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Question of the day

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Your one-word thought about the immediate future of Illinois governance? Please keep it to one word only. And, of course, keep it clean. Thanks.

  211 Comments      


Ethics executive order coming today

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* I’m hoping to be at this event today, so check back

On his first full day on the job, Gov. Bruce Rauner is scheduled to sign an executive order on ethics.

Rauner made reference to the move in his inaugural address on Monday, saying the order would focus on the executive branch of government.

A notice from the governor’s office on Tuesday says the order is “focused on improving ethics and accountability in the executive branch of Illinois.”

These sorts of EOs are common with new governors. For instance, click here to see Blagojevich’s first batch of ethics orders, and click here to see Quinn’s.

* Meanwhile

Also on Tuesday, legislative leaders in both the Illinois House and Illinois Senate plan to meet for a leadership meeting in advance of the next general assembly being sworn in.

  32 Comments      


New appointments announced

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Gov. Bruce Rauner has named Ngozi Okorafor as the acting director of CMS. Okorafor, a Nigerian-American woman, has worked at CMS for quite some time and is an accomplished attorney who won a “40 under 40″ award from Crain’s a few years back.

This should be a pretty easy confirmation process. Senate President John Cullerton has been a past supporter. “She’s a perfect bridge builder” between Rauner and the Democratic leadership, said one ally today. She also has a reputation in government as very tough-minded. This isn’t some GOP window dressing move.

* Also

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees is expected to choose a new chairman Thursday for the first time in six years, though two of its seats could be empty.

Edward McMillan, a Republican who was reappointed to another term over the weekend by Gov. Bruce Rauner, will likely be named chairman Thursday when the board holds its annual election of officers in Chicago, according to current Chairman Chris Kennedy.

Kennedy, who will not be in attendance, told The News-Gazette he’d spoken with other trustees and “it seems like there’s unanimous support for Ed’s leadership.”

* Meanwhile, Treasurer Mike Frerichs announced his top staffers today…

Jay Rowell, Deputy Treasurer
Jay Rowell previously served as director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). In that role, he oversaw nearly 1,900 employees and nearly $8 billion in unemployment insurance payments. His efforts identified and reduced improper payments by nearly a half billion dollars as he lead the transition of IDES to an employment-focused agency. Rowell’s experience also includes the political director for the Illinois Senate Democrats and other positions with the State of Illinois and City of Chicago. Rowell graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Justin Cajindos, Chief of Staff
Justin Cajindos formerly served as deputy chief of staff in the Office of the Governor, overseeing eight state agencies with a total of 4,000 employees. In this role, Cajindos was a policy advisor for environment, energy and agriculture. His prior experience in federal and state government includes positions as an aide to U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin and as chief of staff to state Senator Michael W. Frerichs. Cajindos is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Catherine Shannon, Director of Legislative Affairs
Catherine Shannon previously served as deputy director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. She managed a state agency responsible for 56 state historic sites, 180 employees and an annual operating budget of $24 million. Shannon is a former director of the Illinois Department of Labor. She also served as the legislative director for Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois AFL-CIO. Shannon began her legislative work more than 25 years ago on the research/appropriations staff for the Illinois House of Representatives, Office of the Speaker. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Rodrigo Garcia, Chief Investment Officer
Garcia previously served as acting director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). In that role, he oversaw nearly 1,400 employes and a $150 million budget. His efforts led to: the design of the $70.5 million Chicago Veterans Home; implementation of results-based budgeting systems; and transformation of IDVA’s aging technology and operational infrastructure that, in aggregate, resulted in tens of millions in new revenue and cost efficiencies. Garcia also worked in bank supervision and regulation at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and in global wealth management at Morgan Stanley & Co. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps with three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He graduated summa cum laude with graduate degrees with a focus on public policy and finance from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He recently completed Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Keith Horton, General Counsel
Keith Horton previously was deputy general counsel for the Office of the Governor. In that role, he managed or served as the liaison to the chief legal counsels of more than 20 state agencies, boards and commissions, including the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Finance Authority. Horton previously served as deputy general counsel of the Capital Development Board and worked in private practice for two large law firms in Chicago. Horton graduated from Yale University with a degree in economics. He earned his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Elder Law Journal.

Paris Ervin, Director of Communications
Paris Ervin previously was the bureau chief of communications at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). She served as the spokeswoman, led a team of community relations managers and guided multimillion-dollar media contracts promoting traffic safety. Ervin is a former WICS-TV reporter who graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield with a Bachelor of Arts in communications. She graduates this May with a master’s degree in public administration.

Julian Federle, Chief of Policy and Programs
Julian Federle previously was a deputy director at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). At IDES, Federle managed the day-to-day operations of the agency’s re-employment programs as well as the administration of unemployment insurance benefits. Federle reshaped the agency’s service delivery model, saving the state money, while expanding services and decreasing fraud. He attended Columbia University in Chicago.

Zach Koutsky, Senior Advisor to the Treasurer
Zach Koutsky was Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs’ campaign manager and deputy director to the treasurer’s Transition Committee. Koutsky previously served as the chief of staff for Frerichs’ state senate office and has worked for non-profits and political campaigns in nine states. Koutsky earned a master’s degree in urban planning and policy with a concentration in economic development from the University of Illinois Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University.

Charise Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civic Engagement
Charise Williams previously served as director of community relations for Oak Street Health. She oversaw the outreach and implementation of four community-based, senior care clinics. Under Williams’ leadership, the outreach team acquired hundreds of new patients, which grossed more than $1.2 million in six months. She earned her master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy.

Dave Clarkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of Public Affairs
Dave Clarkin has nearly 20 years of public affairs experience in communications, marketing, legislative policy and community outreach. Clarkin served as deputy director of communications and senior policy advisor for the Department of Children and Family Services, leading all communications and helping develop the agency’s strategic performance plan. Clarkin began his career in state government with the Illinois House of Representatives where he shaped technology policy and appropriations for health care and human services totaling more than $7 billion annually. An Edwardsville native, Clarkin earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Sarah Ryan – Director of Scheduling & Special Events
Sarah Ryan spent five years as the Office Manager and later Operations Director for U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin. She graduated from DePaul University.

Discuss.

  47 Comments      


Lang worried that Quinn has doomed med-mar

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Let’s hope Rep. Lou Lang’s prediction that former Gov. Pat Quinn doomed the medical marijuana program by not issuing licenses for growers and distributors turns out to be inaccurate

The recommendations for the licenses had reached Quinn’s desk, Rep. Lou Lang said. But the ex-governor has not explained why he left office without acting on them. The applicants paid thousands of dollars in fees totaling $5 million, Lang said.

“This single failure may doom the medical cannabis program,” Lang said. “This single failure said to all of those folks that made applications to be cultivators or dispensary owners that, ‘We took your $5 million dollars but we’ll get to you when we feel like it.’”

Lang said applicants might take the state to court to recover their money. Also left in a lurch are cancer, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy patients waiting to seek treatment through the program.

“Some very sick people were hurt yesterday,” Lang said. “And some very innocent people were hurt yesterday. And some very innocent families were hurt yesterday. From a person who has spent his life talking about healthcare.”

* More

Lang said even if the licenses for growers and distributors were awarded tomorrow, it would still only leave around 2 1/2 years for the program. Once the licenses are issued, it would take at least four to six months for the first crop to be ready for sale. The legislation did not include a specific timeline for issuing licenses.

“This single failure may doom the medical cannabis program,” Lang said. “This single failure said to all of those folks that made applications to be cultivators or dispensary owners that we took your $5 million but we’ll get to you when we feel like it.”

He said he was considering introducing legislation to start a new timeline for the program from when it is actually implemented. […]

Lang said he intended to open a dialogue with the new governor. He plans to contact Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, who split with Rauner during the campaign and said she supported medical marijuana. Lang said he hoped Rauner wouldn’t start the application process over with his own staff at the helm.

Unless something dramatic emerges to justify Quinn’s punt, this inaction by the former governor was an inexcusable cowardly act. And, sorry, but I don’t buy this

Quinn spokesman Brooke Anderson disputed that, insisting that the only reason he balked in the waning hours of his administration was that the heavy lifting on vetting the applicants was not complete.

“There was more work to do,” she said. “Agency officials were rushing to get the work completed.”

You can watch Lang’s full press conference by clicking here.

  28 Comments      


Today’s video

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* When Mrs. Rauner presented the bible for her husband’s swearing in, the incoming governor started to put his right hand on the good book, then withdrew it.

“Raise your right hand,” said the judge who swore in Bruce Rauner yesterday. Rauner started to haltingly move his right hand. “Put your hand on the bible,” the judge said. Rauner then put his right hand on the bible, and kept his left hand at his side. “Raise your right hand,” the judge politely said again. Rauner raised his left hand

He must’ve really been nervous. Or he’s dyslexic.

Not that this was an Earth-shattering moment or anything, but I bet I received ten text messages when it happened yesterday.

  37 Comments      


Rauner’s “spending freeze”

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* AP

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner moved quickly to address Illinois’ budget mess Monday, taking the oath of office and then ordering state agencies to immediately freeze all nonessential spending.

* React

Some Democrats who attended the inauguration said they want to see how Rauner determines just what is non-essential state spending.

“I think most people would say we tried to pass a lean-and-mean budget and that every bit in the budget is essential,” said Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie. “The governor may have one point of view, but the people who have been working in state agencies over a number of years and the legislature might have another point of view.”

And

To make a point, Rauner announced a freeze on all nonessential state spending, an order that had Senate President John Cullerton hooting in derision.

“I don’t know exactly what that means and I don’t know if he does either. But it sounds great,” the veteran Democrat said.

* Rauner’s press release explains

Executive Order 15-08 requires every executive branch agency to report to the Governor’s Office of Management & Budget (GOMB) to identify every contract awarded or entered into by a state agency on or after November 1, 2014, and every hiring decision taken by agencies on or after November 1, 2014.

All agencies are further ordered, until July 1, 2015, to halt the awarding, entering into, amending or renewing of state contracts and grants. Exceptions are made for contracts required by law, emergency expenditures, small purchases, and essential operations.

Major interstate construction projects which have not commenced will be reviewed.

The governor also instructed agencies to manage existing resources by halting the sale/lease of motor vehicles, stopping out-of-state travel, and limiting in-state travel.

Executive Order 15-08 further instructs Central Management Services (CMS) to identify surplus property for auction in compliance with state law. Further, GOMB and CMS will review all property owned or leased by the state and develop a strategy for consolidation and relocation of offices.

Finally, the governor ordered all agencies to reduce energy consumption and spending on energy, including reducing heating, air conditioning, and lighting usage when facilities are not in use.

That line about “major interstate construction projects” appears to be aimed at the controversial Illiana Expressway.

  92 Comments      


Rauner reverts to primary rhetoric

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From Bruce Rauner’s inaugural address…

Our state’s crisis is not only financial. We have a MORAL crisis, an ETHICAL crisis as well. We have a state government that too few have faith in; that lack of faith is JUSTIFIED, and undermines people’s willingness to sacrifice and help the government in its mission.

Illinoisans see insider deals and cronyism rewarded.

They see lobbyists writing bills for special interests and taxpayers being left with the tab.

They see government union bosses negotiating sweetheart deals across the table from governors they’ve spent tens of millions to help elect.

It’s a corrupt bargain and the people of Illinois are left to wonder where they fit in. Who’s looking out for them and their families?

Taxpayers’ money belongs to them; not the government. We have a moral obligation to minimize how much we take and to ensure what we do take is spent efficiently and effectively

Rauner didn’t mention “union bosses” very often during the general election. He all but dropped the phrase after the GOP primary.

* Some folks weren’t amused at the reappearance

In response, Democrat Terry Link said, “I was upset by that. I didn’t applaud either. I don’t think it’s corrupt.”

However, some Springfield Republicans called the description perfectly accurate. While it may be legal for Illinois’ big public employee unions to try to control state government, GOP legislators said it was morally corrupt and hurt taxpayers. They’re expecting a huge battle once Rauner unveils his budget proposals next month.

“When the budget’s released in February, it’s going to be difficult. There’s no question about that,” said Republican State Senator Sue Rezin.

  68 Comments      


Starting on the right foot

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* SJ-R

Gov. Bruce Rauner might have called for “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action” during his inauguration Monday, but he finished off the night asking, “How Do You Like Me Now?”

While many governors tend to settle for fancy dinners and cocktail hours, Rauner opted for a Toby Keith concert at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, featuring the country superstar’s afore-mentioned songs.

Keith started his set at 10:30 p.m. He played two songs before bringing Rauner and his wife Diana to the stage at 10:40 p.m. They shared their first dance as governor and first lady to “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This.”

Toby was his usual awesome. Man, what a performance.

* And here’s the dance, courtesy of BlueRoomStream.com

* The Boat Drink Caucus was in fine form last night. Best show they’ve ever done

Opening the concert was the Boat Drink Caucus, a band of lawmakers who play Jimmy Buffett cover songs and others classics, though they’re used to more low-key appearances at Springfield taverns. Their slogan for the night was “practicing in public.”

In a nod to the tough road ahead for the new governor as he inherits a state mired in debt, the group played a well-known standard from the Rolling Stones, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

They also were joined by Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison, who sang Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.”

* Related…

* Well wishers greet Rauners, looking for hope, happiness and history

* Rauner gets hug from Madigan — Lisa, that is

  40 Comments      


Quinn issues executive orders on minimum wage, tax returns while Rauner rescinds appointments

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Tribune

In an eleventh-hour flurry Monday in Chicago, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn signed a few final bills into law, appointed friends to ceremonial posts and laid a series of political traps for incoming Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Quinn also maintained his pace of working through a large backlog of clemency petitions. But his swipes at Rauner with several executive orders on the rookie governor’s first day overshadowed the other actions — and showed just how sore Quinn remains from the bruising 2014 campaign.

Quinn, who waged a class warfare theme in his failed re-election bid, took direct aim at the refusal of the wealthy private equity executive to release his full set of income tax returns during their race. Quinn issued an executive order requiring governors to make available for public inspection individual income tax returns on or before May 1 each year.

He also issued an order to require state contractors pay at least $10 an hour — a nod to his failed quest to raise the statewide minimum wage.

The executive order is here.

* Sun-Times

On Monday, some actions appeared directly tied to a bitter loss to his political rival.

One of Quinn’s executive orders would force future governors to make public all tax information, including supporting documents and schedules. That was an issue in the campaign as Quinn attempted to portray Rauner, a wealthy venture capitalist, as a bloodless multimillionaire who was hiding possible conflicts of interest. Rauner refused to release accompanying schedules showing details at how he paid his taxes.

As governor, Rauner would have the power to undo the order; however, it could bring political blowback and raise transparency questions.

That executive order is here.

* Rauner, however, rescinded two of Quinn’s appointments from yesterday. James Anderson’s appointment to the Civil Service Commission and former state Rep. Kim dd Buclet’s appointment to the Chicago State University Board were both withdrawn today.

…Adding… Rauner is rescinding all of Quinn’s appointments that require Senate confirmation.

  75 Comments      


« NEWER POSTS PREVIOUS POSTS »
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup
* Showcasing The Retailers Who Make Illinois Work
* That's really good advice, so why won't you take it?
* DOJ sues Illinois, Chicago over immigration enforcement (Updated x4)
* Um, what?
* It’s just a bill (Updated)
* Some react to US Transportation Secretary's directive tying funding to birth and marriage rates
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and more news (Updated)
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