Sangamon Sun

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is seeking answers about the chronic absence of State Sen. Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago). 

"She needs to let us know why she isn’t coming to work, that needs to be addressed,” McClure said in a statement. “The people of her district deserve that much." 

McClure said he would like an explanation for his Democratic colleague who, according to Chicago City Wire, has been a no-show during the current session. The article said Van Pelt announced in a Jan. 11 Facebook post she was resigning but never took that leap.

"We don’t know what the reason is that she has missed entire session," McClure said in an interview. "I’m not sure what’s going on with her and hope there are no health issues, but we definitely need to see her respond as to why she hasn’t been around."

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

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

Additionally, Chicago City Wire reported that sources say they never witnessed Van Pelt cast a vote during the recent legislative session or attend any committee meetings or hearings. Democrats were close-lipped on the issue, and with a 40-19 supermajority, Van Pelt’s vote isn't needed to advance legislation.

However, according to Chicago City Wire, 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.