Hon. Jim Durkin
House Republican Leader
316 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Dear Leader Durkin:
I write to inform you that after consultation with Senate President Harmon,
Governor Pritzker’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH),
House Democrats are ready to convene a special session to conduct the critical work
of state government in this unprecedented pandemic.
While we work on these important issues, House Democrats are committed to
taking comprehensive steps to ensure the health and safety of our members and the
communities to which they will return.
Toward that end, I am sharing an IDPH-approved pledge that I have signed and will
be asking every member of the House Democratic Caucus to sign committing us to a
series of IDPH-approved precautions that we will take upon a return. Given your
enthusiasm to resume normal operations of the House and the uncertainty of these
times, I ask that you request the same of your members and encourage them to sign
a similar pledge and commit themselves to these precautions.
This IDPH-approved pledge and our commitment are done in the best interest of the
health, safety, and wellbeing of our colleagues, staff, and the constituents we
represent. Below is a snapshot of the precautions we are committing to take. These
recommendations come from medical experts are designed to ensure health and
safety is a top priority.
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Getting tested for COVID-19 in the days before the House is to resume – even
if we are asymptomatic or have recovered from a previous infection. If we
test positive, we will stay home and self-quarantine.
Undergoing a temperature check on session days prior to entering the
Capitol or any other grounds used to convene session. If we record an
elevated fever, we will undergo a new test prior to entering the building.
Wearing a facemask at all times when in session and whenever in the
company of colleagues and staff. We understand additional protective
equipment may be required if recommended by experts, and we commit to
using it. (Cloth face coverings will be provided to members and essential staff
who need it.)
Traveling to session alone and staying in a hotel or apartment on our own,
including doing our best to travel without spouses, children and other family
members.

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Avoiding any unnecessary exposure by refraining from extracurricular
activities like non-essential meetings, gatherings, shared meals or drinks
with colleagues, lobbyists, or others while in session.
Following social distancing recommendations at all times while in Springfield
for the business of the House.
Upon returning home, we will seek another test for COVID-19 and/or selfquarantine for at least seven days.
Taking any additional individual precautions necessary to contribute to the
health and safety of those around us.

We are all looking forward to a return to some semblance of normalcy – and
certainly, as legislators, we are particularly interested in resuming normal operation
of the House – but we must also recognize that these are not normal times. A
pandemic is not swayed by our speeches, by our desire for normalcy, or by political
expediency. But as we all acknowledge, social distancing and medically guided
precautions have saved lives.
As we look ahead to conducting the essential operations of the General Assembly
amid this uncertainty, it is my hope that we continue standing together and taking
all steps necessary to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of our colleagues,
staff, and communities.
With kindest personal regards, I remain
Sincerely yours,

MICHAEL J. MADIGAN
Speaker of the House