center, it makes me wonder why the House speaker is so worried about us …
Reporters are not the issue here. (You can comment on the photo if you like.)
… Add… Rep.Miller (no relationship) was only called to the floor because he was not wearing his mask.
* To Mark Brown’s latest column …
It has now been two months since it emerged that Illinois President Mike Madigan would face the biggest challenge facing his leadership, but there is still no clear forerunner to replace him.
If Madigan is indeed to be replaced, it must begin to change as members of the House return to Springfield this weekend to finalize the affairs of the outgoing legislature and organize for the new organization.
Democrats would meet privately on Saturday for their first (masked) face-to-face discussion about who they should lead.
It’s hard to imagine them progressing fast.
Until Madigan is ready to step aside – there is no hint of this at this point – most of the leading possible alternatives remain on the sidelines.
That last line is right. Nothing can really happen unless and until Speaker Madigan decides to step aside.
* I filled out subscribers today about yesterday’s caucus, but Mark Maxwell has a few more …
Undaunted by his opposition, Madigan methodically moved through the process, constantly persuading his colleagues to support him. In a Friday night candidate forum hosted by downstate and moderate Democrats, Madigan offered to loosen his grip on political power if members let him remain in his role.
According to members who listened to Madigan’s pitch on Friday night, he also offered them more input and control in interviewing and appointing their own staff members, and promised a more collaborative style of leadership.
Its challengers, representatives Kifowit, Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Kathleen Willis (D-Addison), presented various amendments to the House Rules and outlined the ways in which members could pass their bills through committees, and outline their strategies. to raise campaign funds in ways that benefit more members.
Willis, chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus, emphasized her experience in Madigan’s leadership team, although the Speaker noted that it pales in comparison to his own.
He promises many things.
*** UPDATE *** I told subscribers about this earlier today …
Madigan is opposed to secret ballot during the election of the speaker of the Illinois House in the Democratic House of Representatives. A member asked about this during a closed caucus meeting yesterday and Madigan said he believes it should be an open vote, according to a source who heard the exchange.
– Dave McKinney (@davemckinney) 9 January 2021