Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » 2012

The Tenaska Tax: A $163 Million Annual Residential Rate Hike

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

We know the Tenaska Tax would be poison for our state’s business climate – but did you know it’s also a massive residential rate hike?

A new report by longtime Illinois consumer champion Martin Cohen details how the Tenaska Tax will hit Illinois families for 30 years.

The report also looks at how the Tenaska Tax adds to the other two coal plant rate hikes already approved by Springfield:

What about Tenaska’s “new” proposal? If Tenaska defers building the coal portion of their project, these costs don’t go away, they’re simply delayed. Tenaska is just putting off answering the tough questions about the pollution and exorbitant cost of the coal part of the plant, kicking that decision down the road.

Isn’t that the approach that created the pension funding crisis?

Don’t saddle us with the Tenaska Tax.

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Question of the day

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* How would you rate the pension reform proponents’ legislative performance so far this year? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

Online Surveys & Market Research

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Judges may sue over health insurance bill

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Tribune editorial page has a scoop today…

Government employees unions have vowed to sue if legislators and Quinn reduce their pension benefits. The Illinois Judges Association, which represents 1,250 active and retired judges, indicates it may file a lawsuit too.

Association President Carol Pope, a 4th District Appellate Court judge based in Springfield, wrote in a recent newsletter that her organization would explore “what contractual and constitutional challenges are viable along with the estimated cost of litigation.” She cited Senate Bill 1313, now on Quinn’s desk, which ends the virtually free health care enjoyed by state and university retirees, General Assembly members and … judges.

The judges aren’t happy. They face the possibility of actually having to pay for all or part of their health care premiums. So they’re considering their legal options.

Take a moment to digest that: If the judges sue the state, they get to rule on their own suit.

Wonder which way they’ll rule? Wonder whether their sympathies lie with taxpayers or with themselves? We’ll see, won’t we.

Jorgensen v. Blagojevich may provide a glimpse. The judges sued former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the Legislature in 2003 after he stripped their automatic 3 percent cost-of-living pay increases from the budget, saying Illinois taxpayers couldn’t afford them.

So the judges went to court, and some of the judges got to rule:

A circuit court ruled in favor of the judges.

And the Illinois Supreme Court, which heard the case on an expedited schedule (of course it did!), ruled in favor of the judges.

Fast-forward to 2012: Illinois judges remain among the top-paid in the nation. They earn generous pension benefits and, thanks to the Jorgensen case, get their guaranteed 3 percent cost-of-living increases every year.

If the judges file suit to preserve free retiree health care for themselves, will they again rule in their own favor?

Only on constitutional grounds, of course.

* In other pension-related news, Gov. Pat Quinn has launched a new website. From a press release…

Governor Pat Quinn today announced SaveOurState.Illinois.gov, a new resource to empower the people of Illinois to help restore fiscal stability to our state. This new online tool provides helpful background on the state’s Medicaid and pension challenges, details about the governor’s proposed solutions, and the latest media reports on these issues. In addition, SaveOurState.Illinois.gov helps citizens take action by directing them to contact information for their local legislators.

* The site is incredibly self-serving…

Governor Quinn has laid out a bold plan to rescue our public pension and Medicaid systems. The Governor’s plan will stabilize these two programs, restore fiscal stability to Illinois and strengthen our economic growth. We must be able to provide funding for core government services – things like educating our children, ensuring public safety and access to basic human services. Every dollar we spend on pensions and Medicaid is a dollar we don’t spend on grants, community programs and initiatives that many of us depend upon.

We need you to tell your State Representatives and Senators that we must take immediate action to stabilize and restructure these two systems.

Yeah, that’ll work.

* And speaking of Medicaid, the Senate Democrats have a nifty little online tool to help you see how difficult it is to make cuts in the program. Go check it out and report back.

* Meanwhile, the We Are One union coalition has a new TV ad. I moved it from another post to here because it fit better. Rate it…

* TV ad coverage and more info…

* Press Release: Union coalition launches campaign for fair solution on pensions

* Unions gear up to oppose pension changes

* Unions plan protests over pensions

* More pension and budget stuff…

* Mautino: State working on pension, budget, sustainability of DNR: Mautino late Monday said he was not ready to discuss exact details of the plan but indicated, if approved, proposed measures should help to keep the state park system “limping along” through 2013 and to avoid annual park-closure discussions. He said after fiscal year 2013, funding mechanisms proposed in committee should kick in and help stabilize the DNR. One proposal he did reveal was a way to support state parks through license plate fees instead of the state incurring the expense of constructing toll booths and hiring park sticker sellers. Though he did not reveal all details, a goal, he said, would be to allow people withIllinoisplates into the parks without restriction and to request that people with out-of-state plates report to park offices for permission or registration. It would be impossible to station fee-takers at parks with dozens of entry points, such asHennepin Canal State Parkway.

* Roll-your-own smokes may face tax hikes: Politicians in at least 12 other states have taken up the roll-your-own tax issue, and a handful have put new laws on the books reflecting Illinois’ concerns.

* Press Release: AFP-IL converges on Springfield to demand pension reform: On Wednesday, the Illinois chapter of Americans for Prosperity, America’s largest organization advocating for economic freedom, will join Illinois taxpayers in delivering “leftovers” to Illinois’ legislative leaders to make the point they are tired of receiving the funding leftovers from the General Assembly and to demand pension reform.

* More potholes in Illinois’ future?: Money meant for maintaining state highways could be paying for some of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s day-to-day expenses. Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget diverts almost $250 million from the state’s road fund, fueled by the state’s motor fuel tax and vehicle license fees, to pay IDOT’s health-care, workers’ compensation, and building rent and maintenance costs, according to Transportation for Illinois Coalition, which pushes for an up-to-date transportation infrastructure in Illinois.

* Senate leader wants to legalize online poker

* IL Senate president proposes iGaming plan for the state

* Senate president champions online gambling

* Top Democrat Pushes Online Gambling

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Media finally catches on

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Subscribers were told about this proposal back on Monday…

A House panel is scheduled to discuss a plan today that could divert more than a billion dollars from local governments to help plug a hole in the state’s underfunded teacher retirement system.

The legislation, introduced by House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, is just one piece of an emerging proposal designed to fully fund the state’s pensions within 30 years. Other elements that remain under negotiation include raising the retirement age to 67 and requiring state workers, university employees and school district personnel to pay more toward their pensions.

Madigan’s plan calls for tapping into a 2.5 percent tax on corporations, called the personal property replacement tax. The tax is collected by the state and the distributed to local governments.

Under one of Madigan’s options, $1.4 billion that currently is earmarked for all forms of local governments, from tiny library districts to cities, would instead be diverted to teacher pensions.

The Illinois Municipal League, which lobbies on behalf of local governments, is calling the idea “Armageddon.”

“This is absolutely financially disastrous,” said Joe McCoy, municipal league legislative director.

* More…

If the measure passes, it would blow multimillion-dollar holes in the budgets of the city of Springfield and the Springfield School District and hit other local government budgets in varying degrees.

Madigan is suggesting the state use corporate personal property replacement taxes to bolster pension funding. Receipts from the tax currently support schools and other local government bodies.

Madigan has introduced three amendments to House Bill 3637. One would divert about $536 million, another would divert $982 million, and the third would divert $1.4 billion. The tax brings in $1.4 billion for local governments.

* What’s going on…

The measure appears to be intended to make a point. Madigan maintains that the state’s obligation to teacher pensions isn’t sustainable, and that other ways need to be found to fund them. Implicitly threatening to cut off such a huge revenue stream to local governments could ultimately press legislators to start talking about other solutions.

“It’s one approach you could take,” said Madigan spokesman Steve Brown. “It’s an argument that might draw others into the discussion.

“We’re open to compromise,” he added. “We just can’t afford to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

Real or not, the proposal has got local government advocates forming ranks. The proposal “would be crippling to local governments!” declares a statement on the Illinois Municipal League website.

Discuss.

* Related…

* Villages to pay for teacher pensions?

* Joliet objects to state plan to divert money to pensions

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Here they come

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Chicago Teachers Union reportedly has a “bus convoy” on its way to Springfield. Today is apparently the union’s lobby day.

They might want to head to the Senate Pensions and Investments Committee this afternoon at 2 o’clock and keep an eye on this bill.

Just sayin’…

* Speaking of the CTU, the latest Tribune poll has some interesting results…

The poll found 62 percent approve of Emanuel’s effort to keep students in school longer each day, compared to 32 percent who oppose it. Support was even greater among parents of Chicago Public Schools students, at 66 percent. […]

Perhaps somewhat surprising was the support the teachers union garnered over Emanuel. On the question of who voters sided with in the more comprehensive debate over improving the city’s public school system, the union scored a better than 2-1 ratio over the mayor, who has had a testy relationship with the union’s leadership.

Among all respondents, 40 percent sided with the union, compared to 17 percent who backed Emanuel. Thirty-six percent said they supported neither. Among public school parents, 48 percent sided with the teachers union and 18 percent sided with the mayor. Thirty percent said they sided with neither.

The support for the union may reflect concerns that Emanuel has moved too aggressively against teachers in his first year in office, overtly attempting to portray the teachers union as the obstacle to comprehensive school reform. It could mean that parents worry about how a strike might disrupt their daily routines, or it could underscore the city’s long tradition of support for organized labor.

The poll also found that 86 percent of Chicagoans and 92 percent of CPS parents believed that teachers should be paid more for working longer school days.

* Meanwhile, Illinois Action for Children has a big Statehouse rally of at least a thousand people planned for today at 11 o’clock. They’ll be protesting a threat to delay state payments to child care providers. SEIU protested against the threat yesterday.

Illinois Issues has a story about a solution to the problem…

According to Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, a Democrat from Chicago, Senate Bill 2450 would restore $73.6 million to pay providers to the end of the Fiscal Year 2012. The subsidies are used to cover child care for low-income families. The bill also calls for $151 million to pay down FY12 Medicaid bills. The money would come from unspent federal funds. “These are jobs, these are mostly single parents who really need to get to get to the workplace, and they need consistent, stable child care, and its our obligation to provide it to them. We under-appropriated last year to them, so this is an emergency supplemental, and we need to push it through so women can get to work and their children [can] have child care services,” said Feigenholtz, who expects the bill to pass Wednesday in the House. A delay in payments would affect up to 40,000 child-care providers and 85,000 low-income families. Feigenholtz said she and other lawmakers have been flooded with calls from providers and parents.

* The 4-H kids heading to town are about to get a real education.

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Morning Shorts

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Owen Irwin

* Mesirow, state agency wrangling over College Illinois investments

* Gay Marriage Not On Spring State Legislative Agenda

* Gov. Quinn, Rep. Davis support 10th District Unity Party

* Governor Quinn Announces Re-Opening of Congress Parkway Bridge

* Greenberg confident of fundraising prowess

* More potholes in Illinois’ future?

* ‘Drano bill’ heads to governor

* Shark fin ban passes Illinois Legislature

* A law of convenience

* Law aimed at Penn State scandal heads to Quinn’s desk

* AFP-IL converges on Springfield to demand pension reform

* Excerpts from recent Illinois editorials

* Guest Article: South Suburban MoveOn Group Rallies Against Illegal Home Foreclosures

* State sues on behalf of a disabled La Grange teen who wants to swim in state meet

* Ill. AG sues IHSA over disabled swimming, track

* Suit: Let disabled athletes go to IHSA state meet

* Lawsuit Would Force IHSA To Open Championships To Disabled

* Daley, a year later— No thanks for the memories

* Sixty Cook County Judges file for November retention ballot

* County OKs $600,000 settlement in police torture case

* NATO weekend events

* Secretary of State offices to close due to NATO

* Community Activists To Show The World A Different Side Of Chicago

* Police, Secret Service tighten the Loop

* Protesters march against police on South Side

* Bridgeport Residents Scuffle With Protesters

* Ameren outlines plans for 330-mile transmission line

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Spoiled rotten brats

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* We got a lot of hostile comments yesterday about our poll asking readers to rate AFSCME’s legislative performance to date. Here’s just one…

You ought to be ashamed of yourself for posting such a ridiculous question. Blaming the employees of the state for something the legislature and Governor has done is irresponsible

* For whatever reason, many of you believed my question was somehow an attack on AFSCME. That’s just really stupid. It was a neutrally worded question, for crying out loud. We rate politicians all the time. AFSCME is a major Statehouse player, to say the least. They’re fair game. Plus, they’re big boys and girls. They can handle it. I received not one complaint from the union yesterday, off the record or on.

* Frankly, I was surprised at the poll’s results. Almost 39 percent of you gave AFSCME an “F.” I gave the union a “B.” How state workers would so completely turn on their own union which got them almost all the benefits they’re now whining about potentially losing is just beyond me. I’ve come to the conclusion that some of y’all are spoiled rotten brats.

* But I found the comment I posted above particularly interesting. It concludes…

Im sure your buddy Richey boy will ban me like the chicken thing he is
I will have to teach you about DOS attacks someday…somethung every big tough internet tough guy needs to know

A Denial of service attack, eh?

Bite me, moron. And learn how to spell while you’re at it.

Oh, and speaking of “chickens,” the idiot tried to mask his IP address. Real brave guy, that one.

I will track you down, dude. And when I do, I’ll unleash the hounds.

[I moved the We Are One ad to another post in order to keep the discussion on this post more focused.]

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a big Statehouse roundup

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

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*** LIVE SESSION UPDATES ***

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* BlackBerry users click here…

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Question of the day

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* How would you rate AFSCME’s legislative performance so far this year? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

Online Surveys & Market Research

152 Comments

Quinn: No temporary fixes

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Gov. Pat Quinn says he won’t back any temporary fixex for Medicaid and pensions during the spring legislative session…

“We cannot take this moment in history and squander it,” he said. “I’m very grateful to all the business groups, the economic groups that have stood for us and come forward and helped us out here. We have to tell Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, there is no time for delay or denial. We have to address these issues.”

Quinn says Medicaid for sure must be resolved soon, because the 2013 state budget will depend on closing a gap of $2.7 billion.

The governor says there is a “delay lobby” in Springfield, but this is no time for a short-term deal to relieve the pressure and skate by for another year.

Asked whether the pension and Medicaid crises, which took years to develop, can be resolved over a period of years, “the answer is no,” the governor said.

He may get his wish. Then again, legislators may not be able to get everything done and then it’ll be up to Quinn to keep them in town until the work is finished.

Odds?

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Bipartisan effort fails after Schock pressure

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Frank Mautino raises the white flag…

A key downstate lawmaker who has worked since last summer to craft legislation that would create a health-insurance exchange for more than 1 million Illinoisans has given up, at least for now.

State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said he decided he would try again later after seeing Republican opposition harden in recent weeks.

There aren’t enough votes among Democrats to muscle a bill through the Democrat-controlled General Assembly, he said. […]

Mautino said it became obvious that bipartisan legislation couldn’t be passed in the wake of a statewide tour in April by House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego and U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria.

The pair questioned potential costs to the state budget of implementing an exchange and a federally subsidized expansion of the Medicaid program - both key components of the federal Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement.

* From that April statewide tour…

“The idea of creating a costly new program with an untold number of new regulations is a non-starter in our current budget climate,” Leader Cross said. “We simply cannot afford to plunge into the rabbit hole created by open-ended federal mandates put in place by the Obama Administration and cross our fingers and hope for the best. We cannot and should not move forward on creating exchanges until we know all the parameters.”

“It’s impossible to kick a field goal if you don’t know where the goal posts are,” Cross added.

Rep. Schock added, “With so much uncertainty, states would be wise to hold off on creating insurance exchanges until the Obama Administration either gets its act together – or gets replaced.”

* Mautino’s quest for a bipartisan solution was sharply criticized from the left as too pro-insurance company. But now that they’ve managed to derail a bipartisan solution, some Republicans are pushing hard against any executive order by Gov. Pat Quinn…

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn may use an executive order to establish a health insurance exchange, a website where consumers could comparison shop for insurance that’s a key piece of President Barack Obama’s health care law, according to Quinn’s chief health care adviser.

Michael Gelder, the governor’s adviser, said the Legislature’s workload on Medicaid and pension reform makes it unlikely lawmakers will be able to pass legislation authorizing an insurance exchange during the current session, which is scheduled to end later this month.

Looming federal deadlines leave the governor with two choices: calling the Legislature back into special session or issuing an executive order, Gelder said.

But Republicans said an executive order would be inappropriate, especially before the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the Affordable Care Act. A decision is expected in June.

“The issuance of an executive order to establish a health insurance exchange by Gov. Quinn at this time is premature on a number of levels,” said Sen. Bill Brady, a Bloomington Republican who co-chaired a legislative study committee on the health insurance exchange. “We expect the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a ruling on Obamacare in just a few weeks.”

An executive order would undercut the legislative process and cut out stakeholders who’ve been involved so far, Brady said.

“There is no consensus, but the governor should let that process play out,” he said.

There’s no consensus, time is running out on the session, but nobody should do anything. OK.

What we have here, essentially, is DC partisan politics invading Springfield. Thanks, Aaron.

* Meanwhile…

No matter what happens with the state’s budget problems, state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said welfare and Medicaid reform have to be part of the solution. Bost said tougher standards for eligibility and better enforcement of those standards must be part of any reform.

“Because Illinois’ enforcement is so lax, there is plenty of room for fraud,” he said.

Bost said Medicaid reform passed last year was an example of sound policy but poor execution because Gov. Pat Quinn refused to implement reforms.

Illinois Department of Health and Family Services spokesman Mike Claffey said Bost missed the mark when he targeted enforcement measures written into the 2011 bipartisan reform package.

Claffey said electronic verification of residency through data matching began in April. Screeners also call possible recipients if address verification cannot be determined through electronic sources.

“If verification cannot be provided, eligibility is canceled,” Claffey said. “This protects the integrity of the program by making sure that those who are enrolled meet the requirements.”

Up next is electronic verification of income through cooperation with the state’s department of revenue, Claffey said.

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Putting it all into perspective

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Late yesterday afternoon, I decided to head out of town to see a friend and get in one last night of fun before the end of session death march commenced.

But I was surprised when traffic came to an almost complete stop a half hour south of Springfield on I-55. I grumbled and made jokes about a stupid traffic jam in the middle of nowhere, figuring it must have something to do with a huge construction zone further down the road.

* But then my friend called and said he’d just seen on the news that a school bus had crashed into a semi-truck. My passenger checked online and pulled up some terrifying pictures of the accident, like this one…

Oy.

The passengers were returning home after a field trip to Springfield, which apparently included a stop at the Statehouse.

It was just a heartbreaking moment.

* I was in kind of a bad mood yesterday, which is why I was heading to see my buddy. He always manages to cheer me up. But that wreck jolted me into reality. No minor problem compares to this stuff…

Parent Sherri Powell was on the bus transporting fifth graders with her daughter Brytani Powell, 12, which was ahead. After learning of the crash, the driver returned, she said.

Sherri Powell said more than a dozen ambulances were on scene and students were being loaded onto stretchers and fitted with neck braces.

“It was pretty much just chaos,” she said. “Kind of just a scene out of a horror movie.”

Parents were doing what they could to keep the children calm, she said.

One student, Jessica Davis, 12, of Alhambra, Ill., was airlifted to SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, where she was being treated for a broken femur, said spokesperson Ashley Wiehle. She is in fair condition and expected to undergo surgery.

Eight other students and the bus driver were transported to area hospitals by ambulance.

* And…

Ambulances were summoned from the Litchfield Fire Department, Raymond/Harvel Ambulance Service, Gillespie Fire Department, Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service, Dunn’s Ambulance Service in Carlinville, Nokomis/Witt Area Ambulance Service, Farmersville Ambulance Service and Staunton Fire Department.

* The bus driver has been ticketed…

Police today say they fault the bus driver who smashed into the back of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 55 Monday, injuring more than a dozen sixth graders who were riding the bus on a field trip.

The bus driver, Henry E. Jaeger, 66, of Highland, has been issued a ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, the Illinois State Police say. […]

Police say Jaeger’s bus was following the tractor-trailer in the right lane of southbound I-55 when the truck slowed for construction. Jaeger did not realize the truck had slowed in time to avoid striking the back of the truck, police say. Francis said traffic had slowed because construction crews ahead were resurfacing the interstate.

Thank goodness no kids were lost in that wreck.

* Anyway, it’s something to think about while we’re all bemoaning our lot in life as the session rumbles to yet another close.

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Morning Shorts

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Owen Irwin

* Patti Blagojevich and daughters make prison visit

* Odds on a city casino?

* Business Butts Heads With Cullerton On Corporate State Income Tax Transparency Bill

* Quinn Vows to Push for Gay Marriage in Illinois

* Illinois governor vows to work for gay marriage

* Lt. Gov. Simon urges rural communities to apply for public health grant

* County GOP hears from four finalists for Johnson spot

* 13th Congressional Dist. Candidate Forum Held In Champaign

* Democratic officials to form 3rd party to defeat Derrick Smith

* Democrats set up new party to field candidate to run against indicted legislator

* Third party formed to challenge indicted pol

* Editorial: Tenaska a project that has potential

* Editorial: ‘Clean’ coal minus the coal

* Enviro groups: IL coal-to-gas projects too costly for ratepayers

* Crain’s panel covers health care challenges

* Cops from as far as Philly, Carolina

* A very serious introduction to the NATO summit

* With Downtown Shutting Down, Chicago May Not Profit From NATO Summit

* The other NATO: The People’s Summit

* 8 protesters arrested at Obama campaign HQ in Chicago

* After NATO, we’ll still be known (sigh) for Capone

* South Shore releases plans for NATO conference

* Nurses United Rally To Be Held At Daley Plaza

* County pays $600,000 to get out of Burge torture case

* Romney to collect $2.3 million at Winnetka fund-raiser hosted by Pat Ryan

* Congress Parkway Bridge Finally Set To Reopen

* $5.9 M federal grant awarded to FLOTUS’ former employer

* Salaries, health benefits for members of Cicero advisory commissions hit

* A (bad) reason to deny equal adoption rights to gay couples

* McGurn: Jerry Brown vs. Chris Christie

* Blanchette named deputy director of presidential library

* Teacher’s recovery from stroke at age 38 inspires others

* Senate confirms Oak Park lawyer as new Chicago-based federal judge

* Senate confirms new federal judge for Illinois

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*** LIVE SESSION UPDATES ***

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

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The Single Largest Jobs Plan…

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Illinois workers need a jobs plan. Unemployment in the state stands at 9 percent, and the effects of the recession have made it more difficult for families to make ends meet. Unemployment and underemployment translate into less revenue for the state and less spending in our communities.

The single largest job-creation plan in decades is now before the General Assembly. At a time of tough choices, it requires no new taxes and no cuts to government programs.

SB 1849 is a gaming compromise that would create more than 20,000 jobs and bring in $200 million in new annual revenue to Illinois. It would be an economic shot in the arm for our state, and we can’t afford to pass it up.

The job creation boost SB 1849 would provide is why major voices from Illinois’ organized labor community support this gaming solution. Supporters include Illinois AFL‐CIO, Chicago Federation of Labor, IBEW Local 134, SEIU Local 1, and UNITE HERE Local 1.

These labor groups and over 80 members of the Illinois Revenue & Jobs Alliance know this bill would be a “win” for the state of Illinois and its residents. Legislators ought to act now and pass SB 1849 – and start putting workers back on the job.

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No Smoke and Mirrors—Cigarette Tax Increase is Needed

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement.]

The Illinois Hospital Association urges the General Assembly to increase the cigarette tax by $1 per pack. Here’s why.

Increasing the cigarette tax will generate more than $750 million in new revenue for the Medicaid program – preventing draconian cuts that will harm patients and communities.

It will save millions of dollars in spending by the Medicaid program. Smoking-related illnesses cost the Illinois Medicaid program about $1.8 billion each year. The proposed tax increase will save Medicaid $50 million in the first year, with savings continuing to grow over time.

The Illinois Hospital Association has real, workable alternatives to address the state’s Medicaid challenges, including many that will generate substantial savings and cost reductions. But meeting those challenges can’t be accomplished just through reductions and savings – additional sources of revenue are needed.

Raising the cigarette tax will save lives – an estimated 77,600 fewer teens in Illinois will become addicted adult smokers, and 59,400 adults will quit smoking.

For the health of Illinoisans, IHA is part of a statewide coalition that strongly supports raising the cigarette tax. It’s the right thing to do. No butts about it.

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a big Statehouse roundup

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller

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