State Senator Tom Cullerton resigned from his seat in the Illinois Senate Wednesday.
According to his attorneys, the suburban Democrat, currently under federal indictment for extortion and embezzlement, plans to plead guilty in the case. […]
In 2019, Cullerton was charged with 39 counts of embezzlement from a labor union, one count of conspiracy and one count of making false statements.
The indictment stated Cullerton was hired as a union organizer, a full-time salaried position with benefits. The charges allege that Cullerton did little to no work for the next three years but was paid roughly $275,000 in salary and benefits.
The federal anti-featherbedding laws were basically designed to stop the Teamsters from doing just this. Every time he signed a time card, Cullerton was committing a felony. I like Tom and always have. But I don’t know what else to say except that he really screwed up.
Another member of one of Chicago’s storied political families, former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson, was convicted in federal court just last week on charges he cheated on his taxes and lied to regulators. He is a grandson and nephew of Chicago’s two longest-serving mayors.
* A little bit of politics from the Richard Irvin campaign before we get to the meat of the post…
The culture of Mike Madigan corruption clouding Illinois government is alive and well under JB Pritzker as another lawmaker resigned this week after pleading guilty to corruption charges. This marks the fourth lawmaker to resign under a cloud of corruption since Pritzker took office.
Last week, a federal judge refused to drop charges against friends of former House Speaker Mike Madigan in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Pritzker, of course, said Illinois should be grateful for Madigan and gave a massive bailout to the company implicated in the federal probe.
Yesterday, State Senator Tom Cullerton abruptly resigned and announced an intended guilty plea on 39 federal embezzlement charges. But despite a two-year investigation into Cullerton, Pritzker remained silent on this cloud of corruption - refusing to call on Cullerton to resign his seat and never taking action to clean up Springfield. Cullerton’s resignation follows other Democratic lawmakers resigning in disgrace during Pritzker’s tenure, including former State Rep. Luis Arroyo, State Sen. Terry Link, and the late former State Sen. Martin Sandoval.
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin has vowed to fight corruption and clean up Springfield. Irvin believes change needs to start at the top with a new governor who isn’t part of Mike Madigan’s corruption web.
* Natalie Edelstein at the Pritzker campaign responded when I asked…
The governor believes that those who violate the public trust must be held accountable. Full stop. That’s why he passed meaningful ethics reform legislation which restricts government officials from lobbying activities, tightens regulations on registered lobbyists and consultants, and expands economic interest disclosures. There is more work to be done to fully restore Illinoisans’ faith in their government––but that work certainly wouldn’t happen under Richard Irvin. Irvin’s aggressive 180s on everything from COVID-19 mitigations to his support for Black Lives Matter underscores how little conviction he really has.
* OK, we have (finally) arrived at the policy point in this discussion. Rep. Curtis Tarver (D-Chicago) called today to tell me about a bill of his that is currently going nowhere even though he believes it’s particularly timely in the wake of the past week’s conviction and resignation/guilty plea, among other things.
* Here’s what state law says about legislative and statewide officeholders…
A person convicted of a felony shall be ineligible to hold an office created by the Constitution of this State until the completion of his sentence.
So, when Tom Cullerton and Patrick Daley Thompson complete their sentences, they can run for the General Assembly or a statewide executive office.
* And here’s what state law says about people running for municipal office…
A person is not eligible to take the oath of office for a municipal office if that person … has been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony, unless such person is again restored to his or her rights of citizenship that may have been forfeited under Illinois law as a result of a conviction, which includes eligibility to hold elected municipal office, by the terms of a pardon for the offense, has received a restoration of rights by the Governor, or otherwise according to law. Any time after a judgment of conviction is rendered, a person convicted of an infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony may petition the Governor for a restoration of rights.
So, Daley Thompson couldn’t run for city council ever again unless his rights were restored. And Cullerton couldn’t run for mayor of Villa Park unless he also convinced a governor to help him out.
Obviously, that’s quite a large gap.
* “No other state in the nation has such disparity between municipal and state law,” Rep. Tarver claimed. “Also, no other state differentiates solely based on the type of office as opposed to the type of crime.” For instance, Tarver said, if you’re convicted of bribery in California while in office you can’t ever hold public office again.
So, Tarver introduced HB5046, which would do two things.
1) After the “completion of his sentence” language for offices created by the Constitution, Tarver proposed this language…
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person convicted of a felony for an offense committed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly and while he or she was serving as a public official in this State is ineligible to hold any local public office in this State or any office created by the Constitution of this State at any time after his or her conviction, unless that person is again restored to his or her rights of citizenship that may have been forfeited under Illinois law as a result of a conviction, which includes eligibility to hold office, by the terms of a pardon for the offense, has received a restoration of rights by the Governor, or otherwise according to law.
That language would make the prohibition uniform between state and local office and confine the banishment to convictions committed while the person was holding public office.
2) But - and this may be the reason the bill went nowhere - the legislation would delete all of the prior felony conviction language from the municipal code that I quoted above. I could see where people might get skittish, particularly in a year like this.
* Even so, it sure seems to me that the state has a strong interest in preventing somebody like former Rep. Luis Arroyo, who pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges, from ever running for any state or local office ever again. (And, before anyone mentions it, the state can’t control who runs for federal office, except for things like petition requirements, districts, etc.)
* The Question: Your thoughts on Rep. Tarver’s proposal?
Why did the Giannioulias bandwagon suddenly have a flat?
Part of the reason is Giannoulias himself. Already considered by some party pros as someone who’s a little too eager to move in and up, efforts by Team Giannoulias to spread the word that he was a sure victor you’d better get behind while you still can sparked more than a little blowback.
Only White knows for sure if that blowback affected his decision. After all, Valencia is a member of his 27th Ward Regular Democratic Organization. But nobody likes to be pushed.
Whatever the impact, there almost certainly is a bigger reason: Insider after insider tells me that other people on this year’s Democratic ticket, most definitely including Pritzker, are petrified at the thought that Republicans will seize on the collapse of the Giannoulias family’s Broadway Bank and use hedge fund mogul Ken Griffin’s wallet to tarnish the entire statewide Democratic slate with tales of tawdry taxpayer bailouts and the like.
* Relevant excerpt from a Senate Republican press release…
Noting the importance of a strong education system for the future of the state, the members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are working to advance legislation that promotes greater transparency and accountability, and offers hope for struggling students.
The Senators’ legislative package aims to empower parents with new bills designed to allow them greater access to school curriculums and a voice in statewide educational decisions.
The first bill, Senate Bill 4180, adds five new positions to the Illinois State Board of Education. Currently, all members of the state board are appointed by the Governor, meaning the individual members aren’t held directly accountable to voters. Those members make far-reaching decisions on school curriculums, health and safety requirements, and how mandates affect schools.
The new legislation creates one board member per judicial district, elected by voters and thus directly accountable to families in local districts.
“The Illinois State Board of Education, whose members are hand-chosen by Governor Pritzker, sets rules and standards for all public schools. Unfortunately, this system minimizes the voices of families, doesn’t provide any sort of accountability to the public, and creates a situation where members are more beholden to the Governor than Illinois families. That’s not right,” said State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “Parents of our state deserve to have a voice in the education of their children. One of the ways we can begin to give them back their voice is to allow for the public to choose the individuals that are making crucial educational decisions on behalf of our children.”
This from the same caucus that voted lockstep against an elected Chicago school board.
An additional 111,000 voter registration applications have been processed at Illinois Secretary of State facilities annually thanks to a 2018 state automatic voter registration law, according to an analysis by Illinois PIRG.
“We believe that democracy works best when everyone is involved in it,” said the report’s author, PIRG Democracy and Civic Engagement Associate Keegan Hollyer. “Of course, given our system, that requires that people be registered to vote. Obviously, the report shows that automatic voter registration has boosted the number of people registered to vote.”
* Alexi Giannoulias campaign…
I’m excited to share my new campaign video for Secretary of State that addresses the frustration that many of us have experienced waiting in long lines at driver’s license facilities.
My new Skip the Line program will reduce wait times, increase efficiencies, curb redundancies and adhere to protocols and precautions to ensure the health and safety of customers who need to make in-person visits to renew their driver’s licenses or obtain other services. Check out our new campaign video below outlining Skip the Line!
Attorney Richard Boykin, who previously served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners (2014 - 2018), and served on Capitol Hill for 11 years, including time as Chief of Staff to Congressman Danny Davis, will be joined by several prominent supporters when he officially announces his run for President of the Cook County Board. Specifically joining Attorney Boykin will be his Campaign Chair, the legendary Coach Dorothy Gaters, the winningest high school basketball coach in Illinois history, and retired Cook County Sheriff Kenneth Jones who lost his 29-year-old son to gun violence.
* Pritzker campaign…
Today, U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García joined Alderman Mike Rodriguez and supporters in Little Village to endorse Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton for reelection.
“I proudly endorse Governor JB Pritzker in his bid to continue leading Illinois,” said Congressman García. “Under Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois emerged as a national leader in the fight against COVID-19 and also became the most welcoming state in the nation. He has been a champion for protecting and defending Latino and immigrant communities. Through his compassionate and effective leadership, he has forged partnerships across parties, regions, caucuses, and community stakeholders to secure resources for millions of families. We must continue on our path to serve the diverse people of Illinois while uplifting our state as a national model — and that is only possible with Governor JB Pritzker.”
Not quite sure why that was needed since Pritzker has no realistic primary opposition. Anyway, an online video ad is here.
Thursday, Feb 24, 2022 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
AARP IL is fighting to ensure nursing home residents receive safe and high-quality care by emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Nursing home residents and staff have experienced devastating conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic, and an unacceptable number have lost their lives to the disease.
This session, Illinois lawmakers have the opportunity to improve care and conditions for nursing home residents.
Join AARP Illinois as we urge lawmakers to make sure legislation under negotiation:
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* Gov. Pritzker’s great grandfather came to America from Ukraine in the 1920s, so he gets top billing…
Tonight we stand together in prayer for the people of Ukraine and united in our resolve against the tyranny of a Russian autocrat determined to undermine democracy and threaten peace on the European continent.
U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement on Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine:
“Let me be clear: Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine’s sovereign land is a dire threat to the established international order and must be resolutely deterred. Ukraine and our NATO allies facing ongoing Russian belligerence have strong bipartisan, bicameral support in the U.S. Congress. As someone who has strong ties to the region, my prayers are with the Ukrainian people and all of Eastern Europe.”
* Duckworth…
Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who served 23 years in the Reserve Forces, issued the following statement after Russia escalated its invasion of Ukraine:
“The human suffering caused—and any blood spilled—as a result of this unjustified and unjustifiable attack on Ukraine’s sovereign territory are solely on Vladimir Putin’s hands. Our nation, our NATO allies and all countries who value human rights, sovereignty and the rule of law must hold him and his cronies fully, painfully and immediately accountable. Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and inexcusable escalation of this violent invasion will succeed in only one thing: uniting the free world against Russia’s autocratic regime in support of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty, its people and its right to self-governance.”
* LaHood…
Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on Ukraine:
“I condemn Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attacks against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The world is witness again to the true evil of Putin, who alone has chosen a path of bloodshed in Ukraine. America and the free world must stand with Ukraine by enacting the strongest possible economic sanctions, crippling Russia’s ability to make war, and punishing Putin’s regime and his oligarchs on the international stage. My prayers will remain with the Ukrainian people.”
* Foster…
Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after Russian military forces launched an invasion of Ukraine:
“The Russian military’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine is a destabilizing threat to Europe and the entire international order. The United States, our NATO allies, and our international partners must hold Putin accountable for this unprovoked attack on a sovereign nation and the senseless death and destruction it will cause.
“Although we have no treaty-level obligation to defend Ukraine, we have a special moral duty to assist Ukraine because of its decision to give up its nuclear weapons at the end of the Cold War, in return for international assurances of its territorial integrity.
“The people of Illinois stand on the side of democracy and with the people of Ukraine.”
* Krishnamoorthi…
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence issued the following statement after President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine:
“I join countless millions across the world in keeping the people of Ukraine in my prayers as Vladimir Putin has chosen to begin his unjustified, unprovoked, and premeditated invasion of Ukraine. Despite the efforts of Ukraine, the United States, and our European allies to prevent bloodshed through diplomacy, millions of lives now lie in the balance because of Russian military aggression.
In the face of Russia’s senseless and avoidable war, the United States must continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their homeland, their freedom, and their right of self-government from Vladimir Putin’s iron yoke. We must join with democracies across the world to dramatically expand sanctions on Russia to hold its leaders accountable for the needless destruction and suffering they will cause, while also coordinating with our NATO allies to stand firm in the face of any attack on our alliance.
While none of us can say for certain what will come next, Russia will gain no security from this needless war as democracies across the world once again stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of despotic militarism.”
“Tonight, Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine begins a war of choice entirely of President Putin’s making, despite months of intense diplomacy. The price that Ukrainians will pay for that choice is unfathomable.
“While the Kremlin’s disinformation apparatus is in full swing, I want to be clear that no one is responsible for this bloodshed other than Putin. As I have for months, I will continue to call for appropriate repercussions for Russia’s invasion, and if necessary, I will press the administration and our allies to take broader, harsher action.
“As these events unfold, my message to the Ukrainian people is simple: we stand with you.”
Republican Rep. Mike Bost called on President Joe Biden to “impose crippling sanctions” on the Russian economy.
“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be met with decisive action from the U.S. and our global partners,” Bost said. “This isn’t the time for subtle nuance and split hairs.”
* Davis…
Putin, his oligarch friends, and his corrupt government should feel great financial pain for their evil actions.
That’s why I support the Putin Accountability Act, the toughest sanctions ever proposed by Congress on Putin and Russia: https://t.co/tnD6iQEhbO
The fentanyl coming from our southern border is the leading cause of death for American adults. Common sense would dictate we secure our own border before we worry about the borders of other countries. But common sense and the Biden admin are polar opposites.
Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Americans miss the “Peace Through Strength” and energy independence that were achieved during the Trump Administration. President Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and dismantling of US energy production have severely weakened our national security. Biden and the Democrats’ open border policies allowed more than 2,000 Russian nationals to cross our southern border, and our border is still open while Putin issues threats to our homeland. Gas prices are about to skyrocket even higher, and the American people will suffer because of the Green New Deal policies pushed by radical leftists in Congress. None of this would be happening if President Trump was still in the White House. I will continue to pray that God watches over the people of Ukraine.”
Trump wanted the US out of NATO. Withdrawal would’ve likely satisfied Russia, but caused all sorts of other problems.
* Durkin…
While Russian troops move into Ukraine, an act of war the likes of which has not been seen in Europe since 1939, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin will introduce legislation to send a message to the Ukrainian people that Illinois supports them and will not do business with these vicious warmongers.
“This morning, we woke up to shocking images crossing our TV screens. People in cities throughout Ukraine huddled in subways and shelters while explosions shake their cities as Russian soldiers begin an invasion of their homeland,” said Durkin. “Today, we must send a strong signal to these people that we stand with them and support their sovereignty – that the State of Illinois is prepared to do what we can to help.”
Durkin’s legislation would require Illinois to divest of any pension funds in Russian companies and prohibit the state’s treasury from holding any Russian assets.
“Too often partisanship dominates our efforts in the General Assembly, but this is an opportunity for us to stand up as a bipartisan body and do what is right to support the Ukrainian people in the face of unimaginable hardship. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this done.”
* Demmer…
As Russia launches a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, an act of war not seen on the European Continent in a generation, House Republican Deputy Leader Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) has introduced legislation to send a strong-message to the people of Ukraine that the State of Illinois supports them.
“In this dark and dangerous moment, it is crucial that we stand strongly and unequivocally with the people of Ukraine and offer every tool at our disposal to provide aid to refugees who flee from the invasion of their sovereign nation,” Demmer said. “As a nation founded by refugees, there is no American value more enduring or essential than welcoming refugees from war-torn places all across the world and helping them and their families resettle safely.”
Demmer’s legislation would include an additional $20 million in the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget for FY22 and FY23 to aid in the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees. Illinois’ refugee resettlement program, run by DHS, has resettled more than 123,644 refugees from more than 60 countries since 1975.
The Refugee Program provides community-based services, including counseling, orientation, and English classes in addition to vocational training, job readiness, and job placement assistance. Additionally, multi-lingual mental health services are available for refugees who have experienced severe trauma.
“I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together quickly on a bipartisan basis to pass my legislation into law so that the State of Illinois is prepared to provide the necessary aid to Ukrainian refugees and their families during this tragic and anxious period in their lives,” Demmer added.
…Adding… Rush…
Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, released the following statement on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine:
“Today is a dark, dark day. Under preposterous and false pretenses, Vladimir Putin has chosen to invade a sovereign democratic nation, a critical and strategic ally of the United States. My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine; I am praying for their safety. I am praying for Chicago’s Ukrainian community and for their loved ones in Europe who may be impacted by this war. Ukraine must know that the American people and the American government stand unequivocally with them during this time of crisis.
“I support the sanctions that President Biden, in close coordination with our allies, has already imposed. Should Russia continue to move down this dangerous path, I am confident that the U.S. and our allies will swiftly impose increasingly severe consequences that will cripple Russia’s economy and strategic interests. I stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress to do what is necessary to make clear that Ukraine is not alone in its fight to retain its sovereignty and that our nation and its leaders stand firmly and unmistakably on the side of democracy.”
…Adding… Irvin…
I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and support efforts by the United States and allies to deter further Russian aggression.
The unprovoked aggression we are witnessing by Putin and Russia threatens peace and democracy, and will have far-reaching consequences. Please join us in praying for Ukraine, and Ukrainian people everywhere, including right here in Illinois. 🇺🇦
Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement:
“America and the world stand with the People of Ukraine.
“Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine is not just an unprovoked, illegal invasion of a sovereign country, but a blatant attack on the world order—an affront to every nation that respects international law and national self-determination. Putin is counting on the unity of the international community to fracture and wane in short order. We must ensure that his confidence is misplaced and that his intentions are thwarted.
“It is imperative for the US to resolutely lead with our allies in preserving the united response to Putin’s war. We must stand together to support the people of Ukraine and also work in unison to mitigate the impact Putin’s illegal aggression will have on the global economy. We will continue to assist Ukraine and the Ukrainian people with the resources necessary to defend their country and humanitarian assistance to feed and provide for their citizens.
“We see Vladimir Putin for what he is: a warmongering, dictatorial tyrant who seeks a permanent conflict with the West and restoration of Russian rule over the former Soviet empire. Additional sanctions must directly target Vladimir Putin, Russian elites, the Russian military and the country’s financial institutions. Our grievance is not with the Russian people, and it is unfortunate that they will be the ones to bear the greatest burden of the international response. Putin bears responsibility for their suffering every bit as much as he is responsible for the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine.
“Putin’s ambitions know no bounds. America, NATO, and our allies must be resolute in defense of democracy.”
* Speaker Welch…
I am grateful to see @POTUS strengthen sanctions on Russia to hold them accountable for the senseless suffering this aggression has, and will continue to cause. My prayers remain with the Ukrainian people and the rest of the free world as we unite against this autocratic regime.
United States Marine Corps Veteran and Chair of the IL House Veterans Affairs Committee, State Representative Stephanie Kifowit – Oswego (D) gave the following remarks at the beginning of session on the IL House Floor today after Ukraine is under Russian attack.
“I wish I could say it was a good morning, but it was not. I rise not only as the Chair of the IL House Veterans Affairs Committee, but also as a US Marine Corps Veteran who has served on active duty, and a mother of a currently serving US Navy sailor.
There is no question, there is no political divide, when evil rears its head and the world see the death and destruction that is yielded by an individual without a conscience or respect for human life. President Putin of Russia has acted in the most despicable manner, without merit, and without provocation, engaged in a military assault of an ally, a sovereign nation, the country of Ukraine.
Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe by area and has a population of over 43 million people. President Putin has destabilized peace in Europe, attacked a friendly country.
Missiles and bombs are raining down on an innocent population and this premeditated attack is underway by land, air and sea.
We must unite with our allies to demand an end to this aggression and to hold Putin accountable. I am truly in fear for our future due to the unpredictable and reckless nature of Putin and his regime.
Families today are still affected by the wars of our past, as many are sharing their histories on social media. We cannot let this situation continue as it affects all of us and will have a tremendous impact on the future of our entire country.
We need to hold all our men and women serving in our thoughts and prayers. We also need to reach out to our Veterans, who know all too well the realities of war, and especially our WWII Veterans who are still with us today.
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have more impact on Illinois than just higher gas prices and lower 401Ks. Even those of us without friends and relatives in Ukraine will feel the chill on our collective Democratic freedoms as Russia’s dictator tries to push the world toward autocracy. Let us stand with Ukraine and with the protestors in Russia.
* Beth Hunsdorfer scored and then conducted and then wrote up one heck of an interview with the new LIG…
Michael McCuskey assumed his role of legislative inspector general this week, bringing 32 years of judicial experience to the position charged with investigating lawmaker misconduct.
“I want them to be a little scared of me,” McCuskey, in an interview, said of the lawmakers who appointed him on Feb. 17. […]
He’s known for handing down tough sentences for criminal defendants, earning him the nickname “Maximum Mike.” […]
He once appeared on a radio show and called the University of Illinois president and other administrators “gutless” for their handling of a student protest of an appearance of then-Gov. Bruce Rauner. […]
McCuskey drew national attention when he presided over the case of six students suspended for a brawl at a football game in Decatur. A civil rights lawsuit was filed by an organization headed by Rev. Jesse Jackson. McCuskey, who worked as a high school teacher and coach before he went to law school, upheld the students’ suspension.
You really gotta wonder what the Democratic caucuses are thinking about their votes right about now. /s
Illinois senators have approved a plan to help survivors of Department of Children and Family Services caseworkers who die in the line of duty.
It would allow them to receive a State Employee Group Insurance death benefit, no matter how long the person worked for the agency. That’s similar to when a law enforcement officer is killed. Current law requires eight years of service for employees.
The proposal follows the death of Deidre Silas of Springfield, a caseworker killed while on a home visit in Thayer last month. The legislation would be retroactive to ensure Silas’ family receives health coverage.
Silas is survived by her husband, a five year old son and a two year old daughter.
* Press release…
On Wednesday, legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) to combat human trafficking in Illinois passed the House of Representatives. House Bill 4593 was introduced by Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) to prevent sexual predators from claiming they did not know the person they solicited for sex was underage or had an intellectual disability.
“I spoke with Rep. Bos about human trafficking in our state on my radio show, Policy Nuance, back in October,” said Rep. Batinick. “This is a serious issue affecting vulnerable populations and I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to place responsibility on perpetrators, not victims, of sexual abuse.”
House Bill 4593 passed the House with bipartisan support and no opposition. According to Homeland Security, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. According to the 2018 Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force Report, 970 children were trafficked since 2011 with the average trafficked child’s age being 13.89.
Rep. Batinick is a co-sponsor of additional human trafficking-related bills introduced by Rep. Bos. These include House Bill 4402 to create the Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act, House Bill 4407 to include sexual servitude of a minor in the definition of “sex offense”, and House Bill 4592 to increase the penalties for human traffickers and abusers who target children in particularly vulnerable settings.
If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or Text “HELP,” or “INFO” to 233733.
* Media advisory…
Illinois Engineering Leaders to Introduce Legislative Agenda to Prioritize the State’s Infrastructure
WHO: Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois)
Steve Donahue, President of Horner & Shifrin, Inc and Chair of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors
Tanya Adams, Vice President of WSP USA and Secretary of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors
P.J. Fitzpatrick, Principal of HR Green and Chair Elect of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors
Linda Moen, President of EFK Moen and Treasurer of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors
WHAT: As the country celebrates National Engineering Week, Illinois’ engineering industry leaders will unveil their 2022 ‘Prioritize Our Infrastructure’ legislative agenda aimed at ensuring Illinois’ physical infrastructure projects continue to be well-funded by the state and completed by the most qualified professionals in the industry.
WHEN: Thursday, February 24, 2022
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Illinois State Capitol Blue Room (basement, room 010)
401 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, Illinois
* Press release…
A measure to make the capitol complex more accessible for visitors with disabilities clears an important hurdle thanks to State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).
“The Capitol grounds belong to all of the people, ‘’ said Peters. “All people, regardless of their physical ability, should be able to freely move about the capitol and be able to navigate their way through our public spaces.”
Senate Bill 0180 requires the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to each appoint an accessibility coordinator to work in consultation with the Architect of the Capitol to address accessibility needs for each chamber.
The measure also creates the General Assembly Accessibility Task Force, which will include members appointed by each legislative leader and a chair jointly appointed by the Speaker and the President. The appointees would include individuals who have a disability or advocates for people with disabilities. The task force shall examine issues concerning accessibility of the General Assembly to persons with a disability. The task force’s recommendations would be due by Dec. 31, 2023 and allow the task force to continue to stand until Jan. 1, 2025.
“I am pleased that we are one step closer to addressing a critical lack of inclusion in the very center of democracy in this state,” Peters said. “I hope that after the task force completes its recommendations, that we are able to make our capitol grounds more accessible to all.”
The measure passed the Senate on Wednesday.
* Media advisory…
Media Advisory: Senate Republicans to unveil legislative package to empower parents and grow opportunities for students
WHO: State Senator Neil Anderson
State Senator Jason Barickman
State Senator Terri Bryant
State Senator Jil Tracy
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: Thursday, February 24th, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Blue Room, Illinois State Capitol
* Press release…
In response to the current mental health professional workforce’s struggles to keep up with increasing demand, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is leading a measure aimed at growing the workforce in Illinois.
“For people who are bravely taking the first steps to seek mental health care, overbooked providers are major deterrents to receiving the care they need,” Senator Fine said. “I am committed to making mental and behavioral health care more accessible for those who need it, which includes addressing the shortage of mental health providers needed for the demand we are seeing in our communities.”
In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.
To address these issues, Senate Bill 3617 focuses on expanding the current workforce. It will accelerate the process for out-of-state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois, as well as streamlining requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years. Additionally, it includes initiatives to support diversity in the mental health field, establishes tax credits, and many more provisions, all of which will encourage more quality, accessible care to those seeking assistance.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Senator Fine said. “This measure will address the gap between available providers and potential patients so that all who are seeking mental and behavioral health care face fewer barriers in receiving treatment.”
Senate Bill 3617 passed the Senate on Wednesday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.
…Adding… Senate Dems…
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Democrats to outline plan to address teacher shortage
SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 90% of school districts across the state have reported a teacher shortage problem, with even more believing the crisis will worsen in the years to come.
To tackle the school staffing crunch, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus have outlined a tangible solution to the ongoing issue through a legislative package. They will expand upon their plan at a press conference Thursday.
What: Press conference on measures to address teacher shortage
When: Thursday, Feb. 24 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Illinois State Capitol, Blue Room or virtually at BlueRoomStream.com
Who: Senators Christopher Belt, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Meg Loughran Cappel, Patrick Joyce, Rob Martwick, Napoleon Harris, and Doris Turner. The Senators will also be joined by a local educator from Washington Middle School.
* House Dems…
House Democrats To Highlight Week’s Legislative Activity
What: Members of the House Democratic Caucus will highlight some of this week’s activity and give a brief look ahead
When: February 24, 11:30 a.m.
Who: Majority Leader Harris and other members of the Democratic Caucus
Where: Blue Room (Room 010)
Format: Remarks; brief moderated Q&A
If a new bill becomes law, Illinois workers who get tips will receive the state’s minimum wage in addition to their tip money.
State Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, has introduced House Bill 5139, which would allow servers and bartenders to receive the state’s minimum wage starting in 2025 in addition to their tips.
…Adding… Media advisory…
Many farm equipment manufacturers prevent Illinois farmers from accessing the software tools they need to fix their modern tractors. That forces farmers to turn to corporate-authorized dealers for many problems, which can lead to high repair bills and delays that can put their crops—and their livelihoods—at risk. While farmers have always relied on local dealerships for help, more and more those dealerships have been bought up by large chain networks, further reducing competition and exacerbating the problems farmers already face due to repair restrictions.
WHAT: The release of a new report, “Deere in the Headlights II,” which demonstrates how consolidated dealerships have become and how these large chains can reduce choice for Illinois farmers. We will reveal which tractor-maker’s dealerships are most consolidated and talk about how this trend impacts farmers’ livelihoods and how the Right to Repair could dramatically increase farmers’ repair choices.
WHO: Representative Michelle Mussman, author of the Digital Fair Repair Act (HB3061)
Willie Cade, Midwest Regional Director at Repair.org
David J Lee, Associate at Illinois PIRG
WHEN: TODAY @ 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM CT
WHERE: Register for the Zoom webinar by clicking the link below or by copy and pasting it into your browser:
…Adding… Ana Soskic, Protect Our Pets Illinois…
“This morning an Illinois Senate Committee passed yet another anti-business, anti-family bill, SB 705, targeting dog dealers who are Illinois small business owners. This time it was based on a blatant mischaracterization by Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).
After I testified about how a recently enacted, HB 1711, supported by extreme animal rights groups, will crush my small woman-owned business, Furry Babies, and many other small businesses including veterinarians and vendors, Sen. Linda Holmes dismissed my concerns and told the committee SB 705 was merely clarifying language. That is not true.
SB 705 changes the definition of dog dealers, a valuable and lawful service, to prohibit their ability to sell dogs to the public. That’s not clarification, that’s putting people out of business.
SB 705 will continue the extreme agenda and ensure the shutdown of other businesses who sell dogs from breeders while failing to improve animal welfare standards and close puppy mills. The Illinois government is already shutting down reputable pet stores this week with HB1711 taking effect.
We’re disappointed, but not surprised, that Sen. Holmes’ mistruth carried the day. Illinois voters need to understand the extreme agenda being promoted on a daily basis in Springfield.
No one has worked harder to protect our pets than our coalition. We believe in cracking down on irresponsible breeders while ensuring Illinois families have the choice of adding animals to their families where I assure you they receive the loving care they deserve.
We are continuing our fight to pass improved legislation to make Illinois the safest state possible for our customers and their family pets.”
The ongoing ethics investigation has prompted a variety of groups, from organized labor to issue-based PACs, that were early endorsers of Newman to rethink their support, said two sources knowledgeable about her political operation who were not authorized to speak publicly about her campaign’s inner workings.
“Some people have talked to her and I know others are considering when and how to talk with her. I think it’s incumbent on the campaign at this point in time to show us their path to victory,” said one of the sources. “It’s not always saying, ‘Oh, we’re going to pull an endorsement.’ It just the level of support of what you’ll do from here.”
Both sources said the biggest effect of the probe is on “independent expenditure” contributions to Newman from outside groups, which cannot be coordinated with her campaign. […]
Newman received millions of dollars from [independent expenditure] efforts in her 2020 primary race, and that money was seen as a key element in her election to Congress.
In a statement, the FEC confirmed that it has received a complaint against the campaign of Downers Grove Rep. Sean Casten, who’s battling to retain his job in the Democratic primary against Rep. Marie Newman of La Grange. The complaint alleges that Casten’s campaign committee in 2018 illegally colluded with a super PAC funded by his wealthy father in airing $130,000 worth of ads attacking a Casten primary rival then, Kelly Mazeski. […]
The complaint was filed by a former district resident, Kerri Barber. … Asked if the Newman campaign prompted the complaint, Barber replied, “not directly.”
"Employees at Driver Services facilities will be wearing masks Monday," said an Illinois Secretary of State spokesman. "Our customers will not be required to do so, but it is suggested that they do." As for the capitol complex? "Have not made that decision yet."
* Chicago’s proof of vaccine requirement will also end…
Both the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois will end their indoor masking mandates on Feb. 28. The city of Chicago will also end its requirement for patrons to show proof-of-vaccination against COVID on that date, according to officials.
The city announced its plans on Tuesday, while the state of Illinois announced its decision to roll back mandates earlier this month.
I took a photo of my driver’s license next to my vax card, so that city mandate has been no big deal for me. The whiners made it a problem for staff, however.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reminded residents that masks remain necessary in certain places and situations, including for public transportation, inside federal buildings and in parts of long-term care facilities.
The full list of locations includes:
[…] The one vaccine-related rule that will not be removed, at least according to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, is the mandate that city workers get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Each circuit court may adopt rules requiring the wearing of masks in courthouses pursuant to appropriate public health guidance. Absent such local rules, the wearing of masks within courthouses is permitted, but not required. Persons choosing to wear a mask may be directed by a judge to remove it if deemed necessary for court purposes, such as when addressing the court or testifying.
* The Senate won’t be in session next week, so they’re still “taking input” on a decision. And the House is still planning no changes for the rest of the session to its mask, etc. rules. By the way, there was some confusion in the House over the rules yesterday…
“If we are going to follow the rules we have to follow all the rules not just the ones you guys pick and choose to follow. So if we need to wear our masks when we debate, if we are going to look like idiots, we are going to debate like idiots with our masks on thank you Mr. Speaker,” said Rep. Andrew Chesney.
Nothing in the rules allows members to remove their masks to speak during debate. So, Rep. Chesney, was correct, if impolite.
* Also, this happened today…
GOP Reps. Miller (no relation) and Halbrook voted "No" remotely on a motion to grant fellow GOP Reps. Demmer and Bourne the right to vote remotely https://t.co/OTTSYbLnB7
Based on our extremely low infection rates and guidance from our medical advisors, we are making masks optional in our Catholic schools in Chicago, Evanston, and Oak Park, beginning Monday, February 28. With this decision, all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago will be mask optional, effective Monday.
Illinois on Thursday became the first state in the U.S. to ban police from lying or using deceptive tactics while interrogating minors.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2122 into law, prohibiting law enforcement from using deceptive tactics against those they are interrogating who are under 18 years of age. […]
The measure’s original sponsors, state Sen. Robert Peters and state Rep. Justin Slaughter, garnered bipartisan support for the bill that culminated in a near-unanimous vote to pass it in both houses during the spring legislative session. […]
Though few Americans realize it, police regularly deceive suspects during questioning to try to secure confessions, from saying DNA placed them at the scene of a crime to claiming eyewitnesses identified them as being the perpetrator. Detectives also can lie about the consequences of confessing, saying, for instance, that admitting responsibility is a quick ticket home.
A 15-year-old freshman described how he ended up spending two nights in a juvenile facility for a Waukegan shooting that took place while he was playing basketball at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Martell Williams, a Waukegan High School student, was released from custody Friday after a dizzying two days in custody, during which he was charged with attempted murder and then cleared when family and friends presented proof that he could not be the person who shot a store clerk in the face on Feb. 4. […]
Williams said police told him that multiple people had identified him as the person in a security video who shot the dollar store clerk in the 2600 block of Grand Avenue. Last week, police had released the images and asked for the public’s help. Williams was taken into custody Wednesday.
Once in custody, Williams’ attorney alleges detectives immediately began working to get a confession.
“Try to bribe him with McDonald’s saying, ‘look. Just tell us you were there,” his attorney said. “They don’t even tell him about a shooting. ‘Just tell us you were there and we’ll have you home in ten minutes.’”
The terrified 15-year-old was charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery. He spent two nights in the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center before the case fell apart. Williams’ family proved that he was playing basketball for Waukegan at the exact time of the shooting.
“They didn’t even tell him a shooting was involved,” said Kevin O’Connor, Williams’ attorney. “They just said, ‘Hey, it wasn’t your fault. Just tell us you were defending yourself. Just go ahead and tell us you were there and we will let you go home.’”
An oral, written, or sign language confession of a minor, who at the time of the commission of the offense was under 18 years of age, made as a result of a custodial interrogation conducted at a police station or other place of detention on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly shall be presumed to be inadmissible as evidence against the minor making the confession in a criminal proceeding or a juvenile court proceeding … if, during the custodial interrogation, a law enforcement officer or juvenile officer knowingly engages in deception.
The law only applies to admissibility in court. There are no penalties for violation.
When there is an injustice playing out like the situation with the 15-year-old Martell Williams, we must use it as a teachable moment to take positive action to change our ways. If you are not Black, you may never know what is like to be Black in society. If you’re not a male, you may never know what it’s like to be a Black man in society. But as a member of society, we can be sympathetic and listen with open hearts to one another’s struggles. Stories like this play out differently and lives and families have been destroyed and they have experienced financial hardships because of the color of a person’s skin. Martell is proof that doing the right thing and playing by the rules will not always guarantee justice. But he is also a great example that being in school, and doing the right thing is a great defender. So today I want to salute Martell for doing the right thing. So I hope that students all over see Martell Williams as a great example and a model citizen.
Martell’s situation is another eye opener and a teachable moment for all of us. It is not the first story we have heard or read. Thank you God, Martell didn’t have to spend years in jail fighting to prove his innocence, or killed for us to recognize that Black people have problems just being Black. I hope that we can support Martel and his family by giving them the love and mental health support they need to deal with the trauma that they are going through. Dropping the charges is just one thing, but it’s also just to make sure that the rest is cleaned from Martell’s background because he will have to live with them forever.
And just an example why we do what we do and why I come here as a state Rep., I want to thank this body for passing House Bill 434. It was championed by myself, Carol Ammons, Camille Lilly, Latoya Greenwood and Lisa Hernandez. It allowed for us in this state to immediately expunge arrest records when a person’s charge has been acquitted or dismissed. This is an example of why we have to change the way we do business in Springfield. And so that bill that we passed, we have a real life experience that we can play out right here. And I hope that the prosecutors and the state do everything they can to drop the charges, not only drop those charges, but clear the background of Martell Williams.
I want to thank you all for listening and I hope that we took it to heart and just know that a person’s struggle is not a complaint. A person’s struggle is a person saying ‘I want help.’ Thank you for listening.
Bailey’s Campaign Admitted That He Had Voted For Barack Obama In The 2008 Democrat Primary
* Chicago Tribune, January 15 2022
While Obama was campaigning against real Republicans like Richard Irvin, Bailey was hoping you never learned his Obama-sized secret
See for yourself! Darren even posed with his Obama cookies!
* From Bailey’s spokesperson Joe DeBose…
It’s clear that lying liberals like Irvin and his establishment campaign are desperate and willing to say anything to stop our conservative movement. Unlike Irvin and others in this GOP Primary, Darren Bailey is a lifelong conservative Republican and a proud supporter of President Trump. They are trying to lie and fool voters because their candidate doesn’t have an honest, conservative record to stand on. Bailey has voted against Clinton, Obama, and Biden and has always supported the GOP nominee. The cookies were handed to Darren by a child at an event, but I’m not surprised they’re grasping for straws.
Irvin’s campaign also questioned the partisan purity of two rivals, noting Sullivan founded “OneWorld” magazine while attending Saint Louis University that supported then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, and his proposed global poverty act. They also said that in 2008 Bailey pulled a Democratic primary ballot.
In a statement, a Bailey spokesman said, “Darren was one of thousands of Americans who were pushed by conservative groups to vote in the Dem Primary to stop Hillary Clinton.”
* Back to DeBose…
Irvin has taken PPP and the only time he has pulled a GOP ballot was to support taxpayer-funded abortion after Rauner signed it into law. Nobody doubts Bailey’s conservative and Republican credentials. Just like nobody doubts Irvin’s liberal credentials. Both are well documented and no amount of money will distort the truth in this primary.
There were still several presidential candidates on the ballot in the 2008 Democratic primary here, so I guess it’s not a total lock that he voted for Obama. Still, if he won’t specifically answer the question, then he leaves himself open to attack, particularly since he constantly attacks Irvin for being a Democrat. But the same also goes for Irvin, who won’t say who he voted for when he took Democratic ballots.
There’s a Republican platform and the Republican rules in the state of Illinois say you must have voted in the last two primaries as a Republican before you can run for office. Well, it’s interesting that the Republican Party is seemingly trying to change those rules right now. They’re making the attempt with the Chicago GOP and it is believed that that’s going to spill down below. The problem is when we water down our rules and we ignore them and, more so than rules, a platform, literally what we stand for, we become, you know, we can’t decipher right from wrong, and this nonsense of who’s running for office and why they’re running for office.
* So, I reached out to Steve Boulton, the chair of the Chicago Republican Party, wondering if it was their rules Bailey was talking about…
Mr. Miller,
The provision you refer to is in the Cook County Republican Party Bylaws, not the Chicago Republican Party Bylaws, and has nothing to do with candidates for public office or the 2020 Republican Primary.
The provision currently imposes a qualification that Republican Ward or Township Committeepersons in Cook County must have voted in the past two Republican primaries before election or appointment. The original version with a similar but different test was passed in 2016 when a number of Democrats ran for Republican Ward Committeeperson in Chicago after the Illinois Election Code was amended to shift the power to submit lists of preferred election judges to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners from the County Chair of each party to the Ward Committeepersons of each party in the respective Chicago wards.
The recent proposal was to eliminate the existing provision. It was made by me, and I am neutral in the Governor’s race with no relationship, publicly stated or hidden, with the Irvin Campaign or any other campaign. No campaign had any knowledge of or participation in my action. A stronger Republican Party structure is emerging in Chicago as a protection in future elections, and the provision is unduly limiting the pool of possible appointments of Committeepersons and in turn Republican Party expansion in Chicago. For example, one excellent prospective appointee is a lifelong Republican voter who took a Democratic ballot for the first time in 2020 solely in hope of preventing Marie Newman from being elected to Congress.
While formal notice of a vote on the Cook GOP Bylaws change was sent prior to the last Cook County Central Committee meeting, I withdrew the measure in favor of discussion of the need for a change. Alternatives short of complete elimination of the provision are under discussion, but none have been either proposed or acted upon in the Cook County Central Committee.
As Cook County Chair, Sean Morrison was aware that I was proposing the change, and he is affiliated with the Irvin Campaign. He had no substantive role in it, however, as this came entirely from me in connection with my job of rebuilding the Republican Party structure in Chicago.
…Adding… Since this post is about DeVore, here’s a news story about his new lawsuit against Speaker Welch…
At a hearing [Tuesday] morning in Greenville, Welch’s counsel Joshua Ratz asked for the case to be moved to Cook County, but presiding judge Ronald Foster declined and instead sent the matter to Sangamon County.
Wilhour’s counsel, Thomas DeVore, said by phone this morning that he thought the matter could’ve been heard in Bond County, but the judge disagreed. DeVore lives in Bond County. As to the decision to move the case to Sangamon County, DeVore said, “I’m fine with that.”
DeVore has filed a request for a Temporary Restraining Order in the matter. He said it’s his contention that the Illinois House leadership can create rules of decorum, but can’t cloak a health rule under rules of decorum. He said that’s what led to the removal of the House members last week.
As to when the matter will be heard in Sangamon County, DeVore said it’s his goal to have it scheduled this week. The case will have to be assigned to a Sangamon County judge before things can proceed.
* From Gov. Pritzker’s Q&A with reporters this morning…
Q: Your reaction to the Attorney General filing the appeal at the Illinois Supreme Court? What do you say to those school districts who have gone mask optional, mask recommended? Can you put the toothpaste back in the tube?
A: Well, remember I’ve said for several weeks now that we would be removing the requirement for masks in schools, and that on February 28th we will be removing the mask mandate in indoor settings. So, when you say ‘toothpaste back in the tube,’ I would just say that that was that is our aim and has been our aim all along.
However, the decisions that were made at the circuit court and appellate court level, well, let’s talk about the circuit court. That was just a poor decision, a badly designed reading of the law.
The appellate court, because of the desire of the legislature to, you know, punt, frankly, decided they would punt too. And that’s what they did.
So now this is going to go to the Supreme Court. And this really is about what do we do in the next emergency. As much as anything, what happens when there is another omicron wave, or, God forbid, at some future date, another pandemic or some other major emergency that affects everybody in the state. We want to be able to do the right thing for the people across the state. And so we hope that the Supreme Court will see that and rule on that despite the decision by the appellate court.
Q: Do you want to see legislation to clarify what your powers are?
A: We actually don’t think that there’s any lack of clarity. The judge decided differently, but I also think there were some politics involved in that.
Q: Obviously, there is a conflict here because the courts…
A: The conflict is political. It is not what is in the written law.
* The state’s motions at the Illinois Supreme Court…
Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) is facing an onslaught of criticism for a contract she signed with a political rival, in which—according to congressional investigators—she likely agreed to hand Professor Iymen Chehade a six-figure salary in exchange for him not running against her in a Democratic primary. But documents appear to show that a cozy job and big title weren’t the only things Newman negotiated.
In an Oct. 2018 email to Newman, Chehade memorialized that he and Newman had met earlier in the week and discussed a proposal where Newman would not only pledge to hiring Chehade, but would also “commit” to a number of anti-Israel policy positions.
Among the positions Chehade laid out were “opposing any legislation that entails ADDITIONAL military sales or aid to Israel,” supporting legislation that achieves “justice and self-determination” for Palestinians, and organizing “fact-finding” delegations to Palestine and other Middle East countries. Chehade even said he wanted “complete discretion” over the itinerary for such a trip.
“At no point will Newman accept partial or complete funding for congressional delegations from the [Jewish National Fund], any organization affiliated with the Israeli government, or any organization that embraces Israeli’s Zionist or colonial project,” Chehade said.
* More…
This is from the email Iymen Chehade sent Marie Newman about what he wanted in a contract.
Marie Newman’s response was not outrage, or shock, or disgust. It was this:
A Palestinian professor said that he was denied a job because of his views on Israel and has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Illinois Congresswoman Marie Newman. Iymen Chehade is Professor of Middle Eastern History at Columbia College Chicago.
Chehade claims that he had a signed agreement with the progressive Democrat Congresswomen for him to take a senior position in her team in return for dropping out of the 2020 US election in order to give the 57 year old a better chance to oust a pro-Israel candidate. He was denied the job, he claims, because of his strong sympathy with the Palestinian cause. […]
The two began to fall out over a statement from Newman on Palestine. Chehade says he worked with the Congresswomen to draft “a powerful statement in support of Palestinian rights.” Disagreements arose over the content, though, including the position Newman should take on the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In the final draft, Newman says she supported people’s right to boycott, though she did not back the BDS movement herself.
Ultimately, Chehade was disappointed. The Palestine Statement on Newman’s website deleted any reference to the possibility of a single state solution, which Chehade says they agreed on; deleted reference to UN General Assembly Resolution 194 on the right of return and replaced it with a vague reference to the return of refugees; and recognised Israel as a “democratic and Jewish” state.
Newman didn’t hire Chehade as her congressional adviser, a job that is paid for with government funds, and he sued her last year. They settled for undisclosed terms, and he subsequently signed onto her campaign as a foreign affairs adviser. Campaign advisers are paid out of donations to candidates.
Newman has denied any improprieties. Chehade will not comment, citing the non-disclosure component of his settlement with Newman. He is currently running for Congress in Illinois’ redrawn third district.
Newman notably has embraced some of the policies Chehade outlined in his 2018 email: She was one of just nine members of the US House of Representatives who voted last year against $1 billion in additional funds for Israel’s Iron Dome antimissile system. She is also backing a bill by Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., that would withhold funds from Israel based on the number of Palestinian minors in detention.
In a closely watched Chicago-area primary between two incumbent House Democrats, liberal pro-Israel group J Street is throwing its weight behind Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL), J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami told Jewish Insider on Tuesday. Casten is participating in a J Street delegation of House members visiting Israel this week.
J Street had previously endorsed both Casten and his opponent, Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL), prior to a redistricting process that changed the borders of the legislators’ districts. The organization stood by Newman in September when she was one of just eight Democrats to vote against a $1 billion supplemental funding package for Israel’s Iron Dome missile-defense system — legislation that J Street supported. The group held a fundraiser for Newman days after the vote.
J Street spokesperson Logan Bayroff issued a statement of support for Newman in early October, saying J Street PAC was “proud to endorse Rep. Newman, who throughout her time in Congress has been a vocal and principled advocate for diplomacy-first American leadership and Israeli-Palestinian peace.” At the time, Illinois’ new maps had not yet been approved.
“After redistricting placed them both in a race for Illinois’ 6th District,” Bayroff told JI on Tuesday, “we reviewed the race based on a number of factors and ultimately have made the decision this month to endorse Rep. Casten alone in this new head-to-head matchup.”
Bayroff said that the ethics investigation factored into the decision. “We endorsed both of them in 2020 in different districts, but once it became clear it was head to head we have to make a choice,” Bayroff said in an interview. “We have to look at everything going on in the race, and investigation into one candidate is one of the factors one looks into in a race.”
Newman is under investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics for allegedly promising Iymen Chehade, a Palestinian-American academic, a job on her congressional staff if he agreed not to run against her in a primary. One of his alleged conditions was that Newman adopt pro-Palestinian stances.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is calling for repealing a law that imposes a 12 percent interest whenever the state is late paying its bills, along with a program that allows private investors to purchase the debt owed to vendors and collect that interest penalty.
Speaking to a Senate budget committee Tuesday, Mendoza said the state is nearly caught up on its bill backlog and that those two programs are no longer needed.
“This program has allowed private lenders to loan money to state vendors, then rake in the 12 percent interest that state taxpayers were on the hook for with these late bills,” Mendoza said. “Now happily the days of connected private lenders profiting off the state’s financial problems can and should be over.”
Mendoza was referring to a 1993 law known as the Prompt Payment Act, which says that whenever the state fails to pay a bill within 60 days, the state must pay an interest penalty of 1 percent per month, or 12 percent per year.
Just a nitpick here, but the word “backlog” really needs to be retired until we actually have one again. The state is paying its bills within a couple/three weeks, so we have no actual backlog today.
* From Mendoza’s testimony…
(W)ith the Governor’s $900 million for the Group Insurance backlog and the fact we are paying our general fund vouchers on time, it’s time to phase out the state’s Vendor Payment Program.
This program has allowed private lenders to loan money to state vendors, then rake in the 12 percent interest that state taxpayers were on the hook for — with these late bills.
Happily, the days of connected private lenders profiting off the state’s financial problems can and should be over.
This is also an opportune time to revisit the State Prompt Payment Act that affords this generous 12 % interest for late payments beyond 90 days.
Now, I understand that the intent of the Act is supposed have a deterrent effect on budget-makers that forces them to keep a budget living within its’ means….. But, I would argue that this interest expense is not penalizing state government, but rather penalizes taxpayers.
It still bothers me that Illinois spent over $1 billion in late payment interest penalties during the budget impasse that is forever gone. Poof.
Was that $1 billion dollar penalty enough to force a correction on Illinois’ budget?
No.
The days of taxpayers being on the hook for billions of dollars in late payment interest penalties should be over.
At a time when we finally have our heads above water, it is now when we need to take a hard look at what happened and to reform our policies so that taxpayers are not having to pay for these exorbitant costs.
While I fully agree that those interest payments had no real impact on budget-makers and that the private investor stuff made some people big bucks, the law helped convince some vendors to do business with the state at a time of crisis and also helped some smaller vendors keep their heads above water. I am not all that confident in Illinois’ ability to continue down this current path of fiscal sanity.
The proposal from Comptroller Mendoza on Tuesday to end penalties on late payments is nothing more than a cheap way to save a buck that will cost taxpayers more in the long run. If the state were paying it’s bills on time, why would Comptroller Mendoza be so afraid of penalties on late payments?
This is the latest example of the Pritzker administration’s rules for thee but not for me. While every Illinois family has to pay interest on our mortgage, rent, and household bills, the state government is trying to create a loophole for themselves. What Comptroller Mendoza isn’t telling you is that under JB Pritzker and her financial “stewardship,” the state has taken on more debt, worsened its financial position, and tries to pass this off as responsible leadership.
In reality, Comptroller Mendoza and Governor Pritzker are trying to use sleight of hand on the people of Illinois.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Greg Hinz has Mendoza’s campaign response to Teresi’s comments…
“The facts are that Comptroller Mendoza has cut the state’s bill backlog by over 80% without using federal stimulus funds, delivered the fastest vendor payment cycle in decades—down from 210 working days to 17 days today—and helped earn the state its first credit upgrades in over 20 years, a clear indicator of the state’s improved fiscal condition,” she responded.
For what it’s worth, the watchdog Civic Federation is siding with Mendoza on this one.
The 12% fee “is an unnecessary guardrail,” said federation President Laurence Msall in a phone call. “It was supposed to be a deterrent, not a way for people to profit from the states overdue bills.”
Following endorsements from Secretary of State Jesse White and Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton today announced she has also endorsed Valencia:
“Jesse White is a giant and a pioneer. As the first Black Secretary of State, he opened doors for so many leaders in Illinois––myself included. I would not be here today if not for Jesse White, and I am so grateful for his guidance and service to our state for the last 20+ years,” said Lieutenant Governor Stratton. “Jesse knows better than anyone what credentials and character are required to be successful as Secretary of State, which is why I am thrilled to join him in endorsing Anna Valencia. I’ve known Anna for many years and can attest to her commitment to working families. As City Clerk, Anna has been a voice for all Chicagoans and has made great strides in ensuring government works for everyone it is supposed to serve. I am proud to join Governor Pritzker and leaders across the state in supporting my friend and her ceiling-shattering candidacy. I look forward to doing all I can to ensure that next November Anna is the first woman and first Latina to ever serve as Illinois Secretary of State.”
“Lieutenant Governor Stratton is a trailblazer and someone I have admired for many years,” said Anna Valencia. “I am honored to earn her endorsement and am grateful for how she has broken the glass ceiling for women like me. Having people who look like us serving in Illinois’ highest offices shows young girls and girls of color around our state that they too can achieve their dreams. I look forward to partnering with Lieutenant Governor Stratton to improve the lives of everyone in our state.”
Since entering the race in June 2021, Valencia has built a strong statewide coalition of support from a robust slate of highly-respected elected officials, business leaders, political groups and labor unions—including the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) and Illinois Nurses Association-The Nurses Union (INA). Both of Illinois’ US senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, current Secretary of State Jesse White, and Governor JB Pritzker have endorsed Valencia. She has also secured support from the national Latino Victory Fund, EMILY’s List and other influential organizations and leaders from across the state and nation.
Valencia, a proven leader who understands the challenges many Illinois families face, was raised by working class parents in a union household in Granite City, IL. She has delivered bold and innovative ideas as Chicago City Clerk, and as Secretary of State, she would bring new energy to the office while emphasizing transparency and modernizing state government. She would be the first woman and first Latina Secretary of State in state history. For more information about the campaign, visit www.voteannavalencia.com.
Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 - Posted by Advertising Department
[The following is a paid advertisement.]
AARP IL is fighting to ensure nursing home residents receive safe and high-quality care by emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Nursing home residents and staff have experienced devastating conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic, and an unacceptable number have lost their lives to the disease.
This session, Illinois lawmakers have the opportunity to improve care and conditions for nursing home residents.
Join AARP Illinois as we urge lawmakers to make sure legislation under negotiation:
• Prioritizes accountability, quality of care for residents, and workforce development in nursing homes.
• Addresses racial inequities that contribute to health disparities among nursing home residents enrolled in Medicaid.
• Ends the practice of overcrowding rooms with three and more residents.
• Requires greater transparency of nursing home ownership and revenue.
• Ties funding/rates/incentives to direct resident care and demonstrable and sustained nursing home quality outcomes and performance.
• Ensures incentives result in improved outcomes for resident care and sustainable workforce development.
SENIORS DESERVE BETTER. Now more than ever, it’s time to hold Illinois nursing homes accountable for providing high-quality care and safe environments for our loved ones. Urge state lawmakers to vote YES on the HFS Compromise Nursing Home Rate Reform.
I wanted you to hear from me that I just sent this email. It has been a pleasure to serve my constituents and the residents of this State.
Tom
* The letter…
*** UPDATE 1 *** The explanation…
Cullerton has a status hearing in 20 minutes in his criminal case, where they are expected to announce he plans to plead guilty. Trial was quietly delayed while this played out. https://t.co/fT2Q3HxsnI
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement regarding the vacancy in the Illinois Senate created by the Wednesday resignation of Sen. Tom Cullerton.
“Tom Cullerton served his constituents in the 23rd Senate District for nearly a decade. I look forward to welcoming and working with a new senator from the district. We’ve got a lot of work to do for the people of Illinois.”
* Text this morning from a legislator describing last night’s evacuation along with a photo of fire trucks blocking the street outside his downtown hotel…
2am today staying at the Wyndham…. 20 floors of stairs… lots of tired people in the lobby […] I’m gonna be tired as [redacted] all day. After about a half hour we got the all clear to go back to our rooms
*** UPDATE *** Springfield Fire Department report…
Units dispatched to a report of fire in the basement. A small fire in a storage room was found by E1 and T1. The fire was held in check by a sprinkler head. E1 and T1 extinguished the remaining fire. The sprinkler was shut down in the basement. E3, E4, E5, E7, E8, B2, T2 and the MVU assisted on scene with water management and smoke removal. No occupants were displaced. Fire inspectors reported to determine a cause. Property Damage was estimated to be in the $40,000 range.
