* Richard Irvin campaign…

A significant list of pressing issues facing the State of Illinois was left largely unaddressed by JB Pritzker and Springfield Democrats as they closed out the legislative session early Saturday morning, showing just how skewed their priorities are: one-time election year gimmicks rule all.

Richard Irvin, Mayor of Aurora and candidate for governor, commented on the outstanding issues JB Pritzker refused to address:

“Instead of committing to real solutions to combat crime and deliver permanent tax cuts, J.B. Pritzker pushed election year gimmicks that don’t reverse his anti-police, pro-criminal policies but do set up his campaign to permanently raise taxes after the election. The people of Illinois are paying a steep price for a governor who will do anything to win re-election, even if it means mailing checks to voters right before hitting them with the largest income tax hike in state history. It’s time to take back our state.”

That’s pretty darned bold to predict that this budget sets up “the largest income tax hike in state history.” I’d love to see the numbers. In fact, I asked for them. I didn’t get anything specific except for a comment that Pritzker is growing spending while revenues will decrease next fiscal year. But revised projected spending for this fiscal year (including tax cuts and debt paydown) is $49.119 billion; and projected spending for next fiscal year is $46.541 billion. Discretionary spending will rise $2.6 billion over the originally budgeted amount, but revenues are rising $2.2 billion over the originally budgeted amount. So, again, even if money will be tight, I do not see how this budget is setting the stage for “the largest income tax hike in state history.”

But, hey, this is the same campaign which is claiming that Darren Bailey, of all people, is a Trump-hating liberal…

Yeah. So, please tell me more about a candidate who is willing to “do anything” to win a race.

* Meanwhile, I’m kinda curious how much of this cash is from our own governor as the DGA ramps up its anti-Irvin and pro-Bailey spending…

The DGA is shattering fundraising records heading into the 2022 midterms, reporting raising a massive $23.25 million in Q1 across all entities. https://t.co/6LopLkvCtI

— Democratic Governors (@DemGovs) April 11, 2022

* Not a campaign release, but it might as well be since she’s running for Congress…

On the heels of State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) passing a plan to ban the production and distribution of ghost guns, President Joe Biden is set to unveil national policy to address the issue.

“Although I’m proud to see this threatening issue be taken to the national stage, Illinois must act quickly to enact my legislation to ban the production and distribution of ghost guns.” Collins said. “We cannot allow fatal gun violence to continue to run rampant in our communities. HB 4383 tackles these issues at their source.”

With the alarming rise of gun violence in a number of Illinois communities, the existence of untraceable firearms has become a pressing public safety concern. Ghost guns are firearms that lack serial identification, and they are growing in popularity because of their ease of accessibility. Not only can they be ordered online, but they can also be purchased absent a background check or a FOID card, which is required to carry either a firearm or ammunition in Illinois.

House Bill 4383, an initiative introduced by Senator Collins, would require all firearms –including 3D printed guns –to be serialized, effectively prohibiting the creation and sale of these weapons. Unserialized guns prevent law enforcement from thoroughly conducting their criminal investigations, which hinders their efforts to address the violence in our state. Illinois law enforcement has seen a 400% increase in these types of weapons in just the last five years.

The federal rule, however, is expected to only regulate gun companies and not individuals who possess an existing stock of ghost guns. Collins’ legislation will require individuals who currently possess ghost guns to go get them serialized as well.

“Enacting a nation-wide policy that protects our most vulnerable populations is a positive first step,” Collins said. “Although I would like to see a national policy that addresses individuals who possess ghost guns as well as dealers, I am pleased we are moving in the right direction.”

HB 4383 passed the General Assembly Friday and goes to the governor for final approval.

* More stories…

* Illinois’ newest Latino congressional district brings heavy competition, divided Democratic visions: Both the Ramirez and Villegas campaigns said they expect more than 70% of the votes in the Democratic primary will come from Chicagoans. That’s despite the fact that the 3rd District stretches about 30 miles from the city’s Avondale neighborhood on the east to West Chicago on the western edge of DuPage County.

* IL-11 UPDATED: Mark Carroll Invites Viewers for Monday Night Interview while Taking Shot at Opponents on Campaign Web Page: “Sure, a pretty face is great but it does not write legislation. Being unapologetic has its place but skillful negotiation and work ethic are key to garnering support for what is right!”

* ‘I love the job’: Morrison cites family as reason for not seeking reelection to state House: “So, that’s the crux of it,” Morrison said. “I love the job, I love the people of our area, I love the issues, but the capital is 200 miles away.”

* Mayor Lori Lightfoot is ramping up her expected re-election campaign with three new political hires: Eric Adelstein is media consultant. He’s founder of Chicago-based political media firms AL Media Strategy and Adelstein & Associates. He was 27 when he served as Illinois state director for the 1992 Clinton/Gore campaign, consulted for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign and has advised the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the Democratic Governors Association. He and his firm also have advised Georgia Democrats, including Stacey Abrams and Raphael Warnock. Deborah Cosey-Lane is political coordinator. She recently served as the financial secretary/ treasurer of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308. She has been a member of her union for 31 years. Last year, Cosey-Lane was elected as the first woman president of ATU Illinois Joint Council. She also is advising Jonathan Jackson in his bid for the 1st Congressional District. Valerie Martin is general consultant. Martin co-founded Silversmith Strategies, a national political consulting and media firm that creates TV and digital advertising and develops campaign plans. She previously helped elect Congressman Brad Schneider and Congresswoman Robin Kelly, as well as managed out-of-state U.S. Senate races and fundraising for Claire McCaskill’s 2006 upset victory in Missouri.

* Willie Wilson joins 2023 race for Chicago mayor