Illinois has four-phase plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines
 Illinoisans will have access to COVID-19 vaccines based on federal guidelines, according to an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) plan that has a four-phase approach to distribution.
The first shipment of the vaccines arrived December 14 at regional distribution centers in Illinois.
State health officials caution that the plan is subject to change, however, as conditions change relating to the status of COVID-19 cases within Illinois, or if the federal government issues additional guidelines.
The initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses available is limited, so first efforts will be focused on making it available to critical populations, and ensuring that storage, distribution and reporting systems are sufficient and operational.
In Phase 1, those groups expected to receive first vaccines are healthcare personnel and residents of long-term-care facilities.
Pending further recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a committee within the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other initial groups could include essential frontline workers, adults with high-risk medical conditions, and those older than 65.
In Phase 2, as more vaccine doses become available, the focus will be on ensuring access to vaccine for members of Phase 1 critical populations not yet vaccinated, then extending efforts to reach Phase 2 critical populations. Pending further recommendations by ACIP, possible Phase 2 groups could include workers in industries and occupations important to the functioning of society, and people with moderate comorbid conditions.
In Phase 3, as vaccines are even more widely available, and pending further ACIP recommendations, possible groups could include children, if a pediatric vaccine is approved/available; and young adults (ages 18-30).
In Phase 4, with the supply of vaccine doses available for the entire state, and pending further ACIP recommendations, the focus will be on everyone who is qualified and who wants a COVID-19 vaccine.
Check https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccination-plan for more information about the IDPH’s COVID-19 Vaccination Preparedness Plan, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about the plan.
Minimum wage set to increase January 1
 Illinois’ minimum wage will increase to $11 per hour with the start of the New Year – the third in a series of incremental steps that will bring the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. The first increase to $9.25 per hour came on Jan. 1, 2020, and the second step to $10.00 per hour came on July 1, 2020.
Opponents to the series of minimum wage increases cite the additional cost burdens on small-business owners across the state, as well as repercussions for employers across the board, including public universities, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations.
To help offset increased costs to the business community, small businesses are encouraged to take advantage of a tax credit available to businesses and nonprofits with 50 full-time equivalent employees or fewer. The Minimum Wage Credit will allow small businesses a maximum credit of 25 percent of the difference between the new minimum wage and what each employee was paid previously. The percentage allowed each proceeding year will decrease before it sunsets in 2026. Businesses can begin to claim the credit on their quarterly Illinois Withholding Income Tax Returns.
While this is not a long-term solution for small businesses, it will provide a measure of relief to employers as they face the hardships imposed by the minimum wage increase. More information on the Minimum Wage Credit is available at https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/research/taxinformation/WithholdingIncomeTax/Documents/FS-13.pdf#search=Minimum%20Wage%20Credit
In February, I sponsored legislation to regionalize the minimum wage. My Senate Bill 3396 would provide for minimum wages based upon a percentage of the otherwise required minimum wage, depending upon the region of the State. The legislation establishes six regions for purposes of determining the minimum wage.
Local governments concerned about the impact a $15 minimum wage will have on their local economies should be allowed to decide what is best for their communities.
Senate Bill 3396 would allow specified units of local government to opt-out of the state-mandated minimum wage rates and opt-into a regionally adjusted minimum wage, which will be statutorily-authorized and statutorily-approved. It would provide a sliding scale type of rate – so areas with historically-low unemployment or higher costs of living would keep rates closer to the state-mandated hourly rate.
Co-sponsored by 17 Republican Senators, Senate Bill 3396 was not allowed a public hearing by Senate leaders in legislative committee or on the Senate Floor.
50th anniversary week of 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention.
1870 was the last year a constitutional convention was held in Illinois prior to 1970, leaving that constitution in place for 100 years. The 1870 Constitution expanded the powers of the executive and judicial branches.
Illinois then adopted its fourth, and current, Constitution on Dec. 15, 1970. Samuel Witwer, an attorney from Kenilworth, was chosen as convention president.
The 1970 convention had widespread cooperative bipartisan support. One of the earliest decisions was the intent to focus only on basic state laws to ensure effective state government. A key provision was home rule. Home rule increased taxing authority to cities of more than 25,000 in population and counties of more than 200,000 while seeking to reduce confusion with the public since many Illinois residents at the time were under jurisdiction of more than one taxing body. Home rule was a prime example of the new constitution’s goal of simplifying state government for efficiency.
The 1970 constitution also included a provision the 1870 Constitution previously had not: banning “discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national ancestry, and sex in the hiring and promotion practice of any employer or in the sale or rental of property."
IDNR, ICF announce grant opportunities
 The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) have announced anticipated application deadlines for competitive grant programs for the 2021 calendar year.
Grant program goals vary by program and include natural resource protection, management, and enhancement; recreational amenity and open space acquisition and development; museum capital improvement; and, environmental education. Eligible applicants vary by program and may include local governments, non-profits, universities, and individuals.
To apply for ICF grants, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/grants.aspx
For information on IDNR grant programs, visit the IDNR Grants website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/default.aspx
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