Page 26 - August 2018

Update on new legislators and the governor’s race
In what’s become a familiar refrain in Illinois pol- itics, we have new legislators being appointed to the General Assembly. The new Southwest Side Demo- cratic State Representative is Celina Villanueva in the 21st District. She replaces new Chicago Alderman Tabares. Villanueva has worked for the Illinois Coali- tion for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and is an ally of Chuy Garcia.
In the Senate, where Kane County GOP Senator Karen McConnaughay is retiring, former St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte has been appointed to the ballot
and is scheduled to enter the Senate via appointment in Septem- ber. DeWitte currently serves on the RTA Board.
In the race for governor, polls are showing J.B. Pritzker leading the incumbent Rauner. In addition there are two other candidates, including a Libertarian nominee and Central Illinois GOP Senator Sam McCann running as the Conservative Party nominee. Most people think that both of those other candidacies harm Rauner’s chances more than Pritzker’s.
As expected, the amount of money flowing from the two main candidates has been staggering. According to recently filed finan- cial reports, the spending has been around $200,000 per day for the Pritzker campaign, and less than half that for Rauner’s effort. This race could be the most expensive governor’s campaign in U.S. his- tory.
While legislators are back in their districts, we are working with the governor’s office on several bills that have passed both cham- bers and now await his action. We are hoping he will sign HBs 4467 and 5177 and SB 3509, as well as others.
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26 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ AUGUST 2018
LEGISLATIVE Report