State Rep. Smith to be chairman of the Illinois House Black Caucus

 State Rep. Nick Smith was in Politico's Playbook yesterday. This is news from Springfield recently:

The Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus has formed a political action committee that will be chaired by Reps. Nick Smith and Lakesia Collins.

“It’s something we’ve been talking about for a few years, and it took some time to put it together,” Smith told Playbook of the Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus PAC.

Black legislators have for years relied on the Black Caucus Foundation to help boost civic and philanthropic efforts in members’ communities. “We felt we needed something to support the caucus politically, too,” Smith said.

The goal, said Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kam Buckner, “is to raise funds, mobilize volunteers, and have an effective apparatus to elect and re-elect members of the Black Caucus.”

Creating the PAC comes as the Democratic Party shifts its operations under new leadership. Party members can no longer rely on former House Speaker Michael Madigan to open the purse strings for campaigns. New party Chair Robin Kelly has created a separate fundraising arm for state and local campaigns, while she focuses on fundraising for federal positions.

“Speaker Welch is doing a great job but he’s focused on his entire caucus. And it’s too early to tell how the party’s local [fundraising] committee will do,” Smith said. “There’s a vacuum with Michael Madigan gone, and we see an opportunity to fundraise to help fill that hole.”

I found this via CapFax who further stated in reference to this story: "Smith is right. Also, If Rep. Buckner really does want to run for mayor, he’ll need some significant fundraising experience."

Bring it Buckner! Can't wait for '23!

Capitol Fax: New hybrid Chicago school board plan floated

I found this update at the CapFax yesterday on where a new hybrid school board proposal for Chicago is in Springfield.

New hybrid Chicago school board plan floated https://t.co/bN4ZcYY5Gu

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) May 26, 2021

State Rep. Nick Smith: "I don't have the key, either"

 

[VIDEO] To be fair I'm not always on the lookout for news about 34th district state Rep. Nick Smith, however, it's very cool to see him in a news story. In this case he was in a story that aired on a downstate station with regards to the General Assembly map room which seems like such a highly secure area.

You can see more about this story over at Capitol Fax, however, the story is regarding the process to redraw the state legislative maps. So Rich Miller even notes Rep. Smith's quote, "I don't make the rules. And I don't have the key either". Nice....

BTW, I'm pretty sure in the background holding the door open is state Rep. Marcus Evans which is interesting. I could be wrong on that but that looks just like him. It seems as if whoever was holding the door was telling Smith to come on.

State Rep. Andre Thapedi resigns

Saw this at CapFax yesterday. He already announced his intention to resign his seat in January, and in the letter you will see below noted from yesterday it's effective immediately. The 32nd District state house seat is now open.

Rep. Thapedi resigns https://t.co/Tlsixq3dkO

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) March 17, 2021

Capitol Fax: Rep. Thapedi to step down

Rich Miller has more about the resignation of state Rep. Andre Thapedi (D-32) on his blog yesterday. As you know this was reported on Sunday evening.

Rep. Thapedi to step down https://t.co/9Huw4GVFMD

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 1, 2021

Not to go too negative on this, but the comments to that post well a few of them discuss how they hate that an incumbent gets elected to their legislative seat then turn around and resign. Some call for special elections to state legislative seats. Especially for house seats.

There should be some discussion on this at the very least. Perhaps even special elections for Alderman upon a resignation, removal or death. 

State Rep. Andre Thapedi resigning from the state house

Found this on twitter just now and best wishes to Rep. Thapedi

Capitol Fax: “The legislature is back in business”

 Not exactly breaking news, but earlier this year the IL House of Representatives elected a new speaker. Michael Madigan is out and replaced by Emanuel Welch who is the first Black speaker of the IL state house. He represents the western suburbs of the 7th state house district.

Rich Miller's syndicated column discusses how under Speaker Welch, the legislature is now open for business. Give it a read.

Speaker Welch: “The legislature is back in business” https://t.co/IKuzRxjVA7

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 25, 2021

CapFax: Unity facade cracks as Lightford lashes out

To be honest I hate to see stories about this. Sometimes I wish politics can just run like a machine, unfortunately we're dealing with people. People have their own agendas.

So the story via Capitol Fax about state Sen. Kimberly Lightford's attempts to become the presiding officer of the Illinois State Senate being derailed by the efforts of former Senate president Emil Jones. It's about her failure just about a decade ago to support another Black state senate to become Senate president.

Unity facade cracks as Lightford lashes out https://t.co/LVZmY9MmSX

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 20, 2020

I think for now enough about what's going on at the state capitol in Springfield.

Want to work in Springfield with the Illinois House Democrat caucus?

Probably more of a criticism from CapFax, however, for those of you who have a passion for politics this is very worthwhile. Of course many of these positions requires working in Springfield, the state capital. Check here to see what's available.

Do better https://t.co/oPqLTSLH0J

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 16, 2020

Capitol Fax: The Statehouse doors don’t open by themselves

This was posted to the CapFax yesterday. It refer's to Mayor Lightfoot's efforts in the state General Assembly. According to Miller, the Mayor simply "hasn’t yet settled on what she wants".

The Statehouse doors don’t open by themselves https://t.co/O74BH8amAR

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) September 30, 2019

There are state legislators who wants to know what the mayor of Chicago needs from the General Assembly.

Capitol Fax: It's just a bill

A couple of bills being reported here that caught my eye. One bill lowering the minimum age for a child to be enrolled in Kindergarten. Also a bill that we should keep an eye on, the state's legislative Black caucus fights a bill with regards to "forced unionization" until there is meaningful inclusion of minorities in trade unions. Go over to Rich Miller's blog for more.

It’s just a bill https://t.co/lyIfasSkyp

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) April 16, 2019

Capitol Fax: February inaction is no grand conspiracy #ChiMayor19

For those of you who support electing people to the board of education as opposed to all members of that school board being appointed by the mayor bear in mind legislation has to be passed in Springfield. Many mayoral candidates are talking about their support of an elected school board and who knows if there will be movement in Springfield once we get through tomorrow's election.

So the CapFax today talks about any movement on an elected school board in Chicago in the state General Assembly!

February inaction is no grand conspiracy https://t.co/rsFLgF6dt8

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) February 25, 2019

CAN-TV "Political Forum" with state Sen. Elgie Sims

[VIDEO] This is another item I had been slow to advertise lately. I got an email about state senator Elgie Sims' appearance on CAN-TV's Political Forum. From the description:

Illinois State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (17th District) discusses the state budget, police-community relations, his recent legislative efforts and more. This program was recorded on September 12, 2018 at Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV).

Duration of this program is about 27 minutes.The program itself aired live on this past Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Capitol Fax: Lawmakers eviscerate CPS for sexual abuse of students at hands of teachers, staff

These hearings took place yesterday, read about it at the CapFax blog

Lawmakers eviscerate CPS for sexual abuse of students at hands of teachers, staff https://t.co/px3RKT1OyE

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) June 20, 2018

Nick Smith is coming the Chesterfield Community Council #Ward09

Your new 34th District State Representative Nicholas Smith is coming to a meeting of the Chesterfield Community Council next Tuesday.

When: Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Time: 6:30 PM
Where: Tuley Park - 90th & King Drive

If you want additional information or to contact the Chesterfield organization I will refer you to their website at www.chesterfieldcommunitycouncil.org. Also a posted is embedded from Chesterfield's FB page below.

 

Can Gov. Rauner deliver state funds for the Obama Library?

[VIDEO] So Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times caught up with Gov. Bruce Rauner in Washington, DC with regards to the coming Obama Library in Jackson Park. There's been some excitement and opposition, now where's the money coming from. So basically this is what the governor said:

The Chicago Sun-Times asked Rauner if he would support the state assistance. The Democratic Illinois legislative leaders — House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton — are in favor of the state bankrolling a big chunk of the infrastructure costs.

Rauner said it is an “honor” for the city of Chicago and Illinois to have the Obama Center “and I look forward to working together with the Illinois General Assembly to come up with the resources so we can put in the infrastructure around it to support it.”

“. . . I won’t speculate on the dollars at this point. I’ll say I look forward to working together to develop the infrastructure needed for that center because I think it is going to be a wonderful asset for the people of Illinois, a great tourist draw, a great economic engine.”

On the other hand according to the Tribune, the governor is unsure whether or not the state could contribute funds to this proposed library. This article was published in October.

Rauner unsure state has enough money to kick in for Obama center @moniquegarcia https://t.co/26Ir5B80tL

— Ray Long (@RayLong) October 6, 2017

Rauner said he supports the center and the investment of more money in infrastructure, but said the state faces deep financial constraints even though lawmakers put in place a budget and tax hike over his objections. Rauner contends that spending plan is $1.7 billion out of balance, and has called on lawmakers to help him identity cuts.

"We need to make sure that we have ways to pay for what we invest in," Rauner said. "If we could cut the wasteful spending and the government bureaucracy, I would love to put that money into infrastructure and expanding roads and supporting things that can grow the economy like the Obama library.”

Rauner’s remarks came as he took questions during a stop in Aurora. Democratic Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago said Wednesday that he and House Speaker Michael Madigan brought up using state dollars to help reconfigure roads around the center during one of several recent meetings with Republican leaders.

So recent figures for this project from Sweet's article, $175 from state and federal funds to redo the streets in Jackson Park. And there apparently is opposition to a proposal to close off Cornell Drive in Jackson Park.

However, if Rauner remains governor and continues to remain at odds with a Democratic General Assembly in Springfield - especially Speaker Michael Madigan who's suffering from a scandal of his own - who knows if the state could come up with their own money for the Obama Library.

2018 Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Shared over at Worlee's Concerned Citizen's of Chatham now is the time to apply. More information over at CPS. Here's the ILBCF webpage.

Deadline to apply is May 8, 2018.

Community meet & greet on Saturday

Sorry for the late notice on this as I just got wind of this on Friday night. Meet not only your new state Senator Elgie Sims, and state Rep. Nicholas Smith also county Commissioner Stanley Moore at their offices.

• 8658 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
  Suite 404
  Chicago, IL 60619
  1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  Phone: 773.933.7715

Flyer is below.

New Trade Schools in Chicago and Metro East

The press release was sent to us by representatives for state Rep. Andre Thapedi who filed a bill to propose construction and operation of state-owned and operated trade/vocational schools in Chicago and East St. Louis, IL. These schools would have a focus on construction trades, information technology, and business-related services. Press release below.

Nick Smith succeeds Elgie Sims for 34th district state representative

On Wednesday with Elgie Sims moving up to his mentor's - Donne Trotter - state senate seat there was now a vacancy in Sims' 34th state house district. In a meeting with Democratic bosses Nick Smith was named Sen. Sims' successor in this state house seat. Smith is the current 9th ward Streets and Sanitation superintendent and was at one point a former President of the Roseland Heights Community Association.

Though I said I was going to step back from Nextdoor it was interesting the see the names who presented their credentials for this vacancy. Michael Lafargue of West Chesterfield, Richard Wooten a former police officer who actually ran for this seat in 2012, Jahmal Cole of My Block My Hood My City, Eli Washington of Chesterfield. These are all names many of us have heard of in public as leaders of community or youth organizations.

It let's you know that even though many of us didn't get to vote on any of these names, you can have an impact in your community and you can forward your name for any political position. And of course the possibility is there that you can become an elected official using in part that experience.

Congrats to state Rep. Smith!