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* Press release…
House Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Tuesday:
“Last week when I announced the House would return to Springfield, I asked all members to commit to safety precautions approved and guided by the Illinois Department of Public Health to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. I strongly believe these safety precautions are critical for us to gather in Springfield in a way that minimizes the risk of the infection among House members, their families, staff, the public, and subsequently in their home communities.
“Taking into account the shared concerns of House members, I am proposing we move to adopt changes to the House rules that require members, staff and the public to wear masks, submit to temperature checks prior to entering the building each day and observe social distancing guidelines outlined by public health experts while inside the Bank of Springfield Center. The House will take up this rule change immediately upon convening Wednesday. After the motion passes, any member in violation of the rule change will face discipline, including potentially being removed from the chamber by a vote of the House. This is not an action I take lightly, but when it comes to the health and safety of members, their families, staff and the communities they represent, it is the right and prudent thing to do.
“Staff and members of the public not observing the rules will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
“I look forward to focusing on the critical work needed to ensure our state can continue to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis and provide relief to people struggling around the state and not on needless distractions.”
*** UPDATE *** Center Square…
State Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, plans to vote against it.
“I will certainly be voting against the measure,” he said. “I have yet to decide on how to handle the situation once the measure presumably passes.”
Think he’ll do the ol’ passive resistance thing and go limp?
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:31 pm
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Can’t wait to see the GOP crazy come out. Once voted outside, they can take up with their “Reopen” friends and their signs.
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:38 pm
It’s unfortunate but necessary to deal with what Zorn dubs “the scoff-masks.”
Comment by anon2 Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:41 pm
Madigan says he will take up motion immediately and then after it passes can be consequences. Boy he seems pretty sure it will pass. How could he be that confident/s
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:42 pm
As Rep Miller said- “I don’t want to become the story”
Hopefully that holds true. There are too many issues for masks to be something that takes up valuable time and energy.
Comment by Frank talks Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:42 pm
I feel Madigan is doing the right thing to protect his House, staff members and their families from catching the COVID-19 virus. However, he needs to make sure extra police will be there to escort the people out who refuse to comply. I’m sure the COVIDIOTS will be there to test the waters and make trouble.
Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:43 pm
I find it so repulsive that any member would refuse to wear a mask or abide by social distancing when they know their colleagues may have medical issues, or family members with medical issues, that cause them real and legitimate concern. It shows such a lack of empathy and respect for others. It’s not about your right to refuse a mask - it’s about your responsibility to take into consideration how your actions impact others.
This isn’t about rights or laws. It is fundamentally about character.
Comment by southsider Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:43 pm
It’s obvious anyone that wants to violate these rules when adopted are looking for the photo opp of being forced out. So what is the method of physically removing them from the chamber that will diminish their cherished photo opp the most?
My vote is for the security personnel to wear MAGA hats and Re-Open IL shirts while they remove them.
Comment by Concerned Dem Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:47 pm
In 1918 it was called the Anti-Mask League (love scoff masks as well). They need to get a grip. Masks were worn in 1918 by MLB players during the game and by their fans in the stands. People need to look at history to understand what we are doing today is not new. https://theconversation.com/face-masks-what-the-spanish-flu-can-teach-us-about-making-them-compulsory-137648
Comment by illinifan Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:49 pm
Watching the American Covidiots (legislative chapter) meltdown is gonna be fun. Good thing I stocked up on the Costco crack.
Comment by Northsider Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:50 pm
Why can’t people just be an adult & wear a D*** Mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19? The sooner they stop spreading the virus, the sooner they can go back to work, etc.. They have to wear a mask to get into Walmart and other places so why should the state capitol be any different?
Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:50 pm
I think the group of people protesting outdoors should wear a mask too because they are in a large group. Protester should protect one another too by wearing a mask. Will guns be allowed?
Comment by Mama Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:53 pm
Can we do this in other State office buildings?
Comment by R A T Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:54 pm
Wait — so this means that all the Eastern Bloc malcontents get to come in without masks and literally befoul the air before the vote? As someone who loves some of our legislators and their families, I cannot tell you how angry this makes me. I don’t care about “optics”, I don’t care about “political statements” - right now, I don’t even care about the election. All I care about is that real people with real lives and real families are going to be forced to face unsafe conditions because a few garbage legislators saw this ongoing human tragedy as an opportunity to make some cheap partisan points.
For shame.
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:54 pm
For a large percentage of us, these will be the rules that we’ll all have to abide by when we return to the workplace.
Time to show some leadership.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:54 pm
===I think the group of people protesting outdoors should wear a mask too===
That would sorta defeat the purpose of the protest.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 1:57 pm
Well played by Madigan, of course the members will vote in favor of safety and not in favor of tantrums. There might be a few tantrum votes but their peers will require the childish goofballs to RESPECT the body to which they were elected. Go ahead eastern blockheads, vote no! Then get your juvenile behinds out of the building so the adults can get to important work
Comment by Elliott Ness Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:02 pm
I hope they wear the masks correctly as compared to my unscientific observations the last few days of people in stores. Amazing how many people who wear a mask and don’t cover their nose.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:08 pm
Madigan’s throwing it down, Eastblockers — you picking it up? How about the minority leader? You finally have something to say other than “don’t tax the rich”?
Good for Madigan. Never though I’d say that, but he’s absolutely correct on public health grounds. It doesn’t hurt that the proposed rule also pushes the GOP into a corner where they have to make a choice. Saying “no” may play well in some downstate districts, but risks marginalizing the GOP even more with moderates and independents. Speaker played this one pretty well.
Comment by Flapdoodle Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:08 pm
It’s all Chicago’s fault.
/s
Comment by Mr. K. Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:13 pm
–Speaker played this one pretty well.–
Flapdoodle is correct.
Comment by King Louis XVI Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:15 pm
Speaker to eastern block: Check, your move
Comment by illdoc Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:20 pm
So the question i have is will the speaker sport a generic surgical mask, an N95, a Chicago flag mask like the mayor or perhaps something with a little more flare like a paisley bandana that he bought in 1991 at Montgomery Ward?
Comment by frisbee Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:20 pm
When you have people acting like children you have to treat them like children and make it crystal clear what the consequences of their actions will be. These “I’m not going to be told what to do” foks need to grow the heck up. They are the exact opposite of what leadership looks like.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:26 pm
This whole thing ais a disgusting ploy to not have to take up major issues in the state.
The US Senate can meet by Zoom.
If MJM wants to change the rules, great. Change so that the meetings can take place online.
Then follow the posting requirements and let the public know what is going on.
Typical of the combine to use the crisis to deny the public any input as to what is happening.
The working groups met in private. The public was not allowed.
Other states and the US Congress have adapted to technology.
But Illinois cant, because we cant =run the risk of the public being involved.
Shameful
Comment by Altgelds Ghost Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:27 pm
@frisbee
Madigan’s too reserved to do this but it would be hysterical if the mask showed a mouth about to take a huge bite of an apple.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:27 pm
The Speaker coming to the floor with a Notre Dame mask would be epic.
Comment by Nagidam Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:28 pm
How about a mask with a coiled snake and
Don’t Breath on Me across the bottom?
Comment by Froganon Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:32 pm
==Why can’t people just be an adult & wear a D*** Mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19?==
Because there is potentially a lot of attention and/or money in not doing so.
Comment by Roadrager Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:33 pm
I’m no fan of Madigan but he did play this well and correctly.
Comment by DougChicago Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 2:36 pm
Did I get too emotional with my post? sigh
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 3:22 pm
As I recall the convention center has a nice echo even with pro audio equipment. Appropriate distancing with a small crowd should make any noise about rights/constitutional issues very clear to understand and a good show.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 3:29 pm
I would have them escorted out by security guards whose seasonal allergies are acting up. A few coughs or sneezes in the general direction ought to do wonders for compliance.
Comment by northsider (the original) Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 3:43 pm
There are plenty of photos in the media of GOP members of Congress wearing masks, including Senator McConnell. Be an adult, take your cue from them, and if you’re so concerned about the budget, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Comment by Zim Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 3:55 pm
southsider - “lack of empathy and respect for others.” You’ve summed up Trump perfectly .
Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 3:59 pm
—— Did I get too emotional with my post? sigh
Nah, you good
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 4:45 pm
These covidiots who are grandstanding about exercising their “rights” to not wear a mask.
I wonder if they also excercise their “rights” to drive a car without a valid driver’s license and plates, fish or hunt withhold a license.
It only makes sense to them to rally against the overbearing government to require a license to drive, hunt, or fish.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 5:28 pm
Will any lawmakers this week join former Rep. Jack Franks in the “I’m Permanently Banned from the Capitol” club?
https://capitolfax.com/2020/02/04/more-questions-about-the-jack-franks-probe/
Comment by Chatham Resident Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 5:40 pm
I look forward to the moment, years from now, when John Amdor looks back at the House transcripts and highlights that time when the House met at the Bank of Springfield Center and Rep. Darren Bailey was recorded saying: “Don’t tase me bro”
Comment by Leigh John-Ella Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 6:44 pm
===Think he’ll do the ol’ passive resistance thing and go limp? ===
The Sargent at Arms is gonna need a pair of strong ones for Darren…just sayin.
Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, May 19, 20 @ 8:43 pm