McHenry Times

Steven Reick, House Rep. of Illinois House of Representatives, Illinois General Assembly, expressed his frustration during a Joint Committee on Administrative Rules subject matter hearing on Oct 17th. 

Reick criticized the rulemaking process and the lack of meaningful discussions with stakeholders. He accused the committee of running out the clock and having a smug attitude towards their actions. Reick stated, "You've got a rule in place now that you think will solve this problem, which it will not."

Reick also expressed his disappointment in the committee's definition of stakeholders, claiming that they only consulted with "echo chambers" that put forth rules without considering the opinions of those who actually run daycare centers. He argued that the committee failed to engage with the organizations and individuals who represent the daycare center owners. Reick said, "They've been given something at the last minute saying this is the rule, this is going to be and you will have to abide by it because the emergency rule runs out on Oct. 29 and if we allow this rule to not go forward we're living in the Wild West. This is absolutely unacceptable."

Furthermore, Reick condemned the agency responsible for the rulemaking process, calling their failure "unacceptable." He expressed his hope that a new director, who understands the problems within the agency, will be appointed. Reick also questioned the moral authority of the agency, stating, "I can't understand why it is you think that just because you have the statutory authority to do certain things, you don't have the moral authority to protect the children in your charge. I am disgusted by every single solitary one of you."

In related news, Marc Smith, the former director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, recently announced his resignation. Smith had faced multiple contempt of court charges for issues related to timely placement of children in state care. The agency has also been the subject of several audits highlighting failures in reporting child abuse in a timely manner.

The Joint Committee on Administration Rules previously suspended the agency's emergency rules regarding daycares and aides in classrooms in July. The committee criticized the rules, leading to their suspension.

Steven Reick, a Republican, was first elected to the Illinois House in 2016. They have served on committees such as Labor & Commerce and Revenue & Finance. Reick currently resides in Woodstock, according to the Illinois House.