And then there were four…
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller * I’m coming a little late to this, but the Republican county chairmen in the 13th Congressional District has winnowed the possible ballot replacements for retiring US Rep. Tim Johnson to four…
* The list of those voted off the island…
* Kurt Erickson looks at who is backing whom…
* Fundraising abilities were a factor…
* In other campaign-related news, the Tribune discovered that a judicial candidate was arrested for allegedly stealing yard signs…
The cop may not have seen Boyd pick up a sign, but the police report claims that 12 campaign signs were found in Boyd’s car. * This may be no joking matter…
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Question of the day
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller * The SJ-R posted a photo of a ticket for last night’s big Speaker Madigan fundraiser last night. As the ticket notes, this was the 32nd annual fundraiser on the lake… ![]() * From last night’s SJ-R post…
* The Question: Caption?
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Mayor Emanuel testifies to House committee on pension issues (Live Video)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller * As subscribers were told earlier this morning, Mayor Rahm Emanuel will visit Springfield today and testify to a House committee…
Live broadcast by Ustream * Emanuel is not expected to speak to the media, but my intern Owen is on the scene, so we may have some video later.
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Hundreds of Illinois Voices Opposing the Taylorville Energy Center
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Illinois consumers face a projected cost increase of $400 million every year for the next 30 years from the proposed Taylorville Energy Center coal plant, so it’s no wonder over 300 organizations that operate and do business in Illinois have signed up on the STOP Coalition’s website to publicly oppose this project. And just last week, 25 health, farm and environmental organizations signed a letter to Illinois lawmakers calling this project “unnecessary, unreasonably expensive, and risky for Illinois”. The Taylorville Energy Center would have a devastating impact on Illinois families and businesses, who would pay up to nine times today’s market price for electricity to subsidize this project. That’s a lot of hard-earned money up in smoke. And that’s why such a broad and diverse group of voices across Illinois – consumer advocates, environmental organizations, local government agencies, faith communities, and businesses large and small – are lining up to oppose this project. You can take action today by urging your State Representative to “Vote NO” on any legislation that supports the Taylorville Energy Center. You can also voice your opposition to the Taylorville Energy Center by signing on at STOP Coalition’s website or by “Liking” the STOP Coalition Facebook page.
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House Speaker blames media, downplays pension differences with Senate President
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller * The House Speaker tried to blame the media yesterday for pointing out some very real and substantive differences between himself and the Senate President about how to proceed with pension reform. As I told you yesterday, Speaker Michael Madigan introduced legislation that would change the MWRD’s pension plan in a deal worked out with most of the unions involved. It was seen as a model for reforming the state’s pension funds, but Senate President John Cullerton tacked on an amendment in the Senate which would’ve “nudged” employees into a new pension system by cutting their benefits in the current system. Cullerton eventually backed off that proposal and allowed Madigan’s version to stand. WUIS picks it up from there…
That reporter is exactly right. These may look like technical differences, but they are quite different approaches to pension reform. And if Madigan does his usual thing and insists on his way or the highway, he could divide the two chambers. Cullerton’s idea looks far more constitutional to many Statehouse eyes. But the reality is that neither may pass judicial muster.
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Madigan connects retiree health care to budget fix
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller * House Speaker Michael Madigan basically told reporters yesterday that if his proposal to all but eliminate the requirement that the state pay retiree health insurance premiums doesn’t pass, then major budget woes will follow…
Translation: Without this cut, other budget items will have to be slashed. * Related…
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*** LIVE SESSION COVERAGE ***
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller * BlackBerry users click here…
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Morning Shorts
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - Posted by Owen Irwin * Taylor concedes 96th Illinois House Democratic race to Scherer * Decatur teacher prevails in tight legislative race * Bill limits university spending on executive searches * Pension shift plan would cripple most downstate Illinois school districts * Illinois looks to convert freeways to tollways * Is Midway Airport privatization deal back in the works? * City prepares $2.1 billion in bond deals for Midway debt, water and sewer upgrades * City’s failure to fix crumbling viaduct to cost taxpayers $450,000 * Alderman against Rahm’s plan for area around Wrigley * Report: Tunney details grievances against Cubs plan * Former West Chicago Mayor Rennels dies * Even doubters invested in Peoria Ponzi scheme * Rita Crundwell: Dixon, Illinois Comptroller Pleads Not Guilty To Stealing $53 Million * High speed rail cited as critical issue downtown * Suggestions plentiful for SDAT team * City seeks funds to finish Capitol Avenue promenade * State seeking new food vendor at New Salem
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a Statehouse roundup
Tuesday, May 8, 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 8, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
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