Illinois Republican Party sues Gov. J.B. Pritzker over 10-person gathering limit – Chicago Tribune
The state GOP, along with three local Republican groups, argues that Pritzker’s limit on in-person gatherings, which is part of his plan to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, unfairly curtails people’s First Amendment rights. Republicans are asking the court to exempt political parties from the cap on gatherings and seeking permission to hold in-person gatherings without size restrictions
How public unions can help avert furloughs and layoffs for Chicago and Illinois government workers – Chicago Sun-Times
“The city of Chicago has collective bargaining agreements with more than 40 union units. The state has agreements with more than 30 union units. Cook County, for that matter, has agreements with dozens and dozens more…We believe Mayor Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, as well as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and others, have the legal authority to compel the renegotiation of contract language.”
Editorial: Finally, the lakefront opens. Can we keep dining in the streets too? – Chicago Tribune
“To thrive, cities must innovate. That includes the way they use their street grid. That could include, going forward, an experiment to make permanent COVID-related innovations, such as street closures every Sunday, for example, on a retail or restaurant strip…Closing down streets to create incubators of economic revival and community-building should be one of them.”
3 aldermen push to kick cops out of schools, plan to introduce ordinance at council meeting this week – Chicago Sun-Times
But the proposal faces a tall task: convincing Mayor Lori Lightfoot, whose support will likely be necessary for the ordinance to pass.
Chicago bars, Lakefront Trail allowed to reopen with safety restrictions city announces; Millennium Park reopened Monday – ABC7 (Chicago)
Chicagoans must abide by a “keep it moving” strategy where only walking, running, biking, and rollerblading will be allowed.
Commentary: COVID-19 waivers are everywhere now — gyms, hair salons, church. Should you sign? – Chicago Tribune
“These waivers tend to be presented on a take-it-or-leave it basis, which raises questions about how well they will hold up in court. But they also raise the question of who is best able to manage the health risks associated with COVID-19 as the economy reopens.”
Commentary: Why Mayor Lightfoot cannot rely on Congress to fill her budget gap for now, and what Speaker Pelosi has to say about it – Chicago Sun-Times
“You may have read last week about Lightfoot and her proposals to spend $1.13 billion the CARES Act sent to Chicago. The grant money came with a catch — it had to be used on items directly connected to the city’s COVID-19 response. “
Aldermen Back Ordinance To Provide Tenants Hurt By COVID-19 Pandemic With New Protection From Eviction – CBS2 (Chicago)
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) said he feared that, in an effort to avoid a wave of evictions, the city is risking a wave of foreclosures on small landlords who won’t be able to collect rent. Nevertheless, the Housing Committee approved the ordinance by a 14-2 vote.
Bars in Chicago can reopen for outdoor service starting Wednesday – WGNTV (Chicago)
They can reopen their patios, rooftops and other outdoor areas as of June 17, with restrictions including that seating is limited to a maximum of two hours.
Consumers change some spending habits amid pandemic – Center Square
Dr. Tim Michaelis, a professor of management at Northern Illinois University, said past economic downturns changed the way consumers spent money for the rest of their lives. “One generation from the Great Depression remained relatively frugal throughout their entire lives and I am curious if that is going to have the same effect now.”
New legislative commission aims to help revive Illinois’ economy in wake of pandemic – Center Square
Reports are due every 30 days through the end of the year with the first report due to the entire General Assembly on July 1, 2020.
After Illinois State Fair canceled, communities brace for economic hit – Center Square
Some estimate the lost economic activity from the cancellation of the Illinois State Fair could be north of $80 million for the Springfield area from lost hotel reservations and restaurant visits.
It looks like the State of Illinois is paying down its bill backlog! – Truth in Accounting
“It seems ironic that Illinois appears to be paying down its bill backlog directly or indirectly with proceeds from a loan from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, under these circumstances.”
‘We Really Flattened That Curve’: Illinois’ Top Doctor Talks Remaining Cautious While Reopening The State – CBS2 (Chicago)
“I have to stress how much we’re still learning about this virus,” she said.
Bobby Rush likens Chicago police union to KKK: ‘Racist body of criminal lawlessness’ – The Hill
FOP President John Catanzara also dismissed Rush and Lighfoot’s press conference as a “ridiculously melodramatic, over the top production, pre-planned…It was the mayor’s attempt to pour a tanker of gasoline on top of a fire that was starting to smolder.”
$275M in emergency relief for households impacted by COVID-19 – WIFR (Rockford)
The budget also increases the eligibility income threshold up to 200 percent of federal poverty level.
Illinois gas tax set for automatic increase July 1 – Illinois Policy
Gas station owners have been especially hard hit during the past year. Pritzker signed a gradual minimum wage increase last year that will see minimum wages jump from $8.25 on Dec. 31, 2019, to $10 on July 1. Cigarette taxes were also increased by $1.
UIC Study Analyzes How COVID-19 Has Changed Travel Behavior, Lifestyles – WTTW (Chicago)
According to survey results, 93% of respondents viewed public transit, taxis and ride-hailing services as a potential risk for exposure to the coronavirus. “How public transit agencies in our region – CTA, Metra and PACE – can gain back the trust of commuters while providing adequate services … is going to be a really challenging task.”
Ipsento Coffee Shuts Down Bucktown Shops After Staffers Call For Boycott, Demand Support Of Black Lives Matter – Block Club Chicago
Staffers gave away free or reduced priced coffee on Friday as part of their protest, and posted a message and list of demands on Instagram.
UChicago Students, Allies Demand Abolition Of Campus Police During 19-Hour Sit-In – Block Club Chicago
A rally and march started Friday afternoon in the university’s Main Quadrangle, continued with a peaceful sit-in for several hours and culminated in a community breakfast and rally Saturday morning.
Lightfoot announces working group to review and revise Chicago police use of force policies – WGNTV (Chicago)
Over the next eight weeks, the group of more than 20 community leaders, activists and police officers from across Chicago will meet virtually. Meanwhile, the mayor is requiring officers to work 12-hour shifts, with no days off.
Some bureaucrats look to boost income tax to combat flagging revenue during pandemic – Center Square
In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker soldiered on with his progressive income tax proposal despite the pandemic, hoping it will generate $3.5 billion in tax revenue. The Illinois Policy Institute criticized the idea…noting that even former Democratic President Barack Obama said politicians shouldn’t hike taxes during a recession.
Democrats (Accidentally) Make The Case Against Teachers’ Unions – I & I
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart ‘De-Deputizes’ Deputies Linked To Insults And Threats Toward Protesters – CBS2 (Chicago)
The county’s public defender complained that deputies had posted insulting and threatening comments online after a march in support of Black Lives Matter.
Bobby Rush: Chicago police union and KKK ‘are like kissing, hugging and law-breaking cousins’ – Politico
“The number-one cause that prevents police accountability, that promotes police corruption, that protects police lawlessness, is a culprit called the Fraternal Order of Police,” said Rep. Bobby Rush, who was a founding member of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers.
Chicago Region’s Airports Get Boost from Freight Shipments – Connect Chicago
“There are only a handful of places with two top-20 cargo airports,” airport consultant Michael Webber told Crain’s. “Chicago is one of them. O’Hare and Rockford coexist really well. [The area] is a rail and trucking hub.
Chicago restaurants reckon with accusations of racism in a social media storm – Chicago City Wire
Those lobbing the accusations contend news about the eateries’ poor treatment of minorities and women are well known across the industry, though this marks the first time that they have been voiced publicly.
Editorial: Licensing cops is not the answer to police misconduct – Chicago Tribune
“What Raoul and Lightfoot want is to provide support for police who do their jobs well and get rid of those who abuse their authority or shirk their duties. So do we all. But the mayor understands that the real obstacle is with police unions and the collective bargaining agreements that prevent prompt, fair resolution of complaints and appropriate discipline for misconduct.”
What suburban police are planning to reform, and what activists say about it – Daily Herald
“I think what’s happening is that movements and communities are building power in order to have a voice about these kind of budgetary matters,” said Monica Bell, a Yale Law School professor who researches how police practices reinforce segregation.
Coming July 1: What Chicago employers need to know about the new paid sick leave, minimum wage and fair workweek rules – JD Supra
The City of Chicago has revised its paid sick leave and minimum wage rules, amended its paid sick leave ordinance, passed a COVID-19 anti-retaliation ordinance and issued final rules on the Fair Workweek Ordinance.
Chicago leaders demand hiring of black-owned contractors to help businesses rebuild – ABC Chicago
The call is not only for 100% black contracts, but jobs as well.