* 1:56 pm - The Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear a direct appeal of Sangamon County Judge Stephen Nardulli’s ruling that free health insurance is not a pension benefit and is therefore not protected by the state’s Constitution. The plaintiffs and the state both asked for the direct appeal. You can read the order by clicking here.
* Meanwhile, the House just voted to abolish the lt. governor’s office. From a press release…
State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) passed House Joint Resolution by Constitutional Amendment (HJRCA 18) as chief sponsor, a measure that would eliminate the job of Lieutenant Governor and be placed on the 2014 ballot for voters to approve. McSweeney garnered bipartisan support by citing that the measure will save the State money and eliminate redundancies.
HJRCA 18 passed the Illinois House today by a vote of 81-30. […]
The bill will have a positive fiscal impact on the state’s budget as it would eliminate the salary and operating costs of the Office of the Lt. Governor. For fiscal year 2013, the Lieutenant Governor’s salary was $135,900 and total office appropriations were approximately $2 million. […]
Under the legislation, the Attorney General would be next in line to assume the duties of Governor if necessary. The legislation would be effective for the term beginning in 2019.
Arizona, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming all do not have the office of Lt. Governor.
The trick here is getting the Senate to act. Usually, these things die in the other chamber.
The constitutional amendment has a long bipartisan sponsorship list.
*** UPDATE *** Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s office says she’s neutral on the measure, but opposed to the idea. The full statement…
We’re neutral on the current proposal, as we support the opportunity for the public to provide input in their government through referenda. That said, we are opposed to the idea of abolishing the Lt. Governor’s Office, which is important for a number of reasons.
A total of 45 states have a Lt. Governor to succeed the Governor in cases of emergency, as has happened in Illinois five times, most recently with Governor Quinn.
The Lt. Governor is the only administration officer the Governor cannot fire and can be counted on to serve as an independent advisor.
In these tough economic times, Lt. Governor Simon has made it her mission to do more with less for the taxpayers of Illinois. She has voluntarily cut her budget by more than 12 percent the past two years and gives back a portion of her salary each year.
Simon is working hard to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents as the state’s point person on education reform, an advocate for victims of domestic violence and our military families, and she is leading the effort to preserve our rivers.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Roundup…
* Defendant who cooperated in Blagojevich investigation agrees to plea deal: One of the last loose ends in Operation Board Games — the federal probe that led to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s incarceration — was tied up Wednesday when crooked construction boss Jacob Kiferbaum agreed to a final plea deal.
* Daughter of ex-Obama pastor indicted by Springfield grand jury
* IHSA issues sanctions following ugly Harrisburg-Seton Academy title game
* Illinois House to hear testimony from R.J. Reynolds on ‘tobacco harm-reduction’ concept
* Illinois says no to ‘scholarship’ school choice
* Health insurance exchange concerns, optimism voiced
* Video gambling legislation advances; lawmaker fights to include ’social clubs’
* Fertilizer execs pitch plant to Illinois
* Quinn says local governments should be able to impose strict gun laws
* Quinn tiptoes around medical marijuana questions as possible House vote looms
* Quinn won’t commit to signing medical marijuana bill
* Quinn: Closing Illinois institutions right thing
* Quinn says man is transition success story
* Quinn Meets With Developmentally Disabled Wednesday
* Bishop says tighter gun laws will help build culture of life
* House OKs new bond rules - Bill would make it easier for residents to oppose taxpayer-backed debt
* Illinois State House Passes Property Tax bill
* Students, faculty lobby lawmakers for budget support at UI Capitol Day
* ANALYSIS: Why Cubs, City Hall haven’t sealed Wrigley deal yet
* Goat’s head delivered to Wrigley Field
* Illinois AG says time for immigration reform now
- wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:04 pm:
–The trick here is getting the Senate to act. Usually, these things die in the other chamber.–
Lot of senators who want that state constitutional officer title, lol.
- Fultonfarm - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:13 pm:
[This commenter has been banned for life.]
- hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:18 pm:
Any reason the buzzfeed piece on the IL. GOP congressional delegations positions on ssm post-Kirk’s announcement didn’t make the rundown or any blog post today? Found it interesting. Buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/illinois-republican-delegation-not-joining-mark-kirk-in-his
- demvoter - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:24 pm:
I just read the roll call and it looked like the bill was opposed by most members of the Hispanic & African American caucus voted against passage. Any thoughts on why? Those were the only significant voting blocs I could see voting against it. Just wondering if anyone had any insights or thoughts.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:28 pm:
===Any reason ===
None, other than the fact that I didn’t see it and after you pointed it out I looked and there’s no actual news in it.
- Amalia - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:31 pm:
Goat’s head. I’m so glad I am not a Cubs fan.
- muon - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:35 pm:
The constitutional amendment moved farther than last time. HJRCA 50 moved to second reading in 2010 but not to the Senate. The Speaker was the sponsor then.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:39 pm:
@FakeJasonPlummer - Rep. McSweeney, I thought we were “Buds”, Now what can I run for? #LtCongressIsStillOutThereThankGoodness
To the Post,
I will be, along with many others, eager to see how the Supremes rule, and the impact on the gubernatorial race, at the Primary level, and then the Nominee level for the General, and if either party’s nominees will be able to run ON the opinion, or run AGAINST what the opinion means as a rally cry.
One thing is certain. It is going to be heard and ruled on at some point.
- hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:41 pm:
@Rich - Fair enough. I just thought it was interesting in that it showed how all over the map the opponents of ssm are in that Hultgren still supports DOMA whereas Kinzinger apparently opposes DOMA because he wants the issue decided by the states. Also interesting that Schock apparently still doesn’t have an answer when asked about this.
- Cincinnatus - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 2:59 pm:
[This commenter has been banned for life.]
[Note from Rich Miller: No, he hasn’t been banned. He was being snarky.]
- HaroldVK - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:17 pm:
Two banned for life in 10 comments, including Cincy?
Is that some sort of record?
- Anon. - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:30 pm:
I know that no one can (and, probably, no one should be able to) make the Supreme Court hurry its decision, but a quick decision would be very useful. If they uphold Nardulli’s decision, it paves the way for Cullerton’s “consideration” approach, although there could still be a federal contracts clause challenge. If they reverse, it is as iron-clad as anything in this world can be that none of the pension reform bills are constitutional — the General Assembly will simply have to find a way to pay the pensions. Either way, the earlier the decision the better.
- facts are stubborn things - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:37 pm:
- Anon. - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:30 pm:
Would it be possible that the SC might uphold the ruling as far as teh pension claue goes, but that under contract law — the ruling is overturned. Could be overturned for only some groups?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:38 pm:
===including Cincy?===
LOL
Cincy seems to have banned himself.
- Jimbo - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:44 pm:
Cinci, epic trolling. Good job lol
- Last Bull Moose - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:45 pm:
Delighted to see the courts involved in deciding the Constitutional issues. Expect that a ruling that permits a reduction in benefits will be appealed in Federal courts.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:47 pm:
When I saw that - Cincinnatus - post, I literally got up, walked out of the office, and said…
“Only by the grace …go I”
…then Rich posted. lol
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 3:52 pm:
Whew.
Well played, Cinci.
- Wensicia - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 4:02 pm:
I’m very relieved Cincinnatus isn’t banned.
I don’t know about the Lt Gov bill; what if the AG is from the opposing party? Could be why this may not move forward.
- Anon. - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 4:08 pm:
==Would it be possible that the SC might uphold the ruling as far as teh pension claue goes, but that under contract law — the ruling is overturned.==
If the health insurance premium payments are contractual, there is nothing for the General Assembly to give in consideration pension cuts that saves anything significant out of the current “unfunded” amount, which is nothing but an accrued debt for past services.
- HaroldVK - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 4:18 pm:
Somebody ought to tell Simon:
1. There is no requirement that the Gov. listen to, or even acknowledge the presence of, the Lt. Gov.;
2. There are a lot of people who can give the Gov. advice and that he cannot fire. For instance, the A.G.;
3. Bragging about cutting the budget 12%, when the office has no real duties, is nothing to brag about.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 4:19 pm:
Cinci FTW!
To the post, perhaps we can get the Treasurer and Comptroller merged next.
Or not.
- Amalia - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 4:27 pm:
between Cinci and one banned for real, you’d think there was a full moon today!
- Just Observing - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 4:28 pm:
=== I don’t know about the Lt Gov bill; what if the AG is from the opposing party? Could be why this may not move forward. ===
Shouldn’t really matter. Voters will have to take the succession into consideration when voting for AG. Some other states already allow for Lt. Gov. to be from other party, and other states that don’t have a Lt. Gov. have to deal with that too.
- Just Observing - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 4:35 pm:
Addressing Lt. Gov. Simon’s points:
“A total of 45 states have a Lt. Governor to succeed the Governor in cases of emergency, as has happened in Illinois five times, most recently with Governor Quinn.”
Ok… there would still be a succession plan.
“The Lt. Governor is the only administration officer the Governor cannot fire and can be counted on to serve as an independent advisor.”
So what.
“In these tough economic times, Lt. Governor Simon has made it her mission to do more with less for the taxpayers of Illinois. She has voluntarily cut her budget by more than 12 percent the past two years and gives back a portion of her salary each year.”
So what… even more can be saved.
“Simon is working hard to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents…”
Is a title necessary to do this?
- Esquire - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 5:12 pm:
Simon says!
I often wondered why Illinois did not abolish this office when the 1970 Illinois Constitution was enacted? Under the 1870 Illinois Constition and prior laws, there were problems inasmuch as the the Lieutenant Governor served as the “acting Governor” whenever the Governor left the state. Governor Richard Olgivie and LG Paul Simon were both elected in 1968 and were members of different political parties. This was a first and a problem. Afterwards, the candidates were elected as a team on the November ballot.
One easy way to handle this, IMHO, is to eliminate the administrative offices connected to the LG and at the start of a gubernatorial term have a member of the governor’s party serving as a state senator elected by his party caucus in the senate to hold the title of LG without any additional budget or staff. The Chicago City Council has an alderman serve as Vice Mayor until a successor can be chosen from the body and then a special election can be held. To save the cost of a special statewide election, a state senator promoted to LG could serve until the next regular statewide election took place.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 5:33 pm:
@Esquire:
Jason Plummer: “Can I be “Vice Governor?” Dad will pay for it and even build me a really Kool office!”
Seriously, that’s an idea worth debating in the context of this proposal. Good thought.
- HaroldVK - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 6:12 pm:
Not to digress, but as long as we are getting rid of state jobs, can we abolish the office of “governor”?
For all that it matters, it has been vacant since about 1999. We could have saved a lot of money over the years without it.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 6:18 pm:
==Cincy seems to have banned himself.–
It’s very sad. But not unexpected.
You know, you come across an enthusiastic but mixed-up kid like Cincy, and you spend years, years, trying to set him straight.
Does he listen? No.
I can’t tell you the sleepless nights I spent wondering: Where is Cincy? Out with that FA Hayek and his Austrian “friends,” again? Doing what? “Privatizing?”
But they have minds of their own. I blame the crowd he got hooked up with. Filling his head with all sorts of nonsense, those Dillards, and Bradys, and Roesers and their right-wing Illinois Republicans pals.
I’m sure at his moment of despair, when he realized that all he believed was a sham, he thought there was no way out.
So he banned himself.
Rich, I’m sorry you were there to see it.
If only he had reached out to me, so I could show him the Yellow Brick Road to the Big Rock Candy Mountain of the progressive north-of-I-80-Democratic liberal commie Chicago fascist gun-grabbing Cook County socialist food-stamp-loving Obama secular New World Order!
I blame myself. I shouldn’t have been so easy on him.
I won’t make the same mistake with VMan, DDan and the NRA guys. I’m going to get tough on them. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
Let’s pipe this poor lost soul out.
You’re my boy, Cincy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_d6d-E_DwQ
- RNUG Fan - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 6:26 pm:
Does anyone know what that additional appellant or information mean? Could that be the contractual argument that Facts asked about?
Fulton farm must have spread too much ferilizer
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 6:40 pm:
Doesn’t making the AG next in line create a pretty big incentive for legal mischief? If this passes, the next governor ought to keep a very close eye on the Attorney General. Very close.
- DuPage Dave - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 6:52 pm:
Any succession plan that is known to the voters should be acceptable, whether that role is the AG, Sec of State, whatever. The LG job means nothing, whether there is a good person in the job or not.
Having said that, it won’t save much money for the state to eliminate the job. Various people’s nephews and nieces will still need to be given employment somewhere.
- Just The Way It Is One - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 6:54 pm:
Gee, didn’t realize there was SUCH contempt for the Office’s existence in the House–that was a HUGE margin. Yet, the savings, in the big picture, aren’t that significant, and Lt. Govs. in the past have been involved with pursuing important issues for the betterment of Illinoisans. Any early line by anybody “in the know” about where the Senate stands on this one?
- RNUG Fan - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 7:00 pm:
Could it have something to do with the Lt Gov that became Gov?
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 7:41 pm:
word, that was just beautiful.
You will have to write all the commercials at the Con$ulting shop. Humanizing our client will test that talent.
- Leave a Light on George - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 8:59 pm:
Re the IHSA sanctions: The officials give a technical foul to the winning coach. They eject a player from the loosing team. The head of the IHSA calls the two coaches together at half time and tells them to knock it off AND THE OFFICIALS GET REPRIMANDED. Holy Cow!
- Norseman - Thursday, Apr 11, 13 @ 9:29 pm:
I think Cincy’s self-banishment was perpetrated by an imposter in a secret Schock plot to silence one of Kirk Dillard’s important mouthpieces.
Let’s hope that Cincy can find the imposter and retrieve his blogging privileges.
- David0316 - Friday, Apr 12, 13 @ 7:20 am:
Rather than waste time on an inconsequential office like the LG, the General Assembly should propose a reasoned constitutional amendment on the pension issue. Every pension fix is questioned regarding its constitutionality due to current constitutional provisions.
Fix the state constitution, then fix the pensions.
- the Patriot - Friday, Apr 12, 13 @ 8:41 am:
Watching politics in IL is like the last 12 laps at Talledega. I don’t really care who wins, but I can’t look away because i know there is about to be a big crash!