* I just received an e-mail from a tobacco company exec about a meeting this week of the Illinois Consumer Protection Committee. It’s a subject matter hearing on “Tobacco Harm Reduction.” The exec explained the phrase this way…
At its core, tobacco harm reduction recognizes ways in which smokers can reduce their health risks from cigarettes without quitting tobacco products altogether.
While no tobacco product has been shown to be safe and without risks, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco believes significant reductions in the harm associated with the use of cigarettes can be achieved by providing accurate information regarding the comparative risks of tobacco products to adult tobacco consumers, thereby encouraging smokers to migrate to the use of smoke-free tobacco and nicotine products.
We believe adult tobacco consumers have a right to be fully and accurately informed about the risks of serious diseases, the significant differences in the comparative risks of different tobacco and nicotine-based products, and the benefits of quitting. This information should be based on sound science.
* Indiana took a look at this and the American Lung Association was opposed. From the ALA’s website…
Tobacco Harm Reduction strategies are being promoted by tobacco companies like RJ Reynolds one of the nation’s leading purveyors of cigarettes and other tobacco products to bolster sales of their smokeless products by marketing them as “safer” alternatives to smoking. According to Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, tobacco companies spend $10.5 billion annually marketing tobacco products. In Indiana alone, $307.5 million was spent. The tobacco industry has tripled smokeless tobacco advertising and promotion from 1996-2006.
The State of Indiana and our elected officials should be in the position of deterring the use of ALL tobacco products and NOT be in the business of condoning any sort of tobacco use. State and local governments can reduce tobacco use, save lives and save money by implementing effective, proven solutions to the problem. These include higher tobacco taxes, strong smoke-free laws that apply to all workplaces and public places, and well-funded, sustained tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
There are those who believe the tobacco industry is using this campaign to promote the use of e-cigarettes and get kids starting to smoke…
In 2012, the e-cigarette brand Blu was purchased by Lorillard Tobacco Company and started airing television commercials featuring celebrities using e-cigarettes. The limited published research about the safety, efficacy, or public health impact of e-cigarettes raises concerns about the product’s lack of regulation, safety/quality assurances, and its appeal to youth or nonsmokers
* The Question: Should the Illinois House be holding this hearing? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
Illinois legislators will hear public testimony, April 11 at 8:30 a.m. on new tobacco products the industry is deceivingly promoting as “reduced risk” or “reduced harm”.
In advance of this hearing, Heather Eagleton, Illinois Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released the following statement:
“This is the latest effort by the tobacco industry to confuse and mislead the public about the dangers and addictive nature of tobacco products. This is a new twist on the old tobacco marketing campaigns of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s that falsely promised health benefits to be derived from filtered, “light”, and “less tar” tobacco product alternatives that were “more safe” versus “less safe.” These “harm reduction” messages were false then and are false now.
“The tobacco industry has marketed this new generation of smokeless tobacco products as a temporary way to deal with increasing cigarette taxes and smoke-free policies in public places. Despite the risks, these products, which include snus and dissolvables such as strips, orbs, and sticks, are being promoted by the tobacco industry as less harmful, more convenient, and more socially acceptable alternatives to traditional cigarettes. There is no scientific evidence that these products are safe, may be considered a safe substitute for, or are an effective means of quitting tobacco use.
“There is research, however, to show these products cause cancer of the mouth, pancreas and esophagus, as well as other serious health conditions.
“So long as tobacco products continue to be responsible for nearly one out of every five deaths in America today, tobacco product manufacturers cannot pose as being the solution.
“The FDA – not tobacco companies – should remain the final arbiter of what tobacco cessation therapies are proven to be truly safe and effective. Any claims of modified risk or reduced harm must be substantiated by extensive, long-term research that shows health benefits, and no hidden side effects, not just for certain individuals, but also for entire populations at large.
The presidents and chancellors of the 14 public universities in Illinois have unanimously endorsed a six-point proposal for addressing the state’s pension funding crisis as it relates to the State Universities Retirement System (SURS), and in a letter to the governor and legislative leaders they called it “a thoughtful and responsible approach.”
“We write to inform you of our unanimous endorsement of the reform proposal recently published by the Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) of the University of Illinois entitled, ‘Six Simple Steps: Reforming the Illinois State University Retirement System.’ We believe that, as a package, the steps outlined in this proposal represent a viable path forward for reforming the SURS pension plan,” the university chiefs stated. “Compared to other options, it represents the most desirable long-term solution.”
The individual steps outlined in detail in the IGPA paper (http://igpa.uillinois.edu/node/1753), which is part of the institute’s ongoing contribution to the pension funding dialogue, would do the following:
· Change the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) to link it to the consumer price index
· Change the value of the Effective Rate of Interest to eliminate a so-called “hidden subsidy”
· Shift pension contributions by the state to colleges and universities in a gradual transition
· Increase employee contributions by an additional 2 percent
· Require the state to amortize the current SURS unfunded liability
· Provide a new “hybrid” defined-benefit/defined-contribution plan for new employees
The letter (http://go.my.illinois.edu/pensionletter) to Gov. Pat Quinn and the four legislative leaders, Democrat House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, and Republican House Leader Tom Cross and Senate Leader Christine Radogno, was sent by the university presidents and chancellors on April 4. The General Assembly returns this week from its spring recess and faces a May 31 deadline for adjournment.
“Our goal has been to identify potential reforms that are financially prudent and consistent with principles of constitutionality, fairness, and equity,” the letter stated. It acknowledged the additional financial burdens to be borne by the universities and their employees through the cost shift and COLA adjustment.
“The cost shift will be feasible only if phased in slowly, as recommended in the (IGPA) paper, and made concurrent with a stabilization of general revenue appropriations during the transition,” the letter stated. “We also realize that linking cost of living adjustment to the CPI will reduce retiree earnings in the short term. But this change also provides long-term insurance against high inflation, a valuable benefit for participants.”
In closing, the presidents and chancellors reiterated their continued collective interest in “working with you and others in the General Assembly to translate these ideas into legislation.”
Linking COLAs to actual cost of living increases would obviously be quite costly during periods of high inflation. But here’s how it would work…
The retirement annuity of current and future retirees will increase annually by one-half of the unadjusted percentage increase (but not less than zero) in the consumer price index-u in the previous twelve months, compounded upon the preceding year’s annuity.
* For the record, I don’t completely approve of dogs riding in the front seat, but how is this photo of Oscar the puppy not the cutest thing ever?…
And yes, I am a bit obsessed with that dog. I love Oscar, even though he had a little accident on the hardwood floor this morning. Puppies will be puppies, but he’s now got a firm date with training school.
Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
Creating the energy infrastructure of tomorrow is putting thousands of Illinoisans to work today in good-paying jobs. In a filing ComEd submitted with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on April 1, the utility announced that work under the 2011 Smart Grid law created more than 2,400 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois in 2012.
These include 785 direct and contractor full-time equivalent jobs, including positions at the utility and outside contractors, representing a broad range of functions required to build a 21st century electric grid, from construction, engineering and system design to administration. The utility’s $165 million in capital spending on grid modernization projects in 2012 created an estimated 1,700 induced jobs. The ripple effect has been especially strong in the Chicago area and provides benefits beyond the direct spend. ComEd’s work is also improving electric reliability, which supports business growth and development in our state.
However, as a result of the ICC’s interpretation of the Smart Grid law, ComEd has had to postpone deployment of additional job-creating initiatives, including the installation of smart meters, until 2015, unless key funding issues are resolved.
To continue creating jobs, ComEd needs to restore funding to its grid modernization program. Senate Bill 9, which awaits Governor Quinn’s signature, will address this issue and get grid modernization back on track.
* Apparently, the only people surprised by Robin Kelly’s huge win yesterday were those on the far right…
Although he lost a hard fought campaign to anti-gun, anti-Tea Party extremist Robin Kelly on Tuesday night, Republican Paul McKinley had a more than respectable showing in a race that was deemed a no contest for the Democrat Party by the Chicago Media months before the primary election.
In the heavily Democrat district, McKinley received 17,994 votes, 22 percent overall with 98.5 percent of precincts reporting, after running a campaign with less $13,000 and zero support from the Illinois or National Republican Party (RNC).
Despite a full-on assault from local media outlets, led by the Chicago Tribune’s Bill Ruthhart and Fox Chicago’s Mike Flannery, McKinley also won two out of the three counties in the second district—taking Will County 43 to 41 percent and smashed her by 10 points in Kankakee County, 50 percent to Kelly’s 40.
Sorry, but 22 percent is a thorough thumping.
And just for a bit of recent historical perspective, Republican Brian Woodworth got 23 percent against Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. last November. And Woodworth also won Kankakee and Will counties. However, both McKinley and Woodworth outperformed Mitt Romney, who got 18.5 percent last November.
Counties don’t vote. People do. McKinley never had a chance, except in the fevered imaginations of hyper-partisans.
Political newcomer Jason Ashmore unseated longtime Sesser Mayor Ned Mitchell in a hotly contested race Tuesday.
Ashmore, 36, won by a vote of 713 over the 448 cast for Mitchell, mayor of the Franklin County city since 1979.
Voter turnout was high with an estimated 75 to 80 percent of registered voters casting ballots.
“I want to thank Mayor Mitchell for his service to the city, and I want to thank the voters of Sesser for the confidence they placed in me,” Ashmore said. “I promise I will not violate that trust.”
Mitchell once served in the Illinois Senate. He is also a huge Grateful Dead fan. Yeah, I know. I was surprised to hear that as well.
Jesse White’s chief of staff Tom Benigno lost his bid for Norridge Village President Tuesday night.
With all 10 precincts reporting, James Chmura of the Norridge Improvement Party had 53 percent of the vote to Benigno’s 39 percent. A third candidate, Riccardo Mora had about 7 percent of vote. In all, 3,603 votes were cast in the Cook County suburb.
Casey Urlacher, brother of former Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher, was elected mayor of the small town of Mettawa, in Lake County, in his first run for public office. Urlacher earned 61 percent of the vote. His challenger, Jeffrey Clark, earned 39 percent.
Former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael lost his bid unseat the mayor of southwest suburban Romeoville. With all precincts reporting, incumbent Mayor John Noak received nearly 61 percent of the vote and McMichael received about 39 percent of the vote.
“I am honored that the people of Romeoville have placed their trust in me and our entire Romeoville United team for another four years,” Noak said in a victory statement.
Mother Wendy Casey and her son Randall Casey were both defeated in the race for Dixmoor village president by village trustee Dorothy Armstrong. Wendy Casey and Randall Casey each earned less than 10 percent of the 515 votes cast.
Also, my former intern Mike Murray lost his Schaumburg trustee race. Must’ve been that milk carton.
Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
The satellite television industry serves a crucial role in connecting Illinois to the rest of the world with content that informs, entertains and educates – in many instances it’s the exclusive broadcast service provider available to Illinois homes. In addition, the satellite TV industry is an important economic driver creating hundreds of jobs in our state.
Facts About Satellite TV in Illinois:
• Serves 1.3 million households in Illinois (almost a third of homes that subscribe choose satellite)
• Employs over 790 people, plus more than 1,000 technicians at 481 local retailers
• Rural Illinois depends on satellite TV since cable does not often provide service to their area
• Satellite TV offers a wider range of foreign language programming in comparison to cable
Lawmakers continue to be prodded by the cable TV industry to place a NEW 5% monthly tax on satellite TV service. Previous versions of this discriminatory tax proposal have been defeated in Springfield—and similar bills are regularly defeated in other states including three times in neighboring Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota. This revenue generator needs to be clearly labeled what it is: An unfair tax increase on the 1.3 million Illinois families and businesses who subscribe to satellite TV.
Though Lang’s bill, House Bill 1, is just a few votes shy of approval, he said there’s still 10 to 12 undecided lawmakers with whom he continues to have discussions.
“When you have a controversial bill like this, sometimes it’s a moving target,” Lang said of the votes needed for passage. “There will be people who are leaning ‘yes,’ and the next day, maybe not so much. And some that were leaning ‘no’ are with you the next day.”
* From the list I’ve seen, just about every freshman target is off the bill, so I’m not buying this “I’m thinking about it” schtick…
Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, said Tuesday she’s still undecided.
“This is one where I feel it’s kind of a social issue, so I don’t think my own personal opinion (is a factor). I’m not voting just on who I am. I’m voting for my constituents,” Scherer said. “I’m just trying to keep my ears open.”
She’s listening mainly to House Democratic staff, who are telling targets to vote “No.”
For four years now, State Representative Lou Lang has made it his mission to get medical marijuana passed in the state of Illinois, but with no success.
On Tuesday, he again asked lawmakers to pass medical marijuana for the ones who need it most, the patients.
“Nineteen other states permit the use of medical marijuana, some of these states have it done it real well,” Lang said to the media inside the Capitol Rotunda.
Skokie State Representative Lou Lang wants Illinois to become number twenty, and he said they will do it the right way.
“This is an opportunity without any cost to the taxpayers at all to allow people who need a product to get it,” added Lang.
Jim Champion, an Army veteran from Somonauk who was diagnosed 25 years ago with multiple sclerosis, said before he started smoking marijuana, he took 54 prescription pills a day, including morphine and Valium, yet still suffered muscle spasms.
He started smoking marijuana and has been able to reduce his prescription drugs to 24 pills a day.
Paul Bachmann, a Plano resident diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years ago, said even after taking several strong narcotics, Bachmann could not ease the pain and crippling muscle spasms that kept him up at night — until he tried medical marijuana.
Kali McCauley of Orland Hills was 13 when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disease that causes internal bleeding, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Now 22, she said she has run out of medications to try, but marijuana eases some of her symptoms.
Jessica Bauer, a 27-year-old from Rockford with terminal pancreatic cancer, said smoking marijuana helped her regain weight and enough energy to play with her 5-year-old daughter.
And they’re all criminals under Illinois state law and could go to prison for what they’re doing.
* Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago George J. Rassas headquarters in Libertyville, and his flock is within Rep. Ed Sullivan’s district. As you already know, Sullivan (R-Mundelein) has announced that he will vote for the gay marriage bill. Bishop Rassas issued a statement in response…
I was distressed and disappointed to read of Representative Ed Sullivan’s change of heart concerning the legislative effort in Springfield to redefine marriage. Representative Sullivan had indicated for some time that he understood the gravity of this issue and was prepared to oppose Senate Bill 10.
Senate Bill 10 proposes to legally alter an institution that has been the bedrock of human society for much longer than our state has been in existence. This bill would declare that gender and gender differences play no unique role in marriage and the family and thereby undermine the norms that have defined marriage (i.e. gender, procreation) throughout human history and that are essential for healthy families and the common good of society.
Representative Sullivan mistakenly claims that Senate Bill 10 contains strong religious freedom protections. In fact, the bill allows only meager protections for what happens within the walls of select religious facilities. It offers very limited protections to religiously affiliated nonprofits, which are extensions of religious missions, or to individual conscience – the right of any man or woman to live by their own religious beliefs in every avenue of life. Every state that has redefined marriage by legislation has offered greater religious liberty protections than does Senate Bill 10.
There can be no doubt that this issue of marriage and sexuality are controversial and sensitive. We must be careful to respect all of our neighbors and ensure that none are being unjustly discriminated against. However, that safeguard does not rationalize the redefinition of marriage and the family. It is simply wrong to say otherwise.
The first rule when negotiating legislation is to agree to not oppose the bill in the end. So, the Catholic Conference is basically forcing proponents to negotiate against themselves.
But as far as the Bishop’s statement about the bill offering only “meager protections” for what happens within church walls, here is the bill’s actual language…
That’s pretty strong stuff.
And what about how Illinois’ religious protections are supposedly weaker than every other state’s laws? Well, here is the relevant language in Illinois’ proposal…
There are some very real protections in that bill, including for groups “whose principal purpose is the study, practice, or advancement of religion.”
New York’s gay marriage law may make the protections a bit clearer…
But even with those protections, there was still a hue and cry from Catholic bishops…
The New York State Catholic Conference, led by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, stated to NBC News that it was “deeply disappointed and troubled” and that it will “alter radically and forever humanity’s historic understanding of marriage.
Sullivan, who is Catholic, told us yesterday that he knew political blow-back was coming. After all, Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady of St. Charles has faced possible ouster over taking the same stance.
* “This is the thing that keeps me awake at night,” Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Julie Hamos told Crain’s. What’s keeping her awake? The lack of doctors in the Medicaid program ahead of a big expansion…
Many physicians have historically shunned the program, in part because of its low fees. Roughly 16 percent of the state’s 47,000 doctors aren’t even signed up for Medicaid. Even among those who are, the overwhelming majority infrequently see patients, leaving the care concentrated in the hands of a few, according to a Crain’s analysis of payment records published last year. […]
While the influx of patients likely won’t be disruptive across the country, the shortage will be felt in areas with a large number of uninsured and few doctors to begin with, said Dr. Huang, director of the Center for Translational and Policy Research of Chronic Diseases at the University of Chicago.
* HFS has temporarily increased reimbursement rates, but that may not be enough…
Board-certified pediatricians, internists and family medicine practitioners are among those eligible for the higher fees, according to a March 4 notice published by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Physicians who aren’t certified in those specialties are also eligible if at least 60 percent of their annual billings are to Medicaid.
The temporary rate change makes Medicaid reimbursements equal to the higher fees paid by Medicare for about 180 billing codes for primary care services, such as vaccinations and check-ups, said Dr. Arvind Goyal, medical director for the HFS division of medical programs. Rates vary per service, and the increase only covers services rendered from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2014, when the higher rate is set to expire.
“I am not excited about this at all,” Quinn said about implementing concealed carry. “If this has to happen, it has to have the proper restrictions and limitations. … I think we should make sure it’s very tight and I think local communities, wherever they are, should have the option to make it as tight as possible in their community.”
The NRA’s Vandermyde predicted he could pass a bill to block Chicago, Cook County and bigger cities from enacting tighter restrictions than a statewide law. That would take 71 votes in the House, and a test run came close, garnering 67 votes.
Phelps said the practical reason to have a statewide set of concealed carry rules is so law-abiding gun owners can drive across Illinois without accidentally violating the laws of different communities while passing through.
House Majority Leader Currie, the longtime voice of the General Assembly’s anti-gun movement, doubted the House would give the NRA-backed legislation 71 votes — the expected requirement of a three-fifths majority needed for a statewide ban to supersede the home-rule powers of Chicago and other local governments.
“May” vs. “Shall” issue is one of the most important items on the agenda right now, to say the least. The NRA is adamant about a statewide standard. Democrats like Quinn are just as adamantly on the other side.
I wouldn’t make any definite plans for June just yet if I were you. There could be a veto if the GA and the governor wind up on opposing sides.
* Meanwhile, the Illinois State Rifle Association is still ginning up the troops…
URGENT ALERT – YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED
CHICAGO MACHINE MISREPRESENTS ISRA POSITION ON GUN CONTROL
The liars in Chicago City Hall are at it again. This time they are spreading misinformation claiming that the ISRA supports a very dangerous gun control bill.
WE NEED YOU TO HELP SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Anti-gun crackpot Rep. Michael Zalewski recently introduced HB 2265. This gun control bill would set mandatory 3-year jail terms for violating any gun control law. For example, forget to renew your FOID and you go to jail for 3 years. On the other hand, if you boost a liquor store with a knife, you might get a 6-month suspended sentence. You know what this is all about. You know this isn’t about crime – it’s about punishing lawful gun owners.
THE CHICAGO MACHINE IS LYING TO REPRESENTATIVES CLAIMING THAT THE ISRA SUPPORTS ZALEWSKI’S DRACONIAN GUN CONTROL BILL. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE LIE. THE ISRA STEADFASTLY OPPOSES HB2265.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO RIGHT THIS WRONG:
1. Call your State Representative. Politely tell the person who answers the phone that you are a law-abiding Illinois firearm owner and that you oppose HB2265. Tell them that you expect the Representative to vote “NO” on HB2265. Also tell the person that anyone who claims that the ISRA supports HB2265 is a liar. If you do not know who your state representative is, the Illinois State Board of Elections has a new interactive search page here:
www.elections.state.il.us/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx
If you know who your representative is, you can find their contact info here:
www.ilga.gov/house/.
2. Pass this alert on to your family and gun owning friends. Tell them to take action immediately.
3. Post this alert to any and all Internet Bulletin Boards or Blogs to which you belong.
REMEMBER – GUN CONTROL IS A DISEASE, YOU ARE THE CURE!
Zalewski is definitely an agressive gun control legislator. But a “crackpot”? Not.
