Wisconsin’s Walker coming to Springfield
Thursday, Mar 22, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Illinois Chamber just sent out a notice to “chamber executives” about an upcoming speech that will surely draw a ton of media attention…
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is very proud to announce Governor Scott Walker will serve as keynote speaker at Employer Action Day, the Chamber’s annual lobby day to be held in Springfield on April 17. His address will recount Wisconsin’s dramatic fiscal turn around and serve as an important reminder to our state policy makers that big problems require big solutions.
The Chamber is trying to keep it quiet for now. From the same e-mail…
While this invitation is being sent to chamber executives today, we are not making a formal press announcement at this time. Please take reasonable steps to keep the invitation limited to employer members and not members of the press.
Oops.
A “sample notice” to local members is here.
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Question of the day
Thursday, Mar 22, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Gov. Pat Quinn has left for Belgium…
The governor will have a full schedule during the first gubernatorial trade mission to Europe in 13 years. He will participate in several events organized by NATO, address a trade conference sponsored by the European Union, and host a business roundtable with Belgian businesses that currently invest in Illinois, potential investors, and business leaders and associations.
“We want the world to know that their trip to America starts in Illinois,” Governor Quinn said. “We’ll showcase Illinois’ tremendous economic assets before an international audience and we’ll bring back more trade opportunities, tourism, and business investment to Illinois.”
* The Question: What specific Illinois location (in other words, not just a town or city) would you recommend as the first place a foreign investor visits? Explain.
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* Oy…
Federal disaster officials for a second time denied an aid request for southern Illinois communities battered by deadly tornadoes Feb. 29, ruling Wednesday against an appeal filed by the state after the first claim was denied two weeks ago.
Gov. Pat Quinn and members of the Illinois congressional delegation said the decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency did not reflect the seriousness of the damage from tornadoes, which killed seven people in tiny Harrisburg, Ill., and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses across a five-county area.
“That’s pretty rough,” Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg said Wednesday.
Revised damage estimates included in the state’s appeal seemed to meet the requirements for a presidential disaster declaration that would entitle homeowners to grants and other aid to rebuild, Gregg said. Four of the five counties seeking aid for tornado damage were designated disaster areas after floods that struck the area in April 2011.
* From FEMA…
“After a thorough review of all the information contained in your initial request and appeal, we reaffirm our original findings that the impact from this event is not of the severity and magnitude that warrants a major disaster declaration. The required response appears to be within the combined capabilities of the state and affected local governments. Therefore, I must inform you that your appeal for a major disaster declaration is denied,” states a letter appearing to be from FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate to Quinn.
* Damage…
The numbers of homes damaged or destroyed and businesses wiped out in the multi-county area of the request for aid is high. According to the Associated Press, the state in its appeal said the storms actually leveled or seriously damaged 441 homes and destroyed 128 businesses in “the poorest part of Illinois.”
*** UPDATE *** From IEMA…
The actual number included in the state’s appeal of FEMA’s denial was 440 homes that were damaged to some degree, 176 of those were severely damaged or destroyed. [Emphasis added.]
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* IEMA…
Illinois Emergency Management Agency director Jonathon Monken says the state’s next step is to seek low-interest loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration.
Monken says while he’s disappointed, he knows FEMA has criteria and does not have an unlimited supply of funds. “Last year, there were more federally declared disasters than in any year previous to that… and we were the recipients of that twice, for a blizzard and a flood,” says Monken.
“It makes it very frustrating when you’re the one that falls below that line that’s set, because you feel like it’s an arbitrary line.”
* React from US Sen. Dick Durbin, US Sen. Mark Kirk, Congressman John Shimkus and Congressman Jerry Costello…
“A few days after the tornadoes touched down in Southern Illinois, I saw the damage first hand and there was no doubt that the residents and families would need the full spectrum of disaster aid available,” said Durbin. “The fact that the federal government has denied disaster aid – and done so with little explanation – defies logic. Hard working Americans expect that when they face these disasters, the federal government will give them a helping hand to rebuild. I am disappointed this is not the case today. I will be working with Governor Quinn and the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation over the next several days to identify opportunities to bring back federal funding for Harrisburg, Ridgway and the surrounding communities.
“We are extremely disappointed with FEMA’s decision to deny the State of Illinois’ appeal for federal assistance for the five counties affected by the deadly storms earlier this month,” said Senator Kirk. “Our office will continue to work with the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation and local and state officials to see that Gallatin, Randolph, Saline, Union, and Williamson Counties fully recover from this disaster.”
“I am extremely disappointed in this decision,” said Shimkus. “I know that the charitable donations have been coming in to help the communities affected, as I see collection boxes and fundraisers as I travel my district. We will continue to assist in every effort to help Harrisburg, Ridgway and the other areas with damaged businesses and residences.”
“I am very disappointed that the State’s appeal has been denied,” said Costello. “These communities face a very tough rebuilding process and the full complement of federal resources would have helped. We will fully pursue other types of federal assistance and we send our thanks to all the first responders and citizens that have given so much over the past three weeks to help those in need.”
* And, frankly, I’ve been hearing this sort of thing ever since Barack Obama was elected president…
“The president of the United States is from the state of Illinois,” [Democratic state Sen. Gary Forby] said. “You would think he would get on board and do something about this. When George W. Bush was president and Texas needed something, he gave them whatever the hell they wanted.”
I think the president has tried to be even-handed when it comes to his home state. But there are those who don’t appreciate that effort, and I know some who think his behavior is just downright shameful.
Thoughts?
…Adding… I’m told that last night’s “Sullivan Caucus” raised $2,000 for Harrisburg. Way to go.
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* If Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) doesn’t resign soon, he may be expelled. A special investigating committee has been formed and members appointed by both House leaders. The end result could be expulsion for the legislator arrested last week on federal bribery charges…
House Speaker Michael Madigan, who was mum on Smith in the days before the election, and Cross each named three members to the committee on Wednesday after five House Republicans requested it. That automatically triggered the committee under House rules.
Federal prosecutors allege he accepted a $7,000 cash bribe in exchange for his endorsement of a state grant application.
Sara Wojcicki says the investigation will be closed to the public. If it finds reason for discipline, a separate committee will conduct a public hearing.
* The House Special Investigating Committee membership, which has been updated this morning to show who the GOP spokesperson is…
Chairperson : Elaine Nekritz D
Republican Spokesperson : Dennis M. Reboletti R
Member: William Davis D
Member: JoAnn D. Osmond R
Member: André M. Thapedi D
Member: Jil Tracy R
The committee’s first meeting is next Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock. Per House rules, the hearings are closed to the public.
* Here’s what happens next…
The committee will consist of three Republicans and three Democrats. They will then make recommendations which could lead to another 12-man disciplinary committee that would decide whether to censure, reprimand or expel Smith.
The full House then takes up the matter. Expulsioin requires a two-thirds vote.
* I can’t disagree with anything in this Tribune editorial …
We can thank [Secretary of State Jesse White[ especially for the mess out west. White, who’s also the 27th Ward Democratic committeeman, clouted Smith into the 10th District House seat last year after he clouted incumbent Annazette Collins into the 5th District Senate seat vacated by Rickey Hendon.
“He’s an honest, stand-up kind of a guy,” White said at the time. Smith had been hired by the Secretary of State’s office shortly after being fired from his city job for allegedly misusing city resources; he says he did nothing wrong.
White stood behind Collins through a long string of ethical lapses but abandoned her in the primary after learning she had claimed a homestead exemption on a condo outside the district where she’s supposed to live. Collins was defeated Tuesday by White’s new candidate, Patricia Van Pelt Watkins, who has done more for the district as a community activist than Collins has done in 11 years in the General Assembly. Look what happens when you give voters a credible alternative: They trade up.
It’s up to the West Side leadership to make sure that happens in the House too. Ald. Burnett, Rep. Davis, Commissioner Steele, Secretary of State White: The voters who supported your disgraced candidate were taking it on faith that you’d provide them a better choice by November. Do it.
* The Austin Weekly News caught up with Secretary White…
When asked if he had any ideas who he’d like to see in the seat if Smith does step down, White demurred.
“I don’t have anyone in mind right now,” he said.
* Meanwhile, Andy Shaw at the BGA had this to say about Rep. Smith’s primary victory…
Better Government Association Executive Director Andy Shaw said Smith’s election win was disappointing.
“That’s terribly discouraging, not just because the voters gave him an overwhelming victory, but because so many well-respected politicians – including Congressman Danny Davis – actually endorsed him and encouraged people to vote for him for a simple reason – he is the Democrat,” Shaw said.
According to Shaw, Smith’s election win shows Illinois politics is in the gutter.
* Congressman Danny Davis’ explanation…
Davis said that while he asked voters to cast their ballots for Smith, it was about ensuring the seat stayed in Democrat control and was not a show of support for Smith. Davis said Smith should not appear on the November ballot given the ethical cloud he now faces.
“I was glad to see Derrick win the election, but I think in reality one can say that Democrats won the election,” Davis said. “I don’t think they were necessarily voting for Derrick, but I think they were saying ‘Democrat, Democrat, Democrat.’”
“It’s not just about the man, but it’s also about, as Ossie Davis said, the plan,” Davis said. “So I think people were intelligent enough, they were wise enough, they understood enough that they wanted to give themselves another chance to get a good, solid Democrat to represent them.”
* Kinda weak…
The leaders who have joined the chorus for Smith to step down include Gov. Pat Quinn and Smith’s top political backer, Secretary of State Jesse White.
“The governor thinks he should step down. He thinks [Smith] is not going to be able to be an effective representative for his constituents given the circumstances. The governor would urge the representative to step down as soon as possible,” Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said Wednesday.
Quinn on Saturday tiptoed around Smith’s bribery charge, calling his race a “tough call for voters,” but one “they’ll be able to sort out.” Other top Dems, including U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) even campaigned for Smith after he was arrested.
When Smith was charged, White did not address whether his protege should step down, only issuing a brief statement saying “I am very disappointed with the conduct alleged in the charges. I am confident this case will be handled fairly and justly by the judicial system.”
White’s call Wednesday for Smith to resign had nothing to do with the primary results, a White spokesman said.
“After reviewing the situation, having time to think about it and overcoming some of the shock of the original charges, he feels that the people would be better represented if someone else was in that spot,” White spokesman Dave Druker said.
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It’s just a (dead) bill
Thursday, Mar 22, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The House passed a bill yesterday to end the highly controversial legislative scholarship program by a vote of 79-25 with two absentions (Democrats Arroyo and Chapa LaVia both voted “Present”).
Listen to the debate, if you want…
* Gov. Pat Quinn issued a press release soon after the vote…
“I applaud the members of the House for voting to end the legislative scholarship program. As I have repeatedly advocated in the past, scholarships – paid for by Illinois taxpayers- should be awarded only to those with merit who are in true financial need.
“I urge the Senate to pass this legislation swiftly.”
* But unless something radical happens very soon, this bill will never make it to the governor’s desk…
The bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, said Wednesday he thinks there are enough votes in the Senate to get rid of it. However, Senate Republicans are worried this effort might meet the same fate as those of the past. Patty Schuh, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, said an identical bill is sitting in a Senate Executive subcommittee.
“We do fear it will meet the same fate as all of our other efforts,” said Schuh, who added that the Senate Republicans no longer participate in the program.
Rikeesha Phelon, spokeswoman for Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said Cullerton in the past has voted to reform the program rather than abolishing it.
“He supports reforming the General Assembly scholarships, both in lawmaker restrictions and eligibility requirements, like who can receive them,” Phelon said.
* I doubt even this bad news will help the bill get called by the Senate…
Current and prospective college students who apply now hoping to get state tuition help for next school year will be turned away, officials said Tuesday.
The state is on pace to receive a record number of applications for 2012-13 from the Monetary Award Program, the primary source of need-based financial aid. The scholarship money, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, was depleted by students who applied by March 13.
It’s the earliest the state has run out of funds for MAP grants, said John Samuels, spokesman for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the agency that administers the program. About 140,000 to 145,000 students are expected to get the aid, worth up to $4,968. An estimated 140,000 eligible students will be denied.
* From the Better Government Association…
When it’s alleged that lawmakers fail to observe the law, it stands to reason that some sort of formal investigation should seek to determine guilt or innocence, and have the power to impose a sanction or consequence.
But for years, nothing has been done.
In fact, Thomas J. Homer, the Illinois Legislative Inspector General — the entity with the jurisdiction to investigate any alleged wrongdoing by members of the General Assembly — confirms that his office did not conduct a single investigation related to legislative scholarships until last fall.
Homer points to several factors that crimp his ability to investigate lawmakers, including a statute of limitations that prevents him from looking into allegations of wrongdoing that occurred more than a year before the complaint is filed, unless there’s a cover-up involved. And before 2010, Homer’s office was prohibited from initiating its own investigations and had to rely on complaints from third parties.
Efforts of the Legislative Inspector General to pursue violations of the law have proven to be woefully inadequate — or nonexistent — despite the firestorm of controversy surrounding it. Since 2010, there have been at least seven reports of legislative scholarship abuse, and not a single investigation with a suggested remedial action has come out of the Office of the Legislative Inspector General.
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29 lame ducks (or 31, or 30)
Thursday, Mar 22, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Illinois Statehouse News…
Lame-duck lawmakers could provide the extra push needed to get public pension changes and Medicaid reforms through the General Assembly this year. […]
Twenty-two incumbents — a mix of Republicans and Democrats — said they won’t seek re-election this fall. Another seven incumbents, mostly Republicans, lost their primary race Tuesday.
“It depends why someone is a lame duck. Sometimes people believe that being a lame duck is temporary. But by and large, these are good opportunities to move things” through the legislative process, said Kent Redfield, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
The issues sure to dominate the conversations in the halls of the Capitol are public pension and Medicaid reforms. The costs associated with Illinois’ Medicaid system and public pensions have ballooned in recent years, eating up more and more of the state’s budget.
…Adding… Commenter “train111″ says it’s 31 lame ducks, not 29…
How do they only get 29 lame ducks?? I get 31.
In the Senate: Bomke, A. Collins, Crotty, Cutra, Garrett, C Johnson, T Johnson, J Jones, Lauzen, Maloney, Meeks, Millner, Schmidt, and Schoenberg for 14.
In the House: Carli, Coladipietro, duBucklet, Dugan, Eddy, Evans, Gaffney, Howard, Krezwick, Lyons, May, J Mitchell, Mulligan, Nybo, Penny, Ramey, and Yarbrough for 17
Rep. Eddy resigned early this morning. It’s not clear yet who will replace him. If it’s a placeholder, then the number is 31. If it’s the guy who won the Republican primary, it’s 30.
* In a related story, Senate President John Cullerton is convening a Committee of the Whole today to discuss Medicaid…
An expert from the National Conference of State Legislatures will address the senators.
State strategies to hold down Medicaid spending vary. Tennessee limits adults to two brand-name and three generic drug prescriptions per month. New York set a Medicaid spending cap and gave the state health commissioner “superpowers” to make benefit changes or cut rates to providers without legislative approval if the cap is exceeded. Washington state is trying to limit coverage of emergency room visits for non-emergency care to three visits annually.
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has recommended cutting $2.7 billion from Medicaid. Sen. Heather Steans, also a Democrat, said Wednesday that cutting that much in one year “is going to be a real stretch.”
Cullerton agreed, saying the governor’s goal may not be achieved. “It might be other parts of the budget that are cut,” he said.
* Related…
* Illinois Senate President Cullerton Proposes Pension Changes: The state’s five pension systems are drastically under funded and it’s making it difficult for lawmakers to balance the budget. Senate President John Cullerton says part of the problem is there’s a big difference in the way the state funds pensions for teachers in Chicago versus Southern Illinois. “The State is paying virtually nothing into the Chicago Pension System, and $2.5 billion into theirs. I don’t think that anyone can say that’s fair. It’s time to ask local school districts outside Chicago to have some skin in the game”, said Cullerton.
* Taxes, tension up in Illinois: “Other states can look at Illinois and see that merely raising revenue without structural changes is not enough to fix the problem,” said Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, a tax watchdog group in Chicago.
* Rockford seniors voice concerns on proposed health care budget cuts
* Will County Officials: Closing Mental Health Facility Would Be Devastating
* Will officials oppose Tinley center closing
* Public hearing set for Dwight Correctional Center
* Illinois turns to coordinated care in Medicaid program
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