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A pre-election roundup
As the pandemic and civil unrest continue, we now enter the closing phase of the 2020 election season.
The state legislature is not currently in session in Springfield, but legislators continue to meet remotely via the internet. They are conducting committee hear- ings to address the racial unrest our country is experi- encing.
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is taking the lead on issues ranging from criminal justice reform to healthcare, education and economic equality. These hearings are leading to possible legislative proposals
that could be addressed as early as this fall’s veto session, which is scheduled for after the election.
Lodge 7 President John Catanzara and I, as well our FOP Legis- lative Committee, are working on a variety of issues to address. We also continue to work well with the Illinois State FOP team.
As the election nears, the Chicago FOP has finally taken the nec- essary steps to increase its PAC fund. As campaigns continue to be very expensive, this is an important to move to support our friends in their political efforts.
Unfortunately, another Illinois legislator has been indicted. Longtime Lake County Senator Terry Link (D) has been charged with tax evasion. His name was mentioned earlier as the legislator who wore a wire that led to the indictment of now former Chicago State Representative Luis Arroyo (D) in a bribery scheme. Link has now resigned as Democratic party chair of Lake County and it is an- ticipated that he will resign his seat in the Senate soon.
I continue to hear from legislators who are supportive of the po- lice and pray for our members as you continue your brave duty for the people of Chicago.
26 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2020
DAVE SULLIVAN
LEGISLATIVE Report