Question of the day
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Dave Kindred…
Morton High School’s little All-State guard, Chandler Ryan, had a plan for Gov. Bruce Rauner.
“Think we can get him to do it with us?” she said to a Lady Potters’ assistant coach, Rodney Knuppel.
“We can try,” the coach said, and he then proposed the idea to the governor, who asked only, “With what eye?”
And so it happened that Rauner likely became the first governor in Illinois history to pose for a photo-op doing what basketball players call a “3 goggles” or “goose eye.” It’s basically an OK sign around an eye, with three fingers extended, a piece of silent in-game swagger following a 3-point shot.
Largely because Ryan and all the Lady Potters were so good with 3-pointers during the 2014-15 season, they became state champions — the first small-town public school ever to win the girls 3A title. In recognition of that accomplishment, they were invited to the state Capitol.
* The governor’s office graciously complied with my pleading for the photo…
The thing I most like about Rauner and his people is they have a sense of humor about themselves.
* The Question: Caption?
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Damaged goods? - And a campaign roundup
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Greg Hinz reports that Chicago Urban League President and CEO Andrea Zopp is seriously considering a US Senate bid…
In an interview, Zopp, 57, says she’s “seriously considering the race” and believes she’d be “a strong candidate.”
“I think the interest of the community I represent needs to be represented in this race,” says Zopp, who is African-American. “I have a history in the private sector that’s unique in this field,” she adds, referring to her background as the top aide to Cook County State’s Attorney Jack O’Malley when he ran the prosecutor’s office, and later as an exec at Exelon, Sears and Sara Lee. “I think my perspective is different and broader than Ms. Duckworth’s.”
Zopp confirms that she’s begun talking with possible pollsters, managers and other campaign types. She certainly has a big backer in Bill Daley, the former U.S. commerce secretary.
* But…
Team Duckworth seems concerned enough that bits of potential dirt on Zopp have begun to circulate. Such as her votes as a member of the Chicago Board of Education to close 50 schools and to approve that controversial $20.5 million no-bid contract to Supes Academy that’s now under federal probe.
* She worked for Exelon? The company that wants a state bailout?
She voted for the no-bid Supes Academy contract? The same contract which was suspended today and has FBI agents scurrying all over the place?
She voted to shut down 50 schools? I’m sure the CTU will love that one.
And she’s backed by a Daley?
* Friends, we have what is known in the trade as a “Superfecta.” She’d probably better wait a while before she announces because doing so in the midst of all the current negative publicity about Exelon, Supes and the lingering Daley fiscal hangover could be quite a spectacle.
…Adding… More from Greg…
Duckworth has introduced legislation to end the congressional franking privilege, saying that doing so will “hold Congress to the same standards as our constituents.” The franking privilege allows members of Congress to send mail to constituents postage-free.
From Sen. Mark Kirk’s campaign…
In 2014, Rep. Duckworth Introduced A Bill To Eliminate Congressional Mail Franking. “Today, U.S. Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA-07) and U.S. Representative Tammy Duckworth (D-IL-08) introduced H.R. 4872, the “Ending Special Mail Privileges for Congress Act of 2014.” This bipartisan legislation repeals an antiquated federal law, known as the Franking privilege, that allows Members of Congress to use their signature in the corner of an envelope as postage and exempts Congress from the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) prepayment requirement. Though originally adopted by the Continental Congress in 1775, the Franking privilege still allows Congressional offices to send millions of dollars’ worth of mail through the USPS each year without first paying for the postage.” (Rep. Tammy Duckworth, “Reps. Woodall And Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Eliminate Congressional Perk,” Press Release, 6/19/2014)
Duckworth Said Members Of Congress Needed To Lead By Example By Removing The Franking Privilege. “As members of Congress, we lead by example,” Duckworth said in a statement. “With so many working families out there trying to make ends meet, it’s important that we meet the same obligations that our neighbors meet. Removing the franking privilege for Congress is a small step we can take to show the American people we are here to work for them.” (Rep. Tammy Duckworth, “Reps. Woodall And Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Eliminate Congressional Perk,” Press Release, 6/19/2014)
But Duckworth Has Spent $37,924.71 Of Taxpayer Dollars On Mail Franking After Her Bill Was Introduced In 2014. (Statement Of Disbursements Of The House, Accessed 4/21/2015)
In 2015, Duckworth Reintroduced The Bill To Eliminate Franking Mail. “The bill, introduced by Reps. Rob Woodall (R-Ga.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), would repeal the privilege, which allows lawmakers to use their signatures on envelopes in lieu of postage.” (Cristina Marcos, “Bill would eliminate lawmakers’ ‘freemail,’” The Hill, 4/20/2015)
Since Duckworth Became A Member Of Congress At The Beginning Of 2013, Her Office Has Spent $55,087.22 Of Taxpayer Dollars On Mail Franking.(Statement Of Disbursements Of The House, Accessed 4/21/2015)
* In other campaign news…
State lawmakers are trying to help county clerks cope with a new voter registration law for the upcoming special election for former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s seat in Congress. […]
Clerks in the 19-county district earlier said they would have trouble complying with a new law requiring same-day voter registration that goes into effect June 1. When the law was signed, clerks believed the first election they’d have to be ready for wouldn’t occur until March 2016.
But then Schock, under siege for lavish spending on office decor and travel, resigned, triggering a special election.
Not only did that set up a scramble among candidates seeking to replace him, but it also sent clerks scrambling to find money to upgrade computers and train judges on how to handle registering voters at polling places.
Some area legislators are drafting legislation to postpone the requirements, but that needs to be done very soon.
…Adding More… I think we’re going to see lots more candidates coming out of the woodwork…
Sneed has learned Kimberly Foxx, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s chief of staff, plans to form an exploratory committee to run against Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez . . . her former boss.
“Kim is definitely in,” said a top Sneed source who is this/close to Foxx, an attorney favoring the criminal justice agenda of Preckwinkle — who has been critical of how Alvarez runs her office. […]
“Kim has had conversations with several elected officials and community leaders about making a bid for state’s attorney and they’ve encouraged her to run,” said the Foxx source.
Foxx will likely step down from her job in the fall so she can run for state’s attorney full time, the source said. Look for a formal announcement post Labor Day.
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Today’s number: $1.6 billion
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I kinda get a kick out it when CapitolFax.com advertisers pummel each other…
A plan to financially reward Exelon Corp. for producing no-carbon energy and potentially save three Illinois nuclear plants from closure would cost ratepayers $1.6 billion over five years and strain budgets for financially strapped businesses and municipal governments, a study released Tuesday found. […]
Consumers would have to pony up more for electric bills and face higher tax bills from local governments absorbing higher costs, BEST Coalition Director Dave Lundy, accompanied by representatives of AARP, told a state Capitol news conference. […]
Exelon wants its Illinois distributors ComEd and Ameren to buy clean-energy “credits”— subsidies — as an incentive similar to perks granted to solar and wind power and other clean-energy producers. Without the help, Exelon says it might have to close nuclear plants in Byron, the Quad Cities and Clinton. […]
Exelon spokesman Paul Elsberg said the company hadn’t reviewed the study, but pointed to a state-commissioned review issued in January that determined if the three nuclear plants closed, it would cost Illinois up to $1.8 billion a year in economic activity, 8,000 jobs, and more than $1 billion in adverse economic and environmental costs, higher energy prices and new transmission lines. A decision to close the plants would dwarf the cost of the incentive, Elsberg said.
* Tribune…
Chicago Public Schools would pay nearly $7 million more, while the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District would see another $8.3 million on its electricity bills over the 5-1/2 years the proposed measure would be in force, the study said. […]
Employing usage data from a 2012 Exelon-funded study in opposition to a proposed coal gasification power plant downstate, Kestler applied the potential impact of the low-carbon legislation on a number of governmental agencies and municipalities over the lifetime of the measure.
Electric bills would go up $3.3 million for Cook County, $6.8 million for the state of Illinois and $5.4 million for the CTA, the study showed.
“These are huge dollar figures at a time when every single entity of government is struggling just to balance its books now,” Lundy said.
Chicago-based Exelon had a net income of $1.62 billion on revenue of $27.4 billion last year. That is down from a net income of $1.72 billion in 2013.
…Adding… From a press release…
Today hundreds of Illinoisans rallied for clean energy and climate action at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. The citizens were joined at the rally by many legislators who are co-sponsoring the bipartisan Illinois Clean Jobs Bill (HB 2607/SB1485).
Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Clean Power Plan, giving states the opportunity to create plans to cut carbon pollution and grow clean energy jobs. With energy policy taking center stage this year in the General Assembly, the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill has emerged as the only bill that can protect the consumers and the environment while creating an estimated 32,000 jobs annually.
“The Illinois Clean Jobs bill has the most grassroots and legislative support of any energy-related bill pending in the General Assembly this year,” said State Senator Don Harmon. “And the news for consumers and clean energy keeps getting better: the state’s leading watchdog for utility customers - Citizen’s Utility Board - found that the Illinois Clean Jobs bill will save people a total $1.6 billion by 2030.”
The Illinois Clean Jobs Bill will strengthen policies to ramp up renewable energy like wind and solar to 35 percent by 2030 and cut energy use through efficiency by 20 percent by 2025. These efforts will save consumers money while bringing clean energy investment to new communities to strengthen local tax bases and create family-sustaining jobs.
“When we talk about power, it’s more than solar power or wind power,” said Pastor Booker Vance of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church and Faith in Place. “It’s about empowering people and empowering families. That’s why we must raise our voices not simply today—but every single day until the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill becomes law.”
I support the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill because I see it as an unprecedented opportunity to address the needs of the Illinois economy, a top priority for the people I represent in Central Illinois,” said State Senator Dave Koehler. “The Illinois Clean Jobs Bill also benefits the environment and the legacy we pass down to our children and grandchildren.”
Last week, two leading organizations - Citizens Utility Board and Union of Concerned Scientists - independently concluded that the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill would save customers billions of dollars, in stark contrast to two other pieces of energy-related legislation now pending in Springfield. As the state’s leading utility watchdog said this week, the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill is the only piece of legislation that would lead to customer savings.
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ISP steak dinner incentive exposed, trashed
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Oops…
Inspect the most commercial trucks. Win a steak dinner.
That was a contest apparently put in place by an Illinois State Police safety educational officer based in Ullin — who inadvertently sent the email announcing the winning squad meant for his colleagues to media contacts late this week.
Trooper Greg Miller from downstate District 22, who sent the email, followed up with one asking media representatives to disregard his message. Attempts to reach him about the steak dinner reward initiative were unsuccessful.
His email stated, “I know this contest was a little painful for some of you to participate in since not everyone likes doing trucks. I want to thank everyone who put forth an effort to participate and help with your squad totals.”
The email goes on to congratulate Squad A on its win, and says, “There will be more contests throughout the year covering different activity categories.”
* The Southern followed up with an editorial…
District 22’s incentive program flirts with everything wrong with the now-banned quota system. […]
Every job has duties that are less enjoyable than others. And, as Miller’s email suggests, inspecting a tractor trailer isn’t atop most troopers’ list of preferred activities. As ISP has previously noted, truck inspections can make the highways a little safer.
But, as bill proponents in the General Assembly noted this past year, stuffing state coffers was outstripping “protect and serve.” Few things undermine the public trust more than people believing they are getting bilked.
The police aren’t to blame for quota systems instituted over the past decade. That bright idea sprung from the minds of politicians scrambling for loose change.
But policies, including the bad ones, tend to permeate a culture once they’ve been in place for a while. And the steak dinner incentive program reeks of something long past its expiration date.
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Remember the Facts
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
While political opponents of Illinois’ nuclear industry continue to employ scare tactics to spread misinformation about the Low Carbon Portfolio Standard (LCPS), it is important to remember the facts:
LCPS Is 12 Times CHEAPER Than Cost Of Letting Plants Close. The cost to Illinois of allowing Illinois nuclear plants to close early are as much as 12 times greater than the LCPS when fully considering increased wholesale power prices, transmission costs, adverse economic impacts and adverse environmental impacts.
Billions Of Dollars Are On The Line For Illinois. The State of Illinois released a report in January that found that if three Illinois nuclear plants close, the state could lose up to $1.8 billion in economic activity each year, nearly 8,000 highly skilled jobs, up to $500 million in higher energy costs statewide each year, $1.1 billion per year due to increases in carbon and other pollutants and hundreds of millions of dollars to construct new transmission lines.
The LCPS Contains Strong Electric Consumer Protections. The LCPS has strong consumer protections that prevent undue increases to utility bills. In addition, the LCPS has a 2.015 percent cap on electric bills – about $2 per month for the average homeowner – and provides a rebate to customers if wholesale electric prices go above a certain level as established by policymakers. As always, the Illinois Commerce Commission will continue to have authority for approving any changes to utility customer rates.
Members of the Illinois General Assembly: VOTE YES ON HB 3293 / SB 1585
Learn more at www.NuclearPowersIllinois.com
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It’s just a bill…
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* A bill mandating racial impact statements be attached to proposed criminal offense legislation passed the Senate unanimously today…
Provides that every bill which creates a new criminal offense for which a sentence to the Department of Corrections may be imposed; or which enhances any class or category of offense to a higher grade or penalty for which a sentence to the Department of Corrections is authorized; or which requires a mandatory commitment to the Department of Corrections, shall have prepared for it prior to second reading in the house of introduction a brief explanatory statement or note which shall include a reliable estimate of the probable impact of such bill upon (in addition to the overall resident population of the Department of Corrections and the probable impact which such bill will have upon the Department’s annual budget currently required):
(i) the number of criminal cases per year the bill will affect;
(ii) the members of racial minority groups by ethnicity; and
(iii) any other matter the Department considers appropriate.
Makes a similar change regarding a bill that
(i) creates a new criminal offense for which a commitment to a juvenile detention facility, sentence of probation, intermediate sanctions, or community service may be imposed or
(ii) enhances any class or category of offense to any grade or penalty for which adjudication, commitment, or disposition by a circuit court to the custody of a Probation and Court Services Department may result.
Requires the Director of the Department of Corrections or the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to prepare and file the note (currently, upon request of the sponsor of the bill). Makes other changes.
It now moves to the House.
* SJ-R…
Baby crib bumpers were at the center of heated debate in the General Assembly on Tuesday as the House passed a measure banning them.
Rep. Emily McCasey, D-Lockport, introduced House Bill 3761 banning the production and sale of baby crib bumpers – padding for the inside of cribs. It allows for mesh crib liners in lieu of the padding. McCasey’s proposal received stiff opposition, especially from fellow Democratic Rep. Rita Mayfield of Waukegan.
The bill ultimately passed by a 63-48 vote.
McCasey said the bill is designed to battle Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. She said she’s been working with medical experts for years to try and get the bumpers banned.
Go read the rest for an entertaining smack-down contest.
* Progress Illinois…
Last week, the Illinois House unanimously passed a resolution directing the state’s Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of state funds provided to the Chicago-based Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, or KOCO.
The resolution, HR 324, passed through the full House on April 17 by a 105-0 vote. It calls on Illinois Auditor General William Holland’s office to commence a performance audit of state dollars given to KOCO “under contracts or grant agreements” in fiscal years 2010 through 2015 for various purposes, including after school youth programming.
KOCO — a South Side organization that seeks to engage and assist low-income and working families in the Kenwood, Oakland and adjacent neighborhoods in Chicago — received $1.3 million in state funding since fiscal year 2010 and was a “recipient of funds from the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative and Illinois Violence Prevention Authority,” reads the resolution, introduced by State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley). The resolution does not specify the amount of money KOCO allegedly received as part of the state’s now-defunct anti-violence program operated under former Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday morning, KOCO’s Executive Director Jawanza Malone said his group was blindsighted by the resolution, co-sponsored by state Reps. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) and Christian Mitchell (D-Chicago).
Rep. Mitchell ran against the former KOCO executive director last spring and she plans to run against him again next year.
This isn’t just a bill, it’s a political knee-capping.
…Adding… From a press release…
The Illinois House today approved a measure State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) sponsored to put the brakes on red light camera systems in Illinois.
The legislation, House Bill 173, prohibits non-home rule communities from enacting or continuing to enforce local red light camera ordinances starting on 1/1/17. The House approved HB 173 79-26.
“There is growing evidence that red light cameras actually do more harm than good,” said Rep. McSweeney. “For many communities, red light cameras have become more about revenue than about keeping people safe.”
HB 173 is being sponsored in the Senate by Senator Duffy (R-Lake Barrington).
As you’ll recall, Sen. Duffy is no stranger to red light cams.
* Related…
* VIDEO: State Rep. Mark Batinick Gives Reasons Why HB 2542 is Wrong
* Fed Up with Jet Noise? Call Your State Representative, Group Urges
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Heart breaking
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Amanda Vinicky has a story up that you need to listen to. Dan Gorog of Joliet testified through tears yesterday about how how grateful he is that the Senate is trying to restore funding for state autism programs which once helped his own child, Daniel, who’s now 23. Mr. Gorog’s remarks begin at about the 30-second mark…
And once you’ve listened to Mr. Gorog’s heart-rending testimony, imagine how he’s going to react if the House refuses to go along with the Senate’s proposed funding restoration.
Ugh.
The governor’s $26 million cut needs to be rescinded, one way or the other. It’s a freaking rounding error, for crying out loud.
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* AP…
Gov. Bruce Rauner says public school teachers who aren’t union members shouldn’t have to pay union fees - the same policy he’s tried to enforce among state government workers.
Rauner said Wednesday that teachers are not covered by his executive order lifting the state requirement that non-union members pay so-called “fair share” fees. The fees are intended to cover union activities that benefit all employees.
Rauner said the policy “should apply to teachers” but “we’ll deal with that later.” He declined to elaborate at an event sponsored by the Citizens Club of Springfield.
Discuss.
*** UPDATE 1 *** The governor’s entire quote…
“Most AFSCME members, and I love them dearly, and I’ve had many of them come up to me and say, ‘Keep fighting, Bruce, on the forced-union-dues collection issue. And I’ve had teachers come up to me from around the state, ‘Hey, can your executive order on forced union dues apply to teachers?’ and I say, ‘No, it doesn’t, it just applies to government workers with me.’ I believe it should apply to teachers and we’ll deal with that later.”
A true believer, people.
* From the IFT’s Aviva Bowen…
The Governor either has no understanding or no regard for the law, and I’m not sure which is worse. This is just another reckless attempt to take away teachers’ voice and ability to advocate for their students – and it does nothing to address our state’s real challenges.
*** UPDATE 2 *** IEA President Cinda Klickna…
It is interesting that the only teacher voices the governor seems to hear are those of the tiny number who don’t wish to pay their fair share, while he ignores the overwhelming majority of teachers and education support professionals who choose to belong to a union. They work, through their union, for high quality teaching and learning conditions.
Public education is crucial to Illinois’ future. Our 130 thousand members reject the governor’s attacks on the middle class and will continue to advocate, through their association, for high quality teaching and learning conditions, because that’s what our students need and that is what will get Illinois back on track.
Regarding the governor’s comments on collective bargaining and local teacher activism, we’re surprised that Gov. Rauner would come out against local control of public schools.
Governor Rauner is suggesting that teachers should be seen but not heard — that teachers should do as they’re told and that their professional expertise should be ignored.
We continue to believe that teachers have a better understanding of schools and students than politicians. Teachers are the experts on what will work in our schools and what will help children learn. It might displease the governor, but we won’t be silent.
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* From a press release…
A list of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois was announced today at a press conference in Springfield. Now in its 20th year, this statewide list calls attention to threatened historic resources in need of assistance in the form of responsible stewardship, creative reuse plans, and/or advances in public policy. The slow economic recovery, state budget crisis, and a lack of available financing continue to challenge historic sites throughout Illinois.
“The sites named to the list, as well as the critical work of our State Historic Preservation Office, are all exceptionally important to not only local residents, but the local economy,” said Bonnie McDonald, President of Landmarks Illinois. “By calling attention to the potential for reuse and revitalization of these historic places, we are encouraging job creation and economic development across Illinois – something everyone can support.”
The properties on this year’s list are: the home of the Schwinn Bicycle Company co-founder, a Lincoln-era home in Springfield, an 1855 Greek Revival house and barn, an iconic fifty-foot statue located in a state park, vanishing mid-century modern houses, a former state hospital’s main building, key projects in the expiring River Edge state historic tax credit program, a vacant archdiocesan school, a large-scale industrial bakery, a southern Illinois “thatched cottage,” an early Chicago movie palace, and lastly, the vital office that administers the State’s historic preservation programs.
* More…
Landmarks Illinois 2015 Most Endangered Historic Places […]
State Historic Preservation Office
Springfield
Governor Rauner’s proposed FY2016 budget zeroes out funding for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) Preservation Services Division, our State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). What we do not know at this point is if funding will be restored, if the Division will be moved to another agency, or if the administration proposes to cut preservation altogether. The federal government requires each state to have a SHPO to manage federally-mandated programs like Section 106 regulatory review, Certified Local Government (CLG) grants, the National Register of Historic Places and the administration of the Federal Historic Tax Credit program that requires staff design review of rehabilitation projects on behalf of the National Park Service. Federal funds flow into Illinois to pay for these services. Landmarks Illinois is advocating to restore state funding for the SHPO and maintain or grow its capacity to manage these vital regulatory review and incentive
programs. The SHPO staff last year alone assisted private developers and property owners with Federal Historic Tax Credit rehabilitation projects totaling $726.6 million in private investment – a higher total than in any other state. That translates to approximately 3,600 Illinois construction jobs. A loss of staff and budget to the SHPO will slow down project reviews and have a major impact on the real estate development community, job creation and put Illinois at risk of losing matching Federal funds and millions of dollars in private investment.
As we discussed yesterday, Speaker Madigan has introduced a bill to dissolve the IHPA and merge it with DCEO, with the Lincoln Museum functioning as a stand-alone entity.
Discuss.
* Related…
* Illinois Historic Preservation Agency fights for survival: The board of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency on Thursday assailed Gov. Bruce Rauner’s push to eliminate the agency, saying the move could force some state historic sites to close and would hinder a program that has helped generate more than $1 billion in construction spending.
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* Kerry Lester…
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget chief apologized to a House oversight panel Tuesday for the confusion caused by the suspension of $26 million in social service and public health grants – a move that that surprised some lawmakers, who thought they had already plugged a $1.6 billion budget gap.
Tim Nuding, director of the governor’s office of management and budget, told the committee, specially formed by House Speaker Michael Madigan last week, that he intended to “do a better job communicating” and would do so as Rauner’s office works with the legislature on a budget for the fiscal year beginning next July to fill a much larger $6 billion hole.
“I feel like I communicated through all the proper channels about my intentions,” Nuding said. “I apologize if there was a misunderstanding. … I believe I’m a trustworthy person. I know that I have credibility. I hope to establish that with you. It troubles me greatly that we have had miscommunications on that issue.”
* Nuding is a class act. Top notch. The governor, for his part has been blaming the communication problem on the legislative leaders…
Rauner on Friday said his budget office was “clear” with legislative leaders about the possibility of further cuts. But he also acknowledged the message may not have been made clear to rank-and-file lawmakers, saying “unfortunately within some of the caucuses there was a failure to communicate that fact.”
Yes, because throwing Madigan et al under the bus is always a great idea.
When this fight finally breaks out - and it will - it’s gonna be a doozy.
* But let’s get to the real news of the day by going back to Kerry’s piece…
The House panel’s meeting came the same day as a state senator introduced legislation to restore $26 million in grant cuts. Democratic state Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge cited a “shared concern” for funding programs that support vulnerable Illinois residents.
But it was unclear late Tuesday whether the legislation had enough support to pass.
* Monique Garcia has more…
Rauner suggested last week that legislators could consider diverting more money from special earmarked funds to help ease the budget crunch, saying there’s about $300 million in unused funds that could be tapped into.
In response, the Senate on Tuesday heard testimony on a proposal that would allow Rauner to shift $26 million in special funds to help restore grant cuts. But it’s unclear if the idea will ultimately make it to the governor’s desk amid concerns in the House about giving Rauner the authority to spend more money.
Subscribers know more about this topic.
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Keven’s Story: Employer Denied Veteran’s Work Injury
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
My name is Keven Owens. I am a former Marine who never even had a splinter while serving our country. I worked for a central Illinois- based moving company for over 3 years before I was injured on the job.
I was moving a full sized refrigerator out of a house when the front wheels rolled off the front porch. I ran around to stop the refrigerator from falling, but I could not stop it. The refrigerator fell on my head then landed on top of me.
Afterwards, I had a splitting headache and my neck was throbbing too. The company sent me to their doctor who diagnosed me with a sprained neck and told me to take it easy for awhile.
After about 4 months with no relief from my pain, I decided to get a second opinion. The second doctor ordered an MRI of my neck and it revealed that I had fractured my neck. I had surgery to put 2 titanium plates in my neck. Today, I still suffer from neck pain.
Unfortunately, the company fought my workers’ compensation claim. It took 6 long years for my case to be resolved. While this dragged out, I had bills to pay and two children to support. Financially, it was a very difficult time.
I played by the rules, served my country and worked hard every day. It wasn’t until I was injured on the job that I discovered that the deck was stacked against me. A fair workers’ compensation system is necessary in Illinois to help those hurt on the job, like myself.
For more about Keven, click here.
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Illinois Credit Unions – A Smarter Choice
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
In these uncertain times, it’s important to have a financial institution you can trust. Credit unions have been serving their members for more than a century, providing them with a member-owned, not-for-profit alternative to traditional banks.
Credit unions are different. They return profits back to their members in the form of lower rates and reduced fees. And because credit unions are member-owned and member directed, credit unions provide members with services they want, not products that will generate a tidy profit for a few investors.
Credit unions know their members. Loan decisions are made locally, not by bureaucrats and computer models from across the country. If you are a credit union member, you already know the credit union difference. If you are not a credit union member, go to www.asmarterchoice.org to see which credit union can show you the advantage of credit union membership.
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IllinoisGO claims $5.5 million in cash
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This is the “Democratic” group I’ve told you about before. Lots of Statehouse folks consider it to be a Rauner front, although that’s been kinda sorta denied. From a press release…
Illinoisans for Growth and Opportunity Announces Additional $1.5 Million in Contributions
Illinoisans for Growth and Opportunity (IllinoisGO) today announced the organization has collected an additional $1.5 million in contributions - $1 million for its 501c(4) organization and $500,000 for independent expenditure efforts to encourage legislative leaders and lawmakers to make the tough, but necessary, decisions to resolve Illinois’ financial crisis.
“More and more frustrated Illinoisans are joining our cause to break the hold that special interests have over legislative majorities in Springfield. Together, we will hold state leaders accountable to address our financial crisis and maintain key progressive priorities in our state,” said IllinoisGO Chairman Anthony K. Anderson.
Just one week ago, IllinoisGO announced initial receipts of $4 million. The organization will continue to make regular announcements and all required disclosures as funds are collected. An additional $1 million was collected to support issue advocacy efforts and an additional $500,000 was contributed in support of the independent expenditure committee. With the new contributions, issue advocacy and public education efforts now have received a total of $4 million, and the IllinoisGO independent expenditure committee, that will support political activity, now has a balance of $1.5 million.
“IllinoisGO continues to build strong support to educate the public and lawmakers on the huge challenges we face and support the lawmakers who make the tough, but necessary, decisions to get our state back on track,” noted IllinoisGO executive director, Greg Goldner.
I told subscribers last week about that initial $1 million contribution to its IE committee from Helen Zell, the philanthropic wife of Sam Zell. The new IE PAC contributor’s name hasn’t yet been disclosed.
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ComEd’s Future Energy Plan
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
With ComEd’s Future Energy Plan, Every Day Is Earth Day
ComEd’s Future Energy Plan (HB 3328/SB 1879) will build on the foundation of the Illinois smart grid, boosting energy efficiency in a fair, affordable way for customers while paving the way for a cleaner energy future for Illinois.
ComEd energy efficiency programs already have saved customers more than $1 billion on their electric bills since 2008, reducing their energy usage by more than 10.9 million megawatt-hours – enough to power more than one million homes for a year.
HB 3328/SB 1879 will build on these successes in the following ways:
• Reducing energy use: The proposal introduces voltage optimization, a smart grid-enabled technology that will reduce energy usage for some customers and energy loss for all customers.
• Investing in efficiency: Energy efficiency spending and associated energy savings will increase, while producing zero net cost to residential customers over the next 10 years.
• Empowering customers: By shifting the way rates are calculated to a demand-based system, customers will be empowered to achieve energy and cost savings and capitalize on the true power of the smart grid.
Vote Yes for HB 3328/SB 1879
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* From the governor’s office…
Good morning, Rich:
Newton and Camp Point both passed resolutions last night in support of Turnaround Agenda.
Best,
ck
Newton: Pop. 2,815
Camp Point: Pop. 1,126
*** UPDATE 1 *** From the governor’s office…
Another update -
Wayne also passed agenda.
ck
Wayne: Pop. 2,449
*** UPDATE 2 *** From the Pontiac Daily Leader…
Despite a change of venue designed to accommodate for last Thursday’s massive union turnout, the Livingston County Board has made the decision to drop a discussion of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda and the controversial right-to-work topic that it encompasses for this Thursday’s resumption of the postponed meeting.
The meeting last Thursday was suspended, moved, and ultimately postponed until a suitable location could be used. This was due to the insufficient ability to house the excess of 300 members of various union employees who showed up to voice their concerns with right-to-work.
*** UPDATE 3 *** From the governor’s office…
Hi, Rich:
Third Lake also passed resolution. It’s attached.
ck
Pop. 1,193.
As a commenter said, we sure are getting quite the Illinois geography lesson these days.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* From a union official…
Rauner lost in Pecatonica, Wauconda, Campton Hills and Vernon hills tonight.
* And check out what happened in Naperville, where the resolution didn’t even include the governor’s “right to work” and collective bargaining language…
Ouch.
* But Dixon may have created this week’s biggest news so far. The city council approved a resolution blasting Rauner’s anti-union resolution, which included language like this…
WHEREAS, the real agenda of the Right to Work concept is to undercut wages and benefits for hard working Illinoisans […]
WHEREAS, Governor Rauner wants to allow local governments to opt out of paying the Prevailing Wage on public works projects, but since the Prevailing Wage is set locally and actually boosts local job growth and since the prevailing wage discourages out-of-state companies from undercutting the local wage and benefit base the Prevailing Wage is itself a strong economic development tool […]
WHEREAS, we do not want to ignore these laws and make public employees second class citizens when it comes to bargaining their workplace rights;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Dixon does not endorse or agree with the establishment of proposed “Right-to-Work” zones in the State of Illinois, nor does it support the erosion of public employee bargaining rights and plan to follow the laws as they exist.
Read it all here.
Whew.
* On to Mt. Zion…
The Mount Zion Board of Trustees quashed a resolution in favor of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “Turnaround Agenda” on Monday, causing a packed audience to erupt in applause.
The resolution had been introduced and immediately tabled at the board’s previous meeting April 6 without discussion. […]
Though initially included for discussion and approval for Monday’s meeting, the agenda was amended Sunday with the removal of the resolution.
“The resolution was taken off because we did not feel there was support for it,” Mayor Don Robinson said.
* Wauconda…
Labor union members and their supporters filled the Wauconda High School cafeteria Tuesday night to oppose a controversial proposal by Gov. Bruce Rauner that would weaken labor unions in the state.
And when they were done, the village board members criticized the new governor’s plan, too, saying the issue needs to be resolved in the state Capitol, not village boardrooms. […]
Tuesday’s Wauconda village board meeting was moved to the high school because the crowd that showed up at village hall for the meeting was too large to fit in the boardroom.
Of the 100 or so people in the audience at the school cafeteria, about a dozen spoke about Rauner’s plan and the board’s proposed supportive resolution.
All of them criticized the plan, saying it would lower wages and hurt middle-class families. […]
When it came time for the trustees to speak, they were similarly critical of the resolution.
* Related…
* Voters should decide on a local right-to-work law, Effingham County Board says: The Effingham County Board passed a non-binding resolution on Monday supporting the “local empowerment” aspect of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s economic agenda. The seven Republicans on the board supported the resolution, while the two Democrats opposed it. Before the vote, the board heard opposition from union leaders such as Jason McKinley of the Illinois Building Trades Council.
* Charleston Representatives, community members speak out about resolution: John Kraft, a graduate student of political science and a member of the Edgar County Watchdogs, said he supported the resolution; however, he thought the way the council passed it was problematic. “I previously asked the council and the mayor to place it in a new agenda and vote on it again after complying with the Illinois Open Meetings Act,” Kraft said.
* Residents address Charleston City Council on right-to-work resolution
* Campton village trustees delay decision on prevailing wage act - Will discuss the issue again in May
* Union Files Lawsuit Alleging Meeting Violation By McHenry County Board: A labor union claims the McHenry County Board violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act when at least eight of its members gathered at a private discussion with Gov. Bruce Rauner at the Woodstock Opera House April 8. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 filed a lawsuit against the County Board April 17, accusing board members of failing to comply with a state law that requires the public be allowed to attend government meetings. “It appears to be a very, very clear violation of the Open Meetings Act,” said Edward Maher, a spokesman for Countryside-based IUOE Local 150.
* McLean County suggests mandates Illinois could eliminate: The county has submitted recommendations, such as tightening eligibility requirements for the state municipal retirement fund , reducing the number of property tax exemptions, eliminating juror pay, no longer publishing legal notices and pulling back on expanded voter access.
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Early morning must-listens
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Amanda Vinicky’s Illinois Public Radio interview with Gov. Bruce Rauner on the governor’s first 100 days in office is very, very good. She really took it to the guy. Click here and listen to the whole thing.
* Dave Dahl at the Illinois Radio Network also had a very good interview with Rauner. Check it out…
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