SE Illinois News

Former State Sen. Darren Bailey, who was the Republican candidate for governor in 2022, is criticizing State Sen. Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) for her absence this year from legislative sessions in Springfield.

Bailey took aim at the absent legislator, noting it is an indication of the overall flaws of government. Van Pelt has been a no-show during the current session, according to a Chicago City Wire report, which noted she announced in a Jan. 11 Facebook post she was resigning but never took that leap.

“I think that situation exemplifies the true problem with government across our nation in that it’s no longer about service to the people but to one’s self,” Bailey said in a statement. “If she continues to collect pay without showing, she’s really just stealing from the people. She owes it to her constituents to make them aware of what is going on."

Bailey said Van Pelt should resign immediately and give the money she's received back to the state. "I’m appalled that none of her colleagues has called this out," he said in a recent interview. "We need answers, and if she can’t do they job she needs to go."

According to Chicago City Wire, Van Pelt has a district office that is funded by the state and staff members that are paid by state taxpayers yet she doesn’t participate in the legislative part of her job.

The report also said Van Pelt hasn’t cast any votes during the recent session, but she has not resigned from her 5th District seat, which would allow Senate Majority Leader Don Harmon to name a replacement for the district and its more than 218,000 residents.

Moreover, Chicago City Wire reported that sources told the news outlet they never witnessed Van Pelt cast a vote during the recent legislative session or attend any committee meetings or hearings. Sources also said Democrats have been close-lipped on the issue because with a 40-19 supermajority, Van Pelt’s vote doesn’t matter.

However, Chicago City Wire said that in Springfield rumors circulated that Van Pelt “was indisposed and unable to join her Senate colleagues,” citing medical issues, but she was able to maintain a busy schedule with her personal business, including giving speeches.

The 5th District that Van Pelt represents has some of Chicago’s highest income areas, including parts of Fulton Market District and West Loop, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Old Town, River West, Bucktown, University Village, Little Italy, Illinois Medical District and Tri-Taylor, according to Chicago City Wire.