Metro East Sun

Constituents in the 5th District for the Illinois State Senate wouldn’t be remiss in claiming that they are not being represented during this legislative session.

That’s because State Sen. Patrica Van Pelt (D-Chicago), who won re-election in November, is in the midst of what’s being termed a “quiet quit” — that is, she’s not taking part in legislative activity, but she hasn’t resigned. That has not gone over well with some of her fellow lawmakers.

"If she does not want to do the job of being a lawmaker – she should resign. If this behavior continues, the Senate must take action and expel her from the Legislature,” State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Charleston), told Metro East Sun. “What is going on here is an embarrassment to the Legislature.”

“This is an affront to taxpayers,” he said. “When you put yourself on the ballot, there is an expectation that you will do the job. At a minimum, you should at least be in Springfield casting votes and advocating for the people you represent.”

Van Pelt hasn’t been taking part in the legislative process since being sworn in, but she has refused to step down from office. Doing that would allow Senate Majority Leader Don Harmon to appoint a replacement for her in District 5 to serve its more than 218,000 residents, Chicago City Wire reported. 

“No one forced her to run for office. She did it willingly,” Miller said. “If she’s going to take the money for the job, she needs to do the job.”

While sources said they haven’t seen Van Pelt cast a single floor vote during the past legislative session or take part in any committee hearings or even vote on any bills, Republicans contend that Democrats have remained mum about the issue because with a 40-19 supermajority, they don't need Van Pelt's vote, Chicago City Wire said.

Van Pelt's 5th District includes many of the city's highest-income neighborhoods, including parts of the West Loop and Fulton Market District, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, River West, Little Italy, University Village, Tri-Taylor and the Illinois Medical District.

She has made no secret about her plans to step down.

“I kept putting it off, and I just got to the point now that I just feel like I can’t come back in here again,” Van Pelt told Playbook earlier this year. “I’d prefer to be in a more peaceful, serene place.” 

Miller criticized her inattention to the voters’ needs.

“I find it interesting she is engaged in giving self-help seminars to help people succeed financially,” he told the Sun. “I have to wonder if this is a how-to clinic because she is certainly fleecing taxpayers with her actions."