Feigenholtz: AJ Freund case a reminder that there is still work to be done

CHICAGO – A judge in McHenry Country sentenced JoAnn Cunningham to 35 years in prison Friday for the murder of AJ Freund, her 5-year-old son. State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), who established a bipartisan, bicameral working group to address shortfalls in the Department of Children and Family Services in the wake of AJ’s death, stressed the importance of addressing and fixing these issues.

“There is no possible sentence that could provide justice to AJ Freund,” Feigenholtz said. “He was only five years old, and was killed by someone who was supposed to be taking care of him. The unfortunate reality is that until we can address and fix the issues plaguing DCFS, AJ’s story won’t be the last.”

Cunningham killed Freund in April of 2019 in what Judge Robert Wilbrandt described as “inhumane, repulsive and, frankly, shocking” actions. Freund was beaten to death by Cunningham while in their home on April 19, 2019, and was buried in a shallow, unmarked grave by his father, Drew Freund. He was found six days later.

The case shined a light onto the deficiencies in the DCFS system, which Freund and Cunningham were a part of, and prompted Feigenholtz to push for the formation of the working group.

“After I heard the tragic news of AJ’s death, my stance was that we as a legislature need to continue our diligent work so that we can ensure DCFS and its partner agencies have the resources and tools they require to protect all of the children that fall under their care,” Feigenholtz said. “We made some progress, but there is still a long road ahead of us and a lot of work to be done.”

Cunningham faced up to a maximum of 60 years in prison. Under Friday’s sentencing, she is ineligible for parole. Drew Freund is also charged with first-degree murder but has not yet faced trial.

Van Pelt, Peters call for death penalty to be abolished

CHICAGO — Last week, the US Supreme Court lifted a stay of execution of federal prisoners, leading the way for the state of Indiana to conduct the first federal use of capital punishment in 17 years.

State Senators Patricia Van Pelt and Robert Peters (D-Chicago) both call for the dealth penalty to be abolished nationwide.

“In a time when hundreds of thousands of people are dying from a viral pandemic, we should be looking to lower the number of deaths, not unnecessarily add to them," Peters said. "Even if we ignore the fact that many prisoners who are executed are innocent, executing people for crimes is extremely inhumane and barbaric, and it has no place in modern society."

Read more from Peters.

“Is this the way we want to use the power of the state, in the middle of a global pandemic: to kill people?” Van Pelt said. “There can be no true exoneration after the death penalty. People like George Stinney can never be brought back.”

Read more from Van Pelt.

Manar moves to memorialize MLK Jr.'s 1965 speech at Illinois AFL-CIO convention

SPRINGFIELD — Nearly 55 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his renowned speech at the Illinois State AFL-CIO’s 8th annual convention, in which he predicted that future generations would look back and honor those who sought to unite the Civil Rights and Labor Movements, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker) is leading an effort to make Dr. King’s words a reality.

Manar filed Senate Joint Resolution 67 last week, calling for a bronze plaque to be placed at the site of the historic address — the soon-to-be restored Illinois State Armory — to commemorate the civil rights icon’s legacy and visit to Springfield.

Read more.

Villivalam speaks for Illinois' growing Asian American population in Illinois Senate

CHICAGO — Reacting to news that the Census Bureau has identified Asian Americans from countries like India and China as the fastest growing demographic group in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) vowed to continue to vigorously support Asian Americans, both recent immigrants and those who have been here for generations.

“We need to ensure Asian Americans have access to all of the same state services as other Illinois residents,” said Villivalam, the first Asian American elected to the Illinois Senate and the Co-Chair of the Illinois General Assembly’s Asian American Caucus. “Making sure documents and websites are available in Asian languages is an important first step, and one that I’ve been pushing especially hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Read more.

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CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement in response to the loss of Congressman John Lewis Friday night.

“We lost a giant in the fight for civil rights. Congressman John Lewis unapologetically and fiercely fought for the rights of Black people and every marginalized population in our country. He carried on the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King first manifested in 1963 to his dying day, and we have to continue to carry that vision until it is reality.

“Have no doubt that we are in a movement that has the power to finally turn the tide, and if we each approach it with an ounce of the courage Congressman Lewis had, we will change our country.

“Last night, the Chicago Police department took actions against protestors that are much too reminiscent of the same actions that were taken against Congressman Lewis in his youth. We cannot be public servants if our interest is not in serving the public, and we cannot treat monuments better than we treat people.”

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler issued the following statement Friday after news of the death of Peoria civil rights icon C.T. Vivian:

“Rev. C.T. Vivian was a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement and gave pride to all Peorians because of his Peoria roots. I met him years ago when he spoke in Peoria and came away in awe of his dedication and insight on where we need to be headed as a nation. I thank God for the life of this dedicated man. We need to continue his memory to help inspire future generations.”

C.T. Vivian was a civil rights activist whom Martin Luther King Jr. once described as “the greatest preacher to ever live.” Vivian’s career began in Peoria, where he was hired to work for the Carver Community Center. While at Carver Community Center, Vivian participated in his first civil rights sit-in, where he successfully integrated Barton’s Cafeteria.

SKOKIE – To celebrate the reopening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) paid a visit to the museum alongside a few of her colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly.

“The values of the Illinois Holocaust Museum—standing against hatred, prejudice and indifference, and moving toward a better future—are especially relevant during this time of unrest,” said Fine. “I was thrilled to be able view the exhibits and share in this experience with my fellow legislators, as well as show off one of the gems of the 9^th District.”

The museum closed its doors in mid-March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure a safe reopening, the museum has introduced strict health and safety measures, including thorough cleaning procedures and temperature screenings for all visitors. Visitors must also wear face masks and purchase tickets online ahead of time.

The museum’s largest display is the Zev and Shifra Karkomi Holocaust Exhibition, which features more than 500 artifacts, documents and photographs from the era of the Holocaust. Visitors can also listen to Holocaust survivors tell their stories through interactive 3D holograms at the Take a Stand Center, named one of the top 12 exhibits in the world by Smithsonian Magazine in 2017.

Fine and State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) explored the museum’s current special exhibition, Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The exhibition was set to run through Aug. 16, 2020, but has been extended through Jan. 3, 2021.

“The Illinois Holocaust Museum’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit celebrates her life’s work and commitment to upholding our nation’s values,” Gillespie said. “I was delighted to join the Senate and House Women’s Caucuses for a tour of the museum. With acts of anti-Semitism and white supremacy on the rise, the educational services the museum offers are more important than ever.”

To learn more about the museum, take advantage of virtual programs or reserve tickets, visit www.ILHolocaustMuseum.org.

PHOTO: State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) poses with a display at Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the current special exhibition showing at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie.

CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois Willard Airport is set to receive funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday.

“Willard Airport is an important economic engine for Champaign County and these funds will be critical to improving the facility,” Bennett said. “Investing in airport infrastructure will enhance safety, create jobs and provide economic benefits to our community.”

A state commitment of $1.55 million to leverage a total investment of $31 million for airport improvements will improve safety and boost capacity in Champaign-Urbana, Quincy and Rockford.

These projects are made possible by $27.9 million in supplemental discretionary funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, with the Illinois Department of Transportation providing the matching funds to maximize the funding opportunity and accelerate construction.

The University of Illinois – Willard Airport will receive $9.9 million from federal funds, $550,000 state match, and $550,000 local match for runway reconstruction.

MAYWOOD – With a heavy heart, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) celebrates the life of her former 4^th Senate District staff and long-time family friend, Joyce Ann Runnels Simmons, who passed away on July 7. Lightford released the following statement to commemorate her life after she was laid to rest on Tuesday:

“Ms. Joyce moved next door when I was 7 years old, and our families have continued to grow a bond since then. She was like an aunt to me, and she supported me long before I had any idea where my life would go. Her ability to make everyone she encountered feel loved will be remembered by all of us who had the honor of knowing her.

“When I had the opportunity to hire her in my district office, I was overjoyed to have her caring presence there and give my constituents the opportunity to experience her loving nature. She was dedicated to the 4^th Senate District as a staff person and later as a member of my 4^th District Women’s Committee.

“Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Ms. Joyce, but we find peace in the memories, the way she made us feel and her unwavering faith in God. My condolences go out to her husband, Charles, and her three children, Charles Jr., Derrick and LaShaun, and the rest of her beautiful family.”

Over 170 people participated, expressing enthusiasm for the Clean Energy Jobs Act

CHICAGO – Today, Illinois State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Reps. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Yoni Pizer (D-Chicago) hosted a virtual town hall about clean energy issues in the time of a pandemic. They were joined by over 170 people and issue experts from partner organizations Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Illinois Environmental Council.

Constituents expressed concern over the state’s continued use of fossil fuels, increased air pollution and an exacerbated climate crisis as the novel coronavirus continues to spread in communities across the United States. Participants also expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA, House Bill 3624/Senate Bill 2132), the only comprehensive climate initiative focused on equitable job creation before the Illinois General Assembly.

"Environmental experts have demonstrated the direct link between pandemics and climate change - no longer can we allow the profit over people model,” said CEJA co-sponsor Sen. Feigenholtz. “The time to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act is now. It is one of the most important pieces of legislation we have before us."

As Illinois grapples with the unprecedented job losses from the COVID-19 pandemic, CEJA would put people back to work without raising taxes or electricity bills. Jobs created by CEJA would be focused especially in communities where workers and small businesses have been hit hardest — predominantly communities of color that have seen disproportionate numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as downstate communities left in a lurch by coal plant closures.

“The urgency to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act could not be clearer as families in our communities are struggling to find work and economic stability, a reality that has only worsened as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on our economy,” said CEJA chief sponsor Rep. Williams. “With equitable job creation at its core, CEJA takes meaningful action on the climate crisis while creating an economic boost and good-paying jobs for those who need it most.”

CEJA would make Illinois a leader in clean energy by moving the state to 100% renewable energy, electrifying the mass transit and transportation sector and cutting carbon from the power sector, all while building four to five times the amount of new clean energy in the state and bring in more than $30 billion in new private investment to Illinois by 2030.

“Even in the midst of a global pandemic, I believe it's important that we continue to build on the progress we've made with clean energy investment in Illinois. The issues of climate change, an over-reliance on fossil fuels, and public health are intricately intertwined. It is clear we need to focus our efforts on building an economy based on renewable energy, ultimately leading to a healthier future. Passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act will be a huge step in this direction,” said CEJA co-sponsor Rep. Pizer.

Participants during the town hall were briefed on the policy mechanisms that make CEJA a nation-leading approach to clean energy and equity, and armed with strategies for helping to get CEJA passed in the coming legislative session.

“Legislators from across the state consistently tell us that they hear from constituents about CEJA as much, and in some cases, more, than any other legislative proposals, which is no surprise to us,” said Gavin Taves, clean energy policy director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “A statewide poll in June found that 82% of Illinoisans support the CEJA.”

“Clean energy is good for our pocketbooks, our economy and our health, and that’s why CUB supports the Clean Energy Jobs Act,” said Sarah Moskowitz, CUB deputy director. “As Illinois seeks to recover from the pandemic and financial crisis, we need strong energy legislation that will protect our electricity bills and spark thousands of clean energy jobs for the communities that need it the most. We look forward to a lively discussion.”

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition successfully championed the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 2016 and has been the biggest clean energy breakthrough in state history. FEJA has brought more renewable energy development and jobs to Illinois, and it has saved Illinoisans more than $300 million through efficiency improvements. The Clean Energy Jobs Act would build off that success.

Both versions of the legislation are pending assignment to a committee in their respective chambers of the General Assembly.