* 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.
* Illinois State University is looking for a new president, and some are wondering if it’s a coincidence that Gov. Pat Quinn is now tinkering with ISU’s board of trustees…
Gov. Pat Quinn has taken steps to boot at least one Republican — and possibly a second — off the governing board at Illinois State University just weeks after triggering a political slugfest over Southern Illinois University trustees.
On Monday, the Democrat from Chicago nominated Barlett resident Bob Churney to replace Bloomington businessman Bob Dobski on the ISU board. The terms of Dobski and Joanne Maitland, the longest-serving trustee, officially ended in January.
Under a state law that took effect last year, their positions became vacant when Quinn took no action within 60 days of their term’s expiration. There was no indication Monday whether Maitland will be reappointed.
Joanne Maitland is former Sen. John Maitland’s wife. Not a good move by the governor. Quinn’s spokesman totally denies any ulterior motives, but…
State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, called the situation unfortunate and disappointing.
“I’m appalled at the fact he would do this and I’m appalled at how he’s done this,” said Brady, Quinn’s opponent in the 2010 gubernatorial battle. “It’s disappointing. I couldn’t thank Bob Dobski and Joanne Maitland more for their service to their ISU board.”
If he used half the energy he’s expended on university boards and applied it to something positive at the Statehouse, the governor might actually be able to get something done in the General Assembly.
* Meanwhile, the plaintiffs and the state have both asked the Illinois Supreme Court to hear a direct appeal of a county judge’s ruling on the constitutionality of cutting government health insurance benefits…
Illinois officials have agreed to ask the state Supreme Court to directly hear the appeal of cases challenging the state’s authority to begin charging retirees premiums for their state-subsidized health insurance.
If the Supreme Court agrees, it will lead to a quicker resolution of whether the state can begin charging the premiums.
Last month, Sangamon County Judge Steven Nardulli ruled that state-subsidized health insurance for retirees is not a pension benefit protected by the state Constitution. He dismissed four lawsuits that were filed seeking to stop the state from imposing insurance premiums on retirees.
Springfield attorneys Don Craven and John Myers, who filed one of the lawsuits, appealed the decision to the 4th District Appellate Court. However, they also filed a request to the Supreme Court to hear the appeal directly, bypassing the appellate court. Craven said Monday the case was likely going to end up with the Supreme Court at some point anyway.
The FY 14 certified contribution appropriation for the five retirement systems is a combined $6.8 billion. This is an increase of $965 million, or 16.4% compared to the current fiscal year. Under current law, estimated payments in fiscal years
2015 and 2016 are $7.0 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively. The FY 15 estimated payment is an increase of $200 million, or 3% over FY 14. The increase in FY 16 is an additional $204.7 million (3%).
The future amounts aren’t as huge as they have been, but that’s still a lot of cash.
* Roundup…
* Cahokia looking at teacher, athletics cuts: A southwestern Illinois school district is blaming cuts in state funding for its tentative plan to eliminate dozens of teaching jobs and go next school year without an athletics director, coaches or extracurricular activities.
* New name emerges in Illinois Treasurer race: Carter describes himself as a “conservative media pundit and entrepreneur” who was raised in Chicago, went abroad and returned.
* Jackson Successor, Former Bear McMichael, Urlacher Brother On Ballot Today
The exact cost of HB 2762 is impossible to determine. Additional students means the cost of General State Aid will increase. However, the Illinois State Board of Education is unsure of the exact number of students who will be impacted by lowering the compulsory attendance age from 7 to 6, nor does the ISBE know which districts will see an increase in the number of students as a result of this legislation or if those children will be low-income students, which increases the cost of the poverty claim for the district.
* The Question: Should the compulsory school age be lowered from 7 to 6? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
A memorial service for Dawn Clark Netsch, professor of law emerita, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13 in Thorne Auditorium, Northwestern University School of Law, 375 E. Chicago Ave., in Chicago. The service is open to the public. A reception will be held in the Atrium immediately following the service.
Donation info is here. Northwestern has set up a “guest book” here.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel had some big shoes to fill when he took over for Mayor Richard M. Daley when he was inaugurated as mayor in May 2011. But according to a study released by the University of Illinois-Chicago, the City Council has been more compliant with Rahm in his first two years than they were with Richard J. Daley during his first two years in office and more than Richard M. Daley had in his final two years in office. Dick Simpson, a political science professor at UIC and a former alderman (44th ward, 1971-1979), headed the study which looked at “30 divided roll call votes since the current City Council began in May, 2011.” (Grain of salt #1: even just one alderman dissenting is enough to categorize a vote as a “divided roll call.”)
Per a press release on the study: “According to the study, 21 aldermen voted to support Mayor Emanuel’s position 100% of the time and 18 aldermen voted with him over 90% of the time. Only seven of the 30 issues drew six or more dissenting votes.” The study follows up that the issue with the most dissent was Mayor Emanuel’s proposal to put cameras in “Children Safety Zones” around schools. That vote had 33 vote in favor and 14 dissent (three voted absent).
The study continues: “The average level of support for Mayor Emanuel was 93% on all divided roll call votes, an increase from the overwhelming 88% Richard M. Daley enjoyed in his last term. It was also greater than the 83% achieved by Richard J. Daley in his first two years in office, 1955-56, or the 85% support the ‘Boss’ received in 1971-72. Emanuel even topped Mayor Edward J. Kelly’s 88% support earned in 1939-40.”
Aldermen claim that they voted more often with the mayor because Mayor Emanuel was more willing to compromise with them than Mayor Daley had been. When aldermen pushed back on cuts to staff and library service hours in the 2012 budget battles, the mayor agreed to reduce the cuts. Or when the rules for NATO Summit protests were too draconian and aldermen objected, the mayor made the rules less restrictive. So some aldermen argue that they vote with the mayor more often because they are able to work out compromises behind the scenes.
Yet, in two years since the mayor and the city council were sworn in, there have been only 30 divided roll call votes. The number remains at about the same level as under Mayor Daley at about two a month. Historically, the number of divided roll call votes has ranged between 50-100 a year and peaked at 387 divided votes during Mayor Eugene Sawyer’s two years in office during the chaos that which followed Council Wars from 1987 – 1989.
* My former intern Mike Murray is running for Schaumburg Township trustee. The Schaumburg Township Republican Organization sent out a mailer with Mike’s photo on a milk carton…
Well, yeah. He’s not a trustee, so of course he isn’t in the public records.
Kind of a lame attack if you ask me. I mean, sheesh, the local GOP should’ve just called me if they wanted some opposition research.
Just kidding.
Mostly.
Also, they have his name as Mike Murray and Mike Murphy. Proofread much?
* The comments on GOP state Rep. Ed Sullivan’s Facebook page have been overwhelmingly positive since he announced he was voting for the gay marriage bill. But, there’s always one goofball in the bunch…
Notice that Mr. Badenorst “liked” his own comment. I don’t get why people do that.
Hyperpartisans make me ill. The guy is with you. Get over yourself.
Also, keep in mind that the entire nation is being moved to support gay rights as more gay people have come out of the closet. So, that commenter’s “logic” (which some national Democratic pundit types have also been using) isn’t just an indictment of Republicans, it’s an indictment of the majority of Americans.
With the Illinois state Legislature set to return from recess, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today reiterated its pledge to spend $250,000 defeating Republican legislators who vote in support of same-sex ‘marriage’ in Illinois, just like NOM successfully did in New York.
“Any Republican in Illinois who betrays the cause of marriage will be casting a career-ending vote and will be held accountable to their constituents,” said Brian Brown, NOM’s president. “We will spend whatever it takes—hundreds of thousands of dollars if necessary—to remove them from office, just as we did three of the four turncoat Republican state Senators in New York who were responsible for gay ‘marriage’ passing there. We will not hesitate to support pro-family Democrats to replace them, as our record in New York proves.”
In New York, same-sex marriage narrowly passed the state senate after four Republicans and two Democrats changed their votes in response to promises of campaign cash from gay marriage activists. NOM targeted all seven for defeat, and was successful in removing five of them, replacing them in 2012 with pro-family Senators. As numerous media have reported, including the New York Times, three of the four Republicans were removed from office despite promises by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and gay-rights advocates to do everything in their power to protect them against political retribution. (”Costly Toll for Republicans Who Voted for Gay Marriage”).
In addition to supporting challengers to the four Republicans, NOM also supported pro-family Democrats, helping to re-elect Senator Ruben Diaz and electing a pro-marriage Democrat to unseat Senator Shirley Huntley in the Democratic primary. “Marriage is not a partisan issue,” Brown said. “We will stand with pro-family legislators regardless of party affiliation when they stand up for true marriage.”
I’ve asked NOM for a specific react to Rep. Sullivan’s announcement. Stay tuned.
* Coverage roundup…
* VIDEO: Illinois Republican lawmaker supports gay marriage
* National prognosticators are saying that Gov. Pat Quinn is favored to win reelection. From the New York Times’ FiveThirtyEight blog…
Although Mr. Quinn is the second most unpopular governor up for re-election in 2014, he is a Democrat in deep blue Illinois. If he runs, he is still considered a favorite to win re-election: the Cook Political Report, Sabato’s Crystal Ball and The Rothenberg Political Report rate the Illinois governor’s race, respectively, as leaning Democratic, likely Democratic and likely Democratic.
Despite Quinn’s terrible approval ratings, this is still a Democratic-leaning state. And 2014 doesn’t yet appear to be shaping up to be as horrible of a year for that party as 2010 was. So, those ratings are understandable.
Notice, however, that this is about a Democrat vs. a Republican. If Quinn is challenged in the primary, then all bets are off.
Tuesday, Apr 9, 2013 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
If passed, the Natural Gas Modernization, Public Safety and Jobs Bill (SB 1665/HB 2414) will:
• Provide Illinoisans with a more reliable, modern natural gas distribution system and reduce the adverse effects of pipe failures or gas leaks;
• Save customers money through new efficiencies in system operations and maintenance, including a reduction in repair costs and the need for repeat visits;
• Protect over 1,000 Illinois jobs;
• Boost our economy. Peoples Gas’ modernization program is expected to directly invest approximately $2.5 billion into the economy over ten years, which is anticipated to generate an additional $3.7 billion into the Illinois economy; and,
• Deliver environmental benefits to Illinois through a reduced release of greenhouse gas emissions. By upgrading and replacing around 1,000 miles of mains, Peoples Gas will reduce methane emissions by the equivalent of about 96,250 metric tons of CO2e, which is comparable to taking around 19,000 cars off the road, once the project is completed.
Illinois needs to invest in our natural gas infrastructure, but our state needs to enact a sound regulatory framework that gives utilities the certainty to invest.
