Ridiculous
Thursday, May 17, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
This just in…
The Illinois Civil Service Commission this afternoon refused to accept the findings of an administrative law judge and ordered new evidence be taken in the case of two state employees disciplined for allegedly showing favoritism to politically connected job applicants.
Administrative Law Judge Anthony Dos Santos recommended May 13 that Dawn DeFraties and Michael Casey be suspended for 14 days. In doing so, Dos Santos rejected an attempt by the administration of Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fire DeFraties and Casey. […]
It was not immediately clear what additional evidence the five-member Civil Service Commission believes it needs, but the panel apparently wants the earlier hearings to be resumed. The commission’s vote to remand the case for additional evidence was unanimous and followed three hours of discussion behind closed doors.
Carl Draper, the attorney for DeFraties and Casey, said he can’t remember a similar commission ruling in 25 years of handling such disputes. DeFraties and Casey will look into other possible legal options, he added.
This was a sham case from the beginning. The hearing officer’s take - that they should’ve been suspended for two weeks instead of fired - was a slam-dunk.
And it doesn’t do much for the commission’s credibility that the governor’s babysitter sits on the ICSC.
Free the CMS 2!
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Chicago casino? Not yet
Thursday, May 17, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Don’t get too excited yet about a Chicago casino, or any new casinos for that matter. There’s a whole lot more opposition to any expansion idea than you might think…
Sources told CBS 2 Daley signed off on a tentative deal that could, after years of discussion, finally bring a casino to downtown Chicago, as well as to south suburban Cook County, north suburban Lake County and a site still to be determined within 8 miles of O’Hare Airport.
Chicago’s casino would have up to 5,000 positions for slot machines, card and dice games and roulette. City Hall’s tax take could be 20 percent of the anticipated $1 billion plus annual gross, or more than $200 million a year.
Nine existing casino boats would get thousands of new slot machines and other gambling positions. Horse tracks would share millions in new dollars from a so-called impact fee, tentatively 3 percent of gross receipts of all the new gambling.
The gaming expansion sounds like an easy thing to do for people who aren’t all that concerned with more casinos, but there are religious and moral opponents, the existing casino owners aren’t thrilled and the racetrack owners can never seem to get along.
* Meanwhile, Daley refused to come out and support an income tax hike yesterday…
Pressed on whether he favors a hike in the state income tax, the mayor said, “This is the first time ever in the history of Illinois that the business community has ever come together and said, ‘We’d like to increase the income tax.’ So listen to their voice. They want a better education system.”
Daley said “everything should be on the table,” including his on-again-off-again quest for a Chicago casino.
* One reason for that could be the growing feeling that a tax hike is becoming more unlikely…
“There’s not a whole lot of enthusiasm to raise taxes in the General Assembly,” [House Speaker Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown] said.
* Brown also explained some of the reasons behind Madigan’s refusal to meet with Gov. Blagojevich this spring…
“We take the governor at his word. He wants want he wants, no changes, and anything different he’ll veto and then call special sessions until what we do is repealed. Given that, a meeting doesn’t seem like a productive use of time,” said Brown.
Translation: Until the guv chills out and is ready to seriously bargain, there ain’t gonna be no meeting.
* Into the fray comes a new proposal, from Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson…
New to the mix was a sales tax idea floated by state Sen. Debbie Halvorson, a Crete Democrat. Her plan would reduce the state’s sales tax – now at 6.25 percent – to 3 percent but then expand its scope to include services.
Currently, services like haircuts, lawn mowing, brake jobs and so on are not subject to the state’s sales tax.
Halvorson couldn’t provide details on how much money it would generate, but such a move would result in more money coming into state coffers. However, it also may well run afoul of the governor’s vow to veto any sales or income tax increase. The governor previously has nixed the idea of taxing services.
But see Brown’s comments above while you’re figuring whether this idea has a chance or not.
* More tax and spend stories, compiled by Paul…
* Daley lobbies for more funding for schools, CTA
* Daley takes agenda to Springfield
* Schoenburg: Governor’s big-splash style leaves him out of touch
* New plan is old: lease the lottery
* Leasing lottery still alive in negotiations
* New plan is old: lease the lottery
* Editorial: State fiscal reform going nowhere
* Gabel: Affordable health care within reach
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We’re most average!
Thursday, May 17, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
This is the best reason I can think of to move the primary up as early as possible…
White, rural and homogeneous. New Hampshire and Iowa play big roles in choosing presidential candidates but don’t look much like the rest of the country.
A better bellwether might be Illinois. It’s the most average state, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from the Census Bureau.
Illinois is the fifth largest state, with a big city in Chicago, rolling countryside in the south and a lot of sprawling suburbs. And it has Peoria, which, it turns out, really is a barometer of America’s preferences. Many companies continue to use the city in central Illinois as a test market, taking literally the adage about how things play there. […]
The AP ranked each state on how closely it matched national levels on 21 demographic factors, including race, age, income, education, industrial mix, immigration and the share of people living in urban and rural areas. The rankings were then combined to determine the state that best mirrors the country as a whole. […]
Illinois’ racial composition matches the nation’s better than any other state. Education levels are similar, as is the mix of industry and the percentage of immigrants. Incomes in Illinois are a little higher and the state is more urban the rest of the nation. But the age of the population is very close to the country’s mix of minors, seniors and those 18 to 64.
What other “most average” qualities can you think of for Illinois? Snark encouraged.
Or, you might come up with examples of how we aren’t so average.
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A horse is a horse
Thursday, May 17, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Senate passed the horse slaughtering ban yesterday. The bill now goes to the governor’s desk. Gov. Blagojevich supports the ban…
The Illinois Senate approved a ban on slaughtering horses for human consumption Wednesday, sending the legislation to the governor.
The proposal, which won the Senate’s OK 39-16, would stop a DeKalb plant from continuing to ship horse meat overseas. Human consumption is banned in the U.S.
“Horses clearly are recreational, companion animals,” said Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, the bill’s sponsor. “They are not livestock, raised for food.” […]
But senators representing farmers — and the Cavel International plant in DeKalb — say slaughtering horses is humane and necessary and the legislation will eliminate jobs in Illinois.
I never quite understood this bill. I don’t eat veal by choice. If you saw what they did to veal calves, you probably wouldn’t eat it either. I wouldn’t seek to ban the meat, but I would like to see much more humane treatment of the animals. But the slaughtered horses weren’t treated worse than any other animal, as far as I could tell.
Eating horses is yucky to many Americans. That I understand. But banning their slaughter? C’mon.
Along the way the ban has received support from many who think of horses as companion animals, akin to dogs and cats, and not fit for human consumption.
Meanwhile opposition has come from pro-business lawmakers and from some unlikely sources including the American Veterinary Association and the Horseman’s Council of Illinois who worry about horse overpopulation.
And, yes, horses are “companion animals,” and I would probably be disgusted with the idea of a dog-processing plant down the road. Maybe it’s just because I was raised on a farm and lived in Europe where horsemeat is a part of the diet that I can’t quite grasp this concept…
The bill’s supporters maintained that horses, as “companion animals” with a unique place in America’s cowboy legacy, shouldn’t be treated like pigs, cows or other consumable livestock.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, summed up the argument that ban proponents have been making for years: “Horses are different.”
Cullerton made sure he extracted as much publicity as possible from the bill, apparently…
First, he called Sneed.
Then state Sen. John Cullerton called actress Bo “10″ Derek, who is fighting horse slaughter for human consumption. […]
Cullerton, who says Gov. Blagojevich is ready to sign the legislation into law, plans to speed the law’s certification process by requesting that Senate President Emil Jones and House Speaker Mike Madigan certify it immediately. “It is imperative to stop the Cavel slaughterhouse in DeKalb from killing one more horse for meat on someone’s table overseas.”
And, by the way, Bo Derek? Are we such hicks here that we have to bow down to every has-been, over the hill actress who comes prancing into town?
Whatever.
One last thought…
“You’re saying it’s OK to eat Elsie the Cow, Chicken Little and Bambi, you just don’t want us to eat Mr. Ed,” said Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline.
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Morning Shorts
Thursday, May 17, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson
* Vrdolyak faces arraignment today
* Illinois House wants limits on utility bill collection practice
* New Ameren rate hike not approved; more here
* Senators want to end gas sales tax
* McQueary: Who knew sign hangers had clout
* Teens largely absent from state politics
* Legislator aims to patch gun safety loophole
* Senate bill could mean lights out for incandescent bulbs
* Bedell: Bill allows gambling on video games
* Editorial: Gun law quirk needs to be addressed
* Treasurer gives federal prosecutors documents on Collinsville hotel
The state says it has uncovered evidence of tax and mail fraud at the Holiday Inn in an accounting of the hotel’s books ordered by Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Early this year, the state moved to foreclose on the property. The debt now stands at more than $30 million.
* IDOT stalls on illegal airfield
* Tribune Editorial: Get ready to vote in the cold
* Michael Sneed: Rezko & horse slaughter
* Illinois state fire marshal arrested for DUI
* Lynn Sweet: Rezko question dogs Obama
* Kane healthcare project gets OK, but without cash
* Cook Co. approves $11.5 million in legal settlements
* Options narrowed for rail to Rockford
* Suburban officials cleared in 2005 election night beating
* English language law back on hold in Carpentersville
* Some say ‘English-only’ is a safety issue
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Question of the day
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
First, the setup…
Fierce opposition to a proposed English-only ordinance in Carpentersville continued Tuesday night as residents voiced concerns that it would cause legal problems and force businesses out of town.
Reviving part of a debate that saw 3,000 protesters turn out last year, village trustees planned to deliberate on the proposed ordinance, which would make English the village’s official language.
The proposal, more restrictive than an English-only resolution passed last month in far northwest suburban Hampshire, says making English the official language will “establish a linguistic unity that brings a critically needed cohesion to a village as diverse, multiracial and multiethnic as Carpentersville.”
Now, the question: Illinois law already designates English as the official language. So do you think this ordinance is necessary? Racist? Xenophobic? Practical? Necessary? Etc.? Explain.
Also, a stern warning: I don’t want to make this a debate about illegal immigration. I’m sure you’ve already stated your position elsewhere on the blog. Let’s keep it to the topic at hand, please, or you may find your comment deleted. Thanks.
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Not a lot of forward movement
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
Apparently, the rate freeze negotiations haven’t moved very far…
ComEd customers should be given cash rebates and see their electricity rates frozen for one year under a proposal backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, a top aide confirmed Tuesday.
The Chicago Democrat favors an approach similar to rate-freeze legislation that was gutted late last month by Senate President Emil Jones.
“That’s what we think is fair. Roll rates back to Jan. 1 and give the people their money back,” Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said.
ComEd is opposed, obviously…
“A rate freeze of any duration would have a devastating effect for ComEd, its customers and the state of Illinois,” said Judy Rader, a spokeswoman for the utility.
And answers aren’t exactly forthcoming…
The three people who can get us relief from our electric rates that have doubled, even tripled are giving the media the silent treatment.
Political reporter Melissa Hahn said “We’re having a hard time getting information from Blagojevich.” HOI 19 requested an interview with Blagojevich on electric rates. Hahn said, “We’re having a hard time getting info from Senate President Jones.” Jones’ press secretary left Jen Christensen a message saying the Senator is not doing interviews right now. Melissa went on to say, “And then House Speaker Michael Madigan almost never speaks to us.” Jen Christensen on the phone with Madigan’s office: “So you’re saying there’s no point in time I would be able to interview Michael Madigan.” Political reporter Benjamin Yount said, “Legislative leaders typically they are quiet. On this they have been very quiet.”
If the summer is hot then Chicago-area legislators will feel the heat from constituents when the 25 percent rate hike becomes more noticeable. I doubt they can adjourn without doing something on both Ameren and ComEd’s rates, but they’re not exactly close.
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End games
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As I told subscribers this morning, the real action yesterday was in the Senate Democratic caucus meeting. That didn’t get covered elsewhere today, but here’s some stuff about the House caucus…
For two hours Tuesday morning, House Democrats met privately to hash out budget issues, a first step in the arduous task of determining how much money the state should spend in the fiscal year that begins July 1, where to spend it and how to pay for it. With less than three weeks left to the General Assembly’s scheduled adjournment, they didn’t sound optimistic.
“We came to no conclusions today. We didn’t even attempt to come to any conclusions,” said House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. “We will engage in discussions with all of the legislative leaders and with the governor. My purpose . . . is to work to bring people together. I’m not interested in working to divide people.”
* The closer we get to adjournment, the less likely an income/sales/service tax hike looks, but, as always, there’s a lot of time to go (in session terms) so things could change dramatically…
“There’s no burning desire to force a showdown with the governor over income and sales tax increases,” said Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago). “Legislators are more inclined to scale back our wish lists rather than vote for an income tax hike that might also be vetoed anyway.”
* Franks did his usual schtick…
State Rep. Jack Franks, a Woodstock Democrat, skipped Tuesday’s closed-door, Democrats-only budget discussion, saying it’s designed to set the stage for a tax increase and he’s unwilling to participate.
* And the door was opened a bit wider yesterday for a change of heart by Gov. Blagojevich…
[ Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), the governor’s chief House ally] also suggested the administration is willing to consider alternatives to its plan.
“Does that have to be $7 billion? Can you use gaming?” Hoffman said. “Can you use other forms of revenue enhancements? I believe you can and the governor has indicated that’s all on the table.”
* Scaling back the gigantic proposals is a major option on the table right now, but first they have to meet before anything can be done…
Against that backdrop is the fact that Blagojevich, Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, have yet to meet face to face to begin discussing the budget. Blagojevich has requested a meeting today. Jones plans to attend, but Madigan hadn’t agreed by Tuesday night.
* Meanwhile, there are growing worries among some that universal health insurance may be in deep peril…
With the governor’s $7.6 billion tax plan falling on skeptical ears in the Illinois Legislature, health care activists are worried that their decades-old dream of universal health care in Illinois — a vision that seemed on the cusp of reality — may be evaporating. […]
Simultaneously, they also hinted at various plans — including sending bus loads of people to Springfield and a TV ad campaign — to convince legislators and the public that the governor’s health care reform is worth implementing, whatever the cost.
The “cost” is always a consideration in politics, and rallies don’t do much good at the Statehouse no matter how many people they bring. This idea has just not caught on yet - either among the populace or the General Assembly - and the governor’s allies don’t have much time left to make their case. That being said, I do think there will be something done on health insurance this spring.
* More tax and spend stories, compiled by Paul…
* Cindy Richards: For Illinois’ sake, lets make a deal on health care
* Lawmakers try to decide on new taxes
* Editorial: Debate over governor’s plan sidetracks transit debate
* Skarr: GRT finds a losing record in House defeat
* Sun-Times Editorial: Stop holding transit hostage
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Moving the primary
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
The Senate sent the governor a bill yesterday that will move the state’s 2008 primary up to February 5th.
I know that lots of people have real concerns about moving Illinois’ primary up next year. The weather is too inclement, the campaign season will be too long, the idea of moving the date to help Barack Obama is too partisan, it will help incumbents, blah, blah, blah.
I hadn’t thought of this one, however…
Others worry the change will result in voters getting nasty campaign mailers at the same time they are receiving Christmas cards.
I seriously doubt anyone will send negative mail during Christmas. If anything the move will compress the campaigns a bit.
Filing will begin in August, which in theory should help incumbents. But the move could conceivably backfire on legislative incumbents. The session will still be very fresh in people’s minds come August (heck, they might even still be in when filing begins) so that could prompt a whole lot of people to decide to run for the General Assembly.
I also doubt that voters will stay home in February, now that they have an opportunity to really impact a presidential race, particularly on the Republican side, which could still be wide open by then…
Other Democrats said they were tired of New Hampshire and Iowa getting all the attention and undue political influence.
“We’re doing this for the right reason,” said state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat. “Illinois is one of the largest states; it’s the bellwether of the United States. We should decide who the candidates are going to be in November.”
Experts on presidential primaries have said Illinois hasn’t been in a position to have much of an impact in many years, and that without moving the date, the state would be likely to languish in political obscurity.
The “helping Obama” thing is debatable. He’s our “favorite son,” so it’s probable that other Democratic candidates won’t bother even campaigning here. We won’t give the guy much of a boost, and if he does even a little worse than expected, it could hurt him.
There is one big problem with this idea, though. Other states have also become fed up with Iowa and New Hampshire’s outsized roles in choosing the president and have also moved up their primaries…
Fifteen states have moved their primaries up to that date, are considering it or already had it set for Feb. 5.
More could be on the way. Many of these are expensive media market states, so the prez campaigns might pick and choose - depending on the polling - where to campaign the most.
Anything that lengthens the campaign season is good for my business, so I have a conflict of interest here. I’m for it. Your thoughts?
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Morning Shorts
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson
* Telecom vs. cable debate moves to states
* Popovic: Public protections important in crafting HB1500
* Deadbeat parent could lose driver’s licenses
“If they can’t go to work, they can’t make any payments,” said state Rep. Bill Black, a Danville Republican. “What we should do, instead of punitive measures, is find a way to get some money.”
* Give IDs to illegals?
“I know of no study that has been done that documents one way or the other whether these [certificates] make roads safer,” said Jack Martin, special projects director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform. “Sure, you show you’re insured, so it gives an assurance that, of course, is fallacious because you can get insurance and cancel it the next day to save the money and no one is ever going to follow up.”
* Harper: Illinois is correct to push for repeal of REAL ID
REAL ID proponents are incorrect in stating that a national ID would reduce terrorism; most terror attacks occur in countries that have national ID cards. REAL ID would not add to our country’s protections. All that will change is that they terrorists would have t wait in long lines and fill out more paperwork - along with every law-abiding, native-born citizen.
* ISAC: Students need to pay back college loans
* Sun-Times Editorial: Maybe tutoring program needs to stay after class
* Amendments aim to exempt some casinos from smoking ban
* Federal Study: Chicago among cities needing to address air travel and growth soon
* Jackson: Alderman expense accounts too low
In 1999, aldermen raised their annual expense allowance for the first time in nearly 20 years — from $23,280 to $33,280.
* Quigley accuses Stroger of ignoring, altering budget; more here
* A salute to John H. Stroger
* About 130 Rockford lobbyists talk to legislators
* “Smokefree Woodstock” celebrates statewide ban
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