A growing number of Democratic lawmakers from Illinois — as well as Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner — are skipping President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration Friday.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will not attend the swearing-in. Democratic Reps. Mike Quigley of Chicago and Dan Lipinski of Western Springs also will not attend, their spokespeople said Tuesday. Another Chicago Democrat, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, said earlier this month that he would miss the inauguration but planned to attend the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. […]
Quigley, who is new to the growing list of officials who are sitting out the swearing-in, “fully supports the peaceful transfer of power, but has chosen to spend the…week with those who have elected him,” his spokeswoman Tara Vales said in a statement. […]
Lipinski, another no-show, said in a statement he preferred to work in his district and spend time with his wife rather than watch the ceremony in D.C. and attend parties there. […]
Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston is hearing from people urging that she sit out the swearing-in, her spokesman, Jeronimo Anaya-Ortiz, said Tuesday. “We’ve had a big response on social media asking the congresswoman not to attend, and to stand with John Lewis on boycotting the inauguration,” he said.
Sounds like Schakowsky won’t go, either. We’ll see.
Other Democrats, including both Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and Reps. Cheri Bustos, Bobby Rush and Brad Schneider say they will be there, but some made it clear their attendance is more about respect for the presidency than for the man who will succeed Chicago’s Barack Obama. […]
Foster’s spokeswoman said he had not yet decided whether to attend. Kelly’s spokeswoman said that she currently expects to be there, “but that might change.” […]
“I will be attending the inauguration this Friday out of respect for the office of the presidency and our constitutional process,” said Raja Krishnamoorthi, a freshman from the northwest suburbs. […]
“I will attend the presidential inauguration ceremony out of respect for the office and to bear witness to our nation’s peaceful transition of power,” [Rep. Brad Schneider] said. “I hope my presence on Friday underscores my commitment to be vigilant and to hold the incoming administration accountable to our laws and Constitution on behalf of the people of the Tenth District.”
* From my good friend and talented musician/song-writer Tom Irwin…
Greetings everyone:
We just launched a Kickstarter campaign (Jan. 13 thru Feb. 13) at the above link to support a batch of my songs called All That Love. The recording (CD & LP) has John Stirratt of Wilco producing with an incredible group of musicians.
The Kickstarter link takes you to my page on their website and explains in detail what we are doing and how to navigate the rewards and pledges. Please feel free to share with others online, on social media and word of mouth.
Thanks so much for your support. Very much appreciated.
Sincerely, Tom
Tom’s Kickstarter page is here. Go help the guy out.
I will write you a song on the subject of your choosing plus you get an All That Love CD & T-shirt - Plus your name in video of Thank You For Loving Me performed live by Tom Irwin & John Stirratt
That’s so tempting.
* The Question: What subject should I choose? Don’t forget to explain. Thanks!
Police Supt. Eddie Johnson said Tuesday that of all the Chicago Police Department’s failings highlighted in the Department of Justice report released last week, it’s that his officers are not receiving adequate training that pains him most.
“We owe it to our police officers to give them the best training possible because that makes them better when we go out on the street,” said Johnson, a 28-year police department veteran. “And to think that we failed them is a difficult pill to swallow. It really is.” […]
Asked about making timely reforms to police officer training in light of the city’s plan to hire 1,000 new officers in the coming months, Johnson said the process should not be rushed.
“I don’t think the focus should be made on making reforms quick enough. I think what we should focus on is making reforms the right way,” he said.
So, I take it that the newly hired cops won’t be properly trained either?
The Chicago Police Department is stuck in the Stone Age — from training that relies on 35-year-old videos to outdated pursuit tactics that imperil suspects, officers and innocent bystanders, according to a scathing 161-page report just released by the Justice Department. […]
The report takes aim at a series of “unsound tactics” that cops have used for decades to pressure or pursue suspects. The report argues that those tactics — used on the street though they’re not official department policies — can alienate communities and, in many cases, lead to unnecessary violence.
At the top of the list: foot chases. The feds found police routinely chased people simply because they’d run away and not because they were suspected of a particular crime. On many occasions, the result was a deadly shooting. […]
An instructor showed students one video on the use of deadly force that was made about 35 years ago — long before the Supreme Court rulings that currently govern cops’ use of force. The investigation found one in six rookies were able to correctly answer basic questions about the use of force.
The police department’s field-training program is hampered by major problems, investigators found. There are too few training officers and the voluntary job, with a $3,000-a-year stipend, isn’t viewed as a path to promotion and is “a highway to nowhere,” one supervisor said.
* Back when Pat Quinn was governor and before he raised taxes, some folks were saying Quinn should follow California Gov. Jerry Brown’s example and allow state services to deteriorate so much that people would literally beg for a tax hike. Quinn wouldn’t do something like that. His heart just wasn’t in it.
But after over two years without a real budget and services crumbling everywhere, opinion at the newspaper editorial board level is starting to change. For instance, this is from the usually tax-averse Jacksonville Journal Courier…
Compromise seems to be a dirty word in Springfield. Not on the Senate side, though, where bipartisan efforts are being made to end the budget gridlock. A proposal being floated would increase personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent to generate $4.1 billion. Unlike the House Democrats’ call for a tax increase without strings attached, the Senate plan would blend in an acceptable dose of reform for such things as unaccountable spending, pensions and workers’ compensation.
Although we have been critical in the past of tax hikes without a purpose — or with a “pretend” purpose, such as the massive lame-duck hike of 2011 — it’s clear something has to be done if Illinois is to survive.
Pretend purpose? The state hadn’t made its pension payments out of GRF in years and had been borrowing billions to make the payments for two years while bills were piling up fast.
And if 2011’s tax increase was “massive,” this one is even bigger, raising the personal rate to 4.95 percent and adding on a sugary beverage tax and eliminating some business tax incentives.
A Rockford casino is part of a package of bills that would provide a budget for the state of Illinois. A state income tax increase, minor pension reforms, school funding and workers’ compensation reforms, a phased-in minimum wage increase, a two-year property tax freeze and a bill that would make it easier for local governments to consolidate are in the mix. […]
We think there’s a market for a casino here that would increase the gaming business statewide.
If there were no market, why would the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa, organize two bus trips a month from locations in Rockford and South Beloit? And let’s not forget all the local folks who like to drive to Ho Chunk Gaming in Madison or the casino in the Wisconsin Dells.
They want that casino so bad they’ll take those tax hikes and like ‘em.
In the Senate this week, President John Cullerton and Republican leader Christine Radogno attempted a grand bargain toward a full-year budget. But there wasn’t enough time. They promised to pursue, in good faith, a comprehensive budget deal as soon as new lawmakers are seated. We will hold them to it.
So, after railing against the 2011 tax hike they’re gonna push hard for a 2017 tax hike? Will wonders never cease?
Vallas, known for transforming urban schools districts, called CSU’s financial and structural problems a “microcosm” of what he endured as CEO of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001. But he said he’s confident the university can endure a turnaround.
“Our objective here is to not only preserve Chicago State but to help transform it into the dynamic university that the community needs,” Vallas said. “Universities are economic development engines and there’s absolutely no reason why Chicago State cannot be one.”
Let’s hope so. And maybe the governor and those remaining legislative Democrats who are resisting a deal will finally realize the damage they’ve done to our “economic development engines” around the state these past two years.
(a) A public employer and a labor organization may not bargain over, and no collective bargaining agreement entered into, renewed, or extended on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly may include, provisions related to the following prohibited subjects of collective bargaining:
(1) Employee pensions, including the impact or implementation of changes to employee pensions, including the Employee Consideration Pension Transition Program as set forth in Section 30 of the Personnel Code.
(2) Wages, including any form of compensation including salaries, overtime compensation, vacations, holidays, and any fringe benefits, including the impact or implementation of changes to the same; except nothing in this Section 7.6 will prohibit the employer from electing to bargain collectively over employer-provided health insurance.
(3) Hours of work, including work schedules, shift schedules, overtime hours, compensatory time, and lunch periods, including the impact or implementation of changes to the same.
(4) Matters of employee tenure, including the impact of employee tenure or time in service on the employer’s exercise of authority including, but not limited to, any consideration the employer must give to the tenure of employees adversely affected by the employer’s exercise of management’s right to conduct a layoff.
That was all part of Rauner’s plot to help local governments deal with a property tax freeze. Under Rauner’s logic, the locals could drastically cut labor costs and therefore keep local taxes low.
Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for the 2017 and 2018 levy years, the term “taxing district” means all taxing districts in the State, including home rule units. Provides that, for the 2017 and 2018 levy years, the extension limitation for those taxing districts is 0% or the rate of increase approved by the voters.
Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning contracts between a school board and a third party. Provides that local boards of education shall forward certain cost projections to the State Board of Education. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2022, the State Board shall review and analyze the cost projections and review for any cost savings and economic benefits. Requires the State Board to file a report by December 31, 2022.
Imposes a moratorium on third-party contracts for non-instructional services while the State Board is preparing the report. Imposes a moratorium on third-party contracts for non-instructional services while the State Board is preparing the report. Provides that a school district may offer a driver education course in a school by contracting with a commercial driver training school; sets forth requirements concerning the contract. Provides that a school district may offer a driver education course in a school by contracting with a commercial driver training school; sets forth requirements concerning the contract.
Provides that school districts need not comply with and may discharge any mandate or requirement placed on school districts by the Code or by administrative rules adopted by the State Board of Education that is unfunded; with exceptions. Sets forth requirements concerning discharging mandates. Makes changes concerning physical education.
(b) Subsection (a) of this Section does not apply to any of the following:
(1) Laws and rules pertaining to student health, life, or safety.
(2) Federally required mandates, including without limitation compliance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.
(3) Laws and rules pertaining to civil rights and protections.
(c) Before a school district may lawfully discharge an unfunded mandate under subsection (a) of this Section, it must hold a public hearing and referendum on the matter.
A school board may determine the schedule or frequency of physical education courses, provided that a pupil engages in a course of physical education for a minimum of 3 days per week.
In the early morning hours on Thursday, U.S. Senate Republicans jammed a provision through that will speed up the process of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Obama’s signature health reform law.
Congressional Republicans voted to repeal Obamacare dozens of times throughout the last few years, but the threat of a presidential veto always stood in their way. With Donald Trump’s election giving Republicans full control of Congress and the White House, though, the debate has largely become not whether Obamacare will be repealed — but how quickly the law will be replaced and what will appear in its place.
Of the 31 states that adopted one of Obamacare’s biggest provisions, Medicaid expansion, 16 of them have Republican governors. If that provision isn’t part of the replacement plan, states would likely lose millions of dollars in federal funding for health care. Even if Medicaid expansion is carried over into the new plan, millions of low-income people could lose health insurance if there’s a gap between repealing and replacing the law.
That puts many Republican governors, some of whom have long criticized the ACA, in a tough spot and for many, up against their Republican counterparts in Congress. On Thursday, GOP governors will discuss Medicaid with members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.
They go on to list where various governors stand, but Illinois isn’t on the list. I asked the governor’s press office for a response the other day and haven’t heard back.
* That meeting between GOP governors and members of the Finance Committee is in two days, so Gov. Rauner was asked about what he wants for Illinois out of the ACA repeal/replace actions…
There are a lot of changes being proposed. I think it’s too early to say. We’re having conversations [with] the federal administration. There’s disagreement within Congress, there’s disagreement between the Trump administration and congressional leaders about what to do. This is going to take some sorting out.
Rauner was asked whether it wasn’t important for him and other governors “to say ‘This is what will hurt us, this is what will not,’ and speak out about it?”
* Rauner’s response…
Well, we’re having conversations. And I am working with other governors around the country. We’ll speak louder if we have a joint voice. One governor’s voice isn’t as much in a federal administration as many governors. So we’re talking with other governors and administrations, we’re talking with the federal government directly. These are conversations that would be inappropriate for me to, you know, talk too much about specific ideas through the press. That’s not the way to have a negotiation or discussion. They want to be able to talk with us in confidence. Because, frankly when there’s disagreements people are very sensitive about whose opinions are getting put out there, so we just gotta be thoughtful and we’ll pursue it. I’m just gonna be a strong advocate for the people of Illinois in these discussions.
Oh, so now he understands that it’s best not to negotiate through the media?
And now he understands that in times of disagreement people might be a bit sensitive about what is “put out there”?
And now he understands the benefits of being “thoughtful” about an approach to negotiations?
Ah, how things change when an unpredictable and vengeful president-elect has millions of Twitter followers and our governor only has 15.7 thousand.
Illinoisans are facing a fiscal emergency. Homeowners are saddled with the nation’s highest property taxes, job creators have to navigate an uncompetitive workers’ compensation system, not to mention the worst pension crisis in the nation, and billions in unpaid bills. But politicians are unwilling to confront those challenges, even as residents continue fleeing for other states as a response.
At least one Springfield lawmaker, though, wants Illinoisans to brace themselves for another threat: Zombies.
On Jan. 12, state Rep. Chris Welch, D-Westchester, filed House Resolution 0030, which would designate October 2017 as “Zombie Preparedness Month,” urging “Illinoisans to educate themselves about natural disasters and take steps to create a stockpile of food, water and other emergency supplies that can last up to 72 hours.”
The language in this bill demonstrates insensitivity and a lack of seriousness on the part of lawmakers.
And on and on like that they go, concern trolling over a harmless little resolution with bipartisan support.
* Actually, Welch’s idea might do some good. From the resolution…
WHEREAS, Tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters are real and all Illinois citizens should be aware of the potential danger; while prevention of natural disasters is not viable, citizens can be prepared with emergency supplies and plans; and
WHEREAS, If the citizens of Illinois are prepared for zombies, than they are prepared for any natural disaster; while a Zombie Apocalypse may never happen, the preparation for such an event is the same as for any natural disaster; and
WHEREAS, Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year and can have lasting effects, both to people and property; and
WHEREAS, Over 60% of Americans are not practicing or preparing for natural disasters, and only 39% have developed an emergency plan; and
WHEREAS, Practicing for preparedness makes perfect, and staying safe is important for the citizens of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Citizens should have supplies on hand, which may include, water, food, medications, tools, electronics, sanitation and hygiene, clothing and bedding, important documents, and first aid…
…Adding… As noted in comments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a Zombie apocalypse preparedness page. So, this ain’t new.
Chicago is bolstering its response to emergencies involving people suffering from mental illness to address glaring deficiencies laid bare by the Justice Department.
An eight-hour course developed in partnership with EMS System Hospitals will allow paramedics, 911 personnel, police officers and mental health providers to engage in live, “scenario-based” simulations at Fire Academy South, 1338 S. Clinton.
It’s been more than [five] years since Mayor Rahm Emanuel ignited protests around the city by closing six mental health clinics in low-income, high-crime neighborhoods.
But if he has any second thoughts about his cuts, he sure isn’t showing it.
On the contrary, if last week’s brouhaha over City Council hearings on the clinics is any indication, the mayor is still reluctant to even discuss the matter.
So I’ll be the one to remind you that in the fall of 2011 he proposed closing six of the city’s 12 mental health clinics because—well, he didn’t really say.
He didn’t hold any hearings before he proposed the closures. He didn’t initiate a study or put together a task force.
He certainly didn’t talk to any mental health patients who would be affected by the cuts.
AFSCME going on strike would be unprecedented and Senator Andy Manar says the Governor should personally be involved in negotiations trying to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Manar says the union is willing to move on their proposals, but he hasn’t seen a willingness to compromise from the Governor.
During a press call Monday, Senator Manar says if there is a strike he will support bills that would protect union members.
“The Governor should personally involve himself in this contract negotiation at this point,” said Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill. “He sold himself to the people of the state as a businessman that can make deals and bring stability to state government. There’s no better place to show that that’s the case than right now with this impasse with AFSCME. By the looks of it this isn’t going to end well and we’re either looking at a strike or a lockout in a very short period of time.”
Did Rauner really sell himself as a guy who could “make deals and bring stability to state government”? Did Sen. Manar forget about the time when candidate Rauner said…
“I may have to take a strike and shut down the government for a few weeks,” he said, with Dan Proft looking on. Rauner said he might not be happy about it, but “I will do it proudly because it’s the right thing to do.”
So, how would Rauner negotiating this thing personally solve the problem?
“AFSCME has taken a profound step toward the Rauner administration with their latest proposal, and I would call on the administration to take a profound step toward AFSCME so we can have a settlement,” Manar said in a conference call with reporters Monday.
He was referring to a letter AFSCME sent to the Rauner administration a week ago setting out a “framework” to resume talks on a new contract. That included agreeing to a four-year freeze in base salary increases, although the union wants to continue step increases for the roughly 40 percent of its members who still qualify for them. The union also said it’s willing to have members pay higher health insurance costs, but not the 100 percent increases the union says the administration is seeking.
Last week, AFSCME said it will ask its members to vote on authorizing a strike. The union said if members approve, the 200-member bargaining committee could call a strike at some point, but a strike was not assured.
“This situation is eroding, and without Gov. Rauner being personally involved and personally invested in negotiating a contract, I’m deeply concerned about where this is going,” Manar said. “Nothing good would come of locking out state employees, replacing state employees, threatening state employees with their jobs.”
Emphasis added because those step increases ain’t cheap. Was it a significant move by AFSCME? Heck, yes. Was it “profound”? Not quite.
But, hey, Manar has a lot of state workers in his district, so he ought to be speaking on their behalf.
* Rauner administration response…
The Rauner Administration’s track record of successfully negotiating contracts with 19 other unions speaks for itself. Our approach includes earning overtime after working 40 hours, implementing workplace safety task forces, and using volunteers at veterans’ homes and state parks. Instead of parroting AFSCME’s irresponsible strike talk, Sen. Manar should encourage the union to work with us to implement these items that are fair to both employees and taxpayers.
That 40-hour thing is just a killer. I get what’s going on here with the unpaid time for lunch, but they should find a way around that somehow.
* Petrella is the second Statehouse reporter poached by the Tribune for its editor ranks in the past couple of months and the 8th Statehouse reporter to leave their bureaus during that same time period…
DAN PETRELLA, 32, the Statehouse bureau chief for Lee Enterprises newspapers, is leaving that post to work as an assistant editor for the business section of the Chicago Tribune. He starts there Jan. 30.
Petrella has been in his current job for a year, providing coverage for newspapers in the Quad Cities, Decatur, Carbondale, Bloomington, Charleston-Mattoon and Munster, Indiana, which is in the Chicagoland area.
He’s a native of the Chicago suburb of Lombard, and still has family there. He’s got undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois in Urbana, including his journalism master’s. His wife, JULIA, is a doctoral student in library and information science there, and will periodically commute as she completes that work. […]
“Having grown up reading the Tribune and being inspired to go into journalism because of the Tribune, it was just impossible to pass up an opportunity to go and work there.”
* Gov. Rauner was at a Rainbow PUSH breakfast honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. yesterday along with five possible Democratic opponents. From Charles Thomas’ report..
“As I’ve always said I don’t ever close any doors,” [Sen. Kwame Raoul] said.
Raoul was palling around with possible Democratic primary opponent businessman Chris Kennedy. “I have friends before I ventured into politics and I consider Chris to be one of those friends,’ Raoul said.
“I’ve talked to an awful lot of people. I’m convinced that our state is on the wrong path,” Kennedy said Monday. […]
“It means that whoever is going to run against him better have the resources to run against what probably is going to be more like $100 million,” [JB] Pritzker said [about Rauner recently putting $50 million into his campaign fund]. “I’m going to do my best. I certainly do have money but more importantly I’m willing to step up because we’ve got to win.”
Kennedy — no pretender himself when it comes to wealth — said it’s about more than money.
“This most important thing that occurs in this election is to listen to people,” Kennedy said.
The other possible candidate was former Gov. Pat Quinn, who didn’t rule out a 2018 run.
Billionaire businessman JB Pritzker says he hates that money has become so important in politics. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has said he’d run for a second term. Last month, the wealthy Republican governor put $50 million of his own money into his campaign fund. And that’s left some Democrats wondering if they’re going to need a wealthy candidate to run against him - and JB Pritzker is one of the possible names on the list.
“I’m not a guy who thinks we should turn politics into a playpen for people who are wealthy, but I’m also somebody who believes we’ve got to win in 2018.”
* If Pritzker’s comments sound to you like he’s about to jump in, you’re not alone. His sister, outgoing Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, had this to say to Lynn Sweet…
GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner has fueled his political rise with his own tens of millions of dollars. He is up for re-election in 2018 and Pritzker’s younger brother, J.B. is considering a run.
Though the two have had their differences over the years, when it comes to running for governor, “J.B. and I have been very much aligned on this. I very much support him. I think he’ll make a terrific governor. So I am all in to help him.”
The two have “talked about it on many different levels…he’s a man who has committed himself to early childhood (education) and to helping build businesses, start ups and manufacturing businesses. I think he’ll do a great job. …I told him I’m all in to help him.”
J.B. is prepared to pour his own multiple millions into a governor run. Having his sister on board – with her extensive fundraising networks as well as her own deep pockets – is a considerable plus.
Chicago billionaire philanthropist Ken Griffin has paid $85 million for an oceanfront estate in Palm Beach, Florida, that neighbors property he already owns there.
It’s the second most expensive single real estate transaction in the area, according to the Palm Beach Daily News. First was a 2008 deal by President-elect Donald Trump, who sold a mansion for $95 million.
Griffin, the founder of the Chicago-based hedge fund company Citadel and the market-maker Citadel Securities, plans to build a massive estate. His vacation home will be designed by architect Ugo Sap.
Griffin reportedly now owns more than 12 acres of contiguous land with about 871 feet of oceanfront. The tab for all that gorgeousness: $229.85 million.
Here’s a question: Will Chris Kennedy, an heir to the Kennedy dynasty’s dynamism, have announced his candidacy for governor before he is honored at a Special Olympics Chicago reception at the Carnivale restaurant on Feb. 27?
Or at it?
Created originally at the Chicago Park District by a young [Illinois Supreme Court Justice] Anne Burke, it was Kennedy’s aunt, Eunice Shriver, who made the Special Olympics concept and ran it into an international institution.
If I had to choose a word to describe the Democrats’ nominating speeches for House Speaker Michael Madigan’s re-election last week, it would be either “defensive” or perhaps “joyless.”
The speeches seemed directly aimed at Madigan’s toughest critics – and there are plenty of those out there. The nominators at times angrily justified their own votes for Madigan and their continued willingness to support him while under siege by a hostile kabillionaire governor and much of the state’s media. They literally cannot go anywhere without being asked about why they continue to back Madigan.
For the most part, these were speeches from an all-too-real bunker.
Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton) told a touching story about how Madigan dotes over his grandchild, but began his speech with an anecdote about how he figured the child would get him in trouble by playing with a toy car in Madigan’s office – a clear acknowledgment of his leader’s fearsome reputation. It was an attempt to humanize a man who has been turned into a cartoon caricature of an evil villain. But it was too little, too late.
Beiser, by the way, was a Tier One campaign target last year who was repeatedly forced to distance himself from Madigan. His nominating speech was the clearest indication yet that he won’t be running for re-election next year. Former Rep. John Bradley lost his House race last year partly because the Republicans aired an ad that used video from one of his own Madigan-nominating speeches. Beiser’s speech was likely not so much an act of courage in the face of overwhelming retribution, but a way to show his thanks to the top dog on his way out the door.
While House Democrats repeatedly lashed out at the opposition to Madigan, Senate Democrats were heaping praise on Senate President John Cullerton for being, in the words of Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Olympia Fields), “uniquely qualified at building bipartisan bridges because, above everything else, he has demonstrated a love for this state.”
Contrast that with Rep. Elgie Sims’ (D-Chicago) speech, which began with a story about how a friend warned him against seconding Madigan’s nomination because the Republicans would bash him with tons of negative ads.
The strong sense of political danger about the vote was a sentiment widely shared by Sims’ fellow Democratic House members. But in the end, the members did their grim best to power their way forward.
Madigan began his own speech by asking for bipartisanship, but then defiantly refused yet again to participate in any “race to the bottom” with Gov. Rauner and appeared to dismiss out of hand any attempt to reform workers’ compensation insurance, a key component of the compromise brewing in the Senate.
Madigan’s speech was nothing like Senate President Cullerton’s, who mildly complained about the fact that the Senate is often ignored by reporters because “if there’s no conflict there’s no coverage.”
Cullerton talked about the advances he and Senate Republican Leader Radogno have made together. The two were elected to their leadership roles as the divisive end of the Rod Blagojevich era was coming to a tragic end. “We’ve seen some pretty bad times and we’ve gotten through them by working together,” he said.
“How about we just try governing for a little bit?” Cullerton gently asked near the end of his speech after saying the non-stop campaign-style messaging needs to stop. “That’s what the people have sent us here to do.”
That same sentiment was expressed much more forcefully in the House, where Republican Leader Jim Durkin angrily demanded an end to the Democrats’ “gotcha” games of holding endless roll calls purely designed to be used in campaign ads.
Watching the two ceremonies was truly a study in contrasts. The Senate was brimming with hope that it can finally lead the way out of this horrific two-year impasse. The House, meanwhile, is still mired up to its collective neck in the stalemate with no clear way forward.
And then there was the lone “Present” vote by Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood), who issued a long and rambling press release afterward predicting that he will likely face “repercussions” for his (mostly meaningless) act, and claiming that “Illinois is in a free-fall into the abyss.”
Despite his usual melodramatics and penchant for self-aggrandizement, Drury’s statement was almost the perfect cap for a joyless and grim afternoon. It is clear, he wrote, that “a majority of the General Assembly is not ready for a new Speaker.”
That is very true. Last week, the House Democrats continued the age-old political practice of dancing with the one who brung them. But there were few smiles to be seen.
* Before we go, a couple of late news stories. From the governor’s office…
Name: Jason Barclay
Position: Board Member – Illinois State Board of Education
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jason Barclay to the Illinois State Board of Education. Barclay’s experience in state government coupled with his time working with an Indianapolis charter school make him uniquely qualified for the position.
Barclay is currently the General Counsel of Athletico Physical Therapy. Previously, he was General Counsel in the Office of Governor and oversaw the legal departments of Illinois’ Executive Branch. He also worked as a partner at Barnes & Thornburg and as an attorney for former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.
In addition to his work as an attorney, Barclay helped found a technology-focused charter school in Indianapolis and served on its board. He has also volunteered for DARE.
Barclay earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Virginia. He lives in Hinsdale.
Name: Jimmy Odom
Position: Assistant Director - Department of Central Management Services
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jimmy Odom the Assistant Director of Central Management Services. Odom’s experience in management and minority business development will make him an asset in this role.
Currently, Odom is the Senior Vice President for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Intersect Illinois, which is the non-profit working with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to grow the Illinois economy. Previously, he was a Senior Policy Adviser for Minority Business Development at DCEO where he oversaw the creation of ADME, a minority business development program designed to connect entrepreneurs to existing business networks to grow their business.
Odom is an entrepreneur and founded WeDeliver in 2012. The company connects consumers with stores to deliver products on-demand through the web.
Odom earned his degree from Columbia College. He lives in Homewood.
Name: Don Moffitt
Position: Assistant Director - Department of Agriculture
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed former State Rep. Don Moffitt the Assistant Director of the Department of Agriculture. Moffitt is a lifelong farmer with extensive experience in state and local government, which makes him uniquely qualified for the role.
Moffitt represented the 74th District in the House of Representatives since 1993. He served as the minority spokesperson of the Agriculture & Conservation Committee and the Counties & Townships Committee. In addition, he co-chaired a fire protection task force and a task force for emergency medical services. He also served on a number of other committees ranging from education, public safety and infrastructure. Previously, he served as the Knox County Treasurer, and has held a number of other local government positions including mayor of Oneida. Moffitt also was a high school agriculture teacher.
Moffitt earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Illinois. He lives in Gilson.
* From IBHE executive director James Applegate…
I wanted you to know that next month I will be leaving the IBHE to pursue other opportunities to serve American higher education. I want to offer my thanks to so many good people who have helped make my time here in Illinois rewarding.
My thanks to the talented and dedicated staff at the IBHE for the great work they do and to the Board members who hired and supported me.
Amends the Employee Sick Leave Act. Adds to the definition of “personal sick leave benefits” paid or unpaid time accrued and available to an employee as provided through an employment benefit plan or policy. Provides that an employment benefit plan or paid time off policy does not include long term disability, short term disability, an insurance policy, or other comparable benefit plan or policy. Adds a stepchild and domestic partner to the list of persons for whom an employee may use personal sick leave benefits. Provides that an employer may request written verification of the employee’s absence from a health care professional if such verification is required under the employer’s employment benefit plan or paid time off policy; and that for employers who base personal sick leave benefits on an employee’s years of service instead of annual or monthly accrual, such employer may limit the amount of sick leave to be used under the Act to half of the employee’s maximum annual grant. In a provision prohibiting retaliation, provides that nothing prohibits an employer from applying the terms and conditions set forth in the employment benefit plan or paid time off policy applicable to personal sick leave benefits. Provides that the Act does not apply to: (i) an employee of an employer subject to certain provisions of the Railway Labor Act; or (ii) an employer or employee as defined in either the federal Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act or the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to invalidate, diminish, or otherwise interfere with any collective bargaining agreement nor shall it be construed to invalidate, diminish, or otherwise interfere with any party’s power to collectively bargain such an agreement; and that the Act does not apply to any other employment expressly exempted under rules adopted by the Department of Labor as necessary to implement the Act in accordance with applicable State and federal law. Grants the Department rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.
Although it is your right to engage in a lawful strike, it is my hope that a strike will be averted. That said, employees should at the very least have the necessary information to make an informed decision about whether to go on strike. We will prepare a more comprehensive document, but in the meantime, please see the information below as you prepare to make this consequential decision.
The most obvious and immediate consequence of a strike would be that striking employees’ wages would stop and they would be responsible for the full cost of their health insurance - their portion and the State’s portion. For the average state employee, the cost of a one-month strike would be over $8,000 in lost wages, pension, and additional health insurance expense. Beyond that immediate effect, there could be many other consequences. If the strike is unlawful, employees can be terminated for striking. The previous tolling agreement between the State and AFSCME had a “no strike, no lockout” clause, making a strike under the tolling agreement illegal unless impasse was reached and AFSCME has denied that the parties are at an impasse but nevertheless now calls for a strike vote. The State will vigorously pursue all lawful means at its disposal for challenging an unlawful strike.
Even if a strike by AFSCME is determined to be legal, employees may be replaced. Unless an unfair labor practice caused the strike, striking employees may not automatically have the right to have their job back at the end of the strike. They would only have the right to vacancies IF they were qualified and IF one exists.
What will the State’s response to a strike be?
The State will call on whatever resources it needs, from private vendors, other states, local governments, and other state resources to maintain services. While the State would prefer to continue to utilize its regular workforce, the State’s duty to continue to provide services does not stop simply because AFSCME chooses to go on strike. In light of AFSCME’s repeated threats to go on strike, the State has had extensive conversations with outside resources who are willing to step up in the event of a strike. Additionally, the State’s procurement laws contain an exception that allows the State to immediately engage outside vendors in the event of an emergency such as a strike. In sum, the State is prepared to continue delivering critical services to its citizens with or without employees who choose to go out on the picket line.
In the wake of Gov. Rauner’s broken promise to fairly fund Chicago Public Schools, CEO Forrest Claypool announced today that all District employees will be furloughed on four non-instructional days this school year.
“As we address CPS’ financial challenges, we have two goals: minimize classroom disruptions and restore funding that treats Chicago students fairly,” said CEO Forrest Claypool. “Since Governor Rauner is denying fair funding to Chicago students, we are forced to make cuts that will create new challenges for schools that are working to build on their academic gains. But make no mistake, any additional cuts we are forced to make would fall squarely at the governor’s feet.”
Employees will not work on furlough days and will not be paid for the furlough days. The District expects these adjustments to save approximately $35 million to be used to reduce the gap caused by the governor’s veto.
In the meantime, CPS will continue to fight for fair funding for Chicago’s students. If Gov. Rauner continues to treat Chicago children as political pawns, CPS will be forced to take additional steps to reduce spending, working to minimize disruptions to classroom instruction.
The furlough days are taking place on previously scheduled School Improvement Days for staff, which are used to train teachers on instructional strategies, analyze student academic data and plan or refine curriculum to meet students’ needs. The furlough days are:
· Friday, February 3, 2017
· Friday, April 7, 2017
· Wednesday, June 21, 2017
· Thursday, June 22, 2017
In a letter to employees today, Claypool wrote: “For our part, once again we will fight tooth and nail to protect our classrooms, and to ensure that these political games won’t roll back the tremendous progress by Chicago students. However, with a hole of this size in our budget, we have no choice but to begin to take immediate action to preserve CPS’ solvency. To be clear: Governor Rauner cut funding for CPS pensions by $215 million at the same time that the state is increasing its contributions for other districts’ pensions by $300 million, to nearly $4 billion.”
*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s office…
Hi, Rich:
“Continuing to blame the Governor, who has been in office two years, for decades of fiscal mismanagement and bad decision-making is getting old. CPS willingly chose to budget for money they had not received and knew was contingent upon real pension reform. The Administration is open to considering this legislation again if the General Assembly passes statewide pension reform.”
Hoping to bring better stewardship to a troubled institution, Gov. Bruce Rauner plans to name Paul Vallas as one of four new trustees to the Chicago State University board, an unexpected arrangement between former political rivals.
The appointment of Vallas, who ran Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001, and the other board members will be effective Monday. The other trustees are Chicago attorneys Tiffany Harper and Nicholas Gowen, and World Sport Chicago executive director Kam Buckner, the Tribune has learned.
“Chicago State is a critical institution for the city of Chicago and Illinois,” Rauner said in a statement. “These four transformational leaders bring the experience and expertise that is needed to help ensure the university’s long-term success.”
The appointments mark a significant shift on the board, which will now be controlled by Rauner appointees, and comes at a time of turmoil for the 150-year-old Far South Side campus.
Rauner and Vallas have talked about various opportunities since the election. Either way, the CTU didn’t much care for Vallas back in the day and gave Pat Quinn all kinds of grief when he chose him as a running mate. So while they’re not quite on the same page on things, they are closer than it may appear.
* But what’s up with the clean energy stuff? I Googled it and initially came up with a couple of stories from 2008 like this one…
In one TV commercial, Kool and the Gang warble their celebration of good times because coal, yes, coal, makes the party possible in America. In another, white and black, young and old, male and female, and even someone in a doctor’s green scrubs, stare into the camera and soulfully declare: “I believe” American know-how will make coal clean and stop it from contributing to climate change. Not sold? Maybe you missed the newspaper ads and billboards warning that turning away from coal could mean blackouts, unemployment and higher electric bills.
I am working in solar energy. I’m working with the Chicago Institute of Technology. I’m talking to some people about solar energy. There is sustainable energy in Africa. Look at Africa. There is 80 percent sun all the time. I’m in the process of just bringing people to the table right now. I’m doing the introductions. I’m doing this because solar energy is clean. It’s the way of the future. “Klean” energy is Kool.
Statement on AFSCME’s Decision to Authorize a Strike Vote
CHICAGO – Illinois Governor’s Office General Counsel Dennis Murashko issued the following statement Friday on AFSCME’s decision to authorize a strike vote:
“Within weeks of our attempt to implement common sense changes like a 40-hour work week and zero tolerance for being intoxicated in the workplace, AFSCME has rushed to authorize a strike, putting Illinois residents at risk. It is disappointing that AFSCME refuses to respect the state labor board’s bipartisan ruling and work with us to implement a contract that is fair to taxpayers and state employees alike.”
Background
Drug Testing: http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=13954
On Oct 11, World Obesity Day, WHO upped the ante in its fight against sugar. First, it called for governments to introduce subsidies for fruits and vegetables and taxation of unhealthy foods, with a particular target on sugary drinks. The new WHO recommendations are based on global expert opinion and 11 systematic reviews of the effectiveness of fiscal interventions for improving diets and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“The amount that we spend in the Cook County Hospital and Health Systems is approximately $200 million to treat heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and others,” said Dr. Javette Orgain, a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “From our perspective, it’s worth the fight to add a tax to sugary beverages to reduce the consumption.”
* The Senate’s “grand compromise” also includes a tax on sugary drinks, although Arkansas led the way long ago…
The Southern state has levied taxes since 1983 on soft drinks and syrups and related products ranging from 0.16 to 1.56 cents per ounce.
With the increased momentum from local governments who’ve lately been passing their own taxes, a new statewide tax in a big state like Illinois could lead to even bigger states like California passing their own.
So, expect a huge pushback on this aspect of the Senate package.
Overnight, the retail price for a two-liter soft drink in Illinois could jump nearly 70 cents, a 12 pack of refreshments could increase $1.44, and a 12 pack of tea would add an additional $2.04 if Illinois lawmakers have their way. Bills are being introduced in the Illinois House and Senate to impose a penny-per-ounce surcharge to consumers on caloric sweetened liquid refreshments. Opposition to the tax comes from every corner of the state and includes consumers, civic organizations, small business owners, and the labor force. Trevor Borowiak, President Borowiak’s IGA stated “The burden of this regressive tax on liquid refreshments will affect Illinois families who are already paying too much of their income on taxes. Consumers do not need the government telling them what to put in their shopping cart.”
Senate Bill SB0009 imposes a tax on Liquid Refreshments, Teas, and Juices which are already subject to a 6.25 percent tax compared to ‘qualifying food and drugs,’ which are taxed at one percent. The legislation would raise the cost of soda, juice drinks, sports drinks, teas, and more. “It’s a senseless tax since it will drive down the volume upon which it depends to raise revenue,” said John Rains, Pepsi MidAmerica Executive VP & General Manager. “Not only will this affect the liquid refreshment companies, but as it depresses sales, it will pose a significant impact on convenience stores, restaurants, grocery, schools; basically anyone serving liquid refreshments.”
The Illinois liquid refreshment, tea, and juice industry currently provides 114,124 jobs at 55 bottling and distribution facilities throughout Illinois. Together these companies now pay $6.2 billion in annual wages. They generate a yearly economic impact in Illinois topping $21 billion according to the Illinois Coalition against Beverage Taxes.
Also unpopular, at least with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, is a proposed penny-an-ounce tax on sugary drinks, modeled on a levy recently adopted by Cook County.
The tax is “regressive” and “unreliable” as a source of money, said IRME President and CEO Rob Karr. “It goes in the exact opposite direction of where we should be: a broad-based, low-rate system.”
* Coca-Cola Working to Make War on Sugar a Profitable Venture: To respond to consumers’ growing aversion to the sweetener, the company is offering smaller bottles and cans — essentially getting customers to pay more for less product. It’s also creating new brands and reformulating existing drinks to cut sugar. Coca-Cola says the shift will actually increase sales, and the company’s third-quarter results on Wednesday backed up that confidence. Revenue beat analysts’ estimates, helped by water and sports drinks as well as the higher-margin small packages.
* ‘War on sugar’ fosters change for global candy industry: The “war on sugar” has dented demand of sweet snacks as 47% of global consumers look for foods with limited or no added sugar, according to a recent survey by Euromonitor.
* Choosing Sides in War on Sugar: The people at candy-maker Mars Inc. have something to tell you: Stop eating so much sugar! According to the Wall Street Journal, the manufacturer of M&Ms, Snickers and Twix has thrown its weight behind a U.S. Food and Drug Administration push to include measures of added sugar on food labels. Non-candy food manufacturers such as Campbell Soup Co. are opposed to the change, but Mars figures that people already know their candy bars are full of sugar.
* The Illinois Policy Institute takes a closer look at the agenda outlined during Speaker Madigan’s inauguration address…
“Making sure all businesses pay something”: To start with the only idea that might have a sliver of growth connected to it, Madigan proposes cutting the corporate income tax rate in half. This idea taken alone is a positive start. The corporate income tax brought in $2.4 billion in fiscal year 2016. Cutting this tax in half would presumably reduce taxes by about $1.2 billion per year.
However, Madigan then goes on to say that many corporations do not have an income tax liability because they have no taxable income. This is true. Madigan suggests changing the corporate tax code to make sure “all businesses pay something.”
What that means is Madigan is proposing a new tax on corporations. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First, there already is a corporate tax all corporations pay – it’s the corporate franchise tax. All corporations also must pay the franchise tax, which is completely nonsensical and should be repealed.
A report from Ernst and Young shows that Illinois businesses pay more in sales taxes, property taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes than they do in corporate income taxes. Illinois businesses also pay more in workers’ compensation insurance than they do in corporate income taxes. It’s unclear how Madigan wants to levy additional taxes on businesses that have no taxable income, yet already pay taxes. This anti-growth idea would likely negate the pro-growth effect of cutting the corporate rate.
The problem with that is, historically, the bigger the business is, the more likely it is to have Illinois corporate income tax liability, the exact opposite of what Madigan suggested, said Carol Portman, president of the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois, a watchdog group.
While two-thirds of companies in Illinois and nationally don’t pay taxes in any given year, it’s mostly the smaller ones that don’t, Portman said. “It makes sense. Who’s not making money? It’s (often) the startups, the mom-and-pop companies.”
Rep. Scott Drury, a Democrat from Highwood on his third term in the House, was the only member who pushed back against the steamroll of Madigan’s nomination for speaker. Surely it was uncomfortable proclaiming a vote of “present” during the roll call. But Drury has shown a willingness to carve his own path in Springfield — and has in turn been ostracized. One blog described him as “obnoxious” and “goofy.” He has been mocked for boasting about his background as a federal prosecutor, a qualification that sure beats the somebody-somebody-sent credential that’s typical under the dome.
Is Drury well-liked? Who cares? If you’re not the occasional outcast in Springfield, then you’re not doing your job.
Yeah, OK.
He’s not an “occasional” outcast. He’s one of those folks who can actually cost you votes on your bill when he rises to speak in support. Anyone who spends any time in the chamber would know this.
But public service isn’t about being submissive. Taxpayers, especially given the direction of this broken state, deserve urgency and boldness. They deserve independent thought.
What they “deserve” right now is the willingness and the ability to forge a reasonable compromise to end this two-year stalemate nightmare. They “deserve” people who can work together and not grandstand. 177 legislators running around boasting about how superior and independent they are ain’t gonna get it done.
* Voters “deserve” an attitude like the one expressed by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno on Monday. From her inaugural address as prepared for delivery…
The groundwork we laid earlier this week can jumpstart this General Assembly –
• We have a tremendous opportunity to begin moving Illinois past the fiscal impasse that has hovered over this Capitol for far too long.
Collectively – and I do mean collectively – because it will take all of us –
• Senators, our closest advisors, and our staffs – who I can’t say enough about.
• Our staffs work tirelessly on our behalf – and I can’t tell you how appreciative we are.
So collectively – we have the power of a solution
• We have packaged the state budget with the necessary revenue – and the structural reforms to grow jobs and give taxpayers get a better value by re-balancing government with the needs of those paying the bills.
I hope all of you will support us in getting the job done.
In other words, we need people who can find a way to work together.
* I, for one, strongly believe that Speaker Madigan should join this effort and help heal these gaping wounds, not continue to make them worse. Senate President Cullerton did not negotiate a bad deal with Leader Radogno. So, build on it, don’t trash it for the sake of preventing this governor from being reelected.
But Drury’s futile gesture on Wednesday didn’t move Madigan a millimeter in that direction because the gentleman has no support whatsoever from his fellow rank and file Democrats. Drury is not the sort of person we desperately need to help forge a compromise that legislators can get behind. His vote was just another in a long list of meaningless gestures.
It takes all kinds to make a General Assembly. There’s definitely a place for people like Drury. His heart is in the right place. It’s his execution that sorely lacks.
The logo, which was designed and donated by Ben Olson of the Schaumburg-based public relations firm 3 Monkeys and an Aardvark Studios, reflects those strengths, bicentennial organizers said.
Twenty-one gold stars — marking Illinois’ 1818 entry into the union as its 21st state — surround a blue outline of the state. In the middle of the bicentennial logo is a gold-colored “200″ in a white sunburst with rays emanating in all directions.
“The sunburst in the middle of the state outline portrays the impact Illinois has made on the country and the world over the past two centuries and the bright future we aspire to for the next 200 years,” said Stuart Layne, the commission’s executive director.
From: “Roberta Lynch, AFSCME Council 31″
Date: January 13, 2017 at 10:28:03 AM CST
To:
Subject: Rauner rejects compromise — Time to vote
AFSCME Council 31
Dear xxxx,
When I wrote to you earlier this week, it was with the slimmest of hopes that Governor Rauner’s recent pronouncements about the importance of “compromise” to end the state budget crisis might actually have been made with a modicum of sincerity.
I thought that if he had finally come to see how his stubborn refusal to work toward a solution to the state’s fiscal woes was harming citizens all across Illinois, then perhaps he might also finally have realized how counterproductive it has been to take the same ‘my way or the highway’ approach with his own employees—the thousands of dedicated public servants who protect children from abuse, monitor air and water quality, respond to natural disasters, care for aged veterans, and so much more.
It was based on that hope that your AFSCME Bargaining Committee took the unprecedented step of publicly putting forward a new “Settlement Framework” that significantly modified the union’s previous positions on core economic issues. After an entire year in which the governor refused to come to the bargaining table and work to reach a fair contract settlement, the Committee wanted to concretely demonstrate that AFSCME members are prepared to do all we can to avert the disruption that would be caused by a statewide strike.
You can click here to read AFSCME’s letter to the governor which outlines the new Settlement Framework.
Unfortunately, we quickly learned just how insincere the governor’s professed belief in “compromise” really is. Within hours of receiving the union’s letter regarding the new framework, the governor’s office put out a press statement completely dismissing the new terms as “superficial” and—as is their usual pattern—wildly exaggerating the potential cost to the state.
This kind of blatant misrepresentation of the facts is a clear indication that the governor has not a rational or ethical leg to stand on in the war he is waging on his own employees.
Anyone with eyes to see can grasp that a settlement framework based on employees getting no base wage increase for four years—and paying more for their health insurance—represents real sacrifice. The decision to put such a framework forward was not one that the Bargaining Committee made lightly because Committee members are keenly aware that it could entail real financial difficulties for some employees—especially those who are lower-paid or more recently hired.
But, rather than recognizing that sacrifice and taking up the opportunity to chart a new course, the governor is refusing to make any compromise whatsoever. He remains determined to eradicate union rights, to make employees pay 100% more for their health insurance, to freeze wage increases and step movement for four years, and to have unrestricted ability to privatize state services.
That’s why it is clear that the time has now come to move forward with a Strike Authorization Vote. This vote will let every AFSCME member determine whether or not to resist Rauner’s assaults or to allow him to impose his own harsh terms on employees. The voting will take place in each local union on dates set between January 30 – February 19. Specific information regarding voting locations and procedures in your local will be coming soon.
You will be voting on whether to give your AFSCME Bargaining Committee the authority to call a strike. If a majority vote ’yes’, that does not necessarily mean there will be a strike—as the Committee will continue to do everything possible to reach a fair settlement. But it does mean that if all such efforts fail, you will be prepared to go out on strike when the Committee issues the call.
This is a choice that no responsible person would seek or savor. Yet we have a governor of our state who has continuously pushed to reach this juncture—to undermine employees’ economic security and job rights or to shut down the state and deny citizens the services they need.
Over the coming months, we will be called on to take our commitment to public service ever deeper, to build on the support shown by our communities, and to send a powerful message that no government can truly serve its citizens by trampling on the employees who provide those services.
On Aug. 3, AFSCME received notice from the Rauner Administration of 94 layoffs in state government. The threatened job losses are in the Department of Natural Resources (54 layoffs associated with the Governor’s plan to close the Illinois State Museum sites and the Sparta World Shooting Complex), the Illinois Commerce Commission (24), the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (9) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (7).
The notices all cited a lack of funds as the rationale for the layoffs, which have an effective date of September 30.
“Most of these layoffs stem from Governor Rauner’s rush to shutter the Illinois State Museum sites, destroying a vital resource for learning and the preservation of cultural heritage and putting professional museum curators, librarians and support staff in the unemployment lines,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch said.
The ICC got a bunch of money in the Exelon bill, so that’s probably why those layoffs were rescinded. And there was a deal cut on the museum not long ago.
The Justice Department announced today that it has found reasonable cause to believe that the Chicago Police Department (CPD) engages in a pattern or practice of using force, including deadly force, in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. The department found that CPD officers’ practices unnecessarily endanger themselves and result in unnecessary and avoidable uses of force. The pattern or practice results from systemic deficiencies in training and accountability, including the failure to train officers in de-escalation and the failure to conduct meaningful investigations of uses of force.
The city of Chicago and the Justice Department have signed an agreement in principle to work together, with community input, to create a federal court-enforceable consent decree addressing the deficiencies found during the investigation.
“One of my highest priorities as Attorney General has been to ensure that every American enjoys police protection that is lawful, responsive, and transparent,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “Sadly, our thorough investigation into the Chicago Police Department found that far too many residents of this proud city have not received that kind of policing. The resulting deficit in trust and accountability is not just bad for residents – it’s also bad for dedicated police officers trying to do their jobs safely and effectively. With this announcement, we are laying the groundwork for the difficult but necessary work of building a stronger, safer, and more united Chicago for all who call it home.”
“The failures we identified in our findings – that we heard about from residents and officers alike — have deeply eroded community trust,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “But today is a moment of opportunity, where we begin to move from identifying problems to developing solutions. I know our findings can lead to reform and rebuild community-police trust because we’ve seen it happen in community after community around the country over the past 20 years.”
“The findings in our report, coupled with the City of Chicago and Police Department’s commitment to work together with us, are an historic turning point and a major step toward sustained change,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon of the Northern District of Illinois. “Implementing these findings is a necessary precursor to our long-term success in fighting violent crime in Chicago.”
On Dec. 7, 2015, Attorney General Lynch announced the investigation into the CPD and the city’s Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA). The investigation focused on CPD’s use of force, including racial, ethnic and other disparities in use of force, and its systems of accountability.
In the course of its pattern or practice investigation, the department interviewed and met with city leaders, current and former police officials, and numerous officers throughout all ranks of CPD. The department also accompanied line officers on over 60 ride-alongs in every police district; heard from over 1,000 community members and more than 90 community organizations; reviewed thousands of pages of police documents, including all relevant policies, procedures, training and materials; and analyzed a randomized, representative sample of force reports and the investigative files for incidents that occurred between January 2011 and April 2016, including over 170 officer-involved shooting investigations and documents related to over 400 additional force incidents.
The department found that CPD’s pattern or practice of unconstitutional force is largely attributable to deficiencies in its accountability systems and in how it investigates uses of force, responds to allegations of misconduct, trains and supervises officers, and collects and reports data on officer use of force. The department also found that the lack of effective community-oriented policing strategies and insufficient support for officer wellness and safety contributed to the pattern or practice of unconstitutional force.
In addition, the department also identified serious concerns about the prevalence of racially discriminatory conduct by some CPD officers and the degree to which that conduct is tolerated and in some respects caused by deficiencies in CPD’s systems of training, supervision and accountability. The department’s findings further note that the impact of CPD’s pattern or practice of unreasonable force falls heaviest on predominantly black and Latino neighborhoods, such that restoring police-community trust will require remedies addressing both discriminatory conduct and the disproportionality of illegal and unconstitutional patterns of force on minority communities.
In the agreement in principle, the Justice Department and the city of Chicago agreed that compliance with the consent decree will be reviewed by an independent monitor. The agreement in principle provides a general framework for change, but the department will be doing community outreach to solicit input in developing comprehensive reforms. In the days ahead, the department will continue speaking to local authorities, officers and ordinary citizens to gather their perspectives about the challenges facing the city – and the changes needed to address them. Comments from the public may be provided by email to Community.CPD@crt.usdoj.gov.
Throughout the department’s investigation, CPD leadership remained receptive to preliminary feedback and technical assistance, and started the process of implementing reforms. Under the leadership of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Superintendent Eddie Johnson, CPD has taken a number of encouraging steps, including creating the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to replace IPRA; issuing a new transparency policy mandating the release of videos and other materials related to certain officer misconduct investigations; beginning a pilot program for body-worn cameras, to be expanded CPD-wide; and committing to establish an anonymous hotline for employees to report misconduct. While these and other measures are an important start to cooperative reform, a comprehensive, court-enforceable agreement is needed to remedy all of the department’s findings and ensure lasting reform.
In addition, the department has been working with the city of Chicago as part of the Violence Reduction Network, a data-driven, evidence-based initiative that delivers strategic, intensive training and technical assistance. This assistance focuses on developing an overall violence reduction strategic framework; providing immediate technical assistance and expertise to CPD; analyzing high-crime neighborhoods for resource, social service and opportunity gaps; and assisting in building capacity in Chicago’s public safety offices. And in 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois charged more illegal firearms cases in total, and more as a percentage of its overall cases, than it has in any year since 2004.
This investigation was conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois with the assistance of law enforcement professionals, pursuant to the pattern-or-practice provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Since 2009, the Special Litigation Section has opened 25 investigations into law enforcement agencies. The section is enforcing 20 agreements with law enforcement agencies, including 15 consent decrees and one post-judgment order. The division recently released a comprehensive report that provides an overview of the police reform work done pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which can be found at the following link: https://www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download.
Thaddeus Jones, a Democratic state lawmaker, Calumet City alderman and a mayor hopeful, is accused of misusing campaign funds in a recently filed complaint with the Illinois State Board of Elections.
The complaint uses words like “highly suspicious” and “truly unbelievable” to describe Jones’ use of campaign dollars.
“The spending as reported is severe and outrageous,” says Ross Secler, a Chicago attorney who filed the complaint.
The complaint alleges that since Jan. 1, 2014, Jones’s campaign committees have paid more than $5,000 to Jones’ fiancée and more than $2,000 to his ex-wife for, among other things, “school” and “tuition assistance.”
“This isn’t just bad reporting or bad bookkeeping,” Secler says. “This is a clear violation of the law.” […]
Jones later emailed a statement that said in part, “The allegations have nothing to do with my official duties as State Representative or as 3rd Ward Alderman in Calumet City. The allegations they raise are untrue and my campaign team is confident of overcoming these dirty tricks and winning election as Mayor of Calumet City.”
Yikes.
Click here to search his legislative campaign account for the word “school.”
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, a Democrat from Oswego, was brave enough to voice her concerns about the direction of the state during Madigan’s nomination. She was swiftly mocked on social media. If you knew her, you would not have been surprised by her remarks. She’s a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, for crying out loud. She has bucked leadership in the past. She doesn’t run with the cool crowd in Springfield. And you won’t find her lounging on a bar stool letting lobbyists pick up her drink tab.
But for her outspokenness, you can bet she will pay a lonely price.
OK, first of all, I talked with Rep. Kifowit at a inauguration reception later that night. She wasn’t being ostracized by her fellow members. Just the opposite. She’s also not one of those legislators who never goes to evening events, although she never allows lobbyists to pick up her tab. She’s just a regular person, and is quite well liked for that trait.
* Also, I didn’t see the mocking social media references during the festivities Wednesday, except for this…
Rules are made to be broken. Dems can't follow rules even at Inauguration #kifowit outoforder
Just taking a moment to call out my state representative, Stephanie Kifowit. Although a Marine, my representative lacks the courage and moral turpitude to withhold her support for speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan is clearly an entrenched Union power broker, abuser of power, flagrant crony socialist, mr. Conflict of interest himself and enemy of the taxpaying people of the state of Illinois. Shame!
“Are there further nominations?” asked Secretary of State Jesse White, who led the election process. Crickets. “Nominations for speaker are now closed.”
With that, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, an Oswego Democrat and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, stood up and challenged leaders of both parties to end the immature game-playing that hurts the state. She said she felt “compelled” to make a statement that “we have to do better.” She said she was disgusted by the lack of state budget and appalled by backroom deals. Again, crickets.
Stephanie Kifowit Betrays Voters, Backs Madigan for Speaker
House Democrats Re-Elect Boss Madigan
“Stephanie Kifowit today chose to put the political machine ahead of the people. She voted to elect Mike Madigan to a record 17th term as Speaker, extending Madigan’s decades of power for another two years. Kifowit’s refusal to stand up to Boss Madigan makes clear that the only way to get a new Speaker in Illinois is by getting rid of legislators like Stephanie Kifowit in Springfield.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
Today, House Democrats ignored the will of the people by re-electing Boss Madigan as Speaker of the House.
The Illinois Republican Party will continue to hold accountable the legislators who protect the status quo and empower the Madigan political machine.
* Every now and then I realize I’ve looked so long for something “quick” to post that I’ve wound up taking as much or even more time than if I’d just posted something long to begin with.
